Other Income, Net (Schedule of Other Income) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Other Income Disclosure, Nonoperating [Abstract]
Cozaar/Hyzaar income	$ 282		$ 483		$ 1,032
Royalty income	194		146		127
Interest income	110		93		91
Equity in earnings of affiliates, excluding exchange gains/losses	191	[1]	179	[1]	86	[1]
Net gains on sales of assets	90		127		63
Net exchange losses	(163)	[1]	(13)	[1]	(205)	[1]
Miscellaneous income and expenses, net	54	[2]	213	[2]	25	[2]
Total	758		1,228		1,219
Exchange gains (losses) related to earnings of affiliates	$ 1		$ (2)		$ 13

[1] The company routinely uses foreign currency exchange contracts to offset its net exposures, by currency, related to the foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities. The objective of this program is to maintain an approximately balanced position in foreign currencies in order to minimize, on an after-tax basis, the effects of exchange rate changes on net monetary asset positions. The net pre-tax exchange gains and losses are recorded in other income, net and the related tax impact is recorded in provision for income taxes on the Consolidated Income Statements. Exchange gains (losses) related to earnings of affiliates was $1, $(2) and $13 for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

[2] Miscellaneous income and expenses, net, generally includes interest items, insurance recoveries, litigation settlements and other items.