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Joint Ventures and Other Equity Method Affiliates - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions |  | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Jan. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 1998 | Dec. 31, 1993
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration | $ 891 |  | $ 788 | $ 935 | $ 891 |  |
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets |  |  | 95 | 85 | 170 |  |
Other intangibles, net |  |  | 11,431 | 14,183 |  |  |
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 income |  |  | 99 | $ 232 | 98 |  |
Recognition of Deferred Revenue |  |  |  |  | 5 |  |
AstraZeneca LP | Subsequent Event |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from sale of interest |  | $ 424 |  |  |  |  |
Gardasil/Gardasil 9 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other intangibles, net | $ 468 |  | $ 384 |  | $ 468 |  |
Measurement Input, Discount Rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Intangible asset, measurement input | 0.115 |  |  |  | 0.115 |  |
Step Acquisition and Termination of SPMSD |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
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 |  |
Transaction costs |  |  |  |  | $ 24 |  |
Step Acquisition and Termination of SPMSD | Measurement Input, Discount Rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Intangible asset, measurement input | 0.08 |  |  |  | 0.08 |  |
Sanofi Pasteur MSD |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity Income from Affiliates [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Sales |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000 |  |

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