Net Sales by Commercial Franchise (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 2,645	$ 2,558	$ 2,585	$ 2,375	$ 2,603	$ 2,487	$ 2,475	$ 2,403	$ 10,163	$ 9,968	$ 10,719
Renal
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	[1]									3,855	3,789	4,172
Hospital Products
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales										6,308	6,179	6,547
Hospital Products | Fluid Systems
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	[2]									2,300	2,106	2,129
Hospital Products | Integrated Pharmacy Solutions
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	[3]									2,245	2,297	2,535
Hospital Products | Surgical Care
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	[4]									1,321	1,323	1,373
Hospital Products | Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	[5]									$ 442	$ 453	$ 510

[1] The Renal segment is presented as a separate commercial franchise and includes sales of the company’s PD, HD and CRRT.

[2] Principally includes IV therapies, infusion pumps, and administration sets.

[3] Includes sales of the company’s premixed and oncology drug platforms, nutrition products and pharmacy compounding services.

[4] Includes sales of the company’s inhaled anesthesia products as well as biological products and medical devices used in surgical procedures for hemostasis, tissue sealing and adhesion prevention.

[5] Principally includes sales from the company’s pharmaceutical partnering business.