Amgen (AMGN) 10-Q 26 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 17, 2017
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, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		725,910,575

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Revenues:
Product sales	$ 5,453	$ 5,516	$ 16,226	$ 16,229
Other revenues	320	295	821	797
Total revenues	5,773	5,811	17,047	17,026
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales	990	1,027	3,010	3,095
Research and development	877	990	2,519	2,762
Selling, general and administrative	1,170	1,244	3,443	3,739
Other	297	23	347	121
Total operating expenses	3,334	3,284	9,319	9,717
Operating income	2,439	2,527	7,728	7,309
Interest expense, net	325	325	972	932
Interest and other income, net	267	216	627	503
Income before income taxes	2,381	2,418	7,383	6,880
Provision for income taxes	360	401	1,140	1,093
Net income	$ 2,021	$ 2,017	$ 6,243	$ 5,787
Earnings per share:
Basic (in usd per share)	$ 2.78	$ 2.70	$ 8.52	$ 7.70
Diluted (in usd per share)	$ 2.76	$ 2.68	$ 8.46	$ 7.63
Shares used in calculation of earnings per share:
Basic (in shares)	728	747	733	752
Diluted (in shares)	733	753	738	758
Dividends paid per share (in usd per share)	$ 1.15	$ 1	$ 3.45	$ 3

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 2,021	$ 2,017	$ 6,243	$ 5,787
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of reclassification adjustments and taxes:
Foreign currency translation gains	41	9	100	25
Effective portion of cash flow hedges	(50)	(16)	(324)	(201)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	9	(27)	247	515
Other	6	1	5	2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	6	(33)	28	341
Comprehensive income	$ 2,027	$ 1,984	$ 6,271	$ 6,128

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,000	$ 3,241
Marketable securities	38,351	34,844
Trade receivables, net	3,404	3,165
Inventories	2,927	2,745
Other current assets	2,070	2,015
Total current assets	49,752	46,010
Property, plant and equipment, net	4,914	4,961
Intangible assets, net	8,873	10,279
Goodwill	14,776	14,751
Other noncurrent assets	2,016	1,625
Total assets	80,331	77,626
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	879	917
Accrued liabilities	5,315	5,884
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	1,999	4,403
Total current liabilities	8,193	11,204
Long-term debt	33,777	30,193
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	2,131	2,436
Long-term tax liabilities	2,733	2,419
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,268	1,499
Contingencies and commitments
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock and additional paid-in capital; $0.0001 par value; 2,750.0 shares authorized; outstanding — 726.6 shares in 2017 and 738.2 shares in 2016	30,898	30,784
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	1,774	(438)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(443)	(471)
Total stockholders’ equity	32,229	29,875
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 80,331	$ 77,626

Condensed Consolidated Balance5

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	2,750
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, shares outstanding	726.6	738.2

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 6,243	$ 5,787
Depreciation and amortization	1,506	1,546
Share-based compensation expense	244	222
Deferred income taxes	(379)	80
Other items, net	381	93
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables, net	(229)	(192)
Inventories	(54)	(125)
Other assets	(110)	(335)
Accounts payable	(50)	(147)
Accrued income taxes, net	48	(140)
Other liabilities	565	465
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,165	7,254
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(511)	(511)
Purchases of marketable securities	(26,661)	(22,682)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	18,580	14,072
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities	4,765	1,932
Other	(119)	(247)
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,946)	(7,436)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of debt	3,485	6,713
Repayment of debt	(4,405)	(2,725)
Net change in commercial paper	1,499	0
Repurchases of common stock	(2,371)	(1,982)
Dividends paid	(2,531)	(2,251)
Other	(137)	(232)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,460)	(477)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(241)	(659)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,241	4,144
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 3,000	$ 3,485

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 , 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, 2016 , 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, 2017 and June 30, 2017. 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 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Recent accounting pronouncements 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. The new standards are required to be adopted using either a full-retrospective or a modified-retrospective approach. We expect to adopt this standard by using the modified-retrospective approach beginning in 2018. We have completed our impact assessment and do not currently anticipate a material impact on Total revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We are implementing changes to our accounting policies, business processes, internal controls and disclosures to support the new accounting, however these changes are not expected to be significant. In January 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that amends the accounting and disclosures of financial instruments, including a provision requiring that equity investments (except for investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting) 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. With the exception of equity investments currently being accounted for at cost, adjustments are applied using a modified-retrospective approach by reflecting adjustments through a cumulative-effect impact on retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The new standard will be applied prospectively to investments currently accounted for at cost. The impact that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements will depend on the fair value of available-for-sale equity securities in our portfolio in the future. See Note 6, Available-for-sale investments, for the fair value of equity securities as of September 30, 2017 . 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, including leases classified as operating leases under current GAAP, and disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements. The new standard requires a modified-retrospective approach to adoption and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2019, but may be adopted earlier. We expect to adopt this standard beginning in 2019. We do not expect that this standard will have a material impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income, but we do expect that upon adoption, this standard will have a material impact on our assets and liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The primary effect of adoption will be the requirement to record right-of-use assets and corresponding lease obligations for current operating leases. In addition, the standard will require that we update our systems, processes and controls we use to track, record and account for our lease portfolio. 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 as an allowance through net income 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, but may be adopted earlier, beginning on January 1, 2019. With certain exceptions, adjustments are to be applied using a modified-retrospective approach by reflecting adjustments through a cumulative-effect impact on retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that amends the income tax accounting guidance for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The new standard requires that entities recognize the income tax consequences of an intercompany transfer of an asset, other than inventory, in the period the transfer occurs. The current exception to defer the recognition of any tax impact on intercompany transfers of inventory until the inventory is sold to a third party remains unaffected. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018, but may be adopted earlier. We expect to adopt this standard beginning in 2018. The standard would be applied prospectively to any transaction occurring on or after the adoption date. We have completed our impact assessment and do not currently anticipate a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that changes the definition of a business to assist entities with the evaluation of when a set of assets acquired or disposed of should be considered a business. The new standard requires that an entity evaluate whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of assets would not be considered a business. The new standard also requires that a business include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The new standard will be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018, but may be adopted earlier. We expect to adopt this standard beginning in 2018. Adoption of this new standard may result in more transactions being accounted for as asset acquisitions versus business combinations; however, the impact on our consolidated financial statements will depend on the facts and circumstances of future transactions.

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	Restructuring In 2014, we initiated a restructuring plan to invest in both continuing innovation and the launch of our new pipeline molecules while improving our cost structure. As part of the plan, we closed 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 that consist primarily of asset impairments, accelerated depreciation and other related costs resulting from the consolidation of our worldwide facilities. Through September 30, 2017 , we incurred a total of $532 million of separation and other headcount-related costs and $239 million of net asset-related charges. The amounts related to the restructuring recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , were not significant. As of September 30, 2017 , the total restructuring liability was not significant.

Income taxes

Income taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , were 15.1% and 15.4% , respectively, compared with 16.6% and 15.9% , respectively, 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 decrease in our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 , was due primarily to favorable tax impacts of changes in the jurisdictional mix of income and expenses, as well as discrete benefits associated with the impairment of our AMG 899 (formerly TA-8995) asset and the related release of contingent consideration liabilities connected with the acquisition of Dezima Pharma B.V. (Dezima) (see Note 8, Goodwill and other intangible assets and Note 11, Fair value measurement), offset partially by adjustments to certain federal tax credits and deductions. The decrease in our effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , was due primarily to favorable tax impacts of changes in the jurisdictional mix of income and expenses, as well as discrete benefits associated with the effective settlement of certain state and federal tax matters, offset partially by lower tax benefits from share-based compensation payments and adjustments to certain federal tax credits and deductions. The U.S. territory of 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% and is effective through December 31, 2027. 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 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, regulations and the interpretation of the relevant facts. As previously disclosed, we received a Revenue Agent Report (RAR) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012. The RAR proposes to make significant adjustments that relate primarily to the allocation of profits between certain of our entities in the United States and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. We are in discussions with the IRS examination team and understand that the RAR may be modified. We disagree with the proposed adjustments and are pursuing resolution through the IRS administrative appeals process, which we believe will likely not be concluded within the next 12 months. Final resolution of the IRS audit could have a material impact on our results of operations and cash flows if not resolved favorably, however, we believe our income tax reserves are appropriately provided for all open tax years. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years ended on or before December 31, 2009. In addition, we are currently under examination by a number of other state and foreign tax jurisdictions. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the gross amounts of our unrecognized tax benefits (UTBs) increased approximately $120 million and $345 million , respectively, as a result of tax positions taken during the current year. Substantially all of the UTBs as of September 30, 2017 , if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 2017 2016 2017 2016 Income (Numerator): Net income for basic and diluted EPS $ 2,021 $ 2,017 $ 6,243 $ 5,787 Shares (Denominator): Weighted-average shares for basic EPS 728 747 733 752 Effect of dilutive securities 5 6 5 6 Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS 733 753 738 758 Basic EPS $ 2.78 $ 2.70 $ 8.52 $ 7.70 Diluted EPS $ 2.76 $ 2.68 $ 8.46 $ 7.63 For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the number of anti-dilutive employee share-based awards excluded from the computation of diluted EPS was not significant.

