Contingencies and Commitments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 12, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 patent
Rejuvenate and ABG II Voluntary Recall
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Insurance recoveries				$ 232
Rejuvenate and ABG II Voluntary Recall | Insurance Settlement
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
The excess of the minimum of the range over the previously-recorded reserves			$ 4	4
Rejuvenate and ABG II Voluntary Recall | Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss			2,309	2,309
Rejuvenate and ABG II Voluntary Recall | Minimum | Insurance Settlement
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss			2,077	2,077
Rejuvenate and ABG II Voluntary Recall | Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss			2,550	2,550
Rejuvenate and ABG II Voluntary Recall | Maximum | Insurance Settlement
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss			$ 2,318	$ 2,318
Zimmer Product Infringement
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of patents infringed upon | patent						3
Value of damages awarded	$ 164				$ 76
Gain (loss) related to litigation settlement		$ 54