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Divestitures (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Purchase Price for Divestiture of Business $ 1,500bsx_PurchasePriceForDivestitureOfBusiness        
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses     30us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses 10us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses 1,450us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal   12us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal 38us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal 15us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal  
Segment Reporting, Sales from Divested Businesses   $ 4bsx_SegmentReportingSalesFromDivestedBusinesses $ 58bsx_SegmentReportingSalesFromDivestedBusinesses $ 122bsx_SegmentReportingSalesFromDivestedBusinesses