Amgen (AMGN) 10-Q 28 Oct 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 24, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Amgen Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	318,154
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		743,922,473

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues:
Product sales	$ 5,516	$ 5,516	$ 16,229	$ 15,615
Other revenues	295	207	797	511
Total revenues	5,811	5,723	17,026	16,126
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales	1,027	1,034	3,095	3,156
Research and development	990	1,119	2,762	2,977
Selling, general and administrative	1,244	1,244	3,739	3,430
Other	23	(13)	121	126
Total operating expenses	3,284	3,384	9,717	9,689
Operating income	2,527	2,339	7,309	6,437
Interest expense, net	325	282	932	811
Interest and other income, net	216	135	503	439
Income before income taxes	2,418	2,192	6,880	6,065
Provision for income taxes	401	329	1,093	926
Net income	$ 2,017	$ 1,863	$ 5,787	$ 5,139
Earnings per share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 2.70	$ 2.46	$ 7.70	$ 6.76
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 2.68	$ 2.44	$ 7.63	$ 6.70
Shares used in calculation of earnings per share:
Basic (in shares)	747	757	752	760
Diluted (in shares)	753	764	758	767
Dividends paid per share (in usd per share)	$ 1	$ 0.79	$ 3	$ 2.37

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 2,017	$ 1,863	$ 5,787	$ 5,139
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments and taxes:
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	9	(86)	25	(241)
Effective portion of cash flow hedges	(16)	(53)	(201)	10
Net unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities	(27)	(35)	515	(3)
Other	1	5	2	5
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes	(33)	(169)	341	(229)
Comprehensive income	$ 1,984	$ 1,694	$ 6,128	$ 4,910

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,485	$ 4,144
Marketable securities	34,495	27,238
Trade receivables, net	3,186	2,995
Inventories	2,681	2,435
Other current assets	1,997	1,703
Total current assets	45,844	38,515
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,912	4,907
Intangible assets, net	10,690	11,641
Goodwill	14,802	14,787
Other assets	1,902	1,599
Total assets	78,150	71,449
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	825	965
Accrued liabilities	4,920	5,452
Current portion of long-term debt	4,797	2,247
Total current liabilities	10,542	8,664
Long-term debt	30,526	29,182
Long-term deferred tax liability	2,412	2,239
Other noncurrent liabilities	3,897	3,281
Contingencies and commitments
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock and additional paid-in capital; $0.0001 par value; 2,750.0 shares authorized; outstanding—744.8 shares in 2016 and 754.0 shares in 2015	30,691	30,649
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	221	(2,086)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(139)	(480)
Total stockholders’ equity	30,773	28,083
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 78,150	$ 71,449

Condensed Consolidated Balance5

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, par value (in usd per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, shares authorized	2,750,000,000	2,750,000,000
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, shares outstanding	744,800,000	754,000,000

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 5,787	$ 5,139
Depreciation and amortization	1,546	1,566
Share-based compensation expense	222	242
Deferred income taxes	80	(251)
Other items, net	93	26
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Trade receivables, net	(192)	(302)
Inventories	(125)	284
Other assets	(335)	192
Accounts payable	(147)	(74)
Accrued income taxes	(140)	478
Other liabilities	465	358
Net cash provided by operating activities	7,254	7,658
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(511)	(389)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment	15	271
Purchases of marketable securities	(22,682)	(19,792)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	14,072	11,784
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities	1,932	3,179
Other	(262)	(367)
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,436)	(5,314)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of debt	6,713	3,464
Repayment of debt	(2,725)	(2,275)
Repurchases of common stock	(1,982)	(1,684)
Dividends paid	(2,251)	(1,800)
Settlement of contingent consideration obligation	0	(225)
Withholding taxes arising from shares withheld for share-based payments	(254)	(394)
Other	22	65
Net cash used in financing activities	(477)	(2,849)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(659)	(505)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	4,144	3,731
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 3,485	$ 3,226

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	Summary of significant accounting policies Business Amgen Inc. (including its subsidiaries, referred to as “Amgen,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) is a global biotechnology pioneer that discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. We operate in one business segment: human therapeutics. Basis of presentation The financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , and 2015 , is unaudited but includes all adjustments (consisting of only normal, recurring adjustments unless otherwise indicated), which Amgen considers necessary for a fair presentation of its condensed consolidated results of operations for those periods. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full fiscal year. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 , and with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2016, and June 30, 2016. Principles of consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Amgen as well as its majority-owned subsidiaries. We do not have any significant interests in any variable interest entities. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment is recorded at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, of $7.5 billion and $7.3 billion as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Recent accounting pronouncements and reclassifications During the first quarter of 2016, we adopted a new accounting standard that amends the presentation for debt issuance costs. See Note 9, Financing arrangements. During the first quarter of 2016, we adopted a new accounting standard that amends certain aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payments. One aspect of the standard requires that excess tax benefits and deficiencies that arise upon vesting or exercise of share-based payments be recognized as income tax benefits and expenses in the income statement. See Note 4, Income taxes. Previously, such amounts were recognized as increases and decreases in common stock and additional paid-in capital. This aspect of the standard was adopted prospectively , and accordingly, the Provision for income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, includes $7 million and $121 million , respectively, of excess tax benefits arising from share-based payments. The new standard also amends the presentation of employee share-based payment-related items in the statement of cash flows by requiring (i) that excess income tax benefits and deficiencies be classified in cash flows from operating activities (such amounts were previously included in cash flows from financing activities) and (ii) that cash paid to taxing authorities arising from the withholding of shares from employees be classified in cash flows from financing activities (such amounts were previously included in cash flows from operating activities). We adopted the aspects of the standard affecting the cash flow presentation retrospectively, and accordingly, to conform to the current year presentation, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we reclassified: (a) $247 million of excess tax benefits from Net cash used in financing activities to Net cash provided by operating activities and (b) $394 million of cash paid to taxing authorities arising from withholding of shares from employees from Net cash provided by operating activities to Net cash used in financing activities. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new accounting standard that amends the guidance for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers to transfer goods and services. The FASB has subsequently issued additional, clarifying standards to address issues arising from implementation of the new revenue recognition standard. The new revenue recognition standard and clarifying standards are effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018, and may be adopted earlier, but not before January 1, 2017. The revenue standards are required to be adopted by taking either a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact that the revenue standards will have on our consolidated financial statements and determining the transition method that we will apply. In January 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that amends the accounting and disclosures of financial instruments, including a provision that requires equity investments (except for investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in current earnings. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that amends the guidance for the accounting and disclosure of leases. This new standard requires that lessees recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on the balance sheet and disclose qualitative and quantitative information about their leasing arrangements. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that amends the guidance for measuring and recording credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost by replacing the “incurred loss” model with an “expected loss” model. Accordingly, these financial assets will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. This new standard also requires that credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities be recorded through an allowance for such losses rather than reducing the carrying amount under the current, other-than-temporary-impairment model. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. Certain amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , have been reclassified from Accounts payable to Other liabilities within Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions to conform to the current year presentation.

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	Restructuring We continue to execute on the transformation and process improvement efforts announced in 2014. As part of these efforts, we committed to a more agile and efficient operating model. Our transformation and process improvement efforts across the Company are enabling us to reallocate resources to fund many of our innovative pipeline and growth opportunities that deliver value to patients and stockholders. The efforts include a restructuring, which is also delivering cost savings and is funding investments. As part of the restructuring, we have exited our facilities in Washington state and Colorado and are reducing the number of buildings we occupy at our headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California, as well as at other locations. We continue to estimate that we will incur $800 million to $900 million of pre-tax charges in connection with our restructuring, including (i) separation and other headcount-related costs of $535 million to $585 million with respect to staff reductions and (ii) asset-related charges of $265 million to $315 million consisting primarily of asset impairments, accelerated depreciation and other related costs resulting from the consolidation of our worldwide facilities. Through September 30, 2016, we have incurred $473 million of separation and other headcount-related costs and $225 million of asset-related charges. We expect that we will incur most of the remaining estimated costs through 2017 in order to support our ongoing transformation and process improvement efforts. The amounts related to the restructuring recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , were not significant. As of September 30, 2016 , the total restructuring liability was not significant.

Business combinations

Business combinations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business combinations	Business combinations Dezima Pharma B.V. On October 14, 2015, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Dezima Pharma B.V. (Dezima), a privately-held, Netherlands-based biotechnology company focused on developing innovative treatments for dyslipidemia. Dezima’s lead molecule is AMG 899 (formerly TA-8995), an oral, once-daily cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor that has completed certain phase 2 trials. This transaction was accounted for as a business combination. Upon its acquisition, Dezima became a wholly owned subsidiary of Amgen, and its operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements commencing on the acquisition date. The aggregate acquisition date consideration to acquire Dezima consisted of (in millions): Total cash paid to former shareholders of Dezima $ 300 Fair value of contingent consideration obligations 110 Total consideration $ 410 In connection with this acquisition, we are obligated to make additional payments to the former shareholders of Dezima of up to $1.25 billion contingent upon the achievement of certain development and sales-related milestones. In addition, low-single-digit royalties will be paid on net product sales above a certain threshold. The estimated fair values of the contingent consideration obligations aggregated to $110 million as of the acquisition date. See Note 11, Fair value measurement. The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed included primarily in-process research and development (IPR&D) of $400 million , goodwill of $108 million and deferred tax liabilities of $100 million . This valuation reflects delayed development pending competitor clinical trials in this class. Pro forma results of operations for this acquisition have not been presented because the acquisition is not material to our consolidated results of operations.

Income taxes

Income taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , were 16.6% and 15.9% , respectively, compared with 15.0% and 15.3% for the corresponding periods of the prior year. The effective rates differ from the federal statutory rates primarily as a result of indefinitely invested earnings of our foreign operations. We do not provide for U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings of our foreign operations that are intended to be invested indefinitely outside the United States. The increase in our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2016 , was due primarily to the unfavorable tax impact of changes in the jurisdictional mix of income and expenses. The increase in our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , was due primarily to the unfavorable tax impact of changes in the jurisdictional mix of income and expenses and a state tax audit settlement in the prior year. The increase was offset partially by the adoption of a new accounting standard that amends certain aspects of the accounting for employee share-based compensation payments and discrete benefits associated with tax incentives. Puerto Rico imposes an excise tax on the gross intercompany purchase price of goods and services from our manufacturer in Puerto Rico. The rate is 4.0% effective through December 31, 2017. We account for the excise tax as a manufacturing cost that is capitalized in inventory and expensed in cost of sales when the related products are sold. For U.S. income tax purposes, the excise tax results in foreign tax credits that are generally recognized in our provision for income taxes when the excise tax is incurred. One or more of our legal entities file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. state jurisdictions and certain foreign jurisdictions. Our income tax returns are routinely audited by the tax authorities in those jurisdictions. Significant disputes may arise with these tax authorities involving issues of the timing and amount of deductions, the use of tax credits and allocations of income and expenses among various tax jurisdictions because of differing interpretations of tax laws and regulations. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years ended on or before December 31, 2009, or to California state income tax examinations for years ended on or before December 31, 2008. We are currently under audit in several jurisdictions, including a U.S. federal income tax examination for tax years ended December 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Tax audits can involve complex issues, interpretations and judgments; and their resolution can take many years, particularly if subject to negotiation or litigation. Our assessments of uncertain tax benefits are based on information available to us at this time, including estimates and assumptions that have been deemed appropriate by management but may not be representative of final audit resolutions. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the gross amount of our unrecognized tax benefits (UTBs) increased by approximately $115 million and $335 million , respectively, as a result of tax positions taken during the current year. Substantially all of the UTBs as of September 30, 2016 , if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share The computation of basic earnings per share (EPS) is based on the weighted-average number of our common shares outstanding. The computation of diluted EPS is based on the weighted-average number of our common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares, which include primarily shares that may be issued under our stock option, restricted stock and performance unit award programs, as determined using the treasury stock method (collectively, dilutive securities). The computations for basic and diluted EPS were as follows (in millions, except per share data): Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Income (Numerator): Net income for basic and diluted EPS $ 2,017 $ 1,863 $ 5,787 $ 5,139 Shares (Denominator): Weighted-average shares for basic EPS 747 757 752 760 Effect of dilutive securities 6 7 6 7 Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS 753 764 758 767 Basic EPS $ 2.70 $ 2.46 $ 7.70 $ 6.76 Diluted EPS $ 2.68 $ 2.44 $ 7.63 $ 6.70 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , the number of anti-dilutive employee share-based awards excluded from the computation of diluted EPS was not significant.

Available-for-sale investments

Available-for-sale investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale investments	Available-for-sale investments The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security were as follows (in millions): Type of security as of September 30, 2016 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value U.S. Treasury securities $ 7,495 $ 55 $ (3 ) $ 7,547 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 302 1 — 303 Foreign and other 1,773 52 (2 ) 1,823 Corporate debt securities: Financial 8,381 110 (2 ) 8,489 Industrial 8,636 142 (8 ) 8,770 Other 1,040 15 (1 ) 1,054 Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,106 8 (5 ) 2,109 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1,759 7 (4 ) 1,762 Money market mutual funds 2,089 — — 2,089 Other short-term interest-bearing securities 3,619 — — 3,619 Total interest-bearing securities 37,200 390 (25 ) 37,565 Equity securities 124 39 — 163 Total available-for-sale investments $ 37,324 $ 429 $ (25 ) $ 37,728 Type of security as of December 31, 2015 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,298 $ — $ (24 ) $ 4,274 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 536 — (2 ) 534 Foreign and other 1,768 7 (36 ) 1,739 Corporate debt securities: Financial 7,904 7 (40 ) 7,871 Industrial 7,961 11 (136 ) 7,836 Other 905 1 (21 ) 885 Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,484 1 (15 ) 1,470 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 2,524 — (55 ) 2,469 Money market mutual funds 3,370 — — 3,370 Other short-term interest-bearing securities 528 — — 528 Total interest-bearing securities 31,278 27 (329 ) 30,976 Equity securities 88 48 — 136 Total available-for-sale investments $ 31,366 $ 75 $ (329 ) $ 31,112 The fair values of available-for-sale investments by classification in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in millions): Classification in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, December 31, Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,070 $ 3,738 Marketable securities 34,495 27,238 Other assets — noncurrent 163 136 Total available-for-sale investments $ 37,728 $ 31,112 Cash and cash equivalents in the above table excludes cash of $415 million and $406 million as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , respectively. The fair values of available-for-sale interest-bearing securities by contractual maturity, except for mortgage- and asset-backed securities that do not have a single maturity date, were as follows (in millions): Contractual maturity September 30, December 31, Maturing in one year or less $ 7,121 $ 4,578 Maturing after one year through three years 10,900 9,370 Maturing after three years through five years 12,068 9,932 Maturing after five years through ten years 3,525 3,087 Maturing after ten years 80 70 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 3,871 3,939 Total interest-bearing securities $ 37,565 $ 30,976 For the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , realized gains totaled $215 million and $19 million , respectively, and realized losses totaled $192 million and $58 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, realized gains totaled $283 million and $73 million , respectively, and realized losses totaled $313 million and $156 million , respectively. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. The unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments and their related fair values were as follows (in millions): Less than 12 months 12 months or greater Type of security as of September 30, 2016 Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses U.S. Treasury securities $ 957 $ (3 ) $ — $ — Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 77 — — — Foreign and other 192 (2 ) 18 — Corporate debt securities: Financial 638 (2 ) 47 — Industrial 1,275 (6 ) 204 (2 ) Other 110 (1 ) 25 — Residential mortgage-backed securities 667 (2 ) 182 (3 ) Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 266 (2 ) 102 (2 ) Total $ 4,182 $ (18 ) $ 578 $ (7 ) Less than 12 months 12 months or greater Type of security as of December 31, 2015 Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,196 $ (24 ) $ — $ — Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 494 (2 ) 20 — Foreign and other 1,306 (32 ) 56 (4 ) Corporate debt securities: Financial 5,988 (38 ) 228 (2 ) Industrial 5,427 (108 ) 679 (28 ) Other 807 (19 ) 39 (2 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 804 (8 ) 304 (7 ) Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1,834 (19 ) 561 (36 ) Total $ 20,856 $ (250 ) $ 1,887 $ (79 ) The primary objective of our investment portfolio is to enhance overall returns in an efficient manner while maintaining safety of principal, prudent levels of liquidity and acceptable levels of risk. Our investment policy limits interest-bearing securities to certain types of debt and money market instruments issued by institutions with primarily investment-grade credit ratings, and it places restrictions on maturities and concentration by asset class and issuer. We review our available-for-sale investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value below our cost basis each quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the cost basis of an asset may not be recoverable. The evaluation is based on a number of factors, including the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been below our cost basis and adverse conditions related specifically to the security, including any changes to the credit rating of the security, and the intent to sell, or whether we will more likely than not be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Our assessment of whether a security is other-than-temporarily impaired could change in the future based on new developments or changes in assumptions related to that particular security. As of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , we believe the cost bases for our available-for-sale investments were recoverable in all material respects.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consisted of the following (in millions): September 30, December 31, Raw materials $ 220 $ 201 Work in process 1,356 1,529 Finished goods 1,105 705 Total inventories $ 2,681 $ 2,435

Goodwill and other intangible a

Goodwill and other intangible assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill were as follows (in millions): Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 14,787 $ 14,788 Goodwill related to acquisitions of businesses (1) 2 — Currency translation adjustments 13 (114 ) Ending balance $ 14,802 $ 14,674 (1) Consists of goodwill recognized on the acquisition dates of business combinations and subsequent adjustments to these amounts resulting from changes to the acquisition date fair values of net assets acquired in the business combinations recorded during their respective measurement periods. Identifiable intangible assets Identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following (in millions): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Intangible assets, net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Intangible assets, net Finite-lived intangible assets: Developed product technology rights $ 12,320 $ (5,710 ) $ 6,610 $ 12,310 $ (4,996 ) $ 7,314 Licensing rights 3,275 (1,225 ) 2,050 3,275 (998 ) 2,277 Research and development technology rights 1,142 (696 ) 446 1,134 (635 ) 499 Marketing-related rights 1,348 (764 ) 584 1,186 (650 ) 536 Total finite-lived intangible assets 18,085 (8,395 ) 9,690 17,905 (7,279 ) 10,626 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: IPR&D 1,000 — 1,000 1,015 — 1,015 Total identifiable intangible assets $ 19,085 $ (8,395 ) $ 10,690 $ 18,920 $ (7,279 ) $ 11,641 Developed product technology rights consist of rights related to marketed products acquired in business combinations. Licensing rights consist primarily of contractual rights acquired in business combinations to receive future milestones, royalties and profit sharing payments, capitalized payments to third parties for milestones related to regulatory approvals to commercialize products and up-front payments associated with royalty obligations for marketed products. Research and development (R&D) technology rights consist of technology used in R&D with alternative future uses. Marketing-related intangible assets consist primarily of rights related to the sale and distribution of marketed products. IPR&D consists of R&D projects acquired in a business combination that are not complete at the time of acquisition due to remaining technological risks and/or lack of receipt of required regulatory approvals. As of September 30, 2016 , the projects include primarily AMG 899, acquired in the acquisition of Dezima (see Note 3, Business combinations); oprozomib, acquired in the acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Onyx); and Parsabiv ™ (etelcalcetide), acquired in the acquisition of KAI Pharmaceuticals. All IPR&D projects have major risks and uncertainties associated with the timely and successful completion of development and commercialization of these product candidates, including our ability to confirm their safety and efficacy based on data from clinical trials, our ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and our ability to successfully complete these tasks within budgeted costs. We are not permitted to market a human therapeutic without obtaining regulatory approvals, and such approvals require our completing clinical trials that demonstrate a product candidate is safe and effective. In addition, the availability and extent of coverage and reimbursement from third-party payers, including government healthcare programs and private insurance plans, as well as competitive product launches, impact the revenues a product can generate. Consequently, the eventual realized value, if any, of these acquired IPR&D projects may vary from their estimated fair values. We review IPR&D projects for impairment annually, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable and upon the establishment of technological feasibility or regulatory approval. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , we recognized amortization charges associated with our finite-lived intangible assets of $371 million and $340 million , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, we recognized amortization charges associated with our finite-lived intangible assets of $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion , respectively. The total estimated amortization charges for our finite-lived intangible assets for the remaining three months ending December 31, 2016 , and the years ending December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, are $372 million , $1.3 billion , $1.2 billion , $1.1 billion , $1.0 billion and $0.9 billion , respectively.

Financing arrangements

Financing arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Financing arrangements	Financing arrangements The principal amounts, fixed contractual coupon rates and aggregate carrying value of our long-term borrowings were as follows (in millions): September 30, December 31, 2.30% notes due 2016 (2.30% 2016 Notes) $ — $ 750 2.50% notes due 2016 (2.50% 2016 Notes) 1,000 1,000 2.125% notes due 2017 (2.125% 2017 Notes) 1,250 1,250 Floating Rate Notes due 2017 600 600 1.25% notes due 2017 (1.25% 2017 Notes) 850 850 5.85% notes due 2017 (5.85% 2017 Notes) 1,100 1,100 6.15% notes due 2018 (6.15% 2018 Notes) 500 500 Term Loan due 2018 (Term Loan) — 1,975 4.375% euro-denominated notes due 2018 (4.375% 2018 euro Notes) 616 599 5.70% notes due 2019 (5.70% 2019 Notes) 1,000 1,000 Floating Rate Notes due 2019 250 250 2.20% notes due 2019 (2.20% 2019 Notes) 1,400 1,400 2.125% euro-denominated notes due 2019 (2.125% 2019 euro Notes) 758 733 4.50% notes due 2020 (4.50% 2020 Notes) 300 300 2.125% notes due 2020 (2.125% 2020 Notes) 750 750 3.45% notes due 2020 (3.45% 2020 Notes) 900 900 4.10% notes due 2021 (4.10% 2021 Notes) 1,000 1,000 1.85% notes due 2021 (1.85% 2021 Notes) 750 — 3.875% notes due 2021 (3.875% 2021 Notes) 1,750 1,750 1.25% euro-denominated notes due 2022 (1.25% 2022 euro Notes) 1,404 — 2.70% notes due 2022 (2.70% 2022 Notes) 500 500 3.625% notes due 2022 (3.625% 2022 Notes) 750 750 0.41% Swiss-franc-denominated bonds due 2023 (0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds) 721 — 2.25% notes due 2023 (2.25% 2023 Notes) 750 — 3.625% notes due 2024 (3.625% 2024 Notes) 1,400 1,400 3.125% notes due 2025 (3.125% 2025 Notes) 1,000 1,000 2.00% euro-denominated notes due 2026 (2.00% 2026 euro Notes) 843 — 2.60% notes due 2026 (2.60% 2026 Notes) 1,250 — 5.50% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2026 (5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes) 616 700 4.00% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2029 (4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes) 908 1,032 6.375% notes due 2037 (6.375% 2037 Notes) 552 900 6.90% notes due 2038 (6.90% 2038 Notes) 291 500 6.40% notes due 2039 (6.40% 2039 Notes) 466 1,000 5.75% notes due 2040 (5.75% 2040 Notes) 412 700 4.95% notes due 2041 (4.95% 2041 Notes) 600 600 5.15% notes due 2041 (5.15% 2041 Notes) 974 2,250 5.65% notes due 2042 (5.65% 2042 Notes) 487 1,250 5.375% notes due 2043 (5.375% 2043 Notes) 261 1,000 4.40% notes due 2045 (4.40% 2045 Notes) 2,250 1,250 4.563% notes due 2048 (4.563% 2048 Notes) 1,415 — 4.663% notes due 2051 (4.663% 2051 Notes) 3,541 — Other notes 100 100 Unamortized bond discounts, premiums and issuance costs, net (942 ) (210 ) Total carrying value of debt $ 35,323 $ 31,429 Less current portion (4,797 ) (2,247 ) Total noncurrent debt $ 30,526 $ 29,182 The principal amounts of notes denominated in foreign currencies in the above table include €550 million of 4.375% 2018 euro Notes, €675 million of 2.125% 2019 euro Notes, €1,250 million of 1.25% 2022 euro Notes, CHF700 million of 0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds, €750 million of 2.00% 2026 euro Notes, £475 million of 5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes and £700 million of 4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes. There are no material differences between the effective interest rates and coupon rates of any of our borrowings, except for the 4.563% 2048 Notes and the 4.663% 2051 Notes, which have effective interest rates of approximately 6.3% and 5.6% , respectively. During the first quarter of 2016, we retrospectively adopted a new accounting standard that amends the presentation of debt issuance costs. Such costs are now presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability and not as deferred charges presented as assets in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As a result of adopting this new accounting standard, our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015, was restated to reflect the impact, which reduced both Other current assets and the Current portion of long-term debt by $3 million and both Other assets and Long-term debt by $124 million . Debt repayments During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we repaid the remaining $1.975 billion of principal on our Term Loan and the $750 million aggregate principal amount of the 2.30% 2016 Notes. Debt issuances During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we issued debt securities in the following offerings: • In August 2016, we issued $3.75 billion principal amount of notes, consisting of the 1.85% 2021 Notes, 2.25% 2023 Notes, 2.60% 2026 Notes and 4.40% 2045 Notes. We received a $79 million premium on the issuance of $1.0 billion of 4.40% 2045 Notes, which represents a further issuance of, and aggregated into a single series with, the 4.40% 2045 Notes issued in May 2015. • In March 2016, we issued $704 million principal amount of bonds, consisting of the 0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds ( CHF700 million principal amount). • In February 2016, we issued $2.2 billion aggregate principal amount of notes, consisting of the 1.25% 2022 euro Notes ( €1.25 billion principal amount) and the 2.00% 2026 euro Notes ( €750 million principal amount). In the event of a change-in-control triggering event, as defined in the terms of the notes, we may be required to purchase all or a portion of these debt securities (as well as the debt exchange issuances discussed below) at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, all of these debt securities, except for the Swiss franc Bonds, may be redeemed at any time at our option, in whole or in part, at the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and, except as discussed below, a make-whole amount, which is defined by the terms of the notes. The notes may be redeemed without payment of the make-whole amount if redemption occurs during a specified period of time immediately prior to the maturity dates of the notes. Such time periods range from one to six months prior to the maturity date. Debt exchange During the second quarter of 2016, we completed a private offering to exchange portions of certain outstanding senior notes due 2037 through 2043 (collectively, the Old Notes), listed below, for new senior notes, consisting of principal amounts of $1.4 billion of 4.563% 2048 Notes and $3.5 billion of 4.663% 2051 Notes (collectively, the New Notes). The following principal amounts of each series of Old Notes were validly tendered and subsequently canceled (in millions): Principal Amount Exchanged 6.375% 2037 Notes $ 348 6.90% 2038 Notes 209 6.40% 2039 Notes 534 5.75% 2040 Notes 288 5.15% 2041 Notes 1,276 5.65% 2042 Notes 763 5.375% 2043 Notes 739 The New Notes bear lower fixed coupon rates while requiring higher principal repayments on extended maturity dates, compared with the Old Notes that were exchanged. There were no other significant changes to the terms between the Old Notes and the New Notes. The exchange is considered a debt modification, and there were no cash payments to or cash receipts from the note holders as a result of the exchange. Existing deferred financing costs associated with the Old Notes, as well as discounts associated with the New Notes aggregating $801 million , will be accreted over the term of the New Notes and recorded as Interest expense, net. Transaction costs of $24 million incurred for the exchange were expensed immediately in Interest and other income, net.

Stockholders' equity

Stockholders' equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' equity	Stockholders’ equity Stock repurchase program Activity under our stock repurchase program, on a trade date basis, was as follows (in millions): 2016 2015 Shares* Dollars Shares Dollars First quarter 4.7 $ 690 2.9 $ 451 Second quarter 3.9 591 3.3 515 Third quarter 4.4 747 4.6 703 12.9 $ 2,028 10.8 $ 1,669 * Shares do not foot due to rounding. As of September 30, 2016 , $2.9 billion remained available under our stock repurchase program. In October 2016, our Board of Directors authorized an increase that resulted in a total of $5.0 billion available under the stock repurchase program. Dividends In October 2016, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.00 per share of common stock, which will be paid in December 2016. In July 2016, March 2016 and December 2015, the Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $1.00 per share of common stock, which were paid in September 2016, June 2016 and March 2016, respectively. Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) The components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (AOCI) were as follows (in millions): Foreign currency translation Cash flow hedges Available-for-sale securities Other AOCI Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (511 ) $ 297 $ (260 ) $ (6 ) $ (480 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 36 — — — 36 Unrealized (losses) gains — (117 ) 379 — 262 Reclassification adjustments to income — (166 ) 30 — (136 ) Income taxes (3 ) 104 (51 ) — 50 Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ (478 ) $ 118 $ 98 $ (6 ) $ (268 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (22 ) — — — (22 ) Unrealized (losses) gains — (144 ) 268 — 124 Reclassification adjustments to income — 133 23 — 156 Other — — — 1 1 Income taxes 5 5 (107 ) — (97 ) Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ (495 ) $ 112 $ 282 $ (5 ) $ (106 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 11 — — — 11 Unrealized gains (losses) — 35 (19 ) — 16 Reclassification adjustments to income — (65 ) (23 ) — (88 ) Other — — — 1 1 Income taxes (2 ) 14 15 — 27 Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (486 ) $ 96 $ 255 $ (4 ) $ (139 ) The reclassifications out of AOCI and into earnings were as follows (in millions): Amounts reclassified out of AOCI Components of AOCI Three months ended September 30, 2016 Three months ended September 30, 2015 Line item affected in the Statements of Income Cash flow hedges: Foreign currency contract gains $ 67 $ 86 Product sales Cross-currency swap contract losses (1 ) (67 ) Interest and other income, net Forward interest rate contract losses (1 ) — Interest expense, net 65 19 Total before income tax (27 ) (7 ) Tax expense $ 38 $ 12 Net of taxes Available-for-sale securities: Net realized gains (losses) $ 23 $ (39 ) Interest and other income, net (8 ) 15 Tax (expense) benefit $ 15 $ (24 ) Net of taxes Amounts reclassified out of AOCI Components of AOCI Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Line item affected in the Statements of Income Cash flow hedges: Foreign currency contract gains $ 242 $ 246 Product sales Cross-currency swap contract losses (143 ) (114 ) Interest and other income, net Forward interest rate contract losses (1 ) (1 ) Interest expense, net 98 131 Total before income tax (39 ) (47 ) Tax expense $ 59 $ 84 Net of taxes Available-for-sale securities: Net realized losses $ (30 ) $ (83 ) Interest and other income, net — 31 Tax benefit $ (30 ) $ (52 ) Net of taxes

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurement	Fair value measurement To estimate the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, we use valuation approaches within a hierarchy that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability and are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is divided into three levels based on the source of inputs as follows: Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access Level 2 — Valuations for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, other than level 1 inputs Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement The availability of observable inputs can vary among the various types of financial assets and liabilities. To the extent that the valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. In certain cases, the inputs used for measuring fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for financial statement disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level of input used that is significant to the overall fair value measurement. The fair value of each major class of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis was as follows (in millions): Quoted prices in Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair value measurement as of September 30, 2016, using: Total Assets: Available-for-sale investments: U.S. Treasury securities $ 7,547 $ — $ — $ 7,547 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. — 303 — 303 Foreign and other — 1,823 — 1,823 Corporate debt securities: Financial — 8,489 — 8,489 Industrial — 8,770 — 8,770 Other — 1,054 — 1,054 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 2,109 — 2,109 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities — 1,762 — 1,762 Money market mutual funds 2,089 — — 2,089 Other short-term interest-bearing securities — 3,619 — 3,619 Equity securities 163 — — 163 Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts — 43 — 43 Cross-currency swap contracts — 69 — 69 Interest rate swap contracts — 205 — 205 Total assets $ 9,799 $ 28,246 $ — $ 38,045 Liabilities: Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts $ — $ 35 $ — $ 35 Cross-currency swap contracts — 442 — 442 Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations — — 176 176 Total liabilities $ — $ 477 $ 176 $ 653 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair value measurement as of December 31, 2015, using: Total Assets: Available-for-sale investments: U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,274 $ — $ — $ 4,274 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. — 534 — 534 Foreign and other — 1,739 — 1,739 Corporate debt securities: Financial — 7,871 — 7,871 Industrial — 7,836 — 7,836 Other — 885 — 885 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 1,470 — 1,470 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities — 2,469 — 2,469 Money market mutual funds 3,370 — — 3,370 Other short-term interest-bearing securities — 528 — 528 Equity securities 136 — — 136 Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts — 142 — 142 Interest rate swap contracts — 71 — 71 Total assets $ 7,780 $ 23,545 $ — $ 31,325 Liabilities: Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts $ — $ 8 $ — $ 8 Cross-currency swap contracts — 250 — 250 Interest rate swap contracts — 3 — 3 Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations — — 188 188 Total liabilities $ — $ 261 $ 188 $ 449 The fair values of our U.S. Treasury securities, money market mutual funds and equity securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets with no valuation adjustment. Most of our other government-related and corporate debt securities are investment grade with maturity dates of five years or less from the balance sheet date. Our other government-related debt securities portfolio is composed of securities with weighted-average credit ratings of A- or equivalent by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (S&P), Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) or Fitch Ratings Inc. (Fitch); and our corporate debt securities portfolio has a weighted-average credit rating of BBB + or equivalent by S&P or Moody’s and A- by Fitch. We estimate the fair values of these securities by taking into consideration valuations obtained from third-party pricing services. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income- and market-based approaches, for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, to estimate fair value. These inputs include reported trades of and broker/dealer quotes on the same or similar securities; issuer credit spreads; benchmark securities; and other observable inputs. Our residential mortgage-, other mortgage- and asset-backed securities portfolio is composed entirely of senior tranches, with credit ratings of AAA by S&P, Moody’s or Fitch. We estimate the fair values of these securities by taking into consideration valuations obtained from third-party pricing services. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income- and market-based approaches for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, to estimate fair value. These inputs include reported trades of and broker/dealer quotes on the same or similar securities; issuer credit spreads; benchmark securities; prepayment/default projections based on historical data; and other observable inputs. We value our other short-term interest-bearing securities at amortized cost, which approximates fair value given their near-term maturity dates. All of our foreign currency forward and option derivatives contracts have maturities of three years or less, and all are with counterparties that have minimum credit ratings of A- or equivalent by S&P or Moody’s. We estimate the fair values of these contracts by taking into consideration valuations obtained from a third-party valuation service that utilizes an income-based industry standard valuation model for which all significant inputs are observable either directly or indirectly. These inputs include foreign currency rates, London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR), swap rates and obligor credit default swap rates. In addition, inputs for our foreign currency option contracts include implied volatility measures. These inputs, where applicable, are at commonly quoted intervals. See Note 12, Derivative instruments. Our cross-currency swap contracts are with counterparties that have minimum credit ratings of A- or equivalent by S&P or Moody’s. We estimate the fair values of these contracts by taking into consideration valuations obtained from a third-party valuation service that utilizes an income-based industry standard valuation model for which all significant inputs are observable either directly or indirectly. These inputs include foreign currency exchange rates, LIBOR, swap rates, obligor credit default swap rates and cross-currency basis swap spreads. See Note 12, Derivative instruments. Our interest rate swap contracts are with counterparties that have minimum credit ratings of A- or equivalent by S&P or Moody’s. We estimate the fair values of these contracts by using an income-based industry standard valuation model for which all significant inputs were observable either directly or indirectly. These inputs included LIBOR, swap rates and obligor credit default swap rates. Contingent consideration obligations As a result of our business acquisitions, we incurred contingent consideration obligations, as discussed below. These contingent consideration obligations are recorded at their estimated fair values, and we revalue these obligations each reporting period until the related contingencies are resolved. The fair value measurements of these obligations are based on significant unobservable inputs related to product candidates acquired in business combinations and are reviewed quarterly by management in our R&D and commercial sales organizations. These inputs include, as applicable, estimated probabilities and timing of achieving specified regulatory and commercial milestones and estimated annual sales. Significant changes that increase or decrease the probabilities of achieving the related regulatory and commercial events, shorten or lengthen the time required to achieve such events, or increase or decrease estimated annual sales would result in corresponding increases or decreases in the fair values of these obligations, as applicable. Changes in the fair values of contingent consideration obligations are recognized in Other operating expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Changes in the carrying amounts of contingent consideration obligations were as follows (in millions): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 171 $ 215 $ 188 $ 215 Net changes in valuation 5 (18 ) (12 ) (18 ) Ending balance $ 176 $ 197 $ 176 $ 197 As a result of our acquisition of Dezima in October 2015, we are obligated to pay its former shareholders up to $1.25 billion of additional consideration contingent upon achieving certain development and sales-related milestones and low single-digit royalties on net product sales above a certain threshold. The estimated fair values of the contingent consideration obligations had an aggregate value of $110 million at acquisition. See Note 3, Business combinations. As a result of our acquisition of BioVex Group, Inc. (BioVex), in March 2011, we are obligated to pay its former shareholders up to $325 million of additional consideration contingent if certain sales thresholds are achieved within specified periods of time. We estimate the fair values of the obligations to former shareholders of Dezima and BioVex by using probability-adjusted discounted cash flows, and we review underlying key assumptions on a quarterly basis. There were no significant changes in the fair values of contingent consideration obligations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , there were no transfers of assets or liabilities between fair value measurement levels, and there were no material remeasurements to the fair values of assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Summary of the fair values of other financial instruments Cash equivalents The estimated fair values of cash equivalents approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of such financial instruments. Borrowings We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt (Level 2) by taking into consideration indicative prices obtained from a third-party financial institution that utilizes industry standard valuation models, including both income- and market-based approaches, for which all significant inputs are observable either directly or indirectly. These inputs include reported trades of and broker/dealer quotes on the same or similar securities; credit spreads; benchmark yields; foreign currency exchange rates, as applicable; and other observable inputs. As of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , the aggregate fair values of our long-term debt were $39.2 billion and $33.1 billion , respectively, and the carrying values were $35.3 billion and $31.4 billion , respectively.

