XML 64 R53.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.7.0.1

Contingencies Contingencies - Commercial and Other Litigation Narrative (Details) $ in Millions | 1 Months Ended
--- | ---
Feb. 28, 2017 USD ($)
Commercial litigation |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |
Judgement awarded to (against) Merck | $ (80)

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) recognized in settlement of litigation and insurance claims. Excludes claims within an insurance entity's normal claims settlement process. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14326-108349 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
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_LossContingenciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=mrk_CommercialLitigationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |