XML 65 R27.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Business Combinations and Variable Interest Entities (Details) (Spinal Modulation [Member], USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 04, 2015
Jun. 29, 2013
Jun. 07, 2013
Equity Security Ownership Interest And Allocated Value For Purchase Option     $ 40stj_EquitySecurityOwnershipInterestAndAllocatedValueForPurchaseOption
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent     19.00%us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent
Additional Payment For Acquisition At Company Option     300stj_AdditionalPaymentForAcquisitionAtCompanyOption
Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount 20us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityFinancialOrOtherSupportAmount    
Maximum [Member]
      
Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount 25us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityFinancialOrOtherSupportAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis
= stj_SpinalModulationMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember		    
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
      
Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount   $ 15us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityFinancialOrOtherSupportAmount
/ us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsAxis
= stj_SpinalModulationMember
/ us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis
= us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember