Lease Commitments Narrative (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rental expense, net of sublease income	$ 382	$ 387	$ 356

This element represents the payments that the lessee is obligated to make or can be required to make in connection with a property under the terms of an agreement classified as an operating lease, excluding contingent rentals and a guarantee by the lessee of the lessor's debt and the lessee's obligation to pay (apart from the rental payments) executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes net of income from sublease arrangements.

No definition available.

Name:	pfe_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseMinimumRentalsNetOfSubleaseRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	pfe_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration