Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.	$ 1,379.3	$ 1,127.9	$ 670.9
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in foreign currency translation gains (losses)	0.3	(2.6)	3.6
Available-for-sale investments (net of tax):
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	30.7	0.3	(2.7)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on investments	(0.5)	1.2	0.0
Net change	30.2	1.5	(2.7)
Derivative instruments (net of tax):
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	5.8	3.6	(8.6)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on derivative instruments	(5.3)	(1.0)	1.2
Net change	0.5	2.6	(7.4)
Employee benefit plans (net of tax):
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	(5.9)	0.4	(0.3)
Less: Reclassification adjustment for losses on employee benefit plans	0.6	0.3	0.2
Net change	(5.3)	0.7	(0.1)
Other comprehensive gains (losses)	25.7	2.2	(6.6)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.	$ 1,405.0	$ 1,130.1	$ 664.3