| Cover | Jan. 22, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 22, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-2189 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ABBOTT LABORATORIES |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000001800 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-0698440 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | IL |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 100 Abbott Park Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Abbott Park |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60064-6400 |
| City Area Code | 224 |
| Local Phone Number | 667-6100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | CHICAGO STOCK EXCHANGE, INC [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares, Without Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | ABT |
| Security Exchange Name | CHX |
| Common Stock [Member] | NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares, Without Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | ABT |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
