Net Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Earnings Pe Share) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 238	$ 262	$ 757	$ 600
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	285.2	287.5	284.6	285.6
Dilution associated with stock-based compensation plans	4.8	4.5	4.8	3.1
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	290.0	292.0	289.4	288.7
Basic net earnings per share attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 0.83	$ 0.91	$ 2.66	$ 2.10
Diluted net earnings per share attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 0.82	$ 0.90	$ 2.62	$ 2.08