Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Net Sales	$ 9,040,850	$ 7,698,354
Cost of products sold	3,858,983	3,335,104
Research and development	930,400	730,367
Acquired in-process research and development	100,000
Selling, general and administrative	2,850,318	2,162,400
Total Operating Cost and Expenses	7,739,701	6,227,871
Operating Earnings	1,301,149	1,470,483
Interest expense	145,587	118,201
Interest (income)	(21,716)	(29,531)
Net foreign exchange loss (gain)	(32,366)	70,019
Other (income) expense, net	140,858	(10,413)
Earnings Before Taxes	1,068,786	1,322,207
Taxes on Earnings	204,968	319,192
Net Earnings	$ 863,818	$ 1,003,015
Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.56	$ 0.65
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.55	$ 0.64
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.44
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Used for Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in shares)	1,551,755	1,547,815
Dilutive Common Stock Options and Awards (in shares)	6,886	13,508
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options and Awards (in shares)	1,558,641	1,561,323
Outstanding Common Stock Options Having No Dilutive Effect (in shares)	63,202	29,403

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Cash Flow From (Used in) Operating Activities:
Net earnings	$ 863,818	$ 1,003,015
Adjustments to reconcile earnings to net cash from operating activities -
Depreciation	354,120	287,249
Amortization of intangibles	391,547	275,252
Share-based compensation	175,808	173,866
Acquired in-process research and development	100,000
Trade receivables	298,953	291,638
Inventories	44,784	(49,631)
Other, net	(217,884)	(458,637)
Net Cash From Operating Activities	2,011,146	1,522,752
Cash Flow From (Used in) Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of property and equipment	(391,813)	(245,143)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		(6,415,648)
(Purchases of) proceeds from sales of investment securities, net	(1,917,221)	874,139
Deposit of restricted funds		(1,870,000)
Other	7,804	(2,108)
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities	(2,301,230)	(7,658,760)
Cash Flow From (Used in) Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt and other	396,213	775,006
Payment of long-term debt	(500,582)	(1,254)
Purchases of common shares	(71,750)	(861,368)
Proceeds from stock options exercised, including income tax benefit	175,752	188,169
Dividends paid	(683,967)	(620,752)
Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities	(684,334)	(520,199)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	66,203	(586,312)
Net (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(908,215)	(7,242,519)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year	3,648,371	8,809,339
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	$ 2,740,156	$ 1,566,820

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,740,156	$ 3,648,371
Investments, primarily time deposits and certificates of deposit	3,762,124	1,803,079
Restricted funds, primarily U.S. treasury bills	1,873,559	1,872,490
Trade receivables, less allowances of $406,624 in 2011 and $388,564 in 2010	7,160,219	7,184,034
Inventories:
Finished products	2,289,283	2,058,735
Work in process	491,423	383,580
Materials	620,290	746,419
Total inventories	3,400,996	3,188,734
Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables	4,710,078	4,620,821
Total Current Assets	23,647,132	22,317,529
Investments	390,122	302,049
Property and Equipment, at Cost	17,337,024	17,374,302
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	9,258,829	9,403,346
Net Property and Equipment	8,078,195	7,970,956
Intangible Assets, net of amortization	12,207,800	12,151,628
Goodwill	16,629,027	15,930,077
Deferred Income Taxes and Other Assets	699,087	790,027
Total Assets	61,651,363	59,462,266
Current Liabilities:
Short-term borrowings	4,718,336	4,349,796
Trade accounts payable	1,577,168	1,535,759
Salaries, wages and commissions	981,520	1,328,665
Other accrued liabilities	6,396,119	6,014,772
Dividends payable	746,053	680,749
Income taxes payable	1,272,280	1,307,723
Current portion of long-term debt	1,533,627	2,044,970
Total Current Liabilities	17,225,103	17,262,434
Long-term Debt	12,530,246	12,523,517
Post-employment Obligations, Deferred Income Taxes and Other Long-term Liabilities	7,175,682	6,911,184
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Investment:
Preferred shares, one dollar par value, Authorized - 1,000,000 shares, none issued
Common shares, without par value, Authorized - 2,400,000,000 shares. Issued at stated capital amount - Shares: 2011: 1,623,356,151; 2010: 1,619,689,876	8,842,675	8,744,703
Common shares held in treasury, at cost - Shares: 2011: 69,073,163; 2010: 72,705,928	(3,718,827)	(3,916,823)
Earnings employed in the business	19,323,753	19,215,768
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	182,049	(1,366,846)
Total Abbott Shareholders' Investment	24,629,650	22,676,802
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries	90,682	88,329
Total Shareholders' Investment	24,720,332	22,765,131
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment	$ 61,651,363	$ 59,462,266

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
Trade receivables, allowances (in dollars)	$ 406,624	$ 388,564
Preferred shares, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred shares, Authorized shares	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred shares, issued shares	0	0
Common shares, without par value (in dollars per share)
Common shares, Authorized shares	2,400,000,000	2,400,000,000
Common shares, Issued shares	1,623,356,151	1,619,689,876
Common shares held in treasury	69,073,163	72,705,928

Basis of Presentation and Change in Accounting Principle

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Basis of Presentation and Change in Accounting Principle

Basis of Presentation and Change in Accounting Principle

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation and Change in Accounting Principle

The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosures normally included in audited financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results of operations, financial position and cash flows have been made. It is suggested that these statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in Abbott’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany transactions. Prior to January 1, 2011, the accounts of foreign subsidiaries were consolidated based on a fiscal year ended November 30 due to the time needed to consolidate these subsidiaries. Effective January 1, 2011, the one month lag in the consolidation of the accounts of foreign subsidiaries was eliminated and the year-end of foreign subsidiaries was changed to December 31. Abbott believes that the change in accounting principle related to the elimination of the one month reporting lag is preferable because it will result in more contemporaneous reporting of the results of foreign subsidiaries. In accordance with applicable accounting literature, a change in subsidiaries’ year-end is treated as a change in accounting principle and requires retrospective application. The cumulative effect of the change was an increase in retained earnings of $289 million as of January 1, 2009 and a corresponding decrease in other long-term liabilities. The impact of the change was not material to the results of operations for the previously reported annual and interim periods after January 1, 2009, and thus, those results have not been revised. A charge of $137 million was recorded to Other (income) expense, net in the three months ended March 31, 2011 to recognize the cumulative immaterial impacts to 2009 and 2010. Had the financial statements been revised, net sales, operating earnings and net earnings in calendar 2009 would have increased by $211 million, $36 million and $38 million, respectively, and net sales, operating earnings and net earnings in calendar 2010 would have decreased by $21 million, $195 million and $175 million. In addition, net sales, operating earnings and net earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2010 would have increased by $268 million, $33 million and $38 million, respectively, had the first quarter 2010 financial statements been revised.

- Definition

Description containing the entire organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure. May be provided in more than one note to the financial statements, as long as users are provided with an understanding of (1) the significant judgments and assumptions made by an enterprise in determining whether it must consolidate a VIE and/or disclose information about its involvement with a VIE, (2) the nature of restrictions on a consolidated VIE's assets reported by an enterprise in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets, (3) the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with an enterprise's involvement with the VIE, and (4) how an enterprise's involvement with the VIE affects the enterprise's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Describes procedure if disclosures are provided in more than one note to the financial statements.

+ References+ Details

Supplemental Financial Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Supplemental Financial Information

Supplemental Financial Information

Note 2 — Supplemental Financial Information

Unvested restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are treated as participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are allocated between common shares and participating securities. Net earnings allocated to common shares for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were $862 million and $1.001 billion, respectively.

Net foreign exchange loss (gain) in 2010 includes a charge of approximately $86 million for the impact of the devaluation of the bolivar currency in Venezuela on balance sheet translation.

Other, net in Net cash from operating activities for 2011 and 2010 includes the effects of contributions to defined benefit plans of $288 million and $466 million, respectively, and to the post-employment medical and dental benefit plans of $40 million and $66 million, respectively.

The judgment entered by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against Abbott in its litigation with New York University and Centocor, Inc. required Abbott to secure the judgment in the event that its appeal to the Federal Circuit court was unsuccessful in overturning the district court’s decision. In the first quarter of 2010, Abbott deposited $1.87 billion with an escrow agent and considers these assets to be restricted. On February 23, 2011, the Federal Circuit reversed the district court’s final judgment and found Centocor’s patent invalid. On April 25, 2011 Centocor petitioned the Federal Circuit to rehear and reconsider the decision.

The components of long-term investments as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows:

	March 31		December 31
(dollars in millions)	2011		2010
Equity securities	$	234	$	240
Debt obligations issued by various governments	156		62
Total	$	390	$	302

Post-Employment Benefits

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Post-Employment Benefits

Post-Employment Benefits

Note 5 — Post-Employment Benefits

Retirement plans consist of defined benefit, defined contribution, and medical and dental plans. Net cost for the three months ended March 31 for Abbott’s major defined benefit plans and post-employment medical and dental benefit plans is as follows:

	Defined Benefit Plans						Medical and Dental Plans
(dollars in millions)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Service cost - benefits earned during the period	$	80		$	78		$	15		$	14
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	113			117			24			26
Expected return on plans’ assets	(149		)	(149		)	(9		)	(7		)
Net amortization	44			28			2			6
Net cost	$	88		$	74		$	32		$	39

Abbott funds its domestic defined benefit plans according to IRS funding limitations. International pension plans are funded according to similar regulations. In the first quarters of 2011 and 2010, $288 million and $466 million, respectively, was contributed to defined benefit plans and $40 million and $66 million, respectively, was contributed to the post-employment medical and dental benefit plans.

Comprehensive Income, net of tax

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Comprehensive Income, net of tax

Comprehensive Income, net of tax

Note 6 — Comprehensive Income, net of tax

	Three Months Ended March 31
(dollars in millions)	2011			2010

Foreign currency translation gain (loss) adjustments	$	1,617		$	(1,987	)
Amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service cost and credits	30			22
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities	1			(2		)
Net adjustments for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	(99		)	137
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,549			(1,830		)
Net Earnings	864			1,003
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	2,413		$	(827	)

	March 31 2011			December 31 2010
Supplemental Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Information, net of tax:
Cumulative foreign currency translation (gain) adjustments	$	(2,361	)	$	(744	)
Net actuarial losses and prior service cost and credits	2,190			2,220
Cumulative unrealized (gains) on marketable equity securities	(25		)	(24		)
Cumulative losses (gains) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	14			(85		)

- Definition

This label may include the following: 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income. Components of comprehensive income include: (1) foreign currency translation adjustments; (2) gains and losses on foreign currency transactions that are designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity; (3) gains and losses on intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; (4) change in the market value of a futures contract that qualifies as a hedge of an asset reported at fair value; (5) unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and that resulting from transfers of debt securities from the held-to-maturity category to the available-for-sale category; (6) a net loss recognized as an additional pension liability not yet recognized as net periodic pension cost; and (7) the net gain or loss and net prior service cost or credit for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.

+ References+ Details

Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Segment Information

Segment Information

Note 7 — Segment Information

Abbott’s principal business is the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a broad line of health care products. Abbott’s products are generally sold directly to retailers, wholesalers, hospitals, health care facilities, laboratories, physicians’ offices and government agencies throughout the world. Effective January 1, 2011, Abbott’s segments were reorganized to reflect the shift of international branded generic pharmaceutical products to a newly formed division, Established Pharmaceuticals, and the combination of the domestic and international proprietary pharmaceuticals businesses into one global division. The segment information below has been adjusted to reflect the reorganizations. Abbott’s reportable segments are as follows:

Proprietary Pharmaceutical Products — Worldwide sales of a broad line of proprietary pharmaceutical products.

Established Pharmaceutical Products — International sales of a broad line of branded generic pharmaceutical products.

Nutritional Products — Worldwide sales of a broad line of adult and pediatric nutritional products.

Diagnostic Products — Worldwide sales of diagnostic systems and tests for blood banks, hospitals, commercial laboratories and alternate-care testing sites. For segment reporting purposes, four diagnostic divisions are aggregated and reported as the Diagnostic Products segment.

Vascular Products — Worldwide sales of coronary, endovascular, structural heart, vessel closure and other medical device products.

Abbott’s underlying accounting records are maintained on a legal entity basis for government and public reporting requirements. Segment disclosures are on a performance basis consistent with internal management reporting. Intersegment transfers of inventory are recorded at standard cost and are not a measure of segment operating earnings. The cost of some corporate functions and the cost of certain employee benefits are charged to segments at predetermined rates that approximate cost. Remaining costs, if any, are not allocated to segments. For acquisitions prior to 2006, substantially all intangible assets and related amortization are not allocated to segments. In addition, no intangible assets or related amortization are allocated to the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment. The following segment information has been prepared in accordance with the internal accounting policies of Abbott, as described above, and are not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied to the consolidated financial statements.

	Three Months Ended March 31
	Net Sales to External Customers				Operating Earnings
(dollars in millions)	2011		2010		2011			2010
Proprietary Pharmaceutical Products	$	3,783	$	3,386	$	1,347		$	1,368
Established Pharmaceutical Products	1,295		717		304			158
Nutritional Products	1,423		1,320		155			188
Diagnostic Products	983		915		170			146
Vascular Products	845		747		226			182
Total Reportable Segments	8,329		7,085		2,202			2,042
Other	712		613
Net Sales	$	9,041	$	7,698
Corporate functions and benefit plans costs					(133		)	(120		)
Non-reportable segments					58			99
Net interest expense					(124		)	(89		)
Share-based compensation (a)					(176		)	(169		)
Acquired in-process research and development					(100		)	—
Other, net					(658		)	(441		)
Consolidated Earnings Before Taxes					$	1,069		$	1,322

(a) Approximately 40 to 45 percent of the annual net cost of share-based awards will typically be recognized in the first quarter due to the timing of the granting of share-based awards.

Incentive Stock Programs

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Incentive Stock Programs

Incentive Stock Programs

Note 8 — Incentive Stock Programs

In the first three months of 2011, Abbott granted 1,719,000 stock options, 118,411 replacement stock options, 1,153,670 restricted stock awards and 6,291,571 restricted stock units under these programs. At March 31, 2011, approximately 180 million shares were reserved for future grants. Information regarding the number of options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2011 is as follows:

	Outstanding		Exercisable
Number of shares	102,562,915		98,716,158
Weighted average remaining life (years)	4.9		4.7
Weighted average exercise price	$	50.37	$	50.36
Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions)	$	225	$	220

The total unrecognized share-based compensation cost at March 31, 2011 amounted to approximately $430 million which is expected to be recognized over the next three years.

Business Combinations and Technology Acquisitions

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Business Combinations and Technology Acquisitions

Business Combinations and Technology Acquisitions

Note 9 — Business Combinations and Technology Acquisitions

In February 2010, Abbott acquired Solvay’s pharmaceuticals business (Solvay Pharmaceuticals) for approximately $6.1 billion, in cash, plus additional payments of up to EUR 100 million per year if certain sales milestones are met in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Contingent consideration of approximately $290 million was recorded. The acquisition of Solvay Pharmaceuticals provides Abbott with a large and complementary portfolio of pharmaceutical products and expands Abbott’s presence in key global emerging markets. Abbott acquired control of this business on February 15, 2010 and the financial results of the acquired operations are included in these financial statements beginning on that date. The acquisition was funded with cash and short-term investments. The allocation of the fair value of the acquisition is shown in the table below (in billions of dollars).

Goodwill, non-deductible	$	2.2
Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible	4.1
Acquired in-process research and development, non-deductible	0.5
Acquired net tangible assets	0.7
Deferred income taxes recorded at Acquisition	(1.1		)
Total allocation of fair value	$	6.4

Acquired intangible assets consist primarily of product rights for currently marketed products and are amortized over 2 to 14 years (average of 11 years). Acquired in-process research and development projects are accounted for as indefinite lived intangible assets until regulatory approval or discontinuation. The net tangible assets acquired consist primarily of trade accounts receivable of approximately $675 million, inventory of approximately $390 million, property and equipment of approximately $725 million, net of assumed liabilities, primarily trade accounts payable, accrued compensation and other liabilities.

Had the acquisition of Solvay Pharmaceuticals taken place on January 1, 2010, unaudited pro forma net sales, net earnings and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter 2010 would have been $8.3 billion, $1.0 billion and $0.63, respectively. The pro forma information includes adjustments for amortization of intangible assets and fair value adjustments to acquisition-date inventory as well as acquisition and integration expenses. The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transaction been effected on the assumed date.

In March 2010, Abbott acquired STARLIMS Technologies for approximately $100 million, in cash, net of cash held by STARLIMS, providing Abbott with leading products and expertise to build its position in laboratory informatics. A substantial portion of the fair value of the acquisition has been allocated to amortizable intangible assets and goodwill.

On September 8, 2010, Abbott acquired Piramal Healthcare Limited’s Healthcare Solutions business, a leader in the Indian branded generics market, for $2.2 billion, in cash, plus additional payments of $400 million annually in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Abbott recorded a $1.6 billion liability for the present value of the additional payments at the acquisition date. The acquisition was financed with cash. The preliminary allocation of the fair value of the acquisition resulted in the recording of $2.7 billion of deductible acquired intangible assets and $1.0 billion of deductible goodwill. Acquired intangible assets consist primarily of trade names, customer relationships and associated rights and are amortized over an average of 19 years. The allocation of the fair value of the acquisition will be finalized when the valuation is completed.

In 2010, Abbott entered into an agreement to acquire licensing rights outside the U.S., excluding certain Asian markets, to a product in development for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. In the first quarter of 2011, a certain milestone was achieved resulting in the recording of $100 million of acquired in-process research and development.

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures

Note 10 — Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures

Certain Abbott foreign subsidiaries enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage exposures to changes in foreign exchange rates for anticipated intercompany purchases by those subsidiaries whose functional currencies are not the U.S. dollar. These contracts, totaling $638 million and $1.3 billion at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, are designated as cash flow hedges of the variability of the cash flows due to changes in foreign exchange rates and are recorded at fair value. Accumulated gains and losses as of March 31, 2011 will be included in Cost of products sold at the time the products are sold, generally through the next twelve months. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not significant in 2011 and 2010.

Abbott enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage currency exposures for foreign currency denominated third-party trade payables and receivables, and for intercompany loans and trade accounts payable where the receivable or payable is denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity. For intercompany loans, the contracts require Abbott to sell or buy foreign currencies, primarily European currencies and Japanese yen, in exchange for primarily U.S. dollars and other European currencies. For intercompany and trade payables and receivables, the currency exposures are primarily the U.S. dollar, European currencies and Japanese yen. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, Abbott held $13.4 billion and $10.8 billion, respectively, of such foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

Abbott has designated foreign denominated short-term debt as a hedge of the net investment in a foreign subsidiary of approximately $640 million and approximately $650 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of this debt due to changes in exchange rates are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

Abbott is a party to interest rate swap contracts totaling $6.8 billion at March 31, 2011 and $7.3 billion at December 31, 2010 to manage its exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt due 2011 through 2020. These contracts are designated as fair value hedges of the variability of the fair value of fixed-rate debt due to changes in the long-term benchmark interest rates. The effect of the hedge is to change a fixed-rate interest obligation to a variable rate for that portion of the debt. Abbott records the contracts at fair value and adjusts the carrying amount of the fixed-rate debt by an offsetting amount. No hedge ineffectiveness was recorded in income in 2011 or 2010 for these hedges.

The following table summarizes the amounts and location of certain derivative financial instruments as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

	Fair Value - Assets					Fair Value - Liabilities
(dollars in millions)	March 31 2011		Dec. 31 2010		Balance Sheet Caption	March 31 2011		Dec. 31 2010		Balance Sheet Caption

Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	$	122	$	138	Deferred income taxes and other assets	$	48	$	36	Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities

Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	—		8		Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables	—		—		n/a

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts —
Hedging instruments Others not designated as hedges	— 100		16 109		Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables	39 33		10 120		Other accrued liabilities

Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary	—		—		n/a	640		650		Short-term borrowings
	$	222	$	271		$	760	$	816

The following table summarizes the activity for foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges, debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary and the amounts and location of income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassified into income in the first three months of 2011 and 2010 and for certain other derivative financial instruments. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not significant in 2011 and 2010 for these hedges.

	Gain (loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss)					Income (expense) and Gain (loss) Reclassified into Income
(dollars in millions)	2011			2010		2011			2010		Income Statement Caption

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges	$	(22	)	$	27	$	57		$	—	Cost of products sold

Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary	10			2		—			—		n/a

Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	n/a			n/a		(36		)	76		Interest expense

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as a hedge	n/a			n/a		(101		)	14		Net foreign exchange loss (gain)

The interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges of the variability of the fair value of fixed-rate debt due to changes in the long-term benchmark interest rates. The hedged debt is marked to market, offsetting the effect of marking the interest rate swaps to market.

The carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are shown in the table below. The carrying values of all other financial instruments approximate their estimated fair values. The counterparties to financial instruments consist of select major international financial institutions. Abbott does not expect any losses from nonperformance by these counterparties.

	March 31 2011						December 31 2010
(dollars in millions)	Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
Investment Securities:
Current	$	35		$	35		$	—		$	—
Long-term:
Equity securities	234			234			240			240
Debt obligations issued by various governments	156			133			62			43
Total Long-term Debt	(14,064		)	(14,978		)	(14,568		)	(15,723		)
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:
Receivable position	100			100			125			125
(Payable) position	(72		)	(72		)	(130		)	(130		)
Interest Rate Hedge Contracts:
Receivable position	122			122			146			146
(Payable) position	(48		)	(48		)	(36		)	(36		)

The following table summarizes the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheet:

			Basis of Fair Value Measurement
(dollars in millions)	Outstanding Balances		Quoted Prices in Active Markets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
March 31, 2011:
Available for sale equity securities	$	81	$	81	$	—	$	—
Debt obligations issued by various governments	129		—		129		—
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	122		—		122		—
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	100		—		100		—
Total Assets	$	432	$	81	$	351	$	—

Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	6,940	$	—	$	6,940	$	—
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	48		—		48		—
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	72		—		72		—
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	395		—		—		395
Total Liabilities	$	7,455	$	—	$	7,060	$	395
December 31, 2010:
Available for sale equity securities	$	75	$	75	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	146		—		146		—
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	125		—		125		—
Total Assets	$	346	$	75	$	271	$	—

Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	7,444	$	—	$	7,444	$	—
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	36		—		36		—
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	130		—		130		—
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	365		—		—		365
Total Liabilities	$	7,975	$	—	$	7,610	$	365

