Name:	stj_PurchasedInProcessResearchAndDevelopmentIprdAndSpecialChargesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	stj_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Includes costs associated with cost of sales expenses and operating expenses that are unusual or infrequent in occurrence (such as restructuring, remediation, impairment charges and certain litigation charges).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	stj_TotalSpecialCharges
Namespace Prefix:	stj_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of impairment loss recognized in the period resulting from the write-down of the carrying amount of a finite-lived intangible asset to fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16373-109275

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ImpairmentOfIntangibleAssetsFinitelived
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of judgment or settlement awarded to (against) the entity in respect of litigation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount charged against operating income increasing loss contingency liability, after adjustments to reduce previously estimated charges.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25496072&loc=d3e14326-108349

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualProvision
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of loss pertaining to the specified contingency that was charged against earnings in the period, including the effects of revisions in previously reported estimates.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyLossInPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cash payments made as the result of exit or disposal activities. Excludes payments associated with a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying amount (including both current and noncurrent portions of the accrual) as of the balance sheet date pertaining to a specified type of cost associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 420

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 5

-Section P

-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RestructuringReserve
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Special Charges (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013 Licensing Agreements [Member]	Jun. 28, 2014 2012 Business Realignment Restructuring Plan [Member]	Mar. 29, 2014 2012 Business Realignment Restructuring Plan [Member]	Dec. 28, 2013 2012 Business Realignment Restructuring Plan [Member]	Dec. 29, 2012 2012 Business Realignment Restructuring Plan [Member]	Jun. 28, 2014 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]	Dec. 28, 2013 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]	Jun. 29, 2013 Customer Lists And Relationships [Member] Intangible Asset Charges [Member]
Purchased In-Process Research And Development (IPR&D) And Special Charges [Line Items]
Special charges			$ 60	$ 34	$ 220	$ 185
Restructuring Reserve			81	68	87	66	6	15
Cash payments			26	51	152		9
Litigation Settlement, Amount	27
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	18
Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision		22
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived									$ 13