Equity (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Equity (Textuals) [Abstract]
Translation pretax gains (losses) from euro denominated notes			$ (84,000,000)	$ 221,000,000
Par value preferred stock assumed in connection with the 1998 restructuring of Astra Merck Inc	2,400,000,000		2,400,000,000
Preferred stock assumed in connection with 1998 restructuring of Astra Merck Inc., dividend rate per annum			5% per annum
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,800,000,000	1,500,000,000	5,300,000,000	669,000,000
Pretax gain (losses) included in cumulative translation adjustment relating to translation impacts of intangible assets			$ 393,000,000	$ (963,000,000)