2.2.0.25truefalse0608 - Disclosure - Financing arrangements (Details)truefalseIn Millionsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse3/31/2011
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDEPSDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2010
USD ($)
USD ($) / shares
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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse5false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse85780000008578falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse85780000008578falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse6false0amgn_OtherNotesamgnfalsecreditinstantCarrying value of the current and noncurrent portion of notes payable which were initially due after one year or beyond the...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse183000000183falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse183000000183falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of the current and noncurrent portion of notes payable which were initially due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and which are not otherwise defined in the taxonomy.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse7false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1090700000010907falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1336200000013362falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 16
-Article 7
Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 16
-Article 9
Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 20, 22
-Article 5
falsefalse8false0amgn_OtherConvertibleDebtCurrentamgnfalsecreditinstantThe portion of the carrying value of long-term convertible debt as of the balance sheet date that is scheduled to be repaid...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedtotal1truefalsefalse-83000000-83falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-2488000000-2488falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe portion of the carrying value of long-term convertible debt as of the balance sheet date that is scheduled to be repaid within one year or in the normal operating cycle if longer. The debt is convertible into another form of financial instrument, typically the entity's common stock.No authoritative reference available.truefalse9false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1082400000010824falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1087400000010874falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year (current maturities) or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
truefalse10false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period One [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_One_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse0.125% convertible notes due 2011 (2011 Convertible notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodOneMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period One [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_One_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse0.125% convertible notes due 2011 (2011 Convertible notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodOneMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse11true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse12false0amgn_OtherConvertibleDebtCurrentamgnfalsecreditinstantThe portion of the carrying value of long-term convertible debt as of the balance sheet date that is scheduled to be repaid...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse24880000002488falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe portion of the carrying value of long-term convertible debt as of the balance sheet date that is scheduled to be repaid within one year or in the normal operating cycle if longer. The debt is convertible into another form of financial instrument, typically the entity's common stock.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse13false0amgn_OtherConvertibleDebtCurrentamgnfalsecreditinstantThe portion of the carrying value of long-term convertible debt as of the balance sheet date that is scheduled to be repaid...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedtotal1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-2488000000-2488falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe portion of the carrying value of long-term convertible debt as of the balance sheet date that is scheduled to be repaid within one year or in the normal operating cycle if longer. The debt is convertible into another form of financial instrument, typically the entity's common stock.No authoritative reference available.truefalse14false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Two [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Two_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse0.375% convertible notes due 2013 (2013 Convertible notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodTwoMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Two [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Two_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse0.375% convertible notes due 2013 (2013 Convertible notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodTwoMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse15true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse16false0us-gaap_ConvertibleDebtNoncurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse22460000002246falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse22130000002213falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount of long-term convertible debt as of the balance sheet date, net of the amount due in the next twelve months or greater than the normal operating cycle, if longer. The debt is convertible into another form of financial instrument, typically the entity's common stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse17false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Three [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Three_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse5.85% notes due 2017 (2017 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodThreeMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Three [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Three_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse5.85% notes due 2017 (2017 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodThreeMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse18true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse19false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse10990000001099falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10990000001099falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse20false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Four [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Four_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse4.85% notes due 2014 (2014 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodFourMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Four [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Four_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse4.85% notes due 2014 (2014 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodFourMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse21true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse22false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse10000000001000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10000000001000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse23false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse11falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Five [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Five_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse5.70% notes due 2019 (2019 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodFiveMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$12falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Five [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Five_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse5.70% notes due 2019 (2019 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodFiveMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse24true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse25false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse998000000998falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse998000000998falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse26false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse13falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Six [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Six_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse6.40% notes due 2039 (2039 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodSixMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$14falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Six [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Six_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse6.40% notes due 2039 (2039 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodSixMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse27true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse28false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse996000000996falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse996000000996falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse29false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse15falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Seven [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Seven_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse6.375% notes due 2037 (2037 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodSevenMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$16falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Seven [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Seven_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse6.375% notes due 2037 (2037 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodSevenMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse30true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse31false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse899000000899falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse899000000899falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse32false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse17falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Fifteen [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Fifteen_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse3.45% notes due October 2020 (October 2020 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodFifteenMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$18falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Fifteen [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Fifteen_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse3.45% notes due October 2020 (October 2020 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodFifteenMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse33true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse34false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse897000000897falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse897000000897falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse35false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse19falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Eight [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Eight_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse5.75% notes due 2040 (2040 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodEightMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$20falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Eight [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Eight_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse5.75% notes due 2040 (2040 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodEightMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse36true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse37false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse696000000696falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse696000000696falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
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3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Sixteen_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse4.95% notes due 2041 (2041 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodSixteenMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$22falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Sixteen [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Sixteen_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse4.95% notes due 2041 (2041 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodSixteenMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse39true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse40false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse595000000595falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse595000000595falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse41false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse23falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Nine [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Nine_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse6.15% notes due 2018 (2018 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodNineMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$24falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Nine [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Nine_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse6.15% notes due 2018 (2018 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodNineMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse42true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse43false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse499000000499falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse499000000499falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse44false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse25falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Ten [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Ten_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse6.90% notes due 2038 (2038 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodTenMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$26falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Ten [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Ten_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse6.90% notes due 2038 (2038 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodTenMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse45true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse46false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse499000000499falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse499000000499falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse47false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://amgen.com/role/financingarrangementsdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse27falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Eleven [Member]
3/31/2011
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Mar2011_Notes_Due_Period_Eleven_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2011-03-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse4.50% notes due March 2020 (March 2020 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodElevenMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberPureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$28falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis} : Notes Due Period Eleven [Member]
12/31/2010
USD ($)
$BalanceAsOf_31Dec2010_Notes_Due_Period_Eleven_Memberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000318154instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalse4.50% notes due March 2020 (March 2020 Notes) [Member]us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldiamgn_NotesDuePeriodElevenMemberus-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170PureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse48true0us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse49false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse300000000300falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse300000000300falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5
falsefalse248Financing arrangements (Details) (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue