MERCK & CO., INC., 10-K filed on 2/25/2022
Annual Report
v3.22.0.1
Cover Page - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Jan. 31, 2022
Jun. 30, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 1-6571    
Entity Registrant Name Merck & Co., Inc.    
City Area Code 908    
Local Phone Number 740-4000    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code NJ    
Entity Tax Identification Number 22-1918501    
Entity Address, Address Line One 2000 Galloping Hill Road    
Entity Address, City or Town Kenilworth    
Entity Address, State or Province NJ    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 07033    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock ($0.50 par value)    
Trading Symbol MRK    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   2,527,733,606  
Entity Public Float     $ 196,870,000,000
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2021    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Central Index Key 0000310158    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 24, 2022, to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this report
   
0.500% Notes due 2024      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security 0.500% Notes due 2024    
Trading Symbol MRK 24    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
1.875% Notes due 2026      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security 1.875% Notes due 2026    
Trading Symbol MRK/26    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
2.500% Notes due 2034      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security 2.500% Notes due 2034    
Trading Symbol MRK/34    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
1.375% Notes due 2036      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security 1.375% Notes due 2036    
Trading Symbol MRK 36A    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
v3.22.0.1
Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Audit Information [Abstract]  
Auditor Name PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Auditor Location Florham Park, New Jersey
Auditor Firm ID 238
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Statement of Income - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Sales $ 48,704 $ 41,518 $ 39,121
Costs, Expenses and Other      
Cost of sales 13,626 13,618 12,016
Selling, general and administrative 9,634 8,955 9,455
Research and development 12,245 13,397 9,724
Restructuring costs 661 575 626
Other (income) expense, net (1,341) (890) 129
Total costs, expenses and other 34,825 35,655 31,950
Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes 13,879 5,863 7,171
Taxes on Income from Continuing Operations 1,521 1,340 1,565
Net Income from Continuing Operations 12,358 4,523 5,606
Less: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 13 4 (84)
Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. 12,345 4,519 5,690
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes and Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 704 2,548 4,153
Net Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. $ 13,049 $ 7,067 $ 9,843
Basic Earnings per Common Share Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders      
Income from Continuing Operations (in dollars per share) $ 4.88 $ 1.79 $ 2.22
Income from Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share) 0.28 1.01 1.62
Net Income (in dollars per share) 5.16 2.79 3.84
Earnings per Common Share Assuming Dilution Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders      
Income from Continuing Operations (in dollars per share) 4.86 1.78 2.21
Income from Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share) 0.28 1.00 1.61
Net Income (in dollars per share) $ 5.14 $ 2.78 $ 3.81
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. $ 13,049 $ 7,067 $ 9,843
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Taxes:      
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of reclassifications 410 (297) (135)
Net unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of reclassifications 0 (18) 96
Benefit plan net gain (loss) and prior service credit (cost), net of amortization 1,769 (279) (705)
Cumulative translation adjustment (423) 153 96
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes 1,756 (441) (648)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. $ 14,805 $ 6,626 $ 9,195
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Current Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,096 $ 8,050
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $62 in 2021 and $67 in 2020) 9,230 6,803
Inventories (excludes inventories of $2,194 in 2021 and $2,070 in 2020 classified in Other assets - see Note 8) 5,953 5,554
Other current assets 6,987 4,674
Current assets of discontinued operations 0 2,683
Total current assets 30,266 27,764
Investments 370 785
Property, Plant and Equipment (at cost)    
Land 326 336
Buildings 12,529 11,998
Machinery, equipment and office furnishings 16,303 15,860
Construction in progress 8,313 6,968
Property, plant and equipment (at cost) 37,471 35,162
Less: accumulated depreciation 18,192 18,162
Property, plant and equipment, net 19,279 17,000
Goodwill 21,264 18,882
Other Intangibles, Net 22,933 14,101
Other Assets 11,582 9,881
Noncurrent Assets of Discontinued Operations 0 3,175
Total Assets 105,694 91,588
Current Liabilities    
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt 2,412 6,431
Trade accounts payable 4,609 4,327
Accrued and other current liabilities 13,859 12,212
Income taxes payable 1,224 1,597
Dividends payable 1,768 1,674
Current liabilities of discontinued operations 0 1,086
Total current liabilities 23,872 27,327
Long-Term Debt 30,690 25,360
Deferred Income Taxes 3,441 1,005
Other Noncurrent Liabilities 9,434 12,306
Noncurrent Liabilities of Discontinued Operations 0 186
Merck & Co., Inc. Stockholders’ Equity    
Common stock, $0.50 par value Authorized - 6,500,000,000 shares Issued - 3,577,103,522 shares in 2021 and 2020 1,788 1,788
Other paid-in capital 44,238 39,588
Retained earnings 53,696 47,362
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,429) (6,634)
Stockholders' equity before deduction for treasury stock 95,293 82,104
Less treasury stock, at cost: 1,049,499,023 shares in 2021 and 1,046,877,695 shares in 2020 57,109 56,787
Total Merck & Co., Inc. stockholders’ equity 38,184 25,317
Noncontrolling Interests 73 87
Total equity 38,257 25,404
Total Liabilities and Equity $ 105,694 $ 91,588
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 62 $ 67
Inventory classified in Other assets $ 2,194 $ 2,070
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.50 $ 0.50
Common stock, authorized (in shares) 6,500,000,000 6,500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 3,577,103,522 3,577,103,522
Treasury stock, shares (in shares) 1,049,499,023 1,046,877,695
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Statement of Equity - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
Common Stock
Other Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury Stock
Non- controlling Interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 26,882 $ 1,788 $ 38,808 $ 42,579 $ (5,545) $ (50,929) $ 181
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Net Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. 9,843     9,843      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (648)       (648)    
Cash dividends declared on common stock (5,820)     (5,820)      
Treasury stock shares purchased (4,780)   1,000     (5,780)  
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (66)           (66)
Distributions attributable to noncontrolling interests (21)           (21)
Share-based compensation plans and other 611   (148)     759  
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019 26,001 1,788 39,660 46,602 (6,193) (55,950) 94
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Net Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. 7,067     7,067      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes (441)       (441)    
Cash dividends declared on common stock (6,307)     (6,307)      
Treasury stock shares purchased (1,281)         (1,281)  
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 15           15
Distributions attributable to noncontrolling interests (22)           (22)
Share-based compensation plans and other 372   (72)     444  
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2020 25,404 1,788 39,588 47,362 (6,634) (56,787) 87
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Net Income Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. 13,049     13,049      
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes 1,756       1,756    
Cash dividends declared on common stock (6,715)     (6,715)      
Treasury stock shares purchased (840)         (840)  
Spin-off of Organon & Co. 5,091   4,643   449   (1)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 16           16
Distributions attributable to noncontrolling interests (29)           (29)
Share-based compensation plans and other 525   7     518  
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2021 $ 38,257 $ 1,788 $ 44,238 $ 53,696 $ (4,429) $ (57,109) $ 73
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]      
Common stock, dividends declared (in dollars per share) $ 2.64 $ 2.48 $ 2.26
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities of Continuing Operations      
Net income from continuing operations $ 12,358 $ 4,523 $ 5,606
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:      
Amortization 1,636 1,817 1,695
Depreciation 1,578 1,669 1,615
Intangible asset impairment charges 302 1,718 1,040
Income from investments in equity securities, net (1,940) (1,338) (170)
Charge for the acquisition of Pandion Therapeutics, Inc. 1,556 0 0
Charge for the acquisition of VelosBio Inc. 0 2,660 0
Charge for the acquisition of Peloton Therapeutics, Inc. 0 0 993
Deferred income taxes 187 (566) (560)
Share-based compensation 479 441 388
Other 805 1,294 354
Net changes in assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable (2,033) (1,002) 92
Inventories (674) (895) (473)
Trade accounts payable 405 684 443
Accrued and other current liabilities 277 (1,152) 413
Income taxes payable (540) 814 (1,889)
Noncurrent liabilities 484 (617) (733)
Other (1,758) (2,433) 70
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities of Continuing Operations 13,122 7,617 8,884
Cash Flows from Investing Activities of Continuing Operations      
Capital expenditures (4,448) (4,429) (3,369)
Purchase of Seagen Inc. common stock 0 (1,000) 0
Purchases of securities and other investments (1) (95) (3,202)
Proceeds from sales of securities and other investments 1,026 2,812 8,622
Acquisition of Acceleron Pharma Inc., net of cash acquired (11,174) 0 0
Acquisition of Pandion Therapeutics, Inc., net of cash acquired (1,554) 0 0
Acquisition of VelosBio Inc., net of cash acquired 0 (2,696) 0
Acquisition of ArQule, Inc., net of cash acquired 0 (2,545) 0
Acquisition of Antelliq Corporation, net of cash acquired 0 0 (3,620)
Acquisition of Peloton Therapeutics, Inc., net of cash acquired 0 0 (1,040)
Other acquisitions, net of cash acquired (179) (1,365) (294)
Other (91) 125 374
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities of Continuing Operations (16,421) (9,193) (2,529)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities of Continuing Operations      
Net change in short-term borrowings (3,986) 2,549 (3,710)
Payments on debt (2,319) (1,957) 0
Proceeds from issuance of debt 7,936 4,419 4,958
Distribution from Organon & Co. 9,000 0 0
Purchases of treasury stock (840) (1,281) (4,780)
Dividends paid to stockholders (6,610) (6,215) (5,695)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 202 89 361
Other (286) (436) 5
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities of Continuing Operations 3,097 (2,832) (8,861)
Discontinued Operations      
Net cash provided by operating activities 987 2,636 4,556
Net cash used in investing activities (134) (250) (100)
Net cash used in financing activities (504) 0 0
Net Cash Flows Provided by Discontinued Operations 349 2,386 4,456
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (133) 253 17
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash 14 (1,769) 1,967
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year (includes $103 of restricted cash at January 1, 2021 included in Other Assets - see Note 7) 8,153 9,934 7,967
Less: Cash and cash equivalents related to discontinued operations 0 12 0
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year (includes $71 of restricted cash at December 31, 2021 included in Other Assets - see Note 7) $ 8,167 $ 8,153 $ 9,934
v3.22.0.1
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]    
Restricted Cash $ 71 $ 103
v3.22.0.1
Nature of Operations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Nature of Operations Nature of Operations
Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck or the Company) is a global health care company that delivers innovative health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products. The Company’s operations are principally managed on a products basis and include two operating segments, which are the Pharmaceutical and Animal Health segments, both of which are reportable segments.
The Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. Human health pharmaceutical products consist of therapeutic and preventive agents, generally sold by prescription, for the treatment of human disorders. The Company sells these human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers such as health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and other institutions. Human health vaccine products consist of preventive pediatric, adolescent and adult vaccines. The Company sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, physician distributors and government entities.
The Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all major livestock and companion animal species. The Company also offers an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. The Company sells its products to veterinarians, distributors and animal producers.
The Company previously had a Healthcare Services segment that provided services and solutions focused on engagement, health analytics and clinical services to improve the value of care delivered to patients. The Company divested the remaining businesses in this segment during the first quarter of 2020.
Spin-Off of Organon & Co.
On June 2, 2021, Merck completed the spin-off of products from its women’s health, biosimilars and established brands businesses into a new, independent, publicly traded company named Organon & Co. (Organon) through a distribution of Organon’s publicly traded stock to Company shareholders. The distribution is expected to qualify and has been treated as tax-free to the Company and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The established brands included in the transaction consisted of dermatology, non-opioid pain management, respiratory, select cardiovascular products, as well as the rest of Merck’s diversified brands franchise. Merck’s existing research pipeline programs continue to be owned and developed within Merck as planned. The historical results of the businesses that were contributed to Organon in the spin-off have been reflected as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements through the date of the spin-off (see Note 3).
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Accounting Policies Summary of Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Controlling interest is determined by majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third-party participating rights or, in the case of variable interest entities, by majority exposure to expected losses, residual returns or both. For those consolidated subsidiaries where Merck ownership is less than 100%, the outside shareholders’ interests are shown as Noncontrolling interests in equity. Investments in affiliates over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest, such as interests in entities owned equally by the Company and a third party that are under shared control, are carried on the equity basis.
Acquisitions — In a business combination, the acquisition method of accounting requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded as of the date of the acquisition at their respective fair values with limited exceptions. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are generally recognized at fair value. If fair value cannot be determined, the asset or liability is recognized if probable and reasonably estimable; if these criteria are not met, no asset or liability is recognized. Fair value is
defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Accordingly, the Company may be required to value assets at fair value measures that do not reflect the Company’s intended use of those assets. Any excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements after the date of the acquisition. If the Company determines the assets acquired do not meet the definition of a business under the acquisition method of accounting, the transaction will be accounted for as an acquisition of assets rather than a business combination and, therefore, no goodwill will be recorded. In an asset acquisition, acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) with no alternative future use is charged to expense and contingent consideration is not recognized at the acquisition date.
Foreign Currency Translation — The net assets of international subsidiaries where the local currencies have been determined to be the functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. The U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these subsidiaries at changing rates are recorded in the foreign currency translation account, which is included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) and reflected as a separate component of equity. For those subsidiaries that operate in highly inflationary economies and for those subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar has been determined to be the functional currency, non-monetary foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated using historical rates, while monetary assets and liabilities are translated at current rates, with the U.S. dollar effects of rate changes included in Other (income) expense, net.
Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents are comprised of certain highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months.
Inventories — Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of a substantial majority of U.S. pharmaceutical and vaccine inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for both financial reporting and tax purposes. The cost of all other inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventories consist of currently marketed products, as well as certain inventories produced in preparation for product launches that are considered to have a high probability of regulatory approval. In evaluating the recoverability of inventories produced in preparation for product launches, the Company considers the likelihood that revenue will be obtained from the future sale of the related inventory together with the status of the product within the regulatory approval process.
Investments — Investments in marketable debt securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value. Fair values of the Company’s investments in marketable debt securities are determined using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities or quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Changes in fair value that are not impairment related are reported net of taxes in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI). The Company considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairments of its investments in marketable debt securities, including the extent to which fair value is less than cost, whether an allowance for credit loss is required, as well as adverse factors that could affect the value of the securities. An impairment has occurred if the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the marketable debt security. If the Company does not intend to sell the impaired debt security, and it is not more likely than not it will be required to sell the debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, the amount of the impairment recognized in earnings, recorded in Other (income) expense, net is limited to the portion attributed to credit loss. The remaining portion of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in OCI. Realized gains and losses for debt securities are included in Other (income) expense, net.
Investments in publicly traded equity securities are reported at fair value determined using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or quoted prices for similar assets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Changes in fair value are included in Other (income) expense, net. Unrealized gains and losses from investments that are directly owned are determined at the end of the reporting period. Gains and losses from ownership interests in investment funds, which are accounted for as equity method investments, are reported on a one quarter lag. Investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost, plus or minus subsequent observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical
or similar investments, minus impairments. Such adjustments are recognized in Other (income) expense, net. Realized gains and losses for equity securities are included in Other (income) expense, net.
Revenue Recognition — Recognition of revenue requires evidence of a contract, probable collection of sales proceeds and completion of substantially all performance obligations. Merck acts as the principal in substantially all of its customer arrangements and therefore records revenue on a gross basis. The majority of the Company’s contracts related to the Pharmaceutical and Animal Health segments have a single performance obligation - the promise to transfer goods. Shipping is considered immaterial in the context of the overall customer arrangement and damages or loss of goods in transit are rare. Therefore, shipping is not deemed a separately recognized performance obligation.
The vast majority of revenues from sales of products are recognized at a point in time when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, which the Company has determined is when title and risks and rewards of ownership transfer to the customer and the Company is entitled to payment. The Company recognizes revenue from the sales of vaccines to the Federal government for placement into vaccine stockpiles in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Interpretation, Commission Guidance Regarding Accounting for Sales of Vaccines and BioTerror Countermeasures to the Federal Government for Placement into the Pediatric Vaccine Stockpile or the Strategic National Stockpile. This interpretation allows companies to recognize revenue for sales of vaccines into U.S. government stockpiles even though these sales might not meet the criteria for revenue recognition under other accounting guidance. Some customers have bill-and-hold arrangements with the Company. Revenue for bill-and-hold arrangements is recognized when control transfers to the customer even though the customer does not yet have physical possession of the goods. Control transfers when the bill-and-hold arrangement has been requested by the customer, the product is identified as belonging to the customer and is ready for physical transfer, the product cannot be directed for use by anyone but the customer and, in certain circumstances, the customer has inspected and accepted the product at the Company’s facility. For certain services in the Animal Health segment, revenue is recognized over time, generally ratably over the contract term as services are provided. These service revenues are not material.
The nature of the Company’s business gives rise to several types of variable consideration including discounts and returns, which are estimated at the time of sale generally using the expected value method, although the most likely amount method is used for prompt pay discounts.
In the U.S., sales discounts are issued to customers at the point-of-sale, through an intermediary wholesaler (known as chargebacks), or in the form of rebates. Additionally, sales are generally made with a limited right of return under certain conditions. Revenues are recorded net of provisions for sales discounts and returns, which are established at the time of sale. In addition, if collection of accounts receivable is expected to be in excess of one year, sales are recorded net of time value of money discounts, which have not been material.
The U.S. provision for aggregate customer discounts covering chargebacks and rebates was $12.3 billion in 2021, $11.4 billion in 2020 and $9.9 billion in 2019. Chargebacks are discounts that occur when a contracted customer purchases through an intermediary wholesaler. The contracted customer generally purchases product from the wholesaler at its contracted price plus a mark-up. The wholesaler, in turn, charges the Company back for the difference between the price initially paid by the wholesaler and the contract price paid to the wholesaler by the customer. The provision for chargebacks is based on expected sell-through levels by the Company’s wholesale customers to contracted customers, as well as estimated wholesaler inventory levels. Rebates are amounts owed based upon definitive contractual agreements or legal requirements with private sector and public sector (Medicaid and Medicare Part D) benefit providers after the final dispensing of the product to a benefit plan participant. The provision for rebates is based on expected patient usage, as well as inventory levels in the distribution channel to determine the contractual obligation to the benefit providers. The Company uses historical customer segment utilization mix, sales forecasts, changes to product mix and price, inventory levels in the distribution channel, government pricing calculations and prior payment history in order to estimate the expected provision. Amounts accrued for aggregate customer discounts are evaluated on a quarterly basis through comparison of information provided by the wholesalers, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, federal and state agencies, and other customers to the amounts accrued. The accrued balances relative to the provisions for chargebacks and rebates included in Accounts receivable and Accrued and other current liabilities were $207
million and $2.6 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2021 and were $208 million and $2.6 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2020.
Outside of the U.S., variable consideration in the form of discounts and rebates are a combination of commercially-driven discounts in highly competitive product classes, discounts required to gain or maintain reimbursement, or legislatively mandated rebates. In certain European countries, legislatively mandated rebates are calculated based on an estimate of the government’s total unbudgeted spending and the Company’s specific payback obligation. Rebates may also be required based on specific product sales thresholds. The Company applies an estimated factor against its actual invoiced sales to represent the expected level of future discount or rebate obligations associated with the sale.
The Company maintains a returns policy that allows its U.S. pharmaceutical customers to return product within a specified period prior to and subsequent to the expiration date (generally, three to six months before and 12 months after product expiration). The estimate of the provision for returns is based upon historical experience with actual returns. Additionally, the Company considers factors such as levels of inventory in the distribution channel, product dating and expiration period, whether products have been discontinued, entrance in the market of generic or other competition, changes in formularies or launch of over-the-counter products, among others. Outside of the U.S., returns are only allowed in certain countries on a limited basis.
Merck’s payment terms for U.S. pharmaceutical customers are typically 36 days from receipt of invoice and for U.S. animal health customers are typically 30 days from receipt of invoice; however, certain products, including Keytruda, have longer payment terms, some of which are up to 90 days. Outside of the U.S., payment terms are typically 30 days to 90 days, although certain markets have longer payment terms.
See Note 19 for disaggregated revenue disclosures.
Depreciation — Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets, principally using the straight-line method. For tax purposes, accelerated tax methods are used. The estimated useful lives primarily range from 25 to 45 years for Buildings, and from 3 to 15 years for Machinery, equipment and office furnishings. Depreciation expense was $1.6 billion in 2021, $1.7 billion in 2020 and $1.6 billion in 2019.
Advertising and Promotion Costs — Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred. The Company recorded advertising and promotion expenses of $2.0 billion in 2021, $1.8 billion in 2020 and $1.9 billion in 2019.
Software Capitalization — The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with obtaining or developing internal-use software including external direct costs of material and services, and payroll costs for employees directly involved with the software development. These costs are included in Property, plant and equipment. In addition, the Company capitalizes certain costs incurred to implement a cloud computing arrangement that is considered a service agreement, which are included in Other Assets. Capitalized software costs are being amortized over periods ranging from 3 to 10 years, with the longer lives generally associated with enterprise-wide projects implemented over multiple years. Costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and post-implementation stage, as well as maintenance and training costs, are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill — Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units and evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist, by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative fair value test is performed. If the carrying value of a reporting unit is greater than its fair value, a goodwill impairment charge will be recorded for the difference (up to the carrying value of goodwill).
Acquired Intangibles — Acquired intangibles include products and product rights, trade names and patents, licenses and other, which are initially recorded at fair value, assigned an estimated useful life, and amortized primarily on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from 2 to 24 years. The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying values of its acquired intangibles may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of the undiscounted
future cash flows of these assets, or appropriate asset groupings, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether an impairment exists. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on the difference between the carrying value of the intangible asset and its fair value, which is determined based on the net present value of estimated future cash flows.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development — IPR&D that the Company acquires in conjunction with the acquisition of a business represents the fair value assigned to incomplete research projects which, at the time of acquisition, have not reached technological feasibility. The amounts are capitalized and are accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets, subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of the projects. Upon successful completion of each IPR&D project, Merck will make a determination as to the then-useful life of the intangible asset, generally determined by the period in which the substantial majority of the cash flows are expected to be generated, and begin amortization. The Company evaluates IPR&D for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist, by performing a quantitative test that compares the fair value of the IPR&D intangible asset with its carrying value. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results.
Contingent Consideration — Certain of the Company’s acquisitions involve the potential for future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of performance milestones, including product development milestones and royalty payments on future product sales. If the transaction is accounted for as a business combination, the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is determined at the acquisition date using unobservable inputs. These inputs include the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, the probability of success (achievement of the contingent event) and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the probability-weighted cash flows. Subsequent to the acquisition date, at each reporting period until the contingency is resolved, the contingent consideration liability is remeasured at current fair value with changes (either expense or income) recorded in earnings. Significant events that increase or decrease the probability of achieving development and regulatory milestones or that increase or decrease projected cash flows will result in corresponding increases or decreases in the fair values of the related contingent consideration obligations. If the transaction is accounted for as an acquisition of an asset rather than a business, contingent consideration is not recognized at the acquisition date. In these instances, product development milestones are recognized upon achievement and sales-based milestones are recognized when the milestone is deemed probable by the Company of being achieved.
Research and Development — Research and development is expensed as incurred. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity has been performed or when the goods have been received rather than when the payment is made. Research and development expenses include restructuring costs and IPR&D impairment charges. In addition, research and development expenses include expense or income related to changes in the estimated fair value measurement of liabilities for contingent consideration associated with IPR&D assets. Research and development expenses also include upfront and milestone payments related to asset acquisitions and licensing transactions involving clinical development programs that have not yet received regulatory approval.
Collaborative Arrangements — Merck has entered into collaborative arrangements that provide the Company with varying rights to develop, produce and market products together with its collaborative partners. When Merck is the principal on sales transactions with third parties, the Company recognizes sales, cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses on a gross basis. Profit sharing amounts it pays to its collaborative partners are recorded within Cost of sales. When the collaborative partner is the principal on sales transactions with third parties, the Company records profit sharing amounts received from its collaborative partners as alliance revenue (within Sales). Alliance revenue is recorded net of cost of sales and includes an adjustment to share commercialization costs between the partners in accordance with the collaboration agreement. The adjustment is determined by comparing the commercialization costs Merck has incurred directly and reported within Selling, general and administrative expenses with the costs the collaborative partner has incurred. Research and development costs Merck incurs related to collaborations are recorded within Research and development expenses. Cost reimbursements to the collaborative partner or payments received from the collaborative partner to share these costs pursuant to the terms of the collaboration agreements are recorded as increases or decreases to Research and development expenses.
In addition, the terms of the collaboration agreements may require the Company to make payments based upon the achievement of certain developmental, regulatory approval or commercial milestones. Upfront and milestone payments payable by Merck to collaborative partners prior to regulatory approval are expensed as incurred and included in Research and development expenses. Payments due to collaborative partners upon or subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the corresponding intangible asset to Cost of sales provided that future cash flows support the amounts capitalized. Sales-based milestones payable by Merck to collaborative partners are accrued and capitalized, subject to cumulative amortization catch-up, when probable of being achieved. The amortization catch-up is calculated either from the time of the first regulatory approval for indications that were unapproved at the time the collaboration was formed, or from time of the formation of the collaboration for approved products. The related intangible asset that is recognized is amortized to Cost of sales over its remaining useful life, subject to impairment testing.
Share-Based Compensation — The Company expenses all share-based payments to employees over the requisite service period based on the grant-date fair value of the awards.
Restructuring Costs — The Company records liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities in the period in which the liability is incurred. In accordance with existing benefit arrangements, employee termination costs are accrued when the restructuring actions are probable and estimable. When accruing these costs, the Company will recognize the amount within a range of costs that is the best estimate within the range. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company recognizes the minimum amount within the range. Costs for one-time termination benefits in which the employee is required to render service until termination in order to receive the benefits are recognized ratably over the future service period.
Contingencies and Legal Defense Costs — The Company records accruals for contingencies and legal defense costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Taxes on Income — Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting based on enacted tax laws and rates. The Company evaluates tax positions to determine whether the benefits of tax positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the Company recognizes the amount of the benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement in the financial statements. For tax positions that are not more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the Company does not recognize any portion of the benefit in the financial statements. The Company recognizes interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of Taxes on Income from Continuing Operations. The Company accounts for the tax effects of the tax on global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) of certain foreign subsidiaries in the income tax provision in the period the tax arises.
Use of Estimates — The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) and, accordingly, include certain amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Estimates are used when accounting for amounts recorded in connection with acquisitions, including initial fair value determinations of assets and liabilities (primarily IPR&D, other intangible assets and contingent consideration), as well as subsequent fair value measurements. Additionally, estimates are used in determining such items as provisions for sales discounts and returns, depreciable and amortizable lives, recoverability of inventories, including those produced in preparation for product launches, amounts recorded for contingencies, environmental liabilities, accruals for contingent sales-based milestone payments and other reserves, pension and other postretirement benefit plan assumptions, share-based compensation assumptions, restructuring costs, impairments of long-lived assets (including intangible assets and goodwill) and investments, and taxes on income. Because of the uncertainty inherent in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates.
Reclassifications — Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance on the accounting and reporting of income taxes. The guidance is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing exceptions related to certain intraperiod tax allocations and deferred tax liabilities; clarifying guidance primarily related to evaluating the step-up tax basis for goodwill in a business combination; and reflecting enacted changes in tax laws or rates in the annual effective tax rate. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2021. There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In January 2020, the FASB issued new guidance intended to clarify certain interactions between accounting standards related to equity securities, equity method investments and certain derivatives. The guidance addresses accounting for the transition into and out of the equity method of accounting and measuring certain purchased options and forward contracts to acquire investments. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2021. There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In August 2020, the FASB issued amended guidance on the accounting for convertible instruments and contracts in an entity’s own equity. The guidance removes the separation model for convertible debt instruments and preferred stock, amends requirements for conversion options to be classified in equity as well as amends diluted earnings per share (EPS) calculations for certain convertible debt instruments. The amended guidance is effective for interim and annual periods in 2022. The application of the amendments in the new guidance are to be applied either on a modified retrospective or a retrospective basis. There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption on January 1, 2022.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted — In March 2020, the FASB issued optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting and subsequently issued clarifying amendments. The guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for accounting for contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The optional guidance is effective upon issuance and can be applied on a prospective basis at any time between January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is progressing in its evaluation of LIBOR cessation exposures, including the review of debt-related contracts, leases, business development and licensing arrangements, royalty and other agreements. The Company has amended certain agreements and continues to review other agreements for potential impacts. With regard to debt-related exposures in particular, all existing interest rate swaps linked to LIBOR will mature in 2022. The Company is still evaluating the impact to its LIBOR-based debt. Based on its evaluation thus far, the Company does not anticipate a material impact to its consolidated financial statements as a result of reference rate reform.
In October 2021, the FASB issued amended guidance that requires acquiring entities to recognize and measure contract assets and liabilities in a business combination in accordance with existing revenue recognition guidance. The amended guidance is effective for interim and annual periods in 2023 and is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted on a retrospective basis to the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for prior acquisitions; however, the impact in future periods will be dependent upon the contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in future business combinations.
In November 2021, the FASB issued new guidance to increase the transparency of transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy. The guidance requires annual disclosures of such transactions to include the nature of the transactions and the significant terms and conditions, the accounting treatment and the impact to the company’s financial statements. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning in 2022 and is to be applied on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
v3.22.0.1
Spin-Off of Organon & Co.
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
Spin-Off of Organon & Co. Spin-Off of Organon & Co.On June 2, 2021, Merck completed the spin-off of Organon through a distribution of Organon’s publicly traded stock to Company shareholders. In connection with the spin-off, each Merck shareholder received one-tenth of a share of Organon’s common stock for each share of Merck common stock held by such shareholder. The
distribution is expected to qualify and has been treated as tax free to Merck and its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Indebtedness of $9.5 billion principal amount, consisting of term loans and senior notes, was issued in 2021 in connection with the spin-off and assumed by Organon. Merck is no longer the obligor of any Organon debt or financing arrangements. Cash proceeds of $9.0 billion were distributed by Organon to Merck in connection with the spin-off.
Also in connection with the spin-off, Merck and Organon entered into a separation and distribution agreement and also entered into various other agreements to effect the spin-off and provide a framework for the relationship between Merck and Organon after the spin-off, including a transition services agreement (TSA), manufacturing and supply agreements (MSAs), trademark license agreements, intellectual property license agreements, an employee matters agreement, a tax matters agreement and certain other commercial agreements. Under the TSA, Merck will provide Organon various services and, similarly, Organon will provide Merck various services. The provision of services under the TSA generally will terminate within 25 months following the spin-off. Merck and Organon also entered into a series of interim operating agreements pursuant to which in various jurisdictions where Merck held licenses, permits and other rights in connection with marketing, import and/or distribution of Organon products prior to the separation, Merck will continue to market, import and distribute such products until such time as the relevant licenses and permits are transferred to Organon. Under such interim operating agreements and in accordance with the separation and distribution agreement, Merck will continue operations in the affected markets on behalf of Organon, with Organon receiving all of the economic benefits and burdens of such activities. Additionally, Merck and Organon entered into a number of MSAs pursuant to which Merck will (a) manufacture and supply certain active pharmaceutical ingredients for Organon, (b) toll manufacture and supply certain formulated pharmaceutical products for Organon, and (c) package and label certain finished pharmaceutical products for Organon. Similarly, Organon and Merck entered into a number of MSAs pursuant to which Organon will (a) manufacture and supply certain formulated pharmaceutical products for Merck, and (b) package and label certain finished pharmaceutical products for Merck. The terms of the MSAs range in initial duration from four years to ten years.
Amounts included in the consolidated statement of income for the above MSAs include sales of $219 million and related cost of sales of $195 million in 2021. Amounts included in the consolidated statement of income for the TSAs was immaterial in 2021. The amount due from Organon under the above agreements was $964 million at December 31, 2021 and is reflected in Other current assets. The amount due to Organon under these agreements was $400 million at December 31, 2021 and is included in Accrued and other current liabilities.
The results of the women’s health, biosimilars and established brands businesses (previously included in the Pharmaceutical segment) that were contributed to Organon in the spin-off, as well as interest expense related to the debt issuance in 2021, have been reflected as discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated statement of income as Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes and Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests through June 2, 2021, the date of the spin-off. Prior periods have been recast to reflect this presentation. As a result of the spin-off of Organon, Merck incurred separation costs of $556 million in 2021 and $743 million in 2020, which are also included in Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes and Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests. These costs primarily relate to professional fees for separation activities within finance, tax, legal and information technology functions, as well as investment banking fees. As of December 31, 2020, the assets and liabilities associated with these businesses are classified as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheet.
Details of Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes and Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests are as follows:
Years Ended December 31
2021(1)
20202019
Sales$2,512 $6,476 $7,719 
Costs, Expenses and Other
Cost of sales789 1,867 2,096 
Selling, general and administrative877 1,513 1,160 
Research and development103 161 148 
Restructuring costs1 12 
Other (income) expense, net(15)10 
1,755 3,548 3,426 
Income from discontinued operations before taxes757 2,928 4,293 
Tax provision50 369 122 
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes707 2,559 4,171 
Less: Income of discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests3 11 18 
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests$704 $2,548 $4,153 
(1) Reflects amounts through the June 2, 2021 spin-off date.
Details of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are as follows: 
December 312020
Cash and cash equivalents$12 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts1,048 
Inventories756 
Other current assets867 
Current assets of discontinued operations$2,683 
Property, plant and equipment, net$986 
Goodwill1,356 
Other intangibles, net503 
Other assets330 
Noncurrent Assets of Discontinued Operations$3,175 
Trade accounts payable$267 
Accrued and other current liabilities841 
Income taxes payable(22)
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations$1,086 
Deferred income taxes$10 
Other noncurrent liabilities176 
Noncurrent Liabilities of Discontinued Operations$186 
As a result of the spin-off of Organon, Merck distributed net liabilities of $5.1 billion as of June 2, 2021 consisting of debt of $9.4 billion (described above), goodwill of $1.4 billion, property, plant and equipment of $981 million, cash of $929 million, inventory of $815 million, other intangibles, net, of $519 million and other net liabilities of $328 million. The spin-off also resulted in a net decrease to AOCL of $449 million consisting of $421 million for the derecognition of net losses on foreign currency translation adjustments and $28 million associated with employee benefit plans. The distribution of the net liabilities and reduction to AOCL resulted in a net $4.6 billion increase to Other paid-in capital.
Expenses for curtailments, settlements and termination benefits provided to certain employees were incurred in connection with the spin-off (see Note 14). Additionally, all outstanding Merck stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) (whether vested or unvested) were converted into adjusted Merck awards for current and former Merck employees or Organon awards for Organon employees (see Note 13).
v3.22.0.1
Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and License Agreements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and License Agreements Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and License Agreements
The Company continues to pursue acquisitions and the establishment of external alliances such as research collaborations and licensing agreements to complement its internal research capabilities. These arrangements often include upfront payments, as well as expense reimbursements or payments to the third party, and milestone, royalty or profit share arrangements, contingent upon the occurrence of certain future events linked to the success of the asset in development. The Company also reviews its marketed products and pipeline to examine candidates which may provide more value through out-licensing and, as part of its portfolio assessment process, may also divest certain assets. Pro forma financial information for acquired businesses is not presented if the historical financial results of the acquired entity are not significant when compared with the Company’s financial results.
2021 Transactions
In November 2021, Merck acquired Acceleron Pharma Inc. (Acceleron), a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company, for total consideration of $11.5 billion. Acceleron is evaluating the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily of proteins that is known to play a central role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and repair. Acceleron’s lead therapeutic candidate, sotatercept (MK-7962), has a novel mechanism of action with the potential to improve short-term and/or long-term clinical outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sotatercept is in Phase 3 trials as an add-on to current standard of care for the treatment of PAH. Under a previous agreement assumed by Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) was granted an exclusive license to develop and commercialize sotatercept outside of the pulmonary hypertension (PH) field (for which Merck would be eligible to receive contingent milestones and royalty payments), however, Merck retains the worldwide exclusive rights to develop and commercialize sotatercept in the PH field. The agreement provides for Merck to pay 22% royalties on future sales of sotatercept in the PH field to BMS.
In addition to sotatercept, Acceleron’s portfolio includes Reblozyl (luspatercept), a first-in-class erythroid maturation recombinant fusion protein that is approved in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Australia for the treatment of anemia in certain rare blood disorders and is also being evaluated in Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials for additional indications for hematology therapies. Reblozyl is being developed and commercialized through a global collaboration with BMS. In connection with this ongoing collaboration, Merck receives a 20% sales royalty from BMS which could increase to a maximum of 24% based on sales levels. This royalty will be reduced by 50% upon the earlier of patent expiry or generic entry on an indication-by-indication basis in each market. Merck is eligible to receive future contingent milestone payments including up to $20 million in regulatory milestones and up to $80 million in sales-based milestones.
The transaction was accounted for as a business combination. The Company incurred $280 million of costs directly related to the acquisition of Acceleron, consisting primarily of share-based compensation payments to settle non-vested equity awards attributable to postcombination service, severance, as well as investment banking and legal fees. These costs were included in Selling, general and administrative expenses and Research and development costs in 2021.
The estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Acceleron is as follows:
November 19, 2021
Cash and cash equivalents$340 
Investments285 
Identifiable intangible assets: (1)
IPR&D - sotatercept 6,380 
Products and product rights - Reblozyl (12 year useful life)
3,830 
Deferred income tax liabilities, net(1,832)
Other assets and liabilities, net89 
Total identifiable net assets9,092 
Goodwill (2)
2,422 
Consideration transferred$11,514 
(1)    The estimated fair value of the identifiable intangible assets related to sotatercept and Reblozyl were determined using an income approach, specifically the multi-period excess earnings method. The future probability-weighted net cash flows were discounted to present value utilizing a discount rate of 7.5% for sotatercept and 6.0% for Reblozyl. Actual cash flows are likely to be different than those assumed.
(2)    The goodwill recognized is largely attributable to anticipated synergies expected to arise after the acquisition and was allocated to the Pharmaceutical segment. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
In April 2021, Merck acquired Pandion Therapeutics, Inc. (Pandion), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics designed to address the unmet needs of patients living with autoimmune diseases. Pandion is advancing a pipeline of precision immune modulators targeting critical immune control nodes. Total consideration paid of $1.9 billion included $147 million of costs primarily comprised of share-based compensation payments to settle equity awards. The transaction was accounted for as an acquisition of an asset. Merck recorded net assets of $156 million (primarily cash) and Research and development expenses of $1.7 billion in 2021 related to the transaction. There are no future contingent payments associated with the acquisition.
In March 2021, Merck and Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Gilead) entered into an agreement to jointly develop and commercialize long-acting treatments in HIV that combine Merck’s investigational nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor, islatravir, and Gilead’s investigational capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir. The collaboration will initially focus on long-acting oral formulations and long-acting injectable formulations of these combination products, with other formulations potentially added to the collaboration as mutually agreed. There was no upfront payment made by either party upon entering into the agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck and Gilead will share operational responsibilities, as well as development, commercialization and marketing costs, and any future revenues. Global development and commercialization costs will be shared 60% Gilead and 40% Merck across the oral and injectable formulation programs. For long-acting oral products, Gilead will lead commercialization in the U.S. and Merck will lead commercialization in the EU and the rest of the world. For long-acting injectable products, Merck will lead commercialization in the U.S. and Gilead will lead commercialization in the EU and the rest of the world. Gilead and Merck will co-promote in the U.S. and certain other major markets. Merck and Gilead will share global product revenues equally until product revenues surpass certain pre-agreed per formulation revenue tiers. Upon passing $2.0 billion a year in net product sales for the oral combination, the revenue split will adjust to 65% Gilead and 35% Merck for any revenues above the threshold. Upon passing $3.5 billion a year in net product sales for the injectable combination, the revenue split will adjust to 65% Gilead and 35% Merck for any revenues above the threshold.
Beyond the potential combinations of investigational lenacapavir and investigational islatravir, Gilead will have the option to license certain of Merck’s investigational oral integrase inhibitors to develop in combination with lenacapavir. Reciprocally, Merck will have the option to license certain of Gilead’s investigational oral integrase inhibitors to develop in combination with islatravir. Each company may exercise its option for an investigational oral integrase inhibitor of the other company following completion of the first Phase 1 clinical trial of that integrase inhibitor. Upon exercise of an option, the companies will split development costs and revenues, unless the non-exercising company decides to opt-out.
In December 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed full or partial clinical holds on investigational new drug applications for certain oral, implant and injectable formulations of islatravir based on
observations of decreases in total lymphocyte and CD4+ T-cell counts in some participants receiving islatravir in clinical studies. As a result of these holds, Merck and Gilead made the decision to stop all dosing of participants in a Phase 2 clinical study evaluating islatravir and lenacapavir in people living with HIV who are virologically suppressed on antiretroviral therapy. The two companies are assessing whether a different dosing of islatravir in combination with lenacapavir may provide a once-weekly oral therapy option for people living with HIV. Merck and Gilead remain committed to their collaboration.
In January 2021, Merck entered into an exclusive license and research collaboration agreement with Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Artiva) to discover, develop and manufacture CAR-NK cells that target certain solid tumors using Artiva’s proprietary platform. Merck and Artiva agreed to engage in up to three different research programs, each covering a collaboration target. Merck has sole responsibility for all development and commercialization activities (including regulatory filing and approval). Under the terms of the agreement, Merck made an upfront payment of $30 million, which was included in Research and development expenses in 2021, for license and other rights for the first two collaboration targets and agreed to make another upfront payment of $15 million for license and other rights for the third collaboration target when it is selected by Merck and accepted by Artiva. In addition, Artiva is eligible to receive future contingent milestone payments (which span all three collaboration targets), aggregating up to $217.5 million in developmental milestones, $570 million in regulatory milestones, and $1.05 billion in sales-based milestones. The agreement also provides for Merck to pay tiered royalties ranging from 7% to 14% on future sales.
2020 Transactions
In December 2020, Merck acquired OncoImmune, a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, for an upfront payment of $423 million. OncoImmune’s lead therapeutic candidate (MK-7110) was being evaluated for the treatment of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The transaction was accounted for as an acquisition of an asset. Under the agreement, prior to the completion of the acquisition, OncoImmune spun-out certain rights and assets unrelated to the MK-7110 program to a new entity owned by the existing shareholders of OncoImmune. In connection with the closing of the acquisition, Merck invested $50 million for a 20% ownership interest in the new entity, which was valued at $33 million resulting in a $17 million premium. Merck also recognized other net liabilities of $22 million. The Company recorded Research and development expenses of $462 million in 2020 related to this transaction. In 2021, Merck received feedback from the FDA that additional data would be needed to support a potential Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) application and therefore the Company did not expect MK-7110 would become available until the first half of 2022. Given this timeline and the technical, clinical and regulatory uncertainties, the availability of a number of medicines for patients hospitalized with COVID-19, and the need to concentrate Merck’s resources on accelerating the development and manufacture of the most viable therapeutics and vaccines, Merck decided to discontinue development of MK-7110 for the treatment of COVID-19. Due to the discontinuation, the Company recorded charges of $207 million in 2021, which are reflected in Cost of sales and relate to fixed assets and materials written off, as well as the recognition of liabilities for purchase commitments.
Also in December 2020, Merck acquired VelosBio Inc. (VelosBio), a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, for $2.8 billion. VelosBio’s lead investigational candidate is zilovertamab vedotin (MK-2140), an antibody-drug conjugate targeting receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) that is currently being evaluated for the treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The transaction was accounted for as an acquisition of an asset. Merck recorded net assets of $180 million (primarily cash) and Research and development expenses of $2.7 billion in 2020 related to the transaction. During 2021, the Company recorded adjustments to these amounts which resulted in a reduction of Research and development expenses of $43 million, an increase to total consideration paid of $47 million, and an increase to net assets recorded of $90 million.
In September 2020, Merck and Seagen Inc. (Seagen) announced an oncology collaboration to globally develop and commercialize Seagen’s ladiratuzumab vedotin (MK-6440), an investigational antibody-drug conjugate targeting LIV-1, which is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials. The collaboration will pursue a broad joint development program evaluating ladiratuzumab vedotin as monotherapy and in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in triple-negative breast cancer, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and other LIV-1-expressing solid tumors. The companies will equally share profits worldwide. Under the terms of the agreement,
Merck made an upfront payment of $600 million and a $1.0 billion equity investment in 5 million shares of Seagen common stock at a price of $200 per share. Merck recorded $616 million in Research and development expenses in 2020 related to this transaction reflecting the upfront payment as well as a $16 million premium relating to the equity shares based on the price of Seagen common stock on the closing date. Seagen is also eligible to receive future contingent milestone payments of up to $2.6 billion, including $850 million in development milestones and $1.75 billion in sales-based milestones.
Concurrent with the above transaction, Seagen granted Merck an exclusive license to commercialize Tukysa (tucatinib), a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cancers, in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America and other regions outside of the U.S., Canada and Europe. Merck will be responsible for marketing applications seeking approval in its territories, supported by the positive results from the HER2CLIMB clinical trial. Merck will also co-fund a portion of the Tukysa global development plan, which encompasses several ongoing and planned trials across HER2-positive cancers, including breast, colorectal, gastric and other cancers set forth in a global product development plan. Merck will solely fund and conduct country-specific clinical trials necessary to support anticipated regulatory applications in its territories. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck made upfront payments aggregating $210 million, which were recorded as Research and development expenses in 2020. Seagen is also eligible to receive future contingent regulatory approval milestones of up to $65 million and will receive tiered royalties ranging from 20% to 33% based on annual sales levels of Tukysa in Merck’s territories.
Additionally in September 2020, Merck acquired a biologics manufacturing facility located in Dunboyne, Ireland from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited for €256 million ($302 million). The transaction was accounted for as an acquisition of an asset. Merck recorded property, plant and equipment of $289 million and other net assets of $13 million. There are no future contingent payments associated with the acquisition.
In July 2020, Merck acquired the U.S. rights to Sentinel Flavor Tabs and Sentinel Spectrum Chews from Virbac Corporation for $410 million. Sentinel products provide protection against common parasites in dogs. The transaction was accounted for as an acquisition of an asset. Merck recognized intangible assets of $401 million related to currently marketed products and inventory of $9 million at the acquisition date. The estimated fair values of the identifiable intangible assets related to currently marketed products were determined using an income approach. Actual cash flows are likely to be different than those assumed. The intangible assets related to currently marketed products will be amortized over their estimated useful lives of 15 years. There are no future contingent payments associated with the acquisition.
Also in July 2020, Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP (Ridgeback), a closely held biotechnology company, closed a collaboration agreement to develop molnupiravir (MK-4482), an orally available antiviral candidate in clinical development for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. See Note 5 for additional information related to this collaboration.
In June 2020, Merck acquired privately held Themis Bioscience GmbH (Themis), a company focused on vaccines (including a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, V591) and immune-modulation therapies for infectious diseases and cancer for $366 million. The acquisition originally provided for Merck to make additional contingent payments of up to $740 million. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination. The Company determined the fair value of the contingent consideration was $85 million at the acquisition date utilizing a probability-weighted estimated cash flow stream using an appropriate discount rate dependent on the nature and timing of the milestone payments. Merck recognized intangible assets for IPR&D of $113 million, cash of $59 million, deferred tax assets of $72 million and other net liabilities of $32 million. The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired of $239 million was recorded as goodwill that was allocated to the Pharmaceutical segment and is not deductible for tax purposes. The fair values of the identifiable intangible assets related to IPR&D were determined using an income approach. Actual cash flows are likely to be different than those assumed. In January 2021, the Company announced it was discontinuing development of V591 as discussed below. As a result, in 2020, the Company recorded an IPR&D impairment charge of $90 million within Research and development expenses. The Company also recorded a reduction in Research and development expenses resulting from a decrease in the related liability for contingent consideration of $45 million since future contingent milestone payments have been reduced to $450 million in the aggregate, including up to $60 million for development milestones, up to $196 million for regulatory approval milestones, and up to $194 million for commercial milestones.
In May 2020, Merck and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Inc. (IAVI), a nonprofit scientific research organization dedicated to addressing urgent, unmet global health challenges, announced a collaboration to develop V590, an investigational vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 being studied for the prevention of COVID-19. The agreement provided for an upfront payment by Merck of $6.5 million and also provided for future contingent payments based on sales. Merck also signed an agreement with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to provide initial funding support to Merck for this effort. In January 2021, the Company announced it was discontinuing development of V590 as discussed below.
In January 2021, the Company announced the discontinuation of the development programs for its COVID-19 vaccine candidates, V590 and V591, following Merck’s review of findings from Phase 1 clinical studies for the vaccines. In these studies, both V590 and V591 were generally well tolerated, but the immune responses were inferior to those seen following natural infection and those reported for other SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccines. Due to the discontinuation, the Company recorded a charge of $305 million in 2020, of which $260 million was reflected in Cost of sales and related to fixed assets and materials written off, as well as the recognition of liabilities for purchase commitments. The remaining $45 million of costs were reflected in Research and development expenses and represent amounts related to the Themis acquisition noted above (an IPR&D impairment charge, partially offset by a reduction in the related liability for contingent consideration).
In January 2020, Merck acquired ArQule, Inc. (ArQule), a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company focused on kinase inhibitor discovery and development for the treatment of patients with cancer and other diseases. Total consideration paid of $2.7 billion included $138 million of share-based compensation payments to settle equity awards attributable to precombination service and cash paid for transaction costs on behalf of ArQule. The Company incurred $95 million of costs directly related to the acquisition of ArQule, consisting almost entirely of share-based compensation payments to settle non-vested equity awards attributable to postcombination service. These costs were included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2020. ArQule’s lead investigational candidate, nemtabrutinib (MK-1026), is a novel, oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor currently being evaluated for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination.
The estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from ArQule is as follows:
January 16, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents$145 
IPR&D - nemtabrutinib (1)
2,280 
Licensing arrangement for ARQ 08780 
Deferred income tax liabilities(361)
Other assets and liabilities, net34 
Total identifiable net assets
2,178 
Goodwill (2)
512 
Consideration transferred$2,690 
(1)    The estimated fair value of nemtabrutinib was determined using an income approach. The future probability-weighted net cash flows were discounted to present value utilizing a discount rate of 12.5%. Actual cash flows are likely to be different than those assumed.
(2)    The goodwill was allocated to the Pharmaceutical segment and is not deductible for tax purposes.
In 2021, Merck recorded a $275 million intangible asset impairment charge related to nemtabrutinib (see Note 9).
2019 Transactions
In July 2019, Merck acquired Peloton Therapeutics, Inc. (Peloton), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel small molecule therapeutic candidates targeting hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) for the treatment of patients with cancer and other non-oncology diseases. Merck made an upfront payment of $1.2 billion. The transaction was accounted for as an acquisition of an asset. Merck recorded cash of $157 million, deferred tax liabilities of $52 million, and other net liabilities of $4 million at the acquisition
date, as well as Research and development expenses of $993 million in 2019 related to the transaction. Former Peloton shareholders received a $50 million milestone payment from Merck in 2021 upon first commercial sale of Peloton’s lead candidate, Welireg (belzutifan), which was approved as monotherapy in the U.S. in August 2021. Former Peloton shareholders are also eligible to receive $50 million upon U.S. regulatory approval as a combination therapy, as well as up to $1.05 billion of sales-based milestones.
On April 1, 2019, Merck acquired Antelliq Corporation (Antelliq), a leader in digital animal identification, traceability and monitoring solutions. These solutions help veterinarians, farmers and pet owners gather critical data to improve management, health and well-being of livestock and pets. Merck paid $2.3 billion to acquire all outstanding shares of Antelliq and spent $1.3 billion to repay Antelliq’s debt. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination.
The estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Antelliq is as follows:
April 1, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents$31 
Accounts receivable73 
Inventories93 
Property, plant and equipment60 
Identifiable intangible assets (useful lives ranging from 18-24 years) (1)
2,689 
Deferred income tax liabilities(589)
Other assets and liabilities, net(82)
Total identifiable net assets2,275 
Goodwill (2)
1,376 
Consideration transferred$3,651 
(1)    The estimated fair values of identifiable intangible assets relate primarily to trade names and were determined using an income approach. The future probability-weighted net cash flows were discounted to present value utilizing a discount rate of 11.5%. Actual cash flows are likely to be different than those assumed.
(2)    The goodwill recognized is largely attributable to anticipated synergies expected to arise after the acquisition and was allocated to the Animal Health segment. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

The Company incurred $47 million of transaction costs directly related to the acquisition of Antelliq, consisting largely of advisory fees, which are reflected in Selling, general and administrative expenses in 2019.
Also in April 2019, Merck acquired Immune Design, a late-stage immunotherapy company employing next-generation in vivo approaches to enable the body’s immune system to fight disease, for $301 million in cash. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination. Merck recognized intangible assets of $156 million, cash of $83 million and other net assets of $42 million. The excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets acquired of $20 million was recorded as goodwill that was allocated to the Pharmaceutical segment and is not deductible for tax purposes. The fair values of the identifiable intangible assets related to IPR&D were determined using an income approach. Actual cash flows are likely to be different than those assumed.
v3.22.0.1
Collaborative Arrangements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Collaborative Arrangements [Abstract]  
Collaborative Arrangements Collaborative Arrangements
Merck has entered into collaborative arrangements that provide the Company with varying rights to develop, produce and market products together with its collaborative partners. Both parties in these arrangements are active participants and exposed to significant risks and rewards dependent on the commercial success of the activities of the collaboration. Merck’s more significant collaborative arrangements are discussed below.

AstraZeneca
In 2017, Merck and AstraZeneca PLC (AstraZeneca) entered into a global strategic oncology collaboration to co-develop and co-commercialize AstraZeneca’s Lynparza (olaparib) for multiple cancer types. Independently, Merck and AstraZeneca will develop and commercialize Lynparza in combinations with their respective PD-1 and PD-L1 medicines, Keytruda and Imfinzi. The companies are also jointly developing and
commercializing AstraZeneca’s Koselugo (selumetinib) for multiple indications. Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca and Merck will share the development and commercialization costs for Lynparza and Koselugo monotherapy and non-PD-L1/PD-1 combination therapy opportunities.
Profits from Lynparza and Koselugo product sales generated through monotherapies or combination therapies are shared equally. AstraZeneca is the principal on Lynparza and Koselugo sales transactions. Merck records its share of Lynparza and Koselugo product sales, net of cost of sales and commercialization costs, as alliance revenue, and its share of development costs associated with the collaboration as part of Research and development expenses. Reimbursements received from AstraZeneca for research and development expenses are recognized as reductions to Research and development costs.
As part of the agreement, Merck made an upfront payment to AstraZeneca and also made payments over a multi-year period for certain license options. In addition, the agreement provides for contingent payments from Merck to AstraZeneca related to the successful achievement of sales-based and regulatory milestones. Merck made sales-based milestone payments to AstraZeneca aggregating $550 million and $200 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, sales-based milestone payments accrued but not yet paid totaled $400 million. Potential future sales-based milestone payments of $2.7 billion have not yet been accrued as they are not deemed by the Company to be probable at this time.
In 2020 and 2019, Lynparza received regulatory approvals triggering capitalized milestone payments of $160 million and $60 million, respectively, in the aggregate from Merck to AstraZeneca. Potential future regulatory milestone payments of $1.4 billion remain under the agreement.
The intangible asset balance related to Lynparza (which includes capitalized sales-based and regulatory milestone payments) was $1.1 billion at December 31, 2021 and is included in Other Intangibles, Net. The amount is being amortized over its estimated useful life through 2028 as supported by projected future cash flows, subject to impairment testing.
Summarized financial information related to this collaboration is as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Alliance revenue - Lynparza$989 $725 $444 
Alliance revenue - Koselugo29 — 
Total alliance revenue$1,018 $733 $444 
Cost of sales (1)
167 247 148 
Selling, general and administrative178 160 138 
Research and development120 133 168 
December 3120212020
Receivables from AstraZeneca included in Other current assets
$271 $215 
Payables to AstraZeneca included in Trade accounts payable and Accrued and other current liabilities (2)
415 423 
(1) Represents amortization of capitalized milestone payments.
(2) Includes accrued milestone payments.
Eisai
In 2018, Merck and Eisai Co., Ltd. (Eisai) announced a strategic collaboration for the worldwide co-development and co-commercialization of Lenvima (lenvatinib), an orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitor discovered by Eisai. Under the agreement, Merck and Eisai will develop and commercialize Lenvima jointly, both as monotherapy and in combination with Keytruda. Eisai records Lenvima product sales globally (Eisai is the principal on Lenvima sales transactions) and Merck and Eisai share applicable profits equally. Merck records its share of Lenvima product sales, net of cost of sales and commercialization costs, as alliance revenue. Expenses incurred during co-development are shared by the two companies in accordance with the collaboration agreement and reflected in Research and development expenses. Certain expenses incurred solely by Merck or Eisai are not
shareable under the collaboration agreement, including costs incurred in excess of agreed upon caps and costs related to certain combination studies of Keytruda and Lenvima.
Under the agreement, Merck made an upfront payment to Eisai and also made payments over a multi-year period for certain option rights (of which the final $125 million option payment was made in March 2021). In addition, the agreement provides for contingent payments from Merck to Eisai related to the successful achievement of sales-based and regulatory milestones. Merck made sales-based milestone payments to Eisai aggregating $200 million, $500 million and $50 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, sales-based milestone payments accrued but not yet paid totaled $600 million. Potential future sales-based milestone payments of $2.6 billion have not yet been accrued as they are not deemed by the Company to be probable at this time.
In 2021 and 2020, Lenvima received regulatory approvals triggering capitalized milestone payments of $75 million and $10 million, respectively, from Merck to Eisai. As of December 31, 2021, a regulatory approval milestone payment of $25 million was accrued but not yet paid. Potential future regulatory milestone payments of $25 million remain under the agreement.
The intangible asset balance related to Lenvima (which includes capitalized sales-based and regulatory milestone payments) was $1.0 billion at December 31, 2021 and is included in Other Intangibles, Net. The amount is being amortized over its estimated useful life through 2026 as supported by projected future cash flows, subject to impairment testing.
Summarized financial information related to this collaboration is as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Alliance revenue - Lenvima$704 $580 $404 
Cost of sales (1)
195 271 206 
Selling, general and administrative127 73 80 
Research and development173 185 189 
December 3120212020
Receivables from Eisai included in Other current assets
$200 $157 
Payables to Eisai included in Accrued and other current liabilities (2)
625 335 
Payables to Eisai included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities (3)
 600 
(1) Represents amortization of capitalized milestone payments.
(2) Includes accrued milestone and future option payments.
(3) Includes accrued milestone payments.
Bayer AG
In 2014, the Company entered into a worldwide clinical development collaboration with Bayer AG (Bayer) to market and develop soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulators including Bayer’s Adempas (riociguat). The two companies have implemented a joint development and commercialization strategy. The collaboration also includes development of Bayer’s Verquvo (vericiguat), which was approved in the U.S. in January 2021, in Japan in June 2021 and in the EU in July 2021. Under the agreement, Bayer commercializes Adempas in the Americas, while Merck commercializes in the rest of the world. For Verquvo, Merck commercializes in the U.S. and Bayer commercializes in the rest of the world. Both companies share in development costs and profits on sales. Merck records sales of Adempas and Verquvo in its marketing territories, as well as alliance revenue. Alliance revenue represents Merck’s share of profits from sales of Adempas and Verquvo in Bayer’s marketing territories, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs. Cost of sales includes Bayer’s share of profits from sales in Merck’s marketing territories.
In addition, the agreement provided for contingent payments from Merck to Bayer related to the successful achievement of sales-based milestones. Merck made a sales-based milestone payment to Bayer of $375 million in 2020. In 2021, following the approval of Verquvo noted above, Merck determined it was probable that sales of Adempas and Verquvo in the future would trigger the remaining $400 million sales-based milestone
payment that was outstanding under this agreement. Accordingly, Merck recorded a liability of $400 million and a corresponding increase to the intangible assets related to this collaboration. Merck also recognized $153 million of cumulative amortization catch-up expense related to the recognition of this milestone in 2021. In January 2022, Merck made this final milestone payment to Bayer.
The intangible asset balances related to Adempas (which includes the acquired intangible asset balance, as well as capitalized sales-based milestone payments attributed to Adempas) and Verquvo (which reflects the portion of the final sales-based milestone payment that was attributed to Verquvo) were $806 million and $68 million, respectively, at December 31, 2021 and are included in Other Intangibles, Net. The assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives (through 2027 for Adempas and through 2031 for Verquvo) as supported by projected future cash flows, subject to impairment testing.
Summarized financial information related to this collaboration is as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Alliance revenue - Adempas/Verquvo$342 $281 $204 
Net sales of Adempas recorded by Merck252 220 215 
Net sales of Verquvo recorded by Merck7 — — 
Total sales$601 $501 $419 
Cost of sales (1)
424 196 188 
Selling, general and administrative126 47 34 
Research and development53 63 126 
December 3120212020
Receivables from Bayer included in Other current assets
$114 $65 
Payables to Bayer included in Accrued and other current Liabilities (2)
472 — 
(1) Includes amortization of intangible assets. Amount in 2021 includes $153 million of cumulative amortization catch-up expense as noted above. In addition, cost of sales in all periods now includes Bayer’s share of profits from sales in Merck’s marketing territories.
(2) Includes accrued milestone payment.
Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP
In July 2020, Merck and Ridgeback, a closely held biotechnology company, entered into a collaboration agreement to develop molnupiravir (MK-4482), an orally available antiviral candidate in clinical development for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Merck gained exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize molnupiravir and related molecules. Under the terms of the agreement, Ridgeback received an upfront payment and is eligible to receive future contingent payments dependent upon the achievement of certain developmental and regulatory approval milestones. The agreement also provides for Merck to reimburse Ridgeback for a portion of certain third-party contingent milestone payments and royalties on net sales, which is part of the profit share calculation. Merck is the principal on sales transactions, recognizing sales and related costs, with profit sharing amounts recorded within Cost of sales. Profits from the collaboration are split equally between the partners. Reimbursements from Ridgeback for its share of research and development costs (deducted from Ridgeback’s share of profits) are reflected as decreases to Research and development expenses.
In December 2021, the FDA granted EUA for molnupiravir. Under a previously announced procurement agreement with the U.S. government, Merck agreed to supply 3.1 million courses of molnupiravir to the U.S. government upon EUA or approval from the FDA, of which approximately 888,000 courses were delivered in 2021. This procurement of molnupiravir is being supported in whole or in part with federal funds. Additionally, in December 2021, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare granted Special Approval for Emergency in Japan for molnupiravir. Under a supply agreement, the Japanese government will purchase 1.6 million courses of molnupiravir, of which approximately 200,000 courses were delivered in 2021. Also, in November 2021, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the United Kingdom (UK) granted conditional marketing authorization for molnupiravir. The UK government has committed to purchase a total of 2.23 million courses of molnupiravir, of which approximately 152,000 courses were delivered in 2021. Merck has entered into advance purchase and supply agreements for molnupiravir in more than 30 markets.
Merck and Ridgeback are committed to providing timely access to molnupiravir globally through a comprehensive supply and access approach, which includes investing at risk to produce millions of courses of therapy; tiered pricing based on the ability of governments to finance health care; entering into supply agreements with governments as noted above; allocating up to 3 million courses of therapy to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for use in adults; and granting voluntary licenses to generic manufacturers and to the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to make generic molnupiravir available in more than 100 low- and middle-income countries following local regulatory authorizations or approvals. Merck, Ridgeback and Emory University will not receive royalties for sales of molnupiravir under the MPP agreement (molnupiravir was invented at Emory University and licensed to Ridgeback) for as long as COVID-19 remains classified as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization.
Summarized financial information related to this collaboration is as follows:
Years Ended December 3120212020
Molnupiravir sales$952 $— 
Cost of sales (1)
494 13 
Selling, general and administrative33 
Research and development (2)
60 323 
December 3120212020
Payables to Ridgeback included in Accrued and other current liabilities (3)
$283 $
(1) Includes royalty expense and amortization of capitalized milestone payments.
(2) Amount in 2020 includes upfront payment.
(3) Includes accrued royalty and milestone payments.
v3.22.0.1
Restructuring
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Restructuring Restructuring
In 2019, Merck approved a global restructuring program (Restructuring Program) as part of a worldwide initiative focused on further optimizing the Company’s manufacturing and supply network, as well as reducing its global real estate footprint. This program is a continuation of the Company’s plant rationalization and builds on prior restructuring programs. The actions currently contemplated under the Restructuring Program are expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2023, with the cumulative pretax costs to be incurred by the Company to implement the program estimated to be approximately $3.5 billion. The Company estimates that approximately 70% of the cumulative pretax costs will result in cash outlays, primarily related to employee separation expense and facility shut-down costs. Approximately 30% of the cumulative pretax costs will be non-cash, relating primarily to the accelerated depreciation of facilities to be closed or divested.
The Company recorded total pretax costs of $868 million in 2021, $880 million in 2020 and $915 million in 2019 related to restructuring program activities. Since inception of the Restructuring Program through December 31, 2021, Merck has recorded total pretax accumulated costs of approximately $2.7 billion. The Company expects to record charges of approximately $400 million in 2022 related to the Restructuring Program. For segment reporting, restructuring charges are unallocated expenses.
The following table summarizes the charges related to restructuring program activities by type of cost:
Separation
Costs
Accelerated
Depreciation
OtherTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Cost of sales$ $52 $108 $160 
Selling, general and administrative 12 7 19 
Research and development 27 1 28 
Restructuring costs451  210 661 
 $451 $91 $326 $868 
Year Ended December 31, 2020    
Cost of sales$— $143 $32 $175 
Selling, general and administrative— 44 47 
Research and development— 81 83 
Restructuring costs385 — 190 575 
 $385 $268 $227 $880 
Year Ended December 31, 2019    
Cost of sales$— $198 $53 $251 
Selling, general and administrative— 33 34 
Research and development— 
Restructuring costs572 — 54 626 
 $572 $233 $110 $915 
Separation costs are associated with actual headcount reductions, as well as those headcount reductions which were probable and could be reasonably estimated.
Accelerated depreciation costs primarily relate to manufacturing, research and administrative facilities and equipment to be sold or closed as part of the programs. Accelerated depreciation costs represent the difference between the depreciation expense to be recognized over the revised useful life of the asset, based upon the anticipated date the site will be closed or divested or the equipment disposed of, and depreciation expense as determined utilizing the useful life prior to the restructuring actions. All the sites have and will continue to operate up through the respective closure dates and, since future undiscounted cash flows are sufficient to recover the respective book values, Merck is recording accelerated depreciation over the revised useful life of the site assets. Anticipated site closure dates, particularly related to manufacturing locations, have been and may continue to be adjusted to reflect changes resulting from regulatory or other factors.
Other activity in 2021, 2020 and 2019 includes asset abandonment, facility shut-down and other related costs, as well as pretax gains and losses resulting from the sales of facilities and related assets. Additionally, other activity includes certain employee-related costs associated with pension and other postretirement benefit plans (see Note 14) and share-based compensation.
The following table summarizes the charges and spending relating to restructuring program activities:
Separation
Costs
Accelerated
Depreciation
OtherTotal
Restructuring reserves January 1, 2020
$690 $— $25 $715 
Expenses385 268 227 880 
(Payments) receipts, net(508)— (271)(779)
Non-cash activity— (268)38 (230)
Restructuring reserves December 31, 2020
567 — 19 586 
Expenses451 91 326 868 
(Payments) receipts, net(422) (186)(608)
Non-cash activity (91)(118)(209)
Restructuring reserves December 31, 2021 (1)
$596 $ $41 $637 
(1)    The remaining cash outlays are expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2023.
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Financial Instruments Financial Instruments
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company manages the impact of foreign exchange rate movements and interest rate movements on its earnings, cash flows and fair values of assets and liabilities through operational means and through the use of various financial instruments, including derivative instruments.
A significant portion of the Company’s revenues and earnings in foreign affiliates is exposed to changes in foreign exchange rates. The objectives of and accounting related to the Company’s foreign currency risk management program, as well as its interest rate risk management activities are discussed below.

Foreign Currency Risk Management
The Company has established revenue hedging, balance sheet risk management and net investment hedging programs to protect against volatility of future foreign currency cash flows and changes in fair value caused by changes in foreign exchange rates.
The objective of the revenue hedging program is to reduce the variability caused by changes in foreign exchange rates that would affect the U.S. dollar value of future cash flows derived from foreign currency denominated sales, primarily the euro, Japanese yen and Chinese renminbi. To achieve this objective, the Company will hedge a portion of its forecasted foreign currency denominated third-party and intercompany distributor entity sales (forecasted sales) that are expected to occur over its planning cycle, typically no more than two years into the future. The Company will layer in hedges over time, increasing the portion of forecasted sales hedged as it gets closer to the expected date of the forecasted sales. The portion of forecasted sales hedged is based on assessments of cost-benefit profiles that consider natural offsetting exposures, revenue and exchange rate volatilities and correlations, and the cost of hedging instruments. The Company manages its anticipated transaction exposure principally with purchased local currency put options, forward contracts, and purchased collar options.
The fair values of these derivative contracts are recorded as either assets (gain positions) or liabilities (loss positions) in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Changes in the fair value of derivative contracts are recorded each period in either current earnings or OCI depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if so, the type of hedge transaction. For derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges, the unrealized gains or losses on these contracts are recorded in AOCL and reclassified into Sales when the hedged anticipated revenue is recognized. For those derivatives which are not designated as cash flow hedges, but serve as economic hedges of forecasted sales, unrealized gains or losses are recorded in Sales each period. The cash flows from both designated and non-designated contracts are reported as operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.
The Company manages operating activities and net asset positions at each local subsidiary in order to mitigate the effects of exchange on monetary assets and liabilities. The Company also uses a balance sheet risk management program to mitigate the exposure of net monetary assets that are denominated in a currency other than a subsidiary’s functional currency from the effects of volatility in foreign exchange. In these instances, Merck principally utilizes forward exchange contracts to offset the effects of exchange on exposures denominated in developed country currencies, primarily the euro, Japanese yen, British pound, Canadian dollar and Swiss franc. For exposures in developing country currencies, including the Chinese renminbi, the Company will enter into forward contracts to offset the effects of exchange on exposures when it is deemed economical to do so based on a cost-benefit analysis that considers the magnitude of the exposure, the volatility of the exchange rate and the cost of the hedging instrument. The cash flows from these contracts are reported as operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of a given subsidiary are remeasured at spot rates in effect on the balance sheet date with the effects of changes in spot rates reported in Other (income) expense, net. The forward contracts are not designated as hedges and are marked to market through Other (income) expense, net. Accordingly, fair value changes in the forward contracts help mitigate the changes in the value of the remeasured assets and liabilities attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, except to the extent of the spot-forward differences. These differences are not significant due to the short-term nature of the contracts, which typically have average maturities at inception of less than one year.
The Company also uses forward exchange contracts to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign operations against movements in exchange rates. The forward contracts are designated as hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation. The unrealized gains or losses on these contracts are recorded in foreign currency translation adjustment within OCI, and remain in AOCL until either the sale or complete or substantially complete liquidation of the subsidiary. The Company excludes certain portions of the change in fair value of its derivative instruments from the assessment of hedge effectiveness (excluded components). Changes in fair value of the excluded components are recognized in OCI. The Company recognizes in earnings the initial value of the excluded components on a straight-line basis over the life of the derivative instrument, rather than using the mark-to-market approach. The cash flows from these contracts are reported as investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
Foreign exchange risk is also managed through the use of foreign currency debt. The Company’s senior unsecured euro-denominated notes have been designated as, and are effective as, economic hedges of the net investment in a foreign operation. Accordingly, foreign currency transaction gains or losses due to spot rate fluctuations on the euro-denominated debt instruments are included in foreign currency translation adjustment within OCI.
The effects of the Company’s net investment hedges on OCI and the Consolidated Statement of Income are shown below:
Amount of Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (1)
Amount of Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Other (income) expense, net for Amounts Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
Years Ended December 31202120202019202120202019
Net Investment Hedging Relationships
Foreign exchange contracts
$(49)$26 $(10)$(13)$(19)$(31)
Euro-denominated notes(296)385 (75) — — 
(1) No amounts were reclassified from AOCL into income related to the sale of a subsidiary.

Interest Rate Risk Management
The Company may use interest rate swap contracts on certain investing and borrowing transactions to manage its net exposure to interest rate changes and to reduce its overall cost of borrowing. The Company does not use leveraged swaps and, in general, does not leverage any of its investment activities that would put principal capital at risk.
In January 2021, five interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $1.15 billion matured. These swaps effectively converted the Company’s $1.15 billion, 3.875% fixed-rate notes due 2021 to variable rate debt. At December 31, 2021, the Company was a party to nine pay-floating, receive-fixed interest rate swap contracts designated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate notes in which the notional amounts match the amount of the hedged fixed-rate notes as detailed in the table below:
2021
Debt InstrumentPar Value of DebtNumber of Interest Rate Swaps HeldTotal Swap Notional Amount
2.40% notes due 2022
$1,000 $1,000 
2.35% notes due 2022 (1)
1,250 1,250 
(1) These interest rate swaps matured in February 2022.
The interest rate swap contracts are designated hedges of the fair value changes in the notes attributable to changes in the benchmark LIBOR swap rate. The fair value changes in the notes attributable to changes in the LIBOR swap rate are recorded in interest expense along with the offsetting fair value changes in the swap contracts. See Note 2 for a discussion of the pending discontinuation of LIBOR as part of reference rate reform. The cash flows from these contracts are reported as operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
The table below presents the location of amounts recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges as of December 31:
Carrying Amount of Hedged LiabilitiesCumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Increase (Decrease) Included in the Carrying Amount
2021202020212020
Balance Sheet Line Item in which Hedged Item is Included
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt$2,263 $1,150 $13 $— 
Long-Term Debt 2,301  53 
Presented in the table below is the fair value of derivatives on a gross basis segregated between those derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments and those that are not designated as hedging instruments as of December 31:
  20212020
  Fair Value of
Derivative
U.S. Dollar
Notional
Fair Value of
Derivative
U.S. Dollar
Notional
 Balance Sheet CaptionAssetLiabilityAssetLiability
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
       
Interest rate swap contractsOther current assets$14 $ $2,250 $$— $1,150 
Interest rate swap contractsOther Assets   54 — 2,250 
Foreign exchange contractsOther current assets271  6,778 12 — 3,183 
Foreign exchange contractsOther Assets43  1,551 45 — 2,030 
Foreign exchange contractsAccrued and other current liabilities 24 1,623 — 217 5,049 
Foreign exchange contractsOther Noncurrent Liabilities 1 43 — 52 
  $328 $25 $12,245 $112 $218 $13,714 
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
       
Foreign exchange contractsOther current assets$221 $ $10,073 $70 $— $7,260 
Foreign exchange contractsAccrued and other current liabilities 96 10,640 — 307 11,810 
  $221 $96 $20,713 $70 $307 $19,070 
  $549 $121 $32,958 $182 $525 $32,784 
As noted above, the Company records its derivatives on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company has master netting agreements with several of its financial institution counterparties (see Concentrations of Credit Risk below). The following table provides information on the Company’s derivative positions subject to these master netting arrangements as if they were presented on a net basis, allowing for the right of offset by counterparty and cash collateral exchanged per the master agreements and related credit support annexes at December 31:
20212020
AssetLiabilityAssetLiability
Gross amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet$549 $121 $182 $525 
Gross amounts subject to offset in master netting arrangements not offset in the consolidated balance sheet
(110)(110)(156)(156)
Cash collateral posted/received(164) — (36)
Net amounts$275 $11 $26 $333 
The table below provides information regarding the location and amount of pretax (gains) losses of derivatives designated in fair value or cash flow hedging relationships:
Sales
Other (income) expense, net (1)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Years Ended December 31202120202019202120202019202120202019
Financial Statement Line Items in which Effects of Fair Value or Cash Flow Hedges are Recorded$48,704 $41,518 $39,121 $(1,341)(890)129 $1,756 $(441)$(648)
(Gain) loss on fair value hedging relationships
Interest rate swap contracts
Hedged items
 — — (40)40 95  — — 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 — — 1 (76)(65) — — 
Impact of cash flow hedging relationships
Foreign exchange contracts
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives
 — —  — — 333 (383)87 
(Decrease) increase in Sales as a result of AOCL reclassifications
(194)(6)255  — — 194 (255)
Interest rate contracts
Amount of gain recognized in Other (income) expense, net on derivatives
 — — (2)(4)(4) — — 
Amount of loss recognized in OCI on derivatives
 — —  — — (2)(4)(6)
(1) Interest expense is a component of Other (income) expense, net.
The table below provides information regarding the income statement effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Amount of Derivative Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging InstrumentsIncome Statement Caption
Foreign exchange contracts (1)
Other (income) expense, net$313 $(12)$174 
Foreign exchange contracts (2)
Sales9 13 
Interest rate contracts (3)
Other (income) expense, net — 
Forward contract related to Seagen common stockResearch and development expenses 15 — 
(1) These derivative contracts primarily mitigate changes in the value of remeasured foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Amount in 2021 includes a loss on forward exchange contracts entered into in conjunction with the spin-off of Organon.
(2) These derivatives serve as economic hedges of forecasted transactions.
(3) These derivatives serve as economic hedges against rising treasury rates.
At December 31, 2021, the Company estimates $170 million of pretax net unrealized gains on derivatives maturing within the next 12 months that hedge foreign currency denominated sales over that same period will be reclassified from AOCL to Sales. The amount ultimately reclassified to Sales may differ as foreign exchange rates change. Realized gains and losses are ultimately determined by actual exchange rates at maturity.
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities
Information on investments in debt and equity securities at December 31 is as follows:
 
 20212020
 Amortized
Cost
Gross UnrealizedFair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Gross UnrealizedFair
Value
  
GainsLossesGainsLosses
U.S. government and agency securities$80 $ $ $80 $84 $— $— $84 
Foreign government bonds2   2 — — 
Corporate notes and bonds4   4 — — — — 
Total debt securities86   86 89 — — 89 
Publicly traded equity securities (1)
1,647 1,787 
Total debt and publicly traded equity securities
$1,733 $1,876 
(1) Unrealized net losses recorded in Other (income) expense, net on equity securities still held at December 31, 2021 were $232 million during 2021. Unrealized net gains recorded in Other (income) expense, net on equity securities still held at December 31, 2020 were $163 million during 2020.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company also had $596 million and $586 million, respectively, of equity investments without readily determinable fair values included in Other Assets. The Company records unrealized gains on these equity investments based on favorable observable price changes from transactions involving similar investments of the same investee and records unrealized losses based on unfavorable observable price changes, which are included in Other (income) expense, net. During 2021, the Company recorded unrealized gains of $110 million and unrealized losses of $1 million related to certain of these equity investments still held at December 31, 2021. During 2020, the Company recorded unrealized gains of $62 million and unrealized losses of $3 million related to certain of these investments still held at December 31, 2020. Cumulative unrealized gains and cumulative unrealized losses based on observable price changes for investments in equity investments without readily determinable fair values still held at December 31, 2021 were $234 million and $7 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company also had $1.7 billion and $800 million, respectively, recorded in Other Assets for equity securities held through ownership interests in investment funds. (Gains) losses recorded in Other (income) expense, net relating to these investment funds were $(1.4) billion, $(583) million and $113 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Company uses a fair value hierarchy which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs used to measure fair value with Level 1 having the highest priority and Level 3 having the lowest:
Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. Level 3 assets or liabilities are those whose values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques with significant unobservable inputs, as well as assets or liabilities for which the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation.
If the inputs used to measure the financial assets and liabilities fall within more than one level described above, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31 are summarized below:
 Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
  Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
  20212020
Assets
Investments
Foreign government bonds$ $2 $ $2 $— $$— $
Publicly traded equity securities
368   368 780 — — 780 
 368 2  370 780 — 785 
Other assets (1)
U.S. government and agency securities
80   80 84 — — 84 
Corporate notes and bonds4   4 — — — — 
Publicly traded equity securities
1,279   1,279 1,007 — — 1,007 
1,363   1,363 1,091 — — 1,091 
Derivative assets (2)
Forward exchange contracts 351  351 — 90 — 90 
Purchased currency options 184  184 — 37 — 37 
Interest rate swaps 14  14 — 55 — 55 
  549  549 — 182 — 182 
Total assets$1,731 $551 $ $2,282 $1,871 $187 $— $2,058 
Liabilities
Other liabilities
Contingent consideration$ $ $777 $777 $— $— $841 $841 
Derivative liabilities (2)
Forward exchange contracts 120  120 — 505 — 505 
Written currency options 1  1 — 20 — 20 
 121  121 — 525 — 525 
Total liabilities$ $121 $777 $898 $— $525 $841 $1,366 
(1)     Investments included in other assets are restricted as to use, including for the payment of benefits under employee benefit plans.
(2)     The fair value determination of derivatives includes the impact of the credit risk of counterparties to the derivatives and the Company’s own credit risk, the effects of which were not significant.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, Cash and cash equivalents include cash equivalents of $6.8 billion (which would be considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy).
Contingent Consideration
Summarized information about the changes in the fair value of liabilities for contingent consideration associated with business combinations is as follows:
20212020
Fair value January 1$841 $767 
Additions 97 
Changes in estimated fair value (1)
57 83 
Payments(109)(106)
Other(12)— 
Fair value December 31 (2)(3)
$777 $841 
(1) Recorded in Cost of sales, Research and development expenses, and Other (income) expense, net. Includes cumulative translation adjustments.
(2) Balance at December 31, 2021 includes $151 million recorded as a current liability for amounts expected to be paid within the next 12 months.
(3) At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $620 million and $711 million, respectively, of the liabilities relate to the termination of the Sanofi Pasteur MSD joint venture in 2016. As part of the termination, Merck recorded a liability for contingent future royalty payments of 11.5% on net sales of all Merck products that were previously sold by the joint venture through December 31, 2024. The fair value of this liability is determined utilizing the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows using a risk-adjusted discount rate of 8% to present value the cash flows.
The additions to contingent consideration in 2020 relate to the acquisition of Themis (see Note 4). The payments of contingent consideration in both years relate to the Sanofi Pasteur MSD liabilities described above.

Other Fair Value Measurements
Some of the Company’s financial instruments, such as cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables, are reflected in the balance sheet at carrying value, which approximates fair value due to their short-term nature.
The estimated fair value of loans payable and long-term debt (including current portion) at December 31, 2021, was $35.7 billion compared with a carrying value of $33.1 billion and at December 31, 2020, was $36.0 billion compared with a carrying value of $31.8 billion. Fair value was estimated using recent observable market prices and would be considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Concentrations of Credit Risk
On an ongoing basis, the Company monitors concentrations of credit risk associated with corporate and government issuers of securities and financial institutions with which it conducts business. Credit exposure limits are established to limit a concentration with any single issuer or institution. Cash and investments are placed in instruments that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in the Company’s investment policy guidelines.
The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable arise from product sales in the U.S., Europe and China and are primarily due from drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies, managed health care providers and pharmacy benefit managers. The Company monitors the financial performance and creditworthiness of its customers so that it can properly assess and respond to changes in their credit profile. The Company also continues to monitor global economic conditions, including the volatility associated with international sovereign economies, and associated impacts on the financial markets and its business. 
The Company’s customers with the largest accounts receivable balances are: McKesson Corporation, AmerisourceBergen Corporation and Cardinal Health, Inc., which represented approximately 20%, 15% and 10%, respectively, of total accounts receivable at December 31, 2021. The Company monitors the creditworthiness of its customers to which it grants credit terms in the normal course of business. Bad debts have been minimal. The Company does not normally require collateral or other security to support credit sales.
The Company has accounts receivable factoring agreements with financial institutions in certain countries to sell accounts receivable. The Company factored $2.8 billion and $2.1 billion of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, under these factoring arrangements, which reduced outstanding accounts receivable. The cash received from the financial institutions is reported within operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In certain of these factoring arrangements, for ease of administration, the Company will collect customer payments related to the factored receivables, which it then remits to the financial institutions. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had collected $62 million and $102 million,
respectively, on behalf of the financial institutions, which is reflected as restricted cash in Other current assets and the related obligation to remit the cash within Accrued and other current liabilities. The Company remitted the cash to the financial institutions in January 2022 and 2021, respectively. The net cash flows relating to these collections are reported as financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The cost of factoring such accounts receivable was de minimis.Derivative financial instruments are executed under International Swaps and Derivatives Association master agreements. The master agreements with several of the Company’s financial institution counterparties also include credit support annexes. These annexes contain provisions that require collateral to be exchanged depending on the value of the derivative assets and liabilities, the Company’s credit rating, and the credit rating of the counterparty. Cash collateral received by the Company from various counterparties was $164 million at December 31, 2021. The obligation to return such collateral is recorded in Accrued and other current liabilities. Cash collateral advanced by the Company to counterparties was $36 million at December 31, 2020.
v3.22.0.1
Inventories
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories Inventories
Inventories at December 31 consisted of:
20212020
Finished goods$1,747 $1,610 
Raw materials and work in process6,220 5,949 
Supplies196 146 
Total (approximates current cost)8,163 7,705 
Decrease to LIFO cost(16)(81)
 $8,147 $7,624 
Recognized as:
Inventories$5,953 $5,554 
Other assets2,194 2,070 
Inventories valued under the LIFO method comprised approximately $3.3 billion and $2.8 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amounts recognized as Other assets are comprised almost entirely of raw materials and work in process inventories. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, these amounts included $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, of inventories not expected to be sold within one year. In addition, these amounts included $256 million and $279 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, of inventories produced in preparation for product launches.
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill and Other Intangibles
The following table summarizes goodwill activity by segment:
 
PharmaceuticalAnimal HealthAll OtherTotal
Balance January 1, 2020
$14,825 $3,192 $52 $18,069 
Acquisitions742 105 — 847 
Divestitures— — (54)(54)
Other (1)
47 (29)20 
Balance December 31, 2020 (2)
15,614 3,268 — 18,882 
Acquisitions2,431 5  2,436 
Other (1)
(48)(6) (54)
Balance December 31, 2021 (2)
$17,997 $3,267 $ $21,264 
(1) Includes cumulative translation adjustments on goodwill balances.
(2) Accumulated goodwill impairment losses were $531 million at both December 31, 2021 and 2020.
The additions to goodwill in the Pharmaceutical segment in 2021 were primarily related to the acquisition of Acceleron. The additions to goodwill in the Pharmaceutical segment in 2020 were primarily related to the acquisitions of ArQule and Themis. See Note 4 for more information on these acquisitions.
Other acquired intangibles at December 31 consisted of:
 20212020
  
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
NetGross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Products and product rights$23,671 $15,776 $7,895 $20,928 $16,138 $4,790 
IPR&D9,281  9,281 3,228 — 3,228 
Trade names2,882 493 2,389 2,882 352 2,530 
Licenses and other6,604 3,236 3,368 6,199 2,646 3,553 
 $42,438 $19,505 $22,933 $33,237 $19,136 $14,101 
Acquired intangibles include products and product rights, IPR&D, trade names and patents, licenses and other, which are initially recorded at fair value, assigned an estimated useful life, and amortized primarily on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Some of the more significant acquired intangibles, on a net basis, related to human health marketed products (included in products and product rights above) at December 31, 2021 include Reblozyl, $3.8 billion; Zerbaxa, $478 million; Gardasil/Gardasil 9, $191 million; Bridion, $145 million; Dificid, $145 million; Sivextro, $138 million; and Simponi, $101 million. Additionally, the Company had $5.0 billion of net acquired intangibles related to animal health marketed products at December 31, 2021, of which $2.3 billion relate primarily to trade names obtained through the 2019 acquisition of Antelliq (see Note 4). At December 31, 2021, IPR&D primarily relates to MK-7962 (sotatercept), $6.4 billion, obtained through the acquisition of Acceleron in 2021 (see Note 4); MK-1026 (nemtabrutinib), $2.0 billion, obtained through the acquisition of ArQule in 2020 (see below and Note 4); and MK-7264 (gefapixant) $832 million, obtained through the acquisition of Afferent Pharmaceuticals in 2016. Some of the more significant net intangible assets included in licenses and other above at December 31, 2021 include Lynparza, $1.1 billion, related to a collaboration with AstraZeneca; Lenvima, $1.0 billion, related to a collaboration with Eisai; Adempas, $806 million related to a collaboration with Bayer; and Verquvo, $68 million, also related to a collaboration with Bayer. See Note 5 for additional information related to the intangible assets associated with these collaborations.
In 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $1.6 billion within Cost of sales related to Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) for injection, a combination antibacterial and beta-lactamase inhibitor for the treatment of certain bacterial infections. In December 2020, the Company temporarily suspended sales of Zerbaxa, and subsequently issued a product recall, following the identification of product sterility issues. The recall constituted a triggering event requiring the evaluation of the Zerbaxa intangible asset for impairment. The Company revised its cash flow forecasts for Zerbaxa utilizing certain assumptions around the return to market timeline and anticipated uptake in sales thereafter. These revised cash flow forecasts indicated that the Zerbaxa intangible asset value was not fully recoverable on an undiscounted cash flows basis. The Company utilized market participant assumptions to determine its best estimate of the fair value of the intangible asset related to Zerbaxa that, when compared with its related carrying value, resulted in the impairment charge noted above. The Company also wrote-off inventory of $120 million to Cost of sales in 2020 related to the Zerbaxa recall. A phased resupply of Zerbaxa was initiated in the fourth quarter of 2021.
In 2019, the Company recorded impairment charges related to marketed products and other intangibles of $705 million. Of this amount, $612 million related to Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate), a product for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by designated susceptible Gram-positive organisms. As part of a reorganization and reprioritization of its internal sales force, the Company made the decision to cease promotion of Sivextro in the U.S. market by the end of 2019. This decision resulted in reduced cash flow projections for Sivextro, which indicated that the Sivextro intangible asset value was not fully recoverable on an undiscounted cash flows basis. The Company utilized market participant assumptions to determine its best estimate of the fair value of the intangible asset related to Sivextro that, when compared with its related carrying value, resulted in the impairment charge noted above.
IPR&D that the Company acquires through business combinations represents the fair value assigned to incomplete research projects which, at the time of acquisition, have not reached technological feasibility. Amounts capitalized as IPR&D are accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets, subject to impairment testing until
completion or abandonment of the projects. Upon successful completion of each IPR&D project, the Company will make a separate determination as to the then-useful life of the asset and begin amortization.
In 2021, the Company recorded a $275 million IPR&D impairment charge within Research and development expenses related to nemtabrutinib (MK-1026), a novel, oral BTK inhibitor currently being evaluated for the treatment of B-cell malignancies, obtained in connection with the acquisition of ArQule (see Note 4). As part of Merck’s annual impairment assessment of IPR&D intangible assets, the Company estimated the current fair value of nemtabrutinib utilizing projected future cash flows. The market participant assumptions used to derive the forecasted cash flows were updated to reflect the current competitive landscape for nemtabrutinib, including increased expected development costs for additional clinical trial data needed to develop nemtabrutinib, as well as a delay in the anticipated launch date for nemtabrutinib, which collectively reduced the projected future cash flows and estimated fair value. Additionally, the discount rate utilized to determine the current fair value of the asset was reduced to 8.5% to reflect the current risk profile of the asset. The revised estimated fair value of nemtabrutinib when compared with its related carrying value resulted in the IPR&D impairment charge noted above. The remaining IPR&D intangible asset related to nemtabrutinib is $2.0 billion. If the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of nemtabrutinib prove to be incorrect and the development of nemtabrutinib does not progress as anticipated thereby adversely affecting projected future cash flows, the Company may record an additional impairment charge in the future and such charge could be material.
In 2020, the Company recorded a $90 million IPR&D impairment charge related to a decision to discontinue the development program for COVID-19 vaccine candidate V591 following Merck’s review of findings from a Phase 1 clinical study for the vaccine. In the study, V591 was generally well tolerated, but the immune responses were inferior to those seen following natural infection and those reported for other SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccines. The discontinuation of this development program also resulted in a reversal of the related liability for contingent consideration of $45 million.
In 2019, the Company recorded $172 million of IPR&D impairment charges. Of this amount, $155 million relates to the write-off of the intangible asset balance for programs obtained in connection with the acquisition of IOmet Pharma Ltd following a review of clinical trial results conducted by Merck, along with external clinical trial results for similar compounds. The discontinuation of this clinical development program also resulted in a reversal of the related liability for contingent consideration of $11 million.
The IPR&D projects that remain in development are subject to the inherent risks and uncertainties in drug development and it is possible that the Company will not be able to successfully develop and complete the IPR&D programs and profitably commercialize the underlying product candidates.
The Company may recognize additional non-cash impairment charges in the future related to other marketed products or pipeline programs and such charges could be material.
Aggregate amortization expense primarily recorded within Cost of sales was $1.6 billion in 2021, $1.8 billion in 2020 and $1.7 billion in 2019. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows: 2022, $1.7 billion; 2023, $1.6 billion; 2024, $1.6 billion; 2025, $1.4 billion; 2026, $1.4 billion.
v3.22.0.1
Loans Payable, Long-Term Debt and Leases
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Loans Payable, Long-Term Debt and Leases Loans Payable, Long-Term Debt and Leases
Loans Payable
Loans payable at December 31, 2021 included $2.3 billion of notes due in 2022 and $149 million of long-dated notes that are subject to repayment at the option of the holders. Loans payable at December 31, 2020 included $2.3 billion of notes due in 2021, $4.0 billion of commercial paper borrowings and $73 million of long-dated notes that are subject to repayment at the option of the holders. The weighted-average interest rate of commercial paper borrowings was 0.08% and 0.79% for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt at December 31 consisted of:
20212020
2.75% notes due 2025
$2,495 $2,493 
2.15% notes due 2031
1,986 — 
2.75% notes due 2051
1,979 — 
3.70% notes due 2045
1,977 1,976 
2.80% notes due 2023
1,749 1,748 
3.40% notes due 2029
1,736 1,734 
1.70% notes due 2027
1,493 — 
2.90% notes due 2061
1,484 — 
4.00% notes due 2049
1,470 1,469 
4.15% notes due 2043
1,239 1,238 
1.45% notes due 2030
1,235 1,233 
2.45% notes due 2050
1,212 1,211 
1.875% euro-denominated notes due 2026
1,123 1,218 
1.90% notes due 2028
994 — 
0.75% notes due 2026
993 991 
3.90% notes due 2039
984 983 
2.35% notes due 2040
983 982 
2.90% notes due 2024
748 746 
6.50% notes due 2033
715 719 
0.50% euro-denominated notes due 2024
563 611 
1.375% euro-denominated notes due 2036
559 606 
2.50% euro-denominated notes due 2034
558 605 
3.60% notes due 2042
491 491 
6.55% notes due 2037
409 411 
5.75% notes due 2036
338 338 
5.95% debentures due 2028
306 306 
5.85% notes due 2039
271 271 
6.40% debentures due 2028
250 250 
6.30% debentures due 2026
135 135 
2.35% notes due 2022
 1,269 
2.40% notes due 2022
 1,032 
Other215 294 
 $30,690 $25,360 
Other (as presented in the table above) includes borrowings at variable rates that resulted in effective interest rates of zero and 0.45% for 2021 and 2020, respectively.
With the exception of the 6.30% debentures due 2026, the notes listed in the table above are redeemable in whole or in part, at Merck’s option at any time, at varying redemption prices.
In December 2021, the Company issued $8.0 billion principal amount of senior unsecured notes consisting of $1.5 billion of 1.70% notes due 2027, $1.0 billion of 1.90% notes due 2028, $2.0 billion of 2.15% notes due 2031, $2.0 billion of 2.75% notes due 2051 and $1.5 billion of 2.90% notes due 2061. Merck used the net proceeds from the offering of the 2027 notes, the 2031 notes, the 2051 notes and the 2061 notes for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of outstanding commercial paper borrowings (including commercial paper borrowings in connection with Merck’s acquisition of Acceleron), and other indebtedness. Merck allocated an amount equal to the net proceeds of the offering of the notes due in 2028 to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, projects and partnerships in the Company’s priority environmental, social and governance (ESG) areas.
Effective as of November 3, 2009, the Company executed a full and unconditional guarantee of the then existing debt of its subsidiary Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (MSD) and MSD executed a full and unconditional guarantee of the then existing debt of the Company (excluding commercial paper), including for payments of principal and interest. These guarantees do not extend to debt issued subsequent to that date.
Certain of the Company’s borrowings require that Merck comply with covenants and, at December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the next five years are as follows: 2022, $2.3 billion; 2023, $1.7 billion; 2024, $1.3 billion; 2025, $2.5 billion; 2026, $2.3 billion. Interest payments related to these debt obligations are as follows: 2022, $910 million; 2023, $875 million; 2024, $838 million; 2025, $771 million; 2026, $743 million.
The Company has a $6.0 billion credit facility that matures in June 2026. The facility provides backup liquidity for the Company’s commercial paper borrowing facility and is to be used for general corporate purposes. The Company has not drawn funding from this facility.

Leases
The Company has operating leases primarily for manufacturing facilities, research and development facilities, corporate offices, employee housing, vehicles and certain equipment. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. When evaluating contracts for embedded leases, the Company exercises judgment to determine if there is an explicit or implicit identified asset in the contract and if Merck controls the use of that asset. Embedded leases, primarily associated with contract manufacturing organizations, are immaterial. The lease term includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that Merck will exercise that option. Real estate leases for facilities have an average remaining lease term of seven years, which include options to extend the leases for up to four years where applicable. Vehicle leases are generally in effect for four years. The Company does not record short-term leases (leases with an initial term of 12 months or less) on the balance sheet; however, Merck currently has no short-term leases.
Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Since the Company’s leases do not have a readily determinable implicit discount rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to calculate the present value of lease payments by asset class. On a quarterly basis, an updated incremental borrowing rate is determined based on the average remaining lease term of each asset class and the Company’s pretax cost of debt for that same term. The updated rates for each asset class are applied prospectively to new leases. The Company does not separate lease components (e.g. payments for rent, real estate taxes and insurance costs) from non-lease components (e.g. common-area maintenance costs) in the event that the agreement contains both. Merck includes both the lease and non-lease components for purposes of calculating the right-of-use asset and related lease liability (if the non-lease components are fixed). For vehicle leases and employee housing, the Company applies a portfolio approach to account for the operating lease assets and liabilities.
Certain of the Company’s lease agreements contain variable lease payments that are adjusted periodically for inflation or for actual operating expense true-ups compared with estimated amounts; however, these amounts are immaterial. Sublease income and activity related to sale and leaseback transactions are immaterial. Merck’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
Operating lease cost was $343 million in 2021, $340 million in 2020 and $333 million in 2019. Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was $340 million in 2021, $334 million in 2020 and $275 million in 2019. Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations were $117 million in 2021, $473 million in 2020 and $125 million in 2019.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases is as follows:
December 3120212020
Assets
Other Assets (1)
$1,586 $1,688 
Liabilities
Accrued and other current liabilities304 291 
Other Noncurrent Liabilities1,225 1,335 
$1,529 $1,626 
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)7.08.0
Weighted-average discount rate2.6 %2.8 %
(1) Includes prepaid leases that have no related lease liability.
Maturities of operating leases liabilities are as follows:
2022$336 
2023292 
2024242 
2025178 
2026146 
Thereafter511 
Total lease payments1,705 
Less: Imputed interest176 
$1,529 
At December 31, 2021, the Company had entered into additional real estate operating leases that had not yet commenced; the obligations associated with these leases total $86 million.
v3.22.0.1
Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities
The Company is involved in various claims and legal proceedings of a nature considered normal to its business, including product liability, intellectual property, and commercial litigation, as well as certain additional matters including governmental and environmental matters. In the opinion of the Company, it is unlikely that the resolution of these matters will be material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Given the nature of the litigation discussed below and the complexities involved in these matters, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate a possible loss or range of possible loss for such matters until the Company knows, among other factors, (i) what claims, if any, will survive dispositive motion practice, (ii) the extent of the claims, including the size of any potential class, particularly when damages are not specified or are indeterminate, (iii) how the discovery process will affect the litigation, (iv) the settlement posture of the other parties to the litigation and (v) any other factors that may have a material effect on the litigation.
The Company records accruals for contingencies when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessments change or additional information becomes available. For product liability claims, a portion of the overall accrual is actuarially determined and considers such factors as past experience, number of claims reported and estimates of claims incurred but not yet reported. Individually significant contingent losses are accrued when probable and reasonably estimable. Legal defense costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency are accrued when probable and reasonably estimable.
The Company’s decision to obtain insurance coverage is dependent on market conditions, including cost and availability, existing at the time such decisions are made. The Company has evaluated its risks and has determined that the cost of obtaining product liability insurance outweighs the likely benefits of the coverage that is available and, as such, has no insurance for most product liabilities.
Product Liability Litigation
Fosamax
As previously disclosed, Merck is a defendant in product liability lawsuits in the U.S. involving Fosamax (Fosamax Litigation). As of December 31, 2021, approximately 3,470 cases are pending against Merck in either a federal multidistrict litigation (Femur Fracture MDL) or state court. Plaintiffs in the vast majority of these cases generally allege that they sustained femur fractures and/or other bone injuries (Femur Fractures) in association with the use of Fosamax.
In March 2014, the Femur Fracture MDL court dismissed with prejudice approximately 650 cases on preemption grounds. Plaintiffs in approximately 515 of those cases appealed that decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (Third Circuit). In March 2017, the Third Circuit issued a decision reversing the Femur Fracture MDL court’s preemption ruling and remanding the appealed cases back to the Femur Fracture MDL court. In May 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that the Third Circuit had incorrectly concluded that the issue of preemption should be resolved by a jury, and accordingly vacated the judgment of the Third Circuit and remanded the proceedings back to the Third Circuit to address the issue in a manner consistent with the Supreme Court’s opinion. In November 2019, the Third Circuit remanded the cases back to the District Court in order to allow that court to determine in the first instance whether the plaintiffs’ state law claims are preempted by federal law under the standards described by the Supreme Court in its opinion. Briefing on the issue is closed, and the parties await the decision of the District Court.
Discovery is presently stayed in the Femur Fracture MDL. As part of the spin-off of Organon, Organon is required to indemnify Merck for all liabilities relating to, arising from, or resulting from the Fosamax Litigation.

Januvia/Janumet
As previously disclosed, Merck is a defendant in product liability lawsuits in the U.S. involving Januvia and/or Janumet. As of December 31, 2021, Merck is aware of approximately 675 product users alleging that Januvia and/or Janumet caused the development of pancreatic cancer and other injuries.
Most claims have been filed in multidistrict litigation before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California (MDL). On March 9, 2021, the MDL Court issued an omnibus order granting defendants’ summary judgment motions based on preemption and failure to establish general causation, as well as granting defendants’ motions to exclude plaintiffs’ expert witnesses. The plaintiffs appealed that order. Since that time, more than half of these claims have been dismissed with prejudice as to Merck, and on October 5, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed the appeal as to Merck and two of its codefendants.
Outside of the MDL, the majority of claims have been filed in coordinated proceedings before the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (California State Court). On April 6, 2021, the court in California issued an omnibus order granting defendants’ summary judgment motions and also granting defendants’ motions to exclude plaintiffs’ expert witnesses.
As of December 31, 2021, six product users have claims pending against Merck in state courts other than California, including Illinois. In June 2017, the Illinois trial court denied Merck’s motion for summary judgment based on federal preemption. Merck appealed, and the Illinois appellate court affirmed in December 2018. Merck filed a petition for leave to appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court in February 2019. In April 2019, the Illinois Supreme Court stayed consideration of the pending petition to appeal until the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. v. Albrecht (relating to the Fosamax matter discussed above). Merck filed the opinion in Albrecht with the Illinois Supreme Court in June 2019. The petition for leave to appeal was decided in September 2019, in which the Illinois Supreme Court directed the intermediate appellate court to reconsider its earlier ruling. The Illinois Appellate Court issued a favorable decision concluding, consistent with Albrecht, that preemption presents a legal question to be resolved by the court. In May 2020, the Illinois Appellate Court issued a mandate to the state trial court, which, as of December 31, 2021, had not scheduled a case management conference or otherwise taken action.
In addition to the claims noted above, the Company has agreed to toll the statute of limitations for approximately 50 additional claims. The Company intends to continue defending against any remaining lawsuits.
Governmental Proceedings
As previously disclosed, in the fall of 2018, the Company received a records subpoena from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont (VT USAO) pursuant to Section 248 of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) relating to an investigation of potential health care offenses. The subpoena sought information relating to any actual or potential business relationship or arrangement Merck has had with Practice Fusion, Inc. (PFI), a cloud-based, electronic health records (EHR) company that was acquired by Allscripts in January 2018. The Company cooperated with the government and responded to that subpoena. Subsequently, in May 2019, Merck received a second records subpoena from the VT USAO that broadened the government’s information request by seeking information relating to Merck’s relationship with any EHR company. Shortly thereafter, the VT USAO served a Civil Investigation Demand (CID) upon Merck similarly seeking information on the Company’s relationships with EHR vendors. The CID explains that the government is conducting a False Claims Act investigation concerning whether Merck and/or PFI submitted claims to federal health care programs that violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Merck is cooperating with the government’s investigation.
As previously disclosed, in April 2019, Merck received a set of investigative interrogatories from the California Attorney General’s Office pursuant to its investigation of conduct and agreements that allegedly affected or delayed competition to Lantus in the insulin market. The interrogatories seek information concerning Merck’s development of an insulin glargine product, and its subsequent termination, as well as Merck’s patent litigation against Sanofi S.A. concerning Lantus and the resolution of that litigation. Merck is cooperating with the California Attorney General’s investigation.
As previously disclosed, in June 2020, Merck received a CID from the U.S. Department of Justice. The CID requests answers to interrogatories, as well as various documents, regarding temperature excursions at a third-party storage facility containing certain Merck products. Merck is cooperating with the government’s investigation and intends to produce information and/or documents as necessary in response to the CID.
As previously disclosed, the Company’s subsidiaries in China have received and may continue to receive inquiries regarding their operations from various Chinese governmental agencies. Some of these inquiries may be related to matters involving other multinational pharmaceutical companies, as well as Chinese entities doing business with such companies. The Company’s policy is to cooperate with these authorities and to provide responses as appropriate.
As previously disclosed, from time to time, the Company receives inquiries and is the subject of preliminary investigation activities from competition and other governmental authorities in markets outside the U.S. These authorities may include regulators, administrative authorities, and law enforcement and other similar officials, and these preliminary investigation activities may include site visits, formal or informal requests or demands for documents or materials, inquiries or interviews and similar matters. Certain of these preliminary inquiries or activities may lead to the commencement of formal proceedings. Should those proceedings be determined adversely to the Company, monetary fines and/or remedial undertakings may be required.

Commercial and Other Litigation
Zetia Antitrust Litigation
As previously disclosed, Merck, MSD, Schering Corporation, Schering-Plough Corporation, and MSP Singapore Company LLC (collectively, the Merck Defendants) are defendants in putative class action and opt-out lawsuits filed in 2018 on behalf of direct and indirect purchasers of Zetia alleging violations of federal and state antitrust laws, as well as other state statutory and common law causes of action. The cases have been consolidated for pretrial purposes in a federal multidistrict litigation before Judge Rebecca Beach Smith in the Eastern District of Virginia. In December 2018, the court denied the Merck Defendants’ motions to dismiss or stay the direct purchaser putative class actions pending bilateral arbitration. In August 2019, the district court adopted in full the report and recommendation of the magistrate judge with respect to the Merck Defendants’ motions to dismiss on non-arbitration issues, thereby granting in part and denying in part Merck Defendants’ motions to dismiss. In addition, in June 2019, the representatives of the putative direct purchaser class filed an amended complaint, and in August 2019, retailer opt-out plaintiffs filed an amended complaint. In December 2019, the district court granted the Merck Defendants’ motion to dismiss to the extent the motion sought dismissal of claims for overcharges paid by entities
that purchased generic ezetimibe from Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Par Pharmaceutical) and dismissed any claims for such overcharges.
In November 2019, the direct purchaser plaintiffs and the indirect purchaser plaintiffs filed motions for class certification. In August 2020, the district court granted in part the direct purchasers’ motion for class certification and certified a class of 35 direct purchasers. In August 2020, the Fourth Circuit vacated the district court’s class certification order and remanded for further proceedings consistent with the court’s ruling. In September 2021, the direct purchaser plaintiffs filed a renewed motion for class certification. On January 25, 2022, the magistrate judge recommended that the district court deny the motion for class certification. On February 8, 2022, the direct purchaser plaintiffs filed objections to the recommendation. Briefing on these objections is ongoing.
In August 2020, the Merck Defendants filed a motion for summary judgment and other motions, and plaintiffs filed a motion for partial summary judgment, and other motions. Those motions are now fully briefed, and the court has heard argument on certain of the motions. The court may hold additional hearings on the other motions. Trial in this matter has been adjourned.
Also, in August 2020, the magistrate judge recommended that the court grant the motion for class certification filed by the putative indirect purchaser class. In August 2021, the district court granted certification of a class of indirect purchasers. In September 2021, the Merck Defendants petitioned to appeal the class certification decision to the Fourth Circuit. The Fourth Circuit denied that petition on September 30, 2021.
In September 2020, United Healthcare Services, Inc. filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota against the Merck Defendants and others (the UHC Action). The UHC Action makes similar allegations as those made in the Zetia class action, as well as allegations about Vytorin. In September 2020, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred the case to the Eastern District of Virginia to proceed with the multidistrict Zetia litigation already in progress.
In December 2020, Humana Inc. filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco, against Merck and others, alleging defendants violated state antitrust laws in multiple states. Also, in December 2020, Centene Corporation and others filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco, against the same defendants as Humana. Both lawsuits allege similar anticompetitive acts to those alleged in the Zetia class action. In July 2021, the California Court ruled on defendants’ Motion to Quash for lack of personal jurisdiction, granting the motion as to the out-of-state claims against defendants, and ordering limited jurisdictional discovery with regard to the California claims.
Also, on July 16, 2021, Humana and Centene filed actions against the Merck Defendants in New Jersey in the Bergen County Superior Court, re-asserting the claims that were dismissed in their California action. In September 2021, the parties reached an agreement that Humana and Centene would file their claims in New Jersey federal court, seek a transfer of those claims to the multidistrict Zetia litigation already in progress, and subsequently dismiss the actions previously filed in California and New Jersey state courts.
In June 2021, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. similarly filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco, against the same defendants as Humana and Centene. The Kaiser lawsuit alleges similar anticompetitive acts to those alleged in the Zetia class action. The Kaiser action was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on July 16, 2021. In September 2021, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation transferred the case to the Eastern District of Virginia to proceed with the multidistrict Zetia litigation already in progress.
As of December 2021, all of the insurer plaintiffs (Kaiser, Humana, and Centene) are part of the multidistrict Zetia litigation, and are proceeding with discovery in that action. On February 9, 2022, United Healthcare, Kaiser, and Humana each filed an amended complaint.
Rotavirus Vaccines Antitrust Litigation
As previously disclosed, MSD is a defendant in putative class action lawsuits filed in 2018 on behalf of direct purchasers of RotaTeq, alleging violations of federal antitrust laws. The cases were consolidated in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In January 2019, the court denied MSD’s motions to compel arbitration and to dismiss the consolidated complaint. In February 2019, MSD appealed the court’s order on arbitration to the Third Circuit. In October 2019, the Third Circuit vacated the district court’s order and remanded for limited discovery on the issue of
arbitrability. On July 6, 2020, MSD filed a renewed motion to compel arbitration, and plaintiffs filed a cross motion for summary judgment as to arbitrability. On November 20, 2020, the district court denied MSD’s motion and granted plaintiffs’ motion. On December 4, 2020, MSD filed a notice of appeal to the Third Circuit. MSD’s appeal is fully briefed, and the Third Circuit heard argument on September 24, 2021.
Bravecto Litigation
As previously disclosed, in January 2020, the Company was served with a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Following motion practice, the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint on July 1, 2021, seeking to certify a nationwide class action of purchasers or users of Bravecto (fluralaner) products in the U.S. or its territories between May 1, 2014 and July 1, 2021. Plaintiffs contend Bravecto causes neurological events in dogs and cats and alleges violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, Breach of Warranty, Product Liability, and related theories. The Company moved to dismiss or, alternatively, to strike the class allegations from the second amended complaint, and that motion is pending. A similar case was filed in Quebec, Canada in May 2019. The Superior Court certified a class of dog owners in Quebec who gave Bravecto Chew to their dogs between February 16, 2017 and November 2, 2018 whose dogs experienced one of the conditions in the post-marketing adverse reactions section of the labeling approved on November 2, 2018. The Company and plaintiffs each appealed the class certification decision. The Court of Appeal of Quebec heard the appeal on February 7, 2022 and took the matter under advisement.
Qui Tam Litigation
As previously disclosed, in June 2012, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania unsealed a complaint that had been filed against the Company under the federal False Claims Act by two former employees alleging, among other things, that the Company defrauded the U.S. government by falsifying data in connection with a clinical study conducted on the mumps component of the Company’s M-M-R II vaccine. The complaint alleges the fraud took place between 1999 and 2001. The U.S. government had the right to participate in and take over the prosecution of this lawsuit but notified the court that it declined to exercise that right. The two former employees are pursuing the lawsuit without the involvement of the U.S. government. In addition, as previously disclosed, two putative class action lawsuits on behalf of direct purchasers of the M‑M‑R II vaccine, which charge that the Company misrepresented the efficacy of the M-M-R II vaccine in violation of federal antitrust laws and various state consumer protection laws, are pending in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. In September 2014, the court denied Merck’s motion to dismiss the False Claims Act suit and granted in part and denied in part its motion to dismiss the then-pending antitrust suit. As a result, both the False Claims Act suit and the antitrust suits have proceeded into discovery, which is now complete, and the parties have filed and briefed cross-motions for summary judgment, which are currently pending before the court.
Merck KGaA Litigation
As previously disclosed, in January 2016, to protect its long-established brand rights in the U.S., the Company filed a lawsuit against Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (KGaA), historically operating as the EMD Group in the U.S., alleging it improperly uses the name “Merck” in the U.S. KGaA has filed suit against the Company in France, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico, India, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, SAR, PRC, and China alleging, among other things, unfair competition, trademark infringement and/or corporate name infringement. In the UK, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, SAR, PRC, and India, KGaA also alleges breach of the parties’ coexistence agreement. The litigation is ongoing in the U.S. with no trial date set, and also ongoing in numerous jurisdictions outside of the U.S.
Patent Litigation
From time to time, generic manufacturers of pharmaceutical products file abbreviated New Drug Applications (NDAs) with the FDA seeking to market generic forms of the Company’s products prior to the expiration of relevant patents owned by the Company. To protect its patent rights, the Company may file patent infringement lawsuits against such generic companies. Similar lawsuits defending the Company’s patent rights may exist in other countries. The Company intends to vigorously defend its patents, which it believes are valid, against infringement by companies attempting to market products prior to the expiration of such patents. As with any litigation, there can be no assurance of the outcomes, which, if adverse, could result in significantly shortened
periods of exclusivity for these products and, with respect to products acquired through acquisitions, potentially significant intangible asset impairment charges.
Bridion As previously disclosed, between January and November 2020, the Company received multiple Paragraph IV Certification Letters under the Hatch-Waxman Act notifying the Company that generic drug companies have filed applications to the FDA seeking pre-patent expiry approval to sell generic versions of Bridion (sugammadex) Injection. In March, April and December 2020, the Company filed patent infringement lawsuits in the U.S. District Courts for the District of New Jersey and the Northern District of West Virginia against those generic companies. All actions in the District of New Jersey have been consolidated. These lawsuits, which assert one or more patents covering sugammadex and methods of using sugammadex, automatically stay FDA approval of the generic applications until June 2023 or until adverse court decisions, if any, whichever may occur earlier.
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., Mylan API US LLC, and Mylan Inc. (Mylan) have filed motions to dismiss in the District of New Jersey for lack of venue and failure to state a claim against certain defendants, and in the Northern District of West Virginia for failure to state a claim against certain defendants. The New Jersey motion has not yet been decided, and the West Virginia action is stayed pending resolution of the New Jersey motion.
The Company has settled with four generic companies providing that these generic companies can bring their generic versions of Bridion to the market in January 2026 (which may be delayed by any applicable pediatric exclusivity) or earlier under certain circumstances. The Company has agreed to stay the lawsuit filed against one generic company, which in exchange agreed to be bound by a judgment on the merits of the consolidated action in the District of New Jersey. One of the generic companies in the consolidated action requested dismissal of the action against it and the Company did not oppose this request, which was subsequently granted by the court. The Company does not expect this company to bring its generic version of Bridion to the market before January 2026 or later, depending on any applicable pediatric exclusivity, unless the Company receives an adverse court decision.
Januvia, Janumet, Janumet XR — As previously disclosed, the FDA has granted pediatric exclusivity with respect to Januvia, Janumet, and Janumet XR, which provides a further six months of exclusivity in the U.S. beyond the expiration of all patents listed in the FDA’s Orange Book. Adding this exclusivity to the term of the key patent protection extends exclusivity on these products to January 2023. The Company currently anticipates that sales of Januvia and Janumet in the U.S. will decline significantly after this date. However, Januvia, Janumet, and Janumet XR contain sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate and the Company has another patent covering certain phosphate salt and polymorphic forms of sitagliptin (2027 salt/polymorph patent), which, if determined to be valid, would preclude generic manufacturers from making sitagliptin phosphate salt and polymorphic forms until 2027 with the expiration of that patent, plus pediatric exclusivity. In 2019, Par Pharmaceutical filed suit against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, seeking a declaratory judgment of invalidity of the 2027 salt/polymorph patent. In response, the Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Par Pharmaceutical and additional companies that also indicated an intent to market generic versions of Januvia, Janumet, and Janumet XR following expiration of key patent protection, but prior to the expiration of the 2027 salt/polymorph patent, and a later granted patent owned by the Company covering the Janumet formulation where its term plus the pediatric exclusivity, ends in 2029. The Company also filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Mylan in the Northern District of West Virginia. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation entered an order transferring the Company’s lawsuit against Mylan to the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware for coordinated and consolidated pretrial proceedings with the other cases pending in that district.
Prior to the beginning of the scheduled October 2021 trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware on invalidity issues, the Company settled with all defendants scheduled to participate in that trial. In the Company’s case against Mylan, a bench trial was held in December 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, with closing arguments scheduled for April 13, 2022.
In total, the Company has settled with 21 generic companies providing that these generic companies can bring their generic versions of Januvia and Janumet to the market in May 2026 or earlier under certain circumstances, and their generic versions of Janumet XR to the market in July 2026 or earlier under certain circumstances.
Additionally, in 2019, Mylan filed a petition for Inter Partes Review (IPR) at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) seeking invalidity of some, but not all, of the claims of the 2027 salt/polymorph patent. The USPTO instituted IPR proceedings in May 2020, finding a reasonable likelihood that the challenged claims are not valid. A trial was held in February 2021 and a final decision was rendered in May 2021, holding that all of the challenged claims were not invalid. Mylan has appealed the USPTO’s decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
In March 2021, the Company filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Zydus Worldwide DMCC, Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc., and Cadila Healthcare Ltd. (collectively, Zydus). In that lawsuit, the Company alleged infringement of the 2027 salt/polymorph patent based on the filing of Zydus’s application seeking approval of its sitagliptin tablets. The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware has set a three-day bench trial in this matter beginning on October 31, 2022.
In Germany, generic companies have sought the revocation of the Supplementary Protection Certificate (SPC) for Janumet. If the generic companies are successful, Janumet could lose market exclusivity in Germany at the same time as the expiry of Januvia pediatric market exclusivity in September 2022. A hearing was held in June 2021 and the court decided that the SPC for Janumet is invalid, which decision the Company has appealed. Challenges to the Janumet SPC have also occurred in the following European countries: Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Sweden.
Other Litigation
There are various other pending legal proceedings involving the Company, principally product liability and intellectual property lawsuits. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of such proceedings, in the opinion of the Company, either the likelihood of loss is remote or any reasonably possible loss associated with the resolution of such proceedings is not expected to be material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows either individually or in the aggregate.
Legal Defense Reserves
Legal defense costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency are accrued when probable and reasonably estimable. Some of the significant factors considered in the review of these legal defense reserves are as follows: the actual costs incurred by the Company; the development of the Company’s legal defense strategy and structure in light of the scope of its litigation; the number of cases being brought against the Company; the costs and outcomes of completed trials and the most current information regarding anticipated timing, progression, and related costs of pre-trial activities and trials in the associated litigation. The amount of legal defense reserves as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 of approximately $230 million and $235 million, respectively, represents the Company’s best estimate of the minimum amount of defense costs to be incurred in connection with its outstanding litigation; however, events such as additional trials and other events that could arise in the course of its litigation could affect the ultimate amount of legal defense costs to be incurred by the Company. The Company will continue to monitor its legal defense costs and review the adequacy of the associated reserves and may determine to increase the reserves at any time in the future if, based upon the factors set forth, it believes it would be appropriate to do so.
Environmental Matters
The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to a number of proceedings brought under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, commonly known as Superfund, and other federal and state equivalents. These proceedings seek to require the operators of hazardous waste disposal facilities, transporters of waste to the sites and generators of hazardous waste disposed of at the sites to clean up the sites or to reimburse the government for cleanup costs. The Company has been made a party to these proceedings as an alleged generator of waste disposed of at the sites. In each case, the government alleges that the defendants are jointly and severally liable for the cleanup costs. Although joint and several liability is alleged, these proceedings are frequently resolved so that the allocation of cleanup costs among the parties more nearly reflects the relative contributions of the parties to the site situation. The Company’s potential liability varies greatly from site to site. For some sites the potential liability is de minimis and for others the final costs of cleanup have not yet been determined. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of many of these proceedings brought by federal or state agencies or private litigants, in the opinion of the Company, such proceedings should not ultimately result in any liability which
would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company. The Company has taken an active role in identifying and accruing for these costs and such amounts do not include any reduction for anticipated recoveries of cleanup costs from former site owners or operators or other recalcitrant potentially responsible parties.
In management’s opinion, the liabilities for all environmental matters that are probable and reasonably estimable have been accrued and totaled $40 million and $43 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These liabilities are undiscounted, do not consider potential recoveries from other parties and will be paid out over the periods of remediation for the applicable sites, which are expected to occur primarily over the next 15 years. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters, or the ultimate costs of remediation, management does not believe that any reasonably possible expenditures that may be incurred in excess of the liabilities accrued should exceed approximately $40 million in the aggregate. Management also does not believe that these expenditures should result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity for any year.
v3.22.0.1
Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Equity Equity
The Merck certificate of incorporation authorizes 6,500,000,000 shares of common stock and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock.

Capital Stock
A summary of common stock and treasury stock transactions (shares in millions) is as follows:
 202120202019
  
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Balance January 13,577 1,047 3,577 1,038 3,577 985 
Purchases of treasury stock 11 — 16 — 66 
Issuances (1)
 (9)— (7)— (13)
Balance December 313,577 1,049 3,577 1,047 3,577 1,038 
(1)     Issuances primarily reflect activity under share-based compensation plans.
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Compensation Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Share-Based Compensation Plans Share-Based Compensation Plans
The Company has share-based compensation plans under which the Company grants restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance share units (PSUs) to certain management level employees. In addition, employees and non-employee directors may be granted options to purchase shares of Company common stock at the fair market value at the time of grant. These plans were approved by the Company’s shareholders.
At December 31, 2021, 93 million shares collectively were authorized for future grants under the Company’s share-based compensation plans. These awards are settled with treasury shares.
Employee stock options are granted to purchase shares of Company stock at the fair market value at the time of grant. These awards generally vest one-third each year over a three-year period, with a contractual term of 7-10 years. RSUs are stock awards that are granted to employees and entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest. The fair value of the stock option and RSU awards is determined and fixed on the grant date based on the Company’s stock price. PSUs are stock awards where the ultimate number of shares issued will be contingent on the Company’s performance against a pre-set objective or set of objectives. The fair value of each PSU is determined on the date of grant based on the Company’s stock price. For RSUs and PSUs, dividends declared during the vesting period are payable to the employees only upon vesting. Over the PSU performance period, the number of shares of stock that are expected to be issued will be adjusted based on the probability of achievement of a performance target and final compensation expense will be recognized based on the ultimate number of shares issued. RSU and PSU distributions will be in shares of Company stock after the end of the vesting or performance period, subject to the terms applicable to such awards. PSU awards generally vest after three years. RSU awards generally vest one-third each year over a three-year period.
Total pretax share-based compensation cost recorded in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $498 million, $475 million and $417 million, respectively, including $479 million, $441 million and $388 million, respectively, related to continuing operations. Income tax benefits for share-based compensation expense recognized in 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $69 million, $65 million and $57 million, respectively.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for determining the fair value of option grants. In applying this model, the Company uses both historical data and current market data to estimate the fair value of its options. The Black-Scholes model requires several assumptions including expected dividend yield, risk-free interest rate, volatility, and term of the options. The expected dividend yield is based on historical patterns of dividend payments. The risk-free interest rate is based on the rate at grant date of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Notes with a term equal to the expected term of the option. Expected volatility is estimated using a blend of historical and implied volatility. The historical component is based on historical monthly price changes. The implied volatility is obtained from market data on the Company’s traded options. The expected life represents the amount of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, based on historical and forecasted exercise behavior.
The weighted average exercise price of options granted in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $75.99, $77.67 and $80.05 per option, respectively. The weighted average fair value of options granted in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $9.80, $9.93 and $10.63 per option, respectively, and were determined using the following assumptions:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Expected dividend yield3.1 %3.1 %3.2 %
Risk-free interest rate1.0 %0.4 %2.4 %
Expected volatility20.9 %22.1 %18.7 %
Expected life (years)5.95.85.9
Summarized information relative to stock option plan activity (options in thousands) is as follows:
Number
of Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding January 1, 2021 (1)
19,446 $63.64 
Granted (1)
4,781 75.99 
Exercised (1)
(3,728)54.14 
Forfeited (1)
(626)73.97   
Awards transferred to Organon in the spin-off(1,947)72.15 
Adjustment to Merck awards related to the spin-off of Organon (2)
646  
Outstanding December 31, 202118,572 $65.27 6.3$213 
Vested and expected to vest December 31, 202117,829 $64.90 6.2$212 
Exercisable December 31, 202112,136 $60.41 5.0$198 
(1) Activity prior to the Organon spin-off has not been restated.
(2) In connection with the spin-off of Organon, all outstanding Merck stock options (whether vested or unvested) were converted into adjusted Merck awards for current and former Merck employees or Organon awards for Organon employees. Such adjusted awards preserved the same intrinsic value and general terms and conditions (including vesting) as were in place immediately prior to the adjustments.
Additional information pertaining to stock option plans is provided in the table below:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised$106 $51 $295 
Fair value of stock options vested27 25 27 
Cash received from the exercise of stock options202 89 361 
A summary of nonvested RSU and PSU activity (shares in thousands) is as follows:
 RSUsPSUs
  
Number
of Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Number
of Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested January 1, 2021 (1)
11,915 $74.17 2,100 $75.08 
Granted (1)
7,897 76.16 1,487 69.33 
Vested (1)
(6,066)70.25 (1,284)57.14 
Forfeited (1)
(1,015)76.62 (149)79.33 
Awards transferred to Organon in the spin-off(1,309)76.99 (248)77.39 
Adjustment to Merck awards related to the spin-off of Organon (2)
368  60  
Nonvested December 31, 202111,790 $74.88 1,966 $77.13 
Expected to vest December 31, 202110,499 $74.93 1,832 $77.40 
(1) Activity prior to the Organon spin-off has not been restated.
(2) In connection with the spin-off of Organon, all outstanding Merck RSUs and PSUs (whether vested or unvested) were converted into adjusted Merck awards for current and former Merck employees or Organon awards for Organon employees. Such adjusted awards preserved the same intrinsic value and general terms and conditions (including vesting) as were in place immediately prior to the adjustments.
At December 31, 2021, there was $699 million of total pretax unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, RSU and PSU awards which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years. For segment reporting, share-based compensation costs are unallocated expenses.
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering eligible employees in the U.S. and in certain of its international subsidiaries. In addition, the Company provides medical benefits, principally to its eligible U.S. retirees and their dependents, through its other postretirement benefit plans. The Company uses December 31 as the year-end measurement date for all of its pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans.
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The net periodic benefit cost (credit) for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (including certain costs reported as part of discontinued operations) consisted of the following components:
Pension Benefits
U.S.InternationalOther Postretirement Benefits
Years Ended December 31202120202019202120202019202120202019
Service cost$403 $360 $293 $328 $297 $235 $48 $52 $48 
Interest cost404 431 458 123 136 176 45 57 69 
Expected return on plan assets
(755)(774)(817)(416)(414)(425)(79)(75)(72)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
(38)(49)(49)(16)(18)(12)(63)(73)(78)
Net loss (gain) amortization298 303 151 142 127 64 (42)(18)(10)
Termination benefits56 10 31 5 37 
Curtailments16 10 14 (26)— (29)(4)(11)
Settlements216 13 — 8 15  — — 
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$600 $304 $81 $148 $146 $53 $(83)$(59)$(49)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) for pension and other postretirement benefit plans in 2021 includes expenses for curtailments, settlements and termination benefits provided to certain employees in connection with the spin-off of Organon.
In connection with restructuring actions (see Note 6), termination charges were recorded in 2021, 2020 and 2019 on pension and other postretirement benefit plans related to expanded eligibility for certain employees exiting Merck. Also, in connection with these restructuring activities, curtailments and settlements were recorded on
certain pension plans. An increase in lump sum payments to U.S. pension plan participants also contributed to the settlements recorded during 2021.
The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) other than the service cost component are included in Other (income) expense, net (see Note 15), with the exception of certain amounts for termination benefits, curtailments and settlements, which are recorded in Restructuring costs if the event giving rise to the termination benefits, curtailment or settlement is related to restructuring actions or in Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes and Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests if related to the spin-off of Organon (each as noted above).

Obligations and Funded Status
Summarized information about the changes in plan assets and benefit obligations, the funded status and the amounts recorded at December 31 is as follows:
Pension BenefitsOther
Postretirement
Benefits
U.S.International
  202120202021202020212020
Fair value of plan assets January 1$12,672 $11,361 $12,009 $10,135 $1,221 $1,102 
Actual return on plan assets1,250 1,908 891 1,026 118 175 
Company contributions305 199 189 383 33 19 
Effects of exchange rate changes — (671)743  — 
Benefits paid(219)(751)(233)(214)(86)(93)
Settlements(941)(45)(55)(117) — 
Spin-off of Organon — (55)—  — 
Other — 120 53 6 18 
Fair value of plan assets December 31$13,067 $12,672 $12,195 $12,009 $1,292 $1,221 
Benefit obligation January 1$14,613 $13,003 $12,458 $10,558 $1,607 $1,673 
Service cost403 360 328 297 48 52 
Interest cost404 431 123 136 45 57 
Actuarial (gains) losses (1)
(332)1,594 (240)1,032 (103)(98)
Benefits paid(219)(751)(233)(214)(86)(93)
Effects of exchange rate changes — (678)788 (1)(3)
Plan amendments — 4 (64) — 
Curtailments15 11 (38)(8)(12)(1)
Termination benefits56 10 5 37 
Settlements(941)(45)(55)(117) — 
Spin-off of Organon — (118)—  — 
Other — 19 47 6 18 
Benefit obligation December 31$13,999 $14,613 $11,575 $12,458 $1,541 $1,607 
Funded status December 31$(932)$(1,941)$620 $(449)$(249)$(386)
Recognized as:
Other Assets$9 $— $1,395 $941 $ $— 
Accrued and other current liabilities(64)(82)(22)(13)(8)(9)
Other Noncurrent Liabilities(877)(1,859)(753)(1,377)(241)(377)
(1) Actuarial (gains) losses primarily reflect changes in discount rates.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, the accumulated benefit obligation was $24.9 billion and $26.3 billion, respectively, for all pension plans, of which $13.8 billion and $14.4 billion, respectively, related to U.S. pension plans.
Information related to the funded status of selected pension plans at December 31 is as follows:
U.S.International
2021202020212020
Pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation$13,013 $14,613 $2,507 $8,875 
Fair value of plan assets12,072 12,672 1,731 7,488 
Pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Accumulated benefit obligation$12,916 $13,489 $2,462 $4,234 
Fair value of plan assets12,072 11,685 1,723 2,995 

Plan Assets
Entities are required to use a fair value hierarchy which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs used to measure fair value with Level 1 having the highest priority and Level 3 having the lowest:
Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. The Level 3 assets are those whose values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques with significant unobservable inputs, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $943 million and $942 million, respectively, or approximately 4% of the Company’s pension investments were categorized as Level 3 assets.
If the inputs used to measure the financial assets fall within more than one level described above, the categorization is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument.
The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31 by asset category are as follows:
 Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
  Level 1Level 2Level 3
NAV (1)
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
NAV (1)
Total
20212020
U.S. Pension Plans
Cash and cash equivalents$3 $ $ $289 $292 $$— $— $303 $308 
Investment funds
Developed markets equities
236   3,799 4,035 206 — — 3,884 4,090 
Emerging markets equities
   919 919 169 — — 927 1,096 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities     — 89 — — 89 
Equity securities
Developed markets
2,915    2,915 2,819 — — — 2,819 
Fixed income securities
Government and agency obligations
 2,870   2,870 — 2,236 — — 2,236 
Corporate obligations
 2,005   2,005 — 1,994 — — 1,994 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
 23   23 — 33 — — 33 
Other investments2  6  8 — — — 
Plan assets at fair value$3,156 $4,898 $6 $5,007 $13,067 $3,199 $4,352 $$5,114 $12,672 
International Pension Plans
Cash and cash equivalents$82 $10 $ $18 $110 $110 $$— $20 $131 
Investment funds
Developed markets equities
531 4,292  121 4,944 475 4,286 — 118 4,879 
Government and agency obligations
240 4,025  171 4,436 1,516 2,614 — 172 4,302 
Emerging markets equities
137   72 209 154 — — 92 246 
Corporate obligations
9 8  171 188 12 — 172 189 
Other fixed income obligations15 8  3 26 11 — 24 
Real estate
 1  16 17 — — 15 16 
Equity securities
Developed markets
369    369 505 — — — 505 
Fixed income securities
Government and agency obligations
3 591  3 597 481 — 487 
Corporate obligations
 223  2 225 174 — 177 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
 90   90 — 70 — — 70 
Other investments
Insurance contracts (2)
 44 937 1 982 — 42 935 978 
Other
1 1   2 — — 
Plan assets at fair value
$1,387 $9,293 $937 $578 $12,195 $2,779 $7,696 $935 $599 $12,009 
(1)    Certain investments that were measured at net asset value (NAV) per share or its equivalent have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The NAV amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2021 and 2020.
(2)    The plans’ Level 3 investments in insurance contracts are generally valued using a crediting rate that approximates market returns and invest in underlying securities whose market values are unobservable and determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques.
The table below provides a summary of the changes in fair value, including transfers in and/or out, of all financial assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the Company’s pension plan assets:
 20212020
  Insurance
Contracts
Real
Estate
OtherTotalInsurance
Contracts
Real
Estate
OtherTotal
U.S. Pension Plans
Balance January 1$ $ $7 $7 $— $— $$
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at December 31
  (5)(5)— — (5)(5)
Relating to assets sold during the year
  7 7 — — 
Purchases and sales, net  (3)(3)— — (2)(2)
Balance December 31$ $ $6 $6 $— $— $$
International Pension Plans
Balance January 1$935 $ $ $935 $851 $— $— $851 
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at December 31
(34)  (34)103 — 103 
Purchases and sales, net(42)  (42)(17)— — (17)
Transfers in (out) of Level 378   78 (2)— — (2)
Balance December 31$937 $ $ $937 $935 $— $— $935 
The fair values of the Company’s other postretirement benefit plan assets at December 31 by asset category are as follows:
 Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
  Level 1Level 2Level 3
NAV (1)
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
NAV (1)
Total
  2021  2020  
Cash and cash equivalents$11 $ $ $28 $39 $31 $— $— $28 $59 
Investment funds
Developed markets equities
24   378 402 19 — — 355 374 
Emerging markets equities
   92 92 16 — — 85 101 
Government and agency obligations
1   1 — — — 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities     — — — 
Equity securities— 
Developed markets
290    290 258 — — — 258 
Fixed income securities
Government and agency obligations
 275   275 — 221 — — 221 
Corporate obligations
 191   191 — 196 — — 196 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
 2   2 — — — 
Plan assets at fair value$326 $468 $ $498 $1,292 $325 $428 $— $468 $1,221 
(1)    Certain investments that were measured at net asset value (NAV) per share or its equivalent have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The NAV amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2021 and 2020.
The Company has established investment guidelines for its U.S. pension and other postretirement plans to create an asset allocation that is expected to deliver a rate of return sufficient to meet the long-term obligation of each plan, given an acceptable level of risk. The target investment portfolio of the Company’s U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit plans is allocated 30% to 45% in U.S. equities, 15% to 30% in international equities, 35% to 45% in fixed-income investments, and up to 5% in cash and other investments. The portfolio’s equity weighting is consistent with the long-term nature of the plans’ benefit obligations. The expected annual standard deviation of returns of the target portfolio, which approximates 11%, reflects both the equity allocation and the diversification benefits among the asset classes in which the portfolio invests. For international pension plans, the
targeted investment portfolio varies based on the duration of pension liabilities and local government rules and regulations. Although a significant percentage of plan assets are invested in U.S. equities, concentration risk is mitigated through the use of strategies that are diversified within management guidelines.

Expected Contributions
Contributions during 2022 are expected to be approximately $280 million for U.S. pension plans, approximately $150 million for international pension plans and approximately $50 million for other postretirement benefit plans.

Expected Benefit Payments
Expected benefit payments are as follows:
U.S. Pension BenefitsInternational Pension
Benefits
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
2022$724 $289 $84 
2023745 275 85 
2024731 278 87 
2025748 280 89 
2026770 308 90 
2027 — 20314,230 1,715 469 
Expected benefit payments are based on the same assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations and include estimated future employee service.

Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Net loss amounts reflect differences between expected and actual returns on plan assets as well as the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions. Net loss amounts in excess of certain thresholds are amortized into net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining service life of employees. The following amounts were reflected as components of OCI:
 Pension PlansOther Postretirement
Benefit Plans
U.S.International
Years Ended December 31202120202019202120202019202120202019
Net gain (loss) arising during the period$1,048 $(448)$(816)$815 $(407)$(227)$144 $198 $112 
Prior service (cost) credit arising during the period
(3)(1)(4)(29)62 (1)(17)(3)(11)
 $1,045 $(449)$(820)$786 $(345)$(228)$127 $195 $101 
Net loss (gain) amortization included in benefit cost$298 $303 $151 $142 $127 $64 $(42)$(18)$(10)
Prior service credit amortization included in benefit cost
(38)(49)(49)(16)(18)(12)(63)(73)(78)
 $260 $254 $102 $126 $109 $52 $(105)$(91)$(88)
Actuarial Assumptions
The Company reassesses its benefit plan assumptions on a regular basis. The weighted average assumptions used in determining U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit plan and international pension plan information are as follows:
 U.S. Pension and Other
Postretirement Benefit Plans
International Pension Plans
December 31202120202019202120202019
Net periodic benefit cost      
Discount rate2.70 %3.40 %4.40 %1.10 %1.50 %2.20 %
Expected rate of return on plan assets6.70 %7.30 %8.10 %3.80 %4.40 %4.90 %
Salary growth rate4.60 %4.20 %4.30 %2.80 %2.80 %2.80 %
Interest crediting rate4.70 %4.90 %3.40 %3.00 %2.80 %2.90 %
Benefit obligation      
Discount rate3.00 %2.70 %3.40 %1.50 %1.10 %1.50 %
Salary growth rate4.60 %4.60 %4.20 %2.90 %2.80 %2.80 %
Interest crediting rate5.00 %4.70 %4.90 %3.00 %3.00 %2.80 %
For both the pension and other postretirement benefit plans, the discount rate is evaluated on measurement dates and modified to reflect the prevailing market rate of a portfolio of high-quality fixed-income debt instruments that would provide the future cash flows needed to pay the benefits included in the benefit obligation as they come due. The expected rate of return for both the pension and other postretirement benefit plans represents the average rate of return to be earned on plan assets over the period the benefits included in the benefit obligation are to be paid and is determined on a plan basis. The expected rate of return for each plan is developed considering long-term historical returns data, current market conditions, and actual returns on the plan assets. Using this reference information, the long-term return expectations for each asset category and a weighted-average expected return for each plan’s target portfolio is developed according to the allocation among those investment categories. The expected portfolio performance reflects the contribution of active management as appropriate. For 2022, the expected rate of return for the Company’s U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit plans will be 6.70%, as compared to a range of 6.50% to 6.70% in 2021.
The health care cost trend rate assumptions for other postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
December 3120212020
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year6.4 %6.6 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline4.5 %4.5 %
Year that the trend rate reaches the ultimate trend rate20322032

Savings Plans
The Company also maintains defined contribution savings plans in the U.S. The Company matches a percentage of each employee’s contributions consistent with the provisions of the plan for which the employee is eligible. Total employer contributions to these plans in 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $158 million, $158 million and $143 million, respectively.
v3.22.0.1
Other (Income) Expense, Net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Other (Income) Expense, Net Other (Income) Expense, Net
Other (income) expense, net, consisted of:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Interest income$(36)$(59)$(274)
Interest expense806 831 893 
Exchange losses297 145 187 
Income from investments in equity securities, net (1)
(1,940)(1,338)(170)
Net periodic defined benefit plan (credit) cost other than service cost(212)(339)(545)
Other, net(256)(130)38 
 $(1,341)$(890)$129 
(1) Includes net realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments in equity securities either owned directly or through ownership interests in investment funds. Unrealized gains and losses from investments that are directly owned are determined at the end of the reporting period, while gains and losses from ownership interests in investment funds are accounted for on a one quarter lag. The Company estimates losses of approximately $500 million will be recorded in the first quarter of 2022 from ownership interests in investment funds.
Other, net (as presented in the table above) in 2019 includes $162 million of goodwill impairment charges related to certain businesses in the Healthcare Services segment, which were fully divested by the first quarter of 2020.
Interest paid was $779 million in 2021, $822 million in 2020 and $841 million in 2019.
v3.22.0.1
Taxes on Income
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Taxes on Income Taxes on Income
A reconciliation between the effective tax rate for income from continuing operations and the U.S. statutory rate is as follows:
 202120202019
  
AmountTax RateAmountTax RateAmountTax Rate
U.S. statutory rate applied to income from continuing operations before taxes$2,915 21.0 %$1,231 21.0 %$1,506 21.0 %
Differential arising from:
Foreign earnings(1,446)(10.4)(965)(16.5)(461)(6.4)
GILTI and the foreign-derived intangible income deduction
(75)(0.5)349 6.0 323 4.5 
Tax settlements(275)(2.0)(13)(0.2)(139)(1.9)
R&D tax credit(81)(0.6)(108)(1.8)(116)(1.6)
Acquisition of VelosBio(9)(0.1)559 9.5 — — 
Acquisition of Pandion356 2.6 — — — — 
Valuation allowances
102 0.7 37 0.6 115 1.6 
Restructuring61 0.4 105 1.8 39 0.5 
Acquisition-related costs, including amortization
8 0.1 38 0.6 70 1.0 
State taxes2  57 1.0 (12)(0.2)
Acquisition of OncoImmune  97 1.7 — — 
Acquisition of Peloton  — — 209 2.9 
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017  — — 117 1.6 
Other(37)(0.2)(47)(0.8)(86)(1.2)
 $1,521 11.0 %$1,340 22.9 %$1,565 21.8 %
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted in December 2017 and the Company reflected the impact of the TCJA in its 2017 financial statements. However, since application of certain provisions of the TCJA
remained subject to further interpretation, in certain instances the Company made reasonable estimates of the effects of the TCJA, which were since finalized and resulted in additional income tax expense in 2018 and 2019. The Company’s remaining transition tax liability under the TCJA, which has been reduced by payments and the utilization of foreign tax credits, was $2.6 billion at December 31, 2021, of which $390 million is included in Income taxes payable and the remainder of $2.2 billion is included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities. As a result of the transition tax under the TCJA, the Company is no longer indefinitely reinvested with respect to its undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries and has provided a deferred tax liability for foreign withholding taxes that would apply. The Company remains indefinitely reinvested with respect to its financial statement basis in excess of tax basis of its foreign subsidiaries. A determination of the deferred tax liability with respect to this basis difference is not practicable.
The foreign earnings tax rate differentials in the tax rate reconciliation above primarily reflect the impacts of operations in jurisdictions with different tax rates than the U.S., particularly Ireland and Switzerland, as well as Singapore and Puerto Rico which operate under tax incentive grants (which begin to expire in 2022), thereby yielding a favorable impact on the effective tax rate compared with the U.S. statutory rate of 21%. Beginning in 2021, the Company has an additional tax incentive in the form of a tax holiday in Switzerland for a newly active legal entity which is effective through 2030.
Income from continuing operations before taxes consisted of:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Domestic$1,854 $(3,814)$(66)
Foreign12,025 9,677 7,237 
 $13,879 $5,863 $7,171 
Taxes on income from continuing operations consisted of:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Current provision
Federal$74 $893 $642 
Foreign1,273 969 1,523 
State(13)44 (40)
 1,334 1,906 2,125 
Deferred provision
Federal240 (605)(328)
Foreign(77)64 (228)
State24 (25)(4)
 187 (566)(560)
 $1,521 $1,340 $1,565 
Deferred income taxes at December 31 consisted of:
 20212020
  
AssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilities
Product intangibles and licenses$ $2,933 $109 $1,250 
Inventory related119 370 43 315 
Accelerated depreciation 589 — 587 
Equity investments 335 — 175 
Pensions and other postretirement benefits487 338 826 248 
Compensation related301  235 — 
Unrecognized tax benefits75  117 — 
Net operating losses and other tax credit carryforwards867  764 — 
Other434 180 743 81 
Subtotal2,283 4,745 2,837 2,656 
Valuation allowance(287) (404) 
Total deferred taxes$1,996 $4,745 $2,433 $2,656 
Net deferred income taxes $2,749  $223 
Recognized as:
Other Assets$692 $782 
Deferred Income Taxes $3,441  $1,005 
The Company has net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards in several jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2021, $181 million of deferred tax assets on NOL carryforwards relate to foreign jurisdictions. Valuation allowances of $164 million have been established on these foreign NOL carryforwards and other foreign deferred tax assets. In addition, the Company has $686 million of deferred tax assets relating to various U.S. tax credit carryforwards and NOL carryforwards. Valuation allowances of $123 million have been established on these U.S. tax credit carryforwards and NOL carryforwards.
Income taxes paid in 2021, 2020 and 2019 (including amounts attributable to discontinued operations) were $2.4 billion, $2.7 billion and $4.5 billion, respectively. Tax benefits relating to stock option exercises were $21 million in 2021, $12 million in 2020 and $65 million in 2019.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
202120202019
Balance January 1$1,537 $1,225 $1,893 
Additions related to current year positions306 298 199 
Additions related to prior year positions63 110 46 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (1)
(230)(4)(454)
Settlements (1)
(46)(70)(356)
Lapse of statute of limitations (2)
(58)(22)(103)
Spin-off of Organon(43)— — 
Balance December 31$1,529 $1,537 $1,225 
(1)    Amounts in 2021 and 2019 reflect settlements with the IRS discussed below.
(2) Amount in 2019 includes $78 million related to the divestiture of Merck’s Consumer Care business in 2014.
If the Company were to recognize the unrecognized tax benefits of $1.5 billion at December 31, 2021, the income tax provision would reflect a favorable net impact of $1.5 billion.
The Company is under examination by numerous tax authorities in various jurisdictions globally. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2021 could decrease by up to approximately $11 million in the next 12 months as a result of various audit closures, settlements or the expiration of the statute of limitations. The ultimate finalization of the Company’s
examinations with relevant taxing authorities can include formal administrative and legal proceedings, which could have a significant impact on the timing of the reversal of unrecognized tax benefits. The Company believes that its reserves for uncertain tax positions are adequate to cover existing risks or exposures.
Interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions amounted to a (benefit) expense of $(37) million in 2021, $16 million in 2020 and $(53) million in 2019. These amounts reflect the beneficial impacts of various tax settlements, including the settlements discussed below. Liabilities for accrued interest and penalties were $192 million and $205 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
In 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concluded its examinations of Merck’s 2015-2016 U.S. federal income tax returns. As a result, the Company was required to make a payment of $190 million (of which $172 million related to continuing operations and $18 million related to discontinued operations). The Company’s reserves for unrecognized tax benefits for the years under examination exceeded the adjustments relating to this examination period and therefore the Company recorded a $236 million net tax benefit in 2021 (of which $207 million related to continuing operations and $29 million related to discontinued operations). This net benefit reflects reductions in reserves for unrecognized tax benefits and other related liabilities for tax positions relating to the years that were under examination.
In 2019, the IRS concluded its examinations of Merck’s 2012-2014 U.S. federal income tax returns. As a result, the Company was required to make a payment of $107 million (of which $142 million related to discontinued operations with an offsetting credit of $35 million related to continuing operations). The Company’s reserves for unrecognized tax benefits for the years under examination exceeded the adjustments relating to this examination period and therefore the Company recorded a $364 million net tax benefit in 2019 (of which $106 million related to continuing operations and $258 million related to discontinued operations). This net benefit reflects reductions in reserves for unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions relating to the years that were under examination, partially offset by additional reserves for tax positions not previously reserved for.
The IRS is currently conducting examinations of the Company’s tax returns for the years 2017 and 2018. In addition, various state and foreign tax examinations are in progress and for these jurisdictions, the Company’s income tax returns are open for examination for the period 2003 through 2021.
v3.22.0.1
Earnings per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings per Share Earnings per Share
The calculations of earnings per share (shares in millions) are as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.$12,345 $4,519 $5,690 
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes and Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests704 2,548 4,153 
Net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.$13,049 $7,067 $9,843 
Average common shares outstanding2,530 2,530 2,565 
Common shares issuable (1)
8 11 15 
Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution2,538 2,541 2,580 
Basic Earnings per Common Share Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders:
Income from Continuing Operations$4.88 $1.79 $2.22 
Income from Discontinued Operations0.28 1.01 1.62 
Net Income$5.16 $2.79 $3.84 
Earnings per Common Share Assuming Dilution Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders:
Income from Continuing Operations$4.86 $1.78 $2.21 
Income from Discontinued Operations0.28 1.00 1.61 
Net Income$5.14 $2.78 $3.81 
(1)     Issuable primarily under share-based compensation plans.
In 2021, 2020 and 2019, 9 million, 5 million and 2 million, respectively, of common shares issuable under share-based compensation plans were excluded from the computation of earnings per common share assuming dilution because the effect would have been antidilutive.
v3.22.0.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
DerivativesInvestmentsEmployee
Benefit
Plans
 Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustment
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance January 1, 2019, net of taxes
$166 $(78)$(3,556)$(2,077)$(5,545)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax86 140 (948)112 (610)
Tax(15)— 192 (16)161 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes71 140 (756)96 (449)
Reclassification adjustments, pretax(261)
(1)
(44)
(2)
66 
(3)
— (239)
Tax55 — (15)— 40 
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes(206)(44)51 — (199)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes(135)96 (705)96 (648)
Balance at December 31, 2019, net of taxes31 18 (4,261)(1,981)(6,193)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax(383)(599)64 (915)
Tax84 — 111 89 284 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes(299)(488)153 (631)
Reclassification adjustments, pretax
(1)
(21)
(2)
272 
(3)
— 253 
Tax— — (63)— (63)
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes(21)209 — 190 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes(297)(18)(279)153 (441)
Balance at December 31, 2020, net of taxes(266)— (4,540)
(4)
(1,828)(6,634)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax333  1,922 (304)1,951 
Tax(75) (374)(119)(568)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes258  1,548 (423)1,383 
Reclassification adjustments, pretax192 
(1)
 281 
(3)
 473 
Tax(40) (60) (100)
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes152  221  373 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes410  1,769 (423)1,756 
Spin-off of Organon (see Note 3)  28 421 449 
Balance at December 31, 2021, net of taxes$144 $ $(2,743)
(4)
$(1,830)$(4,429)
(1)Primarily relates to foreign currency cash flow hedges that were reclassified from AOCL to Sales.
(2)    Represents net realized gains on the sales of available-for-sale debt securities that were reclassified from AOCL to Other (income) expense, net.
(3)    Includes net amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gains and losses included in net periodic benefit cost (see Note 14).
(4)    Includes pension plan net loss of $3.6 billion and $5.4 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and other postretirement benefit plan net gain of $473 million and $391 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as well as pension plan prior service credit of $190 million and $255 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and other postretirement benefit plan prior service credit of $181 million and $244 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Reporting Segment Reporting
The Company’s operations are principally managed on a products basis and include two operating segments, which are the Pharmaceutical and Animal Health segments, both of which are reportable segments.
The Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. Human health pharmaceutical products consist of therapeutic and preventive agents, generally sold by prescription, for the treatment of human disorders. The Company sells these human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers such as health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and other institutions. Human health vaccine products consist of preventive pediatric, adolescent and adult vaccines. The Company sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, physician distributors and government entities. A large component of pediatric and adolescent vaccine sales are made to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccines for Children program, which is funded by the U.S. government. Additionally, the Company sells vaccines to the Federal government for placement into vaccine stockpiles.
The Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all major livestock and companion animal species. The Company also offers an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. The Company sells its products to veterinarians, distributors and animal producers.
Beginning in 2021, the amortization of intangible assets previously included as part of the calculation of segment profits is now included in unallocated non-segment corporate expenses. Prior period Pharmaceutical and Animal Health segment profits have been recast to reflect this change on a comparable basis.
The Company previously had a Healthcare Services segment that provided services and solutions focused on engagement, health analytics and clinical services to improve the value of care delivered to patients. The Company divested the remaining businesses in this segment during the first quarter of 2020.
Sales of the Company’s products were as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
U.S.Int’lTotalU.S.Int’lTotalU.S.Int’lTotal
Pharmaceutical:
Oncology
Keytruda$9,765 $7,421 $17,186 $8,352 $6,028 $14,380 $6,305 $4,779 $11,084 
Alliance revenue - Lynparza (1)
515 473 989 417 308 725 269 176 444 
Alliance revenue - Lenvima (1)
417 287 704 359 220 580 239 165 404 
Vaccines
Gardasil/Gardasil 9
1,881 3,792 5,673 1,755 2,184 3,938 1,831 1,905 3,737 
ProQuad/M-M-R II/Varivax1,629 506 2,135 1,378 500 1,878 1,683 592 2,275 
Pneumovax 23
547 346 893 727 359 1,087 679 247 926 
RotaTeq473 334 807 486 311 797 506 284 791 
Vaqta100 79 179 103 67 170 130 108 238 
Hospital Acute Care
Bridion762 770 1,532 583 615 1,198 533 598 1,131 
Prevymis153 218 370 119 162 281 84 81 165 
Primaxin2 258 259 248 251 271 273 
Noxafil60 199 259 42 287 329 282 380 662 
Cancidas4 208 212 207 213 242 249 
Invanz(5)207 202 202 211 30 233 263 
Zerbaxa4 (5)(1)74 56 130 63 58 121 
Immunology
Simponi 825 825 — 838 838 — 830 830 
Remicade 299 299 — 330 330 — 411 411 
Neuroscience
Belsomra78 241 318 81 247 327 92 214 306 
Virology
Molnupiravir632 320 952 — — — — — — 
Isentress/Isentress HD294 474 769 326 531 857 398 576 975 
Cardiovascular
Alliance revenue - Adempas/Verquvo (2)
312 30 342 259 22 281 194 10 204 
Adempas 252 252 — 220 220 — 215 215 
Diabetes
Januvia1,404 1,920 3,324 1,470 1,836 3,306 1,724 1,758 3,482 
Janumet367 1,597 1,964 477 1,494 1,971 589 1,452 2,041 
Other pharmaceutical (3)
1,007 1,302 2,310 984 1,328 2,312 1,215 1,661 2,873 
Total Pharmaceutical segment sales20,401 22,353 42,754 18,010 18,600 36,610 16,854 17,246 34,100 
Animal Health:
Livestock667 2,628 3,295 612 2,327 2,939 582 2,201 2,784 
Companion Animals1,091 1,182 2,273 872 892 1,764 724 885 1,609 
Total Animal Health segment sales1,758 3,810 5,568 1,484 3,219 4,703 1,306 3,086 4,393 
Other segment sales (4)
   23 — 23 174 175 
Total segment sales22,159 26,163 48,322 19,517 21,819 41,336 18,334 20,333 38,668 
Other (5)
266 116 382 71 111 182 86 368 453 
 $22,425 $26,279 $48,704 $19,588 $21,930 $41,518 $18,420 $20,701 $39,121 
U.S. plus international may not equal total due to rounding.
(1)    Alliance revenue represents Merck’s share of profits, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs (see Note 5).
(2)    Alliance revenue represents Merck’s share of profits from sales in Bayer’s marketing territories, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs (see Note 5).
(3)    Other pharmaceutical primarily reflects sales of other human health pharmaceutical products, including products within the franchises not listed separately.
(4)    Represents sales for the Healthcare Services segment. All the businesses in the Healthcare Services segment were fully divested by the first quarter of 2020.
(5)    Other is primarily comprised of miscellaneous corporate revenues, including revenue hedging activities, as well as third-party manufacturing sales (including sales to Organon). Other for 2021 also includes $185 million related to the achievement of milestones for an out-licensed product that triggered contingent payments to Merck.
Consolidated sales by geographic area where derived are as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
United States$22,425 $19,588 $18,420 
Europe, Middle East and Africa13,341 11,547 10,496 
China4,378 2,751 2,180 
Japan2,726 2,602 2,609 
Asia Pacific (other than China and Japan)2,407 2,113 2,126 
Latin America2,206 1,890 2,015 
Other1,221 1,027 1,275 
 $48,704 $41,518 $39,121 
A reconciliation of segment profits to Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes is as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Segment profits:
Pharmaceutical segment$30,977 $26,106 $23,448 
Animal Health segment1,950 1,669 1,612 
Other segments (7)
Total segment profits32,927 27,776 25,053 
Other profits156 75 295 
Unallocated:
Interest income36 59 274 
Interest expense(806)(831)(893)
Amortization(1,636)(1,817)(1,695)
Depreciation(1,414)(1,519)(1,491)
Research and development(11,692)(12,911)(9,351)
Restructuring costs(661)(575)(626)
Other unallocated, net(3,031)(4,394)(4,395)
$13,879 $5,863 $7,171 
Pharmaceutical segment profits are comprised of segment sales less standard costs, as well as selling, general and administrative expenses directly incurred by the segment. Animal Health segment profits are comprised of segment sales, less all cost of sales, as well as selling, general and administrative expenses and research and development costs directly incurred by the segment. For internal management reporting presented to the chief operating decision maker, Merck does not allocate the remaining cost of sales not included in segment profits as described above, research and development expenses incurred in Merck Research Laboratories, the Company’s research and development division that focuses on human health-related activities, or general and administrative expenses, nor the cost of financing these activities. Separate divisions maintain responsibility for monitoring and managing these costs, including depreciation related to fixed assets utilized by these divisions and, therefore, they are not included in segment profits. In addition, costs related to restructuring activities, as well as the amortization of intangible assets and purchase accounting adjustments are not allocated to segments.
Other profits are primarily comprised of miscellaneous corporate profits, as well as operating profits related to third-party manufacturing sales.
Other unallocated, net, includes expenses from corporate and manufacturing cost centers, goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges, gains or losses on sales of businesses, expense or income related to changes in the estimated fair value measurement of liabilities for contingent consideration, and other miscellaneous income or expense items.
Equity loss from affiliates and depreciation included in segment profits is as follows:
PharmaceuticalAnimal HealthAll OtherTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2021      
Included in segment profits:
Equity loss from affiliates$11 $ $ $11 
Depreciation6 158  164 
Year Ended December 31, 2020      
Included in segment profits:
Equity loss from affiliates$$— $— $
Depreciation143 150 
Year Ended December 31, 2019      
Included in segment profits:
Equity loss from affiliates$— $— $— $— 
Depreciation105 10 124 
Property, plant and equipment, net, by geographic area where located is as follows:
December 31202120202019
United States$11,759 $10,394 $8,963 
Europe, Middle East and Africa6,081 5,314 4,129 
Asia Pacific (other than China and Japan)857 737 692 
China220 216 174 
Latin America199 169 180 
Japan159 166 152 
Other4 
 $19,279 $17,000 $14,297 
The Company does not disaggregate assets on a products and services basis for internal management reporting and, therefore, such information is not presented.
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Principles of Consolidation Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. Controlling interest is determined by majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third-party participating rights or, in the case of variable interest entities, by majority exposure to expected losses, residual returns or both. For those consolidated subsidiaries where Merck ownership is less than 100%, the outside shareholders’ interests are shown as Noncontrolling interests in equity. Investments in affiliates over which the Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest, such as interests in entities owned equally by the Company and a third party that are under shared control, are carried on the equity basis.
Acquisitions Acquisitions — In a business combination, the acquisition method of accounting requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded as of the date of the acquisition at their respective fair values with limited exceptions. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are generally recognized at fair value. If fair value cannot be determined, the asset or liability is recognized if probable and reasonably estimable; if these criteria are not met, no asset or liability is recognized. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Accordingly, the Company may be required to value assets at fair value measures that do not reflect the Company’s intended use of those assets. Any excess of the purchase price (consideration transferred) over the estimated fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs and costs to restructure the acquired company are expensed as incurred. The operating results of the acquired business are reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements after the date of the acquisition. If the Company determines the assets acquired do not meet the definition of a business under the acquisition method of accounting, the transaction will be accounted for as an acquisition of assets rather than a business combination and, therefore, no goodwill will be recorded. In an asset acquisition, acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) with no alternative future use is charged to expense and contingent consideration is not recognized at the acquisition date.
Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Translation — The net assets of international subsidiaries where the local currencies have been determined to be the functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. The U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these subsidiaries at changing rates are recorded in the foreign currency translation account, which is included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL) and reflected as a separate component of equity. For those subsidiaries that operate in highly inflationary economies and for those subsidiaries where the U.S. dollar has been determined to be the functional currency, non-monetary foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated using historical rates, while monetary assets and liabilities are translated at current rates, with the U.S. dollar effects of rate changes included in Other (income) expense, net.
Cash Equivalents Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents are comprised of certain highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months.
Inventories Inventories — Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of a substantial majority of U.S. pharmaceutical and vaccine inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for both financial reporting and tax purposes. The cost of all other inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventories consist of currently marketed products, as well as certain inventories produced in preparation for product launches that are considered to have a high probability of regulatory approval. In evaluating the recoverability of inventories produced in preparation for product launches, the Company considers the likelihood that revenue will be obtained from the future sale of the related inventory together with the status of the product within the regulatory approval process.
Investments
Investments — Investments in marketable debt securities classified as available-for-sale are reported at fair value. Fair values of the Company’s investments in marketable debt securities are determined using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities or quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Changes in fair value that are not impairment related are reported net of taxes in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI). The Company considers available evidence in evaluating potential impairments of its investments in marketable debt securities, including the extent to which fair value is less than cost, whether an allowance for credit loss is required, as well as adverse factors that could affect the value of the securities. An impairment has occurred if the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the marketable debt security. If the Company does not intend to sell the impaired debt security, and it is not more likely than not it will be required to sell the debt security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, the amount of the impairment recognized in earnings, recorded in Other (income) expense, net is limited to the portion attributed to credit loss. The remaining portion of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in OCI. Realized gains and losses for debt securities are included in Other (income) expense, net.
Investments in publicly traded equity securities are reported at fair value determined using quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or quoted prices for similar assets or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Changes in fair value are included in Other (income) expense, net. Unrealized gains and losses from investments that are directly owned are determined at the end of the reporting period. Gains and losses from ownership interests in investment funds, which are accounted for as equity method investments, are reported on a one quarter lag. Investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost, plus or minus subsequent observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical
or similar investments, minus impairments. Such adjustments are recognized in Other (income) expense, net. Realized gains and losses for equity securities are included in Other (income) expense, net.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition — Recognition of revenue requires evidence of a contract, probable collection of sales proceeds and completion of substantially all performance obligations. Merck acts as the principal in substantially all of its customer arrangements and therefore records revenue on a gross basis. The majority of the Company’s contracts related to the Pharmaceutical and Animal Health segments have a single performance obligation - the promise to transfer goods. Shipping is considered immaterial in the context of the overall customer arrangement and damages or loss of goods in transit are rare. Therefore, shipping is not deemed a separately recognized performance obligation.
The vast majority of revenues from sales of products are recognized at a point in time when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, which the Company has determined is when title and risks and rewards of ownership transfer to the customer and the Company is entitled to payment. The Company recognizes revenue from the sales of vaccines to the Federal government for placement into vaccine stockpiles in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Interpretation, Commission Guidance Regarding Accounting for Sales of Vaccines and BioTerror Countermeasures to the Federal Government for Placement into the Pediatric Vaccine Stockpile or the Strategic National Stockpile. This interpretation allows companies to recognize revenue for sales of vaccines into U.S. government stockpiles even though these sales might not meet the criteria for revenue recognition under other accounting guidance. Some customers have bill-and-hold arrangements with the Company. Revenue for bill-and-hold arrangements is recognized when control transfers to the customer even though the customer does not yet have physical possession of the goods. Control transfers when the bill-and-hold arrangement has been requested by the customer, the product is identified as belonging to the customer and is ready for physical transfer, the product cannot be directed for use by anyone but the customer and, in certain circumstances, the customer has inspected and accepted the product at the Company’s facility. For certain services in the Animal Health segment, revenue is recognized over time, generally ratably over the contract term as services are provided. These service revenues are not material.
The nature of the Company’s business gives rise to several types of variable consideration including discounts and returns, which are estimated at the time of sale generally using the expected value method, although the most likely amount method is used for prompt pay discounts.
In the U.S., sales discounts are issued to customers at the point-of-sale, through an intermediary wholesaler (known as chargebacks), or in the form of rebates. Additionally, sales are generally made with a limited right of return under certain conditions. Revenues are recorded net of provisions for sales discounts and returns, which are established at the time of sale. In addition, if collection of accounts receivable is expected to be in excess of one year, sales are recorded net of time value of money discounts, which have not been material.
The U.S. provision for aggregate customer discounts covering chargebacks and rebates was $12.3 billion in 2021, $11.4 billion in 2020 and $9.9 billion in 2019. Chargebacks are discounts that occur when a contracted customer purchases through an intermediary wholesaler. The contracted customer generally purchases product from the wholesaler at its contracted price plus a mark-up. The wholesaler, in turn, charges the Company back for the difference between the price initially paid by the wholesaler and the contract price paid to the wholesaler by the customer. The provision for chargebacks is based on expected sell-through levels by the Company’s wholesale customers to contracted customers, as well as estimated wholesaler inventory levels. Rebates are amounts owed based upon definitive contractual agreements or legal requirements with private sector and public sector (Medicaid and Medicare Part D) benefit providers after the final dispensing of the product to a benefit plan participant. The provision for rebates is based on expected patient usage, as well as inventory levels in the distribution channel to determine the contractual obligation to the benefit providers. The Company uses historical customer segment utilization mix, sales forecasts, changes to product mix and price, inventory levels in the distribution channel, government pricing calculations and prior payment history in order to estimate the expected provision. Amounts accrued for aggregate customer discounts are evaluated on a quarterly basis through comparison of information provided by the wholesalers, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, federal and state agencies, and other customers to the amounts accrued. The accrued balances relative to the provisions for chargebacks and rebates included in Accounts receivable and Accrued and other current liabilities were $207
million and $2.6 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2021 and were $208 million and $2.6 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2020.
Outside of the U.S., variable consideration in the form of discounts and rebates are a combination of commercially-driven discounts in highly competitive product classes, discounts required to gain or maintain reimbursement, or legislatively mandated rebates. In certain European countries, legislatively mandated rebates are calculated based on an estimate of the government’s total unbudgeted spending and the Company’s specific payback obligation. Rebates may also be required based on specific product sales thresholds. The Company applies an estimated factor against its actual invoiced sales to represent the expected level of future discount or rebate obligations associated with the sale.
The Company maintains a returns policy that allows its U.S. pharmaceutical customers to return product within a specified period prior to and subsequent to the expiration date (generally, three to six months before and 12 months after product expiration). The estimate of the provision for returns is based upon historical experience with actual returns. Additionally, the Company considers factors such as levels of inventory in the distribution channel, product dating and expiration period, whether products have been discontinued, entrance in the market of generic or other competition, changes in formularies or launch of over-the-counter products, among others. Outside of the U.S., returns are only allowed in certain countries on a limited basis.
Merck’s payment terms for U.S. pharmaceutical customers are typically 36 days from receipt of invoice and for U.S. animal health customers are typically 30 days from receipt of invoice; however, certain products, including Keytruda, have longer payment terms, some of which are up to 90 days. Outside of the U.S., payment terms are typically 30 days to 90 days, although certain markets have longer payment terms.
See Note 19 for disaggregated revenue disclosures.
Depreciation Depreciation — Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets, principally using the straight-line method. For tax purposes, accelerated tax methods are used. The estimated useful lives primarily range from 25 to 45 years for Buildings, and from 3 to 15 years for Machinery, equipment and office furnishings.
Advertising and Promotion Costs Advertising and Promotion Costs — Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred.
Software Capitalization Software Capitalization — The Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in connection with obtaining or developing internal-use software including external direct costs of material and services, and payroll costs for employees directly involved with the software development. These costs are included in Property, plant and equipment. In addition, the Company capitalizes certain costs incurred to implement a cloud computing arrangement that is considered a service agreement, which are included in Other Assets. Capitalized software costs are being amortized over periods ranging from 3 to 10 years, with the longer lives generally associated with enterprise-wide projects implemented over multiple years. Costs incurred during the preliminary project stage and post-implementation stage, as well as maintenance and training costs, are expensed as incurred.
Goodwill Goodwill — Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units and evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist, by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company concludes it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative fair value test is performed. If the carrying value of a reporting unit is greater than its fair value, a goodwill impairment charge will be recorded for the difference (up to the carrying value of goodwill).
Acquired Intangibles Acquired Intangibles — Acquired intangibles include products and product rights, trade names and patents, licenses and other, which are initially recorded at fair value, assigned an estimated useful life, and amortized primarily on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from 2 to 24 years. The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying values of its acquired intangibles may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows of these assets, or appropriate asset groupings, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether an impairment exists. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on the difference between the carrying value of the intangible asset and its fair value, which is determined based on the net present value of estimated future cash flows.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development Acquired In-Process Research and Development — IPR&D that the Company acquires in conjunction with the acquisition of a business represents the fair value assigned to incomplete research projects which, at the time of acquisition, have not reached technological feasibility. The amounts are capitalized and are accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets, subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of the projects. Upon successful completion of each IPR&D project, Merck will make a determination as to the then-useful life of the intangible asset, generally determined by the period in which the substantial majority of the cash flows are expected to be generated, and begin amortization. The Company evaluates IPR&D for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist, by performing a quantitative test that compares the fair value of the IPR&D intangible asset with its carrying value. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results.
Contingent Consideration Contingent Consideration — Certain of the Company’s acquisitions involve the potential for future payment of consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of performance milestones, including product development milestones and royalty payments on future product sales. If the transaction is accounted for as a business combination, the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities is determined at the acquisition date using unobservable inputs. These inputs include the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows, the probability of success (achievement of the contingent event) and the risk-adjusted discount rate used to present value the probability-weighted cash flows. Subsequent to the acquisition date, at each reporting period until the contingency is resolved, the contingent consideration liability is remeasured at current fair value with changes (either expense or income) recorded in earnings. Significant events that increase or decrease the probability of achieving development and regulatory milestones or that increase or decrease projected cash flows will result in corresponding increases or decreases in the fair values of the related contingent consideration obligations. If the transaction is accounted for as an acquisition of an asset rather than a business, contingent consideration is not recognized at the acquisition date. In these instances, product development milestones are recognized upon achievement and sales-based milestones are recognized when the milestone is deemed probable by the Company of being achieved.
Research and Development Research and Development — Research and development is expensed as incurred. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity has been performed or when the goods have been received rather than when the payment is made. Research and development expenses include restructuring costs and IPR&D impairment charges. In addition, research and development expenses include expense or income related to changes in the estimated fair value measurement of liabilities for contingent consideration associated with IPR&D assets. Research and development expenses also include upfront and milestone payments related to asset acquisitions and licensing transactions involving clinical development programs that have not yet received regulatory approval.
Collaborative Arrangements Collaborative Arrangements — Merck has entered into collaborative arrangements that provide the Company with varying rights to develop, produce and market products together with its collaborative partners. When Merck is the principal on sales transactions with third parties, the Company recognizes sales, cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses on a gross basis. Profit sharing amounts it pays to its collaborative partners are recorded within Cost of sales. When the collaborative partner is the principal on sales transactions with third parties, the Company records profit sharing amounts received from its collaborative partners as alliance revenue (within Sales). Alliance revenue is recorded net of cost of sales and includes an adjustment to share commercialization costs between the partners in accordance with the collaboration agreement. The adjustment is determined by comparing the commercialization costs Merck has incurred directly and reported within Selling, general and administrative expenses with the costs the collaborative partner has incurred. Research and development costs Merck incurs related to collaborations are recorded within Research and development expenses. Cost reimbursements to the collaborative partner or payments received from the collaborative partner to share these costs pursuant to the terms of the collaboration agreements are recorded as increases or decreases to Research and development expenses. In addition, the terms of the collaboration agreements may require the Company to make payments based upon the achievement of certain developmental, regulatory approval or commercial milestones. Upfront and milestone payments payable by Merck to collaborative partners prior to regulatory approval are expensed as incurred and included in Research and development expenses. Payments due to collaborative partners upon or subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the corresponding intangible asset to Cost of sales provided that future cash flows support the amounts capitalized. Sales-based milestones payable by Merck to collaborative partners are accrued and capitalized, subject to cumulative amortization catch-up, when probable of being achieved. The amortization catch-up is calculated either from the time of the first regulatory approval for indications that were unapproved at the time the collaboration was formed, or from time of the formation of the collaboration for approved products. The related intangible asset that is recognized is amortized to Cost of sales over its remaining useful life, subject to impairment testing.
Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation — The Company expenses all share-based payments to employees over the requisite service period based on the grant-date fair value of the awards.
Restructuring Costs Restructuring Costs — The Company records liabilities for costs associated with exit or disposal activities in the period in which the liability is incurred. In accordance with existing benefit arrangements, employee termination costs are accrued when the restructuring actions are probable and estimable. When accruing these costs, the Company will recognize the amount within a range of costs that is the best estimate within the range. When no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount, the Company recognizes the minimum amount within the range. Costs for one-time termination benefits in which the employee is required to render service until termination in order to receive the benefits are recognized ratably over the future service period.
Contingencies and Legal Defense Costs Contingencies and Legal Defense Costs — The Company records accruals for contingencies and legal defense costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Taxes on Income Taxes on Income — Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting based on enacted tax laws and rates. The Company evaluates tax positions to determine whether the benefits of tax positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the Company recognizes the amount of the benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement in the financial statements. For tax positions that are not more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the Company does not recognize any portion of the benefit in the financial statements. The Company recognizes interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of Taxes on Income from Continuing Operations. The Company accounts for the tax effects of the tax on global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) of certain foreign subsidiaries in the income tax provision in the period the tax arises.
Use of Estimates Use of Estimates — The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (GAAP) and, accordingly, include certain amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments. Estimates are used when accounting for amounts recorded in connection with acquisitions, including initial fair value determinations of assets and liabilities (primarily IPR&D, other intangible assets and contingent consideration), as well as subsequent fair value measurements. Additionally, estimates are used in determining such items as provisions for sales discounts and returns, depreciable and amortizable lives, recoverability of inventories, including those produced in preparation for product launches, amounts recorded for contingencies, environmental liabilities, accruals for contingent sales-based milestone payments and other reserves, pension and other postretirement benefit plan assumptions, share-based compensation assumptions, restructuring costs, impairments of long-lived assets (including intangible assets and goodwill) and investments, and taxes on income. Because of the uncertainty inherent in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates.
Reclassifications Reclassifications — Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance on the accounting and reporting of income taxes. The guidance is intended to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing exceptions related to certain intraperiod tax allocations and deferred tax liabilities; clarifying guidance primarily related to evaluating the step-up tax basis for goodwill in a business combination; and reflecting enacted changes in tax laws or rates in the annual effective tax rate. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2021. There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In January 2020, the FASB issued new guidance intended to clarify certain interactions between accounting standards related to equity securities, equity method investments and certain derivatives. The guidance addresses accounting for the transition into and out of the equity method of accounting and measuring certain purchased options and forward contracts to acquire investments. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2021. There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
In August 2020, the FASB issued amended guidance on the accounting for convertible instruments and contracts in an entity’s own equity. The guidance removes the separation model for convertible debt instruments and preferred stock, amends requirements for conversion options to be classified in equity as well as amends diluted earnings per share (EPS) calculations for certain convertible debt instruments. The amended guidance is effective for interim and annual periods in 2022. The application of the amendments in the new guidance are to be applied either on a modified retrospective or a retrospective basis. There was no impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption on January 1, 2022.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted — In March 2020, the FASB issued optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting and subsequently issued clarifying amendments. The guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for accounting for contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The optional guidance is effective upon issuance and can be applied on a prospective basis at any time between January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is progressing in its evaluation of LIBOR cessation exposures, including the review of debt-related contracts, leases, business development and licensing arrangements, royalty and other agreements. The Company has amended certain agreements and continues to review other agreements for potential impacts. With regard to debt-related exposures in particular, all existing interest rate swaps linked to LIBOR will mature in 2022. The Company is still evaluating the impact to its LIBOR-based debt. Based on its evaluation thus far, the Company does not anticipate a material impact to its consolidated financial statements as a result of reference rate reform.
In October 2021, the FASB issued amended guidance that requires acquiring entities to recognize and measure contract assets and liabilities in a business combination in accordance with existing revenue recognition guidance. The amended guidance is effective for interim and annual periods in 2023 and is to be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted on a retrospective basis to the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for prior acquisitions; however, the impact in future periods will be dependent upon the contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in future business combinations.
In November 2021, the FASB issued new guidance to increase the transparency of transactions with a government that are accounted for by applying a grant or contribution accounting model by analogy. The guidance requires annual disclosures of such transactions to include the nature of the transactions and the significant terms and conditions, the accounting treatment and the impact to the company’s financial statements. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning in 2022 and is to be applied on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption on its consolidated financial statements.
v3.22.0.1
Spin-Off of Organon & Co. (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations
Details of Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes and Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests are as follows:
Years Ended December 31
2021(1)
20202019
Sales$2,512 $6,476 $7,719 
Costs, Expenses and Other
Cost of sales789 1,867 2,096 
Selling, general and administrative877 1,513 1,160 
Research and development103 161 148 
Restructuring costs1 12 
Other (income) expense, net(15)10 
1,755 3,548 3,426 
Income from discontinued operations before taxes757 2,928 4,293 
Tax provision50 369 122 
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes707 2,559 4,171 
Less: Income of discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests3 11 18 
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests$704 $2,548 $4,153 
(1) Reflects amounts through the June 2, 2021 spin-off date.
Details of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are as follows: 
December 312020
Cash and cash equivalents$12 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts1,048 
Inventories756 
Other current assets867 
Current assets of discontinued operations$2,683 
Property, plant and equipment, net$986 
Goodwill1,356 
Other intangibles, net503 
Other assets330 
Noncurrent Assets of Discontinued Operations$3,175 
Trade accounts payable$267 
Accrued and other current liabilities841 
Income taxes payable(22)
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations$1,086 
Deferred income taxes$10 
Other noncurrent liabilities176 
Noncurrent Liabilities of Discontinued Operations$186 
v3.22.0.1
Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and License Agreements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Acceleron is as follows:
November 19, 2021
Cash and cash equivalents$340 
Investments285 
Identifiable intangible assets: (1)
IPR&D - sotatercept 6,380 
Products and product rights - Reblozyl (12 year useful life)
3,830 
Deferred income tax liabilities, net(1,832)
Other assets and liabilities, net89 
Total identifiable net assets9,092 
Goodwill (2)
2,422 
Consideration transferred$11,514 
(1)    The estimated fair value of the identifiable intangible assets related to sotatercept and Reblozyl were determined using an income approach, specifically the multi-period excess earnings method. The future probability-weighted net cash flows were discounted to present value utilizing a discount rate of 7.5% for sotatercept and 6.0% for Reblozyl. Actual cash flows are likely to be different than those assumed.
(2)    The goodwill recognized is largely attributable to anticipated synergies expected to arise after the acquisition and was allocated to the Pharmaceutical segment. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
The estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from ArQule is as follows:
January 16, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents$145 
IPR&D - nemtabrutinib (1)
2,280 
Licensing arrangement for ARQ 08780 
Deferred income tax liabilities(361)
Other assets and liabilities, net34 
Total identifiable net assets
2,178 
Goodwill (2)
512 
Consideration transferred$2,690 
(1)    The estimated fair value of nemtabrutinib was determined using an income approach. The future probability-weighted net cash flows were discounted to present value utilizing a discount rate of 12.5%. Actual cash flows are likely to be different than those assumed.
(2)    The goodwill was allocated to the Pharmaceutical segment and is not deductible for tax purposes.
The estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Antelliq is as follows:
April 1, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents$31 
Accounts receivable73 
Inventories93 
Property, plant and equipment60 
Identifiable intangible assets (useful lives ranging from 18-24 years) (1)
2,689 
Deferred income tax liabilities(589)
Other assets and liabilities, net(82)
Total identifiable net assets2,275 
Goodwill (2)
1,376 
Consideration transferred$3,651 
(1)    The estimated fair values of identifiable intangible assets relate primarily to trade names and were determined using an income approach. The future probability-weighted net cash flows were discounted to present value utilizing a discount rate of 11.5%. Actual cash flows are likely to be different than those assumed.
(2)    The goodwill recognized is largely attributable to anticipated synergies expected to arise after the acquisition and was allocated to the Animal Health segment. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
v3.22.0.1
Collaborative Arrangements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Collaborative Arrangements [Abstract]  
Collaborative Arrangements
Summarized financial information related to this collaboration is as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Alliance revenue - Lynparza$989 $725 $444 
Alliance revenue - Koselugo29 — 
Total alliance revenue$1,018 $733 $444 
Cost of sales (1)
167 247 148 
Selling, general and administrative178 160 138 
Research and development120 133 168 
December 3120212020
Receivables from AstraZeneca included in Other current assets
$271 $215 
Payables to AstraZeneca included in Trade accounts payable and Accrued and other current liabilities (2)
415 423 
(1) Represents amortization of capitalized milestone payments.
(2) Includes accrued milestone payments.
Summarized financial information related to this collaboration is as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Alliance revenue - Lenvima$704 $580 $404 
Cost of sales (1)
195 271 206 
Selling, general and administrative127 73 80 
Research and development173 185 189 
December 3120212020
Receivables from Eisai included in Other current assets
$200 $157 
Payables to Eisai included in Accrued and other current liabilities (2)
625 335 
Payables to Eisai included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities (3)
 600 
(1) Represents amortization of capitalized milestone payments.
(2) Includes accrued milestone and future option payments.
(3) Includes accrued milestone payments.
Summarized financial information related to this collaboration is as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Alliance revenue - Adempas/Verquvo$342 $281 $204 
Net sales of Adempas recorded by Merck252 220 215 
Net sales of Verquvo recorded by Merck7 — — 
Total sales$601 $501 $419 
Cost of sales (1)
424 196 188 
Selling, general and administrative126 47 34 
Research and development53 63 126 
December 3120212020
Receivables from Bayer included in Other current assets
$114 $65 
Payables to Bayer included in Accrued and other current Liabilities (2)
472 — 
(1) Includes amortization of intangible assets. Amount in 2021 includes $153 million of cumulative amortization catch-up expense as noted above. In addition, cost of sales in all periods now includes Bayer’s share of profits from sales in Merck’s marketing territories.
(2) Includes accrued milestone payment.
Summarized financial information related to this collaboration is as follows:
Years Ended December 3120212020
Molnupiravir sales$952 $— 
Cost of sales (1)
494 13 
Selling, general and administrative33 
Research and development (2)
60 323 
December 3120212020
Payables to Ridgeback included in Accrued and other current liabilities (3)
$283 $
(1) Includes royalty expense and amortization of capitalized milestone payments.
(2) Amount in 2020 includes upfront payment.
(3) Includes accrued royalty and milestone payments.
v3.22.0.1
Restructuring (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Charges Related to Restructuring Program Activities by Type of Cost
The following table summarizes the charges related to restructuring program activities by type of cost:
Separation
Costs
Accelerated
Depreciation
OtherTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Cost of sales$ $52 $108 $160 
Selling, general and administrative 12 7 19 
Research and development 27 1 28 
Restructuring costs451  210 661 
 $451 $91 $326 $868 
Year Ended December 31, 2020    
Cost of sales$— $143 $32 $175 
Selling, general and administrative— 44 47 
Research and development— 81 83 
Restructuring costs385 — 190 575 
 $385 $268 $227 $880 
Year Ended December 31, 2019    
Cost of sales$— $198 $53 $251 
Selling, general and administrative— 33 34 
Research and development— 
Restructuring costs572 — 54 626 
 $572 $233 $110 $915 
Charges and Spending Relating to Restructuring Activities by Program
The following table summarizes the charges and spending relating to restructuring program activities:
Separation
Costs
Accelerated
Depreciation
OtherTotal
Restructuring reserves January 1, 2020
$690 $— $25 $715 
Expenses385 268 227 880 
(Payments) receipts, net(508)— (271)(779)
Non-cash activity— (268)38 (230)
Restructuring reserves December 31, 2020
567 — 19 586 
Expenses451 91 326 868 
(Payments) receipts, net(422) (186)(608)
Non-cash activity (91)(118)(209)
Restructuring reserves December 31, 2021 (1)
$596 $ $41 $637 
(1)    The remaining cash outlays are expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2023.
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Effect of Net Investment Hedges
The effects of the Company’s net investment hedges on OCI and the Consolidated Statement of Income are shown below:
Amount of Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (1)
Amount of Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Other (income) expense, net for Amounts Excluded from Effectiveness Testing
Years Ended December 31202120202019202120202019
Net Investment Hedging Relationships
Foreign exchange contracts
$(49)$26 $(10)$(13)$(19)$(31)
Euro-denominated notes(296)385 (75) — — 
(1) No amounts were reclassified from AOCL into income related to the sale of a subsidiary.
Summary of Interest Rate Derivatives At December 31, 2021, the Company was a party to nine pay-floating, receive-fixed interest rate swap contracts designated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate notes in which the notional amounts match the amount of the hedged fixed-rate notes as detailed in the table below:
2021
Debt InstrumentPar Value of DebtNumber of Interest Rate Swaps HeldTotal Swap Notional Amount
2.40% notes due 2022
$1,000 $1,000 
2.35% notes due 2022 (1)
1,250 1,250 
(1) These interest rate swaps matured in February 2022.
Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position
The table below presents the location of amounts recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet related to cumulative basis adjustments for fair value hedges as of December 31:
Carrying Amount of Hedged LiabilitiesCumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Increase (Decrease) Included in the Carrying Amount
2021202020212020
Balance Sheet Line Item in which Hedged Item is Included
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt$2,263 $1,150 $13 $— 
Long-Term Debt 2,301  53 
Fair Value of Derivatives on a Gross Basis Segregated Between those Derivatives that are Designated as Hedging Instruments and those that are Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
Presented in the table below is the fair value of derivatives on a gross basis segregated between those derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments and those that are not designated as hedging instruments as of December 31:
  20212020
  Fair Value of
Derivative
U.S. Dollar
Notional
Fair Value of
Derivative
U.S. Dollar
Notional
 Balance Sheet CaptionAssetLiabilityAssetLiability
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
       
Interest rate swap contractsOther current assets$14 $ $2,250 $$— $1,150 
Interest rate swap contractsOther Assets   54 — 2,250 
Foreign exchange contractsOther current assets271  6,778 12 — 3,183 
Foreign exchange contractsOther Assets43  1,551 45 — 2,030 
Foreign exchange contractsAccrued and other current liabilities 24 1,623 — 217 5,049 
Foreign exchange contractsOther Noncurrent Liabilities 1 43 — 52 
  $328 $25 $12,245 $112 $218 $13,714 
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
       
Foreign exchange contractsOther current assets$221 $ $10,073 $70 $— $7,260 
Foreign exchange contractsAccrued and other current liabilities 96 10,640 — 307 11,810 
  $221 $96 $20,713 $70 $307 $19,070 
  $549 $121 $32,958 $182 $525 $32,784 
Information on Derivative Positions Subject to Master Netting Arrangements as if they were Presented on a Net Basis The following table provides information on the Company’s derivative positions subject to these master netting arrangements as if they were presented on a net basis, allowing for the right of offset by counterparty and cash collateral exchanged per the master agreements and related credit support annexes at December 31:
20212020
AssetLiabilityAssetLiability
Gross amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet$549 $121 $182 $525 
Gross amounts subject to offset in master netting arrangements not offset in the consolidated balance sheet
(110)(110)(156)(156)
Cash collateral posted/received(164) — (36)
Net amounts$275 $11 $26 $333 
Location and Pretax Gain or Loss Amounts for Derivatives
The table below provides information regarding the location and amount of pretax (gains) losses of derivatives designated in fair value or cash flow hedging relationships:
Sales
Other (income) expense, net (1)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Years Ended December 31202120202019202120202019202120202019
Financial Statement Line Items in which Effects of Fair Value or Cash Flow Hedges are Recorded$48,704 $41,518 $39,121 $(1,341)(890)129 $1,756 $(441)$(648)
(Gain) loss on fair value hedging relationships
Interest rate swap contracts
Hedged items
 — — (40)40 95  — — 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 — — 1 (76)(65) — — 
Impact of cash flow hedging relationships
Foreign exchange contracts
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives
 — —  — — 333 (383)87 
(Decrease) increase in Sales as a result of AOCL reclassifications
(194)(6)255  — — 194 (255)
Interest rate contracts
Amount of gain recognized in Other (income) expense, net on derivatives
 — — (2)(4)(4) — — 
Amount of loss recognized in OCI on derivatives
 — —  — — (2)(4)(6)
(1) Interest expense is a component of Other (income) expense, net.
Income Statement Effects of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The table below provides information regarding the income statement effects of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Amount of Derivative Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging InstrumentsIncome Statement Caption
Foreign exchange contracts (1)
Other (income) expense, net$313 $(12)$174 
Foreign exchange contracts (2)
Sales9 13 
Interest rate contracts (3)
Other (income) expense, net — 
Forward contract related to Seagen common stockResearch and development expenses 15 — 
(1) These derivative contracts primarily mitigate changes in the value of remeasured foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Amount in 2021 includes a loss on forward exchange contracts entered into in conjunction with the spin-off of Organon.
(2) These derivatives serve as economic hedges of forecasted transactions.
(3) These derivatives serve as economic hedges against rising treasury rates.
Information on Investments in Debt and Equity Securities
Information on investments in debt and equity securities at December 31 is as follows:
 
 20212020
 Amortized
Cost
Gross UnrealizedFair
Value
Amortized
Cost
Gross UnrealizedFair
Value
  
GainsLossesGainsLosses
U.S. government and agency securities$80 $ $ $80 $84 $— $— $84 
Foreign government bonds2   2 — — 
Corporate notes and bonds4   4 — — — — 
Total debt securities86   86 89 — — 89 
Publicly traded equity securities (1)
1,647 1,787 
Total debt and publicly traded equity securities
$1,733 $1,876 
(1) Unrealized net losses recorded in Other (income) expense, net on equity securities still held at December 31, 2021 were $232 million during 2021. Unrealized net gains recorded in Other (income) expense, net on equity securities still held at December 31, 2020 were $163 million during 2020.
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31 are summarized below:
 Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
  Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
  20212020
Assets
Investments
Foreign government bonds$ $2 $ $2 $— $$— $
Publicly traded equity securities
368   368 780 — — 780 
 368 2  370 780 — 785 
Other assets (1)
U.S. government and agency securities
80   80 84 — — 84 
Corporate notes and bonds4   4 — — — — 
Publicly traded equity securities
1,279   1,279 1,007 — — 1,007 
1,363   1,363 1,091 — — 1,091 
Derivative assets (2)
Forward exchange contracts 351  351 — 90 — 90 
Purchased currency options 184  184 — 37 — 37 
Interest rate swaps 14  14 — 55 — 55 
  549  549 — 182 — 182 
Total assets$1,731 $551 $ $2,282 $1,871 $187 $— $2,058 
Liabilities
Other liabilities
Contingent consideration$ $ $777 $777 $— $— $841 $841 
Derivative liabilities (2)
Forward exchange contracts 120  120 — 505 — 505 
Written currency options 1  1 — 20 — 20 
 121  121 — 525 — 525 
Total liabilities$ $121 $777 $898 $— $525 $841 $1,366 
(1)     Investments included in other assets are restricted as to use, including for the payment of benefits under employee benefit plans.
(2)     The fair value determination of derivatives includes the impact of the credit risk of counterparties to the derivatives and the Company’s own credit risk, the effects of which were not significant.
Summarized Information about the Changes in Liabilities for Contingent Consideration
Summarized information about the changes in the fair value of liabilities for contingent consideration associated with business combinations is as follows:
20212020
Fair value January 1$841 $767 
Additions 97 
Changes in estimated fair value (1)
57 83 
Payments(109)(106)
Other(12)— 
Fair value December 31 (2)(3)
$777 $841 
(1) Recorded in Cost of sales, Research and development expenses, and Other (income) expense, net. Includes cumulative translation adjustments.
(2) Balance at December 31, 2021 includes $151 million recorded as a current liability for amounts expected to be paid within the next 12 months.
(3) At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $620 million and $711 million, respectively, of the liabilities relate to the termination of the Sanofi Pasteur MSD joint venture in 2016. As part of the termination, Merck recorded a liability for contingent future royalty payments of 11.5% on net sales of all Merck products that were previously sold by the joint venture through December 31, 2024. The fair value of this liability is determined utilizing the estimated amount and timing of projected cash flows using a risk-adjusted discount rate of 8% to present value the cash flows.
v3.22.0.1
Inventories (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories
Inventories at December 31 consisted of:
20212020
Finished goods$1,747 $1,610 
Raw materials and work in process6,220 5,949 
Supplies196 146 
Total (approximates current cost)8,163 7,705 
Decrease to LIFO cost(16)(81)
 $8,147 $7,624 
Recognized as:
Inventories$5,953 $5,554 
Other assets2,194 2,070 
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill Activity by Segment
The following table summarizes goodwill activity by segment:
 
