| Cover | Feb. 01, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 1, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-30713 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0416458 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1020 Kifer Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Sunnyvale |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94086 |
| City Area Code | 408 |
| Local Phone Number | 523-2100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ISRG |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001035267 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
