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Joint Ventures and Other Equity Method Affiliates - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |  | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 1998 | Dec. 31, 1993
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity income from affiliates |  | $ (42) | $ (86) | $ (205) |  |
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the equity method | $ 715 | 767 | 715 |  |  |
Contingent consideration | $ 891 | 935 | 891 | 590 |  |
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets |  | 85 | 170 |  |  |
Discount rate (as percent) | 11.50% |  |  |  |  |
Other intangibles, net | $ 17,305 | 14,183 | 17,305 |  |  |
Gardasil/Gardasil 9 |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Other intangibles, net | 468 | 468 | 468 |  |  |
Step Acquisition and Termination of SPMSD |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the equity method | $ 183 |  | $ 183 |  |  |
Equity interest acquired (as percent) | 50.00% |  | 50.00% |  |  |
Consideration transferred in business combination | $ 657 |  |  |  |  |
Royalty rate (as percent) | 11.50% |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration | $ 416 |  | $ 416 |  |  |
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets | 596 |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of future royalties | $ 302 |  | 302 |  |  |
Discount rate (as percent) | 8.00% |  |  |  |  |
Transaction costs | $ 24 |  |  |  |  |
AstraZeneca LP |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Ownership percentage (as percent) |  |  |  |  |  | 50.00%
Limited partner interest in AZLP (as percent) |  |  |  |  | 1.00% |
General partner interest in AZLP (as percent) |  |  |  |  | 99.00% |
Other Noncash Income |  | 232 | 98 | 182 |  |
Other Receivables |  | $ 325 |  |  |  |
Sanofi Pasteur MSD |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue |  |  | $ 1,000 | $ 923 |  |

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