| Cover Page | Feb. 12, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 12, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CVS HEALTH CORP |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000064803 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-01011 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 05-0494040 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | One CVS Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Woonsocket |
| Entity Address, State or Province | RI |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02895 |
| City Area Code | 401 |
| Local Phone Number | 765-1500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CVS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
