| **Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Detail) (Zoetis [Member], IPO [Member])In Thousands, unless otherwise specified** | 0 Months Ended |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|
||
| Zoetis [Member] | IPO [Member]                                                                                                                 |           |
| **Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Line Items]**                                               |           |
| Subsidiary or equity method investee, cumulative number of shares issued for all transactions                                                  | 99,015         |
| Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners                                                                         | 19.80%         |

| X                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Details**Name:**pfe_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureLineItems**Namespace Prefix:**pfe_**Data Type:**xbrli:stringItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |
| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
The equity interest of noncontrolling shareholders, partners or other equity holders in consolidated entity.
+ References
No definition available.
+ Details**Name:**us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners**Namespace Prefix:**us-gaap_**Data Type:**num:percentItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**instant |
| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
Cumulative number of shares issued or sold by the subsidiary or equity method investee on all stock transactions.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 5 -Section H
+ Details**Name:**us-gaap_SubsidiaryOrEquityMethodInvesteeCumulativeNumberOfSharesIssuedForAllTransactions**Namespace Prefix:**us-gaap_**Data Type:**xbrli:sharesItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |