Document information Document type Amendment flag Document period end date Amendment description Entity common stock shares outstanding Entity Listings [Line Items] Entity Listings, Instrument [Axis] Instrument [Domain] Entity Listings [Table] Entity [Text Block] Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity registrant name Entity central index key Current fiscal year end date Entity well known seasoned issuer Entity voluntary filers Entity current reporting status Entity filer category Entity public float Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement Scenario [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Other Significant Transactions and Events [Abstract] Collaborative Arrangements [Abstract] Cost - Reduction Initiatives and Acquisition - Related Costs [Abstract] Financial Instruments [Abstract] Inventories [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Segment Information [Abstract] Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Revenues [Abstract] Cost of sales [1] Restructuring charges and certain acquisition-related costs Other (income)/deductions-net Selling, informational and administrative expenses [1] Research and development expenses [1] Amortization of intangible assets Acquisition-related in-process research and development charges Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. Net income before allocation to noncontrolling interests Discontinued operations - net of tax, total Income from continuing operations Provision for taxes on income Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per common share-diluted Earnings per common share-basic Weighted-average shares-diluted Weighted-average shares-basic Income from continuing operations attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders Discontinued operations-net of tax Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders [Diluted] Discontinued operations - net of tax [Diluted] Income from continuing operations attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders Collaborative Arrangements [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income/(Expense) [Text Block] Inventories [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Text Block] Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans and Defined Contribution Plans [Text Block] Earnings Per Common Share [Text Block] Segment Information [Text Block] Assets Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Total assets Total liabilities Inventories BS Short-term loans Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts: 2009-$176; 2008-$190 Short-term investments Cash and cash equivalents Total current assets Long-term investments and loans Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation Goodwill Identifiable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization Short-term borrowings, including current portion of long-term debt: 2009-$27; 2008-$937 Accounts payable Dividends payable Income taxes payable Accrued compensation and related items Total current liabilities Long-term debt Pension benefit obligations Postretirement benefit obligations Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities Other noncurrent liabilities Total Pfizer Inc shareholders' equity Common stock, $0.05 par value; 12,000 shares authorized; issued: 2009-8,869; 2008-8,863 Additional paid-in capital Employee benefit trusts BS Treasury stock, shares at cost; 2009-799; 2008-2,117 Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income/(expense) Preferred stock, without par value, at stated value; 27 shares authorized; issued: 2009-1,511; 2008-1,804 Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests Total shareholders' equity Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Revenues This element represents (i) the total amount of other operating income, not previously categorized, from items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation; and (ii) recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales, as well as excludes research and development expenses and selling, informational and administrative expenses. Income from continuing operations before provision for taxes on income Assets held for sale Acquisition of Wyeth [Text Block] Financial Instruments [Text Block] Income taxes Interest Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents Operating Activities Investing Activities Financing Activities Adjustments to reconcile net income before noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities: Share-based compensation expense Depreciation and amortization Deferred taxes from continuing operations Other non-cash adjustments Net cash provided by operating activities Purchases of property, plant and equipment Purchases of short-term investments Purchases of long-term investments Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Other investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Increase in short-term borrowings-net The cash inflow from a borrowing having initial term of repayment of more than three months but less than one year or one operating cycle (if the normal cycle is more than one year) plus the cash inflow from a borrowing having initial term of repayment within three months net of the cash outflow from repayment of a borrowing having initial term of repayment within three months. Proceeds from issuances of long-term debt Principal payments on long-term debt Cash dividends paid Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Income from continuing operations attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders [Dilluted] Discontinued operations-net of tax Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders Purchases of common stock Treasury stock, shares at cost; 2009-799; 2008-2,117 Accumulated other comprehensive income/(expense) Purchases of property, plant and equipment Purchases of short-term investments with original maturities greater than 90 days Purchases of long-term investments Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Other investing activities Increase in short-term borrowings, net Principal payments on long-term debt Purchases of common stock Cash dividends paid Other taxes payable Repayments Of Short Term Debt Maturing In More Than Three Months Net Of Repayments Of Short Term Debt Maturing In Three Months Or Less Principal payments on short-term borrowings-net The cash outflow from a repayment of a borrowing having initial term of repayment of more than three months but less than one year or one operating cycle (if the normal cycle is more than one year) plus the cash outflow from a repayment of a borrowing having initial term of repayment within three months net of the cash inflow of a borrowing having initial term of repayment within three months. Proceeds from redemptions and sales of long-term investments Discontinued operations-net of tax The cash inflow associated with the aggregate amount received by the entity through sale or maturity of long-term marketable securities (trading, held-to-maturity, or available-for-sale) during the period. Description of cost-reduction initiatives associated with a comprehensive plan to integrate acquired operations, generate cost savings and capture synergies across the company; as well as costs incurred in connection with the Wyeth acquisition. These costs include (i) restructuring activities, including exit and disposal activities, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities and the accrual balance at the end of the period; (ii) integration costs, which represent external, incremental costs directly related to integrating acquired businesses; (iii) implementation costs, which represent external, incremental costs directly related to implementing cost-reduction initiatives prior to the Wyeth acquisition and primarily include expenditures related to system and process standardization and the expansion of shared services. Costs related to Pfizer's cost-reduction initiatives incurred after the Wyeth acquisition, other than additional depreciation-asset restructuring, are included in Restructuring charges and certain acquisition-related costs on the income statement; (iv) additional depreciation-asset restructuring, which represents the impact of changes in the estimated useful lives of assets involved in restructuring actions; and (v) transaction costs, representing external costs directly related to effecting the acquisition of Wyeth. This element represents the complete disclosure related to financial instruments, which may include i) selected financial assets and liabilities; ii) investments in debt and equity securities; iii) short-term borrowings; iv) long-term debt; v)derivative financial instruments and hedging activities; and vi) credit risk. This element represents (i) restructuring charges, which are amounts charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a program that is planned and controlled by management, and materially changes either the scope of a business undertaken by an entity, or the manner in which that business is conducted; and (ii) acquisition-related costs, which are costs incurred to effect a business combination which costs have been expensed during the period. Such costs can include transaction costs such as banking, legal, accounting and other costs directly related to effect a business combination as well as external, incremental costs of integration planning that are directly related to a business combination, including costs associated with preparing for systems and other integration activities. Income from continuing operations before provision for taxes on income Income from continuing operations Net income before allocation to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders Total current assets Total assets Total current liabilities Total liabilities Total Pfizer Inc. shareholders' equity Total shareholders' equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities Employee benefit trusts Other financing activities Restructuring charges and acquisition - related costs Other Income Expense Net Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss Before Allocation To Noncontrolling Interests To Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Abstract Proceeds From Issuances Of Short Term Debt Net Of Proceeds From Repayments Of Short Term Debt Maturing In Three Months Or Less Cash Paid During Period For Abstract Cash paid during the period for: Proceeds From Sale And Maturity Of Long Term Marketable Securities Financial Instruments Disclosure Text Block Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Other Significant Transactions and Events [Text Block] Description of significant transactions and events, including business combinations other than the Wyeth acquisition, that occurred during the period. Other Significant Transactions and Events [Text Block] Cost-Reduction Initiatives and Acquisition-Related Costs [Text Block] Other (Income)/Deductions-Net [Text Block] Taxes on Income [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Text Block] Equity [Text Block] Share - Based Payments [Abstract] Share-Based Payments [Text Block] Lease Commitments [Abstract] Lease Commitments [Text Block] Insurance [Abstract] Legal Proceedings and Contingencies [Abstract] Legal Proceedings and Contingencies [Text Block] Current deferred tax assets and other current assets This element represents (i) carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of payments made in advance for income and other taxes, which will be charged against earnings within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer as well as the current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value; and (ii) aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Noncurrent deferred tax assets and other noncurrent assets This element represents (i)the noncurrent portion as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate carrying amount of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference; and (ii) the aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Current deferred tax liabilities and other current liabilities This element represents (i) the current portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A current taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a current asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise shall separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference; and (ii) the aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Current liabilities are expected to be paid within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for doubtful accounts Current portion of long-term debt Preferred stock, without par, at stated value Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common stock, share authorized Common stock, shares issued Treasury stock, shares at cost Earnings Per Share Attributable to Common Shareholders [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Insurance [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Stock option transactions (shares) Stock option transactions (value) Purchases of common stock (shares) Purchases of common stock (value) Stock Issued During Period Shares Employee Benefit Trust Net Employee benefit trust transactions-net (shares) Number of shares issued during the period related to the Employee benefit trust. Stock Issued During Period Value Employee Benefit Trust Net Employee benefit trust transactions-net (value) Aggregate value of stock issued during the period related to the Employee benefit trust. Preferred stock conversions and redemptions (shares) Preferred stock conversions and redemptions (value) Aggregate value of preferred stock issued during the period related to conversions and redemptions. Number of preferred stock shares issued during the period related to conversions and redemptions. Stockholders Equity Other Shares Other (shares) This element represents share movements included in the statement of changes in stockholders' equity which are not separately disclosed or provided for elsewhere in the taxonomy. Other (value) Acquisition of Wyeth (shares) Acquisition of Wyeth (value) Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests Balance, Beginning (shares) Balance, Beginning (shares) Balance, (value) Balance, (value) Balance, Beginning (shares) Comprehensive income: Net income Other comprehensive income / (expense), net of tax Total comprehensive income Adoption of new accounting standard-net of tax Cash dividends declared- common stock preferred stock SE noncontrolling interests Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract] Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited) [Text Block] SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK ADD'L PAID-IN CAPITAL EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TRUSTS TREASURY STOCK RETAINED EARNINGS ACCUM. OTHER COMP. INC./(EXP.) NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS Certain intangible asset impairments and other associated non-cash charges Gains On Disposals Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestitures: Accounts receivable Inventories Other assets Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Taxes Other liabilities Proceeds From Sale And Maturity Of Short Term Marketable Securities More Than Ninety Days Proceeds from redemptions and sales of short-term investments with original maturities greater than 90 days Non-cash transactions-Acquisition of Wyeth, treasury stock issued Accounts receivable Inventories Other assets (Gains)/losses on sales of discontinued operations (Gains)/losses on sales of discontinued operations Inventories Retained earnings BS common stock CFS preferred stock Cost Reduction Initiatives Disclosure [Text Block] Other Significant Transactions And Events Disclosure [Text Block] Current Deferred Tax Assets And Other Assets Current Non Current Deferred Tax Assets And Other Assets Noncurrent Acquisition of Wyeth [Abstract] Other (Income)/Deductions - Net [Abstract] Taxes on Income [Abstract] Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans and Defined Contribution Plans [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income/(Expense) [Abstract] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Parent Company [Member] This item represents the gains on disposals of product lines, property, plant and equipment, investments, intangibles and other assets, none treated as discontinued operations. The cash inflow associated with the aggregate amount received by the entity through sale or maturity of short term marketable securities (trading, held-to-maturity, or available-for-sale) with original maturities of more than 90 days during the period. Document Information [Table] Net (decrease)/ increase in cash and cash equivalents common stock preferred stock Purchases of common stock (value) Other (value) noncontrolling interests Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests Gains on disposals Total comprehensive income Proceeds from redemptions and sales of short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less-net Proceeds from redemptions and sales of short-term investments with original maturities of 90 days or less-net