Edwards Lifesciences (EW) 10-K 20 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Edwards Lifesciences Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1099800
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$9,013,877,277
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		107,839,918
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$653.80	$420.40
Short-term investments (Note 7)	785	516.5
Accounts receivable, net (Note 6)	288	302.5
Other receivables	37	25.5
Inventories (Note 6)	296.8	308.9
Deferred income taxes	63.5	33.4
Prepaid expenses	48.8	46.8
Other current assets	121.7	71.8
Total current assets	2,294.60	1,725.80
Long-term accounts receivable, net (Note 6)	5.8	7.3
Long-term investments (Note 7)	240.9	21.9
Property, plant, and equipment, net (Note 6)	442.9	421.6
Goodwill (Note 8)	376	385.4
Other intangible assets, net (Note 8)	23.4	33.5
Deferred income taxes	91.5	79
Other assets	49.2	35.4
Total assets	3,524.30	2,709.90
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	58.2	48.4
Accrued and other liabilities (Note 6)	376.2	297.2
Total current liabilities	434.4	345.6
Long-term debt (Note 9)	598.1	593.1
Uncertain tax positions	194.8	126.4
Other long-term liabilities	105.6	100.4
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9 and 17)
Stockholders' equity (Note 13)
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 50.0 shares, no shares outstanding
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 350.0 shares authorized, 128.9 and 126.0 shares issued, and 107.8 and 109.3 shares outstanding, respectively	128.9	126
Additional paid-in capital	878.4	671.2
Retained earnings	2,841.90	2,030.80
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-100.9	-27.6
Treasury stock, at cost, 21.1 and 16.7 shares, respectively	-1,556.90	-1,256
Total stockholders' equity	2,191.40	1,544.40
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,524.30	$2,709.90

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, authorized shares	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	350,000,000	350,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	128,900,000	126,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	107,800,000	109,300,000
Treasury stock, shares	21,100,000	16,700,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales	$2,322.90	$2,045.50	$1,899.60
Cost of sales	625.6	516.6	491
Gross profit	1,697.30	1,528.90	1,408.60
Selling, general and administrative expenses	858	733.4	697.4
Research and development expenses	346.5	323	291.3
Intellectual property litigation (income) expense, net (Note 4)	-740.4	-61.5	14.4
Special charges (Note 5)	70.7	16.3	16
Interest expense	17.2	9.8	4.4
Interest income	-6.4	-4.6	-4.8
Other expense, net (Note 15)	7.7	1.3	1.7
Income before provision for income taxes	1,144	511.2	388.2
Provision for income taxes (Note 16)	332.9	122.1	96.7
Net income	$811.10	$389.10	$291.50
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$7.62	$3.48	$2.54
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$7.48	$3.42	$2.46
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	106.5	111.7	114.9
Diluted (in shares)	108.5	113.8	118.3

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income	$811.10	$389.10	$291.50
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (Note 14):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-96.2	5.6	4.2
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	28.8	-3.5	1.1
Defined benefit pension plans - net actuarial (loss) gain and other	-5.6	9.3	-6
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments for the period	-0.3	-1.1
Reclassification of net realized investment loss to earnings			0.3
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-73.3	10.3	-0.4
Comprehensive income	$737.80	$399.40	$291.10

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$811.10	$389.10	$291.50
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	68.6	62.9	53.7
Stock-based compensation (Notes 2 and 13)	48.3	47.4	42.1
Excess tax benefit from stock plans (Notes 2 and 13)	-49.4	-73.5	-56.5
Deferred income taxes	-71.1	-12.4	-26.4
Purchased in-process research and development (Note 5)	10.6		7
Other	13.9	6.7	3.2
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables, net	-26.8	8.5	-26.5
Inventories	-30.5	-44.4	-21.7
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	112.9	0.2	-2.7
Income taxes	128.1	80.6	85.4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-0.9	-6.3	1.6
Other	7.5	13.9	11.4
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,022.30	472.7	362.1
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	-82.9	-109	-109
Purchases of held-to-maturity investments (Note 7)	-1,956.40	-823.2	-592.6
Proceeds from held-to-maturity investments (Note 7)	1,611.20	526.4	662.3
Purchases of available-for-sale investments (Note 7)	-160.4
Proceeds from available-for-sale investments (Note 7)	1.7
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (Note 7)	-11.2	-3	-2
Proceeds from unconsolidated affiliates (Note 7)	2.1	0.3	2.8
Investments in trading securities, net	-14.4	-1.4	-0.6
Acquisitions (Notes 7 and 8)	-15		-36.6
Investments in intangible assets and in-process research and development	-10.8	-1.1	-7
Proceeds from sale of assets	3.1	2.3	3
Other		-4	0.9
Net cash used in investing activities	-633	-412.7	-78.8
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of debt	226.3	1,305	407
Payments on debt and capital lease obligations	-239	-895.4	-367.5
Purchases of treasury stock	-300.9	-496.9	-344.1
Equity forward contract related to accelerated share repurchase agreement (Note 13)			-9.1
Proceeds from stock plans	113.3	45.5	100.1
Excess tax benefit from stock plans (Notes 2 and 13)	49.4	73.5	56.5
Other	-2.1	3.2	1.5
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-153	34.9	-155.6
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-2.9	14.6	12
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	233.4	109.5	139.7
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	420.4	310.9	171.2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	653.8	420.4	310.9
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	15.5	4.3	4.4
Income taxes	274.7	54	38
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Capital lease obligations incurred	13.3
Capital expenditures accruals	8.3	8.4	20.9
Capital additions transferred from inventory	$4	$7.80

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Total
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
BALANCE AT beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2011	$120	($405.80)	$300.50	$1,350.20	($37.50)	$1,327.40
BALANCE AT beginning of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	120	5.9
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income				291.5		291.5
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax					-0.4	-0.4
Common stock issued under equity plans, including tax benefits	4.2		155.5			159.7
Common stock issued under equity plans (in shares)	4.2
Stock-based compensation expense			42.1			42.1
Purchases of treasury stock		-344.1	-9.1			-353.2
Purchases of treasury stock (in shares)		4				4
BALANCE AT end of year at Dec. 31, 2012	124.2	-749.9	489	1,641.70	-37.9	1,467.10
BALANCE AT end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	124.2	9.9
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income				389.1		389.1
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax					10.3	10.3
Common stock issued under equity plans, including tax benefits	1.8		125.7			127.5
Common stock issued under equity plans (in shares)	1.8
Stock-based compensation expense			47.4			47.4
Purchases of treasury stock		-506.1	9.1			-497
Purchases of treasury stock (in shares)		6.8				6.8
BALANCE AT end of year at Dec. 31, 2013	126	-1,256	671.2	2,030.80	-27.6	1,544.40
BALANCE AT end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	126	16.7
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income				811.1		811.1
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax					-73.3	-73.3
Common stock issued under equity plans, including tax benefits	2.9		158.9			161.8
Common stock issued under equity plans (in shares)	2.9
Stock-based compensation expense			48.3			48.3
Purchases of treasury stock		-300.9				-300.9
Purchases of treasury stock (in shares)		4.4				4.4
BALANCE AT end of year at Dec. 31, 2014	$128.90	($1,556.90)	$878.40	$2,841.90	($100.90)	$2,191.40
BALANCE AT end of year (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	128.9	21.1

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS	1.    DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
	Edwards Lifesciences Corporation ("Edwards Lifesciences" or the "Company") conducts operations worldwide and is managed in the following geographical regions: United States, Europe, Japan, and Rest of World. Edwards Lifesciences is focused on technologies that treat structural heart disease and critically ill patients. The products and technologies provided by Edwards Lifesciences are categorized into the following main areas: Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy, Surgical Heart Valve Therapy, and Critical Care.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Edwards Lifesciences and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company reviews its investments in other entities to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The Company would be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, and would be required to consolidate the VIE, if it has the power to direct the significant activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the entity that may be significant to the VIE. Based on the Company's analysis, it determined it is not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs; however, future events may require VIEs to be consolidated if the Company becomes the primary beneficiary.
	Due to the Company's change in accounting principle (see Note 3), certain legal costs previously reported on the consolidated statements of operations in "Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses" and "Special Charges" have been reclassed to "Intellectual Property Litigation (Income) Expense, net" to conform to the current year presentation. In addition, certain reclassifications related to the presentation of income taxes and special charges have been made in the prior years' consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net income or on the cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities.
	Use of Estimates
	The consolidated financial statements of Edwards Lifesciences have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") which have been applied consistently in all material respects. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	When the local currency of the Company's foreign entities is the functional currency, all assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the weighted-average exchange rate prevailing during the period. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments for these entities are deferred and reported in stockholders' equity as a component of "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss." The effects of foreign currency transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity's functional currency are included in "Other Expense, net."
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. Revenue is considered realized or realizable and earned upon delivery of the product, provided that an agreement of sale exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. In the case of certain products where the Company maintains consigned inventory at customer locations, revenue is recognized at the time the customer has used the inventory.
	The Company's principal sales terms provide for title and risk of loss transferring upon delivery to the customer, limited right of return, and no unusual provisions or conditions. When the Company recognizes revenue from the sale of its products, an estimate of various sales returns and allowances is recorded which reduces product sales and accounts receivable. These adjustments include estimates for rebates, returns, and other sales allowances. These provisions are estimated and recorded at the time of sale based upon historical payment experience, historical relationship to revenues, estimated customer inventory levels, and current contract sales terms with direct and indirect customers. Other than in limited circumstances, product returns are not significant because returns are generally not allowed unless the product is damaged at time of receipt. In addition, the Company may allow customers to return previously purchased products for next-generation product offerings. For these transactions, the Company defers recognition of revenue on the sale of the earlier generation product based upon an estimate of the amount of product to be returned when the next-generation products are shipped to the customer.
	The Company's sales adjustment related to distributor rebates given to the Company's United States distributors represents the difference between the Company's sales price to the distributor (at the Company's distributor "list price") and the negotiated price to be paid by the end-customer. This distributor rebate is recorded by the Company as a reduction to sales and a reduction to the distributor's accounts receivable at the time of sale to a distributor. The Company validates the distributor rebate accrual quarterly through either a review of the inventory reports obtained from its distributors or an estimate of its distributor's inventory. This distributor inventory information is used to verify the estimated liability for future distributor rebate claims based on historical rebates and contract rates. The Company periodically monitors current pricing trends and distributor inventory levels to ensure the credit for future distributor rebates is fairly stated.
	The Company also offers volume rebates to certain group purchasing organizations ("GPOs") and customers based upon target sales levels. For volume rebates offered to GPOs, the rebates are recorded as a reduction to sales and an obligation to the GPO, as the Company expects to pay in cash. For volume rebates offered to customers, the rebates are recorded as a reduction to sales and accounts receivable, as the Company expects a net payment from the customer. The provision for volume rebates is estimated based on customers' contracted rebate programs and historical experience of rebates paid. The Company periodically monitors its customer rebate programs to ensure that the allowance and liability for accrued rebates is fairly stated.
	Shipping and Handling Costs
	Shipping costs, which are costs incurred to physically move product from the Company's premises to the customer's premises, are included in "Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses." Handling costs, which are costs incurred to store, move, and prepare products for shipment, are included in "Cost of Sales." For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, shipping costs of $60.5 million, $56.6 million, and $54.9 million, respectively, were included in "Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses."
	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
	Investments
	The Company invests its excess cash in fixed-rate debt securities, including time deposits, commercial paper, U.S. government and agency securities, municipal securities, asset-backed securities, corporate debt securities, and municipal securities. Investments with maturities of one year or less are classified as short-term, and investments with maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term. Investments that the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost. Investments that are classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss." The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments in fixed-rate debt securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation at each balance sheet date.
	The Company also has long-term equity investments in companies that are in various stages of development. Certain of these investments are designated as available-for-sale. Other investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for under the cost or the equity method of accounting, as appropriate. The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships or limited liability corporations, whereby the Company owns a minimum of 5% of the investee's outstanding voting stock, under the equity method of accounting. These investments are recorded at the amount of the Company's investment and adjusted each period for the Company's share of the investee's income or loss and dividends paid. As investments accounted for under the cost method do not have readily determinable fair values, the Company only estimates fair value if there are identified events or changes in circumstances that could have a significant adverse effect on the investment's fair value.
	Realized gains and losses on investments that are sold are determined using the specific identification method and recorded to "Other Expense, net." Income relating to investments in fixed-rate debt securities is recorded to "Interest Income."
	The Company periodically reviews its investments for impairment. When the fair value of an investment declines below cost, management uses the following criteria to determine if such a decline should be considered other-than-temporary and result in a recognized loss:
	•	the duration and extent to which the market value has been less than cost;
	•	the financial condition and near term prospects of the investee/issuer;
	•	the reasons for the decline in market value;
	•	the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value; and
	•	the investee's performance against product development milestones.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company records allowances for doubtful accounts based on customer-specific analysis and general matters such as current assessments of past due balances and economic conditions. When evaluating its allowances for doubtful accounts related to receivables from customers in certain European countries that have historically paid beyond the stated terms, the Company's analysis considers a number of factors including evidence of the customer's ability to comply with credit terms, economic conditions, and procedures implemented by the Company to collect the historical receivables. Additional allowances for doubtful accounts may be required if there is deterioration in past due balances, if economic conditions are less favorable than the Company has anticipated, or for customer-specific circumstances, such as financial difficulty. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $11.3 million and $12.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market value. Market value for raw materials is based on replacement costs, and for other inventory classifications is based on net realizable value.
	A write-down for excess or inactive inventory is recorded for inventory which is obsolete, nearing its expiration date (generally triggered at six months prior to expiration), is damaged, or slow moving (generally defined as quantities in excess of a two-year supply). The allowance for excess and obsolete inventory was $32.2 million and $29.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company allocates to inventory general and administrative costs that are related to the production process. These costs include insurance, manufacturing accounting personnel, human resources personnel, and information technology. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company allocated $29.1 million, $25.9 million, and $26.2 million, respectively, of general and administrative costs to inventory. General and administrative costs included in inventory at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $17.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $46.2 million and $40.0 million, respectively, of the Company's finished goods inventories were held on consignment.
	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is principally calculated for financial reporting purposes on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment, and from 3 to 10 years for software. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related facility leases or the asset, whichever is shorter. Straight-line and accelerated methods of depreciation are used for income tax purposes.
	Depreciation expense for property, plant, and equipment was $57.5 million, $53.1 million, and $44.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Repairs and maintenance expense was $25.9 million, $21.7 million, and $20.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Impairment of Goodwill and Long-lived Assets
	Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. The Company identifies its reporting units and determines the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including existing goodwill, to those reporting units. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated based on the Company's market capitalization and a market revenue multiple. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the Company measures the amount of the impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value. In 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company did not record any impairment loss as the fair value of each reporting unit significantly exceeded its respective carrying value.
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to in-process research and development ("IPR&D") acquired in business combinations. The estimated fair values of IPR&D projects acquired in a business combination which have not reached technological feasibility are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of the projects. Upon successful completion of the project, the capitalized amount is amortized over its estimated useful life. If the project is abandoned, all remaining capitalized amounts are written off immediately. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually, or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized when the asset's carrying value exceeds its fair value. IPR&D projects acquired in an asset acquisition are expensed unless the project has an alternative future use.
	Management reviews the carrying amounts of other finite-lived intangible assets and long-lived tangible assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators include, among other conditions, cash flow deficits, historic or anticipated declines in revenue or operating profit, and adverse legal or regulatory developments. If it is determined that such indicators are present and the review indicates that the assets will not be fully recoverable, based on undiscounted estimated cash flows over the remaining amortization periods, their carrying values are reduced to estimated fair market value. Estimated fair market value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. For the purposes of identifying and measuring impairment, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. The Company evaluates quarterly the realizability of its deferred tax assets by assessing its valuation allowance and adjusting the amount, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization are both historical experience and the Company's forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. Failure to achieve forecasted taxable income in the applicable taxing jurisdictions could affect the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets and could result in an increase in the Company's effective tax rate on future earnings.
	When assessing whether a windfall tax benefit relating to stock-based compensation has been realized, the Company follows the with and without approach, under which the windfall benefit is recognized only if an incremental benefit is provided after considering all other tax attributes presently available to the Company. Consideration is given only to the direct impacts of stock awards when calculating the amount of windfalls and shortfalls.
	The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's uncertain tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that a position would more likely than not be sustained based upon its technical merit if challenged by the relevant taxing authority and taken by management to the court of last resort. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the relevant tax authority. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs are charged to expense when incurred.
	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during a period. Employee equity share options, nonvested shares, and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common shares in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted shares outstanding include the dilutive effect of restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, and in-the-money options. The dilutive impact of the restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, and in-the-money options is calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount that the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation expense for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in "Additional Paid-in Capital" when the award becomes deductible are assumed to be used to repurchase shares. Potential common share equivalents have been excluded where their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
	The table below presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except for per share information):
			Years ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Basic:
	Net income		$	811.1	$	389.1	$	291.5
	Weighted-average shares outstanding			106.5		111.7		114.9
	Basic earnings per share		$	7.62	$	3.48	$	2.54
	Diluted:
	Net income		$	811.1	$	389.1	$	291.5
	Weighted-average shares outstanding			106.5		111.7		114.9
	Dilutive effect of stock plans			2.0		2.1		3.4
	Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding			108.5		113.8		118.3
	Diluted earnings per share		$	7.48	$	3.42	$	2.46
	Stock options, restricted stock units, and market-based restricted stock units to purchase approximately 2.4 million, 3.3 million, and 1.7 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
	Stock-based Compensation
The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards based on estimated fair values. Stock-based awards consist of stock options, restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, and employee stock purchase subscriptions. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period (vesting period) on a straight-line basis. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock units and market-based restricted stock units, the Company issues common stock.
Total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was as follows (in millions):
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
Cost of sales		$	6.1	$	5.9	$	5.0
Selling, general, and administrative expenses			34.9		34.7		31.2
Research and development expenses			7.3		6.8		5.9
Total stock-based compensation expense		$	48.3	$	47.4	$	42.1
Upon retirement, all unvested stock options are immediately forfeited. In addition, upon retirement, a participant will immediately vest in 25% of restricted stock units for each full year of employment with the Company measured from the grant date. All remaining unvested restricted stock units are immediately forfeited. For market-based restricted stock units, upon retirement and in certain other specified cases, a participant will receive a pro-rated portion of the shares that would ultimately be issued based on attainment of the performance goals as determined on the vesting date. The pro-rated portion is based on the participant's whole months of service with the Company during the performance period prior to the date of termination.
Derivatives
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate and foreign currency risks. It is the Company's policy not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The Company uses interest rate swaps to convert a portion of its fixed-rate debt into variable-rate debt. These interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges and meet the shortcut method requirements under the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging. Accordingly, changes in the fair values of the interest rate swaps are considered to exactly offset changes in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt. The Company uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the changes due to currency rate movements in the amount of future cash flows associated with intercompany transactions and certain third-party expenses expected to occur within the next 13 months. These foreign currency forward exchange contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. Certain of the Company's locations have assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies resulting from intercompany and third-party transactions. The Company uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to offset the transaction gains and losses associated with certain of these assets and liabilities. All foreign currency forward exchange contracts are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries, principally the Euro and the Japanese yen.
All derivative financial instruments are recognized at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. For each derivative instrument that is designated and effective as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized immediately to earnings, and offsets the loss or gain on the underlying hedged item. The gain or loss on fair value hedges is classified in net interest expense, as they hedge the interest rate risk associated with the Company's fixed-rate debt. The Company reports in "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" the effective portion of the gain or loss on derivative financial instruments that are designated, and that qualify, as cash flow hedges. The Company reclassifies these gains and losses into earnings in the same period in which the underlying hedged transactions affect earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness (which represents the amount by which the changes in fair value of the derivative exceed the variability in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction) is recorded in current period earnings. During 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company did not record any gains or losses due to hedge ineffectiveness. The gains and losses on derivative financial instruments for which the Company does not elect hedge accounting treatment are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in each period based upon the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument. Cash flows from derivative financial instruments are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Derivative financial instruments involve credit risk in the event the counterparty should default. It is the Company's policy to execute such instruments with global financial institutions that the Company believes to be creditworthy. The Company diversifies its derivative financial instruments among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. The Company also uses International Swap Dealers Association master-netting agreements. Under the master-netting agreements, the Company's counterparty settlement risk is the net amount of any receipts or payments due between the Company and the counterparty financial institution.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on income taxes impacting the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. The guidance requires an entity to net its unrecognized tax benefits against the deferred tax assets for all same jurisdiction net operating loss or similar tax loss carryforwards, or tax credit carryforwards. The guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The new guidance provides a comprehensive, principles-based approach to revenue recognition, and supersedes most previous revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires improved disclosures on the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods therein. The new guidance can be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of the change recognized at the date of the initial application. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, and has not yet selected a transition method.

