XML 46 R36.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.23.1

Collaborative Arrangements - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2023 | Mar. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2022
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Amortization | $ 543 | $ 699 |
Sales | 14,487 | 15,901 |
Operating Segments |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Sales | 14,212 | 15,589 |
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Sales | 12,721 | 14,107 |
Lynparza |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Amortization |  | 250 |
Lynparza | Other Noncurrent Assets |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible assets | 1,500 |  |
Lenvima |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Amortization | 72 |  |
Lenvima | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Sales | 232 | 227 |
Lenvima | Other Noncurrent Assets |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible assets | 812 |  |
Verquvo | Other Intangible Assets |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible assets | 56 |  |
Adempas | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Sales | 59 | 61 |
Adempas | Other Intangible Assets |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible assets | 613 |  |
Alliance Revenue - Reblozyl | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Sales | 43 | 52 |
AstraZeneca | Sales-Based Milestones | Lynparza |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Probable contingent payments |  | 600 |
Liabilities |  | 600 |
AstraZeneca | Collaborative Arrangement, Transaction with Party to Collaborative Arrangement | Lynparza |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Sales-based milestone payments |  | 400 |
Potential future sales-based milestone payments | 2,100 |  |
Regulatory milestone payments accrued |  |  | $ 105
Capitalized milestone payment |  |  | 250
Potential future regulatory milestone payments | 1,100 |  |
Eisai | Sales-Based Milestones | Lenvima |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Probable contingent payments | 125 |  |
Liabilities | 125 |  |
Eisai | Collaborative Arrangement, Transaction with Party to Collaborative Arrangement | Lenvima |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Sales-based milestone payments |  | 300 | 600
Potential future sales-based milestone payments | $ 2,400 |  |
Capitalized milestone payment |  | 25 | $ 50
Bayer AG | Collaborative Arrangement, Transaction with Party to Collaborative Arrangement |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Sales-based milestone payments |  | 400 |
Bristol Myers Squibb | Licensing Agreements |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Royalty rate, deduction | 0.50 |  |
Royalties |  | 32 |
Bristol Myers Squibb | Licensing Agreements | Sales-Based Milestones |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Contingent proceeds collaborative arrangement | $ 80 |  |
Bristol Myers Squibb | Licensing Agreements | Regulatory Milestones |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Proceeds from Collaborators |  | $ 20 |
Bristol Myers Squibb | Licensing Agreements | Minimum |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Royalty rate | 20.00% |  |
Bristol Myers Squibb | Licensing Agreements | Maximum |  |  |
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items] |  |  |
Royalty rate | 24.00% |  |

X
- Definition Collaborative Arrangement, Regulatory Milestone Payments Accrued + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_CollaborativeArrangementRegulatoryMilestonePaymentsAccrued
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Represents proceeds that may be received 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_ContingentProceedsCollaborativeArrangement
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Milestone Payments Made to Collaborative Partner + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_MilestonePaymentsMadetoCollaborativePartner
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Milestone Payments Sales-Based + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_MilestonePaymentsSalesBased
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Potential Future Milestone Payments Regulatory + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_PotentialFutureMilestonePaymentsRegulatory
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Potential Future Milestone Payments Sales-Based + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_PotentialFutureMilestonePaymentsSalesBased
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Probable Contingent Payments Collaborative Arrangement + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_ProbableContingentPaymentsCollaborativeArrangement
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Royalty Rate, Deduction, Percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_RoyaltyRateDeductionPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Royalty Rate, Percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mrk_RoyaltyRatePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | mrk_
Data Type: | dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of assets over their estimated remaining economic lives. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126954810&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 926 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120154696&loc=d3e54445-107959 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19-26) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph (a) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124433192&loc=SL2890621-112765 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (d) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 852 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -Subparagraph (b) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124433192&loc=SL2890621-112765 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (b) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116870748&loc=SL6758485-165988 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123596393&loc=d3e14064-108612 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (bb) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123419778&loc=d3e5710-111685 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123419778&loc=d3e5710-111685 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Liabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Cash received from collaborators during the current period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (a) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126954810&loc=d3e3536-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollaborators
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (f) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123596393&loc=d3e14064-108612 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (b) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iv)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iv)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 40 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e9031-108599 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(i)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(i)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -Subparagraph (a) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e8906-108599 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(5)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 41 -Subparagraph (a) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e9038-108599 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(iii)(A)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(5)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 42 -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126901519&loc=d3e9054-108599 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 235 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-05(b)(2)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120399901&loc=d3e537907-122884 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-02(a)(4)(iii)(B)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442552-122756 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (SX 210.13-01(a)(4)(ii)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126975872&loc=SL124442526-122756 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(1)) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126953954&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Ancillary revenue earned during the period from the consideration paid to the entity for the use of its rights and property by another party. Examples include licensing the use of copyrighted materials and leasing the extraction of natural resources. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7) -URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126953954&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RoyaltyIncomeNonoperating
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=mrk_PharmaceuticalsegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=mrk_LynparzaMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=mrk_LenvimaMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=mrk_VerquvoMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=mrk_AdempasMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=mrk_AllianceRevenueReblozylMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementTransactionWithPartyToCollaborativeArrangementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis=us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember
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_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |