ALLIANCES AND COLLABORATIONS (Sanofi) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2001
Alliances and Collaborations Statement [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 4,443	$ 5,434	$ 9,694	$ 10,445
Profit distributions to Sanofi			(1,056)	(1,319)
Equity in net income of affiliates	(53)	(62)	(110)	(144)
Other (income)/expense	(18)	(31)	5	(169)
AVAPRO AVALIDE [Member]
Alliances and Collaborations Statement [Line Items]
Net sales	117	251	324	541
Sanofi [Member] | AVAPRO, AVALIDE, and PLAVIX [Member] | Supply Activities And Development And Opt Out Royalties [Member]
Alliances and Collaborations Statement [Line Items]
Other (income)/expense	(39)	1	(45)	15
Sanofi [Member] | Territory Covering Americas and Australia [Member] | AVAPRO, AVALIDE, and PLAVIX [Member]
Alliances and Collaborations Statement [Line Items]
Controlling interest ownership percentage	50.10%		50.10%
Noncontrolling interest ownership percentage	49.90%		49.90%
Net sales	778	2,045	2,595	4,023
Royalty expense	141	397	508	755
Noncontrolling interest - pre-tax	249	601	854	1,174
Profit distributions to Sanofi	(449)	(702)	(1,058)	(1,301)
Sanofi [Member] | Europe Comarketing Countries and Other [Member] | AVAPRO, AVALIDE, and PLAVIX [Member]
Alliances and Collaborations Statement [Line Items]
Net sales	80	71	163	145
Sanofi [Member] | Territory Covering Europe and Asia [Member] | AVAPRO, AVALIDE, and PLAVIX [Member]
Alliances and Collaborations Statement [Line Items]
Controlling interest ownership percentage	50.10%		50.10%
Equity method investment ownership percentage	49.90%		49.90%
Equity in net income of affiliates	(58)	(65)	(118)	(151)
Profit distributions to BMS	62	67	129	127
Investment in affiliates	26		26		37
Net sales	319	382	638	761
Gross profit	132	172	270	340
Net income	120	142	242	282
Sanofi [Member] | United States [Member] | AVAPRO AVALIDE [Member] | License Fee [Member]
Alliances and Collaborations Statement [Line Items]
Payment to the Company for an interest in a license						350
Amortization income - upfront, milestone and other licensing payments	(8)	(8)	(16)	(16)
Deferred income	$ 13		$ 13		$ 29