Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	$ 9,747	$ 11,895
Operating Earnings	1,509	2,912
Amortization of intangible assets	(491)	(512)
Earnings before taxes	$ 1,562	$ 2,876
Annual share-based awards recognized in first quarter (as a percent)	45.00%	45.00%
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	$ 9,744	$ 11,892
Operating Earnings	2,409	4,140
Operating Segments | Established Pharmaceutical Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	1,189	1,147
Operating Earnings	300	242
Operating Segments | Nutritional Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	1,967	1,894
Operating Earnings	380	251
Operating Segments | Diagnostic Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	2,688	5,257
Operating Earnings	651	2,564
Operating Segments | Medical Devices
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	3,900	3,594
Operating Earnings	1,078	1,083
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales to External Customers	3	3
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate functions and benefit plan costs	(77)	(114)
Net interest expense	(52)	(117)
Share-based compensation	(281)	(305)
Amortization of intangible assets	(491)	(512)
Other, net	$ 54	(216)
Segment Reconciling Items | Nutritional Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inventory recall expense		$ 120