CHANGE_IN_ACCOUNTING_PRINCIPLE

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE	3.    CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company changed its method of accounting for certain intellectual property litigation expenses related to the defense and enforcement of its issued patents. Previously, the Company capitalized these legal costs if a favorable outcome in the patent defense was determined to be probable, and amortized the capitalized legal costs over the life of the related patent. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had remaining unamortized capitalized legal costs of $23.7 million, which, under the previous accounting method, would have been amortized through 2021. Under the new method of accounting, these legal costs are expensed in the period they are incurred. The Company has retrospectively adjusted the comparative financial statements of prior periods to apply this new method of accounting.
	The Company believes this change in accounting principle is preferable because (1) as more competitors enter the Company's key product markets and the threat of complex intellectual property litigation across multiple jurisdictions increases, it will become more difficult for the Company to accurately assess the probability of a favorable outcome in such litigation, and (2) it will enhance the comparability of the Company's financial results with those of its peer group because it is the predominant accounting practice in the Company's industry.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been adjusted to reflect the impact of this change retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle was a decrease in retained earnings of $10.5 million as of January 1, 2012. The following tables present the effects of the retrospective application of the change in accounting principle (in millions):
			As of December 31, 2013
	Consolidated Balance Sheet		As Reported			As Adjusted
	Other intangible assets, net		$	57.2		$	33.5
	Deferred income taxes			70.1			79.0
	Total assets			2,724.7			2,709.9
	Retained earnings			2,045.6			2,030.8
	Total stockholders' equity			1,559.2			1,544.4
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity			2,724.7			2,709.9
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013						2012
	Consolidated Statement of Operations		As Reported			As Adjusted			As Reported		As Adjusted
	Cost of sales		$	522.4		$	516.6		$	494.6	$	491
	Gross profit			1,523.10			1,528.90			1,405.00		1,408.60
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses(a)			745.6			733.4			705.3		697.4
	Intellectual property litigation (income) expense, net(a)			—			(61.5	)		—		14.4
	Special (gains) charges(a)			(67.3	)		16.3			16		16
	Income before provision for income taxes			515.3			511.2			391.1		388.2
	Provision for income taxes			123.6			122.1			97.9		96.7
	Net income			391.7			389.1			293.2		291.5
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$	3.51		$	3.48		$	2.55	$	2.54
	Diluted		$	3.44		$	3.42		$	2.48	$	2.46
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013						2012
	Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income		As Reported			As Adjusted			As Reported		As Adjusted
	Net income		$	391.7		$	389.1		$	293.2	$	291.5
	Comprehensive income			402.0			399.4			292.8		291.1
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013						2012
	Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows		As Reported			As Adjusted			As Reported		As Adjusted
	Net income		$	391.7		$	389.1		$	293.2	$	291.5
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization			68.7			62.9			57.3		53.7
	Deferred income taxes(a)			0.1			(12.4	)		8.1		(26.4	)
	Other			3.2			6.7			3.9		3.2
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			4.6			(6.3	)		12.8		1.6
	Other			2.5			13.9			5		11.4
	(a)	The above amounts also reflect certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts to conform to classifications used in the current year. See Note 2 for further information.

INTELLECTUAL_PROPERTY_LITIGATI

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET	4.    INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
	In May 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with Medtronic, Inc. and its affiliates ("Medtronic") to settle all outstanding patent litigation between the companies, including all cases related to transcatheter heart valves. Pursuant to the agreement, all pending cases or appeals in courts and patent offices worldwide have been dismissed, and the parties will not litigate patent disputes with each other in the field of transcatheter valves for the eight-year term of the agreement. Under the terms of a patent cross-license that is part of the agreement, Medtronic made a one-time, upfront payment to the Company in the amount of $750.0 million. In addition, Medtronic will pay the Company quarterly license royalty payments through April 2022. For sales in the United States, the royalty payments will be based on a percentage of Medtronic's sales of transcatheter aortic valves, subject to a minimum annual payment of $40.0 million and a maximum annual payment of $60.0 million. A separate royalty payment will be calculated based on sales of Medtronic transcatheter aortic valves manufactured in the United States but sold elsewhere.
	The Company accounted for the settlement agreement as a multiple-element arrangement and allocated the total consideration to the identifiable elements based upon their relative fair value. The consideration assigned to each element was as follows (in millions):
	Past damages	$	754.3
	License agreement		238.0
	Covenant not to sue		77.7
	Total	$	1,070.0
	The Company recognized the upfront payment of $750.0 million in "Intellectual Property Litigation (Income) Expense, net" during the second quarter of 2014. The accounting guidance limits the amount to be recognized upfront to the amount of cash received. The remaining fair value associated with the past damages element, as well as the license agreement and the covenant not to sue, will be recognized in "Net Sales" over the term of the license agreement as delivery occurs since the Company considers the future royalties to be part of its revenue-earning activities that constitute its ongoing major or central operations.
	In February 2013, the Company received $83.6 million from Medtronic in satisfaction of the initial April 2010 jury award of damages for infringement of the United States Andersen transcatheter heart valve patent, including accrued interest.
	The Company incurred external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation of $9.6 million, $22.1 million, and $14.4 million during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

SPECIAL_CHARGES

SPECIAL CHARGES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SPECIAL CHARGES
SPECIAL CHARGES	5. SPECIAL CHARGES
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Charitable foundation contribution	$	50.0	$	—	$	—
	Acquisition of IPR&D		10.2		—		—
	Settlement		7.5		—		—
	Asset write-down		3.0		—		—
	Realignment expenses		—		10.4		9.0
	IPR&D impairment		—		5.9		—
	Licensing of intellectual property		—		—		7.0
	Total special charges	$	70.7	$	16.3	$	16.0
	Charitable Foundation Contribution
	In June 2014, the Company contributed $50.0 million to the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, a related-party not-for-profit organization intended to provide philanthropic support to health- and community-focused charitable organizations. The contribution was irrevocable and was recorded as an expense at the time of payment.
	Acquisition of IPR&D
	In December 2014, the Company acquired technology for use in its transcatheter mitral valve program. In connection with this acquisition, the Company recorded a $10.2 million IPR&D charge, including related expenses. The acquired technology has no alternative uses. Additional design developments, bench testing, pre-clinical studies, and human clinical studies must be successfully completed prior to selling any product. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Company must pay an additional $10.0 million if, within 9 years of the acquisition closing date, the Company receives CE Mark for a transcatheter mitral valve repair or replacement product that incorporates the acquired technology.
	Settlement
	In March 2014, the Company recorded a $7.5 million charge to settle past and future obligations related to one of its intellectual property agreements.
	Asset Write-down
	In September 2014, due to a strategic shift of the Company's investment initiatives, the Company decided to refocus resources from its automated glucose monitoring program. As a result, the Company recorded a charge of $3.0 million to write down an intangible asset and fixed assets, and to record severance costs. In addition, the Company recorded a $2.0 million charge to "Cost of Sales," primarily related to the disposal of inventory and equipment held by customers.
	Realignment Expenses
	In December 2013, the Company recorded a $10.4 million charge related primarily to severance expenses associated with a global workforce realignment impacting 118 employees. As of December 31, 2014, the Company's remaining severance obligations of $3.3 million are expected to be substantially paid by the end of 2015.
	In December 2012, the Company recorded a $9.0 million charge related primarily to severance expenses associated with a global workforce realignment impacting 92 employees. As of December 31, 2014, payments related to the realignment were complete.
	IPR&D Impairment
	In December 2013, the Company recorded a $5.9 million write-off of IPR&D assets acquired from Embrella Cardiovascular, Inc. For further information, see Note 8.
	Licensing of Intellectual Property
	In April 2012, the Company obtained an exclusive license to a suturing device for minimally invasive surgery applications. At the time, the intellectual property was under development, and there was uncertainty as to whether the product would ultimately be approved. The Company recorded a charge of $2.0 million related to the upfront licensing and royalty fees.
	In June 2012, the Company obtained a co-exclusive sublicense to intellectual property related to processing tissue and implanting cardiovascular valves. At the time, the intellectual property was under development and there was uncertainty as to whether the product would ultimately be approved. The Company recorded a charge of $5.0 million related to the upfront licensing fee.

COMPOSITION_OF_CERTAIN_FINANCI

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS
COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS	6. COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS
	Components of selected captions in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31 are as follows:
			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in millions)
	Accounts receivable, net(a)
	Trade accounts receivable		$	293.1		$	307.9
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			(5.1	)		(5.4	)
			$	288		$	302.5
	Inventories
	Raw materials		$	67.4		$	57.8
	Work in process			59.3			82.2
	Finished products			170.1			168.9
			$	296.8		$	308.9
	Property, plant, and equipment, net
	Land		$	25.4		$	21.6
	Buildings and leasehold improvements			270.6			268.2
	Machinery and equipment			320.8			307.6
	Equipment with customers			41			40.2
	Software			99.6			99.2
	Construction in progress			50.9			27.9
				808.3			764.7
	Accumulated depreciation			(365.4	)		(343.1	)
			$	442.9		$	421.6
	Long-term accounts receivable, net(a)
	Long-term trade accounts receivable		$	12		$	14.1
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			(6.2	)		(6.8	)
			$	5.8		$	7.3
	Accrued and other liabilities
	Employee compensation and withholdings		$	190.5		$	101.1
	Clinical trial accruals			36.6			37.2
	Property, payroll and other taxes			32.7			31.6
	Accrued rebates			11.7			15
	Taxes payable			9.1			7.1
	Deferred income taxes			8.3			7.2
	Realignment reserves			7.7			9.5
	Litigation reserves (Note 17)			4.4			4.5
	Fair value of derivatives			2.6			13.1
	Other accrued liabilities			72.6			70.9
			$	376.2		$	297.2
	(a)	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's accounts receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, from customers in certain European countries were $69.7 million and $104.7 million, respectively. Balances from customers located in these countries that are expected to be collected beyond one year have been discounted to present value based on the estimated collection date.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INVESTMENTS
INVESTMENTS	7. INVESTMENTS
	Debt Securities
	Investments in debt securities at the end of each period were as follows (in millions):
		December 31, 2014											December 31, 2013
	Held-to-maturity	Cost			Gross			Gross			Fair		Cost		Gross		Gross		Fair
					Unrealized			Unrealized			Value				Unrealized		Unrealized		Value
					Gains			Losses							Gains		Losses
	Bank time deposits	$	661.5		$	—		$	—		$	661.5	$	516.5	$	—	$	—	$	516.5
	Commercial paper		80			—			—			80		—		—		—		—
	U.S. government and agency securities		58.9			0.1			(0.1	)		58.9		—		—		—		—
	Asset-backed securities		8.2			—			—			8.2		—		—		—		—
	Corporate debt securities		24.7			—			—			24.7		—		—		—		—
	Municipal securities		6.1			—			—			6.1		—		—		—		—
	Total	$	839.4		$	0.1		$	(0.1	)	$	839.4	$	516.5	$	—	$	—	$	516.5
	Available-for-sale
	Commercial paper	$	13		$	—		$	—		$	13	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government and agency securities		1			—			—			1		—		—		—		—
	Asset-backed securities		42.9			—			—			42.9		—		—		—		—
	Corporate debt securities		103.6			—			(0.4	)		103.2		—		—		—		—
	Total	$	160.5		$	—		$	(0.4	)	$	160.1	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	The cost and fair value of investments in debt securities, by contractual maturity, as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Held-to-Maturity						Available-for-Sale
		Cost			Fair Value			Cost			Fair Value
		(in millions)
	Due in 1 year or less	$	767.1		$	767.1		$	17.9		$	17.9
	Due after 1 year through 5 years		49.2			49.2			99.7			99.3
	Instruments not due at a single maturity date		23.1			23.1			42.9			42.9
		$	839.4		$	839.4		$	160.5		$	160.1
	Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities due to call or prepayment rights.
	Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates
	The Company has a number of equity investments in privately and publicly held companies. Investments in these unconsolidated affiliates are recorded in "Long-term Investments" on the consolidated balance sheets, and are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Available-for-sale investments
	Cost	$	—		$	0.4
	Unrealized gains		0.4			0.4
	Fair value of available-for-sale investments		0.4			0.8
	Equity method investments
	Cost		12.8			14.1
	Equity in losses		(3.5	)		(2.7	)
	Carrying value of equity method investments		9.3			11.4
	Cost method investments
	Carrying value of cost method investments		16.7			9.7
	Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$	26.4		$	21.9
	In December 2014, the Company made a $10.0 million investment in one of its existing cost method investees, CardioKinetix, Inc. ("CardioKinetix"), for a total investment carrying value of $14.4 million. As part of the agreement, the Company also paid $15.0 million, included in "Other Assets," for an exclusive option to acquire CardioKinetix for up to $375.0 million, depending upon the achievement of certain milestones and regulatory approvals. CardioKinetix is pioneering a catheter-based treatment for heart failure that is currently in the clinical testing phase, and is financed primarily through equity investments. CardioKinetix is a VIE; however, the Company has determined that it is not CardioKinetix's primary beneficiary since the Company does not have the power to direct CardioKinetix's activities that most significantly impact its economic performance. The Company made this determination based on the development stage of CardioKinetix's product; the Company's inability to exercise influence over CardioKinetix, based on the Company's ownership percentage and voting rights, as well as its lack of involvement in day-to-day operations and management decisions; and the fact that the option to acquire CardioKinetix is currently significantly out of the money. Accordingly, the Company accounts for this investment as a cost method investment. The Company's maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with CardioKinetix is limited to the carrying amount of its investment and the cost of the option to acquire CardioKinetix.
	During 2014, 2013, and 2012, the gross realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale investments were not material.

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	8.    GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		United		Europe			Total
		States
		(in millions)
	Goodwill at December 31, 2012	$	308.3	$	76.4		$	384.7
	Currency translation adjustment		—		0.7			0.7
	Goodwill at December 31, 2013		308.3		77.1			385.4
	Currency translation adjustment		—		(9.4	)		(9.4	)
	Goodwill at December 31, 2014	$	308.3	$	67.7		$	376
	Other intangible assets consist of the following (in millions):
		December 31,
		2014								2013
		Cost		Accumulated			Net			Cost		Accumulated			Net
				Amortization			Carrying					Amortization			Carrying
							Value								Value
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Patents	$	181.1	$	(168.6	)	$	12.5		$	181.6	$	(163.5	)	$	18.1
	Developed technology		45.6		(36.7	)		8.9			43.3		(35.1	)		8.2
	Other		10.4		(8.4	)		2			10.7		(8.1	)		2.6
			237.1		(213.7	)		23.4			235.6		(206.7	)		28.9
	Unamortizable intangible assets
	IPR&D		—		—			—			4.6		—			4.6
		$	237.1	$	(213.7	)	$	23.4		$	240.2	$	(206.7	)	$	33.5
	The net carrying value of patents as of December 31, 2013 has been adjusted to reflect the Company's change in its method of accounting for certain legal costs related to the defense and enforcement of issued patents. For further information, see Note 3.
	Goodwill and IPR&D resulting from purchase business combinations are not subject to amortization. Other acquired intangible assets with definite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives. The Company expenses costs incurred to renew or extend the term of acquired intangible assets.
	On March 11, 2011, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of Embrella. IPR&D acquired as part of the acquisition was capitalized at fair value, which was determined using the income approach. At the time of the valuation, it was assumed that approximately $4.4 million of additional research and development expenditures would be incurred prior to the date of product introduction and that net cash inflows would commence in late 2013. In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company recorded a $5.9 million impairment charge because the carrying amount of the IPR&D was determined to be in excess of its estimated fair value due to a significant decrease in estimated future unit sales. The impaired IPR&D was reported in the Company's Europe segment. The decrease in estimated future unit sales was due to recent medical findings that diminished concern surrounding embolic protection devices with transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures.
	On October 9, 2012, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of BMEYE, B.V. IPR&D acquired as part of the acquisition was capitalized at fair value, which was determined using the income approach. The valuation assumed approximately $8.4 million of additional research and development expenditures would be incurred prior to the date of product introduction. In the valuation, net cash inflows were forecasted to commence in 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company transferred $0.8 million of the IPR&D to developed technology because the Company received CE Mark for the product in Europe. In June 2014, the Company transferred the remaining IPR&D to developed technology because the Company had received United States Food and Drug Administration approval for the product.
	Amortization expense related to other intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $8.4 million, $9.9 million, and $9.7 million, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions):
	2015	$	7.3
	2016		7.2
	2017		6.6
	2018		1.3
	2019		0.8

DEBT_CREDIT_FACILITIES_AND_LEA

DEBT, CREDIT FACILITIES AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DEBT, CREDIT FACILITIES AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
DEBT, CREDIT FACILITIES AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS	9.    DEBT, CREDIT FACILITIES AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
	In October 2013, the Company issued $600.0 million of fixed-rate unsecured senior notes (the "Notes"). Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears, with payment due in April and October. The Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at specified redemption prices. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain change of control triggering events, the Company may be required to repurchase all or a portion of the Notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Notes also include covenants that limit the Company's ability to incur secured indebtedness, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, and consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of its assets. The following is a summary of the Notes as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31,
		2014						2013
		Amount			Effective			Amount			Effective
					Interest Rate						Interest Rate
	Fixed-rate 2.875% notes due October 15, 2018	$	600			2.983	%	$	600			2.983	%
	Unamortized discount		(2.3	)					(2.9	)
	Hedge accounting fair value adjustments (see Note 11)		0.4						(4.0	)
	Total carrying amount	$	598.1					$	593.1
	As of December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Notes, based on Level 2 inputs, was $610.4 million. As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of the Notes approximated the face value of the Notes. Issuance costs of $5.4 million, as well as the issuance discount on the Notes, are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Notes.
	In July 2014, the Company entered into a Five-Year Credit Agreement ("the Credit Agreement") which matures on July 18, 2019, and the previous Four-Year Credit Agreement was terminated. The Credit Agreement provides up to an aggregate of $750.0 million in borrowings in multiple currencies. The Company may increase the amount available under the Credit Agreement, subject to agreement of the lenders, by up to an additional $250.0 million in the aggregate. Borrowings generally bear interest at the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") plus a spread ranging from 1.0% to 1.5%, depending on the leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Company also pays a facility fee ranging from 0.125% to 0.25%, depending on the leverage ratio, on the entire credit commitment available, whether or not drawn. The facility fee is expensed as incurred. During 2014, there were no borrowings under the Credit Agreement, and the facility fee was 0.15%. Issuance costs of $3.0 million are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement is unsecured and contains various financial and other covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at December 31, 2014.
	During 2014, the spread over LIBOR for borrowings under the previous Four-Year Credit Agreement ranged from 0.975% to 1.2%, and the facility fee ranged from 0.15% to 0.175%.
	The weighted-average interest rate under all debt obligations was 2.7% at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Certain facilities and equipment are leased under operating leases expiring at various dates. Most of the operating leases contain renewal options. Total expense for all operating leases was $22.9 million, $25.9 million, and $23.9 million for the years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Future minimum lease payments (including interest) under non-cancelable operating leases and aggregate debt maturities at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in millions):
		Operating			Aggregate
		Leases			Debt
					Maturities
	2015	$	20.6		$	—
	2016		16.4			—
	2017		11.3			—
	2018		8.0			600.0
	2019		5.6			—
	Thereafter		18.5			—
	Total obligations and commitments	$	80.4		$	600.0

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	10.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The consolidated financial statements include financial instruments for which the fair market value of such instruments may differ from amounts reflected on a historical cost basis. Financial instruments of the Company consist of cash deposits, accounts and other receivables, investments, accounts payable, certain accrued liabilities, and borrowings under the Credit Agreement. The carrying value of these financial instruments generally approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. Financial instruments also include notes payable. See Note 9 for further information on the fair value of the Notes.
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company prioritizes the inputs used to determine fair values in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1—Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2—Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable, either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
	Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The following table summarizes the Company's financial instruments which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
	December 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	32.6	$	12.0	$	—	$	44.6
	Available-for-sale investments:
	Corporate debt securities		—		103.2		—		103.2
	Asset-backed securities		—		42.9		—		42.9
	U.S. government and agency securities		—		1.0		—		1.0
	Commercial paper		—		13.0		—		13.0
	Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates		0.4		—		—		0.4
	Investments held for deferred compensation plan		28.2		—		—		28.2
	Derivatives		—		50.7		—		50.7
		$	61.2	$	222.8	$	—	$	284.0
	Liabilities
	Derivatives	$	—	$	2.6	$	—	$	2.6
	Deferred compensation plan		28.7		—		—		28.7
		$	28.7	$	2.6	$	—	$	31.3
	December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Investments held for deferred compensation plan	$	15.1	$	—	$	—	$	15.1
	Available-for-sale investments:
	Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates		0.8		—		—		0.8
	Derivatives		—		13.8		—		13.8
		$	15.9	$	13.8	$	—	$	29.7
	Liabilities
	Derivatives	$	—	$	17.2	$	—	$	17.2
	Deferred compensation plan		15.5		—		—		15.5
		$	15.5	$	17.2	$	—	$	32.7
	Cash Equivalents and Available-for-sale Investments
	The Company estimates the fair values of its money market funds based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The Company estimates the fair values of its commercial paper, U.S. government and agency securities, asset-backed securities, and corporate debt securities by taking into consideration valuations obtained from third-party pricing services. The pricing services use industry standard valuation models, including both income and market-based approaches, for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, to estimate fair value. These inputs include reported trades and broker-dealer quotes on the same or similar securities, benchmark yields, credit spreads, prepayment and default projections based on historical data, and other observable inputs. The Company independently reviews and validates the pricing received from the third-party pricing service by comparing the prices to prices reported by a secondary pricing source. The Company's validation procedures have not resulted in an adjustment to the pricing received from the pricing service.
	Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are long-term equity investments in companies that are in various stages of development. Certain of the Company's investments in unconsolidated affiliates are designated as available-for-sale. These investments are carried at fair market value based on quoted market prices.
	Deferred Compensation Plan
	The Company holds investments in trading securities related to its executive deferred compensation plan. The investments are in a variety of stock and bond mutual funds. The fair values of these investments and the corresponding liabilities are based on quoted market prices.
	Derivative Instruments
	The Company uses derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts to manage foreign currency exposures, and interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest rate exposures. All derivatives contracts are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value. The fair value of foreign currency derivative financial instruments was estimated based on quoted market foreign exchange rates and market discount rates as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis reflecting the contractual terms of the agreements and the 6-month LIBOR forward interest rate curve. Judgment was employed in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value; accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions or valuation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	11.    DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
	The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its currency exchange rate risk and its interest rate risk as summarized below. Notional amounts are stated in United States dollar equivalents at spot exchange rates at the respective dates. The Company does not enter into these arrangements for trading or speculation purposes.
		Notional Amount
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	761.2		$	805.5
	Interest rate swap agreements		300.0			300.0
	Foreign currency option contracts		9.2			—
	The following table presents the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
				Fair Value
		Balance Sheet Location		December 31,			December 31,
				2014			2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Assets
	Foreign currency contracts	Other current assets		$	45.2		$	13.8
	Interest rate swap agreements	Other assets		$	0.4		$	—
	Liabilities
	Foreign currency contracts	Accrued and other liabilities		$	2.6		$	13.2
	Interest rate swap agreements	Other long-term liabilities		$	—		$	4.0
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Assets
	Foreign currency contracts	Other assets		$	5.1		$	—
	The following table presents the effect of master-netting agreements and rights of offset on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
											Gross Amounts
											Not Offset in
											the Consolidated
					Gross Amounts			Net Amounts			Balance Sheet
					Offset in the			Presented in the
					Consolidated			Consolidated
	December 31, 2014	Gross			Balance Sheet			Balance Sheet			Financial			Cash		Net
		Amounts									Instruments			Collateral		Amount
														Received
	Derivative Assets
	Foreign currency contracts	$	50.3		$	—		$	50.3		$	(2.6	)	$	—	$	47.7
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	0.4		$	—		$	0.4		$	—		$	—	$	0.4
	Derivative Liabilities
	Foreign currency contracts	$	2.6		$	—		$	2.6		$	(2.6	)	$	—	$	—
	December 31, 2013
	Derivative Assets
	Foreign currency contracts	$	13.8		$	—		$	13.8		$	(9.5	)	$	—	$	4.3
	Derivative Liabilities
	Foreign currency contracts	$	13.2		$	—		$	13.2		$	(9.5	)	$	—	$	3.7
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	4		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	—	$	4
	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of comprehensive income (in millions):
		Amount of								Amount of
		Gain or (Loss)								Gain or (Loss)
		Recognized in								Reclassified
		OCI on								from
		Derivative								Accumulated
		(Effective								OCI into
		Portion)						Location of Gain or		Income
								(Loss) Reclassified
								from Accumulated
		2014			2013			OCI into Income		2014			2013
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
	Foreign currency contracts	$	54.3		$	16.3		Cost of sales		$	7.6		$	21.5
				Amount of Gain or
				(Loss) Recognized in
		Location of Gain or		Income on Derivative
		(Loss) Recognized in
		Income on Derivative		2014			2013			2012
	Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships
	Interest rate swap agreements	Interest expense		$	4.4		$	(4.0	)	$	—
The gains and losses on the interest rate swap agreements are fully offset by the changes in the fair value of the fixed-rate debt being hedged.
			Amount of Gain or
			(Loss) Recognized in
	Location of Gain or		Income on Derivative
	(Loss) Recognized in
	Income on Derivative		2014			2013			2012
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Foreign currency contracts	Other expense, net		$	13.7		$	18.4		$	4.4
The Company expects that during 2015 it will reclassify to earnings a $9.9 million gain currently recorded in "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss."
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company did not record any gains or losses due to hedge ineffectiveness.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12.    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Defined Benefit Plans
	Edwards Lifesciences maintains defined benefit pension plans in Japan and certain European countries. Information regarding the Company's defined benefit pension plans is as follows (in millions):
		Years Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Beginning of year	$	111.2		$	108
	Service cost		6.3			7.6
	Interest cost		2.2			2
	Participant contributions		1.9			1.9
	Actuarial loss (gain)		12			(5.6	)
	Benefits paid		0.3			—
	Plan amendment		(1.0	)		—
	Currency exchange rate changes and other		(9.8	)		(2.7	)
	End of year	$	123.1		$	111.2
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Beginning of year	$	68.5		$	57.2
	Actual return on plan assets		4.2			4.4
	Employer contributions		5			6.7
	Participant contributions		1.9			1.9
	Benefits paid		0.3			—
	Currency exchange rate changes and other		(6.1	)		(1.7	)
	End of year	$	73.8		$	68.5
	Funded Status
	Projected benefit obligation	$	(123.1	)	$	(111.2	)
	Plan assets at fair value		73.8			68.5
	Underfunded status	$	(49.3	)	$	(42.7	)
	Net amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet:
	Other long-term liabilities	$	49.3		$	42.7
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
	Net actuarial loss	$	(24.1	)	$	(16.7	)
	Net prior service credit		2.6			2.1
	Deferred income tax benefit		4.7			3.4
	Total	$	(16.8	)	$	(11.2	)
	The accumulated benefit obligation ("ABO") for all defined benefit pension plans was $109.3 million and $99.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The projected benefit obligation and ABO were in excess of plan assets for all pension plans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in millions):
		Years Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost, net	$	6.3		$	7.6		$	7.2
	Interest cost		2.2			2			2.3
	Expected return on plan assets		(1.6	)		(1.2	)		(1.4	)
	Curtailment gain		—			—			(0.2	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss		0.5			1.3			0.8
	Amortization of prior service credit		(0.3	)		(0.3	)		(0.3	)
	Amortization of transition obligation		—			—			0.1
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	7.1		$	9.4		$	8.5
	The net actuarial loss and prior service credit that will be amortized from "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" into net periodic benefits cost in 2015 are expected to be $1.1 million and $(0.4) million, respectively.
	Expected long-term returns for each of the plans' strategic asset classes were developed through consultation with investment advisors. Several factors were considered, including survey of investment managers' expectations, current market data, minimum guaranteed returns in certain insurance contracts, and historical market returns over long periods. Using policy target allocation percentages and the asset class expected returns, a weighted-average expected return was calculated.
	To select the discount rates for the defined benefit pension plans, the Company uses a modeling process that involves matching the expected duration of its benefit plans to a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of AA-rated fixed-income debt instruments, or their equivalent. For each country, the Company uses the implied yield of this hypothetical portfolio at the appropriate duration as a discount rate benchmark.
	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Discount rate		1.4	%		2.2	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.0	%		3.1	%
	Social securities increase		1.6	%		1.8	%
	Pension increase		2.0	%		2.0	%
	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
		Years ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate		2.2	%		1.9	%		2.5	%
	Expected return on plan assets		2.6	%		2.1	%		2.6	%
Rate of compensation increase		3.1	%		3.1	%		3.1	%
Social securities increase		1.8	%		1.8	%		1.8	%
Pension increase		2.0	%		2.0	%		2.0	%
Plan Assets
The Company's investment strategy for plan assets is to seek a competitive rate of return relative to an appropriate level of risk and to earn performance rates of return in accordance with the benchmarks adopted for each asset class. Risk management practices include diversification across asset classes and investment styles, and periodic rebalancing toward asset allocation targets.
The Administrative and Investment Committee decides on the defined benefit plan provider in each location and that provider decides the target allocation for the Company's defined benefit plan at that location. The target asset allocation selected reflects a risk/return profile the Company feels is appropriate relative to the plans' liability structure and return goals. In certain plans, asset allocations may be governed by local requirements. Target weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2014, by asset category, are as follows:
Insurance contracts		80.7	%
Equity securities		10.4	%
Debt securities		8.9	%
Total		100.0	%
The fair values of the Company's defined benefit plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, by asset category, are as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
Asset Category
Cash	$	0.5		$	—		$	—		$	0.5
Equity securities:
United States equities		2.8			—			—			2.8
International equities		6.8			—			—			6.8
Debt securities:
United States government bonds		0.6			—			—			0.6
International government bonds		4.7			—			—			4.7
Insurance contracts		—			—			58.4			58.4
	$	15.4		$	—		$	58.4		$	73.8
December 31, 2013
Asset Category
Cash	$	0.8		$	—		$	—		$	0.8
Equity securities:
United States equities		2.1			—			—			2.1
International equities		5.9			—			—			5.9
Debt securities:
United States government bonds		0.6			—			—			0.6
International government bonds		4.5			—			—			4.5
Insurance contracts		—			—			54.6			54.6
	$	13.9		$	—		$	54.6		$	68.5
The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Company's defined benefit plan assets that have been classified as Level 3 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
	Insurance
	Contracts
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	45.7
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at December 31, 2013		0.9
Relating to assets sold during 2013		0.1
Purchases, sales and settlements		6.9
Currency exchange rate impact		1
Balance at December 31, 2013		54.6
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at December 31, 2014		3
Purchases, sales and settlements		4.9
Currency exchange rate impact		(4.1	)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	58.4
Equity and debt securities are valued at fair value based on quoted market prices reported on the active markets on which the individual securities are traded. The insurance contracts are valued at the cash surrender value of the contracts, which is deemed to approximate its fair value.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, at December 31, 2014, are expected to be paid (in millions):
2015	$	3.7
2016		5.5
2017		4.2
2018		4.2
2019		4.1
2020-2024		32.3
As of December 31, 2014, expected employer contributions for 2015 are $5.8 million.
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company's employees in the United States and Puerto Rico are eligible to participate in a qualified 401(k) and 1165(e) plan, respectively. In the United States, participants may contribute up to 25% of their eligible compensation (subject to tax code limitation) to the plan. Edwards Lifesciences matches the first 3% of the participant's annual eligible compensation contributed to the plan on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Edwards Lifesciences matches the next 2% of the participant's annual eligible compensation to the plan on a 50% basis. In Puerto Rico, participants may contribute up to 25% of their annual compensation (subject to tax code limitation) to the plan. Edwards Lifesciences matches the first 4% of participant's annual eligible compensation contributed to the plan on a 50% basis. The Company also provides a 2% profit sharing contribution calculated on eligible earnings for each employee. Matching contributions relating to Edwards Lifesciences employees were $12.8 million, $12.0 million, and $10.8 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
The Company also has nonqualified deferred compensation plans for a select group of employees. The plans provide eligible participants the opportunity to defer eligible compensation to future dates specified by the participant with a return based on investment alternatives selected by the participant. The amount accrued under these nonqualified plans was $28.7 million and $25.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

COMMON_STOCK

COMMON STOCK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
COMMON STOCK
COMMON STOCK	13.    COMMON STOCK
	Treasury Stock
	In May 2013, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to purchase up to $750.0 million of the Company's common stock from time to time until December 31, 2016. In July 2014, the Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program providing for an additional $750.0 million of repurchases without a specified end date. Stock repurchased under these programs will be used to offset obligations under the Company's employee stock option programs and reduce the total shares outstanding.
	During 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company repurchased 4.4 million, 6.8 million, and 4.0 million shares, respectively, at an aggregate cost of $300.9 million, $497.0 million, and $353.2 million, respectively, including shares purchased under the accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") agreements described below and shares acquired to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock issued to employees. The timing and size of any future stock repurchases are subject to a variety of factors, including market conditions, stock prices, and other cash requirements.
	Accelerated Share Repurchase
	During 2013 and 2012, the Company entered into ASR agreements providing for the repurchase of the Company's common stock based on the volume-weighted average price ("VWAP") of the Company's common stock during the terms of the agreements, less a discount. The ASR agreements were subject to collar provisions that established minimum and maximum number of shares to be repurchased. The following table summarizes the terms of the ASR agreements (dollars and shares in millions, except per-share data):
						Initial Delivery
															Final Settlement
												Value of
												Shares as %
												of Contract
	Agreement Date		Amount			Shares			Price per			Value			Settlement	Total Shares		Average Price
			Paid			Received			Share						Date	Received		per Share
	Feb-12		$	54.0			0.6		$	72.40			80	%	May-12		0.7	$	75.12
	May-12		$	50.0			0.5		$	84.81			80	%	Aug-12		0.5	$	97.50
	Nov-12		$	100.0			1.1		$	85.73			90	%	Feb-13		1.2	$	88.93
	Aug-13		$	250.0			3.1		$	72.39			90	%	Oct-13		3.5	$	71.24
	The ASR agreements were accounted for as two separate transactions: (a) the value of the initial delivery of shares was recorded as shares of common stock acquired in a treasury stock transaction on the acquisition date and (b) the remaining amount of the purchase price paid was recorded as a forward contract indexed to the Company's own common stock and was recorded in "Additional Paid-in Capital" on the consolidated balance sheets. The initial delivery of shares resulted in an immediate reduction of the outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share. The Company determined that the forward contract indexed to the Company's common stock met all the applicable criteria for equity classification and, therefore, was not accounted for as a derivative instrument.
	Employee and Director Stock Plans
	The Edwards Lifesciences Corporation Long-term Stock Incentive Compensation Program (the "Program") provides for the grant of incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, and restricted stock units for eligible employees and contractors of the Company. Under the Program, these grants are awarded at a price equal to the fair market value at the date of grant based upon the closing price on that date. Options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock granted under the Program generally vest over predetermined periods of between three to four years and expire seven years after the date of grant. Restricted stock units of the Company's common stock granted under the Program generally vest over predetermined periods ranging from three to five years after the date of grant. Market-based restricted stock units of the Company's common stock granted under the Program vest based on a combination of certain service and market conditions. The actual number of shares issued will be determined based on the Company's total shareholder return relative to a selected industry peer group over a three-year performance period, and may range from 0% to 175% of the targeted number of shares granted. On May 8, 2014, an amendment and restatement of the Program was approved by the Company's stockholders. Under the amended Program, the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Program was 50.9 million shares. No more than 4.6 million shares reserved for issuance may be granted in the form of restricted stock or restricted stock units.
	The Company also maintains the Nonemployee Directors Stock Incentive Compensation Program (the "Nonemployee Directors Program"). Under the Nonemployee Directors Program, each nonemployee director may receive annually up to 20,000 stock options or 8,000 restricted stock units of the Company's common stock, or a combination thereof, provided that in no event may the total value of the combined annual award exceed $0.2 million. Each option and restricted stock unit award granted in 2011 or prior generally vests in three equal annual installments. Each option and restricted stock unit award granted after 2011 generally vests after one year. Additionally, each nonemployee director may elect to receive all or a portion of the annual cash retainer to which the director is otherwise entitled through the issuance of stock options or restricted shares. Each option received as a deferral of the cash retainer immediately vests on the grant date, and each restricted share award vests after one year. Upon a director's initial election to the Board, the director receives an initial grant of stock options equal to a fair market value on grant date of $0.2 million, not to exceed 10,000 shares. These grants vest over three years from the date of grant. Under the Nonemployee Directors Program, an aggregate of 1.4 million shares of the Company's common stock has been authorized for issuance.
	The Company has an employee stock purchase plan for United States employees and a plan for international employees (collectively "ESPP"). Under the ESPP, eligible employees may purchase shares of the Company's common stock at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of Edwards Lifesciences common stock on the effective date of subscription or the date of purchase. Under the ESPP, employees can authorize the Company to withhold up to 12% of their compensation for common stock purchases, subject to certain limitations. The ESPP is available to all active employees of the Company paid from the United States payroll and to eligible employees of the Company outside the United States, to the extent permitted by local law. The ESPP for United States employees is qualified under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. The number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the ESPP was 6.9 million shares.
	The fair value of each option award and employee stock purchase subscription is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the following tables. The risk-free interest rate is estimated using the U.S. Treasury yield curve and is based on the expected term of the award. Expected volatility is estimated based on a blend of the weighted-average of the historical volatility of Edwards Lifesciences' stock and the implied volatility from traded options on Edwards Lifesciences' stock. The expected term of awards granted is estimated from the vesting period of the award, as well as historical exercise behavior, and represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding. The Company uses historical data to estimate forfeitures and has estimated an annual forfeiture rate of 5.4%.
	The Black-Scholes option pricing model was used with the following weighted-average assumptions for options granted during the following periods:
	Option Awards
			2014			2013			2012
	Average risk-free interest rate			1.5	%		0.8	%		0.7	%
	Expected dividend yield			None			None			None
	Expected volatility			31	%		31	%		31	%
	Expected life (years)			4.6			4.6			4.6
	Fair value, per share		$	23.50		$	19.47		$	23.93
	The Black-Scholes option pricing model was used with the following weighted-average assumptions for ESPP subscriptions granted during the following periods:
	ESPP
			2014			2013			2012
	Average risk-free interest rate			0.1	%		0.1	%		0.1	%
	Expected dividend yield			None			None			None
	Expected volatility			30	%		33	%		33	%
	Expected life (years)			0.6			0.6			0.6
	Fair value, per share		$	17.19		$	19.87		$	21.30
	The fair value of market-based restricted stock units was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model, which uses multiple input variables to determine the probability of satisfying the market condition requirements. The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the fair value of the market-based restricted stock units during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 included a risk-free interest rate of 0.9%, 0.4%, and 0.3%, respectively, and an expected volatility rate of 31.7%, 33.4%, and 30.4%, respectively.
	Stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2014 under the Program and the Nonemployee Directors Program was as follows (in millions, except years and per-share amounts):
			Shares			Weighted-			Weighted-		Aggregate
						Average			Average		Intrinsic Value
						Exercise			Remaining
						Price			Contractual
									Term
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013			7.7		$	56.37
	Options granted			1.4			83.13
	Options exercised			(2.4	)		38.47
	Options forfeited			(0.3	)		78.2
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014			6.4			67.86		3.9 years		$	381.3
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014			3.9			59.84		2.9 years			264.5
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014			6.1			67.3		3.9 years			368.4
	The following table summarizes nonvested restricted stock unit activity during the year ended December 31, 2014 under the Program and the Nonemployee Directors Program (in millions, except per-share amounts):
			Shares			Weighted-
						Average
						Grant-Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2013			0.8		$	75.87
	Granted(a)			0.3			85.01
	Vested			(0.2	)		68.97
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2014			0.9			80.55
	(a)	Includes 39,000 shares of market-based restricted stock units granted during 2014, which represents the targeted number of shares to be issued. As described above, the actual number of shares ultimately issued will be determined based on the Company's total shareholder return relative to a selected industry peer group.
	The intrinsic value of stock options exercised and restricted stock units vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $158.8 million, $73.9 million, and $252.8 million, respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options is calculated as the amount by which the market price of the Company's common stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company received cash from exercises of stock options of $93.2 million, $26.3 million, and $80.5 million, respectively, and realized tax benefits from exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units of $51.9 million, $24.7 million, and $82.6 million, respectively. The total grant-date fair value of stock options vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $12.5 million, $21.8 million, and $19.5 million, respectively.
As of December 31, 2014, the total remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, and employee stock purchase subscriptions amounted to $83.6 million, which will be amortized over the weighted-average remaining requisite service period of 30 months.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	14.    ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	Presented below is a summary of activity for each component of "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. Foreign currency translation adjustments are generally not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite investments in non-United States subsidiaries.
			Foreign			Unrealized Gain			Unrealized Gain			Unrealized			Total
			Currency			(Loss) on Cash			(Loss) on			Pension			Accumulated
			Translation			Flow Hedges			Available-for-sale			Costs(a)			Other
			Adjustments						Investments						Comprehensive
															Loss
			(in millions)
	December 31, 2011		$	(30.0	)	$	5.9		$	1.1		$	(14.5	)	$	(37.5	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			4.2			13.7			0.1			(7.8	)		10.2
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			—			(12.2	)		0.3			0.6			(11.3	)
	Deferred income tax (expense) benefit			—			(0.4	)		(0.1	)		1.2			0.7
	December 31, 2012			(25.8	)		7			1.4			(20.5	)		(37.9	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			5.6			16.3			(1.2	)		9.9			30.6
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			—			(21.5	)		—			1			(20.5	)
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)			—			1.7			0.1			(1.6	)		0.2
	December 31, 2013			(20.2	)		3.5			0.3			(11.2	)		(27.6	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(96.2	)		54.3			(0.8	)		(7.1	)		(49.8	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			—			(7.6	)		0.4			0.2			(7.0	)
	Deferred income tax (expense) benefit			—			(17.9	)		0.1			1.3			(16.5	)
	December 31, 2014		$	(116.4	)	$	32.3		$	—		$	(16.8	)	$	(100.9	)
	(a)	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the change in unrealized pension costs consisted of the following (in millions):
			Pre-Tax			Tax Benefit			Net of Tax
			Amount			(Expense)			Amount
	2014
	Prior service credit arising during period		$	0.8		$	—		$	0.8
	Amortization of prior service credit			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net prior service credit arising during period			0.5			—			0.5
	Net actuarial loss arising during period			(7.4	)		1.3			(6.1	)
	Unrealized pension costs, net		$	(6.9	)	$	1.3		$	(5.6	)
	2013
	Prior service cost arising during period		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Amortization of prior service credit			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net prior service cost arising during period			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net actuarial gain arising during period			11.2			(1.6	)		9.6
	Unrealized pension costs, net		$	10.9		$	(1.6	)	$	9.3
	2012
	Prior service cost arising during period		$	(0.2	)	$	—		$	(0.2	)
	Amortization of prior service credit			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net prior service cost arising during period			(0.5	)		—			(0.5	)
	Net transition obligation amortized during period			0.1			—			0.1
	Net actuarial loss arising during period			(6.8	)		1.2			(5.6	)
	Unrealized pension costs, net		$	(7.2	)	$	1.2		$	(6.0	)
	The following table provides information about amounts reclassified from "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" (in millions):
			Years Ended December 31,
									Affected Line on Consolidated
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		2014			2013			Statements of Operations
	Components
	Gain on cash flow hedges		$	7.6		$	21.5		Cost of sales
				(2.9	)		(8.4	)	Provision for income taxes
			$	4.7		$	13.1		Net of tax
	Loss on available-for-sale investments		$	(0.4	)	$	—		Other expense, net
				—			—		Provision for income taxes
			$	(0.4	)	$	—		Net of tax
	Amortization of pension adjustments		$	(0.2	)	$	(1.0	)	(a)
				0.1			0.2		Provision for income taxes
			$	(0.1	)	$	(0.8	)	Net of tax
	(a)	This item is included in the components of net periodic benefit costs. See Note 12 for additional information.

OTHER_EXPENSE_NET

OTHER EXPENSE, NET	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
OTHER EXPENSE, NET
OTHER EXPENSE, NET	15.    OTHER EXPENSE, NET
		Years Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Promissory note impairment	$	4		$	—		$	—
	Loss on investments		4.5			0.4			0.7
	Insurance settlement gain		(3.7	)		—			—
	Foreign exchange losses, net		2			1.5			1.2
	Lease contract termination costs		1			—			—
	Other		(0.1	)		(0.6	)		(0.2	)
	Total other expense, net	$	7.7		$	1.3		$	1.7

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES	16.    INCOME TAXES
	The Company's income before provision for income taxes was generated from United States and international operations as follows (in millions):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	791.1		$	215.5		$	140.8
	International, including Puerto Rico		352.9			295.7			247.4
		$	1,144.0		$	511.2		$	388.2
	The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current
	United States:
	Federal	$	341.5		$	42.5		$	87.2
	State and local		23.3			5.7			5.9
	International, including Puerto Rico		34.8			27.9			31.6
	Current income tax expense		399.6			76.1			124.7
	Deferred
	United States:
	Federal		(46.4	)		39.8			(24.9	)
	State and local		(8.1	)		0.8			(2.1	)
	International, including Puerto Rico		(12.2	)		5.4			(1.0	)
	Deferred income tax (benefit) expense		(66.7	)		46			(28.0	)
	Total income tax provision	$	332.9		$	122.1		$	96.7
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Compensation and benefits	$	82.3		$	58.2
	Benefits from uncertain tax positions		41.4			32.6
	Net tax credit carryforwards		32.1			25.1
	Net operating loss carryforwards		31.8			33.6
	Accrued liabilities		25.3			23
	Inventories		11.7			8.7
	Cash flow hedges		—			3.2
	State income taxes		6.8			1.4
	Investments		2.6			2.1
	Other		4.8			1.8
	Total deferred tax assets		238.8			189.7
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Property, plant, and equipment		(25.8	)		(23.6	)
	Cash flow hedges		(11.9	)		—
	Deferred tax on foreign earnings		(4.9	)		(15.6	)
	Inventories		(3.1	)		—
	Other intangible assets		(0.5	)		(1.2	)
	Other		(1.7	)		(1.6	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(47.9	)		(42.0	)
	Valuation allowance		(47.7	)		(46.4	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	143.2		$	101.3
	During 2014, net deferred tax assets increased $41.9 million, including items that were recorded to stockholders' equity and which did not impact the Company's income tax provision.
	The valuation allowance of $47.7 million as of December 31, 2014 reduces certain deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. This allowance primarily relates to the net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards of certain United States and non-United States subsidiaries, and to the deferred tax assets established for impairment losses on certain investments and for certain non-United States credit carryforwards.
	A valuation allowance of $2.6 million has been provided for other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized losses related to certain investments that may not be recognized due to the uncertainty of the ready marketability of certain impaired investments.
	Net operating loss carryforwards and the related carryforward periods at December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows (in millions):
		Carryforward			Tax Benefit			Valuation			Net Tax		Carryforward
		Amount			Amount			Allowance			Benefit		Period Ends
	United States state net operating losses	$	16		$	1		$	(0.8	)	$	0.2		2015-2032
	Non-United States net operating losses		57.5			14.4			(13.8	)		0.6		2015-2023
	Non-United States net operating losses		49			16.6			(16.5	)		0.1		Indefinite
	Total	$	122.5		$	32		$	(31.1	)	$	0.9
	Tax credit carryforwards and the related carryforward periods at December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows (in millions):
		Carryforward			Valuation			Net Tax			Carryforward
		Amount			Allowance			Benefit			Period Ends
	California research expenditure tax credits	$	52.5		$	—		$	52.5			Indefinite
	Puerto Rico purchases credit		13			(13.0	)		—			Indefinite
	Total	$	65.5		$	(13.0	)	$	52.5
The Company has $52.5 million of California research expenditure tax credits it expects to use in future periods. The credits may be carried forward indefinitely. Based upon anticipated future taxable income, the Company expects that it is more likely than not that all California research expenditure tax credits will be utilized, although the utilization of the full benefit is expected to occur over a number of years and into the far distant future. Accordingly, no valuation allowance has been provided.
The United States state net operating loss carryforwards include $2.7 million of losses attributable to windfall stock option deductions. A net benefit of $0.2 million will be recorded to "Additional Paid-in Capital" when realized as a reduction to income taxes payable.
Approximately $7.7 million of the total $52.5 million California research expenditure tax credit carryforwards are attributable to windfall stock option deductions and will be recorded as a benefit to "Additional Paid-in Capital" when realized as a reduction to income taxes payable.
Deferred income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of certain of the Company's foreign subsidiaries of approximately $1,652.8 million as of December 31, 2014 since these amounts are intended to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. It is not practicable to calculate the deferred taxes associated with these earnings because of the variability of multiple factors that would need to be assessed at the time of any assumed repatriation; however, foreign tax credits would likely be available to reduce federal income taxes in the event of distribution. In making this assertion, the Company evaluates, among other factors, the profitability of its United States and foreign operations and the need for cash within and outside the United States, including cash requirements for capital improvement, acquisitions, market expansion, and stock repurchase programs. The Company does not expect any earnings for certain of its foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and records the tax impact in net income currently.
The Company has received tax incentives in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Singapore, and Switzerland. The tax reductions as compared to the local statutory rates favorably impacted earnings per diluted share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 by $0.63, $0.44, and $0.39, respectively. The Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Singapore and Switzerland grants provide the Company's manufacturing operations partial or full exemption from local taxes until the years 2028, 2030 (subject to review beginning in 2015), 2024, and 2015, respectively.
A reconciliation of the United States federal statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate is as follows (in millions):
	Years Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	400.4		$	178.9		$	135.9
Foreign income taxed at different rates		(67.1	)		(60.6	)		(41.5	)
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit		19.3			5.8			3.7
Tax credits, federal and state		(13.5	)		(19.8	)		(4.9	)
Release of reserve for uncertain tax positions for prior years		(4.8	)		(3.9	)		(0.8	)
U.S. tax on foreign earnings, net of credits		(3.1	)		18.9			0.7
Nondeductible stock-based compensation		2.1			2.6			1.9
Other		(0.4	)		0.2			1.7
Income tax provision	$	332.9		$	122.1		$	96.7
The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 included (1) $262.1 million of tax expense associated with a $750.0 million litigation settlement payment received from Medtronic in May 2014 (see Note 4) and (2) $4.8 million of tax benefits from the remeasurement of uncertain tax positions.
The federal research credit expired on December 31, 2011 and was reinstated on January 2, 2013. As a result, the effective income tax rates for the year ended December 31, 2012 was calculated without a benefit for the federal research credit. The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2013 included (1) an $8.4 million benefit for the full year 2012 federal research credit and (2) $31.3 million of tax expense associated with the $83.6 million litigation award received from Medtronic in February 2013 (see Note 4).
Reserve for Uncertain Tax Positions
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions was $192.3 million and $127.7 million, respectively. The Company estimates that these liabilities would be reduced by $34.3 million and $30.9 million, respectively, from offsetting tax benefits associated with the correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, state income taxes, and timing adjustments. The net amounts of $158.0 million and $96.8 million, respectively, if not required, would favorably affect our effective tax rate.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest, penalties, and foreign exchange, is as follows (in millions):
	December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Unrecognized tax benefits, January 1	$	127.7		$	113.6		$	78
Current year tax positions		75.9			17.8			41.7
Increase prior year tax positions		0.6			5.7			2.6
Decrease prior year tax positions		(10.5	)		(9.0	)		(4.3	)
Settlements		(1.0	)		(0.1	)		(4.3	)
Lapse of statutes of limitations		(0.4	)		(0.3	)		(0.1	)
Unrecognized tax benefits, December 31	$	192.3		$	127.7		$	113.6
The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in the provision for income taxes. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had accrued $6.8 million (net of $5.0 million tax benefit) of interest related to uncertain tax positions, and as of December 31, 2013, the Company had accrued $4.5 million (net of $3.3 million tax benefit) of interest related to uncertain tax positions. During 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company recognized interest expense, net of tax benefit, of $2.3 million, $1.4 million, and $1.0 million, respectively, in "Provision for Income Taxes" on the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company strives to resolve open matters with each tax authority at the examination level and could reach agreement with a tax authority at any time. While the Company has accrued for matters it believes are more likely than not to require settlement, the final outcome with a tax authority may result in a tax liability that is more or less than that reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Furthermore, the Company may later decide to challenge any assessments, if made, and may exercise its right to appeal. The uncertain tax positions are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as events occur that affect potential liabilities for additional taxes, such as lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, proposed assessments by tax authorities, negotiations between tax authorities, identification of new issues, and issuance of new legislation, regulations, or case law. Management believes that adequate amounts of tax and related penalty and interest have been provided in income tax expense for any adjustments that may result from these uncertain tax positions.
At December 31, 2014, all material state, local, and foreign income tax matters have been concluded for years through 2008. During the third quarter of 2013, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") completed its fieldwork for the 2009 and 2010 tax years. The case is currently in suspense pending finalization of an Advance Pricing Agreement ("APA") and Joint Committee of Taxation approval. The IRS began its examination of the 2011 and 2012 tax years during the fourth quarter of 2013.
The Company has entered into an APA process between the Switzerland and the United States governments for the years 2009 through 2015 covering transfer pricing matters. These transfer pricing matters are significant to the Company's consolidated financial statements, and the final outcome of the negotiations between the two governments is uncertain.
During 2014, the Company also filed with the IRS a request for a pre-filing agreement associated with a tax return filing position on a portion of the litigation settlement payment received from Medtronic in May 2014 (see Note 4).
Management believes that adequate amounts of tax and related penalty and interest have been provided in income tax expense for any adjustments that may result for our uncertain tax positions. Based upon the information currently available and numerous possible outcomes, the Company cannot reasonably estimate what, if any, changes in its existing uncertain tax positions may occur in the next 12 months and thus has recorded the gross uncertain tax positions as a long-term liability. However, if the APA and/or pre-filing agreement is finalized in the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that these events could result in a significant change in the Company's uncertain tax positions within the next 12 months.

LEGAL_PROCEEDINGS

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	17.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
	Edwards Lifesciences is or may be a party to, or may otherwise be responsible for, pending or threatened lawsuits related primarily to products and services currently or formerly manufactured or performed, as applicable, by Edwards Lifesciences. Such cases and claims raise difficult and complex factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the facts and circumstances of each particular case or claim, the jurisdiction in which each suit is brought, and differences in applicable law. Upon resolution of any such legal matter or other claim, Edwards Lifesciences may incur charges in excess of established reserves. The Company is not able to estimate the amount or range of any loss for legal contingencies for which there is no reserve or additional loss for matters already reserved. While any such charge related to matters could have a material adverse impact on Edwards Lifesciences' net income or cash flows in the period in which it is recorded or paid, management does not believe that any such charge relating to any currently pending lawsuit would have a material adverse effect on Edwards Lifesciences' financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	Edwards Lifesciences is subject to various environmental laws and regulations both within and outside of the United States. The operations of Edwards Lifesciences, like those of other medical device companies, involve the use of substances regulated under environmental laws, primarily in manufacturing and sterilization processes. While it is difficult to quantify the potential impact of continuing compliance with environmental protection laws, management believes that such compliance will not have a material impact on Edwards Lifesciences' financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION
SEGMENT INFORMATION	18.    SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Edwards Lifesciences conducts operations worldwide and is managed in the following geographical regions: United States, Europe, Japan, and Rest of World. All regions sell products that are used to treat advanced cardiovascular disease.
	The Company's geographic segments are reported based on the financial information provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (the Chief Executive Officer). The Company evaluates the performance of its geographic segments based on net sales and income before provision for income taxes ("pre-tax income"). The accounting policies of the segments are substantially the same as those described in Note 2. Segment net sales and segment pre-tax income are based on internally derived standard foreign exchange rates, which may differ from year to year, and do not include inter-segment profits. Because of the interdependence of the reportable segments, the operating profit as presented may not be representative of the geographical distribution that would occur if the segments were not interdependent. Net sales by geographic area are based on the location of the customer.
	Certain items are maintained at the corporate level and are not allocated to the segments. The non-allocated items include net interest expense, global marketing expenses, corporate research and development expenses, manufacturing variances, corporate headquarters costs, special gains and charges, stock-based compensation, foreign currency hedging activities, certain litigation costs, and most of the Company's amortization expense. Although most of the Company's depreciation expense is included in segment pre-tax income, due to the Company's methodology for cost build-up, it is impractical to determine the amount of depreciation expense included in each segment, and, therefore, a portion is maintained at the corporate level. The Company neither discretely allocates assets to its operating segments, nor evaluates the operating segments using discrete asset information.
	The table below presents information about Edwards Lifesciences' reportable segments (in millions):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Segment Net Sales
	United States	$	1,047.3		$	939.6		$	812.1
	Europe		741.4			622.2			577.0
	Japan		270.8			293.7			293.4
	Rest of World		285.1			252.8			236.0
	Total segment net sales	$	2,344.6		$	2,108.3		$	1,918.5
	Segment Pre-tax Income
	United States	$	605.6		$	550.5		$	465.0
	Europe		328.1			287.7			250.9
	Japan		125.2			145.6			153.1
	Rest of World		78.6			68.3			68.8
	Total segment pre-tax income	$	1,137.5		$	1,052.1		$	937.8
	The table below presents reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income (in millions):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net Sales Reconciliation
	Segment net sales	$	2,344.60		$	2,108.30		$	1,918.50
	Foreign currency		(21.7	)		(62.8	)		(18.9	)
	Consolidated net sales	$	2,322.90		$	2,045.50		$	1,899.60
	Pre-tax Income Reconciliation
	Segment pre-tax income	$	1,137.50		$	1,052.10		$	937.8
	Unallocated amounts:
	Corporate items		(659.2	)		(568.5	)		(524.7	)
	Special charges		(70.7	)		(16.3	)		(16.0	)
	Intellectual property income (expense), net		740.4			61.5			(14.4	)
	Interest (expense) income, net		(10.8	)		(5.2	)		0.4
	Foreign currency		6.8			(12.4	)		5.1
	Consolidated pre-tax income	$	1,144.00		$	511.2		$	388.2
	Enterprise-Wide Information
	Enterprise-wide information is based on actual foreign exchange rates used in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
		As of or for the Years Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Net Sales by Geographic Area
	United States	$	1,047.3		$	939.6		$	812.1
	Europe		744.5			616.5			559.7
	Japan		257.9			243.6			294.1
	Rest of World		273.2			245.8			233.7
		$	2,322.9		$	2,045.5		$	1,899.6
	Net Sales by Major Product Area
	Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy	$	943.6		$	707.7		$	552.1
	Surgical Heart Valve Therapy		826.1			801.2			787.5
	Critical Care		553.2			536.6			560.0
		$	2,322.9		$	2,045.5		$	1,899.6
	Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
	United States	$	347.6		$	308.2		$	263.4
	Europe		42.1			40.9			38.8
	Japan		8.5			10.8			13.2
	Rest of World		93.9			97.1			84.2
		$	492.1		$	457.0		$	399.6

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_RESULTS_AN

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS AND MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S STOCK (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS AND MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S STOCK (UNAUDITED)
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS AND MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S STOCK (UNAUDITED)	19.    QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS AND MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S STOCK (UNAUDITED)
	Years Ended December 31,		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year
			(in millions, except per share data)
	2014
	Net sales		$	522.4	$	575.1	$	607.4	$	618.0	$	2,322.9
	Gross profit			376.5		423.9		439.3		457.6		1,697.3
	Net income(a)			60.3		547.0		94.6		109.2		811.1
	Earnings per common share(a):
	Basic			0.57		5.18		0.89		1.02		7.62
	Diluted			0.56		5.09		0.87		1.00		7.48
	Market price:
	High		$	75.62	$	88.19	$	104.69	$	134.29	$	134.29
	Low			63.04		72.79		84.05		97.07		63.04
	2013
	Net sales		$	496.7	$	517.2	$	495.6	$	536.0	$	2,045.5
	Gross profit			375.7		393.6		367.4		392.2		1,528.9
	Net income(b)			143.9		93.3		76.8		75.1		389.1
	Earnings per common share(b):
	Basic			1.26		0.83		0.69		0.69		3.48
	Diluted			1.24		0.81		0.68		0.68		3.42
	Market price:
	High		$	94.98	$	86.11	$	73.73	$	78.89	$	94.98
	Low			78.10		62.34		65.03		60.62		60.62
	(a)	The first quarter of 2014 includes a $7.5 million charge to settle past and future obligations related to one of the Company's intellectual property agreements; a $15.6 million charge to record a sales returns reserve and related costs for estimated Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy product returns expected upon introduction of next-generation Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy products; and $5.5 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.
		The second quarter of 2014 includes a $750.0 million gain for an upfront payment received under a litigation settlement agreement; a $50.0 million charge for the contribution to the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation; a $6.1 million charge to increase the Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy sales returns reserve; and $2.6 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.
		The third quarter of 2014 includes a $16.0 million gain for the reversal of the Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy sales returns reserve upon delivery of next-generation products and a $5.0 million charge related to the write down of an intangible asset, fixed assets, and inventory, and to record severance costs related to the Company's automated glucose monitoring program.
		The fourth quarter of 2014 includes a $10.2 million charge related to the acquisition of IPR&D and a $3.5 million gain for the reversal of the Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy sales returns reserve.
	(b)		The first quarter of 2013 includes $83.6 million received in satisfaction of a jury award of damages for infringement of the Company's U.S. Andersen transcatheter heart valve patent, including interest; and $5.5 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.
	The second quarter of 2013 includes $5.5 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.
	The third quarter of 2013 includes $4.3 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.
	The fourth quarter of 2013 includes a $15.2 million charge to record a sales returns reserve and related costs for estimated Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy product returns expected upon introduction of next-generation Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy products; a $10.4 million charge related primarily to severance associated with a global workforce realignment; a $5.9 million charge to write off certain acquired IPR&D assets; and $6.8 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.

VALUATION_AND_QUALIFYING_ACCOU

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	20.    VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
					Additions
			Balance at		Charged to		Charged to		Deductions			Balance at
			Beginning		Costs and		Other		From			End of
			of Period		Expenses		Accounts		Reserves			Period
			(in millions)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)		$	12.2	$	0.8	$	—	$	(1.7	)	$	11.3
	Inventory reserves(b)			29.6		43.2		—		(40.6	)		32.2
	Tax valuation allowance(c)			46.4		2		—		(0.7	)		47.7
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)		$	12	$	2.4	$	—	$	(2.2	)	$	12.2
	Inventory reserves(b)			16.3		27.5		—		(14.2	)		29.6
	Tax valuation allowance(c)			38.6		8.2		—		(0.4	)		46.4
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)		$	19	$	3	$	0.4	$	(10.4	)	$	12
	Inventory reserves(b)			12.9		21.8		—		(18.4	)		16.3
	Tax valuation allowance(c)			32.4		3.1		5.2		(2.1	)		38.6
	(a)	The deductions related to allowances for doubtful accounts represent accounts receivable which are written off and product which is returned from customers.
	(b)	Inventory reserves result from inventory which is obsolete, nearing its expiration date, damaged, or slow moving. The deductions related to inventory reserves represent inventory that has been disposed.
	(c)	The tax valuation allowances are provided for other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized losses related to certain investments that may not be recognized due to the uncertainty of the ready marketability of certain impaired investments, and net operating loss and credit carryforwards that may not be recognized due to insufficient taxable income.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Edwards Lifesciences and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company reviews its investments in other entities to determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The Company would be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, and would be required to consolidate the VIE, if it has the power to direct the significant activities of the entity and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the entity that may be significant to the VIE. Based on the Company's analysis, it determined it is not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs; however, future events may require VIEs to be consolidated if the Company becomes the primary beneficiary.
Reclassifications	Due to the Company's change in accounting principle (see Note 3), certain legal costs previously reported on the consolidated statements of operations in "Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses" and "Special Charges" have been reclassed to "Intellectual Property Litigation (Income) Expense, net" to conform to the current year presentation. In addition, certain reclassifications related to the presentation of income taxes and special charges have been made in the prior years' consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net income or on the cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The consolidated financial statements of Edwards Lifesciences have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") which have been applied consistently in all material respects. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	When the local currency of the Company's foreign entities is the functional currency, all assets and liabilities are translated into United States dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the weighted-average exchange rate prevailing during the period. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments for these entities are deferred and reported in stockholders' equity as a component of "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss." The effects of foreign currency transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity's functional currency are included in "Other Expense, net."
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. Revenue is considered realized or realizable and earned upon delivery of the product, provided that an agreement of sale exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. In the case of certain products where the Company maintains consigned inventory at customer locations, revenue is recognized at the time the customer has used the inventory.
	The Company's principal sales terms provide for title and risk of loss transferring upon delivery to the customer, limited right of return, and no unusual provisions or conditions. When the Company recognizes revenue from the sale of its products, an estimate of various sales returns and allowances is recorded which reduces product sales and accounts receivable. These adjustments include estimates for rebates, returns, and other sales allowances. These provisions are estimated and recorded at the time of sale based upon historical payment experience, historical relationship to revenues, estimated customer inventory levels, and current contract sales terms with direct and indirect customers. Other than in limited circumstances, product returns are not significant because returns are generally not allowed unless the product is damaged at time of receipt. In addition, the Company may allow customers to return previously purchased products for next-generation product offerings. For these transactions, the Company defers recognition of revenue on the sale of the earlier generation product based upon an estimate of the amount of product to be returned when the next-generation products are shipped to the customer.
	The Company's sales adjustment related to distributor rebates given to the Company's United States distributors represents the difference between the Company's sales price to the distributor (at the Company's distributor "list price") and the negotiated price to be paid by the end-customer. This distributor rebate is recorded by the Company as a reduction to sales and a reduction to the distributor's accounts receivable at the time of sale to a distributor. The Company validates the distributor rebate accrual quarterly through either a review of the inventory reports obtained from its distributors or an estimate of its distributor's inventory. This distributor inventory information is used to verify the estimated liability for future distributor rebate claims based on historical rebates and contract rates. The Company periodically monitors current pricing trends and distributor inventory levels to ensure the credit for future distributor rebates is fairly stated.
	The Company also offers volume rebates to certain group purchasing organizations ("GPOs") and customers based upon target sales levels. For volume rebates offered to GPOs, the rebates are recorded as a reduction to sales and an obligation to the GPO, as the Company expects to pay in cash. For volume rebates offered to customers, the rebates are recorded as a reduction to sales and accounts receivable, as the Company expects a net payment from the customer. The provision for volume rebates is estimated based on customers' contracted rebate programs and historical experience of rebates paid. The Company periodically monitors its customer rebate programs to ensure that the allowance and liability for accrued rebates is fairly stated.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs
	Shipping costs, which are costs incurred to physically move product from the Company's premises to the customer's premises, are included in "Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses." Handling costs, which are costs incurred to store, move, and prepare products for shipment, are included in "Cost of Sales." For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, shipping costs of $60.5 million, $56.6 million, and $54.9 million, respectively, were included in "Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses."
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These investments are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
Investments	Investments
	The Company invests its excess cash in fixed-rate debt securities, including time deposits, commercial paper, U.S. government and agency securities, municipal securities, asset-backed securities, corporate debt securities, and municipal securities. Investments with maturities of one year or less are classified as short-term, and investments with maturities greater than one year are classified as long-term. Investments that the Company has the ability and intent to hold until maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost. Investments that are classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss." The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments in fixed-rate debt securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation at each balance sheet date.
	The Company also has long-term equity investments in companies that are in various stages of development. Certain of these investments are designated as available-for-sale. Other investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for under the cost or the equity method of accounting, as appropriate. The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships or limited liability corporations, whereby the Company owns a minimum of 5% of the investee's outstanding voting stock, under the equity method of accounting. These investments are recorded at the amount of the Company's investment and adjusted each period for the Company's share of the investee's income or loss and dividends paid. As investments accounted for under the cost method do not have readily determinable fair values, the Company only estimates fair value if there are identified events or changes in circumstances that could have a significant adverse effect on the investment's fair value.
	Realized gains and losses on investments that are sold are determined using the specific identification method and recorded to "Other Expense, net." Income relating to investments in fixed-rate debt securities is recorded to "Interest Income."
	The Company periodically reviews its investments for impairment. When the fair value of an investment declines below cost, management uses the following criteria to determine if such a decline should be considered other-than-temporary and result in a recognized loss:
	•	the duration and extent to which the market value has been less than cost;
	•	the financial condition and near term prospects of the investee/issuer;
	•	the reasons for the decline in market value;
	•	the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value; and
	•	the investee's performance against product development milestones.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company records allowances for doubtful accounts based on customer-specific analysis and general matters such as current assessments of past due balances and economic conditions. When evaluating its allowances for doubtful accounts related to receivables from customers in certain European countries that have historically paid beyond the stated terms, the Company's analysis considers a number of factors including evidence of the customer's ability to comply with credit terms, economic conditions, and procedures implemented by the Company to collect the historical receivables. Additional allowances for doubtful accounts may be required if there is deterioration in past due balances, if economic conditions are less favorable than the Company has anticipated, or for customer-specific circumstances, such as financial difficulty. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $11.3 million and $12.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market value. Market value for raw materials is based on replacement costs, and for other inventory classifications is based on net realizable value.
	A write-down for excess or inactive inventory is recorded for inventory which is obsolete, nearing its expiration date (generally triggered at six months prior to expiration), is damaged, or slow moving (generally defined as quantities in excess of a two-year supply). The allowance for excess and obsolete inventory was $32.2 million and $29.6 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company allocates to inventory general and administrative costs that are related to the production process. These costs include insurance, manufacturing accounting personnel, human resources personnel, and information technology. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company allocated $29.1 million, $25.9 million, and $26.2 million, respectively, of general and administrative costs to inventory. General and administrative costs included in inventory at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $17.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, approximately $46.2 million and $40.0 million, respectively, of the Company's finished goods inventories were held on consignment.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant, and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is principally calculated for financial reporting purposes on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, from 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment, and from 3 to 10 years for software. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related facility leases or the asset, whichever is shorter. Straight-line and accelerated methods of depreciation are used for income tax purposes.
	Depreciation expense for property, plant, and equipment was $57.5 million, $53.1 million, and $44.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Repairs and maintenance expense was $25.9 million, $21.7 million, and $20.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Impairment of Goodwill and Long-lived Assets	Impairment of Goodwill and Long-lived Assets
	Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. The Company identifies its reporting units and determines the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including existing goodwill, to those reporting units. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated based on the Company's market capitalization and a market revenue multiple. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the Company measures the amount of the impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value. In 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company did not record any impairment loss as the fair value of each reporting unit significantly exceeded its respective carrying value.
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets relate to in-process research and development ("IPR&D") acquired in business combinations. The estimated fair values of IPR&D projects acquired in a business combination which have not reached technological feasibility are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of the projects. Upon successful completion of the project, the capitalized amount is amortized over its estimated useful life. If the project is abandoned, all remaining capitalized amounts are written off immediately. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually, or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized when the asset's carrying value exceeds its fair value. IPR&D projects acquired in an asset acquisition are expensed unless the project has an alternative future use.
	Management reviews the carrying amounts of other finite-lived intangible assets and long-lived tangible assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators include, among other conditions, cash flow deficits, historic or anticipated declines in revenue or operating profit, and adverse legal or regulatory developments. If it is determined that such indicators are present and the review indicates that the assets will not be fully recoverable, based on undiscounted estimated cash flows over the remaining amortization periods, their carrying values are reduced to estimated fair market value. Estimated fair market value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. For the purposes of identifying and measuring impairment, long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns. The Company evaluates quarterly the realizability of its deferred tax assets by assessing its valuation allowance and adjusting the amount, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization are both historical experience and the Company's forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. Failure to achieve forecasted taxable income in the applicable taxing jurisdictions could affect the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets and could result in an increase in the Company's effective tax rate on future earnings.
	When assessing whether a windfall tax benefit relating to stock-based compensation has been realized, the Company follows the with and without approach, under which the windfall benefit is recognized only if an incremental benefit is provided after considering all other tax attributes presently available to the Company. Consideration is given only to the direct impacts of stock awards when calculating the amount of windfalls and shortfalls.
	The Company is subject to income taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company's uncertain tax positions and determining its provision for income taxes. The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that a position would more likely than not be sustained based upon its technical merit if challenged by the relevant taxing authority and taken by management to the court of last resort. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the relevant tax authority. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs are charged to expense when incurred.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during a period. Employee equity share options, nonvested shares, and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common shares in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted shares outstanding include the dilutive effect of restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, and in-the-money options. The dilutive impact of the restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, and in-the-money options is calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount that the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation expense for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in "Additional Paid-in Capital" when the award becomes deductible are assumed to be used to repurchase shares. Potential common share equivalents have been excluded where their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
	The table below presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except for per share information):
			Years ended December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Basic:
	Net income		$	811.1	$	389.1	$	291.5
	Weighted-average shares outstanding			106.5		111.7		114.9
	Basic earnings per share		$	7.62	$	3.48	$	2.54
	Diluted:
	Net income		$	811.1	$	389.1	$	291.5
	Weighted-average shares outstanding			106.5		111.7		114.9
	Dilutive effect of stock plans			2.0		2.1		3.4
	Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding			108.5		113.8		118.3
	Diluted earnings per share		$	7.48	$	3.42	$	2.46
	Stock options, restricted stock units, and market-based restricted stock units to purchase approximately 2.4 million, 3.3 million, and 1.7 million shares for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation
	The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all stock-based awards based on estimated fair values. Stock-based awards consist of stock options, restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, and employee stock purchase subscriptions. Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period (vesting period) on a straight-line basis. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock units and market-based restricted stock units, the Company issues common stock.
	Total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was as follows (in millions):
			December 31,
			2014		2013		2012
	Cost of sales		$	6.1	$	5.9	$	5.0
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses			34.9		34.7		31.2
	Research and development expenses			7.3		6.8		5.9
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	48.3	$	47.4	$	42.1
	Upon retirement, all unvested stock options are immediately forfeited. In addition, upon retirement, a participant will immediately vest in 25% of restricted stock units for each full year of employment with the Company measured from the grant date. All remaining unvested restricted stock units are immediately forfeited. For market-based restricted stock units, upon retirement and in certain other specified cases, a participant will receive a pro-rated portion of the shares that would ultimately be issued based on attainment of the performance goals as determined on the vesting date. The pro-rated portion is based on the participant's whole months of service with the Company during the performance period prior to the date of termination.
Derivatives	Derivatives
	The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate and foreign currency risks. It is the Company's policy not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The Company uses interest rate swaps to convert a portion of its fixed-rate debt into variable-rate debt. These interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges and meet the shortcut method requirements under the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging. Accordingly, changes in the fair values of the interest rate swaps are considered to exactly offset changes in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt. The Company uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the changes due to currency rate movements in the amount of future cash flows associated with intercompany transactions and certain third-party expenses expected to occur within the next 13 months. These foreign currency forward exchange contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. Certain of the Company's locations have assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies resulting from intercompany and third-party transactions. The Company uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to offset the transaction gains and losses associated with certain of these assets and liabilities. All foreign currency forward exchange contracts are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries, principally the Euro and the Japanese yen.
	All derivative financial instruments are recognized at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. For each derivative instrument that is designated and effective as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized immediately to earnings, and offsets the loss or gain on the underlying hedged item. The gain or loss on fair value hedges is classified in net interest expense, as they hedge the interest rate risk associated with the Company's fixed-rate debt. The Company reports in "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" the effective portion of the gain or loss on derivative financial instruments that are designated, and that qualify, as cash flow hedges. The Company reclassifies these gains and losses into earnings in the same period in which the underlying hedged transactions affect earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness (which represents the amount by which the changes in fair value of the derivative exceed the variability in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction) is recorded in current period earnings. During 2014, 2013, and 2012, the Company did not record any gains or losses due to hedge ineffectiveness. The gains and losses on derivative financial instruments for which the Company does not elect hedge accounting treatment are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in each period based upon the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument. Cash flows from derivative financial instruments are reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	Derivative financial instruments involve credit risk in the event the counterparty should default. It is the Company's policy to execute such instruments with global financial institutions that the Company believes to be creditworthy. The Company diversifies its derivative financial instruments among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. The Company also uses International Swap Dealers Association master-netting agreements. Under the master-netting agreements, the Company's counterparty settlement risk is the net amount of any receipts or payments due between the Company and the counterparty financial institution.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on income taxes impacting the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. The guidance requires an entity to net its unrecognized tax benefits against the deferred tax assets for all same jurisdiction net operating loss or similar tax loss carryforwards, or tax credit carryforwards. The guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
	New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an update to the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. The new guidance provides a comprehensive, principles-based approach to revenue recognition, and supersedes most previous revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires improved disclosures on the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods therein. The new guidance can be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of the change recognized at the date of the initial application. The Company is currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, and has not yet selected a transition method.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	The table below presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except for per share information):
		Years ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Basic:
	Net income	$	811.1	$	389.1	$	291.5
	Weighted-average shares outstanding		106.5		111.7		114.9
	Basic earnings per share	$	7.62	$	3.48	$	2.54
	Diluted:
	Net income	$	811.1	$	389.1	$	291.5
	Weighted-average shares outstanding		106.5		111.7		114.9
	Dilutive effect of stock plans		2.0		2.1		3.4
	Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding		108.5		113.8		118.3
	Diluted earnings per share	$	7.48	$	3.42	$	2.46
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	Total stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was as follows (in millions):
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
	Cost of sales	$	6.1	$	5.9	$	5.0
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses		34.9		34.7		31.2
	Research and development expenses		7.3		6.8		5.9
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	48.3	$	47.4	$	42.1

