Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Changes in Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	$ 6,356	$ 4,136
Additions and adjustments	664	2,330
Foreign exchange	148	(110)
Goodwill, Ending balance	7,168	6,356
Orthopaedics
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	2,372	2,344
Additions and adjustments	2	72
Foreign exchange	52	(44)
Goodwill, Ending balance	2,426	2,372
MedSurg
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	2,934	782
Additions and adjustments	553	2,196
Foreign exchange	22	(44)
Goodwill, Ending balance	3,509	2,934
Neuro and Spine
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	1,050	1,010
Additions and adjustments	109	62
Foreign exchange	74	(22)
Goodwill, Ending balance	$ 1,233	$ 1,050