Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI Rollforward with Reclassification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity			$ 19,282
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 30	$ 30	108	$ (61)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	20,371	18,226	20,371	18,226
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	132	178	49	269
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	75	74	199	39
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(44)	(44)	(84)	(100)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	31	30	114	(61)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	164	208	164	208
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	(34)	(43)	(96)	(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	50	17	115	(24)
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(3)	(2)	(6)	(4)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	47	15	108	(28)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	13	(28)	13	(28)
Net Change in Derivative Financial Instruments
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	175	225	154	269
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	24	58	84	67
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(40)	(42)	(78)	(95)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(16)	15	6	(28)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	159	241	159	241
Net Change in Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Items
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	(8)	(4)	(8)	1
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0	0	(5)
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0	(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	(5)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	$ (8)	$ (4)	$ (8)	$ (4)