Document and Entity Information Document Information [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document and Entity Information Document Type Document Transition Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Title of 12(b) Security Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Trading Symbol Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings Statement [Table] Statement Statement Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Net sales Net Sales to External Customers Cost of Goods Sold Cost of products sold, excluding amortization of intangible assets The aggregate expense (excluding discontinued operations) charged against earnings to allocate the cost of intangible assets (nonphysical assets not used in production) in a systematic and rational manner to the periods expected to benefit from such assets. As a noncash expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Amortization of Intangible Assets Excluding Discontinued Operations Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of intangible assets Research and Development Expense Research and development Selling, General and Administrative Expense. Selling, general and administrative Costs and Expenses Total operating cost and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating Earnings Operating earnings Interest Expense. Interest expense Investment Income, Interest Interest (income) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Net foreign exchange (gain) loss Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other (income) expense, net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Earnings from continuing operations before taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax expense on earnings from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net earnings Net Earnings Net Earnings Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Common Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Net earnings (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net earnings (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Used for Basic Earnings Per Common Share (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive Common Stock Options (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Outstanding Common Stock Options Having No Dilutive Effect (in shares) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation gain (loss) adjustments Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net actuarial gains (losses) and amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service costs and credits, net of taxes of $14 and $42 in 2020 and $7 and $21 in 2019 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax, Parent Net gains (losses) for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and other, net of taxes of $(43) and $(24) in 2020 and $23 and $8 in 2019 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net current period comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Supplemental Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information, net of tax: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cumulative foreign currency translation (loss) adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Net actuarial (losses) and prior service (costs) and credits AOCI, Cash Flow Hedge, Cumulative Gain (Loss), after Tax Cumulative gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and other Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Net actuarial gains (losses) and amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service costs and credits, taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, Tax Net gains (losses) for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and other, taxes Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current Assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Short-term Investments Short-term investments Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade receivables, less allowances of $446 in 2020 and $384 in 2019 Inventory, Net [Abstract] Inventories: Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished products Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Materials Inventory, Net Total inventories Amount of asset related to consideration paid in advance for costs that provide economic benefits in future periods, and amount of other receivables that are expected to be realized within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Prepaid Expense and Other Receivables Prepaid expenses and other receivables Assets, Current Total Current Assets Long-term Investments Investments Long-term Investments Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property and equipment, at cost Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Net property and equipment Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, net of amortization Goodwill Goodwill Deferred Income Taxes and Other Assets, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes and other assets Assets Total Assets Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Short-term Debt Short-term borrowings Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Trade accounts payable Employee-related Liabilities, Current Salaries, wages and commissions Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other accrued liabilities Dividends Payable, Current Dividends payable Income taxes payable Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current portion of long-term debt Liabilities, Current Total Current Liabilities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt Amount of Post-employment obligations and amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences, after deferred tax asset, and other liabilities expected to be paid after one year or operating cycle, if longer. Post-employment Obligations, Deferred Income Taxes and Other Long-term Liabilities Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shareholders' Investment: Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred shares, one dollar par value Authorized - 1,000,000 shares, none issued Common Stock, Value, Issued Common shares, without par value Authorized - 2,400,000,000 shares, Issued at stated capital amount - Shares: 2020: 1,980,767,223; 2019: 1,976,855,085 Treasury Stock, Common, Value Common shares held in treasury, at cost - Shares: 2020: 208,405,642; 2019: 214,351,838 Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Earnings employed in the business Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent End of the period Beginning of the period Total Abbott Shareholders' Investment Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance at end of period Balance at beginning of period Total Shareholders' Investment Liabilities and Equity Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Trade receivables, allowances (in dollars) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred shares, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred shares, authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred shares, issued shares Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common shares, authorized shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common shares, issued shares Treasury Stock, Common, Shares Common shares held in treasury, shares Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Investment Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issued under incentive stock programs Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Share-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Issuance of restricted stock awards Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Purchased Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash dividends declared on common shares This element represents the effect on retained earning due to common and treasury stock transactions. Effect of Common and Treasury Share Transactions Effect of common and treasury share transactions This element represent Noncontrolling Interests' share of income, net of distributions, share repurchases and business combinations. Noncontrolling Interests Share of Income Net of Distributions and Share Repurchases and Business Combinations Noncontrolling Interests' share of income, business combinations, net of distributions and share repurchases Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Retained Earnings [Member] Earnings Employed in the Business: Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Balance at end of period (in shares) Balance at beginning of period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Issued under incentive stock programs (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Issued under incentive stock programs (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Purchased (in shares) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Cash dividends declared per common share Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flow From (Used in) Operating Activities: Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net earnings Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities - Depreciation Depreciation Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of intangible assets Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Trade receivables Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash From Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flow From (Used in) Investing Activities: Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions of property and equipment The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase, and research and development assets. Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, And Research and Development in Process Acquisitions of businesses and technologies, net of cash acquired Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets Proceeds from business dispositions Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Sales (purchases) of other investment securities, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flow From (Used in) Financing Activities: Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Net borrowings (repayments) of short-term debt and other Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchases of common shares Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from stock options exercised Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Dividends paid Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Other Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] New Accounting Standards Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Revenue Supplemental Financial Information Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Financial Information Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Restructuring Plans Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Plans Incentive Stock Programs Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Incentive Stock Programs Debt and Lines of Credit Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt and Lines of Credit Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures Litigation and Environmental Matters Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Litigation and Environmental Matters Post-Employment Benefits Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Post-Employment Benefits Taxes on Earnings Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Taxes on Earnings Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Disclosure of accounting policy for a new accounting pronouncement that has been issued but not yet adopted. Recently Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Recent Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of reportable segment included under sales category Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in contract liabilities Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Summary of activity of allowance for doubtful accounts Tabular disclosure of the investments which are intended to be held for an extended period of time (longer than one operating cycle). Schedule of Long Term Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of long-term investments Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items] Restructuring costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Summary of restructuring activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock options outstanding and exercisable Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Summary of the amounts and location of certain derivative financial instruments Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of derivatives gain (loss) in OCI and earnings Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of the net periodic benefit cost for the entity's major defined benefit plans and post-employment medical and dental benefit plans Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of segment information - net sales and operating earnings Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] It represents the key emerging markets, segment of the entity. Key Emerging Markets [Member] Key Emerging Markets It represents the other, segment of the entity. Other [Member] Other It represents the pediatric nutritionals, segment of the entity. Pediatric Nutritionals [Member] Pediatric Nutritionals It represents the adult nutritionals, segment of the entity. Adult Nutritionals [Member] Adult Nutritionals It represents the core laboratory, segment of the entity. Core Laboratory [Member] Core Laboratory It represents the molecular, segment of the entity. Molecular [Member] Molecular It represents the point of care, segment of the entity. Point Of Care [Member] Point of Care It represents the rapid diagnostics, segment of the entity. Rapid Diagnostics [Member] Rapid Diagnostics It represents the rhythm management, segment of the entity. Rhythm Management [Member] Rhythm Management It represents the electrophysiology, segment of the entity. Electrophysiology [Member] Electrophysiology It represents the Heart Failure, segment of the entity. Heart Failure [Member] Heart Failure It represents the vascular products, segment of the entity. Vascular Products [Member] Vascular It represents the structural heart, segment of the entity. Structural Heart [Member] Structural Heart It represents the neuromodulation, segment of the entity. Neuromodulation [Member] Neuromodulation It represents the Diabetes Care, segment of the entity. Diabetes Care [Member] Diabetes Care Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Represents Established Pharmaceutical Products, segment of the entity. Established Pharmaceutical Products [Member] Established Pharmaceutical Products The nutritional products segment of the entity. Nutritional Products [Member] Nutritional Products The diagnostics products segment of the entity. Diagnostic Products [Member] Diagnostic Products All Other Segments [Member] Other Geographical [Axis] Segment Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U [S] U.S. Non Us [Member] Int'l Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Information Revenue Number of Reportable Segments Number of reportable segments Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Remaining Performance Obligations Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation Remaining performance obligations Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction Period1 Expected timing of satisfication period (in months) Represents the percentage of revenue recognized for remaining performance obligations RevenueRemainingPerformance Obligation Expected Timing Percentage Percentage of remaining performance obligation expected to be recognized in period Revenue, Practical Expedient, Remaining Performance Obligation [true/false] Practical expedient in remaining performance obligations related to contracts Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Abstract] Contract Liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability Balance at September 30, 2020 Balance at December 31, 2019 Amount of revenue recognized arising from contract liability from change in cash received to be satisfied. Contract With Customer Liability, Change In Unearned Revenue From Cash Received Recognized Unearned revenue from cash received during the period Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Revenue recognized related to contract liability balance Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] The amount of net income (loss) from continuing operations allocated to common shares during the reporting period. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Allocated to Common Shares Earnings from continuing operations allocated to common shares Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net earnings allocated to common shares Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plans Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Cash Flows Statement Disclosures Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Cash flow disclosures Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Company contributions Pension contributions Payments for Other Taxes Payment of cash taxes Amount of increase (decrease) to previously recorded tax expense. Includes, but is not limited to, significant settlements of income tax disputes, and unusual tax positions or infrequent actions taken by the entity, including tax assessment reversal, and IRS tax settlement, related to discontinued operation. Discontinued Operation, Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Net tax benefits primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to prior years related to discontinued operation Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Product Returns Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Balance at September 30, 2020 Balance at December 31, 2019 Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Provisions/charges to income Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff Amounts charged off and other deductions Summary of Investment Holdings [Table] Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items] Components of long-term investments Long-term Investments [Abstract] Investments Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust Securities in mutual funds held in a rabbi trust Investments in two publicly traded companies Equity method investments carrying value Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Equity investment without readily determinable fair value Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Impairment of investments The amount of additional investments acquired during the period. Additional Long Term Investments Additional investments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Unrealized gain Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business acquisitions Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Research & development (R&D) asset Research and Development in Process Research & development expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Increase in goodwill due to foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Impairment Loss Amount of reductions of goodwill relating to impairments Schedule of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life and exist in perpetuity. Schedule of Finite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross amount of amortizable intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated amortization of intangible assets Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Decrease in intangible assets due to foreign currency translation adjustments Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Impairment of amortizable intangible assets Amount of amortization for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with finite life expected to be recognized for the entire current fiscal year Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Current Fiscal Year Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated annual amortization expense, intangible assets, 2024 Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-lived intangible assets related to in-process R&D acquired in a business combination Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring costs Restructuring Reserve Accrued balance at September 30, 2020 Accrued balance at December 31, 2019 Restructuring Charges Restructuring charges in 2020 The change in the restructuring reserve related to the amount of cash paid and other adjustments during the period. Restructuring Reserve Period Cash Settled and Other Adjustments Payments and other adjustments Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Incentive Stock Program Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Stock options granted during the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Grants in period, restricted stock (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted Awards and units granted during period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Incentive stock program, shares reserved for future grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Stock options outstanding, number of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable options, number of shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Stock options outstanding, weighted-average remaining life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable options, weighted-average remaining life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable options, weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Total unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt and Lines of Credit Repayments of Debt Repayments of debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate percentage Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt issued - principal amount Derivative [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative instruments, notional amount and fair value Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures Derivative, Notional Amount Gross notional amount Minimum length of time over which the entity is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions, excluding those forecasted transactions related to the payment of variable interest on existing financial instruments, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Minimum Length Of Time Hedged In Cash Flow Hedge 1 Minimum length of time over which accumulated gains and losses will be recognized in Cost of products sold Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Cash Flow Hedge Maximum length of time over which accumulated gains and losses will be recognized in Cost of products sold Long-term Debt. Term loan Debt Instrument, Term Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as hedging instrument Nondesignated [Member] Not designated as hedging instrument Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest rate swaps Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] The Deferred Income Taxes and Other Assets line item in the statement of financial position in which the amounts are included. Deferred Income Taxes And Other Assets [Member] Deferred income taxes and other assets Prepaid expenses and other receivables. Prepaid Expenses And Other Receivables [Member] Prepaid expenses and other receivables Accrued Liabilities [Member] Other accrued liabilities Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair value hedges Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Fair Value - Assets Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Fair Value - Liabilities Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gain (loss) on derivatives Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Gain (loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (loss) Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Income (expense) and Gains (loss) Reclassified into Income Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value, asset and liability measures Long-term Debt, Fair Value Total Long-Term Debt Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, receivable position Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value Foreign currency forward exchange contracts, (payable) position Foreign currency forward exchange contracts Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Asset at Fair Value Interest rate hedge contracts, receivable position Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Recurring Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs Fair Value Inputs Level3 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs Available-for-sale Securities Equity securities Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments, assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Total Assets Hedged Liability, Fair Value Hedge Fair value of hedged long-term debt Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Contingent consideration related to business combinations Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total Liabilities Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss contingencies related to legal proceedings and environmental exposures. Legal Proceedings And Environmental Exposures [Member] Legal proceedings and environmental exposures Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum Maximum [Member] Maximum Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies The estimated maximum loss, per individual site, from the contingency related to the environmental clean up in the United States and Puerto Rico. Loss Contingency Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Individual Site Maximum expected cleanup exposure for individual site The estimated maximum loss, for all sites, from the contingency related to the environmental clean up in the United States and Puerto Rico. Loss Contingency Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Aggregate Sites Maximum expected cleanup exposure in aggregate Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Estimation of possible loss Loss Contingency Accrual Recorded accrual balance for legal proceedings and exposures Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Plan designed to provide participants with a pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Defined Benefit Plan And Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Defined Benefit [Member] Medical and Dental Plans Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Retirement Plans Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost - benefits earned during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost on projected benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plans assets No definition available. Defined Benefit Plan Net Amortization Costs [Abstract] Net amortization of: Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Actuarial loss, net Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net cost - continuing operations No definition available. Postemployment Obligations and Other Long Term Liabilities [Abstract] Post-employment Obligations and Other Long-term Liabilities: Summary of taxes on earnings. Taxes On Earnings [Table] Line items represent taxes on earnings concepts included in a table. Taxes on Earnings [Line Items] Taxes on Earnings Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Tax benefits related to the settlement of the former St. Jude Medical consolidated group's 2014 through 2016 federal income tax returns in the U.S. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Excess tax benefits from share based compensation Amount of income tax expense (benefit) from transition tax to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Transition Tax, Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Reduction to the transition tax related to the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Decrease reasonably possible in gross unrecognized tax benefits Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Total Reportable Segments Material Reconciling Items [Member] Reconciling items The reconciling item from aggregate segment operating income or loss to consolidated earnings or loss before income tax expense or benefit, related to corporate functions and benefit plan costs. Corporate and Benefit Plan Costs Corporate functions and benefit plan costs Interest Income (Expense), Net Net interest expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Share-based compensation The reconciling item from segment operating income or loss to consolidated earnings or loss before income tax expense or benefit, related to net other income or expenses. Other Cost and Expense, Operating and Nonoperating Other, net Percentage of the annual cost of share-based awards which will typically be recognized in the first quarter. Annual Share Based Awards Recognized in First Quarter Percent Annual share-based awards recognized in first quarter (as a percent) Entity Listings, Exchange [Axis] Exchange [Domain] Exchange [Domain] X N Y [S] New York Stock Exchange X C H [I] Chicago Stock Exchange Common Stock [Member] Common Shares: Treasury Stock Common [Member] Common Shares Held in Treasury: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries: Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect Period Of Adoption Adjustment [Member] Impact of adoption of new accounting standard Restructuring Type [Axis] Type Of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] The restructuring plans as part of the integration of the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical into the cardiovascular and neuromodulation segment, and Alere Inc. (Alere) into the diagnostics segment, in order to leverage economies of scale and reduce costs. Restructuring Plan Business Acquisition St. Jude And Alere Inc. [Member] Restructuring Plan in 2017 to 2020, St Jude and Alere Integrations The restructuring plans to streamline operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in various Abbott businesses including the nutritional, established pharmaceuticals and vascular businesses. Restructuring Plan Streamline Operations [Member] Restructuring Plan from 2017 to 2020 The medical devices segment of the entity. Medical Devices [Member] Medical Devices Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type Of Adoption [Member] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update201613 [Member] ASU 2016-13 Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Represents information relating to acquisition of St. Jude Medical, Inc. St Jude Medical Inc. [Member] St Jude Medical Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Member] Investments [Domain] Equity Securities [Member] Equity securities Other Investments [Member] Other Information related to Cephea Valve Technologies, Inc.,. Cephea Valve Technologies Inc. [Member] Cephea Valve Technologies, Inc Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Net Actuarial (Losses) and Prior Service (Costs) and Credits Accumulated Gain Loss Net Cash Flow Hedge Parent [Member] Cumulative Gains (Losses) on Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost Of Sales [Member] Cost of products sold Research And Development Expense [Member] Research and development Selling General And Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, general and administrative expense Award Type [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock options Restricted stock awards. Restricted Stock Awards [Member] Restricted stock awards Restricted Stock Units R S U [Member] Restricted stock units Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Represents 0.00 percent notes, which are due in 2020. Notes Due In2020 At0.00 Percent [Member] 0.00% Notes due 2020 Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes Represents 1.150% Notes due 2028. Notes1.150 Due2028 [Member] 1.150% Notes due 2028 Represents 1.400% Notes due 2030. Notes1.400 Due2030 [Member] 1.400% Notes due 2030 Represents 2.80 percent long-term notes, which are due in 2020. Long Term Notes Due In2020 At2.80 Percent [Member] 2.80% Notes, due 2020 Represents information pertaining to yen denominated Long-term debt. Yen Denominated Long Term Debt [Member] Yen-denominated long-term debt Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash flow hedges Net Investment Hedging [Member] Net investment hedges Debt [Member] Debt Long Term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt Interest Expense [Member] Interest expense Measurement Basis [Axis] Portion At Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying Value Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value Other Aggregated Investments [Member] Other