Cash and cash equivalents Inventories (excludes inventories of $1,157.2 in 2009 and $587.3 in 2008 classified in Other assets - see Note 8) Total current assets Property,Plant and Equipment, Net Total Assets Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt Total current liabilities Long-Term Debt Accumulated other comprehensive loss Other Intangibles, Net Total Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. stockholders' equity Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Sales Research and development Restructuring costs Net Income Attributable to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Materials and production Other (income) expense, net Taxes on Income Share-based compensation Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net Cash Used by Financing Activities Capital expenditures Net Cash Provided by (Used by) Investing Activities Proceeds from sales of securities and other investments Payments on debt Retained earnings Noncontrolling Interests Short-term investments Accounts receivable Investments Marketing and administrative Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired Net change in short-term borrowings Inventories classified in Other assets Current Liabilities Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Stockholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Noncontrolling Interest Minority Interest, Beginning Balance Minority Interest, Ending Balance Less treasury stock, at cost 874,330,563 shares at September 30, 2009 875,818,333 shares at December 31, 2008 Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Total Merck & Co., Inc. stockholder's equity Stockholders' Equity, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance Treasury stock, at cost, 875,818,333 shares Current Assets Current Assets Research and development Inventories (excludes inventories of $709.9 in 2009 and $587.3 in 2008 classified in Other assets - see Note 8) Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost, net of allowance for depreciation of $12,358.0 in 2009 and $12,128.6 in 2008 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Inventories classified in Other assets Sales Materials and production Marketing and administrative Restructuring costs Equity income from affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Other (income) expense, net Taxes on Income Net income attributable to Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $39.9 in 2009 and $58.5 in 2008) Deferred income taxes and other current assets Deferred income taxes and other current assets Total current assets Investments Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, Ending Balance Other Intangibles, Net Other Assets Other Assets Total Assets Loans payable and current portion of long-term debt Total current liabilities Long-Term Debt Gain on distribution from AstraZeneca LP Dividends and distributions from equity affiliates Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Share-based compensation Net changes in assets and liabilities Other Capital expenditures Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Proceeds from sales of securities and other investments Distribution from AstraZeneca LP Other Other Net Cash Provided By (Used by) Investing Activities Net change in short-term borrowings Payments on debt Purchases of treasury stock Dividends paid to stockholders Proceeds from exercise of stock options Other Other Net Cash Used by Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Document and Company Information [Abstract] Document and Company Information [Abstract] Document and Company Information. Merger Agreement with Schering-Plough Corporation [Abstract] Merger Agreement Abstract Merger Agreement. Merger with Schering-Plough Corporation Merger Agreement Text Block Merger Agreement. Collaborative Arrangements [Abstract] Collaborative Arrangements [Abstract] Collaborative Arrangements. Collaborative Arrangements Restructuring Inventories Joint Ventures and Other Equity Method Affiliates [Abstract] Joint Ventures and Other Equity Method Affiliates [Abstract] Joint Ventures and Other Equity Method Affiliates. Equity Share-Based Compensation Plans Other (Income) Expense, Net [Abstract] Other (Income) Expense, Net [Abstract] Other (Income) Expense, Net. Other (Income) Expense, Net Taxes on Income Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting. Segment Reporting Income taxes payable Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Total equity Total equity Beginning Balance Ending Balance Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Net Income Costs, Expenses and Other Costs and Expenses Nonoperating Income Expense Abstract Costs and Expenses Nonoperating Income Expense. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Other Other Decrease (increase) in restricted assets Decrease in restricted assets Increase/Decrease in restricted cash investments. Allowance for depreciation Less allowance for depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Assets Liabilities and Equity Accrued and other current liabilities Accrued And Other Current Liabilities Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered. Examples include taxes, interest, rent, salaries, and utilities. For classified balance sheets, used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer); for unclassified balance sheets, used to reflect the total liabilities (regardless of due date) and Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Current liabilities are expected to be paid within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Purchases of securities and other investments Purchases of securities and other investments The cash outflow associated with the purchase of all investments (debt, security, other) during the period and the cash outflow associated with the purchase of or advances to an equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence. Dividends payable Purchases Securities And Other Investments Increase Decrease In Restricted Cash Investments Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Inventory, Net Inventory, Noncurrent Stockholders' equity before deduction for treasury stock Stockholders Equity Before Deduction For Treasury Stock Stockholders' equity before deduction for treasury stock. Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Total Costs, Expenses and Other Total Costs Expenses And Other Total Costs, Expenses and Other. Income Before Taxes Income Before Taxes Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest. Joint Ventures and Other Equity Method Affiliates Equity Method Investments Disclosure [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Total Costs, Expenses and Other Assets Payments on debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Purchases of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Dividends paid to stockholders Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Purchases of securities and other investments Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Equity income from affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other (income) expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interests Merger Agreement with Schering-Plough Corporation [Abstract] Receivables, Net, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Treasury Stock, Value Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Revenues Cost of Goods Sold Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and Development Expense Restructuring Charges Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Assets [Abstract] Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable Securities, Current Other Assets, Current Assets, Current Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Goodwill Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other Assets, Noncurrent Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Debt, Current Accounts Payable, Current Accrued Income Taxes, Current Dividends Payable, Current Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Equity [Abstract] Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Treasury Stock, Shares Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Share-based Compensation Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Other Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collections of Investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring [Abstract] Restructuring [Abstract] Inventories [Abstract] Inventories [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract] Taxes on Income [Abstract] Taxes on Income [Abstract] Statement of Income [Abstract] Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract] Balance Sheet [Abstract] Balance Sheet [Abstract] Gain on disposition of interest in Merial Limited Gain Loss On Sale Of Equity Method Investment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Method Investments. Proceeds from sale of interest in Merial Limited Proceeds From Sale Of Equity Method Investment Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Merger with Schering-Plough Corporation [Abstract] U.S. Vioxx Settlement Agreement charge Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement, Total Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Property, Plant and Equipment (at cost) Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross [Abstract] Land Land Buildings Buildings and Improvements, Gross, Total Buildings and Improvements, Gross Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Construction in progress Deferred Income Taxes and Noncurrent Liabilities Deferred Taxes And Noncurrent Liabilities Represents the noncurrent portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A noncurrent taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a noncurrent asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise shall separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related t o an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Machinery, equipment and office furnishings Machinery Equipment And Office Furnishings Machinery, equipment and office furnishings. Net changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accrued and other current liabilities Increase Decrease In Accrued and other current liabilities Increase Decrease In Accrued and other current liabilities. Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Trade accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Income Taxes Payable Noncurrent liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Taxes paid for Internal Revenue Service settlement Taxes paid for Internal Revenue Service settlement Taxes paid for Internal Revenue Service settlement. In-process research and development Research and Development in Process Summary of Accounting Policies [Abstarct] Summary of Accounting Policies Abstarct. Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and License Agreements [Abstract] Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Abstract. Acquisitions, Research Collaborations and License Agreements Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Text Block Acquisitions Research Collaborations And License Agreements Text Block. Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangibles Abstract. Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Loans Payable, Long-Term Debt and Other Commitments [Abstract] Loans Payable, Long Term Debt and Other Commitments Abstract. Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities [Abstract] Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities Abstract. Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities Text Block Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities Text Block. Nature of Operations [Abstract] Nature of Operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Summary of Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Financial Instruments [Abstract] Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income, net of tax Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cumulative effect of adoption of guidance on accounting for unrecognized tax benefits Cumulative Effect of Initial Adoption of New Accounting Principle Cash dividends declared on common stock ($1.52 per share) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Treasury stock shares purchased Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Distributions attributable to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Share-based compensation plans and other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Value Cancellations of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Value, Retired, Cost Method Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Investment in MSD's Parent Company / Treasury Stock Non-controlling Interests Common stock, dividends declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared U.S. Vioxx Settlement Agreement charge Net income Less: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Loans Payable, Long-Term Debt and Other Commitments Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Partnership Combined Financial Statements Abstract. Merck/Schering-Plough Cholesterol Partnership Combined Financial Statements [Abstract] Merck/Schering-Plough Cholesterol Partnership Combined Financial Statements Partnership Combined Financial Statements [Text Block] Partnership Combined Financial Statements. Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Dividends payable Net income attributable to Merck & Co., Inc. Other dividends paid Other Dividends Paid Other dividends paid. Other dividends paid Acquisition of NovaCardia, Inc. Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Investment in MSD's Parent Company Investment in Parent Company Investment in MSD Parent Company . Receivables from MSD's Parent Company Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Contributed Capital Contributed Capital. Receivables from MSD's Parent Company Receivables from Parent Company. Receivables from MSD's Parent Company Receivable from Parent Company Receivables from Parent Company. dup_1_Related Party Transaction, Due from (to) Related Party, Noncurrent, Total Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Document Fiscal Period Focus Receivables from Affiliates Due from Affiliate, Current Receivables from Affiliates Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent Loans to affiliates Payments for Advance to Affiliate Payables to affiliates Due to Affiliate, Current Document Fiscal Year Focus Loans to affiliates Receivables from MSD's Parent Company Amount Receivables From Parent Company Receivables from Parent Company. Contributed capital Capital Contributed Contributed Capital.