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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
	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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