Assets Total Segment Assets Including Corporate and All Other Total Assets Total Assets Cash and equivalents Opening Cash and Equivalents Closing Cash and Equivalents Cash and equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Inventory, Net Total inventory Inventories, Total Total Current Assets Total Current Assets Assets, Current Goodwill Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill in diagnostics segment Goodwill Goodwill Other Assets Noncurrent Other Total Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Common stock - $1 par value: authorized - 640,000,000 shares; issued-332,662,160 shares in 2008 and 2007 Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock Retained earnings Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Common stock in treasury - at cost - 89,584,786 shares in 2008 and 88,825,066 shares in 2007 Common shares in treasury - at cost Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Common shares in treasury - at cost Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total Shareholders' Equity Total Shareholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Revenue Revenues Revenue Total Revenue Revenues Cost of products sold Cost of products sold Cost of Goods and Services Sold Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling and administrative expense Selling and administrative Costs and Expenses Share-based payment included in consolidated statements of income Total Operating Costs and Expenses Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Charged to operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Minority Interest, and Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Total Segment Operating Income Total Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Provision Income tax provision Total Income from Continuing Operations Income from continuing operations Income From Continuing Operations Income from Continuing Operations Income from continuing operations Basic Earnings per Share, Income from Continuing Operations Income from Continuing Operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Basic Earnings per Share, Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations Income from Discontinued Operations Income from Discontinued Operations Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic Earnings per Share Basic Earnings per Share Diluted Earnings per Share, Income from Continuing Operations Income from Continuing Operations Diluted Earnings per Share, Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations Income from Discontinued Operations Income from Discontinued Operations Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted Earnings per Share Diluted Earnings per Share Pension obligation Pension obligation Increase Decrease In Other Operating Capital Net Other, net Other, net Net Cash Provided by Continuing Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Acquisitions of business, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Cash Other, net Other, net Other, net Other, net Net Cash Used for Continuing Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Change in short-term debt Change in short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Payments of debt Payments of debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Payments of debt Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock Repurchase of common stock Excess tax benefits from payments under share-based compensation plans Excess tax benefit from payments under share-based compensation plans Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Continuing Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Discontinued Operations Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Discontinued Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net decrease in cash and equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure TextBlock Contingencies Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Segment Data Segment Data Operating Income Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other expense, net Other (expense) income, net Current Liabilities [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Current Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations Diluted Earnings per Share [Abstract] Diluted Earnings per Share: Basic Earnings per Share [Abstract] Basic Earnings per Share: Benefit Plans [Abstract] Benefit Plans [Abstract] Benefit Plans [Abstract] Segment Data [Abstract] Segment Data [Abstract] Segment Data [Abstract] Includes intangibles (which do not qualify for separate disclosure on the balance sheet under materiality guidelines) with finite lives, such as patents, that are amortized over period principally ranging from two to 40 years, using the straight-line method. Also includes indefinite-lived assets such as certain trademarks that are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely and are reviewed annual for impairment. Also includes research and development assets acquired in a business combination that will be amortized as finite-lived intangible assets upon completion or written off upon abandonment. Other Intangibles, Net Other Intangibles, Net Short-term debt Short-term debt Debt, Current Income derived from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents the earnings of which reflect the time value of money or transactions in which the payments are for the use or forbearance of money. Also includes investment movements on assets relating to the Company's deferred compensation plan. Interest income Interest income Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity: Research And Development Expense Operating Research and Development Expense Research and development Research and development The aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility. Excludes expenses recognized relating to acquired in process cost. Long-Term Employee Benefit Obligations Long Term Employee Benefit Obligations Includes the noncurrent liability for underfunded plans recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with the defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement defined benefit plans. Also includes the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the portion of the obligations recognized for the various benefits provided to former or inactive employees, their beneficiaries, and covered dependents after employment but before retirement that is payable after one year (or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Additionally includes aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities for all deferred compensation arrangements payable after one year. Represents currently earned compensation under compensation arrangements that is not actually paid until a later date. Assets [Abstract] Assets Capitalized Software, Net Capitalized Computer Software, Net, Total Capitalized Computer Software, Net, Beginning Balance Capitalized Computer Software, Net, Ending Balance Capitalized Computer Software, Net Trade receivables, net Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net, Current, Total Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net, Current Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses, deferred taxes and other Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Dividends paid Dividends paid Dividends paid Dividends paid Accounting Changes Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash (Used for) provided by operating activities Net cash used for investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used for investing activities Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings per Share Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Short-term investments Other Short-term Investments Adjustments to income from continuing operations to derive net cash provided by continuing operating activities, net of amounts acquired: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Benefit Plans Benefit Plans Disclosure Text Block The disclosures relating to the sponsor of defined benefit pension plans and other defined benefit postretirement plans. Provides information separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans including the entity's schedule of fair value of plan assets for defined benefit or other postretirement plans. Also, the disclosures relating to postemployment benefits which may include supplemental unemployment benefits, obligations recognized for all types of benefits provided to former or inactive employees, their beneficiaries, and covered dependents after employment but before retirement. Long-term debt Loans Payable to Bank, Noncurrent Total Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt Deferred Income Taxes and Other Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation and Amortization, Total Depreciation and amortization Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Capitalized Computer Software, Period Increase (Decrease) Capitalized software Capitalized Computer Software, Period Increase (Decrease), Total Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Issuance of common stock and other, net Issuance of common stock and other, net Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust Deferred compensation Common stock held in trusts, net Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Core and Developed Technology, Net Core And Developed Technology Net Core and Developed Technology, Net. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract] Operations Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Financial Position Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Accounting Changes [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation [Abstract] Earnings per Share [Abstract] Earnings per Share: Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Earnings per Share (Tables) [Abstract] Earnings per Share. Earnings per Share (Details) [Abstract] Earnings per Share. Average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Average Common and Common Equivalent Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - assuming dilution Weighted average common shares used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average common shares used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share Weighted average common shares used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share Text Block Weighted average common shares used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share Text Block. Benefit Plans Tables. Benefit Plans (Tables) [Abstract] Benefit Plans Details. Benefit Plans (Details) [Abstract] Net pension and postretirement cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service (credit) cost Amortization of prior service (credit) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of loss (gain) Amortization of loss (gain) Amortization of loss Amortization of loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Postemployment benefit costs, Total Net pension and postretirement cost Net pension and postretirement cost Benefit Plans Textuals. Benefit Plans (Textuals) [Abstract] Benefit Plans (Textuals) [Abstract] Postemployment Benefits, Period Expense Postemployment benefit costs, Total Postemployment benefit costs Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Net pension and postretirement cost Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Text Block] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Divestiture Revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax, Total Income from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income tax provision Less income tax provision Less: income tax provision Results of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information. Patents, trademarks, and other Member. Patents, trademarks, and other [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Net Income Net income Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Income from discontinued operations, net Income from Discontinued Operations, net Less: Income from discontinued operations, net Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Dilutive share equivalents from share-based plans Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Divestiture of businesses Proceeds received on sale of assets Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total Proceeds from long-term debt Intangible Assets [Abstract] Intangible Assets. Share Based Compensation Total Share Based Compensation Share-based compensation Share Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Total Share-Based Compensation Maturity Period Of Cash Equivalents Maturity period of cash equivalents. Maturity period of cash equivalents at the time of purchase Statement [Line Items] Pension Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures, Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Text Block] Revenue Recognition Inventory, Net [Abstract] Inventories: Inventory, Raw Materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Total Materials Inventory, Work in Process Work in process Inventory, Finished Goods Finished products Finished products Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Less allowances for depreciation and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Long-Lived Assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangements Segment Data (Tables) [Abstract] Segment Data (Tables) [Abstract] Segment Data Tables. Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Segment Operating Income Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss) Segment Reporting Information, Operating Income (Loss), Total Total Segment Operating Income Medical [Member] Medical Member. Diagnostics [Member] Diagnostics Member. Biosciences [Member] Biosciences Member. Revenues by Organizational Units Text Block Revenues by Organizational Units Text Block. Revenues by Organizational Units Medical Surgical Systems [Member] Medical Surgical Systems Member. Diabetes Care [Member] Diabetes Care Member. Pharmaceutical Systems [Member] Pharmaceutical Systems Member. Preanalytical Systems [Member] Preanalytical Systems Member. Cell Analysis [Member] Cell Analysis Member. Discovery Labware [Member] Discovery Labware Member. Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Reporting Segment [Domain] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Financial information for the Company's segments Share-Based Compensation (Tables) [Abstract] Share Based Compensation Tables Abstract. Share-Based Compensation (Details) [Abstract] Share Based Compensation Details Abstract Share Based Compensation Details Abstract. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Fair values of stock appreciation rights granted during the annual share-based grants, Assumptions Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected life Intangible Assets (Details) [Abstract] Intangible Assets (Details) [Abstract] Intangible Assets Details. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Amortized intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Acquired in process research and development [Member] Acquired in process research and development Member. Intangible Assets Textuals Abstract Intangible Assets Textuals. Intangible Assets (Textuals) [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Intangible amortization expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards Unrecognized compensation expense, non-vested share-based awards Trademarks [Member] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Unamortized intangible assets Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Total Unamortized intangible assets, Total Fair Value Derived Per Share Fair value derived Fair value derived per share. Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards, Weighted Average Period of Recognition Weighted-average remaining life, unrecognized compensation expense (in years) Segment Reporting, Segment Revenue Revenues by segment Revenues Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Core and developed technology [Member] Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables) [Abstract] Derivative instruments and hedging activities. Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Text Block] Effects on Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) [Abstract] Derivative instruments and hedging activities. Interest rate swap [Member] Interest rate swap Derivative Asset Designated as Hedging Instrument, Fair Value Asset derivatives-designated for hedge accounting Derivative Asset, Fair Value Total asset derivatives Derivative Liability Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Fair Value Liability derivatives-undesignated for hedge accounting Derivative Liability, Fair Value Total liability derivatives Derivative Asset Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, Fair Value Asset derivatives-undesignated for hedge accounting Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net [Abstract] Undesignated hedges Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion, Net Total Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Total Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Effects on Consolidated Balance Sheets Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Abstract] Cash flow hedges Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Text Block] Cash flow hedges Fair Value Hedge [Text Block] Fair value hedge Fair value hedge. Undesignated Hedges [Text Block] Undesignated hedges Undesignated Hedges. Derivative Instruments Gain Loss In Fair Value Hedges Abstract Fair value hedge Derivative instruments gain loss in fair value hedges. Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedging Instruments Gain/(Loss) on Swap Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Hedged Item in Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Gain/(Loss) on Borrowings Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Textuals Abstract Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Textuals) [Abstract] Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Partially hedges forcasted export sales denominated in foreign currencies using forward and option contracts Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivatives Notional amounts outstanding foreign exchange contracts Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Reclassification of terminated interest rate swaps to interest expense within the next 12 months Debt Instrument, Face Amount Financial instruments relating to terminated hedges, Issuing amount Face amount of notes due Fix To Floating Swap Rate Percentage of fixed-to-floating swap rate Fix-to-floating swap rate. Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value Interest rate swap Interest rate swap Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Carrying Value [Member] Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Forward exchange contracts Loans Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term debt Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Forward exchange contracts Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Axis] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Disclosure Items [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers, Net Transfer of assets in and out of level 1,2 and 3 measurements during the period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Transfers, Net Transfer of liabilities in and out of level 1,2 and 3 measurements during the period Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Abstract] Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements. Total Assets Total Assets Total Assets Total Assets. Total Liabilities Total Liabilities Total Liabilities. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements Textuals Abstract Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Textuals) [Abstract] Remaining Cash Equivalents Remaining cash equivalents. Remaining cash equivalents Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis. Maturity period of instruments in short term investments Maturity period of instruments in short term investments. Maturity period of instruments in short term investments Notional Amount of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Derivatives Notional amounts outstanding interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges,4.55% notes Forward Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity Forward Contract [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Revenues [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivatives, Fair Value, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Institutional money market investments Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Cash and Cash Equivalents Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Settlement fund payable subject to preliminary and final approval by court Settlement Fund Payable Subject To Preliminary And Final Approval By Court. Settlement fund payable subject to preliminary and final approval by court Damages Awarded Damages Awarded. Damages Awarded Elastics and Thermometer [Member] Elastics and thermometer. Intangible Assets (Tables) [Abstract] Finite And Infinite Intangible Assets Text Block Intangible assets Finite And Infinite Intangible Assets. Contracts Entered By Company To Hedge Cash Flows In 2011 Contracts entered by the company to hedge cash flows Contracts entered by company to hedge cash flows in 2011. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables) [Abstract] Foreign Currency Accounting Policy Text Block Allocation of gain/loss of foreign currency translation hedges on a segment basis Foreign Currency Accounting Policy Text Block. Fair Value Measurements And Disclosures Text Block ASC 820 fair value disclosure Fair Value Measurements And Disclosures Text Block. Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Policies Text Block Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Policies Text Block. Derivative, Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain (Loss) Gain (loss) related to hedge ineffectiveness Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Outstanding interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges Certain Medical Assets [Member] Certain Medical Assets Member. Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes Deferred income taxes Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax, Total Pre-tax gain on sale Diagnostic Systems [Member] Diagnostic Systems Member. Segment Reporting Information, Revenue [Abstract] Revenues by organizational units Segment Reporting Information Unallocated Items Unallocated Expenses Segment Reporting Information Unallocated Items. Other Income Expense [Member] Other Income Expense Member. Results Of Discontinued Operations Text Block Results of discontinued operations Results of Discontinued Operations. Loss Contingencies Text Block ASC 450-20 recognition guidelines Loss contingencies. Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total Property, plant and equipment Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Payables and accrued expenses Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends per Common Share Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments (Purchases) sales of investments, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments, Total Purchases of investments, net Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Change in operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital, Total Change in operating assets and liabilities Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Contingencies [Abstract] Contingencies. Accounting Changes (Policies) [Abstract] Accounting Changes. Comprehensive Income (Tables) [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Tables. Comprehensive Income Text Block Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive Income (Details) [Abstract] Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Benefit plans adjustment Other Comprehensive Income, Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of amounts realized Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Contingencies (Details) [Abstract] Contingencies. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Revenues By Geographic Areas Text Block Revenues by the geographic areas Revenues by the geographic areas. Segment Data (Details) [Abstract] Segment Data. Entity-Wide Information about Geographic Areas [Abstract] Revenues by the geographic areas Entity-Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Entity's Country of Domicile United States Entity-Wide Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries International International Share-based Compensation Textuals Abstract Share-based Compensation. Share-based Compensation (Textuals) [Abstract] Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Total Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Divestiture [Abstract] Divestiture. Divestiture (Tables) [Abstract] Divestiture Tables. Divestiture (Details) [Abstract] Divestiture Details. Divestiture (Textuals) [Abstract] Divestiture Textuals. Contingencies (Textuals) [Abstract] Notional Amount Of Commodity Contracts Notional amount of commodity contracts. Notional amount of commodity contracts Additional Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Textuals) [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. 10-year 3.25% notes [Member] Senior Note One. 30-year 5.00% notes [Member] Senior Note Two. Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Financial instruments relating to terminated hedges, Interest Rate Debt Instrument Maturity Period Financial instruments relating to terminated hedges, Maturity Period Debt instrument maturity period. Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Weighted Average Assumptions Text Block Assumptions for estimation of the fair values of stock appreciation rights granted during the reporting periods Weighted average assumptions. Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] Adoption of revised variable interest entity accounting rules