Inventory, Net Total inventories Inventories (Note 2) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangible assets - net Intangible assets, net (Note 3) Goodwill, net Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, net (Note 3) Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Current Reporting Status Inventory Net [Abstract] Summary of Inventories Goods in process Inventory, Work in Process Intangible assets with indefinite lives: Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Trademarks Indefinite-Lived Trademarks Total intangible assets with indefinite lives Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Other intangibles - gross Other Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Consumer [Member] Consumer [Member] Consumer. Pharmaceutical [Member] Pharmaceutical [Member] Pharmaceutical. Medical Devices and Diagnostics [Member] Medical Devices and Diagnostics [Member] Medical Devices and Diagnostics. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Estimated amortization expense per year Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rates Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies Raw materials and supplies Intangible assets with definite lives: Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Weighted average amortization periods for patents and trademarks Weighted average amortization periods for patents and trademarks Weighted average amortization periods for patents and trademarks. Weighted average amortization periods for other Intangible assets Weighted average amortization periods for other Intangible assets Weighted average amortization periods for other Intangible assets. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Amortization expense of amortizable intangible assets Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Patents and trademarks - gross Finite Lived Patents And Trademarks Gross Finite Lived Patents And Trademarks Gross Finite Lived Patents And Trademarks Accumulated Amortization Less accumulated amortization Finite Lived Patents And Trademarks Accumulated Amortization. Other Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Less accumulated amortization Other Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization. Other intangibles - net Other Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net Other Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net. Financial assets and liabilities at fair value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Text Block] Foreign exchange contracts [Member] Foreign exchange contracts [Member] Cross currency interest rate swaps [Member] Cross currency interest rate swaps [Member] Summary of designated derivatives Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion, Net Gain/ (Loss) recognized in Accumulated OCI Reclassification of foreign exchange contracts into earnings, period Description of Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) Maximum length of time for hedging transaction exposure Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Other income/(expense), net, related to foreign exchange contracts, non hedging Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments : Assets Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments : Liabilities Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments : Assets Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability at Fair Value Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments : Liabilities Short-term Borrowings Loans and notes payable Current Debt Notional amounts outstanding for forward foreign exchange contracts Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Notional amounts outstanding for cross currency interest rate swaps Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information. Interest Income Expense Net Member Included in Interest (income)/Interest expense, net [Member] Interest Income Expense Net Member. Research Expense Member Included in Research and development expense [Member] Research Expense Member. Sales [Member] Included in Sales to customer [Member] Cost Of Sales [Member] Included in Cost of products sold [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Interest Income Expense Type Three Net Member Included in Other (Income)/Expense Type Three, net [Member] Other Interest Income Expense Type Three Net Member. Other Interest Income Expense Type Two Net Member Included in Other (Income)/Expense Type Two, net [Member] Other Interest Income Expense Type Two Net Member. Other Interest Income Expense Type Six Net Member Other Interest Income Expense Type Six Net [Member] Other Interest Income Expense Type Six Net Member. Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Retirement Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Other Benefit Plans [Member] Pension Contributions Contribution to pension plans United States Pension Plans Of U S Entity Defined Benefit [Member] U.S. retirement plans [Member] Foreign Pension Plans Defined Benefit Member [Member] International retirement plans [Member] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Severance Reserve balance as of: Restructuring Reserve Ending Balance Beginning Balance Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash Current year activity Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures, Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Restructuring Charges Restructuring charges, pre tax Restructuring expense Business Exit Costs Leasehold and contract obligations included in restructuring charges Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Components of net periodic benefit cost Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] RESTRUCTURING Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Operating profit by segment of business U.S. Member. U S [Member] U.S. [Member] International Member. International [Member] International [Member] Europe Member. Europe [Member] Europe [Member] Segment Geographical Groups Of Countries Group Two [Member] Asia-Pacific, Africa [Member] Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract] Reconciliation of basic net earnings per share to diluted net earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted net earnings per share Diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic net earnings per share Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic Average shares outstanding - basic Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Debt Securities Convertible debt shares Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Potential shares exercisable under stock option plans Earnings Per Share Textuals Abstract. Earnings Per Share (Textuals) [Abstract] Earnings Per Share (Textuals) [Abstract] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share Segment, Geographical [Domain] Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification Adjustment on Derivatives Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Net amount reclassified to net earnings Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gain (loss) Legal Proceeding Textuals Abstract. Legal Proceeding (Textuals) [Abstract] Legal Proceedings (Textuals) [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Net six months change Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax Net six months change Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Foreign Currency Translation [Member] Statement, Partner Capital Components [Axis] Partner Capital Components [Domain] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Settlement of Litigation [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Net Six months change Gains/(Losses) on derivatives & hedges Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Net six months change Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Shareholders' equity: Accrued Rebates Returns And Promotions Accrued rebates, returns and promotions Reflects the estimated obligations due within one year for rebates, returns and promotions. Reserves include such items related to Medicaid rebates, product returns due to expiration, product recalls, current portion of coupons and volume-based sales incentives programs. Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD Cash and Cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Available-for-sale Securities, Current Marketable securities Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred taxes on income Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, plant and equipment at cost Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less: accumulated depreciation Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred taxes on income Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation and employee related obligations Accrued Income Taxes, Current Accrued taxes on income Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred taxes on income Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Employee related obligations Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock - par value $1.00 per share (authorized 4,320,000,000 shares; issued 3,119,843,000 shares) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax July 3, 2011 January 2, 2011 Deferred net gains on derivatives included in accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 7) Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Retained earnings Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury stock, shares Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowances for doubtful accounts Consolidated Statements of Earnings [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] NET EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 8) Cost of Goods Sold Cost of products sold Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, marketing and administrative expenses Research and Development Expense (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost) Research and development expense Investment Income, Interest Interest income Interest Expense Interest expense, net of portion capitalized Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other (income) expense, net Income tax expense (benefit) Provision for taxes on income (Note 5) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Acquisitions Abstract. Acquisitions [Abstract] Acquisitions Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash flows from operating activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and amortization of property and intangibles Share-based Compensation Stock based compensation Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax provision Provision for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable allowances Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Increase in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Increase in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Increase in other current and non-current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Increase in other current and non-current liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Additions to property, plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from the disposal of assets Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Investments Purchases of investments Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collections of Investments Sales of investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Payments of Ordinary Dividends Dividends to shareholders Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Proceeds from Short-term Debt Proceeds from short-term debt Repayments of Short-term Debt Retirement of short-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Retirement of long-term debt Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from the exercise of stock options/ excess tax benefits Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid CASH DIVIDENDS PER SHARE Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] INVENTORIES Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIVESTITURES Income Tax Textuals Abstract. Income Tax (Textuals) [Abstract] Income Tax (Textuals) [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Textuals Abstract. Fair Value Measurements Textuals [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements (Textuals) Intangible Assets and Goodwill Textuals Abstract. Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Textuals) [Abstract] Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Textuals) Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Recognized actuarial losses Shares Which Could Be Repurchased Under Treasury Stock Method Less: shares which could be repurchased under treasury stock method Common stock assumed to be purchased using the proceeds that could be obtained upon exercise of potential shares exercisable under stock option plans, at the average market price during the period. Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Text Block] Severance reserve and the associated spending Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Gain/ (Loss) reclassified from Accumulated OCI into income Derivative, Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain (Loss) Gain/ (Loss) recognized in Other income/expense Cash payments for Restructuring Restructuring charges required to be paid in cash, pre tax Aggregate amount of cash expected to be paid associated with the restructuring. Other Interest Income Expense Net [Member] Included in Other (income)/expense, net [Member] Other Interest Income Expense Net. Segment Of Business And Geographic Areas (Textuals) [Abstract] Segment of Business and Geographic Areas (Textuals) [Abstract] Segment Of Business And Geographic Areas. Litigation Settlement, Expense Net litigation expense Litigation Expense Finite Lived Patents And Trademarks Net Patents and trademarks - net Finite lived patents and trademarks net. Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Pensions and Other Benefit Plans (Textuals) [Abstract] Pensions and Other Benefit Plans (Textuals) Pensions and Other Benefit Plans Textuals Abstract. Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Entity Public Float Business Combinations And Divestitures (Textuals) [Abstract] Business Combinations and Divestitures (Textuals) [Abstract] Business Combinations And Divestitures Textuals Abstract. Segment Reporting Information Operating Income Loss [Abstract] Expense Not Allocated To Segments Expense not allocated to segments Expense not allocated to segments Expense not allocated to segments. Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Weighted average rate on non-current debt Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Net Six months change Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Textuals) [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Textuals) [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive income loss. Verdict Against Company Verdict in favor of the State's Attorney General and against Janssen and the Company Verdict in favor of the State's Attorney General and against Janssen and the Company. Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Abstract] Current Investments Cash Cash US Government Securities, at Carrying Value Government securities and obligations Other Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Corporate debt securities Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Money market funds Time Deposits, at Carrying Value Time deposits Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Total cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities Restitution [Member] Restitution [Member] Restitution. Civil penalties [Member] Civil penalties [Member] Civil penalties. Amount Given To Plaintiff By Jury Amount given to plaintiff by jury. Amount given to plaintiff by jury Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax July 3, 2011 January 2, 2011 Deferred net gains on derivatives included in accumulated other comprehensive income Sales Revenue Goods Net Percentage Increase Decrease Sales to customers (Note 9) Sales revenue goods net percentage increase decrease. Cost Of Goods Sold Percentage Increase Decrease Cost of products sold Cost of goods sold percentage increase decrease. Gross Profit Percentage Increase Decrease Gross profit Gross profit percentage increase decrease. Selling General And Administrative Expense Percentage Increase Decrease Selling, marketing and administrative expenses Selling general and administrative expense percentage increase decrease. Research And Development Expense Excluding Acquired In Process Cost Percentage Increase Decrease Research and development expense Research and development expense excluding acquired in process cost percentage increase decrease. Investment Income Interest Percentage Increase Decrease Interest income Investment income interest percentage increase decrease. Interest Expense Percentage Increase Decrease Interest expense, net of portion capitalized Interest expense percentage increase decrease. Other Non Operating Income Expense Percentage Increase Decrease Other (income) expense, net Other non operating income expense percentage increase decrease. Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Percentage Increase Decrease Earnings before provision for taxes on income Income loss from continuing operations before income taxes minority interest and income loss from equity method investments percentage increase decrease. Income Tax Expense Benefit Percentage Increase Decrease Provision for taxes on income (Note 5) Income tax expense benefit percentage increase decrease. Profit Loss Percentage Increase Decrease NET EARNINGS Profit loss percentage increase decrease. Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] AVG. SHARES OUTSTANDING Financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value Financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value Financial Assets And Liabilities Not Measured At Fair Value [Abstract] Financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value Financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value. Financial Assets Financial Assets Financial Liabilities Financial Liabilities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities [Abstract] Non-Current Debt Notes Due Period One Member 5.15% Debentures due 2012 [Member] Notes due period one. Notes Due Period Two Member 3.80% Debentures due 2013 [Member] Notes due period two. Notes Due Period Three Member 5.55% Debentures due 2017 [Member] Notes due period three. Notes Due Period Fourteen Member 5.15% Debentures due 2018 [Member] Notes due period fourteen. Notes Due Period Four Member 4.75% Notes due 2019 (1B Euro 1.4476) [Member] Notes due period four. Notes Due Period Five Member 3% Zero Coupon Convertible Subordinated Debentures due in 2020 [Member] Notes due period five. Notes Due Period Six Member 2.95% Debentures due 2020 [Member] Notes due period six. Notes Due Period Seven Member 6.73% Debentures due 2023 [Member] Notes due period seven. Notes Due Period Eight Member 5.50% Notes due 2024 (500 GBP 1.6025) [Member] Notes due period eight. Notes Due Period Nine Member 6.95% Notes due 2029 [Member] Notes due period nine. Notes Due Period Ten Member 4.95% Debentures due 2033 [Member] Notes due period ten. Notes Due Period Eleven Member 5.95% Notes due 2037 [Member] Notes due period eleven. Notes Due Period Twelve Member 5.86% Debentures due 2038 [Member] Notes due period twelve. Notes Due Period Thirteen Member 4.50% Debentures due 2040 [Member] Notes due period thirteen. Notes Due Period Fifteen Member Other (Includes Industrial Revenue Bonds) [Member] Notes due period fifteen. Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Percentage Change In Sales By Segment Of Business Percentage Change Percentage change in sales by segment of business. Business Acquisition Costs Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price Business acquisition cost of acquired entity purchase price Business acquisition costs of acquired entity purchase price. Settlement Payment Related Fines Disgorgement And Interest Settlement payment related fines disgorgement and interest. Settlement payment related fines disgorgement and interest Percentage Of Revenue Represented By Retained Territories Percentage of revenue represented by retained territories. Percentage of revenue represented by retained territories Amount Of Revenue Represented By Retained Territories Amount of revenue represented by retained territories. Amount of revenue represented by retained territories Percentage Of Revenue Represented By Relinquished Territories Percentage of revenue represented by relinquished territories. Percentage of revenue represented by relinquished territories Percentage Of Contribution To Income Profit Split Percentage of contribution to income profit split. Percentage of contribution to income profit split Litigation Settlement By Companies [Axis] Litigation settlement by companies. Litigation Settlement By Companies [Domain] Litigation settlement by companies. Merck [Member] Merck. Merck [Member] Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc [Member] COBI [Member] Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. One Time Payment Received By Company One time payment received by Company. One time payment received by Company Other Restructuring Costs Asset write-offs included in restructuring charges Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets Not Amortizable Non amortizable intangible assets Schedule of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree Domain] Crucell Nv Member Crucell .N. V [Member] Acclarent Inc Member Acclarent Inc [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Pharmaceutical Fees Paid To Government [Policy Text Block] Pharmaceutical fees paid to the government Pharmaceutical fees paid to government. Litigation Settlement Pre Judgment Interest Litigation settlement pre judgment interest. Litigation settlement pre judgment interest Assessed Damages For Alleged Consumer Fraud Related To Certain Drugs Assessed damages for alleged consumer fraud as to DURAGESIC and RISPERDAL Assessed Damages for Alleged Consumer Fraud as to DURAGESIC and RISPERDAL. Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Assets Acquired Fair value of assets acquired Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed Fair value of liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Net Nonmonetary Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed) Net cash paid for acquisitions Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments : Other Investments Other investments Other Interest Income Expense Type Four Net [Member] Included in Other (Income)/Expense Type Four, net [Member] Other interest income expense type four net. Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Amortization of net transition obligation Segment [Domain] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Assets, Current Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Assets Total assets Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES Inventory, Finished Goods Finished goods Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Purchased in-process research and development Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost Segments, Geographical Areas [Abstract] Sales by geographic area Derivative Instruments Gain Loss On Statement Of Financial Performance Abstract Summary of designated derivatives Derivative instruments gain loss on statement of financial performance. Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract] Financial assets and liabilities at fair value Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Inventories [Abstract] Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] Pensions and Other Benefit Plans [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Segments of Business and Geographic Areas [Abstract] Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Adoption of standard update related to revenue recognition under the milestone method and its impact Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Business Combinations and Divestitures [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of basic net earnings per share to diluted net earnings per share Sale By Geographic Area Table [Text Block] Sales by geographic area Tabular disclosure of sale by geographic area. Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Percentage Change In Sales By Geographic Area Percentage change in sales by geographic area. Percent Change Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders' equity Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities Level 1 [Member] Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities Level 1 [Member] Significant other observable inputs Level 2 [Member] Significant other observable inputs Level 2 [Member] Significant unobservable inputs Level 3 [Member] Significant unobservable inputs Level 3 [Member] Carrying Amount [Member] Carrying Amount [Member] Estimated Fair Value [Member] Estimated Fair Value [Member] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other receivables Derivative Assets, Noncurrent Non-current assets included into cross currency interest rate swaps Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent Non-current liabilities included into cross currency interest rate swaps Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Expected number of positions to be eliminated Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated, Inception to Date Number of positions eliminated to date Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted Average shares outstanding - diluted Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings NET EARNINGS NET EARNINGS Gross Profit Gross profit Gross profit Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Total Total Sales to customers (Note 9) Goodwill, Other Changes Currency translation/other Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Intangible assets and Goodwill Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Components of net periodic benefit cost Sales By Segment Of Business [Table Text Block] Sales by segment of business Sales by segment of business. Legal Proceedings [Abstract] Percentage Change in Operating Income Loss Percent Change Percentage change in operating income loss. Percentage Change in Operating Income Loss Excluding Expenses Not Allocated to Segments Worldwide total, percent total Percentage change in operating income loss excluding expenses not allocated to segments. Derivative [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, trade, less allowances for doubtful accounts $327 (2010, $340) Treasury Stock, Value Less: common stock held in treasury, at cost (379,263,000 and 381,746,000 shares) Requirements For Presentation Of Comprehensive Income [Policy Text Block] Presentation of comprehensive income Requirements for presentation of comprehensive income. Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Summary of Inventories Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Goodwill Swiss Franc Option [Member] Swiss Franc option. Swiss Franc Option [Member] Notes Due Period Sixteen [Member] 0.70% Notes due 2013 [Member] Notes due period fourteen. Notes Due Period Seventeen [Member] 3 month LIBOR+0% FRN due 2013 [Member] Notes Due Period Seventeen. Notes Due Period Eighteen [Member] 3 month LIBOR+0.09% FRN due 2014 [Member] Notes due period eighteen. Notes Due Period Twenty [Member] 2.15% Notes due 2016 [Member] Notes due period twenty. Notes Due Period Twenty One [Member] 3.55% Notes due 2021 [Member] Notes due period twenty one. Notes Due Period Twenty Two [Member] 4.85% Notes due 2041 [Member] Note due period twenty two. Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service cost/ (credit) Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Acquisition cash paid Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals Asset write-offs related to property, plant and equipment Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities NET CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents Restructuring Expenses Increase Decrease Restructuring expense Restructuring expenses increase decrease. Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Requirements for common fair value measurement Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price Agreement to Acquire Synthesis INCOME TAXES PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME EARNINGS PER SHARE SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS Intangible assets and Goodwill Accumulated Net Gain Loss From Designated Or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Derivatives & Hedges [Member] Sales by segment of business Operating profit by segment of business Segment Geographical Groups Of Countries Group [Member] Western Hemisphere, excluding U.S. [Member] Average Wholesale Price Litigation [Member] Average Wholesale Price Litigation [Member] Average Wholesale Price (Awp) Litigation. Risperdal [Member] Risperdal [Member] Risperdal. Notes Due Period Nineteen [Member] 1.20% notes due 2014 [Member] f Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Severance [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt (Note 4) Long-term debt Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Earnings before provision for taxes on income Worldwide income before taxes Operating Income (Loss) Segments operating profit Litigation And Recall Expense Litigation and additional DePuy ASR Hip recall costs Litigation And Recall Expense. Synthes, Inc [Member] Synthes, Inc. Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid Percentage Business Acquisition Cost of Acquired Entity Cash Paid Percentage Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Cash Paid Percentage. Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Equity Interest Issued And Issuable Percentage Business Acquisition Cost of Acquired Entity Equity Interest Issued and Issuable Percentage Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Equity Interest Issued And Issuable Percentage. Restructuring and related cost, intangible assets Asset write-offs related to intangible assets Restructuring and related cost, intangible assets Restructuring and related cost, inventory Asset write-offs related to inventory Restructuring and related cost, inventory Business acquisition cost of acquired entity stock issued percentage Business acquisition cost of acquired entity stock issued percentage. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax July 3, 2011 January 2, 2011 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax July 3, 2011 January 2, 2011 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Defined Benefit Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Net Of Tax July 3, 2011 January 2, 2011 Realized Gain On Option Not Designated As Hedge Realized gain on option not designated as hedge Realized gain on option not designated as hedge. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign Currency Translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Securities Available for sale Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans Other Comprehensive Income Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent [Abstract] Derivatives & Hedges Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Parent [Abstract] Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax Net amount reclassed to net earnings Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Acquisition price allocated to amortizable intangible assets Litigation Expense Litigation expense. Litigation Loss Litigation loss. Cordis Restructuring [Member] Cordis restructuring. Reclassifed In Process Research And Development to Amortizable Assets Purchased in process research and development to amortizable intangibles to reflect commercialization Reclassifed in process research and development to amortizable assets. Awarded Damages Reversed Approximate damages initially awarded to Centocor, then subsequently reversed by the Court of Appeals Awarded damages reversed. Restructuring Plan of 2009 [Member] 2009 Restructuring Plan [Member] Restructuring Plan of 2009 [Member]