This document describes the algorithm and processing sequence for the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG).  This algorithm is intended to intercalibrate, merge, and interpolate “all” satellite microwave precipitation estimates, together with microwave-calibrated infrared (IR) satellite estimates, precipitation gauge analyses, and potentially other precipitation estimators at fine time and space scales for the TRMM and GPM eras over the entire globe.  The system is run several times for each observation time, first giving a quick estimate and successively providing better estimates as more data arrive.  The final step uses monthly gauge data to create research-level products.  Background information and references are provided to describe the context and the relation to other similar missions.  Issues involved in understanding the accuracies obtained from the calculations are discussed.  Throughout, the current Version 06 product is described, together with options and planned improvements that might be instituted in future version(s) depending on maturity and project constraints.