XML 24 R45.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.19.3.a.u2

Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) shares in Millions, person in Millions, patient in Millions, member in Millions |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jul. 01, 2019 USD ($) store | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares | Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares | Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) member person clinic patient store Segment state shares | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 | Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($) | Oct. 31, 2014 payment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of plan members | member |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 105 |  |  |  |  |
Number of patients served per year | patient |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1 |  |  |  |  |
Number of people served | person |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 37 |  |  |  |  |
Number of reportable segments | Segment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |  |  |
Deferred acquisition costs |  | $ 22,000,000 |  |  | $ 22,000,000 |  |  | $ 271,000,000 | $ 22,000,000 |  |  |  |
Depreciation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,900,000,000 | 1,700,000,000 | $ 1,700,000,000 |  |  |
Store rationalization charges |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 231,000,000 | 0 | 215,000,000 |  |  |
Impairment of long-lived assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 | 43,000,000 | 0 |  |  |
Goodwill impairments |  |  | $ 0 |  |  |  |  | 0 | 6,149,000,000 | 181,000,000 |  |  |
Impairment of intangible assets, indefinite-lived |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | 0 | 0 |  |  |
Assumed interest rates on long-duration group life and long-term care contracts |  | 5.10% |  |  |  |  |  | 5.10% |  |  |  |  |
HSA balances |  | $ 2,100,000,000 |  |  | 2,100,000,000 |  |  | $ 2,200,000,000 | 2,100,000,000 |  |  |  |
Self insurance liabilities |  | $ 865,000,000 |  |  | $ 865,000,000 |  |  | $ 856,000,000 | 865,000,000 |  |  |  |
Pharmacy rebate period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30 days |  |  |  |  |
Health insurer fee |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | 157,000,000 | 0 |  |  |
Advertising costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 396,000,000 | 364,000,000 | 230,000,000 |  |  |
Provisional benefit of revaluation of net DTL due to TCJA |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,500,000,000 |  |  |
Benefit of revaluation of net DTL due to TCJA |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 100,000,000 |  |  |  |
Common stock, shares held in trust (in shares) | shares |  | 1 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 1 | 1 |  |  |  |
VIE, ownership percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 50.00% |  |
Initial contractual term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10 years |  |
Number of quarterly payments from VIE | payment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 39
Proceeds from VIE |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 183,000,000 | $ 183,000,000 | 183,000,000 |  |  |
Expenses from transactions with related party |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 32,000,000 | 45,000,000 | 35,000,000 |  |  |
Other revenues from transactions with related party |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 96,000,000 | 135,000,000 | 139,000,000 |  |  |
Charitable contribution to CVS Health Foundation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 30,000,000 |  |  |  |  |
Increase to retained earnings |  | $ 40,911,000,000 |  |  | $ 40,911,000,000 |  |  | $ 45,108,000,000 | 40,911,000,000 |  |  | $ 41,089,000,000 |
Heartland Healthcare Services |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of states in which entity operates | state |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation adjustments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative translation adjustment from AOCI eliminated upon divestiture |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (154,000,000) | 0 | 0 |  |  |
Other Insurance Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liability for unpaid claims |  | 816,000,000 |  |  | 816,000,000 |  |  | 704,000,000 | 816,000,000 |  |  |  |
Future policy benefits |  | 536,000,000 |  |  | 536,000,000 |  |  | 508,000,000 | 536,000,000 |  |  |  |
Other Long-Term Insurance Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liability for unpaid claims |  | 1,900,000,000 |  |  | 1,900,000,000 |  |  | 1,800,000,000 | 1,900,000,000 |  |  |  |
Future policy benefits |  | $ 6,200,000,000 |  |  | 6,200,000,000 |  |  | $ 5,600,000,000 | 6,200,000,000 |  |  |  |
Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Period after date of service a claim is paid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6 months |  |  |  |  |
Assumed interest rates on limited payment pension contracts on large case pension business (in hundredths) |  | 3.50% |  |  |  |  |  | 3.50% |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate for pension and annuity investment contracts |  | 3.50% |  |  |  |  |  | 3.50% |  |  |  |  |
Share-based compensation arrangement, requisite service period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 years |  |  |  |  |
Minimum | Building, building improvements and leasehold improvements |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life of property plant and equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1 year |  |  |  |  |
Minimum | Fixtures, equipment and internally developed software |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life of property plant and equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 years |  |  |  |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lease renewal term |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5 years |  |  |  |  |
Period after date of service a claim is paid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 48 months |  |  |  |  |
Assumed interest rates on limited payment pension contracts on large case pension business (in hundredths) |  | 11.30% |  |  |  |  |  | 11.30% |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate for pension and annuity investment contracts |  | 13.40% |  |  |  |  |  | 15.00% |  |  |  |  |
Share-based compensation arrangement, requisite service period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5 years |  |  |  |  |
Maximum | Building, building improvements and leasehold improvements |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life of property plant and equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40 years |  |  |  |  |
Maximum | Fixtures, equipment and internally developed software |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life of property plant and equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |  |
ASU 2016-02 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase to retained earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 178,000,000 |
Increase to retained earnings, pre-tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 241,000,000 |
Brazil Subsidiary | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Foreign currency translation adjustments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cumulative translation adjustment from AOCI eliminated upon divestiture | $ 154,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Retail/ LTC |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of stores | store |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 9,900 |  |  |  |  |
Number of walk-in medical clinics | clinic |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,100 |  |  |  |  |
Store rationalization charges |  |  | $ 96,000,000 | $ 135,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  | 215,000,000 |  |  |
Goodwill impairments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,149,000,000 | $ 181,000,000 |  |  |
Retail/ LTC | Brazil Subsidiary | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of stores | store | 50 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Retail/ LTC | Long-Term Care Reporting Unit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairments |  |  |  |  | 2,200,000,000 | $ 0 | $ 3,900,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Health Care Benefits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of people served | person |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 37 |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill impairments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 |  |  |  |
Health Insurance Product Line |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Premium deficiency reserve |  | $ 16,000,000 |  |  | $ 16,000,000 |  |  | $ 4,000,000 | $ 16,000,000 |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Assumed Interest Rates On Long Duration Group Life And Long Term Care Contracts + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_AssumedInterestRatesOnLongDurationGroupLifeAndLongTermCareContracts
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Health Care Costs Payable, Period After Date Of Services Claims Are Paid + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_HealthCareCostsPayablePeriodAfterDateOfServicesClaimsArePaid
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the estimated amount of the health insurer fee accrued during the reporting period, as required by Health Care Reform. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_HealthInsurerFee
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Variable Interest Entity, Initial Contractual Term + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_Initialcontractualterm
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Lessee, Operating And Finance Leases, Renewal Term + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_LesseeOperatingAndFinanceLeasesRenewalTerm
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the total liability on the balance sheet for unpaid claims for both short-duration and long-duration insurance contracts after reinsurance. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_LiabilityforUnpaidClaims
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Minimum assumed interest rates on limited payment contracts on large case pensions business. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_LimitedPaymentsContracts
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number Of People Served + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_NumberOfPeopleServed
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number Of Plan Members + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_NumberOfPlanMembers
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number Of Quarterly Payments From Variable Interest Entity + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_NumberOfQuarterlyPaymentsFromVariableInterestEntity
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of Patients Served per Year + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_NumberofPatientsServedperYear
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of Walk In Medical Clinics + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_NumberofWalkInMedicalClinics
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Pension And Annuity Investment Contracts Interest + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_PensionAndAnnuityInvestmentContractsInterest
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Pharmacy Rebate Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_PharmacyRebatePeriod
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of reserves related to expected future claims, including maintenance costs (for example, direct costs such as claim processing costs), in excess of existing reserves plus anticipated future premiums and reinsurance recoveries. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_PremiumDeficiencyReserveLiability
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Proceeds From Variable Interest Entity + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_ProceedsFromVariableInterestEntity
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Related Party Transaction, Charitable Contribution To Non-Profit Entity + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_RelatedPartyTransactionCharitableContributionToNonProfitEntity
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Pre-Tax + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitPreTax
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Store Rationalization Charges + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_StoreRationalizationCharges
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount charged to advertising expense for the period, which are expenses incurred with the objective of increasing revenue for a specified brand, product or product line. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 720 -SubTopic 35 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420018&loc=d3e36677-107848 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of common stock held in a trust that has been set up specifically to accumulate stock for the sole purpose of distribution to participating employees but not yet earned. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 40 -Section 25 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109244457&loc=d3e16701-113920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CommonStockSharesHeldInEmployeeTrustShares