PharmaceuticalAnimal HealthAll OtherTotal
Balance January 1, 2020
$14,825 $3,192 $52 $18,069 
Acquisitions742 105 — 847 
Divestitures— — (54)(54)
Other (1)
47 (29)20 
Balance December 31, 2020 (2)
15,614 3,268 — 18,882 
Acquisitions2,431 5  2,436 
Other (1)
(48)(6) (54)
Balance December 31, 2021 (2)
$17,997 $3,267 $ $21,264 
(1) Includes cumulative translation adjustments on goodwill balances.
(2) Accumulated goodwill impairment losses were $531 million at both December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Other Intangibles
Other acquired intangibles at December 31 consisted of:
 20212020
  
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
NetGross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Products and product rights$23,671 $15,776 $7,895 $20,928 $16,138 $4,790 
IPR&D9,281  9,281 3,228 — 3,228 
Trade names2,882 493 2,389 2,882 352 2,530 
Licenses and other6,604 3,236 3,368 6,199 2,646 3,553 
 $42,438 $19,505 $22,933 $33,237 $19,136 $14,101 
v3.22.0.1
Loans Payable, Long-Term Debt and Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments
Long-term debt at December 31 consisted of:
20212020
2.75% notes due 2025
$2,495 $2,493 
2.15% notes due 2031
1,986 — 
2.75% notes due 2051
1,979 — 
3.70% notes due 2045
1,977 1,976 
2.80% notes due 2023
1,749 1,748 
3.40% notes due 2029
1,736 1,734 
1.70% notes due 2027
1,493 — 
2.90% notes due 2061
1,484 — 
4.00% notes due 2049
1,470 1,469 
4.15% notes due 2043
1,239 1,238 
1.45% notes due 2030
1,235 1,233 
2.45% notes due 2050
1,212 1,211 
1.875% euro-denominated notes due 2026
1,123 1,218 
1.90% notes due 2028
994 — 
0.75% notes due 2026
993 991 
3.90% notes due 2039
984 983 
2.35% notes due 2040
983 982 
2.90% notes due 2024
748 746 
6.50% notes due 2033
715 719 
0.50% euro-denominated notes due 2024
563 611 
1.375% euro-denominated notes due 2036
559 606 
2.50% euro-denominated notes due 2034
558 605 
3.60% notes due 2042
491 491 
6.55% notes due 2037
409 411 
5.75% notes due 2036
338 338 
5.95% debentures due 2028
306 306 
5.85% notes due 2039
271 271 
6.40% debentures due 2028
250 250 
6.30% debentures due 2026
135 135 
2.35% notes due 2022
 1,269 
2.40% notes due 2022
 1,032 
Other215 294 
 $30,690 $25,360 
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases is as follows:
December 3120212020
Assets
Other Assets (1)
$1,586 $1,688 
Liabilities
Accrued and other current liabilities304 291 
Other Noncurrent Liabilities1,225 1,335 
$1,529 $1,626 
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)7.08.0
Weighted-average discount rate2.6 %2.8 %
(1) Includes prepaid leases that have no related lease liability.
Schedule of Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities
Maturities of operating leases liabilities are as follows:
2022$336 
2023292 
2024242 
2025178 
2026146 
Thereafter511 
Total lease payments1,705 
Less: Imputed interest176 
$1,529 
v3.22.0.1
Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Summary of Common Stock and Treasury Stock Transactions
A summary of common stock and treasury stock transactions (shares in millions) is as follows:
 202120202019
  
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Common
Stock
Treasury
Stock
Balance January 13,577 1,047 3,577 1,038 3,577 985 
Purchases of treasury stock 11 — 16 — 66 
Issuances (1)
 (9)— (7)— (13)
Balance December 313,577 1,049 3,577 1,047 3,577 1,038 
(1)     Issuances primarily reflect activity under share-based compensation plans.
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Assumptions Used to Determine Weighted-Average Fair Value of Options Granted The weighted average fair value of options granted in 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $9.80, $9.93 and $10.63 per option, respectively, and were determined using the following assumptions:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Expected dividend yield3.1 %3.1 %3.2 %
Risk-free interest rate1.0 %0.4 %2.4 %
Expected volatility20.9 %22.1 %18.7 %
Expected life (years)5.95.85.9
Summarized Information Relative to Stock Option Plan Activity
Summarized information relative to stock option plan activity (options in thousands) is as follows:
Number
of Options
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding January 1, 2021 (1)
19,446 $63.64 
Granted (1)
4,781 75.99 
Exercised (1)
(3,728)54.14 
Forfeited (1)
(626)73.97   
Awards transferred to Organon in the spin-off(1,947)72.15 
Adjustment to Merck awards related to the spin-off of Organon (2)
646  
Outstanding December 31, 202118,572 $65.27 6.3$213 
Vested and expected to vest December 31, 202117,829 $64.90 6.2$212 
Exercisable December 31, 202112,136 $60.41 5.0$198 
(1) Activity prior to the Organon spin-off has not been restated.
(2) In connection with the spin-off of Organon, all outstanding Merck stock options (whether vested or unvested) were converted into adjusted Merck awards for current and former Merck employees or Organon awards for Organon employees. Such adjusted awards preserved the same intrinsic value and general terms and conditions (including vesting) as were in place immediately prior to the adjustments.
Additional Information Pertaining to Stock Option Plans
Additional information pertaining to stock option plans is provided in the table below:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised$106 $51 $295 
Fair value of stock options vested27 25 27 
Cash received from the exercise of stock options202 89 361 
Summary of Nonvested RSU and PSU Activity
A summary of nonvested RSU and PSU activity (shares in thousands) is as follows:
 RSUsPSUs
  
Number
of Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Number
of Shares
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested January 1, 2021 (1)
11,915 $74.17 2,100 $75.08 
Granted (1)
7,897 76.16 1,487 69.33 
Vested (1)
(6,066)70.25 (1,284)57.14 
Forfeited (1)
(1,015)76.62 (149)79.33 
Awards transferred to Organon in the spin-off(1,309)76.99 (248)77.39 
Adjustment to Merck awards related to the spin-off of Organon (2)
368  60  
Nonvested December 31, 202111,790 $74.88 1,966 $77.13 
Expected to vest December 31, 202110,499 $74.93 1,832 $77.40 
(1) Activity prior to the Organon spin-off has not been restated.
(2) In connection with the spin-off of Organon, all outstanding Merck RSUs and PSUs (whether vested or unvested) were converted into adjusted Merck awards for current and former Merck employees or Organon awards for Organon employees. Such adjusted awards preserved the same intrinsic value and general terms and conditions (including vesting) as were in place immediately prior to the adjustments.
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The net periodic benefit cost (credit) for pension and other postretirement benefit plans (including certain costs reported as part of discontinued operations) consisted of the following components:
Pension Benefits
U.S.InternationalOther Postretirement Benefits
Years Ended December 31202120202019202120202019202120202019
Service cost$403 $360 $293 $328 $297 $235 $48 $52 $48 
Interest cost404 431 458 123 136 176 45 57 69 
Expected return on plan assets
(755)(774)(817)(416)(414)(425)(79)(75)(72)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
(38)(49)(49)(16)(18)(12)(63)(73)(78)
Net loss (gain) amortization298 303 151 142 127 64 (42)(18)(10)
Termination benefits56 10 31 5 37 
Curtailments16 10 14 (26)— (29)(4)(11)
Settlements216 13 — 8 15  — — 
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$600 $304 $81 $148 $146 $53 $(83)$(59)$(49)
Obligation and Funded Status
Summarized information about the changes in plan assets and benefit obligations, the funded status and the amounts recorded at December 31 is as follows:
Pension BenefitsOther
Postretirement
Benefits
U.S.International
  202120202021202020212020
Fair value of plan assets January 1$12,672 $11,361 $12,009 $10,135 $1,221 $1,102 
Actual return on plan assets1,250 1,908 891 1,026 118 175 
Company contributions305 199 189 383 33 19 
Effects of exchange rate changes — (671)743  — 
Benefits paid(219)(751)(233)(214)(86)(93)
Settlements(941)(45)(55)(117) — 
Spin-off of Organon — (55)—  — 
Other — 120 53 6 18 
Fair value of plan assets December 31$13,067 $12,672 $12,195 $12,009 $1,292 $1,221 
Benefit obligation January 1$14,613 $13,003 $12,458 $10,558 $1,607 $1,673 
Service cost403 360 328 297 48 52 
Interest cost404 431 123 136 45 57 
Actuarial (gains) losses (1)
(332)1,594 (240)1,032 (103)(98)
Benefits paid(219)(751)(233)(214)(86)(93)
Effects of exchange rate changes — (678)788 (1)(3)
Plan amendments — 4 (64) — 
Curtailments15 11 (38)(8)(12)(1)
Termination benefits56 10 5 37 
Settlements(941)(45)(55)(117) — 
Spin-off of Organon — (118)—  — 
Other — 19 47 6 18 
Benefit obligation December 31$13,999 $14,613 $11,575 $12,458 $1,541 $1,607 
Funded status December 31$(932)$(1,941)$620 $(449)$(249)$(386)
Recognized as:
Other Assets$9 $— $1,395 $941 $ $— 
Accrued and other current liabilities(64)(82)(22)(13)(8)(9)
Other Noncurrent Liabilities(877)(1,859)(753)(1,377)(241)(377)
(1) Actuarial (gains) losses primarily reflect changes in discount rates.
Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets
Information related to the funded status of selected pension plans at December 31 is as follows:
U.S.International
2021202020212020
Pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Projected benefit obligation$13,013 $14,613 $2,507 $8,875 
Fair value of plan assets12,072 12,672 1,731 7,488 
Pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Accumulated benefit obligation$12,916 $13,489 $2,462 $4,234 
Fair value of plan assets12,072 11,685 1,723 2,995 
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets
The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31 by asset category are as follows:
 Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
  Level 1Level 2Level 3
NAV (1)
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
NAV (1)
Total
20212020
U.S. Pension Plans
Cash and cash equivalents$3 $ $ $289 $292 $$— $— $303 $308 
Investment funds
Developed markets equities
236   3,799 4,035 206 — — 3,884 4,090 
Emerging markets equities
   919 919 169 — — 927 1,096 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities     — 89 — — 89 
Equity securities
Developed markets
2,915    2,915 2,819 — — — 2,819 
Fixed income securities
Government and agency obligations
 2,870   2,870 — 2,236 — — 2,236 
Corporate obligations
 2,005   2,005 — 1,994 — — 1,994 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
 23   23 — 33 — — 33 
Other investments2  6  8 — — — 
Plan assets at fair value$3,156 $4,898 $6 $5,007 $13,067 $3,199 $4,352 $$5,114 $12,672 
International Pension Plans
Cash and cash equivalents$82 $10 $ $18 $110 $110 $$— $20 $131 
Investment funds
Developed markets equities
531 4,292  121 4,944 475 4,286 — 118 4,879 
Government and agency obligations
240 4,025  171 4,436 1,516 2,614 — 172 4,302 
Emerging markets equities
137   72 209 154 — — 92 246 
Corporate obligations
9 8  171 188 12 — 172 189 
Other fixed income obligations15 8  3 26 11 — 24 
Real estate
 1  16 17 — — 15 16 
Equity securities
Developed markets
369    369 505 — — — 505 
Fixed income securities
Government and agency obligations
3 591  3 597 481 — 487 
Corporate obligations
 223  2 225 174 — 177 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
 90   90 — 70 — — 70 
Other investments
Insurance contracts (2)
 44 937 1 982 — 42 935 978 
Other
1 1   2 — — 
Plan assets at fair value
$1,387 $9,293 $937 $578 $12,195 $2,779 $7,696 $935 $599 $12,009 
(1)    Certain investments that were measured at net asset value (NAV) per share or its equivalent have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The NAV amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2021 and 2020.
(2)    The plans’ Level 3 investments in insurance contracts are generally valued using a crediting rate that approximates market returns and invest in underlying securities whose market values are unobservable and determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques.
The fair values of the Company’s other postretirement benefit plan assets at December 31 by asset category are as follows:
 Fair Value Measurements UsingFair Value Measurements Using
  Level 1Level 2Level 3
NAV (1)
TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
NAV (1)
Total
  2021  2020  
Cash and cash equivalents$11 $ $ $28 $39 $31 $— $— $28 $59 
Investment funds
Developed markets equities
24   378 402 19 — — 355 374 
Emerging markets equities
   92 92 16 — — 85 101 
Government and agency obligations
1   1 — — — 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities     — — — 
Equity securities— 
Developed markets
290    290 258 — — — 258 
Fixed income securities
Government and agency obligations
 275   275 — 221 — — 221 
Corporate obligations
 191   191 — 196 — — 196 
Mortgage and asset-backed securities
 2   2 — — — 
Plan assets at fair value$326 $468 $ $498 $1,292 $325 $428 $— $468 $1,221 
(1)    Certain investments that were measured at net asset value (NAV) per share or its equivalent have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The NAV amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Company's Level 3 Pension Plan Assets
The table below provides a summary of the changes in fair value, including transfers in and/or out, of all financial assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the Company’s pension plan assets:
 20212020
  Insurance
Contracts
Real
Estate
OtherTotalInsurance
Contracts
Real
Estate
OtherTotal
U.S. Pension Plans
Balance January 1$ $ $7 $7 $— $— $$
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at December 31
  (5)(5)— — (5)(5)
Relating to assets sold during the year
  7 7 — — 
Purchases and sales, net  (3)(3)— — (2)(2)
Balance December 31$ $ $6 $6 $— $— $$
International Pension Plans
Balance January 1$935 $ $ $935 $851 $— $— $851 
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at December 31
(34)  (34)103 — 103 
Purchases and sales, net(42)  (42)(17)— — (17)
Transfers in (out) of Level 378   78 (2)— — (2)
Balance December 31$937 $ $ $937 $935 $— $— $935 
Summary of Expected Benefit Payments
Expected benefit payments are as follows:
U.S. Pension BenefitsInternational Pension
Benefits
Other
Postretirement
Benefits
2022$724 $289 $84 
2023745 275 85 
2024731 278 87 
2025748 280 89 
2026770 308 90 
2027 — 20314,230 1,715 469 
Components of Other Comprehensive Income The following amounts were reflected as components of OCI:
 Pension PlansOther Postretirement
Benefit Plans
U.S.International
Years Ended December 31202120202019202120202019202120202019
Net gain (loss) arising during the period$1,048 $(448)$(816)$815 $(407)$(227)$144 $198 $112 
Prior service (cost) credit arising during the period
(3)(1)(4)(29)62 (1)(17)(3)(11)
 $1,045 $(449)$(820)$786 $(345)$(228)$127 $195 $101 
Net loss (gain) amortization included in benefit cost$298 $303 $151 $142 $127 $64 $(42)$(18)$(10)
Prior service credit amortization included in benefit cost
(38)(49)(49)(16)(18)(12)(63)(73)(78)
 $260 $254 $102 $126 $109 $52 $(105)$(91)$(88)
Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Determining Pension Plan and U.S. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Information
The Company reassesses its benefit plan assumptions on a regular basis. The weighted average assumptions used in determining U.S. pension and other postretirement benefit plan and international pension plan information are as follows:
 U.S. Pension and Other
Postretirement Benefit Plans
International Pension Plans
December 31202120202019202120202019
Net periodic benefit cost      
Discount rate2.70 %3.40 %4.40 %1.10 %1.50 %2.20 %
Expected rate of return on plan assets6.70 %7.30 %8.10 %3.80 %4.40 %4.90 %
Salary growth rate4.60 %4.20 %4.30 %2.80 %2.80 %2.80 %
Interest crediting rate4.70 %4.90 %3.40 %3.00 %2.80 %2.90 %
Benefit obligation      
Discount rate3.00 %2.70 %3.40 %1.50 %1.10 %1.50 %
Salary growth rate4.60 %4.60 %4.20 %2.90 %2.80 %2.80 %
Interest crediting rate5.00 %4.70 %4.90 %3.00 %3.00 %2.80 %
Summary of Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumptions for Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The health care cost trend rate assumptions for other postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
December 3120212020
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year6.4 %6.6 %
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline4.5 %4.5 %
Year that the trend rate reaches the ultimate trend rate20322032
v3.22.0.1
Other (Income) Expense, Net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Other (Income) Expense, Net
Other (income) expense, net, consisted of:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Interest income$(36)$(59)$(274)
Interest expense806 831 893 
Exchange losses297 145 187 
Income from investments in equity securities, net (1)
(1,940)(1,338)(170)
Net periodic defined benefit plan (credit) cost other than service cost(212)(339)(545)
Other, net(256)(130)38 
 $(1,341)$(890)$129 
(1) Includes net realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments in equity securities either owned directly or through ownership interests in investment funds. Unrealized gains and losses from investments that are directly owned are determined at the end of the reporting period, while gains and losses from ownership interests in investment funds are accounted for on a one quarter lag. The Company estimates losses of approximately $500 million will be recorded in the first quarter of 2022 from ownership interests in investment funds.
v3.22.0.1
Taxes on Income (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Reconciliation Between Effective Tax Rate and U.S. Statutory Rate
A reconciliation between the effective tax rate for income from continuing operations and the U.S. statutory rate is as follows:
 202120202019
  
AmountTax RateAmountTax RateAmountTax Rate
U.S. statutory rate applied to income from continuing operations before taxes$2,915 21.0 %$1,231 21.0 %$1,506 21.0 %
Differential arising from:
Foreign earnings(1,446)(10.4)(965)(16.5)(461)(6.4)
GILTI and the foreign-derived intangible income deduction
(75)(0.5)349 6.0 323 4.5 
Tax settlements(275)(2.0)(13)(0.2)(139)(1.9)
R&D tax credit(81)(0.6)(108)(1.8)(116)(1.6)
Acquisition of VelosBio(9)(0.1)559 9.5 — — 
Acquisition of Pandion356 2.6 — — — — 
Valuation allowances
102 0.7 37 0.6 115 1.6 
Restructuring61 0.4 105 1.8 39 0.5 
Acquisition-related costs, including amortization
8 0.1 38 0.6 70 1.0 
State taxes2  57 1.0 (12)(0.2)
Acquisition of OncoImmune  97 1.7 — — 
Acquisition of Peloton  — — 209 2.9 
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017  — — 117 1.6 
Other(37)(0.2)(47)(0.8)(86)(1.2)
 $1,521 11.0 %$1,340 22.9 %$1,565 21.8 %
Income Before Taxes
Income from continuing operations before taxes consisted of:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Domestic$1,854 $(3,814)$(66)
Foreign12,025 9,677 7,237 
 $13,879 $5,863 $7,171 
Taxes on Income
Taxes on income from continuing operations consisted of:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Current provision
Federal$74 $893 $642 
Foreign1,273 969 1,523 
State(13)44 (40)
 1,334 1,906 2,125 
Deferred provision
Federal240 (605)(328)
Foreign(77)64 (228)
State24 (25)(4)
 187 (566)(560)
 $1,521 $1,340 $1,565 
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes at December 31 consisted of:
 20212020
  
AssetsLiabilitiesAssetsLiabilities
Product intangibles and licenses$ $2,933 $109 $1,250 
Inventory related119 370 43 315 
Accelerated depreciation 589 — 587 
Equity investments 335 — 175 
Pensions and other postretirement benefits487 338 826 248 
Compensation related301  235 — 
Unrecognized tax benefits75  117 — 
Net operating losses and other tax credit carryforwards867  764 — 
Other434 180 743 81 
Subtotal2,283 4,745 2,837 2,656 
Valuation allowance(287) (404) 
Total deferred taxes$1,996 $4,745 $2,433 $2,656 
Net deferred income taxes $2,749  $223 
Recognized as:
Other Assets$692 $782 
Deferred Income Taxes $3,441  $1,005 
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
202120202019
Balance January 1$1,537 $1,225 $1,893 
Additions related to current year positions306 298 199 
Additions related to prior year positions63 110 46 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (1)
(230)(4)(454)
Settlements (1)
(46)(70)(356)
Lapse of statute of limitations (2)
(58)(22)(103)
Spin-off of Organon(43)— — 
Balance December 31$1,529 $1,537 $1,225 
(1)    Amounts in 2021 and 2019 reflect settlements with the IRS discussed below.
(2) Amount in 2019 includes $78 million related to the divestiture of Merck’s Consumer Care business in 2014.
v3.22.0.1
Earnings per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Calculations of Earnings Per Share
The calculations of earnings per share (shares in millions) are as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.$12,345 $4,519 $5,690 
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes and Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests704 2,548 4,153 
Net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc.$13,049 $7,067 $9,843 
Average common shares outstanding2,530 2,530 2,565 
Common shares issuable (1)
8 11 15 
Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution2,538 2,541 2,580 
Basic Earnings per Common Share Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders:
Income from Continuing Operations$4.88 $1.79 $2.22 
Income from Discontinued Operations0.28 1.01 1.62 
Net Income$5.16 $2.79 $3.84 
Earnings per Common Share Assuming Dilution Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders:
Income from Continuing Operations$4.86 $1.78 $2.21 
Income from Discontinued Operations0.28 1.00 1.61 
Net Income$5.14 $2.78 $3.81 
(1)     Issuable primarily under share-based compensation plans.
v3.22.0.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Equity [Abstract]  
Changes in AOCI by Component
Changes in each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
DerivativesInvestmentsEmployee
Benefit
Plans
 Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustment
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance January 1, 2019, net of taxes
$166 $(78)$(3,556)$(2,077)$(5,545)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax86 140 (948)112 (610)
Tax(15)— 192 (16)161 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes71 140 (756)96 (449)
Reclassification adjustments, pretax(261)
(1)
(44)
(2)
66 
(3)
— (239)
Tax55 — (15)— 40 
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes(206)(44)51 — (199)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes(135)96 (705)96 (648)
Balance at December 31, 2019, net of taxes31 18 (4,261)(1,981)(6,193)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax(383)(599)64 (915)
Tax84 — 111 89 284 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes(299)(488)153 (631)
Reclassification adjustments, pretax
(1)
(21)
(2)
272 
(3)
— 253 
Tax— — (63)— (63)
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes(21)209 — 190 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes(297)(18)(279)153 (441)
Balance at December 31, 2020, net of taxes(266)— (4,540)
(4)
(1,828)(6,634)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax333  1,922 (304)1,951 
Tax(75) (374)(119)(568)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes258  1,548 (423)1,383 
Reclassification adjustments, pretax192 
(1)
 281 
(3)
 473 
Tax(40) (60) (100)
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes152  221  373 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes410  1,769 (423)1,756 
Spin-off of Organon (see Note 3)  28 421 449 
Balance at December 31, 2021, net of taxes$144 $ $(2,743)
(4)
$(1,830)$(4,429)
(1)Primarily relates to foreign currency cash flow hedges that were reclassified from AOCL to Sales.
(2)    Represents net realized gains on the sales of available-for-sale debt securities that were reclassified from AOCL to Other (income) expense, net.
(3)    Includes net amortization of prior service cost and actuarial gains and losses included in net periodic benefit cost (see Note 14).
(4)    Includes pension plan net loss of $3.6 billion and $5.4 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and other postretirement benefit plan net gain of $473 million and $391 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as well as pension plan prior service credit of $190 million and $255 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and other postretirement benefit plan prior service credit of $181 million and $244 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Sales of Company's Products
Sales of the Company’s products were as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
U.S.Int’lTotalU.S.Int’lTotalU.S.Int’lTotal
Pharmaceutical:
Oncology
Keytruda$9,765 $7,421 $17,186 $8,352 $6,028 $14,380 $6,305 $4,779 $11,084 
Alliance revenue - Lynparza (1)
515 473 989 417 308 725 269 176 444 
Alliance revenue - Lenvima (1)
417 287 704 359 220 580 239 165 404 
Vaccines
Gardasil/Gardasil 9
1,881 3,792 5,673 1,755 2,184 3,938 1,831 1,905 3,737 
ProQuad/M-M-R II/Varivax1,629 506 2,135 1,378 500 1,878 1,683 592 2,275 
Pneumovax 23
547 346 893 727 359 1,087 679 247 926 
RotaTeq473 334 807 486 311 797 506 284 791 
Vaqta100 79 179 103 67 170 130 108 238 
Hospital Acute Care
Bridion762 770 1,532 583 615 1,198 533 598 1,131 
Prevymis153 218 370 119 162 281 84 81 165 
Primaxin2 258 259 248 251 271 273 
Noxafil60 199 259 42 287 329 282 380 662 
Cancidas4 208 212 207 213 242 249 
Invanz(5)207 202 202 211 30 233 263 
Zerbaxa4 (5)(1)74 56 130 63 58 121 
Immunology
Simponi 825 825 — 838 838 — 830 830 
Remicade 299 299 — 330 330 — 411 411 
Neuroscience
Belsomra78 241 318 81 247 327 92 214 306 
Virology
Molnupiravir632 320 952 — — — — — — 
Isentress/Isentress HD294 474 769 326 531 857 398 576 975 
Cardiovascular
Alliance revenue - Adempas/Verquvo (2)
312 30 342 259 22 281 194 10 204 
Adempas 252 252 — 220 220 — 215 215 
Diabetes
Januvia1,404 1,920 3,324 1,470 1,836 3,306 1,724 1,758 3,482 
Janumet367 1,597 1,964 477 1,494 1,971 589 1,452 2,041 
Other pharmaceutical (3)
1,007 1,302 2,310 984 1,328 2,312 1,215 1,661 2,873 
Total Pharmaceutical segment sales20,401 22,353 42,754 18,010 18,600 36,610 16,854 17,246 34,100 
Animal Health:
Livestock667 2,628 3,295 612 2,327 2,939 582 2,201 2,784 
Companion Animals1,091 1,182 2,273 872 892 1,764 724 885 1,609 
Total Animal Health segment sales1,758 3,810 5,568 1,484 3,219 4,703 1,306 3,086 4,393 
Other segment sales (4)
   23 — 23 174 175 
Total segment sales22,159 26,163 48,322 19,517 21,819 41,336 18,334 20,333 38,668 
Other (5)
266 116 382 71 111 182 86 368 453 
 $22,425 $26,279 $48,704 $19,588 $21,930 $41,518 $18,420 $20,701 $39,121 
U.S. plus international may not equal total due to rounding.
(1)    Alliance revenue represents Merck’s share of profits, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs (see Note 5).
(2)    Alliance revenue represents Merck’s share of profits from sales in Bayer’s marketing territories, which are product sales net of cost of sales and commercialization costs (see Note 5).
(3)    Other pharmaceutical primarily reflects sales of other human health pharmaceutical products, including products within the franchises not listed separately.
(4)    Represents sales for the Healthcare Services segment. All the businesses in the Healthcare Services segment were fully divested by the first quarter of 2020.
(5)    Other is primarily comprised of miscellaneous corporate revenues, including revenue hedging activities, as well as third-party manufacturing sales (including sales to Organon). Other for 2021 also includes $185 million related to the achievement of milestones for an out-licensed product that triggered contingent payments to Merck.
Consolidated Revenues by Geographic Area
Consolidated sales by geographic area where derived are as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
United States$22,425 $19,588 $18,420 
Europe, Middle East and Africa13,341 11,547 10,496 
China4,378 2,751 2,180 
Japan2,726 2,602 2,609 
Asia Pacific (other than China and Japan)2,407 2,113 2,126 
Latin America2,206 1,890 2,015 
Other1,221 1,027 1,275 
 $48,704 $41,518 $39,121 
Reconciliation of Segment Profits to Income Before Taxes
A reconciliation of segment profits to Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes is as follows:
Years Ended December 31202120202019
Segment profits:
Pharmaceutical segment$30,977 $26,106 $23,448 
Animal Health segment1,950 1,669 1,612 
Other segments (7)
Total segment profits32,927 27,776 25,053 
Other profits156 75 295 
Unallocated:
Interest income36 59 274 
Interest expense(806)(831)(893)
Amortization(1,636)(1,817)(1,695)
Depreciation(1,414)(1,519)(1,491)
Research and development(11,692)(12,911)(9,351)
Restructuring costs(661)(575)(626)
Other unallocated, net(3,031)(4,394)(4,395)
$13,879 $5,863 $7,171 
Equity Loss from Affiliates and Depreciation Included in Segment Profits
Equity loss from affiliates and depreciation included in segment profits is as follows:
PharmaceuticalAnimal HealthAll OtherTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2021      
Included in segment profits:
Equity loss from affiliates$11 $ $ $11 
Depreciation6 158  164 
Year Ended December 31, 2020      
Included in segment profits:
Equity loss from affiliates$$— $— $
Depreciation143 150 
Year Ended December 31, 2019      
Included in segment profits:
Equity loss from affiliates$— $— $— $— 
Depreciation105 10 124 
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net by Geographic Area
Property, plant and equipment, net, by geographic area where located is as follows:
December 31202120202019
United States$11,759 $10,394 $8,963 
Europe, Middle East and Africa6,081 5,314 4,129 
Asia Pacific (other than China and Japan)857 737 692 
China220 216 174 
Latin America199 169 180 
Japan159 166 152 
Other4 
 $19,279 $17,000 $14,297 
v3.22.0.1
Nature of Operations (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Number of operating segments 2
v3.22.0.1
Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Customer discounts $ 12,300 $ 11,400 $ 9,900
Accrual for chargebacks reflected as direct reduction to accounts receivable 207 208  
Accrual for rebates included in accrued and other current liabilities $ 2,600 2,600  
Product return period and expiration 12 months    
Depreciation $ 1,578 1,669 1,615
Advertising and promotion costs $ 2,000 $ 1,800 $ 1,900
Minimum      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Product return period 3 months    
Estimated useful life of intangible assets 2 years    
Minimum | Capitalized Software      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of intangible assets 3 years    
Minimum | Buildings      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of property, plant and equipment 25 years    
Minimum | Machinery, equipment and office furnishings      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of property, plant and equipment 3 years    
Minimum | United States | Pharmaceutical segment      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Payment terms 36 days    
Minimum | United States | Animal Health      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Payment terms 30 days    
Minimum | Outside of the United States      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Payment terms 30 days    
Maximum      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Product return period 6 months    
Estimated useful life of intangible assets 24 years    
Maximum | Capitalized Software      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of intangible assets 10 years    
Maximum | Buildings      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of property, plant and equipment 45 years    
Maximum | Machinery, equipment and office furnishings      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Estimated useful life of property, plant and equipment 15 years    
Maximum | United States      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Payment terms 90 days    
Maximum | Outside of the United States      
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Payment terms 90 days    
v3.22.0.1
Spin-Off of Organon & Co. - Narrative (Details)
12 Months Ended
Jun. 02, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Face amount of debt   $ 8,000,000,000  
Consideration received $ 9,000,000,000    
Disposal group, other expense   556,000,000 $ 743,000,000
Disposal group, including discontinued operations, liabilities 5,100,000,000    
Disposal group, including discontinued operations, debt 9,400,000,000    
Disposal group, including discontinued operations, goodwill 1,400,000,000   1,356,000,000
Disposal group, including discontinued operations, property, plant and equipment 981,000,000   986,000,000
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, cash 929,000,000    
Disposal group, including discontinued operations, inventory 815,000,000   756,000,000
Disposal group, including discontinued operations, other intangible assets 519,000,000   $ 503,000,000
Disposal group, including discontinued operation, other liabilities 328,000,000    
Spinoff transaction   5,091,000,000  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Spinoff transaction 449,000,000 449,000,000  
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Spinoff transaction 421,000,000 421,000,000  
Employee Benefit Plans      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Spinoff transaction 28,000,000 28,000,000  
Other Paid-In Capital      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Spinoff transaction $ 4,600,000,000 4,643,000,000  
Organon & Co.      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Stock conversion ratio 0.1    
Revenue from related party   219,000,000  
Related party amount in cost of sales   195,000,000  
Due from related parties, current   964,000,000  
Due to related parties, current   $ 400,000,000  
Maximum | Transition services agreement      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Period of continuing involvement after disposal 25 months    
Maximum | Manufacturing and supply agreements      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Period of continuing involvement after disposal 10 years    
Minimum | Manufacturing and supply agreements      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Period of continuing involvement after disposal 4 years    
Organon & Co.      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]      
Face amount of debt $ 9,500,000,000    
v3.22.0.1
Spin-Off of Organon & Co. - Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes and Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]      
Sales $ 2,512 $ 6,476 $ 7,719
Costs, Expenses and Other      
Cost of sales 789 1,867 2,096
Selling, general and administrative 877 1,513 1,160
Research and development 103 161 148
Restructuring costs 1 3 12
Other (income) expense, net (15) 4 10
Operating expenses 1,755 3,548 3,426
Income from discontinued operations before taxes 757 2,928 4,293
Tax provision 50 369 122
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes 707 2,559 4,171
Less: Income of discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests 3 11 18
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 704 $ 2,548 $ 4,153
v3.22.0.1
Spin-Off of Organon & Co. - Assets and Liabilities of Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Jun. 02, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 0   $ 12 $ 0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts     1,048  
Inventories   $ 815 756  
Other current assets     867  
Current assets of discontinued operations 0   2,683  
Property, plant and equipment, net   981 986  
Goodwill   1,400 1,356  
Other intangibles, net   $ 519 503  
Other assets     330  
Noncurrent Assets of Discontinued Operations 0   3,175  
Trade accounts payable     267  
Accrued and other current liabilities     841  
Income taxes payable     (22)  
Total current liabilities of discontinued operations 0   1,086  
Deferred income taxes     10  
Other noncurrent liabilities     176  
Noncurrent Liabilities of Discontinued Operations $ 0   $ 186  
v3.22.0.1
Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and License Agreements - Narrative (Details)
$ / shares in Units, € in Millions, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2021
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2021
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2020
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Sep. 30, 2020
EUR (€)
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2020
USD ($)
May 31, 2020
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Apr. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Nov. 19, 2021
USD ($)
Jan. 16, 2020
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Research and development                               $ 12,245.0 $ 13,397.0 $ 9,724.0    
Research and development expenses                               1,556.0 0.0 0.0    
Inventories   $ 5,953.0         $ 5,554.0                 5,953.0 5,554.0      
Contingent consideration   777.0         841.0                 777.0 841.0 767.0    
Goodwill   21,264.0         18,882.0                 21,264.0 18,882.0 18,069.0    
IPR&D impairment charges                                   172.0    
Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, change in amount of contingent consideration liability                               (57.0) (83.0)      
Pandion Therapeutics                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Consideration paid       $ 1,900.0                                
Transaction costs       147.0                                
Other net assets (liabilities)       $ 156.0                                
Research and development                               1,700.0        
OncoImmune                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Consideration paid             423.0                          
Other net assets (liabilities)             (22.0)                   $ (22.0)      
Payments to acquire investment             $ 50.0                          
Equity method, ownership percentage             20.00%                   20.00%      
Investments             $ 33.0                   $ 33.0      
Premium on shares acquired             17.0                          
Research and development expenses                                 462.0      
VelosBio                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Consideration paid   47.0         2,800.0                          
Other net assets (liabilities)   $ 90.0         180.0                 90.0 180.0      
Research and development                               43.0 2,700.0      
Dunboyne                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Consideration paid               $ 302.0 € 256                      
Other net assets (liabilities)               13.0                        
Property, plant and equipment               289.0                        
Peloton                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Consideration paid                           $ 1,200.0            
Other net assets (liabilities)                           4.0            
Research and development                                   $ 993.0    
Cash                           157.0            
Deferred tax liabilities                           52.0            
Research and development                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Premium on shares acquired                                 16.0      
Sentinel                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Consideration paid                   $ 410.0                    
Inventories                   9.0                    
Sentinel | Products and product rights                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Finite-lived intangible assets acquired                   $ 401.0                    
COVID-19                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Research and development                                 45.0      
Charges related to program discontinuation                               207.0 305.0      
IPR&D impairment charges                                 90.0      
Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, change in amount of contingent consideration liability                                 45.0      
Inventory and fixed assets write-offs                                 260.0      
nemtabrutinib                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
IPR&D impairment charges                               275.0        
Gilead Sciences | Oral and Injectable Formulations | Collaborative Arrangement, Transaction with Party to Collaborative Arrangement                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Profit share by counterparty         60.00%                              
Profit share         40.00%                              
Gilead Sciences | Oral Formulation | Collaborative Arrangement, Transaction with Party to Collaborative Arrangement                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Profit share by counterparty         65.00%                              
Profit share         35.00%                              
Sales threshold         $ 2,000.0                              
Gilead Sciences | Injectable Formulation | Collaborative Arrangement, Transaction with Party to Collaborative Arrangement                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Profit share by counterparty         65.00%                              
Profit share         35.00%                              
Sales threshold         $ 3,500.0                              
Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Upfront and milestone payments           $ 30.0                            
Upfront and milestone payments to be made           $ 15.0                            
Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. | Minimum | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Royalty rate, percentage           7.00%                            
Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. | Maximum | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Royalty rate, percentage           14.00%                            
Seagen                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent payments collaborative arrangement               2,600.0                        
Research and development                                 616.0      
Upfront and milestone payments               600.0                        
Payments to acquire investment               $ 1,000.0                        
Forward contract indexed to issuer's equity, indexed shares (in shares) | shares               5                        
Share price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares               $ 200                        
Seagen | Tukysa                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Upfront and milestone payments               $ 210.0                        
Seagen | Tukysa | Minimum                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Royalty rate, percentage               20.00% 20.00%                      
Seagen | Tukysa | Maximum                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Royalty rate, percentage               33.00% 33.00%                      
Sentinel | Products and product rights                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Estimated useful life of intangible assets, acquired                   15 years                    
IAVI                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Upfront and milestone payments                       $ 6.5                
Bristol Myers Squibb | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Royalty rate, percentage     22.00%                                  
Royalty rate, deduction, percentage     50.00%                                  
Bristol Myers Squibb | Minimum | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Royalty rate, percentage     20.00%                                  
Bristol Myers Squibb | Maximum | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Royalty rate, percentage     24.00%                                  
Acceleron Pharma Inc.                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Cash paid for acquisition of business     $ 11,500.0                                  
Transaction costs     $ 280.0                                  
Estimated useful life of intangible assets, acquired     12 years                                  
In-process research and development (IPR&D)                                     $ 6,380.0  
Cash and cash equivalents                                     340.0  
Other assets and (liabilities), net                                     89.0  
Goodwill                                     $ 2,422.0  
Themis                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Cash paid for acquisition of business                     $ 366.0                  
Potential future milestone payments, maximum             450.0       740.0           450.0      
Contingent consideration                     85.0                  
In-process research and development (IPR&D)                     113.0                  
Cash and cash equivalents                     59.0                  
Deferred tax assets                     72.0                  
Other assets and (liabilities), net                     (32.0)                  
Goodwill                     $ 239.0                  
Themis | COVID-19                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
IPR&D impairment charges                                 90.0      
Business combination, contingent consideration arrangements, change in amount of contingent consideration liability                                 45.0      
ArQule                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Cash paid for acquisition of business                         $ 2,700.0              
Transaction costs                         95.0              
In-process research and development (IPR&D)                                       $ 2,280.0
Cash and cash equivalents                                       145.0
Other assets and (liabilities), net                                       34.0
Goodwill                                       $ 512.0
Share-based compensation payments to settle equity awards attributable to precombination service                         $ 138.0              
Antelliq                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Cash paid for acquisition of business $ 2,300.0                                      
Transaction costs 47.0                                      
Debt assumed 1,300.0                                      
Property, plant and equipment 60.0                                      
Cash and cash equivalents 31.0                                      
Other assets and (liabilities), net (82.0)                                      
Goodwill $ 1,376.0                                      
Immune Design                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Cash paid for acquisition of business                             $ 301.0          
Other net assets                             42.0          
In-process research and development (IPR&D)                             156.0          
Cash and cash equivalents                             83.0          
Goodwill                             $ 20.0          
Development Milestones | Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent payments collaborative arrangement           $ 217.5                            
Development Milestones | Seagen                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent payments collaborative arrangement               $ 850.0                        
Development Milestones | Themis                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Potential future milestone payments, maximum             60.0                   60.0      
Regulatory Milestones | Peloton                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent consideration                           50.0            
Regulatory Milestones | Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent payments collaborative arrangement           570.0                            
Regulatory Milestones | Seagen | Tukysa                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent payments collaborative arrangement               65.0                        
Regulatory Milestones | Bristol Myers Squibb | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent payments collaborative arrangement     $ 20.0                                  
Regulatory Milestones | Themis                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Potential future milestone payments, maximum             196.0                   196.0      
Commercial Milestone | Peloton                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent consideration                               $ 50.0        
Sales-Based Milestones | Peloton                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent consideration                           $ 1,050.0            
Sales-Based Milestones | Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc. | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent payments collaborative arrangement           $ 1,050.0                            
Sales-Based Milestones | Seagen                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent payments collaborative arrangement               $ 1,750.0                        
Sales-Based Milestones | Bristol Myers Squibb | Licensing Agreements                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Contingent payments collaborative arrangement     $ 80.0                                  
Sales-Based Milestones | Themis                                        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]                                        
Potential future milestone payments, maximum             $ 194.0                   $ 194.0      
v3.22.0.1
Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and License Agreements - Estimated Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Apr. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Nov. 30, 2021
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Nov. 19, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Jan. 16, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Goodwill     $ 21,264   $ 18,882   $ 18,069
Acceleron Pharma Inc.              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Cash and cash equivalents       $ 340      
Investments       285      
In-process research and development (IPR&D)       6,380      
Products and product rights - Reblozyl (12 year useful life)       3,830      
Estimated useful life of intangible assets, acquired   12 years          
Deferred income tax liabilities       (1,832)      
Other assets and liabilities, net       89      
Total identifiable net assets       9,092      
Goodwill       2,422      
Consideration transferred       $ 11,514      
Acceleron Pharma Inc. | Measurement Input, Discount Rate              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Present value discount rate       0.075      
Discount rate       0.060      
ArQule              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Cash and cash equivalents           $ 145  
In-process research and development (IPR&D)           2,280  
Identifiable intangible assets           80  
Deferred income tax liabilities           (361)  
Other assets and liabilities, net           34  
Total identifiable net assets           2,178  
Goodwill           512  
Consideration transferred           $ 2,690  
ArQule | Measurement Input, Discount Rate              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Present value discount rate           0.125  
Antelliq              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Cash and cash equivalents $ 31            
Accounts receivable 73            
Inventories 93            
Property, plant and equipment 60            
Identifiable intangible assets 2,689            
Deferred income tax liabilities (589)            
Other assets and liabilities, net (82)            
Total identifiable net assets 2,275            
Goodwill 1,376            
Consideration transferred $ 3,651            
Antelliq | Measurement Input, Discount Rate              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Present value discount rate 0.115            
Minimum              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Estimated useful life of intangible assets     2 years        
Minimum | Antelliq              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Estimated useful life of intangible assets 18 years            
Maximum              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Estimated useful life of intangible assets     24 years        
Maximum | Antelliq              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Estimated useful life of intangible assets 24 years            
v3.22.0.1
Collaborative Arrangements - Narrative (Details)
course in Thousands, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
course
Nov. 30, 2021
course
Mar. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
course
market
country
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Other intangibles, net $ 22,933     $ 22,933 $ 14,101  
Amortization       $ 1,636 1,817 $ 1,695
Number of markets (more than) | market       30    
Number of low and middle income countries (more than) | country       100    
Supply Commitment to United States            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Quantity committed (in courses) | course 3,100          
Quantity delivered (in courses) | course       888    
Supply Commitment to Japan            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Quantity committed (in courses) | course 1,600          
Quantity delivered (in courses) | course       200    
Supply Commitment to United Kingdom            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Quantity committed (in courses) | course   2,230        
Quantity delivered (in courses) | course       152    
Supply Commitment to United Nations Children's Fund            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Quantity committed (in courses) | course       3,000    
License            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Other intangibles, net $ 3,368     $ 3,368 3,553  
Lenvima | License            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Other intangibles, net 1,000     1,000    
Adempas | Licenses and other            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Intangible assets 806     806    
Verquvo            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Amortization       153    
Verquvo | Licenses and other            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Intangible assets 68     68    
Lynparza | License            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Other intangibles, net 1,100     1,100    
Eisai            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
License option payment related to collaborative arrangement     $ 125      
Eisai | Lenvima | Sales-Based Milestones            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Milestone payments made to collaborative partner       200 500 50
Eisai | Lenvima | Collaborative Arrangement, Transaction with Party to Collaborative Arrangement            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Milestone payments accrued 600     600    
Accrued regulatory approval milestone payment 25     25    
Potential Future Milestone Payments Sales-Based 2,600     2,600    
Potential Future Milestone Payments Regulatory 25     25    
Eisai | Lenvima | Regulatory Milestones            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Milestone payments made to collaborative partner       75 10  
Bayer AG | Collaborative Arrangement, Transaction with Party to Collaborative Arrangement            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Milestone payments accrued 400     400    
Liabilities 400     400    
Bayer AG | Adempas | Sales-Based Milestones            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Milestone payments made to collaborative partner         375  
AstraZeneca | Lynparza | Sales-Based Milestones            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Milestone payments made to collaborative partner         550 200
AstraZeneca | Lynparza | Collaborative Arrangement, Transaction with Party to Collaborative Arrangement            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Milestone payments accrued 400     400    
Potential Future Milestone Payments Sales-Based 2,700     2,700    
Potential Future Milestone Payments Regulatory $ 1,400     $ 1,400    
AstraZeneca | Lynparza | Regulatory Milestones            
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]            
Milestone payments made to collaborative partner         $ 160 $ 60
v3.22.0.1
Collaborative Arrangements - Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Sales $ 48,704 $ 41,518 $ 39,121
Cost of sales 13,626 13,618 12,016
Selling, general and administrative 9,634 8,955 9,455
Research and development 12,245 13,397 9,724
Payables included in Accrued and other liabilities 23,872 27,327  
Amortization expense for intangible assets 1,600 1,800 1,700
Other current assets | AstraZeneca | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Receivables included in Other current assets 271 215  
Other current assets | Eisai | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Receivables included in Other current assets 200 157  
Other current assets | Bayer AG | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Receivables included in Other current assets 114 65  
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities | AstraZeneca | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Payables included in Accrued and other liabilities 415 423  
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities | Eisai | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Payables included in Accrued and other liabilities 625 335  
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities | Bayer AG | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Payables included in Accrued and other liabilities 472 0  
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities | Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Payables included in Accrued and other liabilities 283 3  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Eisai | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Payables included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities 0 600  
Total sales | AstraZeneca | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Alliance revenue - profit sharing 1,018 733 444
Total sales | AstraZeneca | Collaborative Arrangement | Alliance revenue - Lynparza      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Alliance revenue - profit sharing 989 725 444
Total sales | AstraZeneca | Collaborative Arrangement | Alliance revenue - Koselugo      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Alliance revenue - profit sharing 29 8 0
Total sales | Eisai | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Alliance revenue - profit sharing 704 580 404
Total sales | Bayer AG | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Alliance revenue - profit sharing 342 281 204
Sales 601 501 419
Total sales | Bayer AG | Collaborative Arrangement | Adempas      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Net sales by Merck 252 220 215
Total sales | Bayer AG | Collaborative Arrangement | Verquvo      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Net sales by Merck 7 0 0
Total sales | Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP | Collaborative Arrangement | Molnupiravir      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Sales 952 0  
Cost of sales | AstraZeneca | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Cost of sales 167 247 148
Cost of sales | Eisai | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Cost of sales 195 271 206
Cost of sales | Bayer AG | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Cost of sales 424 196 188
Amortization expense for intangible assets 153    
Cost of sales | Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Cost of sales 494 13  
Selling, general and administrative | AstraZeneca | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Selling, general and administrative 178 160 138
Selling, general and administrative | Eisai | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Selling, general and administrative 127 73 80
Selling, general and administrative | Bayer AG | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Selling, general and administrative 126 47 34
Selling, general and administrative | Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Selling, general and administrative 33 6  
Research and development | AstraZeneca | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Research and development 120 133 168
Research and development | Eisai | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Research and development 173 185 189
Research and development | Bayer AG | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Research and development 53 63 $ 126
Research and development | Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP | Collaborative Arrangement      
Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Line Items]      
Research and development $ 60 $ 323  
v3.22.0.1
Restructuring - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2022
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Expected restructuring and related cost $ 3,500      
Estimate of cumulative pre tax costs that will result in cash outlays 70.00%      
Estimate of cumulative pre tax costs that will be noncash 30.00%      
Total pretax restructuring costs $ 868 $ 880 $ 915  
Cumulative costs since program inception $ 2,700      
Forecast        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]        
Expected restructuring and related cost       $ 400
v3.22.0.1
Restructuring - Charges Activities by Type of Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs $ 868 $ 880 $ 915
Cost of sales      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 160 175 251
Selling, general and administrative      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 19 47 34
Research and development      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 28 83 4
Restructuring costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 661 575 626
Separation Costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 451 385 572
Separation Costs | Cost of sales      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 0 0 0
Separation Costs | Selling, general and administrative      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 0 0 0
Separation Costs | Research and development      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 0 0 0
Separation Costs | Restructuring costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 451 385 572
Accelerated Depreciation      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 91 268 233
Accelerated Depreciation | Cost of sales      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 52 143 198
Accelerated Depreciation | Selling, general and administrative      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 12 44 33
Accelerated Depreciation | Research and development      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 27 81 2
Accelerated Depreciation | Restructuring costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 0 0 0
Other      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 326 227 110
Other | Cost of sales      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 108 32 53
Other | Selling, general and administrative      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 7 3 1
Other | Research and development      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs 1 2 2
Other | Restructuring costs      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Total pretax restructuring costs $ 210 $ 190 $ 54
v3.22.0.1
Restructuring - Activities by Program (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]      
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance $ 586 $ 715  
Expenses 868 880 $ 915
(Payments) receipts, net (608) (779)  
Non-cash activity (209) (230)  
Restructuring reserve, ending balance 637 586 715
Separation Costs      
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]      
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance 567 690  
Expenses 451 385 572
(Payments) receipts, net (422) (508)  
Non-cash activity 0 0  
Restructuring reserve, ending balance 596 567 690
Accelerated Depreciation      
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]      
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance 0 0  
Expenses 91 268 233
(Payments) receipts, net 0 0  
Non-cash activity (91) (268)  
Restructuring reserve, ending balance 0 0 0
Other      
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]      
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance 19 25  
Expenses 326 227 110
(Payments) receipts, net (186) (271)  
Non-cash activity (118) 38  
Restructuring reserve, ending balance $ 41 $ 19 $ 25
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
interest_rate_swap
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
interest_rate_swap
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2021
USD ($)
interest_rate_swap
Derivative [Line Items]            
Notional amount of derivative $ 32,958,000,000 $ 32,784,000,000 $ 32,958,000,000 $ 32,784,000,000    
Face amount of debt 8,000,000,000   8,000,000,000      
Pre tax net unrealized gain on derivatives maturing within next 12 months estimated to be reclassified from AOCI to sales     170,000,000      
Equity investments without readily determinable fair values 596,000,000 586,000,000 596,000,000 586,000,000    
Unrealized gains recognized on investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair value     110,000,000 62,000,000    
Unrealized losses recognized on investments in equity securities without readily determinable fair values     1,000,000 3,000,000    
Cumulative upward price adjustment 234,000,000   234,000,000      
Cumulative downward price adjustment 7,000,000   7,000,000      
Fair value of loans payable and long-term debt, including current portion 35,700,000,000 36,000,000,000 35,700,000,000 36,000,000,000    
Debt, carrying amount 33,100,000,000 31,800,000,000 33,100,000,000 31,800,000,000    
Factored accounts receivable 2,800,000,000 2,100,000,000        
Funds collected from factoring of receivable, held in restricted cash 62,000,000 102,000,000 62,000,000 102,000,000    
Cash collateral received from counterparties 164,000,000 0 164,000,000 0    
Cash collateral advanced to counterparties 0 36,000,000 0 36,000,000    
Equity securities held through ownership interests in investment funds 1,700,000,000 800,000,000 1,700,000,000 800,000,000    
(Gains) losses for equity securities held through ownership interests in investment funds     $ (1,400,000,000) (583,000,000) $ 113,000,000  
3.875% Notes Due 2021            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Face amount of debt           $ 1,150,000,000
Stated interest rate           3.875%
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | McKesson            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Percentage of accounts receivable represented by customers with largest balances (as percent)     20.00%      
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | AmerisourceBergen Corporation            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Percentage of accounts receivable represented by customers with largest balances (as percent)     15.00%      
Customer Concentration Risk | Accounts Receivable | Cardinal Health, Inc.            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Percentage of accounts receivable represented by customers with largest balances (as percent)     10.00%      
Level 2            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Cash equivalents $ 6,800,000,000 6,800,000,000 $ 6,800,000,000 6,800,000,000    
Interest Rate Swap            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Number of interest rate swaps held | interest_rate_swap 9   9     5
Notional amount of derivative           $ 1,150,000,000
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Notional amount of derivative $ 12,245,000,000 13,714,000,000 $ 12,245,000,000 13,714,000,000    
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Notional amount of derivative $ 20,713,000,000 $ 19,070,000,000 $ 20,713,000,000 $ 19,070,000,000    
Maximum | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Maximum planning cycle of hedges (less than)     2 years      
Maximum | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments            
Derivative [Line Items]            
Maximum planning cycle of hedges (less than)     1 year      
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Effect of Net Investment Hedges (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign exchange contracts      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Amount of Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income $ (49) $ 26 $ (10)
Foreign exchange contracts | Other (income) expense, net      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Amount of Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Other (income) expense, net for Amounts Excluded from Effectiveness Testing (13) (19) (31)
Euro-denominated notes      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Amount of Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (296) 385 (75)
Euro-denominated notes | Other (income) expense, net      
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]      
Amount of Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Other (income) expense, net for Amounts Excluded from Effectiveness Testing $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Information About Interest Rate Swaps (Details)
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
interest_rate_swap
Jan. 31, 2021
USD ($)
interest_rate_swap
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]      
Par Value of Debt $ 8,000,000,000    
Total Swap Notional Amount $ 32,958,000,000   $ 32,784,000,000
Interest Rate Swap      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Number of Interest Rate Swaps Held | interest_rate_swap 9 5  
Total Swap Notional Amount   $ 1,150,000,000  
2.40% notes due 2022 | Interest Rate Swap      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Number of Interest Rate Swaps Held | interest_rate_swap 4    
Stated interest rate 2.40%    
Par Value of Debt $ 1,000,000,000    
Total Swap Notional Amount $ 1,000,000,000    
2.35% notes due 2022 | Interest Rate Swap      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Number of Interest Rate Swaps Held | interest_rate_swap 5    
Stated interest rate 2.35%    
Par Value of Debt $ 1,250,000,000    
Total Swap Notional Amount $ 1,250,000,000    
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Hedges (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Carrying Amount of Hedged Liabilities $ 2,263 $ 1,150
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Increase (Decrease) Included in the Carrying Amount 13 0
Long-Term Debt    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Carrying Amount of Hedged Liabilities 0 2,301
Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustment Increase (Decrease) Included in the Carrying Amount $ 0 $ 53
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivatives Segregated Between Those Derivatives That are Designated as Hedging Instruments and Those That are Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Asset $ 549 $ 182
Fair Value of Derivative, Liability 121 525
Notional amount of derivative 32,958 32,784
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Asset 328 112
Fair Value of Derivative, Liability 25 218
Notional amount of derivative 12,245 13,714
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Asset 221 70
Fair Value of Derivative, Liability 96 307
Notional amount of derivative 20,713 19,070
Interest rate swap contracts | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Other current assets    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Asset 14 1
Notional amount of derivative 2,250 1,150
Interest rate swap contracts | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Other Assets    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Asset 0 54
Notional amount of derivative 0 2,250
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Other current assets    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Asset 271 12
Notional amount of derivative 6,778 3,183
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Other Assets    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Asset 43 45
Notional amount of derivative 1,551 2,030
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Accrued and other current liabilities    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Liability 24 217
Notional amount of derivative 1,623 5,049
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments | Other Noncurrent Liabilities    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Liability 1 1
Notional amount of derivative 43 52
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Other current assets    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Asset 221 70
Notional amount of derivative 10,073 7,260
Foreign exchange contracts | Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments | Accrued and other current liabilities    
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]    
Fair Value of Derivative, Liability 96 307
Notional amount of derivative $ 10,640 $ 11,810
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Information on Derivative Positions Subject to Master Netting Arrangements as if they were Presented on a Net Basis (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]    
Gross amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet, asset $ 549 $ 182
Gross amount subject to offset in master netting arrangements not offset in the consolidated balance sheet, asset (110) (156)
Cash collateral received, asset (164) 0
Net amounts, asset 275 26
Gross amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet, liability 121 525
Gross amount subject to offset in master netting arrangements not offset in the consolidated balance sheet, liability (110) (156)
Cash collateral received, liability 0 (36)
Net amounts, liability $ 11 $ 333
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Location and Pretax (Gains) or Loss Amounts for Derivatives (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Sales $ 48,704 $ 41,518 $ 39,121
Other (income) expense, net (1,341) (890) 129
Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,756 (441) (648)
Interest rate swap contracts      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (2) (4) (6)
Foreign exchange contracts      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives 333 (383) 87
(Decrease) increase in Sales as a result of AOCL reclassifications 194 6 (255)
Other (income) expense, net | Interest rate swap contracts      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Hedged items (40) 40 95
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments 1 (76) (65)
Amount of gain recognized in Other (income) expense, net on derivatives (2) (4) (4)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Gain (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Including Noncontrolling Interest | Foreign exchange contracts      
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]      
Sales $ (194) $ (6) $ 255
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Income Statement Effects on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign exchange contracts | Other (income) expense, net      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Amount of Derivative Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income $ 313 $ (12) $ 174
Foreign exchange contracts | Sales      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Amount of Derivative Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income 9 13 1
Interest rate swap contracts | Other (income) expense, net      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Amount of Derivative Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income 0 9 0
Forward Contracts | Research and development      
Derivative [Line Items]      
Amount of Derivative Pretax (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income $ 0 $ 15 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Information on Debt and Equity Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt securities, amortized cost $ 86 $ 89
Debt securities, gross unrealized gains 0 0
Debt securities, gross unrealized losses 0 0
Debt securities, fair value 86 89
Publicly traded equity securities, fair value 1,647 1,787
Total debt and publicly traded equity securities, fair value 1,733 1,876
Unrealized (loss) gains (232) 163
U.S. government and agency securities    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt securities, amortized cost 80 84
Debt securities, gross unrealized gains 0 0
Debt securities, gross unrealized losses 0 0
Debt securities, fair value 80 84
Foreign government bonds    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt securities, amortized cost 2 5
Debt securities, gross unrealized gains 0 0
Debt securities, gross unrealized losses 0 0
Debt securities, fair value 2 5
Corporate notes and bonds    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]    
Debt securities, amortized cost 4 0
Debt securities, gross unrealized gains 0 0
Debt securities, gross unrealized losses 0 0
Debt securities, fair value $ 4 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Assets      
Foreign government bonds $ 86 $ 89  
Publicly traded equity securities 1,647 1,787  
Derivative assets 549 182  
Liabilities      
Contingent consideration 777 841 $ 767
Derivative liabilities 121 525  
Foreign government bonds      
Assets      
Foreign government bonds 2 5  
U.S. government and agency securities      
Assets      
Foreign government bonds 80 84  
Corporate notes and bonds      
Assets      
Foreign government bonds 4 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring      
Assets      
Investments 370 785  
Other assets 1,363 1,091  
Derivative assets 549 182  
Total assets 2,282 2,058  
Liabilities      
Contingent consideration 777 841  
Derivative liabilities 121 525  
Total liabilities 898 1,366  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign exchange contracts      
Assets      
Derivative assets 351 90  
Liabilities      
Derivative liabilities 120 505  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Currency Options      
Assets      
Derivative assets 184 37  
Liabilities      
Derivative liabilities 1 20  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Interest rate swap contracts      
Assets      
Derivative assets 14 55  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign government bonds      
Assets      
Foreign government bonds 2 5  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. government and agency securities      
Assets      
Other assets 80 84  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate notes and bonds      
Assets      
Other assets 4 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Publicly traded equity securities      
Assets      
Publicly traded equity securities 368 780  
Other assets 1,279 1,007  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1      
Assets      
Investments 368 780  
Other assets 1,363 1,091  
Derivative assets 0 0  
Total assets 1,731 1,871  
Liabilities      
Contingent consideration 0 0  
Derivative liabilities 0 0  
Total liabilities 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign exchange contracts      
Assets      
Derivative assets 0 0  
Liabilities      
Derivative liabilities 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Currency Options      
Assets      
Derivative assets 0 0  
Liabilities      
Derivative liabilities 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Interest rate swap contracts      
Assets      
Derivative assets 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign government bonds      
Assets      
Foreign government bonds 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. government and agency securities      
Assets      
Other assets 80 84  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Corporate notes and bonds      
Assets      
Other assets 4 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Publicly traded equity securities      
Assets      
Publicly traded equity securities 368 780  
Other assets 1,279 1,007  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2      
Assets      
Investments 2 5  
Other assets 0 0  
Derivative assets 549 182  
Total assets 551 187  
Liabilities      
Contingent consideration 0 0  
Derivative liabilities 121 525  
Total liabilities 121 525  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign exchange contracts      
Assets      
Derivative assets 351 90  
Liabilities      
Derivative liabilities 120 505  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Currency Options      
Assets      
Derivative assets 184 37  
Liabilities      
Derivative liabilities 1 20  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Interest rate swap contracts      
Assets      
Derivative assets 14 55  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign government bonds      
Assets      
Foreign government bonds 2 5  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. government and agency securities      
Assets      
Other assets 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Corporate notes and bonds      
Assets      
Other assets 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Publicly traded equity securities      
Assets      
Publicly traded equity securities 0 0  
Other assets 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3      
Assets      
Investments 0 0  
Other assets 0 0  
Derivative assets 0 0  
Total assets 0 0  
Liabilities      
Contingent consideration 777 841  
Derivative liabilities 0 0  
Total liabilities 777 841  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign exchange contracts      
Assets      
Derivative assets 0 0  
Liabilities      
Derivative liabilities 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Currency Options      
Assets      
Derivative assets 0 0  
Liabilities      
Derivative liabilities 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Interest rate swap contracts      
Assets      
Derivative assets 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Foreign government bonds      
Assets      
Foreign government bonds 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | U.S. government and agency securities      
Assets      
Other assets 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Corporate notes and bonds      
Assets      
Other assets 0 0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Publicly traded equity securities      
Assets      
Publicly traded equity securities 0 0  
Other assets $ 0 $ 0  
v3.22.0.1
Financial Instruments - Information About Changes in Liabilities for Contingent Consideration (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Contingent consideration, beginning balance $ 841 $ 767
Additions 0 97
Contingent consideration liability, changes in estimated fair value 57 83
Payments (109) (106)
Other (12) 0
Contingent consideration, ending balance 777 841
Contingent consideration, liability, current 151  
Sanofi Pasteur    
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Contingent consideration, beginning balance 711  
Contingent consideration, ending balance $ 620 $ 711
Contingent consideration, measurement input, discount rate 0.115  
Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Sanofi Pasteur    
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Contingent consideration, measurement input, discount rate 0.08  
v3.22.0.1
Inventories - Inventories (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]    
Finished goods $ 1,747 $ 1,610
Raw materials and work in process 6,220 5,949
Supplies 196 146
Total (approximates current cost) 8,163 7,705
Decrease to LIFO cost (16) (81)
Total current and noncurrent inventories 8,147 7,624
Recognized as:    
Inventories 5,953 5,554
Other assets $ 2,194 $ 2,070
v3.22.0.1
Inventories - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Inventory [Line Items]    
LIFO inventory amount $ 3,300 $ 2,800
Inventory classified in Other assets 2,194 2,070
Inventory Not Expected to be Sold Within One Year    
Inventory [Line Items]    
Inventory classified in Other assets 1,900 1,800
Inventories Produced in Preparation for Product Launches    
Inventory [Line Items]    
Inventory classified in Other assets $ 256 $ 279
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Goodwill Activity by Segment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Goodwill, beginning balance $ 18,882 $ 18,069
Acquisitions 2,436 847
Divestitures   (54)
Other (54) 20
Goodwill, ending balance 21,264 18,882
Accumulated goodwill impairment losses 531 531
Pharmaceutical    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Goodwill, beginning balance 15,614 14,825
Acquisitions 2,431 742
Divestitures   0
Other (48) 47
Goodwill, ending balance 17,997 15,614
Animal Health    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Goodwill, beginning balance 3,268 3,192
Acquisitions 5 105
Divestitures   0
Other (6) (29)
Goodwill, ending balance 3,267 3,268
All Other    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Goodwill, beginning balance 0 52
Acquisitions 0 0
Divestitures   (54)
Other 0 2
Goodwill, ending balance $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Apr. 01, 2019
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net $ 22,933 $ 14,101    
Intangible asset impairment charge related to marketed product     $ 705  
IPR&D impairment charges     172  
Contingent consideration liability, changes in estimated fair value 57 83    
Amortization expense for intangible assets 1,600 1,800 1,700  
Estimated aggregate amortization expense, 2022 1,700      
Estimated aggregate amortization expense, 2023 1,600      
Estimated aggregate amortization expense, 2024 1,600      
Estimated aggregate amortization expense, 2025 1,400      
Estimated aggregate amortization expense, 2026 1,400      
IPR&D        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 9,281 3,228    
Zerbaxa        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Intangible asset impairment charge related to marketed product   1,600    
Inventory write-down   120    
Sivextro        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Intangible asset impairment charge related to marketed product     612  
Animal Health        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 5,000      
Adempas | Licenses and other        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Intangible assets 806      
Verquvo | Licenses and other        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Intangible assets 68      
COVID-19        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
IPR&D impairment charges   90    
Contingent consideration liability, changes in estimated fair value   (45)    
IOmet Pharma Ltd        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
IPR&D impairment charges     155  
Contingent consideration liability, changes in estimated fair value     $ (11)  
sotatercept | IPR&D        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 6,400      
nemtabrutinib        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
IPR&D impairment charges 275      
nemtabrutinib | IPR&D        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net $ 2,000      
nemtabrutinib | Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Discount rate 0.085      
gefapixant | IPR&D        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net $ 832      
Products and product rights        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 7,895 4,790    
Products and product rights | Reblozyl        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 3,800      
Products and product rights | Zerbaxa        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 478      
Products and product rights | Gardasil/Gardasil 9        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 191      
Products and product rights | Bridion        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 145      
Products and product rights | Dificid        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 145      
Products and product rights | Sivextro        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 138      
Products and product rights | Simponi        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 101      
Trade names        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 2,389 2,530    
License        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 3,368 $ 3,553    
License | Lynparza        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 1,100      
License | Lenvima        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net 1,000      
Antelliq | Measurement Input, Discount Rate        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Discount rate       0.115
Antelliq | Trade names        
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]        
Other intangibles, net $ 2,300      
v3.22.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangibles - Other Intangibles (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount $ 42,438 $ 33,237
Accumulated Amortization 19,505 19,136
Net 22,933 14,101
IPR&D    
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 9,281 3,228
Net 9,281 3,228
Products and product rights    
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 23,671 20,928
Accumulated Amortization 15,776 16,138
Net 7,895 4,790
Trade names    
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 2,882 2,882
Accumulated Amortization 493 352
Net 2,389 2,530
License    
Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 6,604 6,199
Accumulated Amortization 3,236 2,646
Net $ 3,368 $ 3,553
v3.22.0.1
Loans Payable, Long-Term Debt and Leases - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-term debt, current maturities $ 2,300,000,000 $ 2,300,000,000  
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt 2,412,000,000 6,431,000,000  
Long-term debt 30,690,000,000 $ 25,360,000,000  
Face amount of debt 8,000,000,000    
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in 2022 2,300,000,000    
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in 2023 1,700,000,000    
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in 2024 1,300,000,000    
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in 2025 2,500,000,000    
Long-term debt, maturities, repayments of principal in 2026 2,300,000,000    
Long-term debt, interest payments in 2022 910,000,000    
Long-term debt, interest payments in 2023 875,000,000    
Long-term debt, interest payments in 2024 838,000,000    
Long-term debt, interest payments in 2025 771,000,000    
Long-term debt, interest payments in 2026 743,000,000    
Available borrowing capacity under credit facility $ 6,000,000,000    
Operating lease, weighted average remaining lease term 7 years 8 years  
Operating lease, cost $ 343,000,000 $ 340,000,000 $ 333,000,000
Operating lease, payments 340,000,000 334,000,000 275,000,000
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liability 117,000,000 $ 473,000,000 $ 125,000,000
Lessee, operating lease, lease not yet commenced, amount $ 86,000,000    
Other Variable Rate Debt      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Effective interest rate 0.00% 0.45%  
6.30% debentures due 2026      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-term debt $ 135,000,000 $ 135,000,000  
Stated interest rate 6.30%    
1.70% notes due 2027      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-term debt $ 1,493,000,000 0  
Stated interest rate 1.70%    
Face amount of debt $ 1,500,000,000    
1.90% notes due 2028      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-term debt $ 994,000,000 0  
Stated interest rate 1.90%    
Face amount of debt $ 1,000,000,000    
2.15% notes due 2031      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-term debt $ 1,986,000,000 0  
Stated interest rate 2.15%    
Face amount of debt $ 2,000,000,000    
2.75% notes due 2051      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-term debt $ 1,979,000,000 0  
Stated interest rate 2.75%    
Face amount of debt $ 2,000,000,000    
2.90% notes due 2061      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-term debt $ 1,484,000,000 0  
Stated interest rate 2.90%    
Face amount of debt $ 1,500,000,000    
Commercial Paper      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt   $ 4,000,000,000  
Weighted-average interest rate of commercial paper 0.08% 0.79%  
Notes Subject To Repayment At Option Of Holder      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt $ 149,000,000 $ 73,000,000  
Buildings      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Operating lease, weighted average remaining lease term 7 years    
Lessee, operating lease, renewal term 4 years    
Vehicles      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Operating lease, weighted average remaining lease term 4 years    
v3.22.0.1
Loans Payable, Long-Term Debt and Leases - Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt $ 30,690 $ 25,360
2.75% notes due 2025    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.75%  
Long-Term Debt $ 2,495 2,493
2.15% notes due 2031    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.15%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,986 0
2.75% notes due 2051    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.75%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,979 0
3.70% notes due 2045    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 3.70%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,977 1,976
2.80% notes due 2023    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.80%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,749 1,748
3.40% notes due 2029    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 3.40%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,736 1,734
1.70% notes due 2027    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 1.70%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,493 0
2.90% notes due 2061    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.90%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,484 0
4.00% notes due 2049    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 4.00%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,470 1,469
4.15% notes due 2043    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 4.15%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,239 1,238
1.45% notes due 2030    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 1.45%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,235 1,233
2.45% notes due 2050    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.45%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,212 1,211
1.875% euro-denominated notes due 2026    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 1.875%  
Long-Term Debt $ 1,123 1,218
1.90% notes due 2028    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 1.90%  
Long-Term Debt $ 994 0
0.75% notes due 2026    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 0.75%  
Long-Term Debt $ 993 991
3.90% notes due 2039    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 3.90%  
Long-Term Debt $ 984 983
2.35% notes due 2040    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.35%  
Long-Term Debt $ 983 982
2.90% notes due 2024    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.90%  
Long-Term Debt $ 748 746
6.50% notes due 2033    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 6.50%  
Long-Term Debt $ 715 719
0.50% euro-denominated notes due 2024    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 0.50%  
Long-Term Debt $ 563 611
1.375% euro-denominated notes due 2036    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 1.375%  
Long-Term Debt $ 559 606
2.50% euro-denominated notes due 2034    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.50%  
Long-Term Debt $ 558 605
3.60% notes due 2042    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 3.60%  
Long-Term Debt $ 491 491
6.55% notes due 2037    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 6.55%  
Long-Term Debt $ 409 411
5.75% notes due 2036    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 5.75%  
Long-Term Debt $ 338 338
5.95% debentures due 2028    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 5.95%  
Long-Term Debt $ 306 306
5.85% notes due 2039    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 5.85%  
Long-Term Debt $ 271 271
6.40% debentures due 2028    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 6.40%  
Long-Term Debt $ 250 250
6.30% debentures due 2026    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 6.30%  
Long-Term Debt $ 135 135
2.35% notes due 2022    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.35%  
Long-Term Debt $ 0 1,269
2.40% notes due 2022    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 2.40%  
Long-Term Debt $ 0 1,032
Other    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt $ 215 $ 294
v3.22.0.1
Loans Payable, Long-Term Debt and Leases - Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
Other Assets $ 1,586 $ 1,688
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other Assets Other Assets
Accrued and other current liabilities $ 304 $ 291
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Accrued and other current liabilities Accrued and other current liabilities
Other Noncurrent Liabilities $ 1,225 $ 1,335
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Total operating lease liability $ 1,529 $ 1,626
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) 7 years 8 years
Weighted-average discount rate 2.60% 2.80%
v3.22.0.1
Loans Payable, Long-Term Debt and Leases - Maturity Schedule (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
2022 $ 336  
2023 292  
2024 242  
2025 178  
2026 146  
Thereafter 511  
Total lease payments 1,705  
Less: Imputed interest 176  
Total operating lease liability $ 1,529 $ 1,626
v3.22.0.1
Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities (Details)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
case
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
case
claim
Plaintiff
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Accrued liabilities for environmental matters | $   $ 40 $ 43
Term for paying off environmental liabilities   15 years  
Aggregate possible expenditure on environmental matters in excess of amounts accrued | $   $ 40  
Legal Defense Costs      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Legal defense costs reserve | $   $ 230 $ 235
Commercial Litigation      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Loss contingency, pending claims (in cases)   2  
Loss contingency, number of plaintiffs | Plaintiff   2  
Patent litigation      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Loss contingency, claims settled (in cases)   21  
Fosamax      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Loss contingency, pending claims (in cases)   3,470  
Fosamax | Federal Court      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Loss contingency, claims dismissed (in cases) 650    
Loss contingency, claims on appeal (in cases) 515    
Januvia      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Loss contingency, pending claims (in cases)   675  
Januvia | Cases Company Agreed To Toll Statute Of Limitations      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Loss contingency, pending claims (in cases) | claim   50  
Januvia | Other State Court      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Loss contingency, pending claims (in cases)   6  
v3.22.0.1
Equity - Narrative (Details) - shares
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]    
Common stock, authorized (in shares) 6,500,000,000 6,500,000,000
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 20,000,000  
v3.22.0.1
Equity - Shareholders' Equity (Details) - shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Movement in Common Stock and Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]      
Balance January 1 (in shares) 3,577,103,522    
Balance December 31 (in shares) 3,577,103,522 3,577,103,522  
Common Stock      
Movement in Common Stock and Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]      
Balance January 1 (in shares) 3,577,000,000 3,577,000,000 3,577,000,000
Purchases of treasury stock (in shares) 0 0 0
Issuances (in shares) 0 0 0
Balance December 31 (in shares) 3,577,000,000 3,577,000,000 3,577,000,000
Treasury Stock      
Movement in Common Stock and Treasury Stock [Roll Forward]      
Balance January 1 (in shares) 1,047,000,000 1,038,000,000 985,000,000
Purchases of treasury stock (in shares) 11,000,000 16,000,000 66,000,000
Issuances (in shares) (9,000,000) (7,000,000) (13,000,000)
Balance December 31 (in shares) 1,049,000,000 1,047,000,000 1,038,000,000
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Compensation Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Shares collectively authorized for future grants under share-based compensation plans (in shares) 93,000,000    
Quantity of stock options that vest per year 33.33%    
Period over which share-based payment awards vest 3 years    
Pretax share-based compensation cost recorded $ 498 $ 475 $ 417
Pretax share-based compensation cost recorded, related to continuing operations 479 441 388
Income tax benefits related to share-based compensation $ 69 $ 65 $ 57
Weighted average exercise price of options granted (in dollars per share) $ 75.99 $ 77.67 $ 80.05
Total pre tax unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, RSU and PSU awards $ 699    
Weighted average period in years of recognition for nonvested stock options, RSU and PSU awards 1 year 10 months 24 days    
Minimum      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Contractual term of options 7 years    
Maximum      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Contractual term of options 10 years    
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Compensation Plans - Assumptions Used to Determine Weighted-Average Fair Value of Options Granted (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]      
Weighted average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share) $ 9.80 $ 9.93 $ 10.63
Expected dividend yield 3.10% 3.10% 3.20%
Risk-free interest rate 1.00% 0.40% 2.40%
Expected volatility 20.90% 22.10% 18.70%
Expected life (years) 5 years 10 months 24 days 5 years 9 months 18 days 5 years 10 months 24 days
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Information Relative to Stock Option Plan Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Number of Options      
Number of Options, Outstanding, January 1 (in shares) 19,446    
Number of Options, Granted (in shares) 4,781    
Number of Options, Exercised (in shares) (3,728)    
Number of Options, Forfeited (in shares) (626)    
Number of Options, Awards transferred to Organon in spin-off (in shares) (1,947)    
Number of Options, Adjustment to Merck awards related to the spin-off of Organon (in shares) 646    
Number of Options, Outstanding, December 31 (in shares) 18,572 19,446  
Number of Options, Vested and expected to vest (in shares) 17,829    
Number of Options, Exercisable (in shares) 12,136    
Weighted Average Exercise Price      
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding, January 1 (in dollars per share) $ 63.64    
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (in dollars per share) 75.99 $ 77.67 $ 80.05
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised (in dollars per share) 54.14    
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited (in dollars per share) 73.97    
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Awards transferred to Organon in the spin-off (in dollars per share) 72.15    
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Adjustment to Merck awards related to the spin-off of Organon (in dollars per share) 0    
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding, December 31 (in dollars per share) 65.27 $ 63.64  
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share) 64.90    
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share) $ 60.41    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding 6 years 3 months 18 days    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and expected to vest 6 years 2 months 12 days    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable 5 years    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding $ 213    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and expected to vest 212    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable $ 198    
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information Pertaining to Stock Option Plans (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]      
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 106 $ 51 $ 295
Fair value of stock options vested 27 25 27
Cash received from the exercise of stock options $ 202 $ 89 $ 361
v3.22.0.1
Share-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Nonvested RSU and PSU Activity (Details)
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
$ / shares
shares
RSUs  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]  
Number of Shares, Nonvested January 1 (in shares) | shares 11,915
Number of Shares, Granted (in shares) | shares 7,897
Number of Shares, Vested (in shares) | shares (6,066)
Number of Shares, Forfeited (in shares) | shares (1,015)
Number of Shares, Awards transferred to Organon in the spin-off | shares (1,309)
Number of Shares, Adjustment to Merck awards related to the spin-off of Organon (in shares) | shares 368
Number of Shares, Nonvested December 31 (in shares) | shares 11,790
Number of Shares, Expected to Vest (in shares) | shares 10,499
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]  
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested January 1 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 74.17
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 76.16
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 70.25
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 76.62
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Awards transferred to Organon in the spin-off of Organon (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 76.99
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Adjustment to Merck awards related to the spin-off of Organon (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested December 31 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 74.88
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Expected to vest (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 74.93
PSUs  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]  
Number of Shares, Nonvested January 1 (in shares) | shares 2,100
Number of Shares, Granted (in shares) | shares 1,487
Number of Shares, Vested (in shares) | shares (1,284)
Number of Shares, Forfeited (in shares) | shares (149)
Number of Shares, Awards transferred to Organon in the spin-off | shares (248)
Number of Shares, Adjustment to Merck awards related to the spin-off of Organon (in shares) | shares 60
Number of Shares, Nonvested December 31 (in shares) | shares 1,966
Number of Shares, Expected to Vest (in shares) | shares 1,832
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]  
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested January 1 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 75.08
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 69.33
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 57.14
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 79.33
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Awards transferred to Organon in the spin-off of Organon (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 77.39
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Adjustment to Merck awards related to the spin-off of Organon (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested December 31 (in dollars per share) | $ / shares 77.13
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Expected to vest (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 77.40
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Accumulated benefit obligation   $ 24,900 $ 26,300  
Employer contributions to defined contribution savings plans   $ 158 $ 158 $ 143
Pension Benefits        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Percentage of Company's pension investments categorized as level 3 assets   4.00% 4.00%  
Pension Benefits | Level 3        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Fair value of plan assets   $ 943 $ 942  
Other Postretirement Benefits        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Fair value of plan assets   1,292 1,221 $ 1,102
Expected contributions to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans during next fiscal year   50    
Other Postretirement Benefits | Level 3        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Fair value of plan assets   $ 0 $ 0  
United States        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Expected annual standard deviation in returns of the target portfolio which reflects both the equity allocation and the diversification benefits among the asset classes in which the portfolio invests   11.00%    
Expected rate of return on plan assets   6.70% 7.30% 8.10%
United States | Minimum        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Expected rate of return on plan assets   6.50%    
United States | Minimum | Forecast        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Expected rate of return on plan assets 6.70%      
United States | Maximum        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Expected rate of return on plan assets   6.70%    
United States | U.S. equities | Minimum        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Target allocation   30.00%    
United States | U.S. equities | Maximum        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Target allocation   45.00%    
United States | International equities | Minimum        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Target allocation   15.00%    
United States | International equities | Maximum        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Target allocation   30.00%    
United States | Fixed Income Investments | Minimum        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Target allocation   35.00%    
United States | Fixed Income Investments | Maximum        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Target allocation   45.00%    
United States | Cash And Other Investments | Maximum        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Target allocation   5.00%    
United States | Pension Benefits        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Accumulated benefit obligation   $ 13,800 $ 14,400  
Fair value of plan assets   13,067 12,672 $ 11,361
Expected contributions to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans during next fiscal year   280    
United States | Pension Benefits | Level 3        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Fair value of plan assets   6 7 9
International | Pension Benefits        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Fair value of plan assets   12,195 $ 12,009 $ 10,135
Expected contributions to the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans during next fiscal year   $ 150    
Expected rate of return on plan assets   3.80% 4.40% 4.90%
International | Pension Benefits | Level 3        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Fair value of plan assets   $ 937 $ 935 $ 851
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Other Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost $ 48 $ 52 $ 48
Interest cost 45 57 69
Expected return on plan assets (79) (75) (72)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (63) (73) (78)
Net loss (gain) amortization (42) (18) (10)
Termination benefits 37 2 5
Curtailments (29) (4) (11)
Settlements 0 0 0
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) (83) (59) (49)
United States | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost 403 360 293
Interest cost 404 431 458
Expected return on plan assets (755) (774) (817)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (38) (49) (49)
Net loss (gain) amortization 298 303 151
Termination benefits 56 10 31
Curtailments 16 10 14
Settlements 216 13 0
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) 600 304 81
International | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost 328 297 235
Interest cost 123 136 176
Expected return on plan assets (416) (414) (425)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (16) (18) (12)
Net loss (gain) amortization 142 127 64
Termination benefits 5 3 8
Curtailments (26) 0 6
Settlements 8 15 1
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ 148 $ 146 $ 53
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Obligation and Funded Status (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Other Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]      
Fair value of plan assets January 1 $ 1,221 $ 1,102  
Actual return on plan assets 118 175  
Company contributions 33 19  
Effects of exchange rate changes 0 0  
Benefits paid (86) (93)  
Settlements 0 0  
Spin-off of Organon 0 0  
Other 6 18  
Fair value of plan assets December 31 1,292 1,221 $ 1,102
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]      
Benefit obligation January 1 1,607 1,673  
Service cost 48 52 48
Interest cost 45 57 69
Actuarial (gains) losses (103) (98)  
Benefits paid (86) (93)  
Effects of exchange rate changes (1) (3)  
Plan amendments 0 0  
Curtailments (12) (1)  
Termination benefits 37 2 5
Settlements 0 0  
Spin-off of Organon 0 0  
Other 6 18  
Benefit obligation December 31 1,541 1,607 1,673
Funded status December 31 (249) (386)  
Recognized as:      
Other Assets 0 0  
Accrued and other current liabilities (8) (9)  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities (241) (377)  
United States | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]      
Fair value of plan assets January 1 12,672 11,361  
Actual return on plan assets 1,250 1,908  
Company contributions 305 199  
Effects of exchange rate changes 0 0  
Benefits paid (219) (751)  
Settlements (941) (45)  
Spin-off of Organon 0 0  
Other 0 0  
Fair value of plan assets December 31 13,067 12,672 11,361
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]      
Benefit obligation January 1 14,613 13,003  
Service cost 403 360 293
Interest cost 404 431 458
Actuarial (gains) losses (332) 1,594  
Benefits paid (219) (751)  
Effects of exchange rate changes 0 0  
Plan amendments 0 0  
Curtailments 15 11  
Termination benefits 56 10 31
Settlements (941) (45)  
Spin-off of Organon 0 0  
Other 0 0  
Benefit obligation December 31 13,999 14,613 13,003
Funded status December 31 (932) (1,941)  
Recognized as:      
Other Assets 9 0  
Accrued and other current liabilities (64) (82)  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities (877) (1,859)  
International | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]      
Fair value of plan assets January 1 12,009 10,135  
Actual return on plan assets 891 1,026  
Company contributions 189 383  
Effects of exchange rate changes (671) 743  
Benefits paid (233) (214)  
Settlements (55) (117)  
Spin-off of Organon (55) 0  
Other 120 53  
Fair value of plan assets December 31 12,195 12,009 10,135
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]      
Benefit obligation January 1 12,458 10,558  
Service cost 328 297 235
Interest cost 123 136 176
Actuarial (gains) losses (240) 1,032  
Benefits paid (233) (214)  
Effects of exchange rate changes (678) 788  
Plan amendments 4 (64)  
Curtailments (38) (8)  
Termination benefits 5 3 8
Settlements (55) (117)  
Spin-off of Organon (118) 0  
Other 19 47  
Benefit obligation December 31 11,575 12,458 $ 10,558
Funded status December 31 620 (449)  
Recognized as:      
Other Assets 1,395 941  
Accrued and other current liabilities (22) (13)  
Other Noncurrent Liabilities $ (753) $ (1,377)  
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets (Details) - Pension Benefits - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
United States    
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]    
Pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, projected benefit obligation $ 13,013 $ 14,613
Pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, fair value of plan assets 12,072 12,672
Pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, accumulated benefit obligation 12,916 13,489
Pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, fair value of plan assets 12,072 11,685
International    
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]    
Pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, projected benefit obligation 2,507 8,875
Pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, fair value of plan assets 1,731 7,488
Pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, accumulated benefit obligation 2,462 4,234
Pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, fair value of plan assets $ 1,723 $ 2,995
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets (Details) - Pension Benefits - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 943 $ 942  
United States      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 13,067 12,672 $ 11,361
United States | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 292 308  
United States | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,035 4,090  
United States | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 919 1,096  
United States | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 89  
United States | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2,915 2,819  
United States | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2,870 2,236  
United States | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2,005 1,994  
United States | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 23 33  
United States | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 8 7  
United States | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 3,156 3,199  
United States | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 3 5  
United States | Level 1 | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 236 206  
United States | Level 1 | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 169  
United States | Level 1 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 1 | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2,915 2,819  
United States | Level 1 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 1 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 1 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 1 | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2 0  
United States | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,898 4,352  
United States | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 2 | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 2 | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 2 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 89  
United States | Level 2 | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 2 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2,870 2,236  
United States | Level 2 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2,005 1,994  
United States | Level 2 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 23 33  
United States | Level 2 | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 6 7 9
United States | Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 3 | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 3 | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 3 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 3 | Real estate, Investment funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0 0
United States | Level 3 | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 3 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 3 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 3 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | Level 3 | Insurance contracts      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0 0
United States | Level 3 | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 6 7 9
United States | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 5,007 5,114  
United States | NAV | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 289 303  
United States | NAV | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 3,799 3,884  
United States | NAV | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 919 927  
United States | NAV | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | NAV | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | NAV | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | NAV | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | NAV | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
United States | NAV | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 12,195 12,009 10,135
International | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 110 131  
International | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,944 4,879  
International | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 209 246  
International | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,436 4,302  
International | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 188 189  
International | Other fixed income obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 26 24  
International | Real estate, Investment funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 17 16  
International | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 369 505  
International | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 597 487  
International | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 225 177  
International | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 90 70  
International | Insurance contracts      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 982 978  
International | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2 5  
International | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1,387 2,779  
International | Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 82 110  
International | Level 1 | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 531 475  
International | Level 1 | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 137 154  
International | Level 1 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 240 1,516  
International | Level 1 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 9 5  
International | Level 1 | Other fixed income obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 15 9  
International | Level 1 | Real estate, Investment funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 1 | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 369 505  
International | Level 1 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 3 3  
International | Level 1 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 1  
International | Level 1 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 1 | Insurance contracts      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 1 | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1 1  
International | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 9,293 7,696  
International | Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 10 1  
International | Level 2 | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,292 4,286  
International | Level 2 | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 2 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,025 2,614  
International | Level 2 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 8 12  
International | Level 2 | Other fixed income obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 8 11  
International | Level 2 | Real estate, Investment funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1 1  
International | Level 2 | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 2 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 591 481  
International | Level 2 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 223 174  
International | Level 2 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 90 70  
International | Level 2 | Insurance contracts      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 44 42  
International | Level 2 | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1 4  
International | Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 937 935 851
International | Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 3 | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 3 | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 3 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 3 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 3 | Other fixed income obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 3 | Real estate, Investment funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0 0
International | Level 3 | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 3 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 3 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 3 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | Level 3 | Insurance contracts      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 937 935 851
International | Level 3 | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0 $ 0
International | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 578 599  
International | NAV | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 18 20  
International | NAV | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 121 118  
International | NAV | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 72 92  
International | NAV | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 171 172  
International | NAV | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 171 172  
International | NAV | Other fixed income obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 3 4  
International | NAV | Real estate, Investment funds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 16 15  
International | NAV | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | NAV | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 3 3  
International | NAV | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2 2  
International | NAV | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
International | NAV | Insurance contracts      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1 1  
International | NAV | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 0 $ 0  
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Company's Level 3 Pension Plan Assets (Details) - Pension Benefits - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Level 3    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 $ 942  
Actual return on plan assets:    
Fair value of plan assets December 31 943 $ 942
United States    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 12,672 11,361
Actual return on plan assets:    
Fair value of plan assets December 31 13,067 12,672
United States | Other    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 7  
Actual return on plan assets:    
Fair value of plan assets December 31 8 7
United States | Level 3    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 7 9
Actual return on plan assets:    
Relating to assets still held at December 31 (5) (5)
Relating to assets sold during the year 7 5
Purchases and sales, net (3) (2)
Fair value of plan assets December 31 6 7
United States | Level 3 | Insurance Contracts    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 0 0
Actual return on plan assets:    
Relating to assets still held at December 31 0 0
Relating to assets sold during the year 0 0
Purchases and sales, net 0 0
Fair value of plan assets December 31 0 0
United States | Level 3 | Real Estate    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 0 0
Actual return on plan assets:    
Relating to assets still held at December 31 0 0
Relating to assets sold during the year 0 0
Purchases and sales, net 0 0
Fair value of plan assets December 31 0 0
United States | Level 3 | Other    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 7 9
Actual return on plan assets:    
Relating to assets still held at December 31 (5) (5)
Relating to assets sold during the year 7 5
Purchases and sales, net (3) (2)
Fair value of plan assets December 31 6 7
International    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 12,009 10,135
Actual return on plan assets:    
Fair value of plan assets December 31 12,195 12,009
International | Insurance Contracts    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 978  
Actual return on plan assets:    
Fair value of plan assets December 31 982 978
International | Real Estate    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 16  
Actual return on plan assets:    
Fair value of plan assets December 31 17 16
International | Other    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 5  
Actual return on plan assets:    
Fair value of plan assets December 31 2 5
International | Level 3    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 935 851
Actual return on plan assets:    
Relating to assets still held at December 31 (34) 103
Purchases and sales, net (42) (17)
Transfers in (out) of Level 3 78 (2)
Fair value of plan assets December 31 937 935
International | Level 3 | Insurance Contracts    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 935 851
Actual return on plan assets:    
Relating to assets still held at December 31 (34) 103
Purchases and sales, net (42) (17)
Transfers in (out) of Level 3 78 (2)
Fair value of plan assets December 31 937 935
International | Level 3 | Real Estate    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 0 0
Actual return on plan assets:    
Relating to assets still held at December 31 0 0
Purchases and sales, net 0 0
Transfers in (out) of Level 3 0 0
Fair value of plan assets December 31 0 0
International | Level 3 | Other    
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]    
Fair value of plan assets January 1 0 0
Actual return on plan assets:    
Relating to assets still held at December 31 0
Purchases and sales, net 0 0
Transfers in (out) of Level 3 0 0
Fair value of plan assets December 31 $ 0 $ 0
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Fair Values of Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefits - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value $ 1,292 $ 1,221 $ 1,102
Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 39 59  
Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 402 374  
Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 92 101  
Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 1 1  
Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 8  
Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 290 258  
Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 275 221  
Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 191 196  
Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 2 3  
Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 326 325  
Level 1 | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 11 31  
Level 1 | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 24 19  
Level 1 | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 16  
Level 1 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 1 1  
Level 1 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 1 | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 290 258  
Level 1 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 1 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 1 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 468 428  
Level 2 | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 2 | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 2 | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 2 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 2 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 8  
Level 2 | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 2 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 275 221  
Level 2 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 191 196  
Level 2 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 2 3  
Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 3 | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 3 | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 3 | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 3 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 3 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 3 | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 3 | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 3 | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
Level 3 | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 498 468  
NAV | Cash and cash equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 28 28  
NAV | Developed markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 378 355  
NAV | Emerging markets equities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 92 85  
NAV | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0  
NAV | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
NAV | Developed markets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
NAV | Government and agency obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
NAV | Corporate obligations      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value 0 0  
NAV | Mortgage and asset-backed securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets at fair value $ 0 $ 0  
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Summary of Expected Benefit Payments (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
USD ($)
Other Postretirement Benefits  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2022 $ 84
2023 85
2024 87
2025 89
2026 90
2027 — 2031 469
United States | Pension Benefits  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2022 724
2023 745
2024 731
2025 748
2026 770
2027 — 2031 4,230
International | Pension Benefits  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2022 289
2023 275
2024 278
2025 280
2026 308
2027 — 2031 $ 1,715
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Other Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net loss (gain) amortization included in benefit cost $ 144 $ 198 $ 112
Prior service (cost) credit arising during the period (17) (3) (11)
Total 127 195 101
Net loss (gain) amortization included in benefit cost (42) (18) (10)
Prior service credit amortization included in benefit cost (63) (73) (78)
Total (105) (91) (88)
United States | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net loss (gain) amortization included in benefit cost 1,048 (448) (816)
Prior service (cost) credit arising during the period (3) (1) (4)
Total 1,045 (449) (820)
Net loss (gain) amortization included in benefit cost 298 303 151
Prior service credit amortization included in benefit cost (38) (49) (49)
Total 260 254 102
International | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net loss (gain) amortization included in benefit cost 815 (407) (227)
Prior service (cost) credit arising during the period (29) 62 (1)
Total 786 (345) (228)
Net loss (gain) amortization included in benefit cost 142 127 64
Prior service credit amortization included in benefit cost (16) (18) (12)
Total $ 126 $ 109 $ 52
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Determining Pension Plan and U.S. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Information (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
United States      
Net periodic benefit cost      
Discount rate 2.70% 3.40% 4.40%
Expected rate of return on plan assets 6.70% 7.30% 8.10%
Salary growth rate 4.60% 4.20% 4.30%
Interest crediting rate 4.70% 4.90% 3.40%
Benefit obligation      
Discount rate 3.00% 2.70% 3.40%
Salary growth rate 4.60% 4.60% 4.20%
Interest crediting rate 5.00% 4.70% 4.90%
International | Pension Benefits      
Net periodic benefit cost      
Discount rate 1.10% 1.50% 2.20%
Expected rate of return on plan assets 3.80% 4.40% 4.90%
Salary growth rate 2.80% 2.80% 2.80%
Interest crediting rate 3.00% 2.80% 2.90%
Benefit obligation      
Discount rate 1.50% 1.10% 1.50%
Salary growth rate 2.90% 2.80% 2.80%
Interest crediting rate 3.00% 3.00% 2.80%
v3.22.0.1
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans - Summary of Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumptions for Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefits
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.40% 6.60%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline 4.50% 4.50%
v3.22.0.1
Other (Income) Expense, Net - Schedule of Other (Income) Expense, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Component of Other Income / Expense of Nonoperating [Line Items]        
Interest income   $ (36) $ (59) $ (274)
Interest expense   806 831 893
Exchange losses   297 145 187
Income from investments in equity securities, net   (1,940) (1,338) (170)
Net periodic defined benefit plan (credit) cost other than service cost   (212) (339) (545)
Other, net   (256) (130) 38
Other (income) expense, net   (1,341) (890) $ 129
Unrealized (loss) gains   $ (232) $ 163  
Forecast        
Component of Other Income / Expense of Nonoperating [Line Items]        
Unrealized (loss) gains $ (500)      
v3.22.0.1
Other (Income) Expense, Net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Component of Other Income / Expense of Nonoperating [Line Items]      
Interest paid $ 779 $ 822 $ 841
Healthcare Services      
Component of Other Income / Expense of Nonoperating [Line Items]      
Goodwill impairment charges     $ 162
v3.22.0.1
Taxes on Income - Reconciliation Between Effective Tax Rate and US Statutory Rate (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Amount      
U.S. statutory rate applied to income from continuing operations before taxes $ 2,915 $ 1,231 $ 1,506
Differential arising from:      
Foreign earnings (1,446) (965) (461)
GILTI and the foreign-derived intangible income deduction (75) 349 323
Tax settlements (275) (13) (139)
R&D tax credit (81) (108) (116)
Acquisition of VelosBio (9) 559 0
Acquisition of Pandion 356 0 0
Valuation allowances 102 37 115
Restructuring 61 105 39
Acquisition-related costs, including amortization 8 38 70
State taxes 2 57 (12)
Acquisition of OncoImmune 0 97 0
Acquisition of Peloton 0 0 209
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 0 0 117
Other (37) (47) (86)
Taxes on income $ 1,521 $ 1,340 $ 1,565
Tax Rate      
U.S. statutory rate applied to income from continuing operations before taxes 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
Differential arising from:      
Foreign earnings (10.40%) (16.50%) (6.40%)
GILTI and the foreign-derived intangible income deduction (0.50%) 6.00% 4.50%
Tax settlements (2.00%) (0.20%) (1.90%)
R&D tax credit (0.60%) (1.80%) (1.60%)
Acquisition of VelosBio (0.10%) 9.50% 0.00%
Acquisition of Pandion 2.60% 0.00% 0.00%
Valuation allowances 0.70% 0.60% 1.60%
Restructuring 0.40% 1.80% 0.50%
Acquisition-related costs, including amortization 0.10% 0.60% 1.00%
State taxes 0.00% 1.00% (0.20%)
Acquisition of OncoImmune 0.00% 1.70% 0.00%
Acquisition of Peloton 0.00% 0.00% 2.90%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 0 0 0.016
Other (0.20%) (0.80%) (1.20%)
Total, Tax Rate 11.00% 22.90% 21.80%
v3.22.0.1
Taxes on Income - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax [Line Items]        
Transition tax for accumulated foreign earnings, liability $ 2,600      
Deferred tax assets on NOL carryforwards relating to foreign jurisdictions 181      
Deferred tax assets relating to various U.S. tax credit carryforwards and NOL carryforwards 686      
Tax credit and operating loss carryforward, valuation allowance 287 $ 404    
Income taxes paid 2,400 2,700 $ 4,500  
Tax benefits relating to stock option exercises 21 12 65  
Unrecognized tax benefits 1,529 1,537 1,225 $ 1,893
Favorable net impact to income tax provision if unrecognized tax benefits were recognized 1,500      
Reasonably possible amount that liability for unrecognized tax benefits could decline up to in next 12 months (up to) 11      
Interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions, expense (benefit) (37) 16 (53)  
Liabilities for accrued interest and penalties 192 205    
Unrecognized tax benefits from adjustments related to examination 46 $ 70 356  
Foreign Jurisdiction        
Income Tax [Line Items]        
Valuation allowance on foreign NOL carryforwards 164      
Federal        
Income Tax [Line Items]        
Valuation allowance on foreign NOL carryforwards 123      
Federal | Internal Revenue Service (IRS)        
Income Tax [Line Items]        
Income taxes paid 190   107  
Unrecognized tax benefits from adjustments related to examination 236   364  
Federal | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Continuing Operations        
Income Tax [Line Items]        
Income taxes paid 172      
Unrecognized tax benefits from adjustments related to examination 207   106  
Proceeds from income tax refunds     35  
Federal | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Discontinued Operations        
Income Tax [Line Items]        
Income taxes paid 18   142  
Unrecognized tax benefits from adjustments related to examination 29   $ 258  
Income Taxes Payable        
Income Tax [Line Items]        
Transition tax liability, current 390      
Other Noncurrent Liabilities        
Income Tax [Line Items]        
Transition tax liability, noncurrent $ 2,200      
v3.22.0.1
Taxes on Income - Income Before Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]      
Domestic $ 1,854 $ (3,814) $ (66)
Foreign 12,025 9,677 7,237
Income from Continuing Operations Before Taxes $ 13,879 $ 5,863 $ 7,171
v3.22.0.1
Taxes on Income - Taxes on Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Current provision      
Federal $ 74 $ 893 $ 642
Foreign 1,273 969 1,523
State (13) 44 (40)
Total current provision 1,334 1,906 2,125
Deferred provision      
Federal 240 (605) (328)
Foreign (77) 64 (228)
State 24 (25) (4)
Total deferred provision 187 (566) (560)
Taxes on income $ 1,521 $ 1,340 $ 1,565
v3.22.0.1
Taxes on Income - Deferred Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax [Line Items]    
Product intangibles and licenses, Assets $ 0 $ 109
Inventory related, Assets 119 43
Accelerated depreciation, Assets 0 0
Equity Method Investments, Assets 0 0
Pensions and other postretirement benefits, Assets 487 826
Compensation related, Assets 301 235
Unrecognized tax benefits, Assets 75 117
Net operating losses and other tax credit carryforwards, Assets 867 764
Other, Assets 434 743
Subtotal, Assets 2,283 2,837
Valuation allowance, Assets (287) (404)
Total deferred taxes 1,996 2,433
Product intangibles and licenses, Liabilities 2,933 1,250
Inventory related, Liabilities 370 315
Accelerated depreciation, Liabilities 589 587
Equity method investments, Liabilities 335 175
Pensions and other postretirement benefits, Liabilities 338 248
Other, Liabilities 180 81
Subtotal, Liabilities 4,745 2,656
Deferred income taxes, Liabilities 2,749 223
Deferred income taxes 3,441 1,005
Other Assets    
Income Tax [Line Items]    
Total deferred taxes $ 692 $ 782
v3.22.0.1
Taxes on Income - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]      
Balance January 1 $ 1,537 $ 1,225 $ 1,893
Additions related to current year positions 306 298 199
Additions related to prior year positions 63 110 46
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (230) (4) (454)
Settlements (46) (70) (356)
Lapse of statute of limitations (58) (22) (103)
Spin-off of Organon (43) 0 0
Balance December 31 1,529 1,537 1,225
Unrecognized tax benefits, reduction resulting from divestiture of Merck's consumer care business $ (58) $ (22) (103)
consumer care business      
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]      
Lapse of statute of limitations     (78)
Unrecognized tax benefits, reduction resulting from divestiture of Merck's consumer care business     $ (78)
v3.22.0.1
Earnings Per Share - Calculations of Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. $ 12,345 $ 4,519 $ 5,690
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes and Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 704 2,548 4,153
Net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc., basic 13,049 7,067 9,843
Net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc., diluted $ 13,049 $ 7,067 $ 9,843
Average common shares outstanding (in shares) 2,530 2,530 2,565
Common shares issuable (in shares) 8 11 15
Average common shares outstanding assuming dilution (in shares) 2,538 2,541 2,580
Basic Earnings per Common Share Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders      
Income from Continuing Operations (in dollars per share) $ 4.88 $ 1.79 $ 2.22
Income from Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share) 0.28 1.01 1.62
Net Income (in dollars per share) 5.16 2.79 3.84
Earnings per Common Share Assuming Dilution Attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Common Shareholders      
Income from Continuing Operations (in dollars per share) 4.86 1.78 2.21
Income from Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share) 0.28 1.00 1.61
Net Income (in dollars per share) $ 5.14 $ 2.78 $ 3.81
v3.22.0.1
Earnings Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares
shares in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Antidilutive shares (in shares) 9 5 2
v3.22.0.1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Jun. 02, 2021
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance   $ 25,404 $ 26,001 $ 26,882
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax   1,951 (915) (610)
Tax   (568) 284 161
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes   1,383 (631) (449)
Reclassification adjustments, pretax   473 253 (239)
Tax   (100) (63) 40
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes   373 190 (199)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes   1,756 (441) (648)
Spin-off of Organon & Co.   5,091    
Ending balance   38,257 25,404 26,001
Derivatives        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance   (266) 31 166
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax   333 (383) 86
Tax   (75) 84 (15)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes   258 (299) 71
Reclassification adjustments, pretax   192 2 (261)
Tax   (40) 0 55
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes   152 2 (206)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes   410 (297) (135)
Spin-off of Organon & Co.   0    
Ending balance   144 (266) 31
Investments        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance   0 18 (78)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax   0 3 140
Tax   0 0 0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes   0 3 140
Reclassification adjustments, pretax   0 (21) (44)
Tax   0 0 0
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes   0 (21) (44)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes   0 (18) 96
Spin-off of Organon & Co.   0    
Ending balance   0 0 18
Employee Benefit Plans        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance   (4,540) (4,261) (3,556)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax   1,922 (599) (948)
Tax   (374) 111 192
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes   1,548 (488) (756)
Reclassification adjustments, pretax   281 272 66
Tax   (60) (63) (15)
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes   221 209 51
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes   1,769 (279) (705)
Spin-off of Organon & Co. $ 28 28    
Ending balance   (2,743) (4,540) (4,261)
Pension Plan Net Loss        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]        
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net loss and prior service (credit) included in AOCI   3,600 5,400  
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Net Gain        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]        
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net loss and prior service (credit) included in AOCI   (473) (391)  
Pension Plan Prior Service Credit        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]        
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net loss and prior service (credit) included in AOCI   (190) (255)  
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Prior Service Credit        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]        
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net loss and prior service (credit) included in AOCI   (181) (244)  
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance   (1,828) (1,981) (2,077)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, pretax   (304) 64 112
Tax   (119) 89 (16)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of taxes   (423) 153 96
Reclassification adjustments, pretax   0 0 0
Tax   0 0 0
Reclassification adjustments, net of taxes   0 0 0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes   (423) 153 96
Spin-off of Organon & Co. 421 421    
Ending balance   (1,830) (1,828) (1,981)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance   (6,634) (6,193) (5,545)
Spin-off of Organon & Co. $ 449 449    
Ending balance   $ (4,429) $ (6,634) $ (6,193)
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting - Narrative (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Number of operating segments 2
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting - Sales of Company's Products (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales $ 48,704 $ 41,518 $ 39,121
Revenue related to the sale of the marketing rights 185    
Operating Segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 48,322 41,336 38,668
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 42,754 36,610 34,100
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Keytruda      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 17,186 14,380 11,084
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Alliance revenue - Lynparza      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 989 725 444
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Alliance revenue - Lenvima      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 704 580 404
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Gardasil/Gardasil 9      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 5,673 3,938 3,737
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | ProQuad/M-M-R II/Varivax      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 2,135 1,878 2,275
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Pneumovax 23      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 893 1,087 926
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | RotaTeq      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 807 797 791
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Vaqta      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 179 170 238
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Bridion      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,532 1,198 1,131
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Prevymis      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 370 281 165
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Primaxin      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 259 251 273
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Noxafil      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 259 329 662
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Cancidas      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 212 213 249
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Invanz      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 202 211 263
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Zerbaxa      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales (1) 130 121
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Simponi      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 825 838 830
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Remicade      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 299 330 411
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Belsomra      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 318 327 306
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Molnupiravir      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 952 0 0
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Isentress/Isentress HD      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 769 857 975
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Alliance revenue - Adempas/Verquvo      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 342 281 204
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Adempas      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 252 220 215
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Januvia      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 3,324 3,306 3,482
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Janumet      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,964 1,971 2,041
Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Other pharmaceutical      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 2,310 2,312 2,873
Operating Segments | Animal Health      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 5,568 4,703 4,393
Operating Segments | Animal Health | Livestock      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 3,295 2,939 2,784
Operating Segments | Animal Health | Companion Animals      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 2,273 1,764 1,609
Operating Segments | Other segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 0 23 175
Other      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 382 182 453
United States      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 22,425 19,588 18,420
United States | Operating Segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 22,159 19,517 18,334
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 20,401 18,010 16,854
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Keytruda      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 9,765 8,352 6,305
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Alliance revenue - Lynparza      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 515 417 269
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Alliance revenue - Lenvima      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 417 359 239
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Gardasil/Gardasil 9      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,881 1,755 1,831
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | ProQuad/M-M-R II/Varivax      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,629 1,378 1,683
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Pneumovax 23      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 547 727 679
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | RotaTeq      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 473 486 506
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Vaqta      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 100 103 130
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Bridion      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 762 583 533
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Prevymis      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 153 119 84
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Primaxin      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 2 2 2
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Noxafil      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 60 42 282
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Cancidas      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 4 7 6
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Invanz      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales (5) 9 30
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Zerbaxa      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 4 74 63
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Simponi      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 0 0 0
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Remicade      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 0 0 0
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Belsomra      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 78 81 92
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Molnupiravir      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 632 0 0
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Isentress/Isentress HD      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 294 326 398
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Alliance revenue - Adempas/Verquvo      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 312 259 194
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Adempas      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 0 0 0
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Januvia      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,404 1,470 1,724
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Janumet      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 367 477 589
United States | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Other pharmaceutical      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,007 984 1,215
United States | Operating Segments | Animal Health      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,758 1,484 1,306
United States | Operating Segments | Animal Health | Livestock      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 667 612 582
United States | Operating Segments | Animal Health | Companion Animals      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,091 872 724
United States | Operating Segments | Other segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 0 23 174
United States | Other      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 266 71 86
Int’l      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 26,279 21,930 20,701
Int’l | Operating Segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 26,163 21,819 20,333
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 22,353 18,600 17,246
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Keytruda      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 7,421 6,028 4,779
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Alliance revenue - Lynparza      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 473 308 176
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Alliance revenue - Lenvima      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 287 220 165
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Gardasil/Gardasil 9      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 3,792 2,184 1,905
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | ProQuad/M-M-R II/Varivax      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 506 500 592
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Pneumovax 23      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 346 359 247
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | RotaTeq      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 334 311 284
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Vaqta      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 79 67 108
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Bridion      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 770 615 598
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Prevymis      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 218 162 81
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Primaxin      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 258 248 271
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Noxafil      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 199 287 380
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Cancidas      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 208 207 242
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Invanz      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 207 202 233
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Zerbaxa      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales (5) 56 58
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Simponi      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 825 838 830
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Remicade      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 299 330 411
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Belsomra      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 241 247 214
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Molnupiravir      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 320 0 0
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Isentress/Isentress HD      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 474 531 576
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Alliance revenue - Adempas/Verquvo      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 30 22 10
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Adempas      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 252 220 215
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Januvia      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,920 1,836 1,758
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Janumet      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,597 1,494 1,452
Int’l | Operating Segments | Pharmaceutical segment | Other pharmaceutical      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,302 1,328 1,661
Int’l | Operating Segments | Animal Health      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 3,810 3,219 3,086
Int’l | Operating Segments | Animal Health | Livestock      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 2,628 2,327 2,201
Int’l | Operating Segments | Animal Health | Companion Animals      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 1,182 892 885
Int’l | Operating Segments | Other segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales 0 0 1
Int’l | Other      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Sales $ 116 $ 111 $ 368
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting - Consolidated Revenues by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Sales $ 48,704 $ 41,518 $ 39,121
United States      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Sales 22,425 19,588 18,420
Europe, Middle East and Africa      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Sales 13,341 11,547 10,496
China      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Sales 4,378 2,751 2,180
Japan      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Sales 2,726 2,602 2,609
Asia Pacific (other than China and Japan)      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Sales 2,407 2,113 2,126
Latin America      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Sales 2,206 1,890 2,015
Other      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Sales $ 1,221 $ 1,027 $ 1,275
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Segment Profits to Income Before Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Interest income $ 36 $ 59 $ 274
Interest expense (806) (831) (893)
Amortization (1,636) (1,817) (1,695)
Depreciation (1,578) (1,669) (1,615)
Research and development (12,245) (13,397) (9,724)
Restructuring costs (661) (575) (626)
Income before taxes 13,879 5,863 7,171
Total segment profits      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Income before taxes 32,927 27,776 25,053
Total segment profits | Pharmaceutical segment      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Income before taxes 30,977 26,106 23,448
Total segment profits | Animal Health      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Income before taxes 1,950 1,669 1,612
Total segment profits | Other segments      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Income before taxes 0 1 (7)
Other profits      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Income before taxes 156 75 295
Unallocated      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Interest income 36 59 274
Interest expense (806) (831) (893)
Amortization (1,636) (1,817) (1,695)
Depreciation (1,414) (1,519) (1,491)
Research and development (11,692) (12,911) (9,351)
Restructuring costs (661) (575) (626)
Other unallocated, net $ (3,031) $ (4,394) $ (4,395)
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting - Equity Loss from Affiliates and Depreciation Included in Segment Profits (Details) - Operating Segments - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Equity loss from affiliates $ 11 $ 6 $ 0
Depreciation 164 150 124
Pharmaceutical      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Equity loss from affiliates 11 6 0
Depreciation 6 6 9
Animal Health      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Equity loss from affiliates 0 0 0
Depreciation 158 143 105
All Other      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Equity loss from affiliates 0 0 0
Depreciation $ 0 $ 1 $ 10
v3.22.0.1
Segment Reporting - Property, Plant and Equipment, Net by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2021
Dec. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 19,279 $ 17,000 $ 14,297
United States      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, net 11,759 10,394 8,963
Europe, Middle East and Africa      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, net 6,081 5,314 4,129
Asia Pacific (other than China and Japan)      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, net 857 737 692
China      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, net 220 216 174
Latin America      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, net 199 169 180
Japan      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, net 159 166 152
Other      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 4 $ 4 $ 7