Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, 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 and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [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] Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Short-term Debt, Fair Value Short-term Debt, Fair Value Current portion of long-term debt and finance 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 finance 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 Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Allergan plc Allergan plc [Member] Represents the information pertaining to Allergan plc. Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Scenario, forecast Forecast [Member] Business Acquisition Business Acquisition [Line Items] Total consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Closing price of AbbVie's common stock Share Price Shares of AbbVie stock received by Allergan shareholders Business Combination Consideration Transferred Number Of Shares Issued Per One Share Of Acquired Entity Represents the number of shares issued by the acquiring entity per one share of acquired entity. Cash per share received by Allergan shareholders Business Acquisition, Share Price Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13 Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Accounts receivable, allowance for credit losses Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net earnings Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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 Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense 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 Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities 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 commercial paper borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper Repayments of other short-term borrowings Repayments of Other Short-term Debt 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 Payments of contingent consideration liabilities Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities 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, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash and equivalents, beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and equivalents, end of period Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of worldwide net revenues Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Weighted average Weighted Average [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Discount rate Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] Probability of payment for unachieved milestones Probability of Payment for Unachieved Milestones [Member] Represents the probability of payment for unachieved milestones Probability of payment for royalties by indication Probability of Payment for Royalties by Indication [Member] Represents probability of payment for royalties by indication. Projected year of payments Projected Year of Payments [Member] Represents projected year of payments. Probability of payment for early stage indications Probability of Payment for Early Stage Indications [Member] Represents probability of payment for early stage indications Probability of payment for approved indications Probability of Payment for Approved Indications [Member] Represents probability of payment for approved indications. Probability of payment for royalties excluding early stage or approved indications Probability of Payment for Royalties Excluding Approved Indications [Member] Represents estimated probability of payment for royalties excluding approved indications. Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Significant unobservable input for contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Measurement Input Postemployment Benefits [Abstract] Summary of net periodic benefit costs relating to the company's defined benefit and other post-employment plans Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measures Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block] Cover [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Sec 1.375 Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] Sec 1.375 Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] Sec 1.375 Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] Sec 0.750 Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] Sec 0.750 Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] Sec 0.750 Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] Sec 2.125 Senior Notes due 2028 [Member] Sec 2.125 Senior Notes due 2028 [Member] Sec 2.125 Senior Notes due 2028 [Member] Sec 1.250 Senior Notes due 2031 [Member] Sec 1.250 Senior Notes due 2031 [Member] Sec 1.250 Senior Notes due 2031 [Member] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Exchange [Domain] Exchange [Domain] NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE, INC. [Member] CHICAGO STOCK EXCHANGE, INC [Member] CHICAGO STOCK EXCHANGE, INC [Member] Entity Information Entity Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] 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. Elliott Associates, L.P. Elliott Associates, L.P. [Member] Represents information pertaining to Elliot Associates, LP. Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation [Member] Information relating to Testosterone Replacement Therapy Products Liability Litigation. Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Inc and Grifols Worldwide Operations Ltd Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Inc and Grifols Worldwide Operations Ltd [Member] Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc. and Grifols Worldwide Operations Ltd. Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Disgorgement remedy DisgorgementRemedy [Member] Disgorgement remedy Depakote Depakote [Member] Represents information concerning Depakote-related claims. 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. Damages awarded against company Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Number of healthcare benefit providers acting as plaintiff in lawsuit Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs 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 parties to lawsuit (in investment funds) Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Number of claims consolidated for pre-trial purposes Number Of Cases Consolidated For Pre-trial Purposes Numbers of cases are consolidated for pre-trial purposes. Number of claims pending Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Percentage of claims subject to settlement agreements Percentage of Claims Subject to Settlement Agreements Percentage of claims subject to settlement agreements HCV-related patents Gain Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed upon, Number Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as hedging instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not designated as hedging instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Treasury rate lock agreements Treasury Lock [Member] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Swap [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] 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] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other assets Other Noncurrent Assets [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 Fair value - Derivatives in asset position Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Fair value - Derivatives in liability position Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Key Product Portfolio [Axis] Key Product Portfolio [Axis] Information concerning the company's portfolios of key products. Key Product Portfolio [Domain] Key Product Portfolio [Domain] [Domain] for Information concerning the company's portfolios of key products. Immunology Immunology [Member] Represents information pertaining to Immunology, a key product portfolio of the entity. Hematologic Oncology Hematologic Oncology [Member] Represents information pertaining to Hematologic Oncology, a key product portfolio of the entity. HCV HCV [Member] Represents information pertaining to HCV, a key product portfolio of the entity. Other Key Products Other Key Products [Member] Represents information pertaining to other key products of the entity. Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] HUMIRA H U M I R A [Member] Represents information pertaining to HUMIRA, a product of the entity. SKYRIZI SKYRIZI [Member] Represents information pertaining to SKYRIZI, a product of the entity. RINVOQ RINVOQ [Member] Represents information pertaining to RINVOQ, a product of the entity. IMBRUVICA Imbruvica [Member] Represents information pertaining to Imbruvica, a product of the entity. VENCLEXTA VENCLEXTA [Member] Represents information pertaining to VENCLEXTA, a product of the entity. MAVYRET MAVYRET [Member] Represents information pertaining to MAVYRET, a product of the entity. VIEKIRA VIEKIRA [Member] Represents information pertaining to VIEKIRA, a product of the entity. Creon Creon [Member] Represents information pertaining to Creon, a product of the entity. Lupron Lupron [Member] Represents information pertaining to Lupron, a product of the entity. Synthroid Synthroid [Member] Represents information pertaining to Synthroid, a product of the entity. Synagis Synagis [Member] Represents information pertaining to Synagis, a product of the entity. Duodopa Duodopa [Member] Represents information pertaining to Duodopa, a product of the entity. Sevoflurane Sevoflurane [Member] Represents information pertaining to Sevoflurane, a product of the entity. Kaletra Kaletra [Member] Represents information pertaining to Kaletra, a product of the entity. ORILISSA ORILISSA [Member] Represents information pertaining to ORILISSA, a product of the entity. AndroGel Andro Gel [Member] Represents information pertaining to AndroGel, a product of the entity. All other Other Products [Member] Represents information pertaining to other products of the entity not specified anywhere. Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES International Non-US [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Net revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Collaboration revenues Revenue from Collaborative Arrangement, Excluding Revenue from Contract with Customer Total net revenues Revenues Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net investment hedging activities, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Amount of tax expense (benefit), after reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on derivative instruments and nonderivative instruments designated and qualifying as net investment hedge, attributable to parent entity. Pension and post-employment benefits, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax, Attributable to Parent Marketable security activities, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Cash flow hedging activities, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, Tax, Parent Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Legal Proceedings and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Supplemental Financial Information 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 Inventory, Net 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 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Depreciation expense Transfers of assets or liabilities between the fair value measurement levels Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net [Abstract] Transfers of assets into Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers of assets out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net [Abstract] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net [Abstract] Transfers of liabilities into Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3 Transfers of liabilities out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3 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 Reconciliation, 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 Payments Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Ending balance Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share, impact of two-class method Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(8) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and $1 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net investment hedging activities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $20 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and $19 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), After Reclassification and Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Amount, after tax and reclassification, of gain (loss) from derivative instruments and nonderivative instruments designated and qualifying as net investment hedge, attributable to parent entity. Pension and post-employment benefits, net of tax expense (benefit) of $15 for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and $6 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 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, 2020 and $— for the three months ended March 31, 2019 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Cash flow hedging activities, net of tax expense (benefit) of $(2) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and $(7) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax, Parent Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of products sold Cost of Sales [Member] Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Pre-tax compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense Tax benefit Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit After-tax compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, after Tax Post-Employment Benefits Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Net investment hedging activity Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Net investment hedging activities AOCI, Derivative Qualifying as Hedge, Excluded Component, Parent [Member] Pension and post-employment benefits Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Cash flow hedging activities Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent [Member] Significant amounts reclassified out of each component of AOCI Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Gains on derivative amount excluded from effectiveness testing Tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total reclassifications, net of tax Amortization of actuarial losses and other Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Tax benefit Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Total reclassifications, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Losses (gains) on foreign currency forward exchange contracts Cost of Goods and Services Sold Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] 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 cost (credit) 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) Summary of share-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [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] 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 Potential change in unrecognized tax benefits Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible 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] December 2018 Stock Repurchase Authorization December 2018 Stock Repurchase Authorization [Member] December 2018 Stock Repurchase Authorization Equity, Class of Treasury Stock Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Shares repurchased (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Payment for shares repurchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Remaining share repurchase authorization amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Restructuring reserve activity Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrued balance beginning of the period Restructuring Reserve Restructuring charges Restructuring Reserve Cash Settled Restructuring Gains (Losses) The change in the restructuring reserve related to the amount of restructuring gains (losses) during the period that are expected to be cash settled. 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 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] Collaboration with Janssen Biotech, Inc. No definition available. Collaboration with Janssen Biotech, Inc. Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Stock Options Share-based Payment Arrangement, 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 Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Restructuring Plans Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] 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 designated as cash flow hedges recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of pre-tax amounts of derivatives designated as net investment hedges recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Net Investment Hedges in Accumulated 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] Summary of significant level 3 unobservable inputs Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [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 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] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common stock Treasury stock Treasury Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Beginning balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Dividends declared Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Purchases of treasury stock Purchases of treasury stock (in shares) Stock-based compensation plans and other Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Stock-based compensation plans and other (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Ending balance Ending balance (in shares) Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Summary of the cash activity in the restructuring reserve Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable [Member] Total revenues Revenue Benchmark [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] Number of principal customers Number of Principal US Customers Represents the number of principal U.S. customers of the entity. Concentrations risk (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Designated as fair value hedges Not designated as hedges Interest expense, net Interest Expense [Member] Net foreign exchange loss Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Gain (loss) on derivatives Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Pre-tax gains (losses) from cash flow hedges recognized in other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Pre-tax gains (losses) from net investment hedge instruments recognized in other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Pre-tax gains (losses) to be transferred into cost of products sold for foreign currency cash flow hedges during the next 12 months Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Pre-tax gains (losses) to be transferred into interest expense, net for interest rate swap cash flow hedges during the next 12 months Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Pre-tax gains (losses) to be transferred into interest expense, net for treasury rate lock agreement cash flow hedges during the next 12 months Treasury Lock Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Treasury Rate Lock Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Derivative instrument net gains (losses) recognized in the consolidate statements of earnings Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Debt designated as hedged item in fair value hedges gain (loss) recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Supplemental Financial Information Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Inventories Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Total current assets Assets, Current Investments Long-term Investments Property 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 finance lease obligations Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt and finance lease obligations Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity (deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized, 1,786,240,964 shares issued as of March 31, 2020 and 1,781,582,608 as of December 31, 2019 Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 309,566,303 shares as of March 31, 2020 and 302,671,146 as of December 31, 2019 Treasury Stock, Value Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity RSUs and Performance Shares Restricted Stock Units And Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock Units And Performance Shares [Member] 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 Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Excluding Option, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Table] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Table] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Janssen Biotech Inc Janssen Biotech Inc [Member] Represents the information pertains to the entity Janssen Biotech Inc. Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Axis] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Axis] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Domain] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Domain] Collaborative arrangement Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Collaborative and license agreements Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [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) Global - AbbVie's share of other costs (included in respective line items) Cost Sharing Expenses Represents cost sharing expenses. 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 Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [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] Term loan facilities Loans Payable [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] May 2018 term loan credit agreement May 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement [Member] May 2018 Term Loan Credit Agreement Short-Term Borrowings Short-term Debt [Line Items] Proceeds from commercial paper borrowings issued Proceeds from Issuance of Commercial Paper Weighted-average interest rate on commercial paper (as a percent) Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Repayments of other short-term borrowings Term loan credit agreement term Debt Instrument, Term Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Bridge credit agreement Bridge Loan [Member] Senior notes issued in 2019 Senior Notes Issued in 2019 [Member] Represents the total unsecured senior notes issued in 2019. July 2019 term loan agreement July 2019 Term Loan Credit Agreement [Member] July 2019 Term Loan Credit Agreement July 2019 364-day term loan tranche July 2019 364-Day Term Loan Tranche [Member] July 2019 364-Day Term Loan Tranche July 2019 three-year term loan tranche July 2019 Three-Year Term Loan Tranche [Member] July 2019 Three-Year Term Loan Tranche July 2019 five-year term loan tranche July 2019 Five-Year Term Loan Tranche [Member] July 2019 Five-Year Term Loan Tranche June 2019 bridge credit agreement June 2019 Bridge Credit Facility [Member] June 2019 Bridge Credit Facility Allergan notes Allergan Notes [Member] Represents information pertaining to Allergan pls'c outstanding notes. Allergan Euro notes Allergan Euro Notes [Member] Represents information pertaining to Allergan plc's Euro notes. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Aggregate principal amount of debt Special mandatory redemption price pending the proposed acquisition Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Principal amount of borrowings Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount Amount drawn under credit agreement Proceeds from Issuance of Debt 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 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 Amortization expense Definite-lived intangible assets impairment charges Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment charges Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Licensing, Acquisitions, and Other Arrangements Cash outflows related to acquisitions and investments Acquired in-process research and development Research and Development Asset Acquired Other than Through Business Combination, Written-off Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Foreign currency contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Fair value, asset and liability measures Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Cash and equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Debt securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Interest rate swap contracts Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Foreign currency contracts Total assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Interest rate swap contracts Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value Foreign currency contracts Contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at the beginning of the period Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Balance at the end of the period Accumulated goodwill impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract] Accumulated goodwill impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Equity Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] 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 AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Net losses (gains) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 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] 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 Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Income Statement [Abstract] Net revenues Cost of products sold Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development Research and Development Expense (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost) 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 expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Earnings before income tax expense Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Net earnings Per share data Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in shares) Schedule of profit and cost sharing relationship Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Table Text Block] 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.