Collaborations

Collaborations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Collaborations	Collaborations A collaborative arrangement is a contractual arrangement that involves a joint operating activity. Such arrangements involve two or more parties that are both: (i) active participants in the activity and (ii) exposed to significant risks and rewards dependent on the commercial success of the activity. From time to time, we enter into collaborative arrangements for the research and development (R&D), manufacture and/or commercialization of products and/or product candidates. These collaborations generally provide for non-refundable up-front license fees, development and commercial performance milestone payments, cost sharing, royalty payments and/or profit sharing. Our collaborative arrangements are performed with no guarantee of either technological or commercial success, and each is unique in nature. The following describes a significant arrangement that had a material change since the filing of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Novartis Pharma AG In April 2017, we expanded our existing migraine collaboration with Novartis Pharma AG (Novartis), a wholly owned subsidiary of Novartis AG. In the United States, Amgen and Novartis will jointly develop and collaborate on the commercialization of Aimovig ™ (erenumab). Amgen, as the principal, will recognize product sales of Aimovig ™ in the United States, will share U.S. commercialization costs with Novartis and will pay Novartis a significant royalty on net sales in the United States. Novartis holds global co-development rights and exclusive commercial rights outside the United States and Japan. Novartis will pay Amgen double-digit royalties on net sales of the products in the Novartis exclusive territories. Novartis will fund a portion of global R&D expenses. Novartis will also make payments to Amgen that could collectively exceed $400 million if certain regulatory events occur and commercial thresholds are achieved. Amgen will manufacture and supply Aimovig ™ worldwide. The migraine collaboration will continue for the commercial life of the products unless terminated in accordance with its terms. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, costs recovered from Novartis for the migraine products were $29 million and $6 million , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, costs recovered from Novartis for the migraine products were $86 million and $26 million , respectively. Costs recovered are included primarily in Research and development expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , we received a milestone payment of $60 million from Novartis, which was recorded in Other revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Available-for-sale investments

Available-for-sale investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale investments	Available-for-sale investments The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security were as follows (in millions): Type of security as of September 30, 2017 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value U.S. Treasury securities $ 8,029 $ 6 $ (17 ) $ 8,018 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 225 — (1 ) 224 Foreign and other 2,634 41 (4 ) 2,671 Corporate debt securities: Financial 10,198 63 (7 ) 10,254 Industrial 9,829 94 (17 ) 9,906 Other 1,251 12 (2 ) 1,261 Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,212 2 (10 ) 2,204 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 2,071 — (4 ) 2,067 Money market mutual funds 2,455 — — 2,455 Other short-term interest-bearing securities 1,746 — — 1,746 Total interest-bearing securities 40,650 218 (62 ) 40,806 Equity securities 129 27 (13 ) 143 Total available-for-sale investments $ 40,779 $ 245 $ (75 ) $ 40,949 Type of security as of December 31, 2016 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value U.S. Treasury securities $ 6,681 $ 1 $ (68 ) $ 6,614 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 302 — (3 ) 299 Foreign and other 1,784 9 (34 ) 1,759 Corporate debt securities: Financial 8,476 21 (37 ) 8,460 Industrial 8,793 59 (63 ) 8,789 Other 1,079 5 (7 ) 1,077 Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,968 1 (29 ) 1,940 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1,731 1 (13 ) 1,719 Money market mutual funds 2,782 — — 2,782 Other short-term interest-bearing securities 4,188 — — 4,188 Total interest-bearing securities 37,784 97 (254 ) 37,627 Equity securities 127 31 (4 ) 154 Total available-for-sale investments $ 37,911 $ 128 $ (258 ) $ 37,781 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 $ 2,455 $ 2,783 Marketable securities 38,351 34,844 Other noncurrent assets 143 154 Total available-for-sale investments $ 40,949 $ 37,781 Cash and cash equivalents in the above table excludes bank account cash of $545 million and $458 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The fair values of available-for-sale interest-bearing security investments 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 $ 6,478 $ 8,393 Maturing after one year through three years 12,912 10,404 Maturing after three years through five years 13,830 12,157 Maturing after five years through ten years 3,252 2,974 Maturing after ten years 63 40 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 4,271 3,659 Total interest-bearing securities $ 40,806 $ 37,627 For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , realized gains totaled $38 million and $215 million , respectively, and realized losses totaled $12 million and $192 million , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , realized gains totaled $113 million and $283 million , respectively, and realized losses totaled $183 million and $313 million , respectively. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Information on the fair values and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale investments in an unrealized loss position aggregated by type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position was as follows (in millions): Less than 12 months 12 months or more Type of security as of September 30, 2017 Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses U.S. Treasury securities $ 6,242 $ (17 ) $ 5 $ — Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 118 (1 ) 12 — Foreign and other 515 (2 ) 65 (2 ) Corporate debt securities: Financial 1,997 (6 ) 151 (1 ) Industrial 2,434 (14 ) 276 (3 ) Other 326 (2 ) 26 — Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,723 (8 ) 94 (2 ) Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1,074 (4 ) 38 — Equity securities 13 (13 ) — — Total $ 14,442 $ (67 ) $ 667 $ (8 ) Less than 12 months 12 months or more Type of security as of December 31, 2016 Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses U.S. Treasury securities $ 5,774 $ (68 ) $ — $ — Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 201 (3 ) — — Foreign and other 1,192 (34 ) 17 — Corporate debt securities: Financial 3,975 (37 ) 44 — Industrial 3,913 (61 ) 149 (2 ) Other 486 (7 ) 7 — Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,631 (26 ) 158 (3 ) Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1,087 (10 ) 118 (3 ) Equity securities 22 (4 ) — — Total $ 18,281 $ (250 ) $ 493 $ (8 ) 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 security investments 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we believe the cost bases for our available-for-sale investments were recoverable in all material respects.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories Inventories consisted of the following (in millions): September 30, December 31, Raw materials $ 318 $ 225 Work in process 1,597 1,608 Finished goods 1,012 912 Total inventories $ 2,927 $ 2,745

Goodwill and other intangible a

Goodwill and other intangible assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 14,751 $ 14,787 Goodwill related to acquisitions of businesses — 2 Currency translation adjustments 25 13 Ending balance $ 14,776 $ 14,802 Identifiable intangible assets Identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following (in millions): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Intangible assets, net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Intangible assets, net Finite-lived intangible assets: Developed product technology rights $ 12,585 $ (6,624 ) $ 5,961 $ 12,534 $ (5,947 ) $ 6,587 Licensing rights 3,275 (1,525 ) 1,750 3,275 (1,300 ) 1,975 Marketing-related rights 1,326 (895 ) 431 1,333 (793 ) 540 Research and development technology rights 1,158 (783 ) 375 1,122 (704 ) 418 Total finite-lived intangible assets 18,344 (9,827 ) 8,517 18,264 (8,744 ) 9,520 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: In-process research and development 356 — 356 759 — 759 Total identifiable intangible assets $ 18,700 $ (9,827 ) $ 8,873 $ 19,023 $ (8,744 ) $ 10,279 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. Marketing-related intangible assets consist primarily of rights related to the sale and distribution of marketed products. R&D technology rights consist of technology used in R&D with alternative future uses. In-process research and development (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. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we decided to discontinue the internal development of AMG 899 acquired in the acquisition of Dezima in 2015, resulting in an impairment charge of $400 million , which was recognized in Other operating expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and included in Other items, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. See Note 11, Fair value measurement, for the impact on the related contingent consideration liabilities. As of September 30, 2017 , the primary IPR&D project is oprozomib, acquired in the acquisition of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 2013. All IPR&D projects have major risks and uncertainties associated with the timely and successful completion of development and commercialization of product candidates, including our ability to confirm 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 the completion of clinical trials that demonstrate that 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 the 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, 2017 and 2016 , we recognized amortization charges associated with our finite-lived intangible assets of $308 million and $371 million , respectively. During both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , we recognized amortization charges associated with our finite-lived intangible assets of $1.1 billion . The total estimated amortization charges for our finite-lived intangible assets for the remaining three months ending December 31, 2017 , and the years ending December 31, 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 and 2022 , are $0.3 billion , $1.2 billion , $1.1 billion , $1.1 billion , $0.9 billion and $0.9 billion , respectively.

Financing arrangements

Financing arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Financing arrangements	Financing arrangements The carrying values and fixed contractual coupon rates of our borrowings were as follows (in millions): September 30, December 31, Commercial paper $ 1,500 $ — Short-term loan — 605 2.125% notes due 2017 (2.125% 2017 Notes) — 1,250 Floating Rate Notes due 2017 — 600 1.25% notes due 2017 (1.25% 2017 Notes) — 850 5.85% notes due 2017 (5.85% 2017 Notes) — 1,100 6.15% notes due 2018 (6.15% 2018 Notes) 500 500 4.375% €550 million notes due 2018 (4.375% 2018 euro Notes) 647 577 5.70% notes due 2019 (5.70% 2019 Notes) 1,000 1,000 1.90% notes due 2019 (1.90% 2019 Notes) 700 — Floating Rate Notes due 2019 550 250 2.20% notes due 2019 (2.20% 2019 Notes) 1,400 1,400 2.125% €675 million notes due 2019 (2.125% 2019 euro Notes) 797 710 4.50% notes due 2020 (4.50% 2020 Notes) 300 300 2.125% notes due 2020 (2.125% 2020 Notes) 750 750 Floating Rate Notes due 2020 300 — 2.20% notes due 2020 (2.20% 2020 Notes) 700 — 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) 750 750 3.875% notes due 2021 (3.875% 2021 Notes) 1,750 1,750 1.25% €1,250 million notes due 2022 (1.25% 2022 euro Notes) 1,478 1,315 2.70% notes due 2022 (2.70% 2022 Notes) 500 500 2.65% notes due 2022 (2.65% 2022 Notes) 1,500 — 3.625% notes due 2022 (3.625% 2022 Notes) 750 750 0.41% CHF700 million bonds due 2023 (0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds) 723 687 2.25% notes due 2023 (2.25% 2023 Notes) 750 750 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% €750 million notes due 2026 (2.00% 2026 euro Notes) 886 789 2.60% notes due 2026 (2.60% 2026 notes) 1,250 1,250 5.50% £475 million notes due 2026 (5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes) 636 586 4.00% £700 million notes due 2029 (4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes) 938 864 6.375% notes due 2037 (6.375% 2037 Notes) 552 552 6.90% notes due 2038 (6.90% 2038 Notes) 291 291 6.40% notes due 2039 (6.40% 2039 Notes) 466 466 5.75% notes due 2040 (5.75% 2040 Notes) 412 412 4.95% notes due 2041 (4.95% 2041 Notes) 600 600 5.15% notes due 2041 (5.15% 2041 Notes) 974 974 5.65% notes due 2042 (5.65% 2042 Notes) 487 487 5.375% notes due 2043 (5.375% 2043 Notes) 261 261 4.40% notes due 2045 (4.40% 2045 Notes) 2,250 2,250 4.563% notes due 2048 (4.563% 2048 Notes) 1,415 1,415 4.663% notes due 2051 (4.663% 2051 Notes) 3,541 3,541 Other notes due 2097 100 100 Unamortized bond discounts, premiums and issuance costs, net (928 ) (936 ) Total carrying value of debt 35,776 34,596 Less current portion (1,999 ) (4,403 ) Total noncurrent debt $ 33,777 $ 30,193 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. Debt repayments During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we repaid the $ 605 million short-term loan, the $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of the 2.125% 2017 Notes, the $600 million aggregate principal amount of the Floating Rate Notes due 2017, the $850 million aggregate principal amount of the 1.25% 2017 Notes and the $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of the 5.85% 2017 Notes. Debt issuances In May 2017, we issued a $3.5 billion principal amount of notes, consisting of the Floating Rate Notes due 2019, the 1.90% 2019 Notes, the Floating Rate Notes due 2020, the 2.20% 2020 Notes and the 2.65% 2022 Notes. In the event of a change-of-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 at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. All of the aforementioned fixed-rate notes may be redeemed at any time, in whole or in part, at the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest and, except for the 2.65% 2022 Notes, a make-whole amount, which is defined by the terms of the notes. The 2.65% 2022 Notes may be redeemed without payment of the make-whole amount if redemption occurs on or after one month prior to maturity. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we issued commercial paper under our commercial paper program. As of September 30, 2017 , the weighted-average effective borrowing rate on outstanding commercial paper was 1.3% .

Stockholders' equity

Stockholders' equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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): 2017 2016 Shares Dollars Shares* Dollars First quarter 3.4 $ 555 4.7 $ 690 Second quarter 6.2 1,006 3.9 591 Third quarter 4.4 769 4.4 747 Total stock repurchases 14.0 $ 2,330 12.9 $ 2,028 * Shares do not foot due to rounding. As of September 30, 2017 , $1.7 billion remained available under our stock repurchase program. In October 2017, our Board of Directors authorized an increase that resulted in a total of $5.0 billion available under the stock repurchase program. Dividends In July 2017, March 2017 and December 2016, the Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $1.15 per share of common stock, which were paid in September 2017, June 2017 and March 2017, respectively. In October 2017, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.15 per share of common stock, which will be paid on December 8, 2017. 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, 2016 $ (610 ) $ 282 $ (138 ) $ (5 ) $ (471 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 21 — — — 21 Unrealized gains — 17 116 — 133 Reclassification adjustments to income — (131 ) 49 — (82 ) Income taxes 3 41 (7 ) — 37 Balance as of March 31, 2017 (586 ) 209 20 (5 ) (362 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 37 — — — 37 Unrealized gains — 17 73 — 90 Reclassification adjustments to income — (330 ) 47 — (283 ) Other — — — (1 ) (1 ) Income taxes (2 ) 112 (40 ) — 70 Balance as of June 30, 2017 (551 ) 8 100 (6 ) (449 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 38 — — — 38 Unrealized gains — 65 41 — 106 Reclassification adjustments to income — (140 ) (26 ) — (166 ) Other — — — 6 6 Income taxes 3 25 (6 ) — 22 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (510 ) $ (42 ) $ 109 $ — $ (443 ) The reclassifications out of AOCI and into earnings were as follows (in millions): Amounts reclassified out of AOCI Three months ended Components of AOCI 2017 2016 Line item affected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Cash flow hedges: Foreign currency contract (losses) gains $ (2 ) $ 67 Product sales Cross-currency swap contract gains (losses) 143 (1 ) Interest and other income, net Forward interest rate contract losses (1 ) (1 ) Interest expense, net 140 65 Income before income taxes (49 ) (27 ) Provision for income taxes $ 91 $ 38 Net income Available-for-sale securities: Net realized gains $ 26 $ 23 Interest and other income, net (5 ) (8 ) Provision for income taxes $ 21 $ 15 Net income Amounts reclassified out of AOCI Nine months ended Components of AOCI 2017 2016 Line item affected in the Condensed Cash flow hedges: Foreign currency contract gains $ 88 $ 242 Product sales Cross-currency swap contract gains (losses) 514 (143 ) Interest and other income, net Forward interest rate contract losses (1 ) (1 ) Interest expense, net 601 98 Income before income taxes (213 ) (39 ) Provision for income taxes $ 388 $ 59 Net income Available-for-sale securities: Net realized losses $ (70 ) $ (30 ) Interest and other income, net (7 ) — Provision for income taxes $ (77 ) $ (30 ) Net income

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 values of each major class of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were 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, 2017, using: Total Assets: Available-for-sale investments: U.S. Treasury securities $ 8,018 $ — $ — $ 8,018 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. — 224 — 224 Foreign and other — 2,671 — 2,671 Corporate debt securities: Financial — 10,254 — 10,254 Industrial — 9,906 — 9,906 Other — 1,261 — 1,261 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 2,204 — 2,204 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities — 2,067 — 2,067 Money market mutual funds 2,455 — — 2,455 Other short-term interest-bearing securities — 1,746 — 1,746 Equity securities 143 — — 143 Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts — 7 — 7 Cross-currency swap contracts — 224 — 224 Interest rate swap contracts — 40 — 40 Forward interest rate contracts — 10 — 10 Total assets $ 10,616 $ 30,614 $ — $ 41,230 Liabilities: Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts $ — $ 179 $ — $ 179 Cross-currency swap contracts — 308 — 308 Interest rate swap contracts — 5 — 5 Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations — — 68 68 Total liabilities $ — $ 492 $ 68 $ 560 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, 2016, using: Total Assets: Available-for-sale investments: U.S. Treasury securities $ 6,614 $ — $ — $ 6,614 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. — 299 — 299 Foreign and other — 1,759 — 1,759 Corporate debt securities: Financial — 8,460 — 8,460 Industrial — 8,789 — 8,789 Other — 1,077 — 1,077 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 1,940 — 1,940 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities — 1,719 — 1,719 Money market mutual funds 2,782 — — 2,782 Other short-term interest-bearing securities — 4,188 — 4,188 Equity securities 154 — — 154 Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts — 203 — 203 Interest rate swap contracts — 41 — 41 Total assets $ 9,550 $ 28,475 $ — $ 38,025 Liabilities: Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts $ — $ 4 $ — $ 4 Cross-currency swap contracts — 523 — 523 Interest rate swap contracts — 7 — 7 Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations — — 179 179 Total liabilities $ — $ 534 $ 179 $ 713 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 and have 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 Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s), and BBB+ or equivalent by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (S&P) or Fitch Ratings Inc. (Fitch); and our corporate debt securities portfolio has a weighted-average credit rating of A- or equivalent by Fitch, and BBB + or equivalent by S&P or Moody’s. 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. The 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. The 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. The inputs include foreign currency exchange 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. The inputs, when 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. The 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 are observable either directly or indirectly. The 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. The contingent consideration obligations are recorded at their estimated fair values by using probability-adjusted discounted cash flows, and we revalue the obligations each reporting period until the related contingencies have been 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. The 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, that shorten or lengthen the time required to achieve such events, or that increase or decrease estimated annual sales would result in corresponding increases or decreases in the fair values of the 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 Nine months ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 182 $ 171 $ 179 $ 188 Net changes in valuation (114 ) 5 (111 ) (12 ) Ending balance $ 68 $ 176 $ 68 $ 176 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 for AMG 899. The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration obligations had an aggregate value of $110 million at acquisition. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we decided to discontinue the internal development of AMG 899, resulting in the release of the contingent consideration liabilities. The remeasurement of these liabilities of $116 million was recognized in Other operating expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and included in Other items, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. See Note 8, Goodwill and other intangible assets, for the impact on the related IPR&D asset. As a result of our acquisition of BioVex Group, Inc. in 2011, we are obligated to pay its former shareholders up to $325 million of additional consideration contingent upon the achievement of certain sales thresholds related to IMLYGIC ® (talimogene laherparepvec) within specified periods of time. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , there were no transfers of assets or liabilities between fair value measurement levels, and, except with respect to an IPR&D asset discussed in Note 8, Goodwill and other intangible assets, to the condensed consolidated financial statements, there were no material remeasurements of 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 estimated the fair value of our borrowings (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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the aggregate fair values of our borrowings were $39.0 billion and $36.5 billion , respectively, and the carrying values were $35.8 billion and $34.6 billion , respectively.

Derivative instruments

Derivative instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative instruments	Derivative instruments The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate and interest rate risks related to its business operations. To reduce our risks related to such 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we had open foreign currency forward contracts with notional amounts of $4.0 billion and $3.4 billion , respectively, and open foreign currency option contracts with notional amounts of $131 million and $608 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 enter into cross-currency swap contracts. Under the terms of such 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 as of September 30, 2017 , were 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 three months ended June 30, 2017. 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 May 2017. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we entered into additional forward interest rate contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $550 million in connection with the anticipated issuance of additional long-term fixed-rate debt. Gains and losses on forward interest rate contracts, which are designated as cash flow hedges, were recognized in AOCI i n the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are 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 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign currency contracts $ (110 ) $ (26 ) $ (360 ) $ (88 ) Cross-currency swap contracts 165 67 446 (128 ) Forward interest rate contracts 10 (6 ) 13 (10 ) Total $ 65 $ 35 $ 99 $ (226 ) 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 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships Statements of Income location 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign currency contracts Product sales $ (2 ) $ 67 $ 88 $ 242 Cross-currency swap contracts Interest and other income, net 143 (1 ) 514 (143 ) Forward interest rate contracts Interest expense, net (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Total $ 140 $ 65 $ 601 $ 98 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, 2017 and 2016 . As of September 30, 2017 , the amounts expected to be reclassified out of AOCI and into earnings during the next 12 months are approximately $172 million of net losses on our foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts and approximately $1 million of losses on forward interest rate contracts. Fair value hedges To achieve the desired mix of fixed and floating interest rates on our long-term debt, we entered into interest rate swap contracts that qualified 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. As of December 31, 2016 , we had interest rate swap agreements with aggregate notional amounts of $6.65 billion that hedge certain of our long-term debt issuances. The contracts have rates that range from three-month LIBOR plus 0.4% to three-month LIBOR plus 2.0% . During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we entered into interest rate swap contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $3.65 billion with respect to our 3.625% 2024 Notes, 3.125% 2025 Notes and 2.60% 2026 Notes. The contracts have rates that range from three-month LIBOR plus 0.3% to three-month LIBOR plus 1.4% . In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, interest rate swap contracts that had an aggregate notional amount of $850 million matured. These contracts had rates of three-month LIBOR plus 0.4% . 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 a change in fair value during the period, as well as the offsetting unrealized loss or gain of the hedged item resulting from a change in fair value during the period attributable to the hedged risk. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we included unrealized losses of $17 million and unrealized gains of $1 million , respectively, on our interest rate swap agreements in the same line item, Interest expense, net, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, as the offsetting unrealized gains of $17 million and unrealized losses of $1 million , respectively, on the related hedged debt. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we included unrealized losses of $61 million and unrealized gains of $137 million , respectively, on our interest rate swap agreements in the same line item, Interest expense, net, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, as the offsetting unrealized gains of $61 million and unrealized losses of $137 million , respectively, on the related hedged debt. 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. These exposures are hedged on a month-to-month basis. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the total notional amounts of these foreign currency forward contracts were $779 million and $666 million , respectively. The location in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the amounts 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 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Statements of Income location 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign currency contracts Interest and other income, net $ (2 ) $ 1 $ 12 $ (33 ) The fair values of derivatives included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in millions): Derivative assets Derivative liabilities September 30, 2017 Balance Sheet location Fair value Balance Sheet location Fair value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets $ 7 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities $ 179 Cross-currency swap contracts Other noncurrent assets 224 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 308 Interest rate swap contracts Other noncurrent assets 40 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 5 Forward interest rate contracts Other current assets 10 Accrued liabilities — Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 281 492 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets — Accrued liabilities — Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments — — Total derivatives $ 281 $ 492 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities December 31, 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 $ 203 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities $ 4 Cross-currency swap contracts Other noncurrent assets — Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 523 Interest rate swap contracts Other noncurrent assets 41 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 7 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 244 534 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets — Accrued liabilities — Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments — — Total derivatives $ 244 $ 534 Our derivative contracts that were in liability positions as of September 30, 2017 , 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 the 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 either to or from a counterparty under the contracts may be offset against other amounts due either 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, 2017 and 2016 , 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, 2017
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, 2016 , 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 become significant in this Note; in Note 18, Contingencies and commitments, to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 ; and in Notes 12 and 13, Contingencies and commitments, to the condensed consolidated financial statements in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017, respectively. 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 a class action 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, 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, 2016, or in Notes 12 or 13, Contingencies and commitments, to our condensed consolidated financial statements in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017, respectively, 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, 2016, or in Notes 12 or 13, Contingencies and commitments, to our condensed consolidated financial statements in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017, respectively, 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: PCSK9 Antibody Patent Litigation U.S. Patent Litigation — Sanofi/Regeneron On October 5, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the Federal Circuit Court) reversed-in-part the judgment of the U.S. District Court for Delaware (the Delaware District Court) and remanded for a new trial two of defendants’ patent validity defenses (failure to meet the law’s requirements for patentability of written description and enablement of the claimed inventions) and affirmed the Delaware District Court’s judgment of infringement of claims 2, 7, 9, 15, 19 and 29 of U.S. Patent No. 8,829,165 and claim 7 of U.S. Patent No. 8,859,741 and patent validity on the defendants’ third patent validity defense (finding that the claimed inventions were not obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the field of the patents). The Federal Circuit Court also vacated and remanded for further consideration by the Delaware District Court the permanent injunction granted by the Delaware District Court prohibiting the infringing manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import of alirocumab in the United States. Sensipar ® (cinacalcet) Litigation Sensipar ® Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) Patent Litigation As previously disclosed, Amgen has filed 18 separate lawsuits against defendants for infringement of our U.S. Patent No. 9,375,405 (the ‘405 Patent), and 15 of these 18 lawsuits have been consolidated by the Delaware District Court. Amgen filed and the court signed stipulated dismissals of the lawsuits against defendants Apotex Inc. and Apotex Corp. (collectively, Apotex), on September 11, 2017, and against defendants Micro Labs Ltd. and Micro Labs USA, Inc., on September 20, 2017. On September 21, 2017, the Delaware District Court signed a consent judgment filed by Amgen and Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Breckenridge) stipulating to entry of judgment of infringement and validity of the ‘405 Patent and an injunction prohibiting the manufacture, use, sale, offer to sell, importation of, or distribution into the United States of the Breckenridge cinacalcet product during the term of the ‘405 Patent unless specifically authorized pursuant to the confidential settlement agreement. In addition, during September 2017, defendants Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and Macleods Pharma USA, Inc. filed motions for judgment on the pleadings and to dismiss the complaint pending against them and Amgen filed oppositions to such motions. Sensipar ® Pediatric Exclusivity Litigation As previously disclosed, Amgen filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking effectively to reverse the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) May 22, 2017 rejection of Amgen’s request for pediatric exclusivity for cinacalcet hydrochloride (Sensipar ® / Mimpara ® ). On August 10, 2017, the court entered an expedited scheduling order for Amgen and the FDA to file cross-motions for summary judgment and a hearing on such motions is set for December 15, 2017. Amgen filed its motion for summary judgment on October 18, 2017. KYPROLIS ® (carfilzomib) ANDA Patent Litigation As previously disclosed, the Delaware District Court consolidated ten separate lawsuits filed by our subsidiary Onyx Therapeutics, Inc. (Onyx Therapeutics) against defendants for infringement of certain of our patents. On August 17, 2017, Onyx Therapeutics filed an additional lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against InnoPharma, Inc. for infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 7,232,818 (the ‘818 Patent); 7,491,704 (the ‘704 Patent); 8,129,346 (the ‘346 Patent); 8,207,125 (the ‘125 Patent); 8,207,126 (the ‘126 Patent); and 8,207,127 (the ‘127 Patent). Onyx Therapeutics filed two additional lawsuits in the Delaware District Court against Apotex, on August 24, 2017, and Qilu Pharma, Inc. and Qilu Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (collectively Qilu), on August 30, 2017, for infringement of the ‘818, ‘704, ‘346, ‘125, ‘126, ‘127 Patents and U.S. Patent Nos. 7,417,042 and 8,207,297. 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 the applicable patents. On September 14, 2017, the Delaware District Court consolidated these three additional lawsuits for purposes of discovery into the existing consolidated case. Responses to these new complaints have been filed by InnoPharma, Inc., Apotex and Qilu alleging invalidity and, in certain instances, non-infringement of the patents. On September 20, 2017, by joint stipulation of the parties, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. was dismissed from one of the previously-filed lawsuits, leaving Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. as the remaining defendant in that litigation. Amgen Biosimilars Litigation AMJEVITA ™ (adalimumab-atto) Patent Litigation On September 27, 2017, Amgen and AbbVie Inc. and AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd. (collectively, AbbVie), entered into a global settlement and license agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will grant patent licenses for the use and sale of Amgen’s AMJEVITA ™ /AMGEVITA ™ ( a biosimilar to AbbVie’s HUMIRA ® (adalimumab)) worldwide, on a country-by-country basis, and the companies have agreed to dismiss pending patent litigation. The agreement allows Amgen to begin marketing AMJEVITA ™ /AMGEVITA ™ in the various countries at specified dates. On September 28, 2017, the Delaware District Court entered a stipulation to dismiss all claims and counterclaims of this litigation. MVASI ™ (bevacizumab-awwb) Patent Litigation On October 6, 2017, Amgen filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Genentech, Inc. (Genentech) and the City of Hope seeking a declaratory judgment that 27 patents listed by Genentech in the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) exchange are invalid, unenforceable and not infringed by MVASI ™ , formerly ABP 215, Amgen’s biosimilar of Avastin ® (bevacizumab). On October 7, 2017, Genentech and City of Hope filed a separate lawsuit in the Delaware District Court alleging Amgen’s infringement of 24 of the 27 patents which are the subject of the lawsuit in California. On October 10, 2017, Amgen filed a motion to transfer Genentech’s first Delaware lawsuit to California. On October 18, 2017, Genentech and City of Hope filed a second lawsuit in the Delaware District Court alleging Amgen’s infringement of 25 of the same 27 patents, and on October 23, 2017, Amgen filed a motion to transfer Genentech’s second Delaware lawsuit to California. Other Biosimilars Patent Litigation 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 may also allege that the manufacturer has failed to comply with certain provisions of the BPCIA. Additionally, a number of manufacturers have challenged the validity of our applicable patents and/or contended that such patents are not infringed by such manufacturers’ biosimilar products. Filgrastim/Pegfilgrastim Litigation Sandoz (pegfilgrastim). Trial for this patent infringement case is scheduled for March 26, 2018. Sandoz (filgrastim). On September 13, 2017, by joint stipulation of the parties, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (the California Northern District Court) dismissed from the case the parties’ respective claims and counterclaims related to U.S. Patent No. 6,162,427. Trial for the remaining patent infringement claim is scheduled for March 26, 2018. As previously disclosed, Sandoz filed a request of the Federal Circuit Court to remand the BPCIA litigation to the California Northern District Court to allow that court to address the questions of California law. On August 28, 2017, at the request of the Federal Circuit Court, the parties filed supplemental briefs stating their respective positions on the appropriate action to be taken by the California Northern District Court on remand. Apotex (pegfilgrastim/filgrastim). On October 3, 2017, the Federal Circuit Court heard argument on Amgen’s appeal of the judgment of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida finding that Apotex’s process of manufacturing its filgrastim and pegfilgrastim products do not infringe our U.S. Patent No. 8,952,138. Coherus (pegfilgrastim). As previously disclosed, Amgen filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Coherus BioSciences, Inc. (Coherus) for infringement of our U.S. Patent No. 8,273,707 (the ‘707 Patent). A claim construction hearing is scheduled for June 25, 2018, and trial is scheduled to commence on September 16, 2019. Mylan (pegfilgrastim). On September 22, 2017, Amgen and Amgen Manufacturing, Limited (AML) filed a lawsuit in the District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against Mylan Inc., Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., Mylan GmbH, and Mylan N.V. (collectively, Mylan) for infringement of our ‘707 Patent and U.S. Patent No. 9,643,997 (the ‘997 Patent). This lawsuit stems from Mylan’s submission of an application for FDA licensure of a pegfilgrastim product as biosimilar to Amgen’s Neulasta ® (pegfilgrastim) under the BPCIA. By their complaint, Amgen and AML seek, among other remedies, an injunction prohibiting Mylan from infringing the ‘707 and ‘997 Patents. Etanercept Litigation Sandoz (etanercept). On September 14, 2017, Amgen filed a motion for summary judgment that Sandoz infringed claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. 8,722,631 and, on October 23, 2017, Sandoz filed its brief in opposition to the motion. Coherus (etanercept). On August 4, 2017, Coherus filed a petition seeking to institute inter partes review (IPR) proceedings before the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial Appeal Board (PTAB) to challenge the patentability of each claim of U.S. Patent No. 8,163,522 (the ‘522 Patent). On September 7, 2017, Coherus filed a second IPR petition, seeking to institute PTAB proceedings to challenge the patentability of each claim of U.S. Patent No. 8,063,182 (the ‘182 Patent). Both the ‘522 Patent and the ‘182 Patent relate to Enbrel ® (etanercept) and are exclusively licensed to our subsidiary Immunex Corporation by Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. The deadlines to file a patent owner preliminary response to the Coherus IPR petition regarding the ‘522 Patent and the ‘182 Patent are December 13, 2017 and December 26, 2017, respectively, and the deadlines expected for the PTAB to render a decision regarding whether to institute PTAB trial proceedings on the ‘522 Patent and the ‘182 Patent are March 13, 2018 and March 26, 2018, respectively. Epoetin Alfa Litigation Hospira (epoetin alfa). On September 7, 2017, the Delaware District Court denied a motion for summary judgment of non-infringement of the patents-in-suit by Hospira, Inc. (Hospira), a subsidiary of Pfizer. On September 22, 2017, after a five day jury trial, the jury returned a verdict finding U.S. Patent No. 5,856,298 (the ‘298 Patent) valid and infringed by Hospira and U.S. Patent No. 5,756,349 (the ‘349 Patent) not infringed. The jury awarded Amgen $70 million in damages for Hospira’s infringement. On October 23, 2017, Amgen moved for judgment as a matter of law that Hospira infringed the ‘349 Patent or, in the alternative, for a new trial on infringement of the ‘349 Patent. In addition, on October 23, 2017, Hospira moved for judgment as a matter of law of non-infringement and invalidity of the ‘298 Patent or, in the alternative, for reduction of the damage award or a new trial on the ‘298 Patent. State Derivative Litigation On July 3, 2017, defendants in this state stockholder derivative lawsuit filed demurrers seeking dismissal of all claims. A hearing on the demurrers was held on October 6, 2017. ERISA Litigation On August 10, 2017, the remaining plaintiff voluntarily dismissed his appeal of the settlement reached in this case. U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts - Patient Assistance Investigation Amgen, together with other companies in our industry, has received inquiries from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts relating to support of charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that provide financial assistance to Medicare patients. Amgen is cooperating with this ongoing inquiry.

