Goodwill and other intangible assets (Identifiable Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	$ 32,150	$ 32,099
Accumulated amortization	(18,604)	(17,987)
Other intangible assets, net	13,546	14,112
Gross carrying amount	33,171	33,169
Accumulated amortization	(18,604)	(17,987)
Intangible assets, net	14,567	15,182
In-process Research and Development
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,021	1,070
Developed-Product-Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	25,550	25,561
Accumulated amortization	(13,316)	(12,769)
Other intangible assets, net	12,234	12,792
Licensing rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	3,864	3,807
Accumulated amortization	(3,013)	(2,973)
Other intangible assets, net	851	834
Marketing-Related Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	1,350	1,354
Accumulated amortization	(1,129)	(1,112)
Other intangible assets, net	221	242
Research and Development Technology Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amounts	1,386	1,377
Accumulated amortization	(1,146)	(1,133)
Other intangible assets, net	$ 240	$ 244