Net Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 03, 2015	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 245	$ 238	$ 270	$ 249	$ 123	$ 262	$ 115	$ 223	$ 1,002	$ 723	$ 752
Basic weighted average shares outstanding									285.0	287.0	313.3
Dilution associated with stock-based compensation plans									4.7	3.6	1.5
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding									289.7	290.6	314.8
Basic net earnings per share attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 0.86	$ 0.83	$ 0.95	$ 0.88	$ 0.42	$ 0.91	$ 0.41	$ 0.78	$ 3.52	$ 2.52	$ 2.40
Diluted net earnings per share attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 0.84	$ 0.82	$ 0.93	$ 0.86	$ 0.42	$ 0.90	$ 0.40	$ 0.78	$ 3.46	$ 2.49	$ 2.39