Segment Information (Sales And Other Financial Information By Business Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 5,422	$ 4,996	$ 10,665	$ 9,774
Segment operating income	1,051	965	2,023	1,700
Amortization of intangible assets	(155)	(161)	(308)	(322)
MedSurg and Neurotechnology:
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,117	2,860	6,116	5,550
Orthopaedics and Spine:
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,305	2,136	4,549	4,224
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating income	1,537	1,381	2,946	2,609
Operating Segments | MedSurg and Neurotechnology:
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,117	2,860
Segment operating income	861	780	1,665	1,407
Operating Segments | Orthopaedics and Spine:
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,305	2,136	4,549	4,224
Segment operating income	676	601	1,281	1,202
Corporate and other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating income	(203)	(165)	(466)	(387)
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Acquisition and integration-related costs	(23)	(2)	(10)	(8)
Amortization of intangible assets	(155)	(161)	(308)	(322)
Structural optimization and other special charges	(75)	(72)	(89)	(114)
Medical device regulations	(15)	(27)	(28)	(55)
Recall-related matters	(17)	(3)	(22)	(3)
Regulatory and legal matters	$ 2	$ 14	$ 0	$ (20)