Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Supplemental Equity Information Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and Supplemental Equity Information - Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $) In Millions, 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
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Available-for-Sale Securities [Line Items]
Other expense, net									$ (83)	$ (267)	$ (95)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(113)	(92)	(253)
Net earnings attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	245	238	270	249	123	262	115	223	1,002	723	752
Available-for-sale securities [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on Available-for-Sale Securities [Line Items]
Other expense, net									3	13	14
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(1)	(5)	(6)
Net earnings attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.									$ 2	$ 8	$ 8