Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Beginning balance	$ 61	$ 69	$ 83	$ 71
Net (credits) charges to expenses	8	8	(11)	11
Utilization of allowances	(2)	(5)	(5)	(10)
Ending balance	67	72	67	72
Trade accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable	1,438		1,438		1,445
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(67)		(67)		(83)
Less: allowance for sales returns	(37)		(37)		(42)
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,334		1,334		1,320
Inventories
Finished goods	630		630		622
Work-in-process	93		93		95
Raw materials	204		204		177
Inventories	927		927		894
Property, plant and equipment, net
Land	119		119		119
Buildings and improvements	941		941		919
Equipment, furniture and fixtures	2,024		2,024		1,889
Capital in progress	256		256		241
Property, plant and equipment	3,340		3,340		3,168
Less: accumulated depreciation	1,638		1,638		1,471
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,702		1,702		1,697
Accrued expenses
Legal reserves	133		133		441
Payroll and related liabilities	423		423		436
Accrued contingent consideration	17		17		9
Other	756		756		740
Accrued expenses	1,329		1,329		1,626
Other long-term liabilities
Legal reserves	145		145		147
Accrued income taxes	1,096		1,096		1,062
Accrued contingent consideration	354		354		62
Other Long-Term Liabilities	419		419		374
Other long-term liabilities	2,014		2,014		1,645
Accrued warranties
Beginning Balance			43	55
Provision			7	7
Settlements/ reversals			(13)	(15)
Ending Balance	37	47	37	47
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Textuals) [Abstract]
Bad debt expense reversed			20
Depreciation expense	$ 71	$ 75	$ 140	$ 149
Percentage of warranty liability related to implantable devices offered by CRM business	90.00%		90.00%