Segment, Geographic and Other Revenue Information - Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 16,938	[1]	$ 18,645	[1]
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	7,893		8,537
Developed Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	6,023	[2]	7,159	[2]
Developed Rest Of World [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	904	[3]	854	[3]
Emerging Markets [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 2,118	[4]	$ 2,095	[4]

[1] The decrease in total property, plant and equipment is primarily due to depreciation, disposals and impairments, partially offset by capital additions, the impact of foreign exchange and the acquisition of King (see Note 2B. Acquisitions, Divestitures, Collaborative Arrangements and Equity-Method Investments: Acquisition of King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).

[2] Developed Europe region includes the following markets: Western Europe, Finland and the Scandinavian countries.

[3] Developed Rest of World region includes the following markets: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.

[4] Emerging Markets region includes, but is not limited to, the following markets: Asia (excluding Japan and South Korea), Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and Turkey.