| **Earnings Per Common Share Attributable to Common Shareholders - Diluted Numerator (Detail) (USD $)In Millions, unless otherwise specified**                                                                                                                                                                                     | 12 Months Ended |
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| **EPS Numerator-Diluted**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |            |  |   |  |   |  |
| Income from continuing operations attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and assumed conversions                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | $ 9,490         |  | $ 8,355 |  | $ 8,287 |  |
| Discontinued operations-net of tax                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | 5,080           | [1] | 1,654 | [1] | (30) | [1] |
| Net income attributable to Pfizer Inc. common shareholders and assumed conversions                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | $ 14,570        |  | $ 10,009 |  | $ 8,257 |  |
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| [1]Includes the Nutrition business for all periods presented (through November 30, 2012) and the Capsugel business for 2011 (through August 1, 2011) and 2010 only. The net loss in 2010 includes the impairment of an indefinite-lived Brand intangible asset in the Nutrition business of approximately $385 million (pre-tax). |

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| - Definition
Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the parent. Also defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests.
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| - Definition
Amount of income (loss) from a disposal group, net of income tax before extraordinary items allocable to noncontrolling interests. Includes, net of tax, income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.
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| - Definition
Net Income or Loss Available to Common Stockholders plus adjustments resulting from the assumption that dilutive convertible securities were converted, options or warrants were exercised, or that other shares were issued upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.
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