Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Income	$ 3,906	$ 3,264
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,028	4,024
Employee retirement benefits	375	373
Deferred income taxes	656	790
Provision for uncollectible accounts	278	270
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated businesses, net of dividends received	(89)	(86)
Changes in current assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition/disposition of businesses	(1,580)	(2,070)
Other, net	(1,617)	(1,530)
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,957	5,035
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures (including capitalized software)	(3,565)	(4,363)
Acquisitions of licenses, investments and businesses, net of cash acquired	(165)	(104)
Net change in short-term investments	16	24
Other, net	41	68
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,673)	(4,375)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from long-term borrowings		6,440
Repayments of long-term borrowings and capital lease obligations	(1,828)	(552)
Increase (decrease) in short-term obligations, excluding current maturities	(1,734)	2,384
Dividends paid	(1,291)	(1,379)
Proceeds from sale of common stock	69	70
Special distribution to noncontrolling interest	(4,500)
Other, net	(453)	(284)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(9,737)	6,679
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(7,453)	7,339
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	13,362	6,668
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 5,909	$ 14,007

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Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).