Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 75,460		$ 75,404
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(37,223)	[1]	(33,186)	[1]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, less Accumulated Amortization	38,237		42,218
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	8,972		8,966
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	84,432	[1]	84,370	[1]
Identifiable Intangible Assets, less Accumulated Amortization	47,209	[1]	51,184	[1]
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	72,439		72,678
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(35,695)		(31,922)
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, less Accumulated Amortization	36,744		40,756
Brands [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	1,889		1,678
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(747)		(687)
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, less Accumulated Amortization	1,142		991
License Agreements [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	483		425
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(337)		(215)
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, less Accumulated Amortization	146		210
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	649		623
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(444)		(362)
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, less Accumulated Amortization	205		261
Indefinite Lived Brands [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Brands	8,085		7,694
In Process Research And Development [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
In-process research and development	814		1,200
Trademarks [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trademarks	$ 73		$ 72

[1] The decrease is primarily related to amortization, as well as impairment charges (see Note 4. Other Deductions—Net), partially offset by the assets acquired as part of the acquisitions of Ferrosan and Alacer (see Note 2A. Acquisitions and Divestitures: Acquisitions).