Segment Information (Sales And Other Financial Information By Business Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Net sales	$ 2,833	$ 2,420	$ 8,168	$ 7,231
Segment operating income	486	378	1,505	1,213
Acquisition and integration-related charges	(49)	(1)	(120)	(31)
Amortization of intangible assets	(89)	(54)	(230)	(152)
Restructuring-related charges	(25)	(22)	(67)	(78)
Rejuvenate and ABG II and other recalls	(57)	(150)	(104)	(316)
Legal matters	0	0	12	53
Assets	20,187		20,187		$ 16,223
Corporate and Other
Segment operating income	(90)	(76)	(252)	(220)
Operating Segments
Net sales	2,833	2,420	8,168	7,231
Segment operating income	796	681	2,266	1,957
Operating Segments | Orthopaedics
Net sales	1,077	1,019	3,216	3,077
Segment operating income	385	370	1,105	1,041
Operating Segments | MedSurg
Net sales	1,253	943	3,469	2,809
Segment operating income	255	198	706	574
Assets	8,724		8,724
Operating Segments | Neurotechnology and Spine
Net sales	503	458	1,483	1,345
Segment operating income	$ 156	$ 113	$ 455	$ 342