Business Combinations (Pro Forma) (Details) - Thoratec [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Jan. 02, 2016 |
Jan. 03, 2015 |
|
| Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||
| Pro forma net sales | $ 5,919 | $ 6,099 |
| Pro forma net earnings attributable to St. Jude Medical, Inc. | $ 970 | $ 767 |