Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014	Jul. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings before noncontrolling interest	$ 282	$ 246	$ 538	$ 485
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of $1 million, $0 million, $1 million and $0 million, respectively	(4)	1	(3)	1
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes of $2 million, $0 million, ($3 million) and $0 million, respectively	(17)	0	12	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	30	(20)	(97)	(10)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	9	(19)	(88)	(9)
Total comprehensive income before noncontrolling interest	291	227	450	476
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(8)	(24)	(14)	(34)
Total comprehensive income attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 299	$ 251	$ 464	$ 510