XML 49 R38.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.20.2

Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and License Agreements - Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |  |  | 1 Months Ended |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jan. 16, 2020 | Apr. 01, 2019 | Jul. 31, 2020 | Jun. 30, 2020 | May 31, 2020 | Apr. 30, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018
Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Transactions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration |  |  |  | $ 798.0 |  |  | $ 767.0 | $ 753.0 | $ 788.0
Goodwill |  |  |  | 20,067.0 |  |  | $ 19,425.0 |  |
Themis |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Transactions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payment to acquire business |  |  |  | 366.0 |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration, maximum |  |  |  | 740.0 |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration |  |  |  | 97.0 |  |  |  |  |
IPR&D |  |  |  | 136.0 |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  |  | 62.0 |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill |  |  |  | 215.0 |  |  |  |  |
Deferred tax assets |  |  |  | 72.0 |  |  |  |  |
Other assets and liabilities, net |  |  |  | (22.0) |  |  |  |  |
ArQule |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Transactions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payment to acquire business | $ 2,700.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Share-based compensation payments attributable to precombination service | 138.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Transaction costs | 95.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents | 145.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill | 414.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other assets and liabilities, net | $ 35.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Antelliq |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Transactions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payment to acquire business |  | $ 2,300.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Transaction costs |  | 47.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | 31.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Goodwill |  | 1,376.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt assumed and paid |  | 1,300.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other assets and liabilities, net |  | $ (82.0) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Immune Design |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Transactions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payment to acquire business |  |  |  |  |  | $ 301.0 |  |  |
IPR&D |  |  |  |  |  | 156.0 |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  |  |  |  | 83.0 |  |  |
Other net assets |  |  |  |  |  | 42.0 |  |  |
Goodwill |  |  |  |  |  | $ 20.0 |  |  |
Development Milestones | Themis |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Transactions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration, maximum |  |  |  | 80.0 |  |  |  |  |
Sales-Based Milestones | Themis |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Transactions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration, maximum |  |  |  | 400.0 |  |  |  |  |
Regulatory Milestones | Themis |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Transactions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent consideration, maximum |  |  |  | $ 260.0 |  |  |  |  |
IAVI |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Transactions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Upfront and milestone payments |  |  |  |  | $ 6.5 |  |  |  |
Contingent milestone payments collaborative arrangement |  |  |  |  | $ 100.0 |  |  |  |
Technology Rights | Subsequent Event | Virbac |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Transactions [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Acquired rights |  |  | $ 400.0 |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired (Liabilities) Assumed, Other Assets And Liabilities, Net + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredLiabilitiesAssumedOtherAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents payments that may be made in the future contingent upon the achievement of regulatory and/or sales milestones as part of a collaborative arrangement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_ContingentPaymentsCollaborativeArrangement
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Upfront and milestone payments made to partner as part of collaborative arrangement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_UpfrontAndMilestonePaymentsMadeToCollaborativePartner
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of direct costs of the business combination including legal, accounting, and other costs incurred to consummate the business acquisition. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition For contingent consideration arrangements recognized in connection with a business combination, this element represents an estimate of the high-end of the potential range (undiscounted) of the consideration which may be paid. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120321790&loc=d3e6927-128479 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsRangeOfOutcomesValueHigh
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of liability recognized arising from contingent consideration in a business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120321790&loc=d3e6927-128479 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859824&loc=d3e6819-128478 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 25 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6408-128476 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions, acquired at the acquisition date. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121647850&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of other assets expected to be realized or consumed before one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121647850&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsOther
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt due within one year or within the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121647850&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121647850&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, that lack physical substance, having a projected indefinite period of benefit, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121647850&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of identifiable intangible assets recognized as of the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 37 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121600890&loc=d3e2207-128464 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121647850&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition For transactions that are recognized separately from the acquisition of assets and assumptions of liabilities in the business combination, such as related to pre-existing relationships with the acquiree, this element represents the disclosure of the amount of any issuance related costs which have not been expensed. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAdditionalDisclosuresIssuanceCostsNotExpensed
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase in assets, excluding financial assets, lacking physical substance with a definite life, from an acquisition. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16265-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinitelivedIntangibleAssetsAcquired1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(10)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120398452&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120320667&loc=SL49117168-202975 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99380562&loc=d3e13770-109266 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Goodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period. The cash portion only of the acquisition price. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120321790&loc=d3e6927-128479 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=mrk_ThemisMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=mrk_ArQuleMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=mrk_AntelliqMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=mrk_ImmuneDesignMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis=mrk_DevelopmentMilestonesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis=mrk_SalesBasedMilestonesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ContingentConsiderationByTypeAxis=mrk_RegulatoryMilestonesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=mrk_IAVIMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=mrk_VirbacMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |