Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Finite-lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 01, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 76,156		$ 75,814
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(34,800)	[1]	(33,277)	[1]
Identifiable Intangible Assets, Less Accumulated Amortization	41,356		42,537
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Total indefinite-lived intangible assets	11,445		11,296
Total identifiable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	52,801		53,833
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	87,601	[1]	87,110	[1]
Indefinite Lived Brands [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Brands	10,480		10,027
In Process Research And Development [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
In-process research and development	892		1,197
Trademarks [Member]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trademarks	73		72
Developed Technology Rights [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	73,127		73,088
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(33,447)		(32,013)
Identifiable Intangible Assets, Less Accumulated Amortization	39,680		41,075
Finite Lived Brands [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	1,938		1,678
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(709)		(687)
Identifiable Intangible Assets, Less Accumulated Amortization	1,229		991
License Agreements [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	440		425
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(246)		(215)
Identifiable Intangible Assets, Less Accumulated Amortization	194		210
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	651		623
Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(398)		(362)
Identifiable Intangible Assets, Less Accumulated Amortization	$ 253		$ 261

[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) and the impact of foreign exchange.