Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings before noncontrolling interest	$ 95	$ 256
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($1)	0	1
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments, net of tax (expense) benefit of $15 and ($5), respectively	(30)	29
Foreign currency translation adjustment	48	(127)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	18	(97)
Total comprehensive income before noncontrolling interest	113	159
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(6)
Total comprehensive income attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 113	$ 165