XML 77 R45.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Restructuring - Charges Related to Restructuring Program Activities by Type of Cost (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production $ 16,768us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold $ 16,954us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold $ 16,446us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
Marketing and administrative 11,606us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense 11,911us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense 12,776us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
Research and development 7,180us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense 7,503us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense 8,168us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
Restructuring costs 1,013us-gaap_RestructuringCharges 1,709us-gaap_RestructuringCharges 664us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
Expenses 1,978us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost 2,401us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost 999us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
2013 Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production 227us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
193us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Marketing and administrative 145us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
75us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Research and development 282us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
75us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Restructuring costs 594us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
898us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Expenses 1,248us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
1,241us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Merger Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production 255us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
249us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
162us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Marketing and administrative 55us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
66us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
81us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Research and development 1us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
26us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
57us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Restructuring costs 419us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
765us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
651us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Expenses 730us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
1,106us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
951us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
2008 Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production   4us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
26us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Marketing and administrative   4us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
9us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Restructuring costs   46us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
13us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Expenses   54us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
48us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Separation Costs [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Expenses 674us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
1,381us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
489us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
Separation Costs [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production 0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Marketing and administrative 0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Research and development 0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Restructuring costs 566us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
866us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Expenses 566us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
866us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Separation Costs [Member] | Merger Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production 0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Marketing and administrative 0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Research and development 0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Restructuring costs 108us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
481us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
497us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Expenses 108us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
481us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
497us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Separation Costs [Member] | 2008 Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production   0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Marketing and administrative   0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Restructuring costs   34us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
(8)us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Expenses   34us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
(8)us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OneTimeTerminationBenefitsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Accelerated Depreciation [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Expenses 900us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
577us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
235us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
Accelerated Depreciation [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production 204us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
186us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Marketing and administrative 142us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
72us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Research and development 273us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
76us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Restructuring costs 0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Expenses 619us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
334us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Accelerated Depreciation [Member] | Merger Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production 225us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
151us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
92us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Marketing and administrative 56us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
63us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
75us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Research and development 0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
27us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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53us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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Restructuring costs 0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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Expenses 281us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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241us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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220us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Accelerated Depreciation [Member] | 2008 Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production   (2)us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
7us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Marketing and administrative   4us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
8us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Restructuring costs   0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Expenses   2us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= mrk_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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15us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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Other [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Expenses 404us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
443us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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275us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
Other [Member] | 2013 Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production 23us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
7us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Marketing and administrative 3us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
3us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Research and development 9us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
(1)us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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Restructuring costs 28us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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32us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Expenses 63us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
41us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2013RestructuringProgramMember
 
Other [Member] | Merger Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production 30us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
98us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
70us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Marketing and administrative (1)us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
3us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
6us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Research and development 1us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
(1)us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
4us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Restructuring costs 311us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
284us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
154us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Expenses 341us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
384us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
234us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_MergerRestructuringProgramMember
Other [Member] | 2008 Restructuring Program [Member]      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Materials and production   6us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
19us-gaap_CostOfGoodsSold
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Marketing and administrative   0us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
1us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Restructuring costs   12us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
21us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
Expenses   $ 18us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember
$ 41us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= mrk_A2008RestructuringProgramMember