Segment Information (Sales And Other Financial Information By Business Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Net sales	$ 2,495	$ 2,379
Segment operating income	519	406
Acquisition and integration-related charges	(5)	(20)
Amortization of intangible assets	(53)	(49)
Restructuring and related charges	(20)	(26)
Recall charges, net of insurance proceeds	(19)	(54)
Legal Matters	12
Operating Segments
Net sales	2,495	2,379
Segment operating income	687	632
Operating Segments | Orthopaedics
Net sales	1,057	1,023
Segment operating income	349	339
Operating Segments | MedSurg
Net sales	958	927
Segment operating income	198	181
Operating Segments | Neurotechnology and Spine
Net sales	480	429
Segment operating income	140	112
Corporate and Other
Segment operating income	$ (83)	$ (77)