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Joint Ventures and Other Equity Method Affiliates - Termination of SPMSD (Details) - Step Acquisition and Termination of SPMSD $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |
Estimated useful life of intangible assets | 8 years
Products and product rights (8-year useful life) | $ 936
Accounts receivable | 133
Income taxes payable | (221)
Deferred income tax liabilities | (147)
Other, net | 47
Net assets acquired | 748
Consideration payable to Sanofi, net | (392)
Derecognition of Merck’s previously held equity investment in SPMSD | (183)
Increase in net assets | 173
Merck’s share of restructuring costs related to the termination | (77)
Net gain on termination of SPMSD joint venture | $ 96

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