Taxes on Income	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes on Income	Taxes on Income The effective income tax rates of 20.0% and 19.6% for the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 21.0% and 25.2% for the first six months of 2017 and 2016, respectively, reflect the impacts of acquisition and divestiture-related costs and restructuring costs, partially offset by the beneficial impact of foreign earnings. The effective income tax rates for the second quarter and first six months of 2017 also include a benefit of $88 million related to the settlement of a state income tax issue. The effective income tax rates for the second quarter and first six months of 2016 also reflect the beneficial impact of orphan drug federal income tax credits, primarily for Keytruda, recorded in the second quarter. The Company is under examination by numerous tax authorities in various jurisdictions globally. The ultimate finalization of the Company’s examinations with relevant taxing authorities can include formal administrative and legal proceedings, which could have a significant impact on the timing of the reversal of unrecognized tax benefits. The Company believes that its reserves for uncertain tax positions are adequate to cover existing risks or exposures. However, there is one item that is currently under discussion with the Internal Revenue Service relating to the 2006 through 2008 examination. The Company has concluded that its position should be sustained upon audit. However, if this item were to result in an unfavorable outcome or settlement, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, liquidity and results of operations.

Taxes on Income

The effective income tax rates of 20.0% and 19.6% for the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively, and 21.0% and 25.2% for the first six months of 2017 and 2016, respectively, reflect the impacts of acquisition and divestiture-related costs and restructuring costs, partially offset by the beneficial impact of foreign earnings. The effective income tax rates for the second quarter and first six months of 2017 also include a benefit of $88 million related to the settlement of a state income tax issue. The effective income tax rates for the second quarter and first six months of 2016 also reflect the beneficial impact of orphan drug federal income tax credits, primarily for Keytruda, recorded in the second quarter.

The Company is under examination by numerous tax authorities in various jurisdictions globally. The ultimate finalization of the Company’s examinations with relevant taxing authorities can include formal administrative and legal proceedings, which could have a significant impact on the timing of the reversal of unrecognized tax benefits. The Company believes that its reserves for uncertain tax positions are adequate to cover existing risks or exposures. However, there is one item that is currently under discussion with the Internal Revenue Service relating to the 2006 through 2008 examination. The Company has concluded that its position should be sustained upon audit. However, if this item were to result in an unfavorable outcome or settlement, it could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, liquidity and results of operations.