Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings before noncontrolling interest	$ 238	$ 282	$ 333	$ 538
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax (expense) benefit $-, $1, $- and $1, respectively	1	(4)	1	(3)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments, net of tax (expense) benefit of $1, $2, $16 and ($3), respectively	(4)	(17)	(34)	12
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(17)	30	31	(97)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(20)	9	(2)	(88)
Total comprehensive income before noncontrolling interest	218	291	331	450
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(8)	0	(14)
Total comprehensive income attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 218	$ 299	$ 331	$ 464