Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Beginning balance	$ 67	$ 83	$ 72	$ 83	$ 71
Net (credits) charges to expenses	12		6	1	17
Utilization of allowances	(4)			(9)	(10)
Ending balance	75		78	75	78
Trade accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable	1,341			1,341		1,445
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(75)			(75)		(83)
Less: allowance for sales returns	(29)			(29)		(42)
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,237			1,237		1,320
Inventories
Finished goods	658			658		622
Work-in-process	97			97		95
Raw materials	217			217		177
Inventories	972			972		894
Property, plant and equipment, net
Land	119			119		119
Buildings and improvements	911			911		919
Equipment, furniture and fixtures	2,033			2,033		1,889
Capital in progress	263			263		241
Property, plant and equipment	3,326			3,326		3,168
Less: accumulated depreciation	1,642			1,642		1,471
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,684			1,684		1,697
Accrued expenses
Legal reserves	130			130		441
Payroll and related liabilities	440			440		436
Accrued contingent consideration	8			8		9
Other	718			718		740
Accrued expenses	1,296			1,296		1,626
Other long-term liabilities
Legal reserves	139			139		147
Accrued income taxes	1,076			1,076		1,062
Accrued contingent consideration	368			368		62
Other Long-Term Liabilities	398			398		374
Other long-term liabilities	1,981			1,981		1,645
Accrued warranties
Beginning Balance		43		43	55
Provision				4	12
Settlements/ reversals				(12)	(22)
Ending Balance	35		45	35	45
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Textuals) [Abstract]
Bad debt expense reversed		20
Depreciation expense	$ 75		$ 72	$ 215	$ 221
Percentage of warranty liability related to implantable devices offered by CRM business	85.00%			85.00%