Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Carrying Amount Of Other Intangible Assets And Related Accumulated Amortization) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2011	Jan. 01, 2011
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,138,287,000	$ 1,124,902,000
Accumulated amortization	384,965,000	320,912,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	168,800,000	183,070,000
Reclassification of acquired IPR&D	14,300,000
Trademarks And Tradenames [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	48,800,000	48,800,000
Trademarks And Tradenames [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	24,219,000	24,370,000
Accumulated amortization	7,528,000	7,431,000
Purchased Technology And Patents [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	923,168,000	910,035,000
Accumulated amortization	258,058,000	208,362,000
Customer Lists And Relationships [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	184,554,000	184,327,000
Accumulated amortization	114,803,000	100,608,000
Licenses, Distribution Agreements And Other [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	6,346,000	6,170,000
Accumulated amortization	4,576,000	4,511,000
Acquired In-Process Research And Development [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 120,000,000	$ 134,270,000

Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Name:	stj_GoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	stj
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reclassification of Acquired in Process Research and Development from an indefinite-lived intangible asset to a definite-lived intangible asset.

+ Details

Name:	stj_ReclassificationOfAcquiredInProcessResearchAndDevelopment
Namespace Prefix:	stj
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The accumulated amount of amortization of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph a(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905858&loc=d3e16323-109275

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all intangible assets having statutory or estimated useful lives. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying amount of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, which have a projected indefinite period of benefit (hence are not amortized), allocated to the reportable segment. These assets, acquired either individually or as part of a group of assets, in either an asset acquisition or business combination, are assessed at least annually for impairment. Examples may include trade secrets, contractual rights, trade names, and licensing agreements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905858&loc=d3e16323-109275

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant