v2.4.0.6
Taxes on Income - Reconciliation of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]      
Beginning Balance $ (6,759) [1] $ (7,657) [1] $ (5,372)
Acquisitions (72) [2] (49) [2] (1,785) [2]
Increases based on tax positions taken during a prior period (502) [3] (513) [3] (79) [3]
Decreases based on tax positions taken during a prior period 271 [3],[4] 2,384 [3],[4] 38 [3],[4]
Decreases based on cash payments for a prior period 575 280  
Increases based on tax positions taken during the current period (855) [3] (1,396) [3] (941) [3]
Decreases based on tax positions taken during the current period     712
Impact of foreign exchange (89) 104 (284)
Other, net 122 [5] 88 [5] 54 [5]
Ending Balance $ (7,309) [1] $ (6,759) [1] $ (7,657) [1]
[1] In 2011, included in Income taxes payable ($357 million), Taxes and other current assets ($11 million), Taxes and other noncurrent assets ($225 million), Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities ($677 million) and Other taxes payable ($6.0 billion). In 2010, included in Income taxes payable ($421 million), Taxes and other current assets ($279 million), Taxes and other noncurrent assets ($169 million), Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities ($369 million) and Other taxes payable ($5.5 billion).
[2] The amount in 2011 primarily relates to the acquisition of King and the amounts in 2010 and 2009 primarily relate to the acquisition of Wyeth.
[3] Primarily included in Provision for taxes on income.
[4] In 2011, 2010, and 2009, the decreases are primarily a result of effectively settling certain issues with the U.S. and foreign tax authorities. See discussions below.
[5] Primarily includes decreases as a result of a lapse of applicable statutes of limitations.