Segments of Business and Geographic Areas (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012		Apr. 03, 2011
Operating profit by segment of business
Segments operating profit	$ 5,130		$ 4,726
Percent Change	8.50%
Worldwide income before taxes	5,045		4,510
Worldwide total, percent total	11.90%
Consumer [Member]
Operating profit by segment of business
Segments operating profit	463		573
Percent Change	(19.20%)
Pharmaceutical [Member]
Operating profit by segment of business
Segments operating profit	2,586	[1]	2,209	[1]
Percent Change	17.10%	[1]
Medical Devices and Diagnostics [Member]
Operating profit by segment of business
Segments operating profit	2,081	[2]	1,944	[2]
Percent Change	7.00%	[2]
Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member]
Operating profit by segment of business
Segments operating profit	$ (85)	[3]	$ (216)	[3]

[1] Includes litigation expense of $250 million in the fiscal first quarter of 2011.

[2] Includes $31 million of costs associated with the planned acquisition of Synthes, Inc. recorded in the fiscal first quarter of 2012. Includes litigation expense and DePuy ASR™ Hip recall costs of $96 million recorded in the fiscal first quarter of 2011.

[3] Amounts not allocated to segments include interest income/(expense), non-controlling interests and general corporate income/(expense). Included in the fiscal first quarter of 2012, was a $148 million currency adjustment associated with the planned acquisition of Synthes, Inc.