Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI Rollforward with Reclassification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2024	Sep. 30, 2023
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity			$ 19,282
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (282)	$ 23	(173)	$ (37)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	20,708	18,886	20,708	18,886
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	164	208	49	269
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(255)	64	(56)	103
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(37)	(41)	(122)	(141)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(292)	23	(178)	(37)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	(128)	231	(128)	231
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	13	(28)	(96)	(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(188)	23	(73)	(1)
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(3)	(2)	(10)	(6)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(191)	21	(83)	(7)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	(179)	(8)	(179)	(8)
Net Change in Derivative Financial Instruments
AOCI attributable to Boston Scientific common stockholders, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Stockholders' Equity	159	241	154	269
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(66)	42	17	109
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(34)	(39)	(112)	(134)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(100)	3	(95)	(25)
Ending Stockholders' Equity	59	243	59	243
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)