Summary of significant accoun20

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 and 2016 , 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, 2016 , 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, 2017 and June 30, 2017.
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 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 .
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements 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. The new standards are required to be adopted using either a full-retrospective or a modified-retrospective approach. We expect to adopt this standard by using the modified-retrospective approach beginning in 2018. We have completed our impact assessment and do not currently anticipate a material impact on Total revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We are implementing changes to our accounting policies, business processes, internal controls and disclosures to support the new accounting, however these changes are not expected to be significant. In January 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that amends the accounting and disclosures of financial instruments, including a provision requiring that equity investments (except for investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting) 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. With the exception of equity investments currently being accounted for at cost, adjustments are applied using a modified-retrospective approach by reflecting adjustments through a cumulative-effect impact on retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The new standard will be applied prospectively to investments currently accounted for at cost. The impact that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements will depend on the fair value of available-for-sale equity securities in our portfolio in the future. See Note 6, Available-for-sale investments, for the fair value of equity securities as of September 30, 2017 . 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, including leases classified as operating leases under current GAAP, and disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements. The new standard requires a modified-retrospective approach to adoption and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2019, but may be adopted earlier. We expect to adopt this standard beginning in 2019. We do not expect that this standard will have a material impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income, but we do expect that upon adoption, this standard will have a material impact on our assets and liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The primary effect of adoption will be the requirement to record right-of-use assets and corresponding lease obligations for current operating leases. In addition, the standard will require that we update our systems, processes and controls we use to track, record and account for our lease portfolio. 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 as an allowance through net income 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, but may be adopted earlier, beginning on January 1, 2019. With certain exceptions, adjustments are to be applied using a modified-retrospective approach by reflecting adjustments through a cumulative-effect impact on retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact that this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that amends the income tax accounting guidance for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The new standard requires that entities recognize the income tax consequences of an intercompany transfer of an asset, other than inventory, in the period the transfer occurs. The current exception to defer the recognition of any tax impact on intercompany transfers of inventory until the inventory is sold to a third party remains unaffected. The new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018, but may be adopted earlier. We expect to adopt this standard beginning in 2018. The standard would be applied prospectively to any transaction occurring on or after the adoption date. We have completed our impact assessment and do not currently anticipate a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued a new accounting standard that changes the definition of a business to assist entities with the evaluation of when a set of assets acquired or disposed of should be considered a business. The new standard requires that an entity evaluate whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of assets would not be considered a business. The new standard also requires that a business include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs. The new standard will be applied prospectively and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on January 1, 2018, but may be adopted earlier. We expect to adopt this standard beginning in 2018. Adoption of this new standard may result in more transactions being accounted for as asset acquisitions versus business combinations; however, the impact on our consolidated financial statements will depend on the facts and circumstances of future transactions.

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 2017 2016 2017 2016 Income (Numerator): Net income for basic and diluted EPS $ 2,021 $ 2,017 $ 6,243 $ 5,787 Shares (Denominator): Weighted-average shares for basic EPS 728 747 733 752 Effect of dilutive securities 5 6 5 6 Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS 733 753 738 758 Basic EPS $ 2.78 $ 2.70 $ 8.52 $ 7.70 Diluted EPS $ 2.76 $ 2.68 $ 8.46 $ 7.63

Available-for-sale investments

Available-for-sale investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security were as follows (in millions): Type of security as of September 30, 2017 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value U.S. Treasury securities $ 8,029 $ 6 $ (17 ) $ 8,018 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 225 — (1 ) 224 Foreign and other 2,634 41 (4 ) 2,671 Corporate debt securities: Financial 10,198 63 (7 ) 10,254 Industrial 9,829 94 (17 ) 9,906 Other 1,251 12 (2 ) 1,261 Residential mortgage-backed securities 2,212 2 (10 ) 2,204 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 2,071 — (4 ) 2,067 Money market mutual funds 2,455 — — 2,455 Other short-term interest-bearing securities 1,746 — — 1,746 Total interest-bearing securities 40,650 218 (62 ) 40,806 Equity securities 129 27 (13 ) 143 Total available-for-sale investments $ 40,779 $ 245 $ (75 ) $ 40,949 Type of security as of December 31, 2016 Amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Fair value U.S. Treasury securities $ 6,681 $ 1 $ (68 ) $ 6,614 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 302 — (3 ) 299 Foreign and other 1,784 9 (34 ) 1,759 Corporate debt securities: Financial 8,476 21 (37 ) 8,460 Industrial 8,793 59 (63 ) 8,789 Other 1,079 5 (7 ) 1,077 Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,968 1 (29 ) 1,940 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1,731 1 (13 ) 1,719 Money market mutual funds 2,782 — — 2,782 Other short-term interest-bearing securities 4,188 — — 4,188 Total interest-bearing securities 37,784 97 (254 ) 37,627 Equity securities 127 31 (4 ) 154 Total available-for-sale investments $ 37,911 $ 128 $ (258 ) $ 37,781
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 $ 2,455 $ 2,783 Marketable securities 38,351 34,844 Other noncurrent assets 143 154 Total available-for-sale investments $ 40,949 $ 37,781
Fair values of available-for-sale interest-bearing security investments by contractual maturity	The fair values of available-for-sale interest-bearing security investments 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 $ 6,478 $ 8,393 Maturing after one year through three years 12,912 10,404 Maturing after three years through five years 13,830 12,157 Maturing after five years through ten years 3,252 2,974 Maturing after ten years 63 40 Mortgage- and asset-backed securities 4,271 3,659 Total interest-bearing securities $ 40,806 $ 37,627
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, fair value	Information on the fair values and gross unrealized losses of available-for-sale investments in an unrealized loss position aggregated by type and length of time that the securities have been in a continuous loss position was as follows (in millions): Less than 12 months 12 months or more Type of security as of September 30, 2017 Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses U.S. Treasury securities $ 6,242 $ (17 ) $ 5 $ — Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 118 (1 ) 12 — Foreign and other 515 (2 ) 65 (2 ) Corporate debt securities: Financial 1,997 (6 ) 151 (1 ) Industrial 2,434 (14 ) 276 (3 ) Other 326 (2 ) 26 — Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,723 (8 ) 94 (2 ) Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1,074 (4 ) 38 — Equity securities 13 (13 ) — — Total $ 14,442 $ (67 ) $ 667 $ (8 ) Less than 12 months 12 months or more Type of security as of December 31, 2016 Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses U.S. Treasury securities $ 5,774 $ (68 ) $ — $ — Other government-related debt securities: U.S. 201 (3 ) — — Foreign and other 1,192 (34 ) 17 — Corporate debt securities: Financial 3,975 (37 ) 44 — Industrial 3,913 (61 ) 149 (2 ) Other 486 (7 ) 7 — Residential mortgage-backed securities 1,631 (26 ) 158 (3 ) Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities 1,087 (10 ) 118 (3 ) Equity securities 22 (4 ) — — Total $ 18,281 $ (250 ) $ 493 $ (8 )

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consisted of the following (in millions): September 30, December 31, Raw materials $ 318 $ 225 Work in process 1,597 1,608 Finished goods 1,012 912 Total inventories $ 2,927 $ 2,745

Goodwill and other intangible24

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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, 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 14,751 $ 14,787 Goodwill related to acquisitions of businesses — 2 Currency translation adjustments 25 13 Ending balance $ 14,776 $ 14,802
Schedule of identifiable intangible assets	Identifiable intangible assets consisted of the following (in millions): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Intangible assets, net Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Intangible assets, net Finite-lived intangible assets: Developed product technology rights $ 12,585 $ (6,624 ) $ 5,961 $ 12,534 $ (5,947 ) $ 6,587 Licensing rights 3,275 (1,525 ) 1,750 3,275 (1,300 ) 1,975 Marketing-related rights 1,326 (895 ) 431 1,333 (793 ) 540 Research and development technology rights 1,158 (783 ) 375 1,122 (704 ) 418 Total finite-lived intangible assets 18,344 (9,827 ) 8,517 18,264 (8,744 ) 9,520 Indefinite-lived intangible assets: In-process research and development 356 — 356 759 — 759 Total identifiable intangible assets $ 18,700 $ (9,827 ) $ 8,873 $ 19,023 $ (8,744 ) $ 10,279

Financing arrangements (Tables)

Financing arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt Instruments	The carrying values and fixed contractual coupon rates of our borrowings were as follows (in millions): September 30, December 31, Commercial paper $ 1,500 $ — Short-term loan — 605 2.125% notes due 2017 (2.125% 2017 Notes) — 1,250 Floating Rate Notes due 2017 — 600 1.25% notes due 2017 (1.25% 2017 Notes) — 850 5.85% notes due 2017 (5.85% 2017 Notes) — 1,100 6.15% notes due 2018 (6.15% 2018 Notes) 500 500 4.375% €550 million notes due 2018 (4.375% 2018 euro Notes) 647 577 5.70% notes due 2019 (5.70% 2019 Notes) 1,000 1,000 1.90% notes due 2019 (1.90% 2019 Notes) 700 — Floating Rate Notes due 2019 550 250 2.20% notes due 2019 (2.20% 2019 Notes) 1,400 1,400 2.125% €675 million notes due 2019 (2.125% 2019 euro Notes) 797 710 4.50% notes due 2020 (4.50% 2020 Notes) 300 300 2.125% notes due 2020 (2.125% 2020 Notes) 750 750 Floating Rate Notes due 2020 300 — 2.20% notes due 2020 (2.20% 2020 Notes) 700 — 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) 750 750 3.875% notes due 2021 (3.875% 2021 Notes) 1,750 1,750 1.25% €1,250 million notes due 2022 (1.25% 2022 euro Notes) 1,478 1,315 2.70% notes due 2022 (2.70% 2022 Notes) 500 500 2.65% notes due 2022 (2.65% 2022 Notes) 1,500 — 3.625% notes due 2022 (3.625% 2022 Notes) 750 750 0.41% CHF700 million bonds due 2023 (0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds) 723 687 2.25% notes due 2023 (2.25% 2023 Notes) 750 750 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% €750 million notes due 2026 (2.00% 2026 euro Notes) 886 789 2.60% notes due 2026 (2.60% 2026 notes) 1,250 1,250 5.50% £475 million notes due 2026 (5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes) 636 586 4.00% £700 million notes due 2029 (4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes) 938 864 6.375% notes due 2037 (6.375% 2037 Notes) 552 552 6.90% notes due 2038 (6.90% 2038 Notes) 291 291 6.40% notes due 2039 (6.40% 2039 Notes) 466 466 5.75% notes due 2040 (5.75% 2040 Notes) 412 412 4.95% notes due 2041 (4.95% 2041 Notes) 600 600 5.15% notes due 2041 (5.15% 2041 Notes) 974 974 5.65% notes due 2042 (5.65% 2042 Notes) 487 487 5.375% notes due 2043 (5.375% 2043 Notes) 261 261 4.40% notes due 2045 (4.40% 2045 Notes) 2,250 2,250 4.563% notes due 2048 (4.563% 2048 Notes) 1,415 1,415 4.663% notes due 2051 (4.663% 2051 Notes) 3,541 3,541 Other notes due 2097 100 100 Unamortized bond discounts, premiums and issuance costs, net (928 ) (936 ) Total carrying value of debt 35,776 34,596 Less current portion (1,999 ) (4,403 ) Total noncurrent debt $ 33,777 $ 30,193

