Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Silzone Legal Accrual And Related Insurance Receivable) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Silzone legal accrual	$ 21	$ 22
Silzone insurance receivable	$ 15	$ 15

Silzone loss contingency accrual as of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	stj_SilzoneLossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	stj_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant