v3.26.1
Cover - shares
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2026
Jul. 23, 2026
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2026  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 1-4448  
Entity Registrant Name BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 36-0781620  
Entity Address, Address Line One One Baxter Parkway,  
Entity Address, City or Town Deerfield,  
Entity Address, State or Province IL  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 60015  
City Area Code 224.  
Local Phone Number 948.2000  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   516,995,999
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Entity Central Index Key 0000010456  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Common Stock, $1.00 par value    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $1.00 par value  
Trading Symbol BAX (NYSE)  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
1.3% Global Notes due 2029    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security 1.3% Global Notes due 2029  
Trading Symbol BAX 29  
Security Exchange Name NYSE