Other Deductions - Net - Additional Information about Intangible Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Intangible assets, fair value	$ 564

This element represents intangible assets fair value disclosure.

No definition available.

Name:	pfe_IntangibleAssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	pfe_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant