Restructuring Plans (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Plan 2013 and Prior Years
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	$ 20	$ 129	$ 177
Restructuring charges		11.0
Transfer of liability to AbbVie		(62)
Payments and other adjustments	(2)	(58)	(48)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	18	20	129
Accelerated depreciation in restructuring charges		41	110
Restructuring Plan 2011 and 2008
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	41	56	79
Payments and other adjustments	(20)	(15)	(23)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	21	41	56
Restructuring Plan 2014
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	164
Payments and other adjustments	(46)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	118
Accelerated depreciation in restructuring charges	39
Restructuring Plan 2014 and 2013
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	148
Restructuring charges	125.0	78.0	167.0
Payments and other adjustments	(138)	(97)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	135	148
Accelerated depreciation in restructuring charges		4	22
Abbott
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring charges		$ 32.0	$ 71.0

The change in the restructuring reserve related to the amount of cash paid and other adjustments during the period.

No definition available.

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- Definition

Amount of expenses associated with exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

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Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

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- Definition

Amount of accelerated depreciation charged against earnings associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring plan.

+ References

No definition available.

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- Definition

Net total Increase or Decrease in the accrual for restructuring costs during the reporting period.

+ References

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