v2.4.1.9
Asset Impairments, Restructuring, and Other Special Charges (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2014
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]        
Asset Impairment Charges $ 243.2us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges $ 30.0us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges $ 206.6us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges  
Severance Costs 225.5us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 90.6us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1 74.5us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1  
Xigris [Member]        
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]        
Asset Impairment Charges     20.0us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
/ us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis
= lly_XigrisMember
 
Device Delivery Platform [Member]        
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]        
Asset Impairment Charges     64.0us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
/ us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis
= lly_DeviceDeliveryPlatformMember
 
Liprotamase [Member]        
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]        
Asset Impairment Charges     122.6us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
/ us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis
= lly_LiprotamaseMember
 
PUERTO RICO        
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]        
Asset Impairment Charges       $ 180.8us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
/ us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis
= country_PR