v3.19.3.a.u2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Jan. 31, 2020
Jun. 28, 2019
Document and Entity Information      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2019    
Entity File Number 1-2189    
Entity Registrant Name Abbott Laboratories    
Entity Tax Identification Number 36-0698440    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code IL    
Entity Address, State or Province IL    
Entity Address, Address Line One 100 Abbott Park Road    
Entity Address, City or Town Abbott Park    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 60064-6400    
City Area Code 224    
Local Phone Number 667-6100    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Shares, Without Par Value    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   1,763,433,243  
Entity Public Float     $ 144,956,566,468
Entity Central Index Key 0000001800    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
New York Stock Exchange      
Document and Entity Information      
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Trading Symbol ABT    
Chicago Stock Exchange      
Document and Entity Information      
Security Exchange Name CHX    
Trading Symbol ABT