Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Legal Proceedings and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Supplemental Financial Information Supplemental Financial Information Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Spain Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Spain [Member] Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Spain [Member] Saudi Arabia SAUDI ARABIA Russia RUSSIAN FEDERATION Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable [Member] Total revenues Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Geographic Risk Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] HUMIRA Product Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration of Risk Concentration Risk [Line Items] Net governmental receivables outstanding Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Concentrations risk (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] HUMIRA H U M I R A [Member] Represents information pertaining to HUMIRA, a product of the entity. IMBRUVICA Imbruvica [Member] Represents information pertaining to Imbruvica, a product of the entity. HCV HCV [Member] Represents information pertaining to HCV, a product portfolio of the entity. Lupron Lupron [Member] Represents information pertaining to Lupron, a product of the entity. Creon Creon [Member] Represents information pertaining to Creon, a product of the entity. Synagis Synagis [Member] Represents information pertaining to Synagis, a product of the entity. Synthroid Synthroid [Member] Represents information pertaining to Synthroid, a product of the entity. AndroGel Andro Gel [Member] Represents information pertaining to AndroGel, a product of the entity. Kaletra Kaletra [Member] Represents information pertaining to Kaletra, a product of the entity. Sevoflurane Sevoflurane [Member] Represents information pertaining to Sevoflurane, a product of the entity. Duodopa Duodopa [Member] Represents information pertaining to Duodopa, a product of the entity. All other Other Products [Member] Represents information pertaining to other products of the entity not specified anywhere. United States UNITED STATES International Non-US [Member] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Collaborative arrangement Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Total net revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Book value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Approximate fair value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Bases used to measure the approximate fair values of the financial instruments Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt, Fair Value Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges Long Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Current Fair Value Disclosure Represents the fair value amount of obligation related to long-term debt (excluding convertible debt) and capital leases, the portion which is due in one year or less in the future. Long-term debt and lease obligations, excluding fair value hedges Long Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Fair Value Disclosure Represents the fair value amount of as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer plus capital lease obligations due to be paid more than one year after the balance sheet date. Total liabilities Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Carrying amount of investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Amount of investment in equity security without readily determinable fair value. Cumulative upward adjustments for investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Upward Price Adjustment, Cumulative Amount Amount of cumulative gain from upward price adjustment on investment in equity security without readily determinable fair value. Cumulative downward adjustments for investments in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Downward Price Adjustment, Cumulative Amount Amount of cumulative loss from downward price adjustment on investment in equity security without readily determinable fair value. Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Equity Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] RSUs and Performance Shares Restricted Stock Units And Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock Units And Performance Shares [Member] RSAs, RSUs, and Performance Shares Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, And Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, And Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Fair market value of awards vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Schedule of interest expense, net Interest Income and Interest Expense Disclosure [Table Text Block] Schedule of inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Other assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Operating earnings Operating Income (Loss) [Member] Other (income) expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Inventories Inventory, Net Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Other long-term liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Net revenues Revenues Cost of products sold Cost of Goods Sold Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net earnings Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Cumulative-effect adjustment Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Reclassification of income Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Non-operating income which would have been recorded in operating earnings under previous guidance Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component Amount of expense (reversal of expense) for net periodic benefit cost components, excluding service cost component, of defined benefit plan. Amount includes, but is not limited to, interest cost, expected (return) loss on plan asset, amortization of prior service cost (credit), amortization of (gain) loss, amortization of transition (asset) obligation, settlement (gain) loss, curtailment (gain) loss and certain termination benefits. Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Member] Investments [Domain] Time deposits Bank Time Deposits [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign Currency Contract Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Changes Measurement Changes Measurement [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Stemcentrx and BI Stemcentrx And Rights From Boehringer Ingelheim [Member] Represents the information relating to Stemcentrx and Rights from Boehringer Ingelheim. Contingent Consideration Change, By Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Change, By Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Change, By Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Change, By Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Change, By Type [Domain] [Domain] for Contingent Consideration Change, By Type [Axis] Change In Assumed Discount Rate Change In Assumed Discount Rate [Member] Change In Assumed Discount Rate [Member] Change In Assumed Probability Rate Change In Assumed Probability Rate [Member] Change In Assumed Probability Rate [Member] Fair value, asset and liability measures Cash and equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Time deposits Debt securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Foreign currency contracts Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Interest rate hedges Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Foreign currency contracts Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Discount rate change Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Change Fair Value Inputs, Assumed Discount Rate Change Contingent consideration liability change Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Potential Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Potential Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Assumed probability rate change Fair Value Inputs, Assumed Probability Rate Change Fair Value Inputs, Assumed Probability Rate Change Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue from contract with customer. Collaboration with Janssen Biotech, Inc. No definition available. Collaboration with Janssen Biotech, Inc. Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation Depreciation Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Upfront costs and milestones related to collaborations Upfront Costs Related To Collaborations Represents the amount of upfront costs related to collaborations reported in the statement of cash flows. Other, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Acquisitions and investments Payments to Acquire Other Investments Acquisitions of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of investment securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Sales and maturities of investment securities Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net change in short-term borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt and lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Purchases of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from the exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net change in cash and equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and equivalents, end of period Schedule of profit and cost sharing relationship Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock held in treasury, at cost (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Accumulated goodwill impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Short-term investments Short-term Investments [Member] Asset backed securities Asset-backed Securities [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Other debt securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Equity Securities, Investment Summary [Member] Equity Securities, Investment Summary [Member] Available-for-sale Securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Maximum maturity period of long-term debt securities (in years) Available-for-sale Securities, Maturity Period of Securities, Maximum Maximum period of maturity for available-for-sale securities, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross unrealized, Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross unrealized, Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair value Available-for-sale Securities Other-than-temporary impairments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairment, Not Credit Loss, Net of Tax, Available-for-sale, Debt Securities Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Plans Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic EPS Earnings Per Share, Basic, Two Class Method [Abstract] Earnings allocated to participating securities Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic Earnings available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Weighted-average basic shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted EPS Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Two Class Method [Abstract] Net earnings Earnings allocated to participating securities Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Diluted Earnings available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted-average basic shares outstanding (in shares) Effect of dilutive securities (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent U.S. statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act transition tax expense Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Provisional Income Tax Expense Amount of reasonable estimate for income tax expense from transition tax on accumulated earnings of controlled foreign corporation deemed repatriated pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act net tax benefit from the remeasurement of deferred taxes Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Incomplete Accounting, Change in Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Amount of reasonable estimate for income tax expense (benefit) for remeasurement of deferred tax from change in tax rate pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for which accounting for tax effect is incomplete. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act adjustments to provisional estimates Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Amount of income tax expense (benefit) for measurement period adjustment from accounting for tax effect pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Potential change in unrecognized tax benefits Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Summary of share-based compensation expense Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Summary of quarterly cash dividends Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block] Summary of changes in balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of the significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Summary of the cash activity in the restructuring reserve Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Postemployment Benefits [Abstract] Summary of net periodic benefit costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and equivalents Short-term investments Short-term Investments Accounts receivable, net Total current assets Assets, Current Investments Long-term Investments Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill Goodwill Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term borrowings Short-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt and lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt and lease obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized, 1,775,505,540 shares issued as of March 31, 2018 and 1,768,738,550 as of December 31, 2017 Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 188,735,571 shares as of March 31, 2018 and 176,607,525 as of December 31, 2017 Treasury Stock, Value Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Summary of amounts and location of derivatives on the condensed consolidated balance sheets Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of pre-tax amounts of derivatives recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of pre-tax amounts and location of derivatives recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of bases used to measure assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in fair value of Level 3 inputs Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of book values, approximate fair values and bases used to measure certain financial instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Summary of available-for-sale securities by type Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Transfers of assets or liabilities between the fair value measurement levels Fair Value, Transfers Between Level 1 and Level 2, Description and Policy [Abstract] Transfer of assets from level 1 to level 2 Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Transfer of assets from level 2 to level 1 Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Transfer of liabilities from level 1 to level 2 Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Transfer of liabilities from level 2 to level 1 Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Reconciliation of the fair value measurements that use significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Change in fair value recognized in net earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Ending balance Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges Interest Rate Swap [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior notes Senior Notes [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Net Investment Hedges Net Investment Hedging [Member] Fair value hedges Fair Value Hedging [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as hedging instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not designated as hedges Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Cost of products sold Cost of Sales [Member] Net foreign exchange loss Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Interest expense, net Interest Expense [Member] Gain (loss) on derivatives Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gains (losses) recognized in other comprehensive income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Pretax unrealized gains Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Recognized pre-tax loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Derivative gain (loss), net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, beginning balance Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill, ending balance Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] AbbVie sponsored plans Reporting Entity Sponsor [Member] The entity or group whose financial statements are being referred to. Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Defined benefit plans Pension Plan [Member] Other post-employment plans Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined benefit and other post-employment plans Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization Of Actuarial Gain (Loss), Prior Service Cost (Credit) The amount of amortization of actuarial losses and prior service costs included in the calculation of net periodic pension benefit cost. Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Not designated as hedging instrument Interest rate contracts Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Notional amount of derivative instruments Derivative, Notional Amount Duration of forward exchange contracts Derivative, Term of Contract Approximate length of time over which accumulated gains and losses will be recognized in Cost of products sold Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Principal amount of unsecured senior notes Debt Instrument, Face Amount Foreign currency contracts in asset position Foreign currency contracts in liability position Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Pre-tax compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense After-tax compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Net investment hedging activities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(30) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $(36) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 Cash flow hedging activities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(1) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $(13) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(3) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $— for the three months ended March 31, 2017 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Hedging activities, net of tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Pension and post-employment benefits, net of tax expense (benefit) of $9 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $8 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Marketable security activities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $— for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and $(1) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Restructuring reserve activity Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrued balance beginning of the period Restructuring Reserve Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Payments and other adjustments Restructuring Reserve Period Cash Settled and Other Adjustments The change in the restructuring reserve related to the amount of cash paid and other adjustments during the period. Accrued balance end of the period Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Janssen Biotech Inc [Member] Janssen Biotech Inc [Member] Represents the information pertains to the entity Janssen Biotech Inc. Collaborative and license agreements Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Milestone payments Collaborative Arrangement Milestone Method Payments Receivable The maximum milestone payments that may be received by the entity based on the achievement of specified events under a collaborative arrangement. Share of collaboration development costs responsible by Janssen (as a percent) Collaborative Arrangements Percentage Of Share Of Development Costs Responsible By Third Party Represents the percentage of share in collaboration development costs responsible by Janssen under cost sharing arrangement. Share of collaboration development costs responsible by the entity (as a percent) Collaborative Arrangements Percentage Of Share Of Development Costs Represents the percentage of share in collaboration development costs responsible by the entity under cost sharing arrangement. United States - Janssen's share of profits (included in cost of products sold) Collaborative Arrangements Payment To Other Party As Share Of Profits Before Income Taxes Represents the amount paid or to be paid to other party as profit sharing in the contract which is recorded as expense for the company. International - AbbVie's share of profits (included in net revenues) Collaborative Arrangements Share Of Profits Before Income Taxes Represents the amount of share of profits before income taxes under the collaborative arrangements. Global - AbbVie's share of other costs (included in respective line items) Cost Sharing Expenses Represents cost sharing expenses. Licensing, Acquisitions, and Other Arrangements Licensing, Acquisitions, and Other Arrangements Acquisitions Collaborations and Other Arrangements Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for acquisitions, collaborations and other arrangements of the entity. Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Developed product rights Developed Technology Rights [Member] License agreements Licensing Agreements [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Indefinite-lived research and development Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Net carrying amount - Indefinite-lived research and development Total Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill Total carrying amount of assets (excluding financial assets) that lack physical substance, excluding goodwill, having a projected indefinite period of benefit. Total intangible assets gross carrying amount Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Accumulated amortization - Total intangible assets Accumulated Amortization Total Total accumulated amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Total intangible assets, net Post-Employment Benefits Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Interest Expense, Net Interest Revenue (Expense), Net [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Inventories Inventory, Net [Abstract] Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Inventories Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net Depreciation expense Segment Reporting [Abstract] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short Term Debt Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial paper Commercial Paper [Member] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Line Items] Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent) Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Hedging activities, tax (benefit) expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Pension and post-employment benefits, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax, Attributable to Parent Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable equity securities, tax (benefit) expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Pension and post- employment benefits Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Cash flow hedging activities Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Tax (benefit) expense Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income, after tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Weighted-average grant-date fair value of the stock options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options Schedule of worldwide net revenues Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] AOCI Attributable to Parent AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Net investment hedging activities Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) From Net Investment Hedges Attributable To Parent [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) From Net Investment Hedges Attributable To Parent [Member] Marketable security activities Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI, beginning balance Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent AOCI, ending balance Document and Entity Information Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] AndroGel Antitrust Litigation Andro Gel Antitrust Litigation [Member] Represents information pertaining to AndroGel Antitrust Litigation. Niaspan Niaspan [Member] Represents information pertaining to Niaspan, a product of the entity. Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation [Member] Information relating to Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation. Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Allegation of proposed generic products infringing AbbVie's patents and seeking declaratory and injunctive relief Allegation Of Proposed Generic Products Infringing Patents And Seeking Declaratory And Injunctive Relief [Member] Represents information pertaining to allegation of proposed generic products infringing the entity's patents and seeking declaratory and injunctive relief. Depakote Depakote [Member] Represents information concerning Depakote-related claims. Punitive damages PunitiveDamages [Member] Punitive damages Compensatory damages CompensatoryDamages [Member] Compensatory damages Legal Proceedings and Contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Recorded accrual balance for litigation Loss Contingency Accrual Number of generic companies with whom certain litigation related agreements were entered into Loss Contingency Number of Generic Companies as Counterparty of Litigation Related Agreements Violated Certain Laws Represents the number of generic companies with whom certain litigation related agreements are entered into that violated federal and state antitrust laws and state consumer protection and unjust enrichment laws. Number of individual plaintiff lawsuits Loss Contingency Individual Plaintiff Lawsuits Number Represents the number of individual plaintiff lawsuits filed, pertaining to a loss contingency during the period. Number of purported class actions Loss Contingency Purported Class Actions Number Represents the number of purported class actions filed, pertaining to a loss contingency during the period. Number of healthcare benefit providers who filed lawsuits Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Numbers of claims are consolidated for pre-trial purposes Number Of Claims Consolidated For Pre-Trial Purposes Numbers of claims are consolidated for pre-trial purposes. Number of claims pending Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Damages awarded against company Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Percentage of pending claims in US District Courts Percentage Of Pending Claims In United States District Courts Represents the percentage of pending claims in the United States District Courts. Number of individual putative class action lawsuit Punitive Class Action Lawsuit Individual Number Represents number of the number of individual punitive class action lawsuit. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] May 2018 Dutch Auction Tender Offer May 2018 Dutch Auction Tender Offer [Member] Common stock repurchase activity associated with the May 2018 Dutch auction tender offer. Open Market Stock Repurchases Open Market Stock Repurchases [Member] Common stock repurchase activity associated with open market repurchases. Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Stock Repurchase Program Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Amount authorized under stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Dutch auction tender offer stock repurchase price (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Stock repurchased (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Stock repurchase amount Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Remaining stock repurchase authorization Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Income Statement [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost) Acquired in-process research and development Research and Development Asset Acquired Other than Through Business Combination, Written-off Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating earnings Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense, net Net foreign exchange loss Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Other (income) expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Earnings before income tax expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings Per share data Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in shares) Summary of diluted earnings per share, impact of two-class method Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Cash outflows related to acquisitions and investments Schedule of impact of adoption on condensed consolidated statement of earnings Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Summary of definite-lived intangible assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Summary of indefinite-lived intangible assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]