v3.7.0.1
Supplemental Financial Information - Foreign currency (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
Feb. 17, 2016
Feb. 16, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Foreign currency disclosures          
Foreign currency exchange loss on remeasurement $ 477        
Venezuela          
Foreign currency disclosures          
Foreign currency exchange loss on remeasurement $ 477        
Abbott's total net assets from Venezuelan operations (as a percent)   0.02%      
C E N C O E X          
Foreign currency disclosures          
Official rate to U.S. dollar         6.3
SICAD          
Foreign currency disclosures          
Official rate to U.S. dollar         13.5
SIMADI          
Foreign currency disclosures          
Official rate to U.S. dollar         200
D I P R O          
Foreign currency disclosures          
Official rate to U.S. dollar     10 6.3  
D I C O M          
Foreign currency disclosures          
Official rate to U.S. dollar 263        
Venezuelan bolivars          
Foreign currency disclosures          
Official rate to U.S. dollar         6.3