Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings before noncontrolling interest	$ 232	$ 252	$ 717	$ 581
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	(2)	0	(1)	1
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments	0	0	0	3
Reclassification of realized gain to net earnings on available-for-sale securities	(2)	(2)	(2)	(5)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(101)	51	(111)	10
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(105)	49	(114)	9
Total comprehensive income before noncontrolling interest	127	301	603	590
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(6)	(10)	(40)	(19)
Total comprehensive income attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 133	$ 311	$ 643	$ 609