XML 62 R45.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) |  |  |  | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jul. 27, 2017 USD ($) | May 06, 2016 shares | Jul. 02, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Segment | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) shares | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) VEF / $ | Mar. 31, 2016 VEF / $
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of segments | Segment |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |
Total cash consideration, net of cash acquired |  |  |  | $ 686,000,000 | $ 48,000,000 | $ 34,000,000 |
Number of outstanding shares of Baxter common stock acquired in exchange | shares |  |  |  |  | 11,526,638 |  |
Pre-tax charge recorded due to deconsolidation |  |  |  | (33,000,000) |  |  |
Allowance for doubtful accounts |  |  |  | 120,000,000 | $ 127,000,000 |  |
Depreciation expense |  |  |  | 607,000,000 | 632,000,000 | 597,000,000 |
Accelerated depreciation related to business optimization and separation costs |  |  |  | 10,000,000 | 33,000,000 |  |
Shipping costs included in marketing and administrative expenses |  |  |  | $ 291,000,000 | 311,000,000 | 272,000,000 |
Tax position likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement |  |  |  | Greater than 50% |  |  |
ASU 2017-07 Not Yet Adopted, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase in operating income |  |  |  | $ 33,000,000 | 33,000,000 |  |
Decrease in other income, net |  |  |  | (21,000,000) | (21,000,000) |  |
ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjustment to increase (decrease) opening balance of retained earnings, net of tax |  |  |  | (66,000,000) |  |  |
ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adjustment to increase (decrease) opening balance of retained earnings, net of tax |  |  |  | 50,000,000 |  |  |
ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase in net income |  |  |  | 56,000,000 |  |  |
Increase in operating cash flow |  |  |  | $ 56,000,000 |  |  |
Windfall tax benefits |  |  |  |  | 39,000,000 | $ 7,000,000 |
Building and Building Improvements | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimated useful life |  |  |  | 20 years |  |  |
Building and Building Improvements | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimated useful life |  |  |  | 50 years |  |  |
Machinery and equipment | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimated useful life |  |  |  | 3 years |  |  |
Machinery and equipment | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimated useful life |  |  |  | 15 years |  |  |
Hurricane Maria |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax charges related to damages caused by hurricane |  |  |  | $ 32,000,000 |  |  |
Insurance recoveries |  |  |  | 0 |  |  |
Impairment of Damaged Inventory and Fixed Assets | Hurricane Maria |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax charges related to damages caused by hurricane |  |  |  | 11,000,000 |  |  |
Idle Facility and Other Costs | Hurricane Maria |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax charges related to damages caused by hurricane |  |  |  | 21,000,000 |  |  |
Business Optimization and Separation Costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accelerated depreciation related to business optimization and separation costs |  |  |  | $ 18,000,000 | $ 48,000,000 |  |
Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Description of change in exchange rate system |  |  |  | In the first quarter of 2016, the Venezuelan government moved from the three-tier exchange rate system to a two-tiered exchange rate system and the official rate for food and medicine imports was adjusted from 6.3 to 10 bolivars per U.S. dollar. |  |  |
Official rate for food and medicine imports per U.S. dollar | VEF / $ |  |  |  |  |  | 6.3 | 10
Description of control and deconsolidation |  |  |  | Due to a recent decline in transactions settled at the official rate or the secondary rate and limitations on the company’s ability to repatriate funds generated by its Venezuela operations, the company concluded in the second quarter of 2017 that it no longer met the accounting criteria for control over its business in Venezuela and the company deconsolidated its Venezuelan operations on June 30, 2017. |  |  |
Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar | Other Income |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax charge recorded due to deconsolidation |  |  |  | $ 33,000,000 |  |  |
U.S. Pension Plan |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contribution of Retained Shares to pension plan | shares |  | 17,145,570 |  |  | 17,145,570 |  |
Spinoff |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of equity interest disposed |  |  |  |  | 19.50% |  |
Extinguishment of debt |  |  |  |  | $ 3,650,000,000 |  |
Spinoff |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of outstanding common stock distributed |  |  | 80.50% |  |  |  |
Record date for distribution |  |  | Jun. 17, 2015 |  |  |  |
Claris Injectables Limited |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of ownership acquired | 100.00% |  |  |  |  |  |
Total cash consideration, net of cash acquired | $ 629,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Shares of common stock acquired from share exchange transaction. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bax_CommonStockSharesAcquiredFromShareExchangeTransaction
Namespace Prefix: | bax_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Defined benefit plan contributions by employer shares. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bax_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployerShares
Namespace Prefix: | bax_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition New accounting pronouncement or change in accounting principle effect of change on operating cash flows. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bax_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnOperatingCashFlows
Namespace Prefix: | bax_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition New accounting pronouncement or change in accounting principle effect of change on other nonoperating income expense. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bax_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnOtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | bax_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage of equity interest disposed. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bax_PercentageOfEquityInterestDisposed
Namespace Prefix: | bax_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage of outstanding shares distributed. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bax_PercentageOfOutstandingSharesDistributed
Namespace Prefix: | bax_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Record date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bax_RecordDate
Namespace Prefix: | bax_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Summary of significant accounting policies. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bax_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | bax_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Windfall tax benefits. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | bax_WindfallTaxBenefits
Namespace Prefix: | bax_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84173941&loc=d3e5074-111524 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage of voting equity interests acquired at the acquisition date in the business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of the gain (loss) recognized by the parent and included in its attributable portion of net income for the period due to deconsolidation of a subsidiary or derecognition of a group of assets. The gain (loss) recognized and included in the net income attributable to the parent for the period is generally computed as the difference between: (a) the aggregate of: (1) the fair value of any consideration received; (2) the fair value of any retained noncontrolling investment in the former subsidiary at the date the subsidiary was deconsolidated; and (3) the carrying amount of any noncontrolling interest in the former subsidiary (including any accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest) at the date the subsidiary was deconsolidated and (b) the carrying amount of the former subsidiary's assets and liabilities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84161450&loc=SL4582445-111684 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Description of the nature of continuing involvement with a subsidiary or entity acquiring the group of assets after it has been deconsolidated or derecognized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84161450&loc=SL4582445-111684 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeconsolidationNatureOfContinuingInvolvementDescription
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of nonproduction tangible assets over their useful lives. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -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://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DepreciationNonproduction
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gross amount of debt extinguished. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Foreign exchange rate used to translate amounts denominated in functional currency to reporting currency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6897108&loc=SL6897125-166521 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyExchangeRateTranslation1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Describes the nature of the translation adjustment. Includes an analysis of the change during the period in the accumulated adjustment and explanation of items creating the change. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450520&loc=d3e32583-110901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentDescription
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Description of the likelihood that an uncertainty in income taxes will not be sustained as a result of the examination by the taxing authority. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (d)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32718-109319 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 15 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (d)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65877542&loc=d3e27249-109313 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLikelihoodOfUnfavorableSettlement
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount recovered from insurance. These recoveries reduce costs and losses that are reported as a separate line item under operating expenses. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InsuranceRecoveries
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The charge against earnings in the period for the uninsured portion of a loss from a fire, explosion, or natural disaster (hurricane, earthquake). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossFromCatastrophes
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle or new accounting pronouncement on retained earnings or other components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the earliest period presented. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22580-107794 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22583-107794 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22499-107794 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleCumulativeEffectOfChangeOnEquityOrNetAssets1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of the effect of a change in accounting principle on net income. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22583-107794 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22499-107794 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22580-107794 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnNetIncome
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the effect of a change in accounting principle on operating profit or loss. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22499-107794 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22580-107794 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64853466&loc=d3e22583-107794 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfChangeOnOperatingResults
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of operating segments. An operating segment is a component of an enterprise: (a) that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses relating to transactions with other components of the same enterprise), (b) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and (c) for which discrete financial information is available. An operating segment may engage in business activities for which it has yet to earn revenues, for example, start-up operations may be operating segments before earning revenues. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of selling, general and administrative expense classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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 of accelerated depreciation charged against earnings associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring plan. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestructuringReserveAcceleratedDepreciation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=bax_NewAccountingPronouncementNotYetAdoptedAccountingStandardsUpdate201707Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201616Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201609Member
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_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis=bax_HurricaneMariaMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=bax_ImpairmentOfDamagedInventoryAndFixedAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=bax_IdleFacilityAndOtherCostsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=bax_BusinessOptimizationAndSeparationCostsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IntercompanyForeignCurrencyBalanceByDescriptionAxis=bax_DevaluationOfVenezuelanBolivarMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetirementPlanSponsorLocationAxis=us-gaap_DomesticPlanMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis=us-gaap_SpinoffMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=bax_ClarisInjectablesLimitedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |