| **Net Earnings Per Share**        | 9 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
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| **Earnings Per Share [Abstract]** |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| Net Earnings Per Share            | NET EARNINGS PER SHAREThe table below sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net earnings per share attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc. (in millions, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended October 1, 2016 October 3, 2015 October 1, 2016 October 3, 2015Numerator:       Net earnings attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.$212 $215 $545 $767Denominator:       Basic weighted average shares outstanding285.2 282.2 284.3 282.1Dilution associated with stock-based compensation plans4.8 4.1 3.9 4.2Diluted weighted average shares outstanding290.0 286.3 288.2 286.3Basic net earnings per share attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.$0.74 $0.76 $1.92 $2.72Diluted net earnings per share attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.$0.73 $0.75 $1.89 $2.68        Anti-dilutive shares of common stock excluded from diluted net earnings per share attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc.— 2.6 4.1 3.1 |

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| - Definition
The entire disclosure for earnings per share.
+ References
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