XML 60 R45.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.22.4

Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) shares in Millions, people in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jan. 31, 2023 state | Oct. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) people store clinic state patient shares | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) store shares | Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($) people store clinic state patient Segment shares | Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($) store shares | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) shares | Aug. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of pharmacy plan members | people |  |  | 110 |  | 110 |  |  |
Number of patients served per year (more than) | patient |  |  | 1,000,000 |  | 1,000,000 |  |  |
Number of people served | people |  |  | 35 |  | 35 |  |  |
Number of reportable segments | Segment |  |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |
Deferred acquisition costs |  |  | $ 1,200,000,000 | $ 895,000,000 | $ 1,200,000,000 | $ 895,000,000 |  |
Depreciation |  |  |  |  | 2,400,000,000 | 2,300,000,000 | $ 2,100,000,000 |
Office real estate optimization charges |  |  | 117,000,000 |  | 117,000,000 | 0 | 0 |
Store impairment charges |  |  |  |  | 0 | $ 1,358,000,000 | 0 |
Number of stores, planned closure | store |  |  |  |  |  | 900 |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  | 0 | $ 431,000,000 | 0 |
Impairment of intangible assets, indefinite-lived |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | $ 0 | 0 |
Assumed interest rates on long-duration group life and long-term care contracts |  |  |  |  | 4.90% | 5.10% |  |
HSA balances |  |  | 0 | 2,900,000,000 | $ 0 | $ 2,900,000,000 |  |
Self insurance liabilities |  |  | $ 1,100,000,000 | $ 1,100,000,000 | $ 1,100,000,000 | 1,100,000,000 |  |
Pharmacy rebate period |  |  |  |  | 30 days |  |  |
Health insurer fee |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | 0 | 1,000,000,000 |
Advertising costs |  |  |  |  | $ 745,000,000 | $ 707,000,000 | $ 613,000,000 |
Treasury shares held in trust (in shares) | shares |  |  | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Expenses from transactions with related party |  |  |  |  | $ 60,000,000 | $ 52,000,000 | $ 56,000,000 |
Other revenues from transactions with related party |  |  |  |  | 87,000,000 | 79,000,000 | 77,000,000 |
Charitable contribution to CVS Health Foundation |  |  |  |  | $ 25,000,000 | 50,000,000 | 50,000,000 |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACA Risk Corridor Receivables | Settled Litigation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain contingency, unrecorded amount |  |  |  |  |  |  | 313,000,000 | $ 313,000,000
Amount awarded from other party |  | $ 313,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Former gain contingency, recognized in current period, before tax |  |  |  |  |  |  | 307,000,000 |
Former gain contingency, recognized in current period, net of tax |  |  |  |  |  |  | 223,000,000 |
Heartland Healthcare Services |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of states in which entity operates | state |  |  | 4 |  | 4 |  |  |
Other Insurance Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liability for unpaid claims |  |  | $ 243,000,000 | $ 324,000,000 | $ 243,000,000 | 324,000,000 |  |
Liability for future policy benefits |  |  | 385,000,000 | 416,000,000 | 385,000,000 | 416,000,000 |  |
Other Long-Term Insurance Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liability for unpaid claims |  |  | 1,100,000,000 | 1,300,000,000 | 1,100,000,000 | 1,300,000,000 |  |
Liability for future policy benefits |  |  | 5,000,000,000 | 5,100,000,000 | $ 5,000,000,000 | $ 5,100,000,000 |  |
Property and equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Office real estate optimization charges |  |  | $ 44,000,000 |  |  |  |  |
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) |  |  |  |  | 3.00% | 3.00% |  |
Interest rate for pension and annuity investment contracts |  |  |  |  | 3.50% | 3.50% |  |
Award vesting period |  |  |  |  | 3 years |  |  |
Minimum | Buildings, 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 |  |  |  |  | 4.80% | 4.80% |  |
Award vesting period |  |  |  |  | 5 years |  |  |
Maximum | Buildings, 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 |  |  |
Retail/ LTC |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of retail locations (more than) | store |  |  | 9,000 |  | 9,000 |  |  |
Number of walk-in medical clinics (more than) | clinic |  |  | 1,100 |  | 1,100 |  |  |
Store impairment charges |  |  |  | $ 1,400,000,000 |  | $ 1,400,000,000 |  |
Number of stores, planned closure | store |  |  |  | 900 |  | 900 |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  | $ 431,000,000 |  |
Retail/ LTC | Property and equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Store impairment charges |  |  |  | $ 261,000,000 |  | 261,000,000 |  |
Health Care Benefits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of states in which the Company has entered the individual public health insurance exchange | state |  |  |  |  | 8 |  |  |
Goodwill impairment |  |  |  |  |  | 0 |  |
Health Care Benefits | Forecast |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Additional number of states in which the Company entered the individual public health insurance exchange | state | 4 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Health Insurance Product Line |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Premium deficiency reserve |  |  | $ 0 | $ 16,000,000 | $ 0 | $ 16,000,000 | $ 11,000,000 |

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: | dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Former Gain Contingency, Recognized In Current Period, Before Tax + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_FormerGainContingencyRecognizedInCurrentPeriodBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Former Gain Contingency, Recognized In Current Period, Net of Tax + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_FormerGainContingencyRecognizedInCurrentPeriodNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
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 Heath Savings Account Balance + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_HeathSavingsAccountBalance
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Individual Public Health Insurance Exchanges, Number Of Additional States + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_IndividualPublicHealthInsuranceExchangesNumberOfAdditionalStates
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Individual Public Health Insurance Exchanges, Number Of States + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_IndividualPublicHealthInsuranceExchangesNumberOfStates
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
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: | dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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 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 Pharmacy Plan Members + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_NumberOfPharmacyPlanMembers
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number Of Stores, Planned Closure + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_NumberOfStoresPlannedClosure
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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 Office Real Estate Optimization Charges - Related to the abandonment of leased real estate and the related right-of-use assets and property and equipment + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_OfficeRealEstateOptimizationCharges
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Pension And Annuity Investment Contracts Interest + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_PensionAndAnnuityInvestmentContractsInterest
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | dtr-types: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 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 Store Impairment Charges + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_StoreImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Treasury Stock, Shares, Held in Trust + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | cvs_TreasuryStockSharesHeldinTrust
Namespace Prefix: | cvs_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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 https://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 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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124505477&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124505477&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124506110&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124501264&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126734703&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124504731&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 https://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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126954810&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Depreciation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount or range of possible amounts of gain that could be realized upon the resolution of a contingency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6397426&loc=d3e17499-108355 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121556970&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126954810&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99380562&loc=d3e13777-109266 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 24 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=122137925&loc=d3e14258-109268 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (e) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121556970&loc=d3e13816-109267 + 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 https://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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126954810&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124506351&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126561865&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126734703&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124501264&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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124506351&loc=d3e14931-158439 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefits
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount awarded from other party in judgment or settlement of litigation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedFromOtherParty
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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 Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 18 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8672-108599 + 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 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 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 https://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 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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SelfInsuranceReserve
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Period over which grantee's right to exercise award under share-based payment arrangement is no longer contingent on satisfaction of service or performance condition, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Includes, but is not limited to, combination of market, performance or service condition. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=128089324&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | srt_LitigationCaseAxis=cvs_USDepartmentOfHealthAndHumanServicesACARiskCorridorReceivablesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis=us-gaap_SettledLitigationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=cvs_HeartlandHealthcareServicesMember
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: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember
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_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=cvs_RetailLongTermCareSegmentMember
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_StatementScenarioAxis=srt_ScenarioForecastMember
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: |