Stockholders' equity (Tables)

Stockholders' equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Share repurchase program activity	Activity under our stock repurchase program, on a trade date basis, was as follows (in millions): 2017 2016 Shares Dollars Shares* Dollars First quarter 3.4 $ 555 4.7 $ 690 Second quarter 6.2 1,006 3.9 591 Third quarter 4.4 769 4.4 747 Total stock repurchases 14.0 $ 2,330 12.9 $ 2,028 * 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, 2016 $ (610 ) $ 282 $ (138 ) $ (5 ) $ (471 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 21 — — — 21 Unrealized gains — 17 116 — 133 Reclassification adjustments to income — (131 ) 49 — (82 ) Income taxes 3 41 (7 ) — 37 Balance as of March 31, 2017 (586 ) 209 20 (5 ) (362 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 37 — — — 37 Unrealized gains — 17 73 — 90 Reclassification adjustments to income — (330 ) 47 — (283 ) Other — — — (1 ) (1 ) Income taxes (2 ) 112 (40 ) — 70 Balance as of June 30, 2017 (551 ) 8 100 (6 ) (449 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 38 — — — 38 Unrealized gains — 65 41 — 106 Reclassification adjustments to income — (140 ) (26 ) — (166 ) Other — — — 6 6 Income taxes 3 25 (6 ) — 22 Balance as of September 30, 2017 $ (510 ) $ (42 ) $ 109 $ — $ (443 )
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 Three months ended Components of AOCI 2017 2016 Line item affected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Cash flow hedges: Foreign currency contract (losses) gains $ (2 ) $ 67 Product sales Cross-currency swap contract gains (losses) 143 (1 ) Interest and other income, net Forward interest rate contract losses (1 ) (1 ) Interest expense, net 140 65 Income before income taxes (49 ) (27 ) Provision for income taxes $ 91 $ 38 Net income Available-for-sale securities: Net realized gains $ 26 $ 23 Interest and other income, net (5 ) (8 ) Provision for income taxes $ 21 $ 15 Net income Amounts reclassified out of AOCI Nine months ended Components of AOCI 2017 2016 Line item affected in the Condensed Cash flow hedges: Foreign currency contract gains $ 88 $ 242 Product sales Cross-currency swap contract gains (losses) 514 (143 ) Interest and other income, net Forward interest rate contract losses (1 ) (1 ) Interest expense, net 601 98 Income before income taxes (213 ) (39 ) Provision for income taxes $ 388 $ 59 Net income Available-for-sale securities: Net realized losses $ (70 ) $ (30 ) Interest and other income, net (7 ) — Provision for income taxes $ (77 ) $ (30 ) Net income

Fair value measurement (Tables)

Fair value measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 values of each major class of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were 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, 2017, using: Total Assets: Available-for-sale investments: U.S. Treasury securities $ 8,018 $ — $ — $ 8,018 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. — 224 — 224 Foreign and other — 2,671 — 2,671 Corporate debt securities: Financial — 10,254 — 10,254 Industrial — 9,906 — 9,906 Other — 1,261 — 1,261 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 2,204 — 2,204 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities — 2,067 — 2,067 Money market mutual funds 2,455 — — 2,455 Other short-term interest-bearing securities — 1,746 — 1,746 Equity securities 143 — — 143 Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts — 7 — 7 Cross-currency swap contracts — 224 — 224 Interest rate swap contracts — 40 — 40 Forward interest rate contracts — 10 — 10 Total assets $ 10,616 $ 30,614 $ — $ 41,230 Liabilities: Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts $ — $ 179 $ — $ 179 Cross-currency swap contracts — 308 — 308 Interest rate swap contracts — 5 — 5 Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations — — 68 68 Total liabilities $ — $ 492 $ 68 $ 560 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, 2016, using: Total Assets: Available-for-sale investments: U.S. Treasury securities $ 6,614 $ — $ — $ 6,614 Other government-related debt securities: U.S. — 299 — 299 Foreign and other — 1,759 — 1,759 Corporate debt securities: Financial — 8,460 — 8,460 Industrial — 8,789 — 8,789 Other — 1,077 — 1,077 Residential mortgage-backed securities — 1,940 — 1,940 Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities — 1,719 — 1,719 Money market mutual funds 2,782 — — 2,782 Other short-term interest-bearing securities — 4,188 — 4,188 Equity securities 154 — — 154 Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts — 203 — 203 Interest rate swap contracts — 41 — 41 Total assets $ 9,550 $ 28,475 $ — $ 38,025 Liabilities: Derivatives: Foreign currency contracts $ — $ 4 $ — $ 4 Cross-currency swap contracts — 523 — 523 Interest rate swap contracts — 7 — 7 Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations — — 179 179 Total liabilities $ — $ 534 $ 179 $ 713
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 Nine months ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 182 $ 171 $ 179 $ 188 Net changes in valuation (114 ) 5 (111 ) (12 ) Ending balance $ 68 $ 176 $ 68 $ 176

Derivative instruments (Tables)

Derivative instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
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 as of September 30, 2017 , were 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 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign currency contracts $ (110 ) $ (26 ) $ (360 ) $ (88 ) Cross-currency swap contracts 165 67 446 (128 ) Forward interest rate contracts 10 (6 ) 13 (10 ) Total $ 65 $ 35 $ 99 $ (226 )
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 Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships Statements of Income location 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign currency contracts Product sales $ (2 ) $ 67 $ 88 $ 242 Cross-currency swap contracts Interest and other income, net 143 (1 ) 514 (143 ) Forward interest rate contracts Interest expense, net (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) (1 ) Total $ 140 $ 65 $ 601 $ 98
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 amounts 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 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Statements of Income location 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign currency contracts Interest and other income, net $ (2 ) $ 1 $ 12 $ (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, 2017 Balance Sheet location Fair value Balance Sheet location Fair value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets/ Other noncurrent assets $ 7 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities $ 179 Cross-currency swap contracts Other noncurrent assets 224 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 308 Interest rate swap contracts Other noncurrent assets 40 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 5 Forward interest rate contracts Other current assets 10 Accrued liabilities — Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 281 492 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets — Accrued liabilities — Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments — — Total derivatives $ 281 $ 492 Derivative assets Derivative liabilities December 31, 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 $ 203 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities $ 4 Cross-currency swap contracts Other noncurrent assets — Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 523 Interest rate swap contracts Other noncurrent assets 41 Accrued liabilities/ Other noncurrent liabilities 7 Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments 244 534 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign currency contracts Other current assets — Accrued liabilities — Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments — — Total derivatives $ 244 $ 534

Summary of significant accoun29

Summary of significant accounting policies (Details) $ in Billions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of operating segments | segment	1
Accumulated depreciation and amortization on property, plant and equipment | $	$ 7.5	$ 7.5

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Separation and Other Headcount-related Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total costs incurred to date	$ 532
Asset-related Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total costs incurred to date	239
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

Income taxes (Details)

Income taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	15.10%	16.60%	15.40%	15.90%
Puerto Rico Excise Tax Rate [Line Items]
Significant change in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible, amount of unrecorded benefit	$ 120		$ 345
PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico Excise Tax Rate [Line Items]
Excise tax rate, current			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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income (Numerator):
Net income for basic and diluted EPS	$ 2,021	$ 2,017	$ 6,243	$ 5,787
Shares (Denominator):
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS	728	747	733	752
Effect of dilutive securities	5	6	5	6
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS	733	753	738	758
Basic EPS (in usd per share)	$ 2.78	$ 2.70	$ 8.52	$ 7.70
Diluted EPS (in usd per share)	$ 2.76	$ 2.68	$ 8.46	$ 7.63

Collaborations (Details)

Collaborations (Details) - Collaborative arrangement with Novartis Pharma AG [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2017
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Potential Future Milestone Payments					$ 400,000,000
Research and development expense [Member]
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Recovery of Direct Costs	$ 29,000,000	$ 6,000,000	$ 86,000,000	$ 26,000,000
Other revenues [Member]
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Milestone Payment	$ 60,000,000

Available-for-sale investment34

Available-for-sale investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values of available-for-sale investments by type of security
Amortized cost	$ 40,779	$ 37,911
Gross unrealized gains	245	128
Gross unrealized losses	(75)	(258)
Fair value	40,949	37,781
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	8,029	6,681
Gross unrealized gains	6	1
Gross unrealized losses	(17)	(68)
Fair value	8,018	6,614
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	225	302
Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	(1)	(3)
Fair value	224	299
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	2,634	1,784
Gross unrealized gains	41	9
Gross unrealized losses	(4)	(34)
Fair value	2,671	1,759
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	10,198	8,476
Gross unrealized gains	63	21
Gross unrealized losses	(7)	(37)
Fair value	10,254	8,460
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	9,829	8,793
Gross unrealized gains	94	59
Gross unrealized losses	(17)	(63)
Fair value	9,906	8,789
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	1,251	1,079
Gross unrealized gains	12	5
Gross unrealized losses	(2)	(7)
Fair value	1,261	1,077
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	2,212	1,968
Gross unrealized gains	2	1
Gross unrealized losses	(10)	(29)
Fair value	2,204	1,940
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	2,071	1,731
Gross unrealized gains	0	1
Gross unrealized losses	(4)	(13)
Fair value	2,067	1,719
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	2,455	2,782
Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	2,455	2,782
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	1,746	4,188
Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	1,746	4,188
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	40,650	37,784
Gross unrealized gains	218	97
Gross unrealized losses	(62)	(254)
Fair value	40,806	37,627
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	129	127
Gross unrealized gains	27	31
Gross unrealized losses	(13)	(4)
Fair value	$ 143	$ 154

Available-for-sale investment35

Available-for-sale investments (Fair Values by Classification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair values of available-for-sale investments by classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,000	$ 3,241	$ 3,485	$ 4,144
Marketable securities	38,351	34,844
Other noncurrent assets	2,016	1,625
Total available-for-sale investments	40,949	37,781
Available-for-sale investments [Member]
Fair values of available-for-sale investments by classification in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Cash and cash equivalents	2,455	2,783
Marketable securities	38,351	34,844
Other noncurrent assets	143	154
Total available-for-sale investments	$ 40,949	$ 37,781

Available-for-sale investment36

Available-for-sale investments (Fair Values by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair values of available-for-sale debt security investments by contractual maturity
Total available-for-sale investments	$ 40,949	$ 37,781
Total interest-bearing securities [Member]
Fair values of available-for-sale debt security investments by contractual maturity
Maturing in one year or less	6,478	8,393
Maturing after one year through three years	12,912	10,404
Maturing after three years through five years	13,830	12,157
Maturing after five years through ten years	3,252	2,974
Maturing after ten years	63	40
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities	4,271	3,659
Total available-for-sale investments	$ 40,806	$ 37,627

Available-for-sale investment37

Available-for-sale investments (Unrealized Losses and Fair Values) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	$ 14,442	$ 18,281
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(67)	(250)
12 months or greater, Fair value	667	493
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	(8)	(8)
U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	6,242	5,774
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(17)	(68)
12 months or greater, Fair value	5	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	118	201
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(1)	(3)
12 months or greater, Fair value	12	0
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	515	1,192
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(2)	(34)
12 months or greater, Fair value	65	17
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	(2)	0
Corporate debt securities - Financial [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	1,997	3,975
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(6)	(37)
12 months or greater, Fair value	151	44
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	(1)	0
Corporate debt securities - Industrial [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	2,434	3,913
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(14)	(61)
12 months or greater, Fair value	276	149
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	(3)	(2)
Corporate debt securities - Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	326	486
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(2)	(7)
12 months or greater, Fair value	26	7
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	0	0
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	1,723	1,631
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(8)	(26)
12 months or greater, Fair value	94	158
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	(2)	(3)
Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	1,074	1,087
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(4)	(10)
12 months or greater, Fair value	38	118
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	0	(3)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less than 12 months, Fair value	13	22
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	(13)	(4)
12 months or greater, Fair value	0	0
12 months or greater, Unrealized losses	$ 0	$ 0

Available-for-sale investment38

Available-for-sale investments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 545		$ 545		$ 458
Total realized gains	38	$ 215	113	$ 283
Total realized losses	$ 12	$ 192	$ 183	$ 313

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 318	$ 225
Work in process	1,597	1,608
Finished goods	1,012	912
Total inventories	$ 2,927	$ 2,745

Goodwill and other intangible40

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Goodwill Roll Forward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 14,751	$ 14,787
Goodwill related to acquisitions of businesses	0	2
Currency translation adjustments	25	13
Ending balance	$ 14,776	$ 14,802

Goodwill and other intangible41

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Identifiable Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	$ 18,344	$ 18,264
Accumulated amortization	(9,827)	(8,744)
Intangible assets, net	8,517	9,520
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	18,700	19,023
Accumulated amortization	(9,827)	(8,744)
Intangible assets, net	8,873	10,279
IPR&D [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	356	759
Developed Product Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	12,585	12,534
Accumulated amortization	(6,624)	(5,947)
Intangible assets, net	5,961	6,587
Licensing Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	3,275	3,275
Accumulated amortization	(1,525)	(1,300)
Intangible assets, net	1,750	1,975
Marketing-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	1,326	1,333
Accumulated amortization	(895)	(793)
Intangible assets, net	431	540
Research and Development Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-lived intangible assets:
Gross carrying amount	1,158	1,122
Accumulated amortization	(783)	(704)
Intangible assets, net	$ 375	$ 418

Goodwill and other intangible42

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization charges associated with finite-lived intangible assets	$ 308	$ 371	$ 1,100	$ 1,100
Total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for the three months ending December 31, 2017	300		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	1,100		1,100
Total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for 2021	900		900
Total estimated amortization of finite-lived intangible assets for 2022	900		$ 900
Other operating expenses [Member] | IPR&D [Member] | AMG 899 [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 400

Financing arrangements (Princip

Financing arrangements (Principal Amounts and Carrying Value of Long-term Borrowings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	May 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper	$ 1,500		$ 0
Short-term loan	0		605
Total carrying value of debt	35,776		34,596
Less current portion	(1,999)		(4,403)
Total noncurrent debt	$ 33,777		30,193
2.125% notes due 2017 (2.125% 2017 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent			$ 1,250
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.125%		2.125%
Floating Rate Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent			$ 600
1.25% notes due 2017 (1.25% 2017 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent			$ 850
Interest rate, stated percentage	1.25%		1.25%
5.85% notes due 2017 (5.85% 2017 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent			$ 1,100
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.85%		5.85%
6.15% notes due 2018 (6.15% 2018 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 500		$ 500
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.15%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
4.375% €550 million notes due 2018 (4.375% 2018 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 647		577
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.375%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
5.70% notes due 2019 (5.70% 2019 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 1,000		1,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.70%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
1.90% notes due 2019 (1.90% 2019 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 700
Interest rate, stated percentage	1.90%	1.90%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
Floating Rate Notes due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 550		250
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
2.20% notes due 2019 (2.20% 2019 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 1,400		1,400
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.20%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
2.125% Euro Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 797		710
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.125%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
4.50% notes due 2020 (4.50% 2020 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 300		300
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.50%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
2.125% notes due 2020 (2.125% 2020 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 750		750
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.125%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
Floating Rate Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 300
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
2.20% notes due 2020 (2.20% 2020 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 700
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%
3.45% notes due 2020 (3.45% 2020 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 900		900
Interest rate, stated percentage	3.45%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
4.10% notes due 2021 (4.10% 2021 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 1,000		1,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.10%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
1.85% notes due 2021 (1.85% 2021 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 750		750
Interest rate, stated percentage	1.85%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
3.875% notes due 2021 (3.875% 2021 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 1,750		1,750
Interest rate, stated percentage	3.875%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
1.25% €1,250 million notes due 2022 (1.25% 2022 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 1,478		1,315
Interest rate, stated percentage	1.25%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
2.70% notes due 2022 (2.70% 2022 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 500		500
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.70%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
2.65% notes due 2022 (2.65% 2022 Notes) {Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 1,500
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.65%	2.65%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
3.625% notes due 2022 (3.625% 2022 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 750		750
Interest rate, stated percentage	3.625%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
0.41% Swiss-franc-denominated bonds due 2023 (0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 723		687
Interest rate, stated percentage	0.41%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
2.25% notes due 2023 (2.25% 2023 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 750		750
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.25%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
3.625% notes due 2024 (3.625% 2024 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 1,400		1,400
Interest rate, stated percentage	3.625%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
3.125% notes due 2025 (3.125% 2025 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 1,000		1,000
Interest rate, stated percentage	3.125%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
2.00% €750 million notes due 2026 (2.00% 2026 euro Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 886		789
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.00%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
2.60% notes due 2026 (2.60% 2026 notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 1,250		1,250
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.60%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
5.50% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2026 (5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 636		586
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.50%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
4.00% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2029 (4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 938		864
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.00%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
6.375% notes due 2037 (6.375% 2037 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 552		552
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.375%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
6.90% notes due 2038 (6.90% 2038 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 291		291
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.90%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
6.40% notes due 2039 (6.40% 2039 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 466		466
Interest rate, stated percentage	6.40%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
5.75% notes due 2040 (5.75% 2040 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 412		412
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.75%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
4.95% notes due 2041 (4.95% 2041 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 600		600
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.95%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
5.15% notes due 2041 (5.15% 2041 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 974		974
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.15%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
5.65% notes due 2042 (5.65% 2042 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 487		487
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.65%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
5.375% notes due 2043 (5.375% 2043 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 261		261
Interest rate, stated percentage	5.375%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
4.40% notes due 2045 (4.40% 2045 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 2,250		2,250
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.40%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
4.563% notes due 2048 (4.563% 2048 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 1,415		1,415
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.563%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
4.663% notes due 2051 (4.663% 2051 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 3,541		3,541
Interest rate, stated percentage	4.663%
Percentage of principal amount of notes that may be paid upon occurrence of change in control triggering event	101.00%
Other Notes Due 2097 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Noncurrent	$ 100		100
Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized bond discounts, premiums and issuance costs, net	$ (928)		$ (936)

Financing arrangements (Details

Financing arrangements (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt repayment, short-term loan		$ 605,000,000
Debt repayment, long-term debt		$ 4,405,000,000	$ 2,725,000,000
Debt, principal amount	$ 3,500,000,000
4.563% notes due 2048 (4.563% 2048 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.563%
Effective interest rate		6.30%
4.663% notes due 2051 (4.663% 2051 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage		4.663%
Effective interest rate		5.60%
2.125% notes due 2017 (2.125% 2017 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage		2.125%		2.125%
Debt repayment, long-term debt		$ 1,250,000,000
Floating Rate Notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt repayment, long-term debt		$ 600,000,000
1.25% notes due 2017 (1.25% 2017 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage		1.25%		1.25%
Debt repayment, long-term debt		$ 850,000,000
5.85% notes due 2017 (5.85% 2017 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage		5.85%		5.85%
Debt repayment, long-term debt		$ 1,100,000,000
1.90% notes due 2019 (1.90% 2019 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	1.90%	1.90%
2.20% notes due 2020 (2.20% 2020 Notes) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.20%	2.20%
2.65% notes due 2022 (2.65% 2022 Notes) {Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.65%	2.65%
Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption period without payment of a make-whole amount	1 month
Commercial paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average effective borrowing rate		1.30%

Stockholders' equity (Share Rep

Stockholders' equity (Share Repurchase Program) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Stock repurchased, Shares	4.4	6.2	3.4	4.4	3.9	4.7	14	12.9
Stock repurchased	$ 769	$ 1,006	$ 555	$ 747	$ 591	$ 690	$ 2,330	$ 2,028

Stockholders' equity (Details T

Stockholders' equity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Billions	Oct. 24, 2017	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Amount available for stock repurchases under a board approved stock repurchase plan			$ 1.7				$ 1.7
Dividends paid per share (in usd per share)		$ 1.15	$ 1.15	$ 1.15	$ 1.15	$ 1	$ 3.45	$ 3
Subsequent event [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Amount available for stock repurchases under a board approved stock repurchase plan	$ 5
Dividends declared per share (in usd per share)	$ 1.15