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred policy acquisition cost capitalized on contract remaining in force. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2B -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419109&loc=SL117422543-158416 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419109&loc=SL117422543-158416 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 825 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117420823&loc=d3e32546-158582 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 65 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419843&loc=SL117420844-207641 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(7)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117418976&loc=d3e11522-158419 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related depreciation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Depreciation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of loss from the write-down of an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108376223&loc=d3e13854-109267 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108376223&loc=d3e13816-109267 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99380562&loc=d3e13777-109266 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of impairment loss resulting from write-down of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance and having a projected indefinite period of benefit to fair value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16373-109275 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsIndefinitelivedExcludingGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, before effect of reinsurance, of present value of future benefit to be paid to or on behalf of policyholder and related expense less present value of future net premium receivable under insurance contract. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419472&loc=d3e14931-158439 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 55 -Paragraph 29E -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419784&loc=SL117819541-158441 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(13)(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 65 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (g)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419843&loc=SL117420844-207641 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419472&loc=d3e14931-158439 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of segments reported by the entity. A reportable segment is a component of an entity for which there is an accounting requirement to report separate financial information on that component in the entity's financial statements. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of states the entity operates in as of the balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfStatesInWhichEntityOperates
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents the number of stores. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfStores
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount due to policyholder. Includes, but is not limited to, unpaid policy dividend, retrospective refund, and undistributed earnings on participating business. Excludes future policy benefit and claim expense. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7A -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419472&loc=SL117782755-158439 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7A -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419472&loc=SL117782755-158439 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7A -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419472&loc=SL117782755-158439 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 55 -Paragraph 29F -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117419784&loc=SL117819544-158441 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PolicyholderFunds
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax of reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 17B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL34724394-108580 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669686-108580 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118951672&loc=d3e1436-108581 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Expenses recognized resulting from transactions (excluding transactions that are eliminated in consolidated or combined financial statements) with related party. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 850 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Reflects the sum of all other revenue and income realized from sales and other transactions (excluding transactions that are eliminated in consolidated or combined financial statements) with related party during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionOtherRevenuesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(30)(a)(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(23)(a)(4)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions) of accrued known and estimated losses incurred as of the balance sheet date for which no insurance coverage exists, and for which a claim has been made or is probable of being asserted, typically arising from workmen's compensation-type of incidents and personal injury to nonemployees from accidents on the entity's property. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.24) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SelfInsuranceReserve
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Estimated period over which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the equity-based payment award, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardRequisiteServicePeriod1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of tangible assets from their carrying value to their fair value. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226691&loc=d3e2921-110230 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=d3e1361-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TangibleAssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income tax expense (benefit) for remeasurement of deferred tax from change in tax rate pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32639-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017ChangeInTaxRateIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of reasonable estimate for income tax expense (benefit) for which accounting for tax effect for remeasurement of deferred tax from change in tax rate is incomplete pursuant to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2A -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.EE.Q2(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116825942&loc=SL116722634-122817 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingChangeInTaxRateProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of the Variable Interest Entity's (VIE) voting interest owned by (or beneficial interest in) the reporting entity (directly or indirectly). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5A -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118582676&loc=SL6759159-111685 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=cvs_HeartlandHealthcareServicesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_AccumulatedForeignCurrencyAdjustmentIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=cvs_OtherInsuranceLiabilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=cvs_OtherLongTermInsuranceLiabilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=cvs_FixturesEquipmentAndInternallyDevelopedSoftwareMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis=cvs_BrazilSubsidiaryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis=us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=cvs_RetailLongTermCareSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ReportingUnitAxis=cvs_LongTermCareReportingUnitMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=cvs_HealthCareBenefitsSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=us-gaap_HealthInsuranceProductLineMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |