Body/Item Deterioration in BG

I'm curious as to how long an item will last discarded on the ground in BG? Like if I drop a sword, how long does it stay there? I can leave, come back, camp, etc. and they are often still there but I know eventually they'll vanish.

To that end, if you don't agree to help Minsc in Nashkel, he'll attack you. If you kill him, his body lies there *forever*. I'm not sure it ever goes away.

I realize items stored in cupboards, barrels, etc. will last indefinitely.