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Change in Accounting Principles (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
0 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2015
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]      
Percentage of consolidated inventories impacted by change in accounting principle 0.36cvs_Percentageofconsolidatedinventoriesimpactedbychangeinaccountingprinciple    
Inventories   $ 12,231us-gaap_InventoryNet $ 11,930us-gaap_InventoryNet
Retained earnings   32,667us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit 31,849us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit
Inventory valuation methodology adjustment [Member]      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]      
Inventories (7)us-gaap_InventoryNet
/ us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis
= cvs_InventoryvaluationmethodologyadjustmentMember
   
Current deferred tax asset 3us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetCurrent
/ us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis
= cvs_InventoryvaluationmethodologyadjustmentMember
   
Retained earnings 4us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit
/ us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis
= cvs_InventoryvaluationmethodologyadjustmentMember
   
Effect of change on net income $ 4us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnNetIncome
/ us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis
= cvs_InventoryvaluationmethodologyadjustmentMember