Derivative instruments

Derivative instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative instruments	Derivative instruments The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks and interest rate risks related to its business operations. To reduce our risks related to these exposures, we utilize or have utilized certain derivative instruments, including foreign currency forward, foreign currency option, cross-currency swap, forward interest rate and interest rate swap contracts. We do not use derivatives for speculative trading purposes. Cash flow hedges We are exposed to possible changes in the values of certain anticipated foreign currency cash flows resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates associated primarily with our euro-denominated international product sales. Increases and decreases in the cash flows associated with our international product sales due to movements in foreign currency exchange rates are offset partially by corresponding increases and decreases in the cash flows from our international operating expenses resulting from these foreign currency exchange rate movements. To further reduce our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on our international product sales, we enter into foreign currency forward and option contracts to hedge a portion of our projected international product sales, primarily over a three-year time horizon , with, at any given point in time, a higher percentage of nearer-term projected product sales being hedged than in successive periods. As of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , we had open foreign currency forward contracts with notional amounts of $3.5 billion and $3.3 billion , respectively, and open foreign currency option contracts with notional amounts of $178 million and $225 million , respectively. We have designated these foreign currency forward and foreign currency option contracts, which are primarily euro based, as cash flow hedges; and accordingly, we report the effective portions of the unrealized gains and losses on these contracts in AOCI in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and we reclassify them to earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. To hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with certain of our long-term debt denominated in foreign currencies, we entered into cross-currency swap contracts. Under the terms of these contracts, we paid euros, pounds sterling and Swiss francs and received U.S. dollars for the notional amounts at the inception of the contracts; and based on these notional amounts, we exchange interest payments at fixed rates over the lives of the contracts by paying U.S. dollars and receiving euros, pounds sterling and Swiss francs. In addition, we will pay U.S. dollars to and receive euros, pounds sterling and Swiss francs from the counterparties at the maturities of the contracts for these same notional amounts. The terms of these contracts correspond to the related hedged debt, effectively converting the interest payments and principal repayment on the debt from euros, pounds sterling and Swiss francs to U.S. dollars. We have designated these cross-currency swap contracts as cash flow hedges, and accordingly, the effective portions of the unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are reported in AOCI in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and reclassified to earnings in the same periods during which the hedged debt affects earnings. The notional amounts and interest rates of our cross-currency swaps are as follows (notional amounts in millions): Foreign currency U.S. dollars Hedged notes Notional amount Interest rate Notional amount Interest rate 2.125% 2019 euro Notes € 675 2.125 % $ 864 2.6 % 1.25% 2022 euro Notes € 1,250 1.25 % $ 1,388 3.2 % 0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds CHF 700 0.41 % $ 704 3.4 % 2.00% 2026 euro Notes € 750 2.00 % $ 833 3.9 % 5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes £ 475 5.50 % $ 747 6.0 % 4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes £ 700 4.00 % $ 1,111 4.5 % In connection with anticipated issuances of long-term fixed-rate debt, we entered into forward interest rate contracts during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The forward interest rate contracts hedged the variability in cash flows due to changes in the applicable Treasury rate between the time we entered into these contracts and the time the related debt was issued in August 2016. Gains and losses realized on such contracts, which were designated as cash flow hedges, were recognized in AOCI and are being amortized into earnings over the lives of the associated debt issuances. The effective portions of the unrealized gain/(loss) recognized in other comprehensive income for our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges were as follows (in millions): Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships 2016 2015 2016 2015 Foreign currency contracts $ (26 ) $ 53 $ (88 ) $ 346 Cross-currency swap contracts 67 (118 ) (128 ) (199 ) Forward interest rate contracts (6 ) — (10 ) — Total $ 35 $ (65 ) $ (226 ) $ 147 The locations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the effective portions of the gain/(loss) reclassified out of AOCI and into earnings for our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges were as follows (in millions): Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships Statements of Income location 2016 2015 2016 2015 Foreign currency contracts Product sales $ 67 $ 86 $ 242 $ 246 Cross-currency swap contracts Interest and other income, net (1 ) (67 ) (143 ) (114 ) Forward interest rate contracts Interest expense, net (1 ) — (1 ) (1 ) Total $ 65 $ 19 $ 98 $ 131 No portions of our cash flow hedge contracts are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, and the gains and losses of the ineffective portions of these hedging instruments were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. As of September 30, 2016 , the amounts expected to be reclassified out of AOCI and into earnings during the next 12 months are approximately $39 million of net gains on our foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts and approximately $2 million of losses on forward interest rate contracts. Fair value hedges To achieve a desired mix of fixed and floating interest rates on our long-term debt, we entered into interest rate swap contracts that qualify and are designated as fair value hedges. The terms of these interest rate swap contracts correspond to the related hedged debt instruments and effectively convert a fixed interest rate coupon to a floating LIBOR-based coupon over the lives of the respective notes. We had interest rate swap agreements as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , with aggregate notional amounts of $6.65 billion . The contracts have rates that range from three-month LIBOR plus 0.4% to three-month LIBOR plus 2.0% . For derivative instruments that qualify and are designated as fair value hedges, we recognize in current earnings the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative resulting from the change in fair value during the period as well as the offsetting unrealized loss or gain of the hedged item resulting from the change in fair value during the period attributable to the hedged risk. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we included the unrealized gains on hedged debt of $61 million and unrealized losses of $137 million , respectively, in the same line item, Interest expense, net, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, as the offsetting unrealized losses of $61 million and unrealized gains of $137 million , respectively, on the related interest rate swap agreements. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we included the unrealized losses on the hedged debt of $134 million and $140 million , respectively, in the same line item, Interest expense, net, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, as the offsetting unrealized gains of $134 million and $140 million , respectively, on the related interest rate swap agreements. Derivatives not designated as hedges To reduce our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations of certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, we enter into foreign currency forward contracts that are not designated as hedging transactions. The exposures are hedged on a month-to-month basis. As of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , the total notional amounts of these foreign currency forward contracts were $874 million and $911 million , respectively. The location in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the amount of gain/(loss) recognized in earnings for our derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments were as follows (in millions): Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Statements of Income location 2016 2015 2016 2015 Foreign currency contracts Interest and other income, net $ 1 $ 9 $ (33 ) $ — The fair values of derivatives included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in millions): Derivative assets Derivative liabilities September 30, 2016 Balance Sheet location Fair value Balance Sheet location Fair value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets $ 43 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities $ 34 Cross-currency swap contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets 69 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 442 Interest rate swap contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets 205 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities — Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 317 476 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets — Accrued liabilities 1 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments — 1 Total derivatives $ 317 $ 477 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities December 31, 2015 Balance Sheet location Fair value Balance Sheet location Fair value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets $ 142 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities $ 7 Cross-currency swap contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets — Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 250 Interest rate swap contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets 71 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 3 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 213 260 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets — Accrued liabilities 1 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments — 1 Total derivatives $ 213 $ 261 Our derivative contracts that were in liability positions as of September 30, 2016 , contain certain credit-risk-related contingent provisions that would be triggered if (i) we were to undergo a change in control and (ii) our or the surviving entity’s creditworthiness deteriorates, which is generally defined as having either a credit rating that is below investment grade or a materially weaker creditworthiness after the change in control. If these events were to occur, the counterparties would have the right, but not the obligation, to close the contracts under early-termination provisions. In such circumstances, the counterparties could request immediate settlement of these contracts for amounts that approximate the then current fair values of the contracts. In addition, our derivative contracts are not subject to any type of master netting arrangement, and amounts due to or from a counterparty under these contracts may be offset against other amounts due to or from the same counterparty only if an event of default or termination, as defined, were to occur. The cash flow effects of our derivative contracts for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , are included within Net cash provided by operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Contingencies and commitments

Contingencies and commitments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and commitments	Contingencies and commitments Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal proceedings, government investigations and other matters that are complex in nature and have outcomes that are difficult to predict. (See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors—Our business may be affected by litigation and government investigations.) We describe our legal proceedings and other matters that are significant or that we believe could be significant in this Note; in Note 18, Contingencies and commitments to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015; and in Note 13, Contingencies and commitments to our condensed consolidated financial statements in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2016, and June 30, 2016. We record accruals for loss contingencies to the extent that we conclude it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the related loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings and other matters that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the liability that has been accrued previously. Our legal proceedings range from cases brought by a single plaintiff to class actions with thousands of putative class members. These legal proceedings, as well as other matters, involve various aspects of our business and a variety of claims—including but not limited to patent infringement, marketing, pricing and trade practices and securities law—some of which present novel factual allegations and/or unique legal theories. In each of the matters described in this filing or in Note 18, Contingencies and commitments to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, or in Note 13, Contingencies and commitments to our condensed consolidated financial statements in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, plaintiffs seek an award of a not-yet-quantified amount of damages or an amount that is not material. In addition, a number of the matters pending against us are at very early stages of the legal process (which in complex proceedings of the sort faced by us often extend for several years). As a result, none of the matters pending against us described in this filing, in Note 18, Contingencies and commitments to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, or in Note 13, Contingencies and commitments to our condensed consolidated financial statements in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2016 and June 30, 2016, have progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or development of important factual information and legal issues to enable us to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, or such amounts are not material. While it is not possible to accurately predict or determine the eventual outcomes of these matters, an adverse determination in one or more of these matters currently pending could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Certain recent developments concerning our legal proceedings and other matters are discussed below: Sensipar ® (cinacalcet) Patent Litigation Amgen filed 12 separate lawsuits in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (the Delaware District Court) for infringement of our U.S. Patent No. 9,375,405 (the ’405 Patent) against: (1) Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. and Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc., (2) MicroLabs Ltd. and Micro Labs USA, Inc., (3) Watson Laboratories, Inc., Actavis, Inc. and Actavis Pharma, Inc., and (4) Cipla Limited and Cipla USA, Inc., on September 22, 2016; (5) Strides Pharma Global PTE Limited and Strides Pharma, Inc., and (6) Sun Pharma Global FZE and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., on September 29, 2016; (7) Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Ltd., and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc., and (8) Ajanta Pharma Limited and Ajanta Pharma USA, Inc., on October 5, 2016; and (9) Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York, LLC, and Amneal Pharmaceuticals Co. India Private Limited, (10) Apotex Inc. and Apotex Corp., (collectively, Apotex), (11) Hetero USA Inc., Hetero Labs Ltd. and Hetero Labs Ltd. Unit V, and (12) Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc., on October 11, 2016, respectively. The ’405 Patent is entitled “Rapid Dissolution Formulation of a Calcium Receptor-Active Compound” and expires in 2026. In each of the 12 lawsuits, Amgen seeks an order of the Delaware District Court making any U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the defendants’ generic versions of Sensipar ® effective no earlier than the expiration of the ’405 Patent. On October 26, 2016, Cipla Limited and Cipla USA, Inc. responded to the complaint denying infringement and seeking judgment that the ’405 Patent is invalid and/or not infringed. AMJEVITA ™ (adalimumab-atto) Patent Litigation On August 4, 2016, AbbVie Inc. and AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd. (collectively, AbbVie) filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Amgen Inc. and Amgen Manufacturing, Ltd. (collectively, Amgen), alleging infringement of U.S Patent Nos. 8,663,945; 8,911,964; 8,916,157; 8,961,973; 8,986,693; 9,096,666; 9,220,781; 9,272,041; 9,359,434; and 9,365,645. AbbVie seeks an injunction prohibiting Amgen from commercializing ABP 501 (also known as AMJEVITA ™ , a biosimilar to AbbVie’s HUMIRA ® (adalimumab)) prior to the expiration of the patents-in-suit and compelling Amgen to provide AbbVie with at least 180 days-notice of first commercial marketing. On September 13, 2016, Amgen responded to the complaint denying AbbVie’s allegations and counterclaimed, seeking judgment that the patents-in-suit are invalid and/or not infringed by Amgen. On September 23, 2016, the FDA approved AMJEVITA ™ . On October 7, 2016, AbbVie responded to Amgen’s counterclaims. KYPROLIS ® (carfilzomib) Patent Litigation Our subsidiary Onyx Therapeutics, Inc. (Onyx Therapeutics), filed three separate lawsuits in the Delaware District Court against CIPLA Limited and CIPLA USA, Inc., on October 24, 2016; Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., on October 26, 2016; and Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc., on October 27, 2016, for infringing U.S. Patent Nos. 7,232,818; 7,417,042; 7,491,704; 7,737,112; 8,129,346; 8,207,125; 8,207,126; 8,207,127; and 8,207,297. Onyx Therapeutics also filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against MSN Laboratories Private Limited and MSN Pharmaceuticals, Inc., on October 26, 2016, for infringing U.S. Patent No. 7,737,112. These lawsuits are based on abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) that seek approval to market generic versions of KYPROLIS ® before expiration of the asserted patent or patents. In each lawsuit, Onyx Therapeutics seeks an order of the Delaware District Court making any FDA approval of the defendant’s ANDA effective no earlier than the expiration of all asserted patents. Other Biosimilar Patent Litigations We have filed a number of lawsuits against manufacturers of products that purport to be biosimilars of certain of our products. In each case, our complaint alleges that the manufacturer’s actions infringe certain patents we hold and/or that the manufacturer has failed to comply with certain provisions of the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA). Sandoz Pegfilgrastim Litigation On June 23, 2016, Sandoz Inc. (Sandoz), a Novartis company, responded to Amgen’s patent infringement complaint denying infringement and seeking judgment that the patents-in-suit are not infringed and invalid. Sandoz Filgrastim Litigation On August 4, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California entered an order construing patent claim terms of our U.S. Patent Nos. 6,162,427 and 8,940,878. Sandoz Etanercept Litigation On August 11, 2016, and subject to the terms of a confidential stipulation, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (the New Jersey District Court) entered a preliminary injunction prohibiting Sandoz from making, using, importing, selling or offering for sale Sandoz’s etanercept product. A claim construction hearing is set for February 15, 2017, and trial is scheduled to start on April 17, 2018. On August 30, 2016, the FDA approved Sandoz’s Erelzi ™ (etanercept-szzs), a biosimilar to Enbrel ® (etanercept). Apotex Pegfilgrastim/Filgrastim Litigation On September 9, 2016, Apotex petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for certiorari, seeking review of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the Federal Circuit Court) holding that the 180-day notice of commercial marketing is mandatory under the BPCIA and can only be given post-FDA licensure of the biosimilar product. On September 16, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida entered final judgment that Apotex’s process of manufacturing its filgrastim and pegfilgrastim products do not infringe our U.S. Patent No. 8,952,138, dismissing without prejudice Apotex’s remaining invalidity counterclaim for patent invalidity, and making permanent the injunction compelling Apotex to provide 180-day advance notice of first commercial marketing of its filgrastim and pegfilgrastim products if and when the FDA approves these products. On October 3, 2016, Amgen filed an appeal of the final judgment to the Federal Circuit Court. Hospira Epoetin Alfa Litigation On August 5, 2016, the Delaware District Court denied the motion filed by Hospira, Inc. (Hospira), a subsidiary of Pfizer, Inc., to dismiss Amgen’s complaint which seeks a declaration that Hospira failed to comply with the commercial notice requirement of the BPCIA. On August 19, 2016, Hospira responded to the complaint denying the allegations of the First Amended Complaint and seeking judgment that the patents-in-suit are invalid and not infringed by Hospira. On August 15, 2016, Amgen moved to amend the First Amended Complaint to add additional bases for infringement of our U.S. Patent No. 5,756,349 and to add three additional third-party defendants. On October 3, 2016, the Delaware District Court granted-in-part and denied-in-part Amgen’s motion to amend, permitting Amgen to add the additional bases for infringement but not the additional parties to the existing lawsuit. A claim construction hearing was held on September 21, 2016. On August 5, 2016, the Federal Circuit Court denied Hospira’s motion to dismiss Amgen’s appeal, which seeks review of the Delaware District Court’s order that Hospira need not provide Amgen discovery of certain of its manufacturing processes which information was withheld by Hospira during the BPCIA dispute resolution process. Onyx Litigation The Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Mateo scheduled a November 18, 2016, hearing for final approval of the settlement between the plaintiffs and the former Onyx directors. Federal Securities Litigation — In re Amgen Inc. Securities Litigation On October 25, 2016, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (the California Central District Court) issued an order approving the final settlement of this securities class action case. Federal Derivative Litigation On October 10, 2016, a joint stipulation was filed with the California Central District Court to lift the stay in the stockholder derivative lawsuit of Durgin v. Sharer, et al. and, that same day, Amgen filed a motion to dismiss for lack of standing. A hearing on the pending motions is set for December 12, 2016. On October 20, 2016, the California Central District Court issued an order dismissing the Rosenblum v. Sharer, et al. case with prejudice. ERISA Litigation The California Central District Court scheduled a November 21, 2016, hearing for preliminary approval of the settlement agreed to by the parties in this Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) class action case.

Summary of significant accoun20

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business	Business Amgen Inc. (including its subsidiaries, referred to as “Amgen,” “the Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) is a global biotechnology pioneer that discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. We operate in one business segment: human therapeutics.
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation The financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , and 2015 , is unaudited but includes all adjustments (consisting of only normal, recurring adjustments unless otherwise indicated), which Amgen considers necessary for a fair presentation of its condensed consolidated results of operations for those periods. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full fiscal year. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 , and with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2016, and June 30, 2016.
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Amgen as well as its majority-owned subsidiaries. We do not have any significant interests in any variable interest entities. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Property, plant and equipment, net	Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment is recorded at historical cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, of $7.5 billion and $7.3 billion as of September 30, 2016 , and December 31, 2015 , respectively.
Recent accounting pronouncements and reclassifications	Recent accounting pronouncements and reclassifications During the first quarter of 2016, we adopted a new accounting standard that amends the presentation for debt issuance costs. See Note 9, Financing arrangements. During the first quarter of 2016, we adopted a new accounting standard that amends certain aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payments. One aspect of the standard requires that excess tax benefits and deficiencies that arise upon vesting or exercise of share-based payments be recognized as income tax benefits and expenses in the income statement. See Note 4, Income taxes. Previously, such amounts were recognized as increases and decreases in common stock and additional paid-in capital. This aspect of the standard was adopted prospectively , and accordingly, the Provision for income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, includes $7 million and $121 million , respectively, of excess tax benefits arising from share-based payments. The new standard also amends the presentation of employee share-based payment-related items in the statement of cash flows by requiring (i) that excess income tax benefits and deficiencies be classified in cash flows from operating activities (such amounts were previously included in cash flows from financing activities) and (ii) that cash paid to taxing authorities arising from the withholding of shares from employees be classified in cash flows from financing activities (such amounts were previously included in cash flows from operating activities). We adopted the aspects of the standard affecting the cash flow presentation retrospectively, and accordingly, to conform to the current year presentation, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we reclassified: (a) $247 million of excess tax benefits from Net cash used in financing activities to Net cash provided by operating activities and (b) $394 million of cash paid to taxing authorities arising from withholding of shares from employees from Net cash provided by operating activities to Net cash used in financing activities. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new accounting standard that amends the guidance for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers to transfer goods and services. The FASB has subsequently issued additional, clarifying standards to address issues arising from implementation of the new revenue recognition standard. The new revenue recognition standard and clarifying standards are effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018, and may be adopted earlier, but not before January 1, 2017. The revenue standards are required to be adopted by taking either a full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact that the revenue standards will have on our consolidated financial statements and determining the transition method that we will apply. In January 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that amends the accounting and disclosures of financial instruments, including a provision that requires equity investments (except for investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in current earnings. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that amends the guidance for the accounting and disclosure of leases. This new standard requires that lessees recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on the balance sheet and disclose qualitative and quantitative information about their leasing arrangements. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2019. We are currently evaluating the impact that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that amends the guidance for measuring and recording credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost by replacing the “incurred loss” model with an “expected loss” model. Accordingly, these financial assets will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. This new standard also requires that credit losses related to available-for-sale debt securities be recorded through an allowance for such losses rather than reducing the carrying amount under the current, other-than-temporary-impairment model. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2020. We are currently evaluating the impact that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. Certain amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , have been reclassified from Accounts payable to Other liabilities within Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions to conform to the current year presentation.

Business combinations (Tables)

Business combinations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Aggregate acquisition date consideration to acquire an entity	The aggregate acquisition date consideration to acquire Dezima consisted of (in millions): Total cash paid to former shareholders of Dezima $ 300 Fair value of contingent consideration obligations 110 Total consideration $ 410

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation for basic and diluted earnings per share	The computations for basic and diluted EPS were as follows (in millions, except per share data): Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Income (Numerator): Net income for basic and diluted EPS $ 2,017 $ 1,863 $ 5,787 $ 5,139 Shares (Denominator): Weighted-average shares for basic EPS 747 757 752 760 Effect of dilutive securities 6 7 6 7 Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS 753 764 758 767 Basic EPS $ 2.70 $ 2.46 $ 7.70 $ 6.76 Diluted EPS $ 2.68 $ 2.44 $ 7.63 $ 6.70

Available-for-sale investments

Available-for-sale investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security	The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security were as follows (in millions): Type of security as of September 30, 2016 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value U.S. Treasury securities $ 7,495 $ 55 $ (3 ) $ 7,547 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 302 1 — 303 Foreign and other 1,773 52 (2 ) 1,823 Corporate debt securities: Financial 8,381 110 (2 ) 8,489 Industrial 8,636 142 (8 ) 8,770 Other 1,040 15 (1 ) 1,054 Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,106 8 (5 ) 2,109 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1,759 7 (4 ) 1,762 Money market mutual funds 2,089 — — 2,089 Other short-term interest-bearing securities 3,619 — — 3,619 Total interest-bearing securities 37,200 390 (25 ) 37,565 Equity securities 124 39 — 163 Total available-for-sale investments $ 37,324 $ 429 $ (25 ) $ 37,728 Type of security as of December 31, 2015 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,298 $ — $ (24 ) $ 4,274 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 536 — (2 ) 534 Foreign and other 1,768 7 (36 ) 1,739 Corporate debt securities: Financial 7,904 7 (40 ) 7,871 Industrial 7,961 11 (136 ) 7,836 Other 905 1 (21 ) 885 Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,484 1 (15 ) 1,470 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 2,524 — (55 ) 2,469 Money market mutual funds 3,370 — — 3,370 Other short-term interest-bearing securities 528 — — 528 Total interest-bearing securities 31,278 27 (329 ) 30,976 Equity securities 88 48 — 136 Total available-for-sale investments $ 31,366 $ 75 $ (329 ) $ 31,112
Fair values of available-for-sale investments by classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	The fair values of available-for-sale investments by classification in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in millions): Classification in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets September 30, December 31, Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,070 $ 3,738 Marketable securities 34,495 27,238 Other assets — noncurrent 163 136 Total available-for-sale investments $ 37,728 $ 31,112
Fair values of available-for-sale interest-bearing security investments by contractual maturity	The fair values of available-for-sale interest-bearing securities by contractual maturity, except for mortgage- and asset-backed securities that do not have a single maturity date, were as follows (in millions): Contractual maturity September 30, December 31, Maturing in one year or less $ 7,121 $ 4,578 Maturing after one year through three years 10,900 9,370 Maturing after three years through five years 12,068 9,932 Maturing after five years through ten years 3,525 3,087 Maturing after ten years 80 70 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 3,871 3,939 Total interest-bearing securities $ 37,565 $ 30,976
Available-for-sale securities, fair value and unrealized losses	The unrealized losses on available-for-sale investments and their related fair values were as follows (in millions): Less than 12 months 12 months or greater Type of security as of September 30, 2016 Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses U.S. Treasury securities $ 957 $ (3 ) $ — $ — Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 77 — — — Foreign and other 192 (2 ) 18 — Corporate debt securities: Financial 638 (2 ) 47 — Industrial 1,275 (6 ) 204 (2 ) Other 110 (1 ) 25 — Residential mortgage-backed securities 667 (2 ) 182 (3 ) Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 266 (2 ) 102 (2 ) Total $ 4,182 $ (18 ) $ 578 $ (7 ) Less than 12 months 12 months or greater Type of security as of December 31, 2015 Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,196 $ (24 ) $ — $ — Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 494 (2 ) 20 — Foreign and other 1,306 (32 ) 56 (4 ) Corporate debt securities: Financial 5,988 (38 ) 228 (2 ) Industrial 5,427 (108 ) 679 (28 ) Other 807 (19 ) 39 (2 ) Residential mortgage-backed securities 804 (8 ) 304 (7 ) Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1,834 (19 ) 561 (36 ) Total $ 20,856 $ (250 ) $ 1,887 $ (79 )

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following (in millions): September 30, December 31, Raw materials $ 220 $ 201 Work in process 1,356 1,529 Finished goods 1,105 705 Total inventories $ 2,681 $ 2,435

Goodwill and other intangible25

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of goodwill	Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill were as follows (in millions): Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 14,787 $ 14,788 Goodwill related to acquisitions of businesses (1) 2 — Currency translation adjustments 13 (114 ) Ending balance $ 14,802 $ 14,674 (1) Consists of goodwill recognized on the acquisition dates of business combinations and subsequent adjustments to these amounts resulting from changes to the acquisition date fair values of net assets acquired in the business combinations recorded during their respective measurement periods.
Schedule of identifiable intangible assets	Identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following (in millions): September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Intangible assets, net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Intangible assets, net Finite-lived intangible assets: Developed product technology rights $ 12,320 $ (5,710 ) $ 6,610 $ 12,310 $ (4,996 ) $ 7,314 Licensing rights 3,275 (1,225 ) 2,050 3,275 (998 ) 2,277 Research and development technology rights 1,142 (696 ) 446 1,134 (635 ) 499 Marketing-related rights 1,348 (764 ) 584 1,186 (650 ) 536 Total finite-lived intangible assets 18,085 (8,395 ) 9,690 17,905 (7,279 ) 10,626 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: IPR&D 1,000 — 1,000 1,015 — 1,015 Total identifiable intangible assets $ 19,085 $ (8,395 ) $ 10,690 $ 18,920 $ (7,279 ) $ 11,641

Financing arrangements (Tables)

Financing arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Principal amounts, fixed contractual coupon rates and aggregate carrying value of long-term borrowings	The principal amounts, fixed contractual coupon rates and aggregate carrying value of our long-term borrowings were as follows (in millions): September 30, December 31, 2.30% notes due 2016 (2.30% 2016 Notes) $ — $ 750 2.50% notes due 2016 (2.50% 2016 Notes) 1,000 1,000 2.125% notes due 2017 (2.125% 2017 Notes) 1,250 1,250 Floating Rate Notes due 2017 600 600 1.25% notes due 2017 (1.25% 2017 Notes) 850 850 5.85% notes due 2017 (5.85% 2017 Notes) 1,100 1,100 6.15% notes due 2018 (6.15% 2018 Notes) 500 500 Term Loan due 2018 (Term Loan) — 1,975 4.375% euro-denominated notes due 2018 (4.375% 2018 euro Notes) 616 599 5.70% notes due 2019 (5.70% 2019 Notes) 1,000 1,000 Floating Rate Notes due 2019 250 250 2.20% notes due 2019 (2.20% 2019 Notes) 1,400 1,400 2.125% euro-denominated notes due 2019 (2.125% 2019 euro Notes) 758 733 4.50% notes due 2020 (4.50% 2020 Notes) 300 300 2.125% notes due 2020 (2.125% 2020 Notes) 750 750 3.45% notes due 2020 (3.45% 2020 Notes) 900 900 4.10% notes due 2021 (4.10% 2021 Notes) 1,000 1,000 1.85% notes due 2021 (1.85% 2021 Notes) 750 — 3.875% notes due 2021 (3.875% 2021 Notes) 1,750 1,750 1.25% euro-denominated notes due 2022 (1.25% 2022 euro Notes) 1,404 — 2.70% notes due 2022 (2.70% 2022 Notes) 500 500 3.625% notes due 2022 (3.625% 2022 Notes) 750 750 0.41% Swiss-franc-denominated bonds due 2023 (0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds) 721 — 2.25% notes due 2023 (2.25% 2023 Notes) 750 — 3.625% notes due 2024 (3.625% 2024 Notes) 1,400 1,400 3.125% notes due 2025 (3.125% 2025 Notes) 1,000 1,000 2.00% euro-denominated notes due 2026 (2.00% 2026 euro Notes) 843 — 2.60% notes due 2026 (2.60% 2026 Notes) 1,250 — 5.50% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2026 (5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes) 616 700 4.00% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2029 (4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes) 908 1,032 6.375% notes due 2037 (6.375% 2037 Notes) 552 900 6.90% notes due 2038 (6.90% 2038 Notes) 291 500 6.40% notes due 2039 (6.40% 2039 Notes) 466 1,000 5.75% notes due 2040 (5.75% 2040 Notes) 412 700 4.95% notes due 2041 (4.95% 2041 Notes) 600 600 5.15% notes due 2041 (5.15% 2041 Notes) 974 2,250 5.65% notes due 2042 (5.65% 2042 Notes) 487 1,250 5.375% notes due 2043 (5.375% 2043 Notes) 261 1,000 4.40% notes due 2045 (4.40% 2045 Notes) 2,250 1,250 4.563% notes due 2048 (4.563% 2048 Notes) 1,415 — 4.663% notes due 2051 (4.663% 2051 Notes) 3,541 — Other notes 100 100 Unamortized bond discounts, premiums and issuance costs, net (942 ) (210 ) Total carrying value of debt $ 35,323 $ 31,429 Less current portion (4,797 ) (2,247 ) Total noncurrent debt $ 30,526 $ 29,182
Principal amounts of Old Notes tendered and subsequently canceled	The following principal amounts of each series of Old Notes were validly tendered and subsequently canceled (in millions): Principal Amount Exchanged 6.375% 2037 Notes $ 348 6.90% 2038 Notes 209 6.40% 2039 Notes 534 5.75% 2040 Notes 288 5.15% 2041 Notes 1,276 5.65% 2042 Notes 763 5.375% 2043 Notes 739

Stockholders' equity (Tables)

Stockholders' equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Share repurchase program activity	Activity under our stock repurchase program, on a trade date basis, was as follows (in millions): 2016 2015 Shares* Dollars Shares Dollars First quarter 4.7 $ 690 2.9 $ 451 Second quarter 3.9 591 3.3 515 Third quarter 4.4 747 4.6 703 12.9 $ 2,028 10.8 $ 1,669 * Shares do not foot due to rounding.
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (AOCI) were as follows (in millions): Foreign currency translation Cash flow hedges Available-for-sale securities Other AOCI Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ (511 ) $ 297 $ (260 ) $ (6 ) $ (480 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 36 — — — 36 Unrealized (losses) gains — (117 ) 379 — 262 Reclassification adjustments to income — (166 ) 30 — (136 ) Income taxes (3 ) 104 (51 ) — 50 Balance as of March 31, 2016 $ (478 ) $ 118 $ 98 $ (6 ) $ (268 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (22 ) — — — (22 ) Unrealized (losses) gains — (144 ) 268 — 124 Reclassification adjustments to income — 133 23 — 156 Other — — — 1 1 Income taxes 5 5 (107 ) — (97 ) Balance as of June 30, 2016 $ (495 ) $ 112 $ 282 $ (5 ) $ (106 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 11 — — — 11 Unrealized gains (losses) — 35 (19 ) — 16 Reclassification adjustments to income — (65 ) (23 ) — (88 ) Other — — — 1 1 Income taxes (2 ) 14 15 — 27 Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ (486 ) $ 96 $ 255 $ (4 ) $ (139 )
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income	The reclassifications out of AOCI and into earnings were as follows (in millions): Amounts reclassified out of AOCI Components of AOCI Three months ended September 30, 2016 Three months ended September 30, 2015 Line item affected in the Statements of Income Cash flow hedges: Foreign currency contract gains $ 67 $ 86 Product sales Cross-currency swap contract losses (1 ) (67 ) Interest and other income, net Forward interest rate contract losses (1 ) — Interest expense, net 65 19 Total before income tax (27 ) (7 ) Tax expense $ 38 $ 12 Net of taxes Available-for-sale securities: Net realized gains (losses) $ 23 $ (39 ) Interest and other income, net (8 ) 15 Tax (expense) benefit $ 15 $ (24 ) Net of taxes Amounts reclassified out of AOCI Components of AOCI Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Line item affected in the Statements of Income Cash flow hedges: Foreign currency contract gains $ 242 $ 246 Product sales Cross-currency swap contract losses (143 ) (114 ) Interest and other income, net Forward interest rate contract losses (1 ) (1 ) Interest expense, net 98 131 Total before income tax (39 ) (47 ) Tax expense $ 59 $ 84 Net of taxes Available-for-sale securities: Net realized losses $ (30 ) $ (83 ) Interest and other income, net — 31 Tax benefit $ (30 ) $ (52 ) Net of taxes

Fair value measurement (Tables)

Fair value measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of each major class of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The fair value of each major class of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis was as follows (in millions): Quoted prices in Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair value measurement as of September 30, 2016, using: Total Assets: Available-for-sale investments: U.S. Treasury securities $ 7,547 $ — $ — $ 7,547 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. — 303 — 303 Foreign and other — 1,823 — 1,823 Corporate debt securities: Financial — 8,489 — 8,489 Industrial — 8,770 — 8,770 Other — 1,054 — 1,054 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 2,109 — 2,109 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities — 1,762 — 1,762 Money market mutual funds 2,089 — — 2,089 Other short-term interest-bearing securities — 3,619 — 3,619 Equity securities 163 — — 163 Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts — 43 — 43 Cross-currency swap contracts — 69 — 69 Interest rate swap contracts — 205 — 205 Total assets $ 9,799 $ 28,246 $ — $ 38,045 Liabilities: Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts $ — $ 35 $ — $ 35 Cross-currency swap contracts — 442 — 442 Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations — — 176 176 Total liabilities $ — $ 477 $ 176 $ 653 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair value measurement as of December 31, 2015, using: Total Assets: Available-for-sale investments: U.S. Treasury securities $ 4,274 $ — $ — $ 4,274 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. — 534 — 534 Foreign and other — 1,739 — 1,739 Corporate debt securities: Financial — 7,871 — 7,871 Industrial — 7,836 — 7,836 Other — 885 — 885 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 1,470 — 1,470 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities — 2,469 — 2,469 Money market mutual funds 3,370 — — 3,370 Other short-term interest-bearing securities — 528 — 528 Equity securities 136 — — 136 Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts — 142 — 142 Interest rate swap contracts — 71 — 71 Total assets $ 7,780 $ 23,545 $ — $ 31,325 Liabilities: Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts $ — $ 8 $ — $ 8 Cross-currency swap contracts — 250 — 250 Interest rate swap contracts — 3 — 3 Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations — — 188 188 Total liabilities $ — $ 261 $ 188 $ 449
Changes in carrying amounts of contingent consideration obligations	Changes in the carrying amounts of contingent consideration obligations were as follows (in millions): Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 171 $ 215 $ 188 $ 215 Net changes in valuation 5 (18 ) (12 ) (18 ) Ending balance $ 176 $ 197 $ 176 $ 197

Derivative instruments (Tables)

Derivative instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of notional amounts and interest rates for cross-currency swaps	The notional amounts and interest rates of our cross-currency swaps are as follows (notional amounts in millions): Foreign currency U.S. dollars Hedged notes Notional amount Interest rate Notional amount Interest rate 2.125% 2019 euro Notes € 675 2.125 % $ 864 2.6 % 1.25% 2022 euro Notes € 1,250 1.25 % $ 1,388 3.2 % 0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds CHF 700 0.41 % $ 704 3.4 % 2.00% 2026 euro Notes € 750 2.00 % $ 833 3.9 % 5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes £ 475 5.50 % $ 747 6.0 % 4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes £ 700 4.00 % $ 1,111 4.5 %
Effective portion of the unrealized gain (loss) recognized in Other Comprehensive Income for our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	The effective portions of the unrealized gain/(loss) recognized in other comprehensive income for our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges were as follows (in millions): Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships 2016 2015 2016 2015 Foreign currency contracts $ (26 ) $ 53 $ (88 ) $ 346 Cross-currency swap contracts 67 (118 ) (128 ) (199 ) Forward interest rate contracts (6 ) — (10 ) — Total $ 35 $ (65 ) $ (226 ) $ 147
Location in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the effective portion of gain (loss) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into earnings for our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	The locations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the effective portions of the gain/(loss) reclassified out of AOCI and into earnings for our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges were as follows (in millions): Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships Statements of Income location 2016 2015 2016 2015 Foreign currency contracts Product sales $ 67 $ 86 $ 242 $ 246 Cross-currency swap contracts Interest and other income, net (1 ) (67 ) (143 ) (114 ) Forward interest rate contracts Interest expense, net (1 ) — (1 ) (1 ) Total $ 65 $ 19 $ 98 $ 131
Location in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings for the derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments	The location in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the amount of gain/(loss) recognized in earnings for our derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments were as follows (in millions): Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Statements of Income location 2016 2015 2016 2015 Foreign currency contracts Interest and other income, net $ 1 $ 9 $ (33 ) $ —
Fair values of derivatives included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	The fair values of derivatives included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in millions): Derivative assets Derivative liabilities September 30, 2016 Balance Sheet location Fair value Balance Sheet location Fair value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets $ 43 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities $ 34 Cross-currency swap contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets 69 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 442 Interest rate swap contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets 205 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities — Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 317 476 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets — Accrued liabilities 1 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments — 1 Total derivatives $ 317 $ 477 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities December 31, 2015 Balance Sheet location Fair value Balance Sheet location Fair value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets $ 142 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities $ 7 Cross-currency swap contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets — Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 250 Interest rate swap contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets 71 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 3 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 213 260 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets — Accrued liabilities 1 Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments — 1 Total derivatives $ 213 $ 261

Summary of significant accoun30

Summary of significant accounting policies (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment		1
Accumulated depreciation and amortization on property, plant and equipment	$ 7,500	$ 7,500		$ 7,300
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	$ 7	121
Change in net cash provided by operating activities		7,254	$ 7,658
Change in net cash used in financing activities		$ (477)	(2,849)
ASU 2016-09, Excess Tax Benefit [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Change in net cash provided by operating activities			247
Change in net cash used in financing activities			(247)
ASU 2016-09, Withholding Taxes on Shares Withheld [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Change in net cash provided by operating activities			394
Change in net cash used in financing activities			$ (394)

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Separation and Other Headcount-related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total costs incurred to date	$ 473
Asset-related Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total costs incurred to date	225
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected pre-tax accounting charges	800
Separation and other headcount-related costs	535
Accelerated depreciation and asset impairment and other related charges	265
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Expected pre-tax accounting charges	900
Separation and other headcount-related costs	585
Accelerated depreciation and asset impairment and other related charges	$ 315

Business combinations (Aggregat

Business combinations (Aggregate Consideration Paid - Dezima) (Details) - Dezima [Member] $ in Millions	Oct. 14, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total cash paid to former shareholders of Dezima	$ 300
Fair value of contingent consideration obligations	110
Total consideration	$ 410

Business combinations (Details

Business combinations (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Oct. 14, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 14,802,000,000	$ 14,787,000,000		$ 14,674,000,000	$ 14,788,000,000
Dezima [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum additional consideration due contingent on certain milestones	$ 1,250,000,000			$ 1,250,000,000
Estimated fair values of contingent consideration obligations	110,000,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets - IPR&D	400,000,000
Goodwill	108,000,000
Deferred tax liabilities	$ 100,000,000

Income taxes (Details)

Income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	16.60%	15.00%	15.90%	15.30%
Increase in gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits for period	$ 115		$ 335
Puerto Rico Excise Tax [Member]
Puerto Rico Excise Tax Rate [Line Items]
Excise tax rate effective through December 31, 2017			4.00%