Stockholders' equity (Component

Stockholders' equity (Components of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period			$ 29,875
Balance as of end of period	$ 32,229
Foreign currency translation [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	(551)	$ (586)	(610)
OCI, before reclassifications, before tax	38	37	21
Income taxes	3	(2)	3
Balance as of end of period	(510)	(551)	(586)
Accumulated net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	8	209	282
OCI, before reclassifications, before tax	65	17	17
Reclassification adjustments to income	(140)	(330)	(131)
Income taxes	25	112	41
Balance as of end of period	(42)	8	209
Available-for-sale securities [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	100	20	(138)
OCI, before reclassifications, before tax	41	73	116
Reclassification adjustments to income	(26)	47	49
Income taxes	(6)	(40)	(7)
Balance as of end of period	109	100	20
Accumulated Other Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	(6)	(5)	(5)
OCI, before reclassifications, before tax	0	0	0
Other	6	(1)
Balance as of end of period	0	(6)	(5)
AOCI [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in AOCI [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	(449)	(362)	(471)
OCI, before reclassifications, before tax	106	90	133
Reclassification adjustments to income	(166)	(283)	(82)
Other	6	(1)
Income taxes	22	70	37
Balance as of end of period	$ (443)	$ (449)	$ (362)

Stockholders' equity (Reclassif

Stockholders' equity (Reclassifications out of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Product sales	$ 5,453	$ 5,516	$ 16,226	$ 16,229
Interest and other income, net	267	216	627	503
Interest expense, net	(325)	(325)	(972)	(932)
Total before income tax	2,381	2,418	7,383	6,880
Tax expense	(360)	(401)	(1,140)	(1,093)
Net of taxes	2,021	2,017	6,243	5,787
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before income tax	140	65	601	98
Tax expense	(49)	(27)	(213)	(39)
Net of taxes	91	38	388	59
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	26	23	(70)	(30)
Tax expense	(5)	(8)	(7)	0
Net of taxes	21	15	(77)	(30)
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before income tax	140	65	601	98
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Product sales	(2)	67	88	242
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest and other income, net	143	(1)	514	(143)
Cash flow hedge [Member] | Forward interest rate contract [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (1)

Fair value measurement (Details

Fair value measurement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	$ 40,949		$ 37,781
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Derivatives:
Total assets	41,230		38,025
Derivatives:
Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations	68		179
Total liabilities	560		713
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	7		203
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	179		4
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	224
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	308		523
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	40		41
Derivatives:
Interest rate swap contracts	5		7
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Forward interest rate contract [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	10
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	8,018		6,614
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other government-related debt securities - U.S. [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	224		299
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other government-related debt securities - Foreign and other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	2,671		1,759
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Financial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	10,254		8,460
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Industrial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	9,906		8,789
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	1,261		1,077
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	2,204		1,940
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other mortgage- and asset-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	2,067		1,719
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market mutual funds [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	2,455		2,782
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Other short-term interest-bearing securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	1,746		4,188
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	143		154
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Derivatives:
Total assets	10,616		9,550
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		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Forward interest rate contract [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate 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	8,018		6,614
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	2,455		2,782
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	143		154
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Derivatives:
Total assets	30,614		28,475
Derivatives:
Contingent consideration obligations in connection with business combinations	0		0
Total liabilities	492		534
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	7		203
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	179		4
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	224
Derivatives:
Foreign currency and cross-currency swap contracts	308		523
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	40		41
Derivatives:
Interest rate swap contracts	5		7
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Forward interest rate contract [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate contracts	10
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	224		299
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	2,671		1,759
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Financial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	10,254		8,460
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Industrial [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	9,906		8,789
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate debt securities - Other [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	1,261		1,077
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Assets:
Total available-for-sale investments	2,204		1,940
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	2,067		1,719
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	1,746		4,188
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	68	$ 182	179	$ 176	$ 171	$ 188
Total liabilities	68		179
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		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Forward interest rate contract [Member]
Derivatives:
Interest rate 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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 179
Ending balance	$ 68		68
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	182	$ 171	179	$ 188
Net changes in valuation	(114)	5	(111)	(12)
Ending balance	$ 68	$ 176	$ 68	$ 176

Fair value measurements (Detail

Fair value measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 14, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Length of time hedged in foreign currency contracts (or less)			3 years
Long-term debt, fair value		$ 39,000	$ 39,000	$ 36,500
Carrying value of debt		35,776	35,776	$ 34,596
Dezima [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum additional consideration due contingent on milestones					$ 1,250
Estimated fair values of contingent consideration obligations	$ 110
BioVex [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Additional contingent consideration upon achievement of milestones		325	$ 325
Other Government-related and Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment maturity period			5 years
Other operating expenses [Member] | Dezima [Member] | AMG 899 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contingent consideration release		$ (116)

Derivative instruments (Details

Derivative instruments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Interest expense, net [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	$ (17)	$ (61)	$ 1	$ 137
Unrealized gain (loss) on the hedged debt	17	$ 61	(1)	$ (137)
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	4,000		4,000		$ 3,400
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Derivatives not designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	779		779		666
Foreign currency option contracts [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	131		131		608
Forward interest rate contract [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Cash flow hedge [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount, increase (decrease)	550
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, foreign currency and cross-currency swaps	(172)		(172)
Other Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amounts expected to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next 12 months, forward interest rate contracts	$ (1)		(1)
Interest rate swap [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount					$ 6,650
Derivative, notional amount, increase (decrease)			$ (850)
Rate adjustment to LIBOR on interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Three-Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, variable interest rate	0.40%		0.40%
Rate adjustment to LIBOR on interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Three-Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, variable interest rate	0.30%		0.30%		0.40%
Rate adjustment to LIBOR on interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Three-Month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, variable interest rate	1.40%		1.40%		2.00%
3.625% 2024 Notes, 3.125% 2025 Notes, and 2.60% 2026 Notes [Member] | Interest rate swap [Member] | Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount, increase (decrease)			$ 3,650
3.625% notes due 2024 (3.625% 2024 Notes) [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	3.625%		3.625%
3.125% notes due 2025 (3.125% 2025 Notes) [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	3.125%		3.125%
2.60% notes due 2026 (2.60% 2026 notes) [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest rate, stated percentage	2.60%		2.60%

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, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017GBP (£)	Sep. 30, 2017CHF (SFr)	Sep. 30, 2017EUR (€)
2.125% Euro Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 864			€ 675
1.25% 2022 euro Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,388			1,250
0.41% Swiss-franc-denominated bonds due 2023 (0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	704		SFr 700
2.00% €750 million notes due 2026 (2.00% 2026 euro Notes) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	833			€ 750
5.50% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2026 (5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	747	£ 475
4.00% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2029 (4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 1,111	£ 700
Euro Member Countries, Euro | 2.125% Euro Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.125%	2.125%	2.125%	2.125%
Euro Member Countries, Euro | 1.25% 2022 euro Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	1.25%	1.25%	1.25%	1.25%
Euro Member Countries, Euro | 2.00% €750 million notes due 2026 (2.00% 2026 euro Notes) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Switzerland, Francs | 0.41% Swiss-franc-denominated bonds due 2023 (0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%	0.41%
United Kingdom, Pounds | 5.50% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2026 (5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
United Kingdom, Pounds | 4.00% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2029 (4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
United States of America, Dollars | 2.125% Euro Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	2.60%	2.60%	2.60%	2.60%
United States of America, Dollars | 1.25% 2022 euro Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%
United States of America, Dollars | 0.41% Swiss-franc-denominated bonds due 2023 (0.41% 2023 Swiss franc Bonds) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.40%	3.40%	3.40%	3.40%
United States of America, Dollars | 2.00% €750 million notes due 2026 (2.00% 2026 euro Notes) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	3.90%	3.90%	3.90%	3.90%
United States of America, Dollars | 5.50% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2026 (5.50% 2026 pound sterling Notes) [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
United States of America, Dollars | 4.00% pound-sterling denominated notes due 2029 (4.00% 2029 pound sterling Notes) [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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
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	$ 65	$ 35	$ 99	$ (226)
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	(110)	(26)	(360)	(88)
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	165	67	446	(128)
Forward interest rate contract [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	$ 10	$ (6)	$ 13	$ (10)

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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Product sales	$ 5,453	$ 5,516	$ 16,226	$ 16,229
Interest and other income, net	267	216	627	503
Interest expense, net	(325)	(325)	(972)	(932)
Income before income taxes	2,381	2,418	7,383	6,880
Accumulated net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	140	65	601	98
Accumulated net gain (loss) from 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	140	65	601	98
Accumulated net gain (loss) from 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	(2)	67	88	242
Accumulated net gain (loss) from 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	143	(1)	514	(143)
Accumulated net gain (loss) from cash flow hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cash flow hedge [Member] | Forward interest rate contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest expense, net	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (1)

Derivative instruments (Locat56

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, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Interest And Other Income [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	$ (2)	$ 1	$ 12	$ (33)

Derivative instruments (Fair Va

Derivative instruments (Fair Value of Derivatives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	$ 281	$ 244
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	492	534
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	281	244
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	492	534
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Other current assets/Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	7	203
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Foreign currency contracts [Member] | Accrued liabilities/Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	179	4
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member] | Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	224	0
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Cross currency swap contracts [Member] | Accrued liabilities/Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	308	523
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member] | Other noncurrent assets [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	40	41
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Interest rate swap contracts [Member] | Accrued liabilities/Other noncurrent liabilities [Member]
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	5	7
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Forward interest rate contract [Member] | Other current assets [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	10
Derivatives designated as hedging instrument [Member] | Forward interest rate contract [Member] | Accrued liabilities [Member]
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instrument [Member]
Assets
Total derivative assets, fair value	0	0
Liabilities
Total derivative liabilities, fair value	0	0
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	$ 0	$ 0

Contingencies and commitments (

Contingencies and commitments (Details) $ in Millions	Oct. 18, 2017patent	Oct. 07, 2017patent	Oct. 06, 2017patent	Oct. 05, 2017defendants	Sep. 22, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 14, 2017lawsuit	Aug. 24, 2017lawsuit	Sep. 30, 2017lawsuit
Sensipar (cinacalcet) Patent Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain contingency, number of lawsuits filed								18
KYPROLIS (carfilzomib) Patent Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain contingency, number of lawsuits filed						3	2	10
Sensipar (cinacalcet) Patent Litigation, Consolidated by Delaware District Court [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain contingency, number of lawsuits filed								15
Epoetin Alfa Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation settlement, length of trial					5 days
Litigation settlement, amount awarded from other party | $					$ 70
Subsequent event [Member] | Sanofi/Regeneron [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, number of defendants | defendants				2
Subsequent event [Member] | Mvasi Patent Litigation, Genentech, Inc. (Genentech) and the City of Hope [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Gain contingency, patents allegedly infringed upon, number | patent			27
Loss contingency, patents allegedly infringed, number | patent	25	24