The fair value of the debt was determined based on the face value of the debt adjusted for the fair value of the interest rate swaps, which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined based on an independent appraisal adjusted for the time value of money and exchange.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Note 11 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Abbott recorded goodwill of approximately $2.2 billion in 2010 related to the acquisitions of Solvay Pharmaceuticals and STARLIMS Technologies. In addition, in the first quarter of 2010, Abbott paid $250 million to Boston Scientific as a result of the approval to market the Xience V drug-eluting stent in Japan, resulting in an increase in goodwill. Goodwill related to the Solvay Pharmaceuticals acquisition was allocated to the Proprietary Pharmaceuticals Products and Established Pharmaceutical Products segments and goodwill related to the Boston Scientific payment was allocated to the Vascular Products segment. Foreign currency translation adjustments and other adjustments increased goodwill in the first three months of 2011 by approximately $700 million and decreased goodwill in the first three months of 2010 by approximately $600 million. The amount of goodwill related to the pharmaceutical segments at March 31, 2011 was $10 billion and will be allocated to the Proprietary Products and Established Products segments using a relative fair value approach after additional analysis is completed. Goodwill was $208 million for the Nutritional Products segment, $383 million for the Diagnostic Products segment and $2.7 billion for the Vascular Products segment. There were no reductions of goodwill relating to impairments or disposal of all or a portion of a business.

The gross amount of amortizable intangible assets, primarily product rights and technology was $17.6 billion as of March 31, 2011 and $17.3 billion as of December 31, 2010, and accumulated amortization was $6.9 billion as of March 31, 2011 and $6.5 billion as of December 31, 2010. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which relate to in-process research and development acquired in a business combination, was approximately $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets is approximately $1.6 billion in 2011, $1.3 billion in 2012, $1.2 billion in 2013, $925 million in 2014 and $812 million in 2015. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over 2 to 30 years (average 12 years).

- Definition

Discloses the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain or loss on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss. This element may be used as a single block of text to include the entire intangible asset disclosure including data and tables.

+ References+ Details

Restructuring Plans

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Restructuring Plans

Restructuring Plans

Note 12 — Restructuring Plans

In 2011 and prior years, Abbott management approved plans to realign its worldwide pharmaceutical and vascular manufacturing operations and selected domestic and international commercial and research and development operations in order to reduce costs. In the first three months of 2011, Abbott recorded $49 million to Cost of products sold, $18 million to Research and development and $49 million to Selling, general and administrative. Charges of $4 million and $3 million were recorded in the first three months of 2011 and 2010, respectively, relating to these restructurings, primarily for accelerated depreciation and product transfer costs. The following summarizes the activity for these restructurings: (dollars in millions)

	2011			2010
Accrued balance at January 1	$	77		$	145
Restructuring charges	116			—
Payments and other adjustments	(30		)	(31		)
Accrued balance at March 31	$	163		$	114

In the third quarter of 2010, Abbott management approved a restructuring plan primarily related to the acquisition of Solvay Pharmaceuticals. This plan streamlines operations, improves efficiencies and reduces costs in certain Solvay sites and functions as well as in certain Abbott and Solvay commercial organizations in various countries. Charges of approximately $44 million were recorded in the first three months of 2011 relating to this restructuring, primarily for accelerated depreciation. Additional charges will occur through 2011 primarily related to additional employee-related and asset disposal costs. The following summarizes the activity for this restructuring: (dollars in millions)

	2011
Accrued balance at January 1	$	410
Payments and other adjustments	(62		)
Accrued balance at March 31	$	348

In 2008, Abbott management approved a plan to streamline global manufacturing operations, reduce overall costs, and improve efficiencies in Abbott’s core diagnostic business. Charges of approximately $9 million and $14 million were recorded in the first three months of 2011 and 2010, respectively, relating to this restructuring, primarily for accelerated depreciation and product transfer costs. Additional charges will occur through 2011 as a result of product re-registration timelines required under manufacturing regulations in a number of countries and product transition timelines. The following summarizes the activity for this restructuring: (dollars in millions)

	2011			2010
Accrued balance at January 1	$	88		$	98
Payments and other adjustments	(3		)	—
Accrued balance at March 31	$	85		$	98

Post-Employment Benefits (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Post-Employment Benefits

Net cost for Abbott's major defined benefit plans and post-employment medical and dental benefit plans

	Defined Benefit Plans						Medical and Dental Plans
(dollars in millions)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Service cost - benefits earned during the period	$	80		$	78		$	15		$	14
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	113			117			24			26
Expected return on plans’ assets	(149		)	(149		)	(9		)	(7		)
Net amortization	44			28			2			6
Net cost	$	88		$	74		$	32		$	39

Comprehensive Income, net of tax (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Comprehensive Income, net of tax

Schedule of Comprehensive Income

	Three Months Ended March 31
(dollars in millions)	2011			2010

Foreign currency translation gain (loss) adjustments	$	1,617		$	(1,987	)
Amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service cost and credits	30			22
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities	1			(2		)
Net adjustments for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	(99		)	137
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,549			(1,830		)
Net Earnings	864			1,003
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	2,413		$	(827	)

	March 31 2011			December 31 2010
Supplemental Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Information, net of tax:
Cumulative foreign currency translation (gain) adjustments	$	(2,361	)	$	(744	)
Net actuarial losses and prior service cost and credits	2,190			2,220
Cumulative unrealized (gains) on marketable equity securities	(25		)	(24		)
Cumulative losses (gains) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	14			(85		)

Segment Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Segment Information

Schedule of segment and geographic area information

	Three Months Ended March 31
	Net Sales to External Customers				Operating Earnings
(dollars in millions)	2011		2010		2011			2010
Proprietary Pharmaceutical Products	$	3,783	$	3,386	$	1,347		$	1,368
Established Pharmaceutical Products	1,295		717		304			158
Nutritional Products	1,423		1,320		155			188
Diagnostic Products	983		915		170			146
Vascular Products	845		747		226			182
Total Reportable Segments	8,329		7,085		2,202			2,042
Other	712		613
Net Sales	$	9,041	$	7,698
Corporate functions and benefit plans costs					(133		)	(120		)
Non-reportable segments					58			99
Net interest expense					(124		)	(89		)
Share-based compensation (a)					(176		)	(169		)
Acquired in-process research and development					(100		)	—
Other, net					(658		)	(441		)
Consolidated Earnings Before Taxes					$	1,069		$	1,322

(a) Approximately 40 to 45 percent of the annual net cost of share-based awards will typically be recognized in the first quarter due to the timing of the granting of share-based awards.

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures

Schedule of derivatives in statement of financial position

	Fair Value - Assets					Fair Value - Liabilities
(dollars in millions)	March 31 2011		Dec. 31 2010		Balance Sheet Caption	March 31 2011		Dec. 31 2010		Balance Sheet Caption

Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	$	122	$	138	Deferred income taxes and other assets	$	48	$	36	Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities

Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	—		8		Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables	—		—		n/a

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts —
Hedging instruments Others not designated as hedges	— 100		16 109		Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables	39 33		10 120		Other accrued liabilities

Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary	—		—		n/a	640		650		Short-term borrowings
	$	222	$	271		$	760	$	816

Schedule of derivatives gain (loss) in OCI and earnings

	Gain (loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss)					Income (expense) and Gain (loss) Reclassified into Income
(dollars in millions)	2011			2010		2011			2010		Income Statement Caption

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges	$	(22	)	$	27	$	57		$	—	Cost of products sold

Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary	10			2		—			—		n/a

Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	n/a			n/a		(36		)	76		Interest expense

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as a hedge	n/a			n/a		(101		)	14		Net foreign exchange loss (gain)

Schedule of carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments

	March 31 2011						December 31 2010
(dollars in millions)	Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value
Investment Securities:
Current	$	35		$	35		$	—		$	—
Long-term:
Equity securities	234			234			240			240
Debt obligations issued by various governments	156			133			62			43
Total Long-term Debt	(14,064		)	(14,978		)	(14,568		)	(15,723		)
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:
Receivable position	100			100			125			125
(Payable) position	(72		)	(72		)	(130		)	(130		)
Interest Rate Hedge Contracts:
Receivable position	122			122			146			146
(Payable) position	(48		)	(48		)	(36		)	(36		)

Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

			Basis of Fair Value Measurement
(dollars in millions)	Outstanding Balances		Quoted Prices in Active Markets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
March 31, 2011:
Available for sale equity securities	$	81	$	81	$	—	$	—
Debt obligations issued by various governments	129		—		129		—
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	122		—		122		—
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	100		—		100		—
Total Assets	$	432	$	81	$	351	$	—

Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	6,940	$	—	$	6,940	$	—
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	48		—		48		—
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	72		—		72		—
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	395		—		—		395
Total Liabilities	$	7,455	$	—	$	7,060	$	395
December 31, 2010:
Available for sale equity securities	$	75	$	75	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	146		—		146		—
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	125		—		125		—
Total Assets	$	346	$	75	$	271	$	—

Fair value of hedged long-term debt	$	7,444	$	—	$	7,444	$	—
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments	36		—		36		—
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	130		—		130		—
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	365		—		—		365
Total Liabilities	$	7,975	$	—	$	7,610	$	365

- Definition

This item represents certain of the disclosures concerning the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities. Such certain disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate) and (2) the methodology and assumptions used in developing such estimates of fair value.

+ References+ Details

Restructuring Plans (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2011

Restructuring Plans

Schedule of restructuring activity - 2011 restructuring plan

	2011			2010
Accrued balance at January 1	$	77		$	145
Restructuring charges	116			—
Payments and other adjustments	(30		)	(31		)
Accrued balance at March 31	$	163		$	114

Schedule of restructuring activity - 2010 restructuring plan

	2011
Accrued balance at January 1	$	410
Payments and other adjustments	(62		)
Accrued balance at March 31	$	348

Schedule of restructuring activity - 2008 restructuring plan

	2011			2010
Accrued balance at January 1	$	88		$	98
Payments and other adjustments	(3		)	—
Accrued balance at March 31	$	85		$	98

Basis of Presentation and Change in Accounting Principle (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Basis of Presentation and Change in Accounting Principle
Reporting period lag for consolidation of financial results (in months)	1 months
Increase in retained earnings due to change in accounting principle					$ 289
Charge recorded to other (income) expense	137
Increase (decrease) in net sales, if financial statements had been revised		268	(21)	211
Increase (decrease) in operating earnings, if financial statements had been revised		33	(195)	36
Increase (decrease) in net earnings, if financial statements had been revised		$ 38	$ (175)	$ 38

Supplemental Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Supplemental Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Supplemental Financial Information
Net earnings allocated to common shares	$ 862,000,000	$ 1,001,000,000
Devaluation of Bolivar currency in Venezuela			86,000,000
Restricted assets, escrow deposit from litigation		1,870,000,000
Component of long-term investment
Long-term Investment Securities	390,122,000		302,049,000
Equity securities
Component of long-term investment
Long-term Investment Securities	234,000,000		240,000,000
Debt obligations issued by various governments
Component of long-term investment
Long-term Investment Securities	156,000,000		62,000,000
Defined Benefit Plans
Component of long-term investment
Benefit plan contributions by employer	288,000,000	466,000,000
Medical and Dental Plans
Component of long-term investment
Benefit plan contributions by employer	$ 40,000,000	$ 66,000,000

Litigation and Environmental Matters (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009 HUMIRA patent infringement claim, NYU and Centocor	Jun. 30, 2009 HUMIRA patent infringement claim, NYU and Centocor
Loss Contingencies
Cleanup exposure for individual site	$ 3,000,000
Cleanup exposure in aggregate	15,000,000
Damages awarded to plaintiff, to be appealed by Abbott			1,670,000,000
Additional prejudgment interest		175,000,000
Other legal proceedings or environmental exposure minimum	170,000,000
Other legal proceedings or environmental exposure maximum	215,000,000
Loss contingencies at carrying value	$ 195,000,000

Post-Employment Benefits (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Defined Benefit Plans
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	$ 80	$ 78
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	113	117
Expected return on plans' assets	(149)	(149)
Net amortization	44	28
Net cost	88	74
Benefit plan contributions by employer	288	466
Medical and Dental Plans
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost
Service cost - benefits earned during the period	15	14
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	24	26
Expected return on plans' assets	(9)	(7)
Net amortization	2	6
Net cost	32	39
Benefit plan contributions by employer	$ 40	$ 66

Comprehensive Income, net of tax (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Comprehensive Income, net of tax (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Comprehensive Income, net of tax
Foreign currency (loss) gain on translation adjustment	$ 1,617,000,000	$ (1,987,000,000)
Amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service cost and credits	30,000,000	22,000,000
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities	1,000,000	(2,000,000)
Net adjustments for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	(99,000,000)	137,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,549,000,000	(1,830,000,000)
Net earnings	863,818,000	1,003,015,000
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	2,413,000,000	(827,000,000)
Supplemental Comprehensive Income Information, net of tax:
Cumulative foreign currency translation (gain) adjustments	(2,361,000,000)		(744,000,000)
Net actuarial losses and prior service cost and credits	2,190,000,000		2,220,000,000
Cumulative unrealized (gains) on marketable equity securities	(25,000,000)		(24,000,000)
Cumulative losses (gains) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	$ 14,000,000		$ (85,000,000)

Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Segment Information
Total Reportable Segment Operating Earnings	$ 2,202,000,000	$ 2,042,000,000
Corporate functions and benefit plans costs	(133,000,000)	(120,000,000)
Non-reportable segments	58,000,000	99,000,000
Net interest expense	(124,000,000)	(89,000,000)
Share-based compensation	(176,000,000)	(169,000,000)
Acquired in-process research and development	(100,000,000)
Other, net	(658,000,000)	(441,000,000)
Earnings Before Taxes	$ 1,068,786,000	$ 1,322,207,000
Annual share-based awards recognized in first quarter, low end of range (as a percent)	40.00%
Annual share-based awards recognized in first quarter, high end of range (as a percent)	45.00%

Incentive Stock Programs (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Incentive stock programs, shares reserved for future grants (in shares)	180,000,000
Stock options outstanding, number of shares (in shares)	102,562,915
Exercisable options, number of shares (in shares)	98,716,158
Stock options outstanding, weighted-average remaining life (in years)	4.9
Exercisable options, weighted-average remaining life (in years)	4.7
Stock options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 50.37
Exercisable options, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 50.36
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	$ 225
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	220
Total unrecognized compensation cost	$ 430
Total unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period (in years)	3
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Grants in period, stock options (in shares)	1,719,000
Replacement stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Grants in period, stock options (in shares)	118,411
Restricted stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Grants in period, stock options (in shares)	1,153,670
Restricted stock units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award
Grants in period, stock options (in shares)	6,291,571

Business Combinations and Technology Acquisitions (Details)	3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010 Piramal Healthcare Limited's Healthcare Solutions USD ($)	Sep. 08, 2010 Piramal Healthcare Limited's Healthcare Solutions USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2010 Solvay Pharmaceuticals USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2010 Solvay Pharmaceuticals EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2010 Solvay Pharmaceuticals USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2010 STARLIMS USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 Agreement to acquire licensing rights outside the U.S. to a product in development for the treatment of chronic kidney disease USD ($)
Business acquisitions
Cash paid for business acquisition			$ 2,200,000,000	$ 6,100,000,000			$ 100,000,000
Potential additional annual payments for business acquisition if milestones are met in 2011, 2012, 2013 (EUR per year)					100,000,000
Additional annual payments in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 for business acquisition			400,000,000
Liability for the present value of the additional payments at the acquisition date		1,600,000,000
Contingent consideration recorded				290,000,000
Goodwill, non-deductible				2,200,000,000
Acquired intangible assets, non-deductible				4,100,000,000
Acquired in-process research and development, non-deductible				500,000,000				100,000,000
Acquired net tangible assets				700,000,000
Deferred income taxes recorded at Acquisition				(1,100,000,000)
Total allocation of fair value				6,400,000,000
Minimum amortization period, intangible assets (in years)	2			2	2
Maximum amortization period, intangible assets (in years)	30			14	14
Average amortization period for acquired intangible assets (in years)		19		11	11
Acquired net tangible assets, net trade accounts receivable				675,000,000
Acquired net tangible assets, inventory				390,000,000
Acquired net tangible assets, property and equipment				725,000,000
Pro forma net sales						8,300,000,000
Pro forma net earnings						1,000,000,000
Pro forma diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)						$ 0.63
Acquired Goodwill			1,000,000,000
Acquired intangible assets			$ 2,700,000,000

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Notional amount of cash flow hedge instruments	$ 638,000,000	$ 1,300,000,000
Notional amount of other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	13,400,000,000	10,800,000,000
Notional amount of net investment hedge instruments	640,000,000	650,000,000
Notional amount of fair value hedge instruments	6,800,000,000	7,300,000,000
Fair value - Assets	222,000,000	271,000,000
Fair value - Liabilities	760,000,000	816,000,000
Deferred income taxes and other assets
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	122,000,000	138,000,000
Prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other receivables
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges		8,000,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts - hedging instruments		16,000,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts - others not designated as hedges	100,000,000	109,000,000
Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges	48,000,000	36,000,000
Other accrued liabilities
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts - hedging instruments	39,000,000	10,000,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts - others not designated as hedges	33,000,000	120,000,000
Short-term borrowings
Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value
Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary	$ 640,000,000	$ 650,000,000

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Other comprehensive income
Derivative instruments, gain (loss)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges, gain (loss) in OCI	$ (22)	$ 27
Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary, gain (loss) recognized in OCI	10	2
Cost of products sold
Derivative instruments, gain (loss)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges, gain (loss) reclassified into income	57
Interest expense
Derivative instruments, gain (loss)
Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges, gain (loss)	(36)	76
Net foreign exchange gain or loss
Derivative instruments, gain (loss)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as hedges, gain (loss)	$ (101)	$ 14

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details 3) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	$ 390,122,000	$ 302,049,000
Equity securities
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	234,000,000	240,000,000
Carrying value
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Investment Securities, Current	35,000,000
Total long-term debt	(14,064,000,000)	(14,568,000,000)
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets	122,000,000	146,000,000
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, liabilities	(48,000,000)	(36,000,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, assets	100,000,000	125,000,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, liabilities	(72,000,000)	(130,000,000)
Carrying value \| Equity securities
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	234,000,000	240,000,000
Carrying value \| Debt Obligations Issued by Various Governments Amount
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	156,000,000	62,000,000
Fair value
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Investment Securities, Current	35,000,000
Total long-term debt	(14,978,000,000)	(15,723,000,000)
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets	122,000,000	146,000,000
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, liabilities	(48,000,000)	(36,000,000)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, assets	100,000,000	125,000,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, liabilities	(72,000,000)	(130,000,000)
Fair value \| Equity securities
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	234,000,000	240,000,000
Fair value \| Debt Obligations Issued by Various Governments Amount
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Long-term Investment Securities	$ 133,000,000	$ 43,000,000

Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures (Details 4) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Total Assets	$ 61,651,363,000	$ 59,462,266,000
Fair value
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Available for sale equity securities	81,000,000	75,000,000
Debt obligations issued by various governments	129,000,000
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets	122,000,000	146,000,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, assets	100,000,000	125,000,000
Total Assets	432,000,000	346,000,000
Fair value of hedged long-term debt	6,940,000,000	7,444,000,000
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, liabilities	48,000,000	36,000,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, liabilities	72,000,000	130,000,000
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	395,000,000	365,000,000
Total Liabilities	7,455,000,000	7,975,000,000
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Available for sale equity securities	81,000,000	75,000,000
Total Assets	81,000,000	75,000,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Debt obligations issued by various governments	129,000,000
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets	122,000,000	146,000,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, assets	100,000,000	125,000,000
Total Assets	351,000,000	271,000,000
Fair value of hedged long-term debt	6,940,000,000	7,444,000,000
Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, liabilities	48,000,000	36,000,000
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, liabilities	72,000,000	130,000,000
Total Liabilities	7,060,000,000	7,610,000,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs
Fair value, asset and liability measures
Contingent consideration related to business combinations	395,000,000	365,000,000
Total Liabilities	$ 395,000,000	$ 365,000,000

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010 Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare Solutions business of Piramal Healthcare Limited, STARLIMS Technologies, and Facet	Feb. 28, 2010 Solvay Pharmaceuticals	Mar. 31, 2010 Boston Scientific, Xience V drug-eluting stent in Japan
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill additions				$ 2,200,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Goodwill foreign currency translation and other adjustments	700,000,000	(600,000,000)
Gross amount of amortizable intangible assets	17,600,000,000		17,300,000,000
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	6,900,000,000		6,500,000,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets related to in-process research and development acquired in a business combination	1,500,000,000		1,400,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2011	1,600,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2012	1,300,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2013	1,200,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2014	925,000,000
Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2015	$ 812,000,000
Minimum amortization period, intangible assets (in years)	2				2
Maximum amortization period, intangible assets (in years)	30				14
Average amortization period, intangible assets (in years)	12

Restructuring Plans (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Restructuring Plan 2011 and Prior Years
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges recorded to Cost of products sold	$ 49
Restructuring charges Recorded to Research and Development	18
Restructuring charges recorded to Selling, General and Administrative	49
Restructuring charges	4	3
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	77	145
Restructuring charges	116
Payments and other adjustments	(30)	(31)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	163	114
Restructuring Plan 2010
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	44
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	410
Payments and other adjustments	(62)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	348
Restructuring Plan 2008
Restructuring costs
Restructuring charges	9	14
Restructuring reserve activity
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance of the period	88	98
Payments and other adjustments	(3)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance of the period	$ 85	$ 98

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Mar. 31, 2011
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ABBOTT LABORATORIES
Entity Central Index Key	0000001800
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,554,282,988
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

Taxes on Earnings (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Taxes on Earnings
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1,200
Charge to income tax expense related to retiree health care liabilities		$ 60

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	$ 9,040,850,000	$ 7,698,354,000
Other	712,000,000	613,000,000
Operating Earnings	1,068,786,000	1,322,207,000
Total Reportable Segments
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	8,329,000,000	7,085,000,000
Operating Earnings	2,202,000,000	2,042,000,000
Proprietary Pharmaceutical Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	3,783,000,000	3,386,000,000
Operating Earnings	1,347,000,000	1,368,000,000
Established Pharmaceutical Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	1,295,000,000	717,000,000
Operating Earnings	304,000,000	158,000,000
Nutritional Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	1,423,000,000	1,320,000,000
Operating Earnings	155,000,000	188,000,000
Diagnostic Products
Segment Reporting Information
Number of divisions aggregated and reported as segment	4
Net Sales to External Customers	983,000,000	915,000,000
Operating Earnings	170,000,000	146,000,000
Vascular Products
Segment Reporting Information
Net Sales to External Customers	845,000,000	747,000,000
Operating Earnings	$ 226,000,000	$ 182,000,000

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	$ 16,629,027	$ 15,930,077
Pharmaceutical Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	10,000,000
Nutritional Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	208,000
Diagnostic Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	383,000
Vascular Products
Goodwill and intangible assets information
Goodwill	$ 2,700,000