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Restructuring Related Activities (Details in Tables) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended 72 Months Ended 41 Months Ended 15 Months Ended 59 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Payments for Restructuring $ (112)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring     $ (628)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring        
Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date       526bsx_RestructuringChargesIncurredToDate        
Restructuring Charges 69us-gaap_RestructuringCharges 101us-gaap_RestructuringCharges 136us-gaap_RestructuringCharges          
Restructuring Related Expenses 48bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses 23bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses 24bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses          
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 117us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost 124us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost 160us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost          
Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date       191bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate        
2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Payments for Restructuring (19)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
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Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date         250bsx_RestructuringChargesIncurredToDate
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Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost   100us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date         39bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
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Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
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Payments for Restructuring 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
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Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date       30bsx_RestructuringChargesIncurredToDate
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Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
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Payments for Restructuring 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
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Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date             152bsx_RestructuringChargesIncurredToDate
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Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date             8bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
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Employee Severance [Member]                
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Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date       327bsx_RestructuringChargesIncurredToDate
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Restructuring Charges 42us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
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Employee Severance [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
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Employee Severance [Member] | Plant Network Optimization [Member]                
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Impairment of an asset in value [Member]                
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Impairment of an asset in value [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
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Impairment of an asset in value [Member] | Plant Network Optimization [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
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Impairment of an asset in value [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
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Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost   0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
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Other Restructuring [Member] | Plant Network Optimization [Member]                
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Payments for Restructuring 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
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Other Restructuring [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
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Payments for Restructuring (38)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
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Other Restructuring [Member] | 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Payments for Restructuring 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
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Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date             51bsx_RestructuringChargesIncurredToDate
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Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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Restructuring Related To Plan [Member]                
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Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
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Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | Plant Network Optimization [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date       0bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
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Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 113us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date           19bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
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Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date             8bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
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Accelerated Depreciation [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Charges 0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
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0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
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0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
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Restructuring Related Expenses 5bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
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Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 5us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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3us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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2us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date       32bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
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Accelerated Depreciation [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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3us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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Accelerated Depreciation [Member] | Plant Network Optimization [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
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Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
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Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date           5bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
   
Accelerated Depreciation [Member] | 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date             0bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
 
Transfer costs [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Payments for Restructuring (24)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
    (97)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
       
Restructuring Charges 0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
0us-gaap_RestructuringCharges
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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Restructuring Related Expenses 24bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
8bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
         
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 24us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
8us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
         
Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date       98bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
       
Transfer costs [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Payments for Restructuring 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
      0us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
         
Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date         0bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
     
Transfer costs [Member] | Plant Network Optimization [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Payments for Restructuring 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
    (73)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
       
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
8us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
         
Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date       74bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
       
Transfer costs [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Payments for Restructuring (24)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
        (24)us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 24us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
           
Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date           24bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
   
Transfer costs [Member] | 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Payments for Restructuring 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
          0us-gaap_PaymentsForRestructuring
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
 
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
         
Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date             0bsx_RestructuringRelatedCostsIncurredToDate
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
 
Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Plant Network Optimization [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 30us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
    30us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
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30us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
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= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
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30us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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30us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
 
Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 90us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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    90us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
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90us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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90us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
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90us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
 
Restructuring Plan [Member] | Impairment of an asset in value [Member] | 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 11us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_ImpairmentOfAssetInValueMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
    11us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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11us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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11us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
11us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_ImpairmentOfAssetInValueMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
 
Restructuring Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 112us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
    112us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
112us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
112us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
112us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
 
Restructuring Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 51us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
    51us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
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51us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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51us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
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/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
51us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
 
Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 39us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
    39us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
39us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
39us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
39us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
 
Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | 2010 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 8us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
    8us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
8us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
8us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
8us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2010RestructuringPlanMember
 
Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | Accelerated Depreciation [Member] | Plant Network Optimization [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 22us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
    22us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
22us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
22us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
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22us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
 
Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | Transfer costs [Member] | Plant Network Optimization [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 74us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
    74us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
74us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
74us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
74us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
 
Cost of products sold [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses 24bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
  8bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
         
Cost of products sold [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses 0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
  0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
         
Cost of products sold [Member] | Accelerated Depreciation [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses 0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_AcceleratedDepreciationMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
             
Cost of products sold [Member] | Impairment of an asset in value [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses     0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_ImpairmentOfAssetInValueMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
         
Cost of products sold [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses 0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
  0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
         
Cost of products sold [Member] | Accelerated Depreciation [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses     0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
         
Cost of products sold [Member] | Transfer costs [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses 24bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
  8bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= bsx_CostOfProductsSoldMember
         
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses 24bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
23bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
16bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
         
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses 0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
         
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Impairment of an asset in value [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses   0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_ImpairmentOfAssetInValueMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_ImpairmentOfAssetInValueMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
         
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses 19bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
20bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
14bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
         
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Accelerated Depreciation [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses 5bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
3bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
2bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_ReducedDepreciationMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
         
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] | Transfer costs [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring Related Expenses 0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
0bsx_RestructuringRelatedExpenses
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= bsx_TransferCostsMember
/ bsx_StatementOfOperationsCaptionAxis
= us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
         
Minimum [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 289us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
    289us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
289us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
289us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
289us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
 
Minimum [Member] | Plant Network Optimization [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 126us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
    126us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
126us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
126us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
126us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_PlantNetworkOptimizationMember
 
Minimum [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 250us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
    250us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
250us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
250us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
250us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
 
Minimum [Member] | Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 138us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
    138us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
138us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
138us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
138us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
 
Minimum [Member] | Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 115us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
    115us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
115us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
115us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
115us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
 
Minimum [Member] | Restructuring Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 25us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
    25us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
25us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
25us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
25us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
 
Minimum [Member] | Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 110us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
    110us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
110us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
110us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
110us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
 
Maximum [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 292us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
    292us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
292us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
292us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
292us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
 
Maximum [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 300us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
    300us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
300us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
300us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
300us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
 
Maximum [Member] | Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | 2011 Restructuring Plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 141us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
    141us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
141us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
141us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
141us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2011RestructuringPlanMember
 
Maximum [Member] | Restructuring Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 135us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
    135us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
135us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
135us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
135us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_EmployeeSeveranceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
 
Maximum [Member] | Restructuring Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost 35us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
    35us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
35us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
35us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
35us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
 
Maximum [Member] | Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | 2014 Restructuring plan [Member]                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost $ 130us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
    $ 130us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
$ 130us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
$ 130us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember
$ 130us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCost1
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ bsx_RestructuringAndRelatedCostByTypeOfRestructuringChargeExpectedAxis
= bsx_RestructuringRelatedToPlanMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_OtherRestructuringMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= bsx_A2014RestructuringplanMember