Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings before noncontrolling interest	$ 955	$ 692	$ 752
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	0	5	10
Reclassification of realized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of $1 million, $5 million and $6 million, respectively	(2)	(8)	(8)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0	3	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(217)	0	28
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(219)	0	30
Total comprehensive income before noncontrolling interest	736	692	782
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(47)	(31)	0
Total comprehensive income attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 783	$ 723	$ 782