Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI Rollforward with Reclassification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024	Mar. 31, 2023
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	$ 19,282
Other comprehensive income (loss)	78	$ (91)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	19,926	17,850
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	49	269
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	124	(35)
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(41)	(56)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	83	(91)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	132	178
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	(96)	(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	65	(40)
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(3)	(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	62	(42)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	(34)	(43)
Net Change in Derivative Financial Instruments
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	154	269
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	59	10
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(38)	(53)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	22	(43)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	175	225
Net Change in Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Items
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	(8)	1
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	(5)
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	(5)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	$ (8)	$ (4)