Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015	Oct. 01, 2016	Oct. 03, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings before noncontrolling interest	$ 212	$ 215	$ 545	$ 753
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax (expense) benefit $1, $4, $1 and $6, respectively	(1)	(8)	0	(11)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments, net of tax (expense) benefit of $-, $2, $16 and ($1), respectively	0	(11)	(34)	1
Foreign currency translation adjustment	3	(25)	34	(122)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2	(44)	0	(132)
Total comprehensive income before noncontrolling interest	214	171	545	621
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	(14)
Total comprehensive income attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.	$ 214	$ 171	$ 545	$ 635