Earnings per share (Details)

Earnings per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income (Numerator):
Net income for basic and diluted EPS	$ 2,017	$ 1,863	$ 5,787	$ 5,139
Shares (Denominator):
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS	747	757	752	760
Effect of dilutive securities	6	7	6	7
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS	753	764	758	767
Basic EPS (in usd per share)	$ 2.70	$ 2.46	$ 7.70	$ 6.76
Diluted EPS (in usd per share)	$ 2.68	$ 2.44	$ 7.63	$ 6.70

Available-for-sale investment36

Available-for-sale investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	$ 37,324	$ 31,366
Gross unrealized gains	429	75
Gross unrealized losses	(25)	(329)
Estimated fair value	37,728	31,112
U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	7,495	4,298
Gross unrealized gains	55	0
Gross unrealized losses	(3)	(24)
Estimated fair value	7,547	4,274
Other government-related debt securities - U.S. [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	302	536
Gross unrealized gains	1	0
Gross unrealized losses	0	(2)
Estimated fair value	303	534
Other government-related debt securities - Foreign and other [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	1,773	1,768
Gross unrealized gains	52	7
Gross unrealized losses	(2)	(36)
Estimated fair value	1,823	1,739
Corporate debt securities - Financial [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	8,381	7,904
Gross unrealized gains	110	7
Gross unrealized losses	(2)	(40)
Estimated fair value	8,489	7,871
Corporate debt securities - Industrial [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	8,636	7,961
Gross unrealized gains	142	11
Gross unrealized losses	(8)	(136)
Estimated fair value	8,770	7,836
Corporate debt securities - Other [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	1,040	905
Gross unrealized gains	15	1
Gross unrealized losses	(1)	(21)
Estimated fair value	1,054	885
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	2,106	1,484
Gross unrealized gains	8	1
Gross unrealized losses	(5)	(15)
Estimated fair value	2,109	1,470
Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	1,759	2,524
Gross unrealized gains	7	0
Gross unrealized losses	(4)	(55)
Estimated fair value	1,762	2,469
Money market mutual funds [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	2,089	3,370
Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Estimated fair value	2,089	3,370
Other short-term interest-bearing securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	3,619	528
Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Estimated fair value	3,619	528
Total interest-bearing securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	37,200	31,278
Gross unrealized gains	390	27
Gross unrealized losses	(25)	(329)
Estimated fair value	37,565	30,976
Equity securities [Member]
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	124	88
Gross unrealized gains	39	48
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Estimated fair value	$ 163	$ 136

Available-for-sale investment37

Available-for-sale investments (Fair Values by Classification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair values of available-for-sale investments by classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,485	$ 4,144	$ 3,226	$ 3,731
Marketable securities	34,495	27,238
Other assets — noncurrent	1,902	1,599
Total available-for-sale investments	37,728	31,112
Available-for-sale investments [Member]
Fair values of available-for-sale investments by classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Cash and cash equivalents	3,070	3,738
Marketable securities	34,495	27,238
Other assets — noncurrent	163	136
Total available-for-sale investments	$ 37,728	$ 31,112

Available-for-sale investment38

Available-for-sale investments (Fair Values by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair values of available-for-sale debt security investments by contractual maturity
Total available-for-sale investments	$ 37,728	$ 31,112
Total interest-bearing securities [Member]
Fair values of available-for-sale debt security investments by contractual maturity
Maturing in one year or less	7,121	4,578
Maturing after one year through three years	10,900	9,370
Maturing after three years through five years	12,068	9,932
Maturing after five years through ten years	3,525	3,087
Maturing after ten years	80	70
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	3,871	3,939
Total available-for-sale investments	$ 37,565	$ 30,976

Available-for-sale investment39

Available-for-sale investments (Unrealized Losses and Fair Values) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	$ 4,182	$ 20,856
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(18)	(250)
12 months or greater, Fair value	578	1,887
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	(7)	(79)
U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	957	4,196
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(3)	(24)
12 months or greater, Fair value	0	0
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	0	0
Other government-related debt securities - U.S. [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	77	494
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	0	(2)
12 months or greater, Fair value	0	20
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	0	0
Other government-related debt securities - Foreign and other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	192	1,306
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(2)	(32)
12 months or greater, Fair value	18	56
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	0	(4)
Corporate debt securities - Financial [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	638	5,988
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(2)	(38)
12 months or greater, Fair value	47	228
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	0	(2)
Corporate debt securities - Industrial [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	1,275	5,427
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(6)	(108)
12 months or greater, Fair value	204	679
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	(2)	(28)
Corporate debt securities - Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	110	807
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(1)	(19)
12 months or greater, Fair value	25	39
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	0	(2)
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	667	804
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(2)	(8)
12 months or greater, Fair value	182	304
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	(3)	(7)
Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	266	1,834
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(2)	(19)
12 months or greater, Fair value	102	561
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	$ (2)	$ (36)

Available-for-sale investment40

Available-for-sale investments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Line Items]
Total realized gains	$ 215	$ 19	$ 283	$ 73
Total realized losses	192	$ 58	313	$ 156
Available-for-sale investments [Member]
Investments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 415		$ 415		$ 406

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 220	$ 201
Work in process	1,356	1,529
Finished goods	1,105	705
Total inventories	$ 2,681	$ 2,435

Goodwill and other intangible42

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Goodwill Roll Forward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ 14,787	$ 14,788
Goodwill related to acquisitions of businesses	[1]	2	0
Currency translation adjustments		13	(114)
Ending balance		$ 14,802	$ 14,674
[1]	Consists of goodwill recognized on the acquisition dates of business combinations and subsequent adjustments to these amounts resulting from changes to the acquisition date fair values of net assets acquired in the business combinations recorded during their respective measurement periods.

Goodwill and other intangible43

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Idenfitiable Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Gross carrying amount	$ 19,085	$ 18,920
Accumulated amortization	(8,395)	(7,279)
Intangible assets, net	10,690	11,641
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	18,085	17,905
Accumulated amortization	(8,395)	(7,279)
Intangible assets, net	9,690	10,626
IPR&D [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,000	1,015
Developed Product Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	12,320	12,310
Accumulated amortization	(5,710)	(4,996)
Intangible assets, net	6,610	7,314
Licensing Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	3,275	3,275
Accumulated amortization	(1,225)	(998)
Intangible assets, net	2,050	2,277
Research and Development Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	1,142	1,134
Accumulated amortization	(696)	(635)
Intangible assets, net	446	499
Marketing-related Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	1,348	1,186
Accumulated amortization	(764)	(650)
Intangible assets, net	$ 584	$ 536

Goodwill and other intangible44

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization charges associated with finite-lived intangible assets	$ 371	$ 340	$ 1,100	$ 1,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for the six months ending December 31, 2016	372		372
Total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for 2017	1,300		1,300
Total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for 2018	1,200		1,200
Total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for 2019	1,100		1,100
Total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for 2020	1,000		1,000
Total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for 2021	$ 900		$ 900

Financing arrangements (Princip

Financing arrangements (Principal Amounts and Carrying Value of Long-term Borrowings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized bond discounts, premiums and issuance costs, net		$ (942)				$ (210)
Total carrying value of debt		35,323				31,429
Less current portion		(4,797)				(2,247)
Total noncurrent debt		30,526				29,182
Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized bond discounts, premiums and issuance costs, net			$ (801)
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.30% notes due 2016 (2.30% 2016 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 0				$ 750
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.30%				2.30%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.50% notes due 2016 (2.50% 2016 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,000				$ 1,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.50%				2.50%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.125% notes due 2017 (2.125% 2017 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,250				$ 1,250
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.125%				2.125%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | Floating Rate Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 600				$ 600
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 1.25% notes due 2017 (1.25% 2017 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 850				$ 850
Interest rate, stated percentage		1.25%				1.25%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 5.85% notes due 2017 (5.85% 2017 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,100				$ 1,100
Interest rate, stated percentage		5.85%				5.85%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 6.15% notes due 2018 (6.15% 2018 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 500				$ 500
Interest rate, stated percentage		6.15%				6.15%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.375% euro-denominated notes due 2018 (4.375% 2018 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 616				$ 599
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.375%				4.375%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 5.70% notes due 2019 (5.70% 2019 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,000				$ 1,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		5.70%				5.70%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | Floating Rate Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 250				$ 250
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.20% notes due 2019 (2.20% 2019 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,400				$ 1,400
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.20%				2.20%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.125% euro-denominated notes due 2019 (2.125% 2019 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 758				$ 733
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.125%				2.125%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.50% notes due 2020 (4.50% 2020 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 300				$ 300
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.50%				4.50%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.125% notes due 2020 (2.125% 2020 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 750				$ 750
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.125%				2.125%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 3.45% notes due 2020 (3.45% 2020 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 900				$ 900
Interest rate, stated percentage		3.45%				3.45%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.10% notes due 2021 (4.10% 2021 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,000				$ 1,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.10%				4.10%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 1.85% notes due 2021 (1.85% 2021 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 750				$ 0
Interest rate, stated percentage	1.85%	1.85%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 3.875% notes due 2021 (3.875% 2021 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,750				$ 1,750
Interest rate, stated percentage		3.875%				3.875%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 1.25% euro-denominated notes due 2022 (1.25% 2022 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,404
Interest rate, stated percentage		1.25%			1.25%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.70% notes due 2022 (2.70% 2022 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 500				$ 500
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.70%				2.70%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 3.625% notes due 2022 (3.625% 2022 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 750				$ 750
Interest rate, stated percentage		3.625%				3.625%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.25% notes due 2023 (2.25% 2023 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 750				$ 0
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.25%	2.25%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 3.625% notes due 2024 (3.625% 2024 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,400				$ 1,400
Interest rate, stated percentage		3.625%				3.625%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 3.125% notes due 2025 (3.125% 2025 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,000				$ 1,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		3.125%				3.125%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.00% euro-denominated notes due 2026 (2.00% 2026 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 843
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.00%			2.00%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.60% notes due 2026 (2.60% 2026 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,250				$ 0
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.60%	2.60%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 5.50% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2026 (5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 616				$ 700
Interest rate, stated percentage		5.50%				5.50%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.00% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2029 (4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 908				$ 1,032
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.00%				4.00%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 6.375% notes due 2037 (6.375% 2037 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 552				$ 900
Interest rate, stated percentage		6.375%				6.375%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 6.90% notes due 2038 (6.90% 2038 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 291				$ 500
Interest rate, stated percentage		6.90%				6.90%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 6.40% notes due 2039 (6.40% 2039 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 466				$ 1,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		6.40%				6.40%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 5.75% notes due 2040 (5.75% 2040 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 412				$ 700
Interest rate, stated percentage		5.75%				5.75%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.95% notes due 2041 (4.95% 2041 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 600				$ 600
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.95%				4.95%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 5.15% notes due 2041 (5.15% 2041 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 974				$ 2,250
Interest rate, stated percentage		5.15%				5.15%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 5.65% notes due 2042 (5.65% 2042 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 487				$ 1,250
Interest rate, stated percentage		5.65%				5.65%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 5.375% notes due 2043 (5.375% 2043 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 261				$ 1,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		5.375%				5.375%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.40% notes due 2045 (4.40% 2045 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 2,250				$ 1,250
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.40%	4.40%				4.40%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.563% notes due 2048 (4.563% 2048 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 1,415
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.563%	4.563%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.663% notes due 2051 (4.663% 2051 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 3,541
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.663%	4.663%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 0				$ 1,975
Bonds [Member] | 0.41% Swiss-franc-denominated bonds due 2023 (0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 721
Interest rate, stated percentage		0.41%		0.41%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event		101.00%
Other Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings		$ 100				$ 100

Financing arrangements (Details

Financing arrangements (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016CHF (SFr)	Sep. 30, 2016EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016CHF (SFr)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of principal amount of debt			$ 2,725,000,000	$ 2,275,000,000
Unamortized bond discounts, premiums and issuance costs, net						$ 942,000,000							$ 210,000,000
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in balances resulting from adoption of new standard													(3,000,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in balances resulting from adoption of new standard													(3,000,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in balances resulting from adoption of new standard													(124,000,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Change in balances resulting from adoption of new standard													$ (124,000,000)
Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued	$ 3,750,000,000										$ 2,200,000,000
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
Unamortized bond discounts, premiums and issuance costs, net		$ 801,000,000
Notes [Member] | 4.375% euro-denominated notes due 2018 (4.375% 2018 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued | €								€ 550,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage					4.375%	4.375%	4.375%	4.375%					4.375%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.125% euro-denominated notes due 2019 (2.125% 2019 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued | €								€ 675,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage					2.125%	2.125%	2.125%	2.125%					2.125%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 1.25% euro-denominated notes due 2022 (1.25% 2022 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued | €								€ 1,250,000,000				€ 1,250,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage					1.25%	1.25%	1.25%	1.25%			1.25%	1.25%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.00% euro-denominated notes due 2026 (2.00% 2026 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued | €								€ 750,000,000				€ 750,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage					2.00%	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%			2.00%	2.00%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 5.50% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2026 (5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued | £					£ 475,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage					5.50%	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%					5.50%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.00% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2029 (4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued | £					£ 700,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage					4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%					4.00%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.30% notes due 2016 (2.30% 2016 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage					2.30%	2.30%	2.30%	2.30%					2.30%
Repayment of principal amount of debt			$ 750,000,000
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 1.85% notes due 2021 (1.85% 2021 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	1.85%				1.85%	1.85%	1.85%	1.85%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.25% notes due 2023 (2.25% 2023 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.25%				2.25%	2.25%	2.25%	2.25%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 2.60% notes due 2026 (2.60% 2026 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.60%				2.60%	2.60%	2.60%	2.60%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.40% notes due 2045 (4.40% 2045 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued	$ 1,000,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.40%				4.40%	4.40%	4.40%	4.40%					4.40%
Premium on debt issuance	$ 79,000,000
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | New Senior Notes [Member] | Interest and other income, net [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Transaction costs		24,000,000
Notes [Member] | 4.563% notes due 2048 (4.563% 2048 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued		$ 1,400,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.563%			4.563%	4.563%	4.563%	4.563%
Effective interest rate					6.30%	6.30%	6.30%	6.30%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Notes [Member] | 4.663% notes due 2051 (4.663% 2051 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued		$ 3,500,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.663%			4.663%	4.663%	4.663%	4.663%
Effective interest rate					5.60%	5.60%	5.60%	5.60%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Bonds [Member] | 0.41% Swiss-franc-denominated bonds due 2023 (0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of notes issued							SFr 700,000,000		$ 704,000,000	SFr 700,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage					0.41%	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event			101.00%
Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of principal amount of debt			$ 1,975,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption period without payment of a make-whole amount	1 month
Maximum [Member] | Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption period without payment of a make-whole amount	6 months

Financing arrangements (Debt Ex

Financing arrangements (Debt Exchange) (Details) - Notes [Member] $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
6.375% notes due 2037 (6.375% 2037 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount Exchanged	$ 348
6.90% notes due 2038 (6.90% 2038 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount Exchanged	209
6.40% notes due 2039 (6.40% 2039 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount Exchanged	534
5.75% notes due 2040 (5.75% 2040 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount Exchanged	288
5.15% notes due 2041 (5.15% 2041 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount Exchanged	1,276
5.65% notes due 2042 (5.65% 2042 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount Exchanged	763
5.375% notes due 2043 (5.375% 2043 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal Amount Exchanged	$ 739

Stockholders' equity (Share Rep

Stockholders' equity (Share Repurchase Program) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stock repurchased, Shares	4.4	3.9	4.7	4.6	3.3	2.9	12.9	10.8
Stock repurchased	$ 747	$ 591	$ 690	$ 703	$ 515	$ 451	$ 2,028	$ 1,669

Stockholders' equity (Details T

Stockholders' equity (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended						3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jul. 29, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Amount available for stock repurchases under a board approved stock repurchase plan		$ 2,900,000,000					$ 2,900,000,000		$ 2,900,000,000
Common stock, dividends declared per share (in usd per share)			$ 1		$ 1	$ 1
Dividends paid per share (in usd per share)		$ 1		$ 1	$ 1		$ 1	$ 0.79	$ 3	$ 2.37
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Amount authorized for stock repurchase	$ 5,000,000,000
Common stock, dividends declared per share (in usd per share)	$ 1

Stockholders' equity (Component

Stockholders' equity (Components of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period			$ 28,083		$ 28,083
Other	$ 1	$ 1		$ 5	2	$ 5
Balance as of end of period	30,773				30,773
Foreign currency translation [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	(495)	(478)	(511)		(511)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	11	(22)	36
Income taxes	(2)	5	(3)
Balance as of end of period	(486)	(495)	(478)		(486)
Cash flow hedges [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	112	118	297		297
Unrealized (losses) gains	35	(144)	(117)
Reclassification adjustments to income	(65)	133	(166)
Income taxes	14	5	104
Balance as of end of period	96	112	118		96
Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	282	98	(260)		(260)
Unrealized (losses) gains	(19)	268	379
Reclassification adjustments to income	(23)	23	30
Income taxes	15	(107)	(51)
Balance as of end of period	255	282	98		255
Other [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	(5)	(6)	(6)		(6)
Other	1	1
Balance as of end of period	(4)	(5)	(6)		(4)
AOCI [Member[
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	(106)	(268)	(480)		(480)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	11	(22)	36
Unrealized (losses) gains	16	124	262
Reclassification adjustments to income	(88)	156	(136)
Income taxes	27	(97)	50
Balance as of end of period	$ (139)	$ (106)	$ (268)		$ (139)

Stockholders' equity (Reclassif

Stockholders' equity (Reclassifications out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Product sales	$ 5,516	$ 5,516	$ 16,229	$ 15,615
Interest and other income, net	216	135	503	439
Interest expense, net	(325)	(282)	(932)	(811)
Total before income tax	2,418	2,192	6,880	6,065
Tax expense	(401)	(329)	(1,093)	(926)
Net of taxes	2,017	1,863	5,787	5,139
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before income tax	65	19	98	131
Tax expense	(27)	(7)	(39)	(47)
Net of taxes	38	12	59	84
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Product sales	67	86	242	246
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest and other income, net	(1)	(67)	(143)	(114)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Forward interest rate contract [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	(1)	0	(1)	(1)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest and other income, net	23	(39)	(30)	(83)
Tax expense	(8)	15	0	31
Net of taxes	$ 15	$ (24)	$ (30)	$ (52)

Fair value measurement (Details

Fair value measurement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	$ 37,728		$ 31,112
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives:
Total assets	38,045		31,325
Derivatives:
Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations	176		188
Total liabilities	653		449
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	43		142
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	35		8
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	69
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	442		250
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	205		71
Derivatives:
Interest rate swap contracts			3
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	7,547		4,274
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other government-related debt securities - U.S. [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	303		534
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other government-related debt securities - Foreign and other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	1,823		1,739
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Financial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	8,489		7,871
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Industrial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	8,770		7,836
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	1,054		885
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	2,109		1,470
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	1,762		2,469
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market mutual funds [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	2,089		3,370
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other short-term interest-bearing securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	3,619		528
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	163		136
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Derivatives:
Total assets	9,799		7,780
Derivatives:
Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations	0		0
Total liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	0		0
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	0
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	0		0
Derivatives:
Interest rate swap contracts			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	7,547		4,274
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other government-related debt securities - U.S. [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other government-related debt securities - Foreign and other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Financial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Industrial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Money market mutual funds [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	2,089		3,370
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other short-term interest-bearing securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	163		136
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Derivatives:
Total assets	28,246		23,545
Derivatives:
Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations	0		0
Total liabilities	477		261
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	43		142
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	35		8
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	69
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	442		250
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	205		71
Derivatives:
Interest rate swap contracts			3
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other government-related debt securities - U.S. [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	303		534
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other government-related debt securities - Foreign and other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	1,823		1,739
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Financial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	8,489		7,871
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Industrial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	8,770		7,836
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	1,054		885
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	2,109		1,470
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	1,762		2,469
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Money market mutual funds [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other short-term interest-bearing securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	3,619		528
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Derivatives:
Total assets	0		0
Derivatives:
Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations	176	$ 171	188	$ 197	$ 215	$ 215
Total liabilities	176		188
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	0		0
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	0
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	0		0
Derivatives:
Interest rate swap contracts			0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other government-related debt securities - U.S. [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other government-related debt securities - Foreign and other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Financial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Industrial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Money market mutual funds [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other short-term interest-bearing securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	$ 0		$ 0

Fair value measurement (Changes

Fair value measurement (Changes in Contingent Consideration Obligation) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 188
Ending balance	$ 176		176
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	171	$ 215	188	$ 215
Net changes in valuation	5	(18)	(12)	(18)
Ending balance	$ 176	$ 197	$ 176	$ 197

Fair value measurements (Detail

Fair value measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Oct. 14, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Length of time hedged in foreign currency contracts (or less)		3 years
Aggregate fair value of long-term debt, including current portion		$ 39,200,000,000	$ 33,100,000,000
Carrying value of long-term debt, including current portion		$ 35,323,000,000	$ 31,429,000,000
Dezima [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum additional consideration due contingent on milestones	$ 1,250,000,000			$ 1,250,000,000
Estimated fair values of contingent consideration obligations	$ 110,000,000
BioVex [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum additional consideration due contingent on milestones					$ 325,000,000
Other Government-related and Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment maturity period		5 years

Derivative instruments (Details

Derivative instruments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Length of time hedged in foreign currency contracts			3 years
Interest expense, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on the hedged debt	$ 61	$ (134)	$ (137)	$ (140)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	(61)	$ 134	137	$ 140
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	3,500		3,500		$ 3,300
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	874		874		911
Foreign currency option contracts [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	178		178		225
Forward interest rate contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amounts expected to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next 12 months	(2)		(2)
Foreign currency and cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amounts expected to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next 12 months	39		39
Interest rate swap [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 6,650		$ 6,650		$ 6,650
Rate adjustment to LIBOR on interest rate swap agreements [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, variable interest rate	0.40%		0.40%		0.40%
Rate adjustment to LIBOR on interest rate swap agreements [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, variable interest rate	2.00%		2.00%		2.00%

Derivative instruments (Cross-c

Derivative instruments (Cross-currency Swaps) (Details) - Cash flow hedge [Member] - Cross currency swap contracts [Member] € in Millions, £ in Millions, SFr in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016CHF (SFr)	Sep. 30, 2016EUR (€)
2.125% 2019 euro Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 864		€ 675
2.125% 2019 euro Notes [Member] | Interest rate received [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.125%	2.125%	2.125%	2.125%
2.125% 2019 euro Notes [Member] | Interest rate paid [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.60%	2.60%	2.60%	2.60%
1.25% 2022 euro Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 1,388		€ 1,250
1.25% 2022 euro Notes [Member] | Interest rate received [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.25%	1.25%	1.25%	1.25%
1.25% 2022 euro Notes [Member] | Interest rate paid [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%
0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds [Member[
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 704	SFr 700
0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds [Member[ | Interest rate received [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%
0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds [Member[ | Interest rate paid [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.40%	3.40%	3.40%	3.40%
2.00% 2026 euro Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount		$ 833		€ 750
2.00% 2026 euro Notes [Member] | Interest rate received [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
2.00% 2026 euro Notes [Member] | Interest rate paid [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.90%	3.90%	3.90%	3.90%
5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	£ 475	$ 747
5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes [Member] | Interest rate received [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes [Member] | Interest rate paid [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	£ 700	$ 1,111
4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes [Member] | Interest rate received [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes [Member] | Interest rate paid [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%

Derivative instruments (Effecti

Derivative instruments (Effective Portion of Unrealized Gain (Loss)) (Details) - Cash flow hedge [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Effective portion of the unrealized gain (loss) recognized in Other Comprehensive Income for our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, effective portion, net	$ 35	$ (65)	$ (226)	$ 147
Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Effective portion of the unrealized gain (loss) recognized in Other Comprehensive Income for our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, effective portion, net	(26)	53	(88)	346
Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Effective portion of the unrealized gain (loss) recognized in Other Comprehensive Income for our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, effective portion, net	67	(118)	(128)	(199)
Forward interest rate contracts [Member]
Effective portion of the unrealized gain (loss) recognized in Other Comprehensive Income for our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, effective portion, net	$ (6)	$ 0	$ (10)	$ 0

Derivative instruments (Locatio

Derivative instruments (Locations and Effective Portions of Gain (Loss) Reclassified out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Product sales	$ 5,516	$ 5,516	$ 16,229	$ 15,615
Interest and other income, net	216	135	503	439
Interest expense, net	(325)	(282)	(932)	(811)
Income before income taxes	2,418	2,192	6,880	6,065
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	65	19	98	131
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Product sales	67	86	242	246
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest and other income, net	(1)	(67)	(143)	(114)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Forward interest rate contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	(1)	0	(1)	(1)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash flow hedge [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	65	19	98	131
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash flow hedge [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Product sales	67	86	242	246
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash flow hedge [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest and other income, net	(1)	(67)	(143)	(114)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash flow hedge [Member] | Forward interest rate contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	$ (1)	$ 0	$ (1)	$ (1)

Derivative instruments (Locat59

Derivative instruments (Locations and Gain (Loss) for Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Interest and other income, net [Member]
Location in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings for our derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in interest and other income, net	$ 1	$ 9	$ (33)	$ 0

Derivative instruments (Fair Va

Derivative instruments (Fair Value of Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	$ 317	$ 213
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	477	261
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	317	213
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	476	260
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Other current assets/Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	43	142
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Accrued liabilities/Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	34	7
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member] | Other current assets/Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	69	0
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member] | Accrued liabilities/Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	442	250
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member] | Other current assets/Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	205	71
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member] | Accrued liabilities/Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	0	3
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	0	0
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	1	1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	0	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	$ 1	$ 1

Contingencies and commitments (

Contingencies and commitments (Details Textual) (Details) - lawsuit	Oct. 24, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016
Sensipar (cinacalcet) Patent Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits		12
Subsequent Event [Member] | KYPROLIS (carfilzomib) Patent Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits	3