| Cover Page | Apr. 23, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 23, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | IN |
| Entity File Number | 001-06351 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 35-0470950 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Lilly Corporate Center |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Indianapolis |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 46285 |
| City Area Code | 317 |
| Local Phone Number | 276-2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Registrant Name | ELI LILLY AND COMPANY |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000059478 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock (no par value) | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock (no par value) |
| Trading Symbol | LLY |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.000% Notes due 2022 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.000% Notes due 2022 |
| Trading Symbol | LLY22 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 7 1/8% Notes due 2025 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7 1/8% Notes due 2025 |
| Trading Symbol | LLY25 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.625% Notes due 2026 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.625% Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | LLY26 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 2.125% Notes due 2030 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 2.125% Notes due 2030 |
| Trading Symbol | LLY30 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.625% Notes due 2031 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.625% Notes due 2031 |
| Trading Symbol | LLY31 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 6.77% Notes due 2036 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.77% Notes due 2036 |
| Trading Symbol | LLY36 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.700% Notes due 2049 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.700% Notes due 2049 |
| Trading Symbol | LLY49A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
