Net Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013	Jun. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 270	$ 115	$ 519	$ 338
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	284.2	283.9	284.3	284.6
Dilution associated with stock-based compensation plans	4.7	2.8	4.8	2.5
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	288.9	286.7	289.1	287.1
Basic net earnings per share attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 0.95	$ 0.41	$ 1.83	$ 1.19
Diluted net earnings per share attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 0.93	$ 0.40	$ 1.80	$ 1.18
Common stock subject to stock options and restricted stock units excluded from the diluted net earnings per share computation	2.7	3.1	1.3	7.0