Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI Rollforward with Reclassification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	$ 17,573	$ 16,622
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(230)	6	$ 56
Ending Stockholders' Equity	19,282	17,573	16,622
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	269	263	207
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(34)	163
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(185)	(157)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(219)	6
Ending Stockholders' Equity	49	269	263
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	(1)	93
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(87)	(86)
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(8)	(8)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(95)	(94)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	(96)	(1)	93
Net Change in Derivative Financial Instruments
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	269	206
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	63	214
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(178)	(150)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(115)	63
Ending Stockholders' Equity	154	269	206
Net Change in Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Items
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	1	(36)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(10)	36
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	1	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	9	(37)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	$ (8)	$ 1	$ (36)