EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Earnings Attributable to BMS	$ (197)	$ 706	$ (130)	$ 1,186	$ 13	$ 721	$ 333	$ 937	$ 1,565	$ 2,004	$ 2,563
Earnings per Share - Basic	$ (0.12)	$ 0.42	$ (0.08)	$ 0.71	$ 0.01	$ 0.43	$ 0.20	$ 0.57	$ 0.94	$ 1.21	$ 1.56
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic									1,667	1,657	1,644
Contingently convertible debt common stock equivalents										1	1
Incremental shares attributable to share-based compensation plans									12	12	17
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted									1,679	1,670	1,662
Earnings per Share - Diluted	$ (0.12)	$ 0.42	$ (0.08)	$ 0.71	$ 0.01	$ 0.43	$ 0.20	$ 0.56	$ 0.93	$ 1.20	$ 1.54