Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Oct. 03, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings before noncontrolling interest	$ 215	$ 232	$ 753	$ 717
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of $4 million, $4 million, $6 million and $4 million, respectively	(8)	(4)	(11)	(3)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes of $2 million, $0 million, ($1 million) and $0 million, respectively	(11)	0	1	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(25)	(101)	(122)	(111)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(44)	(105)	(132)	(114)
Total comprehensive income before noncontrolling interest	171	127	621	603
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(6)	(14)	(40)
Total comprehensive income attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 171	$ 133	$ 635	$ 643