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Joint Ventures and Other Equity Method Affiliates Joint Ventures and Other Equity Method Affiliates - Termination of SPMSD (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |
Goodwill | $ 18,162 | $ 18,284 | $ 17,723
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the equity method | $ (715) | $ (767) |
Step Acquisition and Termination of SPMSD |  |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |  |
Estimated useful life of intangible assets | 8 years |  |
Products and product rights | $ 936 |  |
Accounts receivable | 133 |  |
Current liabilities | (221) |  |
Deferred income tax liabilities | (147) |  |
Other current assets | 47 |  |
Total identifiable net assets | 748 |  |
Consideration payable to Sanofi, net | (392) |  |
Investments in affiliates accounted for using the equity method | (183) |  |
Increase in net assets | 173 |  |
Merck's share of restructuring costs | (77) |  |
Net loss on termination of SPMSD joint venture | $ 96 |  |

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