Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Supplemental Equity Information - Schedule of Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015	Jul. 02, 2016	Jul. 04, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other (income) expense	$ 3	$ 0	$ 56	$ (3)
Cost of sales	(496)	(424)	(983)	(819)
Income tax expense	32	12	73	64
Net earnings attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	(238)	(290)	(333)	(552)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other (income) expense	0	(3)	0	(7)
Income tax expense	0	1	0	3
Net earnings attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	0	(2)	0	(4)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of sales	0	(4)	(6)	(4)
Income tax expense	0	0	2	0
Net earnings attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 0	$ (4)	$ (4)	$ (4)