Segment Information (Sales And Other Financial Information By Business Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net sales	$ 2,379us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	$ 2,305us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Segment net earnings	406us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss	131us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Acquisition and integration related charges	13	13
Amortization of intangible assets	(35)	(31)
Restructuring and related charges	(19)syk_RestructuringChargesNetOfTax	(10)syk_RestructuringChargesNetOfTax
Recall charges	(49)	(272)
Tax matters	(84)	(8)
Net earnings	224us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	70us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Operating Segments
Net sales	2,379	2,305
Segment net earnings	504	480
Orthopaedics
Net sales	1,023	999
Segment net earnings	254	249
MedSurg
Net sales	927	886
Segment net earnings	163	145
Neurotechnology and Spine
Net sales	429	420
Segment net earnings	87	86
Corporate and Other
Segment net earnings	$ (80)	$ (76)

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Rejuvenate / ABG II Hip Recall Charges, Net of Tax

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Restructuring Charges Net Of Tax

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

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Amount of increase (decrease) to previously recorded tax expense. Includes, but is not limited to, significant settlements of income tax disputes, and unusual tax positions or infrequent actions taken by the entity, including tax assessment reversal, and IRS tax settlement.

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