CHANGE_IN_ACCOUNTING_PRINCIPLE1

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE
Schedule of effects of retrospective application of change in accounting principle	The following tables present the effects of the retrospective application of the change in accounting principle (in millions):
			As of December 31, 2013
	Consolidated Balance Sheet		As Reported			As Adjusted
	Other intangible assets, net		$	57.2		$	33.5
	Deferred income taxes			70.1			79.0
	Total assets			2,724.7			2,709.9
	Retained earnings			2,045.6			2,030.8
	Total stockholders' equity			1,559.2			1,544.4
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity			2,724.7			2,709.9
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013						2012
	Consolidated Statement of Operations		As Reported			As Adjusted			As Reported		As Adjusted
	Cost of sales		$	522.4		$	516.6		$	494.6	$	491
	Gross profit			1,523.10			1,528.90			1,405.00		1,408.60
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses(a)			745.6			733.4			705.3		697.4
	Intellectual property litigation (income) expense, net(a)			—			(61.5	)		—		14.4
	Special (gains) charges(a)			(67.3	)		16.3			16		16
	Income before provision for income taxes			515.3			511.2			391.1		388.2
	Provision for income taxes			123.6			122.1			97.9		96.7
	Net income			391.7			389.1			293.2		291.5
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$	3.51		$	3.48		$	2.55	$	2.54
	Diluted		$	3.44		$	3.42		$	2.48	$	2.46
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013						2012
	Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income		As Reported			As Adjusted			As Reported		As Adjusted
	Net income		$	391.7		$	389.1		$	293.2	$	291.5
	Comprehensive income			402.0			399.4			292.8		291.1
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013						2012
	Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows		As Reported			As Adjusted			As Reported		As Adjusted
	Net income		$	391.7		$	389.1		$	293.2	$	291.5
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization			68.7			62.9			57.3		53.7
	Deferred income taxes(a)			0.1			(12.4	)		8.1		(26.4	)
	Other			3.2			6.7			3.9		3.2
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			4.6			(6.3	)		12.8		1.6
	Other			2.5			13.9			5		11.4
	(a)	The above amounts also reflect certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts to conform to classifications used in the current year. See Note 2 for further information.

INTELLECTUAL_PROPERTY_LITIGATI1

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET
Schedule of allocation of consideration to identifiable elements of settlement agreement
	The consideration assigned to each element was as follows (in millions):
	Past damages	$	754.3
	License agreement		238.0
	Covenant not to sue		77.7
	Total	$	1,070.0

SPECIAL_CHARGES_Tables

SPECIAL CHARGES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SPECIAL CHARGES
Schedule of special charges
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in millions)
	Charitable foundation contribution	$	50.0	$	—	$	—
	Acquisition of IPR&D		10.2		—		—
	Settlement		7.5		—		—
	Asset write-down		3.0		—		—
	Realignment expenses		—		10.4		9.0
	IPR&D impairment		—		5.9		—
	Licensing of intellectual property		—		—		7.0
	Total special charges	$	70.7	$	16.3	$	16.0

COMPOSITION_OF_CERTAIN_FINANCI1

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS
Components of selected captions in consolidated balance sheets	Components of selected captions in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31 are as follows:
			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in millions)
	Accounts receivable, net(a)
	Trade accounts receivable		$	293.1		$	307.9
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			(5.1	)		(5.4	)
			$	288		$	302.5
	Inventories
	Raw materials		$	67.4		$	57.8
	Work in process			59.3			82.2
	Finished products			170.1			168.9
			$	296.8		$	308.9
	Property, plant, and equipment, net
	Land		$	25.4		$	21.6
	Buildings and leasehold improvements			270.6			268.2
	Machinery and equipment			320.8			307.6
	Equipment with customers			41			40.2
	Software			99.6			99.2
	Construction in progress			50.9			27.9
				808.3			764.7
	Accumulated depreciation			(365.4	)		(343.1	)
			$	442.9		$	421.6
	Long-term accounts receivable, net(a)
	Long-term trade accounts receivable		$	12		$	14.1
	Allowance for doubtful accounts			(6.2	)		(6.8	)
			$	5.8		$	7.3
	Accrued and other liabilities
	Employee compensation and withholdings		$	190.5		$	101.1
	Clinical trial accruals			36.6			37.2
	Property, payroll and other taxes			32.7			31.6
	Accrued rebates			11.7			15
	Taxes payable			9.1			7.1
	Deferred income taxes			8.3			7.2
	Realignment reserves			7.7			9.5
	Litigation reserves (Note 17)			4.4			4.5
	Fair value of derivatives			2.6			13.1
	Other accrued liabilities			72.6			70.9
			$	376.2		$	297.2
	(a)	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company's accounts receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, from customers in certain European countries were $69.7 million and $104.7 million, respectively. Balances from customers located in these countries that are expected to be collected beyond one year have been discounted to present value based on the estimated collection date.

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INVESTMENTS
Schedule of investments in debt securities	Investments in debt securities at the end of each period were as follows (in millions):
		December 31, 2014											December 31, 2013
	Held-to-maturity	Cost			Gross			Gross			Fair		Cost		Gross		Gross		Fair
					Unrealized			Unrealized			Value				Unrealized		Unrealized		Value
					Gains			Losses							Gains		Losses
	Bank time deposits	$	661.5		$	—		$	—		$	661.5	$	516.5	$	—	$	—	$	516.5
	Commercial paper		80			—			—			80		—		—		—		—
	U.S. government and agency securities		58.9			0.1			(0.1	)		58.9		—		—		—		—
	Asset-backed securities		8.2			—			—			8.2		—		—		—		—
	Corporate debt securities		24.7			—			—			24.7		—		—		—		—
	Municipal securities		6.1			—			—			6.1		—		—		—		—
	Total	$	839.4		$	0.1		$	(0.1	)	$	839.4	$	516.5	$	—	$	—	$	516.5
	Available-for-sale
	Commercial paper	$	13		$	—		$	—		$	13	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government and agency securities		1			—			—			1		—		—		—		—
	Asset-backed securities		42.9			—			—			42.9		—		—		—		—
	Corporate debt securities		103.6			—			(0.4	)		103.2		—		—		—		—
	Total	$	160.5		$	—		$	(0.4	)	$	160.1	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Schedule of cost and fair value of investments in debt securities, by contractual maturity	The cost and fair value of investments in debt securities, by contractual maturity, as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Held-to-Maturity						Available-for-Sale
		Cost			Fair Value			Cost			Fair Value
		(in millions)
	Due in 1 year or less	$	767.1		$	767.1		$	17.9		$	17.9
	Due after 1 year through 5 years		49.2			49.2			99.7			99.3
	Instruments not due at a single maturity date		23.1			23.1			42.9			42.9
		$	839.4		$	839.4		$	160.5		$	160.1
Schedule of investments in unconsolidated affiliates
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Available-for-sale investments
	Cost	$	—		$	0.4
	Unrealized gains		0.4			0.4
	Fair value of available-for-sale investments		0.4			0.8
	Equity method investments
	Cost		12.8			14.1
	Equity in losses		(3.5	)		(2.7	)
	Carrying value of equity method investments		9.3			11.4
	Cost method investments
	Carrying value of cost method investments		16.7			9.7
	Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$	26.4		$	21.9

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Changes in carrying amount of goodwill by segment
		United		Europe			Total
		States
		(in millions)
	Goodwill at December 31, 2012	$	308.3	$	76.4		$	384.7
	Currency translation adjustment		—		0.7			0.7
	Goodwill at December 31, 2013		308.3		77.1			385.4
	Currency translation adjustment		—		(9.4	)		(9.4	)
	Goodwill at December 31, 2014	$	308.3	$	67.7		$	376
Schedule of other intangible assets	Other intangible assets consist of the following (in millions):
		December 31,
		2014								2013
		Cost		Accumulated			Net			Cost		Accumulated			Net
				Amortization			Carrying					Amortization			Carrying
							Value								Value
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Patents	$	181.1	$	(168.6	)	$	12.5		$	181.6	$	(163.5	)	$	18.1
	Developed technology		45.6		(36.7	)		8.9			43.3		(35.1	)		8.2
	Other		10.4		(8.4	)		2			10.7		(8.1	)		2.6
			237.1		(213.7	)		23.4			235.6		(206.7	)		28.9
	Unamortizable intangible assets
	IPR&D		—		—			—			4.6		—			4.6
		$	237.1	$	(213.7	)	$	23.4		$	240.2	$	(206.7	)	$	33.5
Schedule of estimated amortization expense	. Estimated amortization expense for each of the years ending December 31 is as follows (in millions):
	2015	$	7.3
	2016		7.2
	2017		6.6
	2018		1.3
	2019		0.8

DEBT_CREDIT_FACILITIES_AND_LEA1

DEBT, CREDIT FACILITIES AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DEBT, CREDIT FACILITIES AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS
Summary of Notes
		December 31,
		2014						2013
		Amount			Effective			Amount			Effective
					Interest Rate						Interest Rate
	Fixed-rate 2.875% notes due October 15, 2018	$	600			2.983	%	$	600			2.983	%
	Unamortized discount		(2.3	)					(2.9	)
	Hedge accounting fair value adjustments (see Note 11)		0.4						(4.0	)
	Total carrying amount	$	598.1					$	593.1
Future minimum lease payments (including interest) under non-cancelable operating leases and aggregate debt maturities	Future minimum lease payments (including interest) under non-cancelable operating leases and aggregate debt maturities at December 31, 2014 were as follows (in millions):
		Operating			Aggregate
		Leases			Debt
					Maturities
	2015	$	20.6		$	—
	2016		16.4			—
	2017		11.3			—
	2018		8.0			600.0
	2019		5.6			—
	Thereafter		18.5			—
	Total obligations and commitments	$	80.4		$	600.0

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Summary of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table summarizes the Company's financial instruments which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
	December 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Cash equivalents	$	32.6	$	12.0	$	—	$	44.6
	Available-for-sale investments:
	Corporate debt securities		—		103.2		—		103.2
	Asset-backed securities		—		42.9		—		42.9
	U.S. government and agency securities		—		1.0		—		1.0
	Commercial paper		—		13.0		—		13.0
	Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates		0.4		—		—		0.4
	Investments held for deferred compensation plan		28.2		—		—		28.2
	Derivatives		—		50.7		—		50.7
		$	61.2	$	222.8	$	—	$	284.0
	Liabilities
	Derivatives	$	—	$	2.6	$	—	$	2.6
	Deferred compensation plan		28.7		—		—		28.7
		$	28.7	$	2.6	$	—	$	31.3
	December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Investments held for deferred compensation plan	$	15.1	$	—	$	—	$	15.1
	Available-for-sale investments:
	Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates		0.8		—		—		0.8
	Derivatives		—		13.8		—		13.8
		$	15.9	$	13.8	$	—	$	29.7
	Liabilities
	Derivatives	$	—	$	17.2	$	—	$	17.2
	Deferred compensation plan		15.5		—		—		15.5
		$	15.5	$	17.2	$	—	$	32.7

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Summary of derivative financial instruments used to manage currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk
		Notional Amount
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in millions)
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts	$	761.2		$	805.5
	Interest rate swap agreements		300.0			300.0
	Foreign currency option contracts		9.2			—
Schedule of location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported in consolidated balance sheets	The following table presents the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
				Fair Value
		Balance Sheet Location		December 31,			December 31,
				2014			2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
	Assets
	Foreign currency contracts	Other current assets		$	45.2		$	13.8
	Interest rate swap agreements	Other assets		$	0.4		$	—
	Liabilities
	Foreign currency contracts	Accrued and other liabilities		$	2.6		$	13.2
	Interest rate swap agreements	Other long-term liabilities		$	—		$	4.0
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Assets
	Foreign currency contracts	Other assets		$	5.1		$	—
Schedule of effect of master-netting agreements and rights of offset on consolidated balance sheets	The following table presents the effect of master-netting agreements and rights of offset on the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
											Gross Amounts
											Not Offset in
											the Consolidated
					Gross Amounts			Net Amounts			Balance Sheet
					Offset in the			Presented in the
					Consolidated			Consolidated
	December 31, 2014	Gross			Balance Sheet			Balance Sheet			Financial			Cash		Net
		Amounts									Instruments			Collateral		Amount
														Received
	Derivative Assets
	Foreign currency contracts	$	50.3		$	—		$	50.3		$	(2.6	)	$	—	$	47.7
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	0.4		$	—		$	0.4		$	—		$	—	$	0.4
	Derivative Liabilities
	Foreign currency contracts	$	2.6		$	—		$	2.6		$	(2.6	)	$	—	$	—
	December 31, 2013
	Derivative Assets
	Foreign currency contracts	$	13.8		$	—		$	13.8		$	(9.5	)	$	—	$	4.3
	Derivative Liabilities
	Foreign currency contracts	$	13.2		$	—		$	13.2		$	(9.5	)	$	—	$	3.7
	Interest rate swap agreements	$	4		$	—		$	4		$	—		$	—	$	4
Schedule of effect of derivative instruments on consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of comprehensive income	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of comprehensive income (in millions):
		Amount of								Amount of
		Gain or (Loss)								Gain or (Loss)
		Recognized in								Reclassified
		OCI on								from
		Derivative								Accumulated
		(Effective								OCI into
		Portion)						Location of Gain or		Income
								(Loss) Reclassified
								from Accumulated
		2014			2013			OCI into Income		2014			2013
	Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships
	Foreign currency contracts	$	54.3		$	16.3		Cost of sales		$	7.6		$	21.5
				Amount of Gain or
				(Loss) Recognized in
		Location of Gain or		Income on Derivative
		(Loss) Recognized in
		Income on Derivative		2014			2013			2012
	Derivatives in fair value hedging relationships
	Interest rate swap agreements	Interest expense		$	4.4		$	(4.0	)	$	—
				Amount of Gain or
				(Loss) Recognized in
		Location of Gain or		Income on Derivative
		(Loss) Recognized in
		Income on Derivative		2014			2013			2012
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
	Foreign currency contracts	Other expense, net		$	13.7		$	18.4		$	4.4

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Information regarding defined benefit pension plans	Information regarding the Company's defined benefit pension plans is as follows (in millions):
		Years Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Beginning of year	$	111.2		$	108
	Service cost		6.3			7.6
	Interest cost		2.2			2
	Participant contributions		1.9			1.9
	Actuarial loss (gain)		12			(5.6	)
	Benefits paid		0.3			—
	Plan amendment		(1.0	)		—
	Currency exchange rate changes and other		(9.8	)		(2.7	)
	End of year	$	123.1		$	111.2
	Change in fair value of plan assets:
	Beginning of year	$	68.5		$	57.2
	Actual return on plan assets		4.2			4.4
	Employer contributions		5			6.7
	Participant contributions		1.9			1.9
	Benefits paid		0.3			—
	Currency exchange rate changes and other		(6.1	)		(1.7	)
	End of year	$	73.8		$	68.5
	Funded Status
	Projected benefit obligation	$	(123.1	)	$	(111.2	)
	Plan assets at fair value		73.8			68.5
	Underfunded status	$	(49.3	)	$	(42.7	)
	Net amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet:
	Other long-term liabilities	$	49.3		$	42.7
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
	Net actuarial loss	$	(24.1	)	$	(16.7	)
	Net prior service credit		2.6			2.1
	Deferred income tax benefit		4.7			3.4
	Total	$	(16.8	)	$	(11.2	)
Components of net periodic benefit cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows (in millions):
		Years Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Service cost, net	$	6.3		$	7.6		$	7.2
	Interest cost		2.2			2			2.3
	Expected return on plan assets		(1.6	)		(1.2	)		(1.4	)
	Curtailment gain		—			—			(0.2	)
	Amortization of actuarial loss		0.5			1.3			0.8
	Amortization of prior service credit		(0.3	)		(0.3	)		(0.3	)
	Amortization of transition obligation		—			—			0.1
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	7.1		$	9.4		$	8.5
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Discount rate		1.4	%		2.2	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.0	%		3.1	%
	Social securities increase		1.6	%		1.8	%
	Pension increase		2.0	%		2.0	%
	The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
		Years ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate		2.2	%		1.9	%		2.5	%
	Expected return on plan assets		2.6	%		2.1	%		2.6	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.1	%		3.1	%		3.1	%
	Social securities increase		1.8	%		1.8	%		1.8	%
	Pension increase		2.0	%		2.0	%		2.0	%
Schedule of target weighted-average asset allocations and fair values of defined benefit pension plan assets	Target weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2014, by asset category, are as follows:
	Insurance contracts		80.7	%
	Equity securities		10.4	%
	Debt securities		8.9	%
	Total		100.0	%
	The fair values of the Company's defined benefit plan assets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, by asset category, are as follows (in millions):
	December 31, 2014	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Asset Category
	Cash	$	0.5		$	—		$	—		$	0.5
	Equity securities:
	United States equities		2.8			—			—			2.8
	International equities		6.8			—			—			6.8
	Debt securities:
	United States government bonds		0.6			—			—			0.6
	International government bonds		4.7			—			—			4.7
	Insurance contracts		—			—			58.4			58.4
		$	15.4		$	—		$	58.4		$	73.8
	December 31, 2013
	Asset Category
	Cash	$	0.8		$	—		$	—		$	0.8
	Equity securities:
	United States equities		2.1			—			—			2.1
	International equities		5.9			—			—			5.9
	Debt securities:
	United States government bonds		0.6			—			—			0.6
	International government bonds		4.5			—			—			4.5
	Insurance contracts		—			—			54.6			54.6
		$	13.9		$	—		$	54.6		$	68.5
Summary of changes in fair value of defined benefit plan assets classified as Level 3	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the Company's defined benefit plan assets that have been classified as Level 3 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in millions):
		Insurance
		Contracts
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	45.7
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at December 31, 2013		0.9
	Relating to assets sold during 2013		0.1
	Purchases, sales and settlements		6.9
	Currency exchange rate impact		1
	Balance at December 31, 2013		54.6
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Relating to assets still held at December 31, 2014		3
	Purchases, sales and settlements		4.9
	Currency exchange rate impact		(4.1	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	58.4
Schedule of expected benefit payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, at December 31, 2014, are expected to be paid (in millions):
	2015	$	3.7
	2016		5.5
	2017		4.2
	2018		4.2
	2019		4.1
	2020-2024		32.3

COMMON_STOCK_Tables

COMMON STOCK (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
COMMON STOCK
Summary of terms of ASR agreements	The following table summarizes the terms of the ASR agreements (dollars and shares in millions, except per-share data):
						Initial Delivery
															Final Settlement
												Value of
												Shares as %
												of Contract
	Agreement Date		Amount			Shares			Price per			Value			Settlement	Total Shares		Average Price
			Paid			Received			Share						Date	Received		per Share
	Feb-12		$	54.0			0.6		$	72.40			80	%	May-12		0.7	$	75.12
	May-12		$	50.0			0.5		$	84.81			80	%	Aug-12		0.5	$	97.50
	Nov-12		$	100.0			1.1		$	85.73			90	%	Feb-13		1.2	$	88.93
	Aug-13		$	250.0			3.1		$	72.39			90	%	Oct-13		3.5	$	71.24
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions for options granted
			2014			2013			2012
	Average risk-free interest rate			1.5	%		0.8	%		0.7	%
	Expected dividend yield			None			None			None
	Expected volatility			31	%		31	%		31	%
	Expected life (years)			4.6			4.6			4.6
	Fair value, per share		$	23.50		$	19.47		$	23.93
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions for ESPP subscriptions granted
			2014			2013			2012
	Average risk-free interest rate			0.1	%		0.1	%		0.1	%
	Expected dividend yield			None			None			None
	Expected volatility			30	%		33	%		33	%
	Expected life (years)			0.6			0.6			0.6
	Fair value, per share		$	17.19		$	19.87		$	21.30
Schedule of stock option activity	Stock option activity during the year ended December 31, 2014 under the Program and the Nonemployee Directors Program was as follows (in millions, except years and per-share amounts):
			Shares			Weighted-			Weighted-		Aggregate
						Average			Average		Intrinsic Value
						Exercise			Remaining
						Price			Contractual
									Term
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013			7.7		$	56.37
	Options granted			1.4			83.13
	Options exercised			(2.4	)		38.47
	Options forfeited			(0.3	)		78.2
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014			6.4			67.86		3.9 years		$	381.3
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014			3.9			59.84		2.9 years			264.5
	Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014			6.1			67.3		3.9 years			368.4
Summary of nonvested restricted stock unit activity	The following table summarizes nonvested restricted stock unit activity during the year ended December 31, 2014 under the Program and the Nonemployee Directors Program (in millions, except per-share amounts):
			Shares			Weighted-
						Average
						Grant-Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2013			0.8		$	75.87
	Granted(a)			0.3			85.01
	Vested			(0.2	)		68.97
	Nonvested as of December 31, 2014			0.9			80.55
	(a)	Includes 39,000 shares of market-based restricted stock units granted during 2014, which represents the targeted number of shares to be issued. As described above, the actual number of shares ultimately issued will be determined based on the Company's total shareholder return relative to a selected industry peer group.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Summary of activity for each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
			Foreign			Unrealized Gain			Unrealized Gain			Unrealized			Total
			Currency			(Loss) on Cash			(Loss) on			Pension			Accumulated
			Translation			Flow Hedges			Available-for-sale			Costs(a)			Other
			Adjustments						Investments						Comprehensive
															Loss
			(in millions)
	December 31, 2011		$	(30.0	)	$	5.9		$	1.1		$	(14.5	)	$	(37.5	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			4.2			13.7			0.1			(7.8	)		10.2
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			—			(12.2	)		0.3			0.6			(11.3	)
	Deferred income tax (expense) benefit			—			(0.4	)		(0.1	)		1.2			0.7
	December 31, 2012			(25.8	)		7			1.4			(20.5	)		(37.9	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			5.6			16.3			(1.2	)		9.9			30.6
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			—			(21.5	)		—			1			(20.5	)
	Deferred income tax benefit (expense)			—			1.7			0.1			(1.6	)		0.2
	December 31, 2013			(20.2	)		3.5			0.3			(11.2	)		(27.6	)
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications			(96.2	)		54.3			(0.8	)		(7.1	)		(49.8	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			—			(7.6	)		0.4			0.2			(7.0	)
	Deferred income tax (expense) benefit			—			(17.9	)		0.1			1.3			(16.5	)
	December 31, 2014		$	(116.4	)	$	32.3		$	—		$	(16.8	)	$	(100.9	)
	(a)	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the change in unrealized pension costs consisted of the following (in millions):
			Pre-Tax			Tax Benefit			Net of Tax
			Amount			(Expense)			Amount
	2014
	Prior service credit arising during period		$	0.8		$	—		$	0.8
	Amortization of prior service credit			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net prior service credit arising during period			0.5			—			0.5
	Net actuarial loss arising during period			(7.4	)		1.3			(6.1	)
	Unrealized pension costs, net		$	(6.9	)	$	1.3		$	(5.6	)
	2013
	Prior service cost arising during period		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Amortization of prior service credit			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net prior service cost arising during period			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net actuarial gain arising during period			11.2			(1.6	)		9.6
	Unrealized pension costs, net		$	10.9		$	(1.6	)	$	9.3
	2012
	Prior service cost arising during period		$	(0.2	)	$	—		$	(0.2	)
	Amortization of prior service credit			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net prior service cost arising during period			(0.5	)		—			(0.5	)
	Net transition obligation amortized during period			0.1			—			0.1
	Net actuarial loss arising during period			(6.8	)		1.2			(5.6	)
	Unrealized pension costs, net		$	(7.2	)	$	1.2		$	(6.0	)
Change in unrealized pension costs
	(a)	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the change in unrealized pension costs consisted of the following (in millions):
			Pre-Tax			Tax Benefit			Net of Tax
			Amount			(Expense)			Amount
	2014
	Prior service credit arising during period		$	0.8		$	—		$	0.8
	Amortization of prior service credit			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net prior service credit arising during period			0.5			—			0.5
	Net actuarial loss arising during period			(7.4	)		1.3			(6.1	)
	Unrealized pension costs, net		$	(6.9	)	$	1.3		$	(5.6	)
	2013
	Prior service cost arising during period		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Amortization of prior service credit			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net prior service cost arising during period			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net actuarial gain arising during period			11.2			(1.6	)		9.6
	Unrealized pension costs, net		$	10.9		$	(1.6	)	$	9.3
	2012
	Prior service cost arising during period		$	(0.2	)	$	—		$	(0.2	)
	Amortization of prior service credit			(0.3	)		—			(0.3	)
	Net prior service cost arising during period			(0.5	)		—			(0.5	)
	Net transition obligation amortized during period			0.1			—			0.1
	Net actuarial loss arising during period			(6.8	)		1.2			(5.6	)
	Unrealized pension costs, net		$	(7.2	)	$	1.2		$	(6.0	)
Information about amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table provides information about amounts reclassified from "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss" (in millions):
			Years Ended December 31,
									Affected Line on Consolidated
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		2014			2013			Statements of Operations
	Components
	Gain on cash flow hedges		$	7.6		$	21.5		Cost of sales
				(2.9	)		(8.4	)	Provision for income taxes
			$	4.7		$	13.1		Net of tax
	Loss on available-for-sale investments		$	(0.4	)	$	—		Other expense, net
				—			—		Provision for income taxes
			$	(0.4	)	$	—		Net of tax
	Amortization of pension adjustments		$	(0.2	)	$	(1.0	)	(a)
				0.1			0.2		Provision for income taxes
			$	(0.1	)	$	(0.8	)	Net of tax
	(a)	This item is included in the components of net periodic benefit costs. See Note 12 for additional information.

OTHER_EXPENSE_NET_Tables

OTHER EXPENSE, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
OTHER EXPENSE, NET
Schedule of Other expense, net
		Years Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Promissory note impairment	$	4		$	—		$	—
	Loss on investments		4.5			0.4			0.7
	Insurance settlement gain		(3.7	)		—			—
	Foreign exchange losses, net		2			1.5			1.2
	Lease contract termination costs		1			—			—
	Other		(0.1	)		(0.6	)		(0.2	)
	Total other expense, net	$	7.7		$	1.3		$	1.7

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES
Income before provision for income taxes generated from United States and international operations	The Company's income before provision for income taxes was generated from United States and international operations as follows (in millions):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	United States	$	791.1		$	215.5		$	140.8
	International, including Puerto Rico		352.9			295.7			247.4
		$	1,144.0		$	511.2		$	388.2
Provision for income taxes	The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in millions):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Current
	United States:
	Federal	$	341.5		$	42.5		$	87.2
	State and local		23.3			5.7			5.9
	International, including Puerto Rico		34.8			27.9			31.6
	Current income tax expense		399.6			76.1			124.7
	Deferred
	United States:
	Federal		(46.4	)		39.8			(24.9	)
	State and local		(8.1	)		0.8			(2.1	)
	International, including Puerto Rico		(12.2	)		5.4			(1.0	)
	Deferred income tax (benefit) expense		(66.7	)		46			(28.0	)
	Total income tax provision	$	332.9		$	122.1		$	96.7
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in millions):
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets
	Compensation and benefits	$	82.3		$	58.2
	Benefits from uncertain tax positions		41.4			32.6
	Net tax credit carryforwards		32.1			25.1
	Net operating loss carryforwards		31.8			33.6
	Accrued liabilities		25.3			23
	Inventories		11.7			8.7
	Cash flow hedges		—			3.2
	State income taxes		6.8			1.4
	Investments		2.6			2.1
	Other		4.8			1.8
	Total deferred tax assets		238.8			189.7
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Property, plant, and equipment		(25.8	)		(23.6	)
	Cash flow hedges		(11.9	)		—
	Deferred tax on foreign earnings		(4.9	)		(15.6	)
	Inventories		(3.1	)		—
	Other intangible assets		(0.5	)		(1.2	)
	Other		(1.7	)		(1.6	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(47.9	)		(42.0	)
	Valuation allowance		(47.7	)		(46.4	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	143.2		$	101.3
Summary of net operating loss carryforwards and related carryforward periods	Net operating loss carryforwards and the related carryforward periods at December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows (in millions):
		Carryforward			Tax Benefit			Valuation			Net Tax		Carryforward
		Amount			Amount			Allowance			Benefit		Period Ends
	United States state net operating losses	$	16		$	1		$	(0.8	)	$	0.2		2015-2032
	Non-United States net operating losses		57.5			14.4			(13.8	)		0.6		2015-2023
	Non-United States net operating losses		49			16.6			(16.5	)		0.1		Indefinite
	Total	$	122.5		$	32		$	(31.1	)	$	0.9
Summary of tax credit carryforwards and related carryforward periods	Tax credit carryforwards and the related carryforward periods at December 31, 2014 are summarized as follows (in millions):
		Carryforward			Valuation			Net Tax			Carryforward
		Amount			Allowance			Benefit			Period Ends
	California research expenditure tax credits	$	52.5		$	—		$	52.5			Indefinite
	Puerto Rico purchases credit		13			(13.0	)		—			Indefinite
	Total	$	65.5		$	(13.0	)	$	52.5
Reconciliation of United States federal statutory income tax rate to effective income tax rate	A reconciliation of the United States federal statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate is as follows (in millions):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate	$	400.4		$	178.9		$	135.9
	Foreign income taxed at different rates		(67.1	)		(60.6	)		(41.5	)
	State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit		19.3			5.8			3.7
	Tax credits, federal and state		(13.5	)		(19.8	)		(4.9	)
	Release of reserve for uncertain tax positions for prior years		(4.8	)		(3.9	)		(0.8	)
	U.S. tax on foreign earnings, net of credits		(3.1	)		18.9			0.7
	Nondeductible stock-based compensation		2.1			2.6			1.9
	Other		(0.4	)		0.2			1.7
	Income tax provision	$	332.9		$	122.1		$	96.7
Reconciliation of beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest, penalties, and foreign exchange	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest, penalties, and foreign exchange, is as follows (in millions):
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Unrecognized tax benefits, January 1	$	127.7		$	113.6		$	78
	Current year tax positions		75.9			17.8			41.7
	Increase prior year tax positions		0.6			5.7			2.6
	Decrease prior year tax positions		(10.5	)		(9.0	)		(4.3	)
	Settlements		(1.0	)		(0.1	)		(4.3	)
	Lapse of statutes of limitations		(0.4	)		(0.3	)		(0.1	)
	Unrecognized tax benefits, December 31	$	192.3		$	127.7		$	113.6

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Information about reportable segments	The table below presents information about Edwards Lifesciences' reportable segments (in millions):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Segment Net Sales
	United States	$	1,047.3		$	939.6		$	812.1
	Europe		741.4			622.2			577.0
	Japan		270.8			293.7			293.4
	Rest of World		285.1			252.8			236.0
	Total segment net sales	$	2,344.6		$	2,108.3		$	1,918.5
	Segment Pre-tax Income
	United States	$	605.6		$	550.5		$	465.0
	Europe		328.1			287.7			250.9
	Japan		125.2			145.6			153.1
	Rest of World		78.6			68.3			68.8
	Total segment pre-tax income	$	1,137.5		$	1,052.1		$	937.8
Reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income	The table below presents reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income (in millions):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Net Sales Reconciliation
	Segment net sales	$	2,344.60		$	2,108.30		$	1,918.50
	Foreign currency		(21.7	)		(62.8	)		(18.9	)
	Consolidated net sales	$	2,322.90		$	2,045.50		$	1,899.60
	Pre-tax Income Reconciliation
	Segment pre-tax income	$	1,137.50		$	1,052.10		$	937.8
	Unallocated amounts:
	Corporate items		(659.2	)		(568.5	)		(524.7	)
	Special charges		(70.7	)		(16.3	)		(16.0	)
	Intellectual property income (expense), net		740.4			61.5			(14.4	)
	Interest (expense) income, net		(10.8	)		(5.2	)		0.4
	Foreign currency		6.8			(12.4	)		5.1
	Consolidated pre-tax income	$	1,144.00		$	511.2		$	388.2
Enterprise-wide information	Enterprise-wide information is based on actual foreign exchange rates used in the Company's consolidated financial statements.
		As of or for the Years Ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in millions)
	Net Sales by Geographic Area
	United States	$	1,047.3		$	939.6		$	812.1
	Europe		744.5			616.5			559.7
	Japan		257.9			243.6			294.1
	Rest of World		273.2			245.8			233.7
		$	2,322.9		$	2,045.5		$	1,899.6
	Net Sales by Major Product Area
	Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy	$	943.6		$	707.7		$	552.1
	Surgical Heart Valve Therapy		826.1			801.2			787.5
	Critical Care		553.2			536.6			560.0
		$	2,322.9		$	2,045.5		$	1,899.6
	Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
	United States	$	347.6		$	308.2		$	263.4
	Europe		42.1			40.9			38.8
	Japan		8.5			10.8			13.2
	Rest of World		93.9			97.1			84.2
		$	492.1		$	457.0		$	399.6

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_RESULTS_AN1

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS AND MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S STOCK (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS AND MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S STOCK (UNAUDITED)
Schedule of quarterly financial results and market for stock
	Years Ended December 31,		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
			Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Year
			(in millions, except per share data)
	2014
	Net sales		$	522.4	$	575.1	$	607.4	$	618.0	$	2,322.9
	Gross profit			376.5		423.9		439.3		457.6		1,697.3
	Net income(a)			60.3		547.0		94.6		109.2		811.1
	Earnings per common share(a):
	Basic			0.57		5.18		0.89		1.02		7.62
	Diluted			0.56		5.09		0.87		1.00		7.48
	Market price:
	High		$	75.62	$	88.19	$	104.69	$	134.29	$	134.29
	Low			63.04		72.79		84.05		97.07		63.04
	2013
	Net sales		$	496.7	$	517.2	$	495.6	$	536.0	$	2,045.5
	Gross profit			375.7		393.6		367.4		392.2		1,528.9
	Net income(b)			143.9		93.3		76.8		75.1		389.1
	Earnings per common share(b):
	Basic			1.26		0.83		0.69		0.69		3.48
	Diluted			1.24		0.81		0.68		0.68		3.42
	Market price:
	High		$	94.98	$	86.11	$	73.73	$	78.89	$	94.98
	Low			78.10		62.34		65.03		60.62		60.62
	(a)	The first quarter of 2014 includes a $7.5 million charge to settle past and future obligations related to one of the Company's intellectual property agreements; a $15.6 million charge to record a sales returns reserve and related costs for estimated Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy product returns expected upon introduction of next-generation Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy products; and $5.5 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.
		The second quarter of 2014 includes a $750.0 million gain for an upfront payment received under a litigation settlement agreement; a $50.0 million charge for the contribution to the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation; a $6.1 million charge to increase the Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy sales returns reserve; and $2.6 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.
		The third quarter of 2014 includes a $16.0 million gain for the reversal of the Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy sales returns reserve upon delivery of next-generation products and a $5.0 million charge related to the write down of an intangible asset, fixed assets, and inventory, and to record severance costs related to the Company's automated glucose monitoring program.
		The fourth quarter of 2014 includes a $10.2 million charge related to the acquisition of IPR&D and a $3.5 million gain for the reversal of the Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy sales returns reserve.
	(b)	The first quarter of 2013 includes $83.6 million received in satisfaction of a jury award of damages for infringement of the Company's U.S. Andersen transcatheter heart valve patent, including interest; and $5.5 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.
	The second quarter of 2013 includes $5.5 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.
	The third quarter of 2013 includes $4.3 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.
	The fourth quarter of 2013 includes a $15.2 million charge to record a sales returns reserve and related costs for estimated Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy product returns expected upon introduction of next-generation Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy products; a $10.4 million charge related primarily to severance associated with a global workforce realignment; a $5.9 million charge to write off certain acquired IPR&D assets; and $6.8 million of external legal costs related to intellectual property litigation.

VALUATION_AND_QUALIFYING_ACCOU1

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts
					Additions
			Balance at		Charged to		Charged to		Deductions			Balance at
			Beginning		Costs and		Other		From			End of
			of Period		Expenses		Accounts		Reserves			Period
			(in millions)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)		$	12.2	$	0.8	$	—	$	(1.7	)	$	11.3
	Inventory reserves(b)			29.6		43.2		—		(40.6	)		32.2
	Tax valuation allowance(c)			46.4		2		—		(0.7	)		47.7
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)		$	12	$	2.4	$	—	$	(2.2	)	$	12.2
	Inventory reserves(b)			16.3		27.5		—		(14.2	)		29.6
	Tax valuation allowance(c)			38.6		8.2		—		(0.4	)		46.4
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts(a)		$	19	$	3	$	0.4	$	(10.4	)	$	12
	Inventory reserves(b)			12.9		21.8		—		(18.4	)		16.3
	Tax valuation allowance(c)			32.4		3.1		5.2		(2.1	)		38.6
	(a)	The deductions related to allowances for doubtful accounts represent accounts receivable which are written off and product which is returned from customers.
	(b)	Inventory reserves result from inventory which is obsolete, nearing its expiration date, damaged, or slow moving. The deductions related to inventory reserves represent inventory that has been disposed.
	(c)	The tax valuation allowances are provided for other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized losses related to certain investments that may not be recognized due to the uncertainty of the ready marketability of certain impaired investments, and net operating loss and credit carryforwards that may not be recognized due to insufficient taxable income.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Shipping and handling costs	$60.50	$56.60	$54.90
Limited partnerships or limited liability corporations | Minimum
Investments
Equity method investment ownership percentage	5.00%

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	$11.30	$12.20
Time period prior to expiration date which triggers write-down of inventory	6 months
Time period used to evaluate slow-moving inventory levels	2 years
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory	32.2	29.6
General and administrative costs allocated to inventory	29.1	25.9	26.2
General and administrative costs included in inventory	17.5	15
Inventories held on consignment	$46.20	$40

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment
Depreciation expense for property, plant and equipment	$57.50	$53.10	$44
Repairs and maintenance expense	$25.90	$21.70	$20.60
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	10 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	40 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	15 years
Software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	10 years

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic:
Net income	$109.20	$94.60	$547	$60.30	$75.10	$76.80	$93.30	$143.90	$811.10	$389.10	$291.50
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic									106.5	111.7	114.9
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$1.02	$0.89	$5.18	$0.57	$0.69	$0.69	$0.83	$1.26	$7.62	$3.48	$2.54
Diluted:
Net income	$109.20	$94.60	$547	$60.30	$75.10	$76.80	$93.30	$143.90	$811.10	$389.10	$291.50
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic									106.5	111.7	114.9
Dilutive effect of stock plans (in shares)									2	2.1	3.4
Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding									108.5	113.8	118.3
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$1	$0.87	$5.09	$0.56	$0.68	$0.68	$0.81	$1.24	$7.48	$3.42	$2.46
Stock compensation plan
Anti-dilutive securities
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of earnings per share (in shares)									2.4	3.3	1.7

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT7

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense	$48.30	$47.40	$42.10
Restricted stock units
Vesting
Percentage vesting upon retirement for each full year of employment subsequent to the grant date	25.00%
Cost of sales
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense	6.1	5.9	5
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense	34.9	34.7	31.2
Research and development expenses
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Stock-based compensation expense	$7.30	$6.80	$5.90

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT8

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 6)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative disclosures
Maximum period of time currency rate movements in future cash flows associated with intercompany transactions and certain third-party expenses are hedged	13 months

CHANGE_IN_ACCOUNTING_PRINCIPLE2

CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2012
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Other intangible assets, net	$23.40				$33.50				$23.40	$33.50
Deferred income taxes	91.5				79				91.5	79
Total assets	3,524.30				2,709.90				3,524.30	2,709.90
Retained earnings	2,841.90				2,030.80				2,841.90	2,030.80
Total stockholders' equity	2,191.40				1,544.40				2,191.40	1,544.40	1,467.10	1,327.40
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,524.30				2,709.90				3,524.30	2,709.90
Consolidated Statement of Operations
Cost of sales									625.6	516.6	491
Gross Profit	457.6	439.3	423.9	376.5	392.2	367.4	393.6	375.7	1,697.30	1,528.90	1,408.60
Selling, general and administrative expenses									858	733.4	697.4
Intellectual property litigation (income) expense, net									-740.4	-61.5	14.4
Special (gains) charges									70.7	16.3	16
Income before provision for income taxes									1,144	511.2	388.2
Provision for income taxes (Note 16)									332.9	122.1	96.7
Net income	109.2	94.6	547	60.3	75.1	76.8	93.3	143.9	811.1	389.1	291.5
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.02	$0.89	$5.18	$0.57	$0.69	$0.69	$0.83	$1.26	$7.62	$3.48	$2.54
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1	$0.87	$5.09	$0.56	$0.68	$0.68	$0.81	$1.24	$7.48	$3.42	$2.46
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net income	109.2	94.6	547	60.3	75.1	76.8	93.3	143.9	811.1	389.1	291.5
Comprehensive income									737.8	399.4	291.1
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Net income	109.2	94.6	547	60.3	75.1	76.8	93.3	143.9	811.1	389.1	291.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization									68.6	62.9	53.7
Deferred income taxes									-71.1	-12.4	-26.4
Other									13.9	6.7	3.2
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets									-0.9	-6.3	1.6
Other									7.5	13.9	11.4
Patents | As Reported
Change in accounting principle
Unamortized capitalized legal costs					23.7					23.7
Change in method of accounting for certain intellectual property litigation expenses related to defense and enforcement of issued patents
Change in accounting principle
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle on retained earnings													10.5
Change in method of accounting for certain intellectual property litigation expenses related to defense and enforcement of issued patents | As Reported
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Other intangible assets, net					57.2					57.2
Deferred income taxes					70.1					70.1
Total assets					2,724.70					2,724.70
Retained earnings					2,045.60					2,045.60
Total stockholders' equity					1,559.20					1,559.20
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity					2,724.70					2,724.70
Consolidated Statement of Operations
Cost of sales										522.4	494.6
Gross Profit										1,523.10	1,405
Selling, general and administrative expenses										745.6	705.3
Special (gains) charges										-67.3	16
Income before provision for income taxes										515.3	391.1
Provision for income taxes (Note 16)										123.6	97.9
Net income										391.7	293.2
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)										$3.51	$2.55
Diluted (in dollars per share)										$3.44	$2.48
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net income										391.7	293.2
Comprehensive income										402	292.8
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Net income										391.7	293.2
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization										68.7	57.3
Deferred income taxes										0.1	8.1
Other										3.2	3.9
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets										4.6	12.8
Other										$2.50	$5

INTELLECTUAL_PROPERTY_LITIGATI2

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET (Details) (Medtronic litigation settlement, USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 30, 2014
Settlement agreement
Term of agreement	8 years
Amount of upfront payment received	$750
Upfront payment recognized	750
Fair Value
Settlement agreement
Consideration	1,070
United States | Minimum
Settlement agreement
Annual royalty payment	40
United States | Maximum
Settlement agreement
Annual royalty payment	60
Past damages
Settlement agreement
Upfront payment recognized		750
Past damages | Fair Value
Settlement agreement
Consideration	754.3
License agreement | Fair Value
Settlement agreement
Consideration	238
Covenant not to sue | Fair Value
Settlement agreement
Consideration	$77.70

INTELLECTUAL_PROPERTY_LITIGATI3

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CoreValve, Inc.
Litigation (income) expense
Amount of payment received from Medtronic in satisfaction of initial April 2010 jury award of damages for infringement, including accrued interest	$83.60
Intellectual property
Litigation (income) expense
External legal costs related to intellectual property litigation		$2.60	$5.50	$6.80	$4.30	$5.50	$5.50	$9.60	$22.10	$14.40

SPECIAL_CHARGES_Details

SPECIAL CHARGES (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
SPECIAL CHARGES
Charitable foundation contribution				$50
Acquisition of IPR&D	10.2	10.2		10.2
Settlement				7.5
Asset write-down				3
Realignment expenses					10.4	9
IPR&D impairment			5.9		5.9
Licensing of intellectual property						7
Total special charges				$70.70	$16.30	$16

SPECIAL_CHARGES_Details_2

SPECIAL CHARGES (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Related party expense	$50
Charitable foundation contribution | Edwards Lifesciences Foundation
Related party expense		$50	$50

SPECIAL_CHARGES_Details_3

SPECIAL CHARGES (Details 3) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Purchase agreement
IPR&D charge, including related expenses	$10.20	$10.20	$10.20
IPR&D Purchase agreement
Purchase agreement
IPR&D contingent payment	$10	$10	$10
IPR&D Purchase agreement | Maximum
Purchase agreement
Period after acquisition closing date an additional payment may become due	9 years

SPECIAL_CHARGES_Details_4

SPECIAL CHARGES (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Licensing of intellectual property
Charge to settle past and future obligations	$7.50
Intellectual property agreement
Licensing of intellectual property
Charge to settle past and future obligations		$7.50	$7.50

SPECIAL_CHARGES_Details_5

SPECIAL CHARGES (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Write down of intangible asset and fixed assets and severance costs	$3
Automated glucose monitoring program | Special charges
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Write down of intangible asset and fixed assets and severance costs		3
Automated glucose monitoring program | Cost of sales
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal of inventory and equipment held by customers		$2

SPECIAL_CHARGES_Details_6

SPECIAL CHARGES (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
			employee	employee
Restructuring expenses
Realignment expenses	$10.40	$9
Remaining liability for global workforce realignment	9.5		9.5		7.7
2013 global workforce realignment
Restructuring expenses
Realignment expenses			10.4
Number of employees impacted by realignment activity			118
2013 global workforce realignment | Employee severance
Restructuring expenses
Remaining liability for global workforce realignment					3.3
2012 global workforce realignment
Restructuring expenses
Realignment expenses				$9
Number of employees impacted by realignment activity				92

SPECIAL_CHARGES_Details_7

SPECIAL CHARGES (Details 7) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
IPR&D impairment
IPR&D impairment	$5.90	$5.90
In-process research and development | Embrella
IPR&D impairment
IPR&D impairment			$5.90

SPECIAL_CHARGES_Details_8

SPECIAL CHARGES (Details 8) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
Licensing of intellectual property
Upfront licensing and royalty fees	$7
Exclusive license of intellectual property
Licensing of intellectual property
Upfront licensing and royalty fees		2
Co-exclusive sublicense to intellectual property
Licensing of intellectual property
Upfront licensing and royalty fees			$5

COMPOSITION_OF_CERTAIN_FINANCI2

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, net
Trade accounts receivable	$293.10	$307.90
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-5.1	-5.4
Total accounts receivable, net	288	302.5
Inventories
Raw materials	67.4	57.8
Work in process	59.3	82.2
Finished products	170.1	168.9
Total inventories	296.8	308.9
Property, plant and equipment, net
Land	25.4	21.6
Buildings and leasehold improvements	270.6	268.2
Machinery and equipment	320.8	307.6
Equipment with customers	41	40.2
Software	99.6	99.2
Construction in progress	50.9	27.9
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	808.3	764.7
Accumulated depreciation	-365.4	-343.1
Total property, plant and equipment, net	442.9	421.6
Long-term accounts receivable, net
Long-term trade accounts receivable	12	14.1
Long-term accounts receivable, allowances	-6.2	-6.8
Total long-term accounts receivable, net	5.8	7.3
Accrued and other liabilities
Employee compensation and withholdings	190.5	101.1
Clinical trial accruals	36.6	37.2
Property, payroll and other taxes	32.7	31.6
Accrued rebates	11.7	15
Taxes payable	9.1	7.1
Deferred income taxes	8.3	7.2
Realignment reserves	7.7	9.5
Litigation reserves (Note 17)	4.4	4.5
Fair value of derivatives	2.6	13.1
Other accrued liabilities	72.6	70.9
Accrued and other liabilities	376.2	297.2
European receivables
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	$69.70	$104.70

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Held-to-maturity
Cost	$839.40	$516.50
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.1
Gross Unrealized Losses	-0.1
Total	839.4	516.5
Available-for-sale securities
Cost	160.5
Gross unrealized loss	-0.4
Total	160.1
Bank time deposits
Held-to-maturity
Cost	661.5	516.5
Total	661.5	516.5
Commercial paper
Held-to-maturity
Cost	80
Total	80
Available-for-sale securities
Cost	13
Total	13
U.S. government and agency securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	58.9
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.1
Gross Unrealized Losses	-0.1
Total	58.9
Available-for-sale securities
Cost	1
Total	1
Asset-backed securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	8.2
Total	8.2
Available-for-sale securities
Cost	42.9
Total	42.9
Corporate debt securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	24.7
Total	24.7
Available-for-sale securities
Cost	103.6
Gross unrealized loss	-0.4
Total	103.2
Municipal securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	6.1
Total	$6.10

INVESTMENTS_Details_2

INVESTMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Cost of held-to-maturity securities
Due in 1 year or less	$767.10
Due after 1 year through 5 years	49.2
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	23.1
Total	839.4	516.5
Fair Value of held-to-maturity securities
Due in 1 year or less	767.1
Due after 1 year through 5 years	49.2
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	23.1
Total	839.4	516.5
Cost of Available-for-sale securities
Due in 1 year or less	17.9
Due after 1 year through 5 years	99.7
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	42.9
Total	160.5
Fair Value of Available-for-sale securities
Due in 1 year or less	17.9
Due after 1 year through 5 years	99.3
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	42.9
Total	$160.10

INVESTMENTS_Details_3

INVESTMENTS (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale investments
Cost		$0.40
Unrealized gains	0.4	0.4
Fair value of available-for-sale investments	0.4	0.8
Equity method investments
Cost	12.8	14.1
Equity in losses	-3.5	-2.7
Carrying value of equity method investments	9.3	11.4
Cost method investments
Carrying value of cost method investments	16.7	9.7
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$26.40	$21.90

INVESTMENTS_Details_4

INVESTMENTS (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Cost method investment
Investment in cost method investee	$11.20	$3	$2
Total investment carrying value	16.7	9.7		16.7
Exclusive option to acquire | CardioKinetix, Inc. | Maximum | Expected
Cost method investment
Cost to acquire	375
CardioKinetix, Inc. | Exclusive option to acquire
Cost method investment
Payment for exclusive option to acquire				15
Variable interest entity, not primary beneficiary | CardioKinetix, Inc.
Cost method investment
Investment in cost method investee				10
Total investment carrying value	$14.40			$14.40

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill, beginning of period	$385.40	$384.70
Currency translation adjustment	-9.4	0.7
Goodwill, end of period	376	385.4
United States
Carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill, beginning of period			308.3
Goodwill, end of period	308.3	308.3	308.3
Europe
Carrying amount of goodwill
Goodwill, beginning of period	77.1	76.4
Currency translation adjustment	-9.4	0.7
Goodwill, end of period	$67.70	$77.10

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 11, 2011	Oct. 09, 2012
Amortizable intangible assets
Cost	$235.60	$237.10	$235.60		$235.60
Accumulated Amortization	-206.7	-213.7	-206.7		-206.7
Net Carrying Value	28.9	23.4	28.9		28.9
Unamortizable intangible assets
Gross intangible Assets	240.2	237.1	240.2		240.2
Total Net Carrying Amount of Intangible Assets	33.5	23.4	33.5		33.5
IPR&D impairment	5.9		5.9
Amortization expense related to other intangible assets		8.4	9.9	9.7
Estimated amortization expense
2015		7.3
2016		7.2
2017		6.6
2018		1.3
2019		0.8
In-process research and development
Unamortizable intangible assets
Cost and Net Carrying Value	4.6		4.6		4.6
In-process research and development | Embrella
Unamortizable intangible assets
Additional research and development expenditures projected at valuation date to be incurred prior to product introduction						4.4
IPR&D impairment					5.9
In-process research and development | Embrella | Europe
Unamortizable intangible assets
IPR&D impairment	5.9
In-process research and development | BMEYE
Unamortizable intangible assets
Additional research and development expenditures projected at valuation date to be incurred prior to product introduction							8.4
Patents
Amortizable intangible assets
Cost	181.6	181.1	181.6		181.6
Accumulated Amortization	-163.5	-168.6	-163.5		-163.5
Net Carrying Value	18.1	12.5	18.1		18.1
Developed technology
Amortizable intangible assets
Cost	43.3	45.6	43.3		43.3
Accumulated Amortization	-35.1	-36.7	-35.1		-35.1
Net Carrying Value	8.2	8.9	8.2		8.2
Developed technology | In-process research and development | BMEYE
Unamortizable intangible assets
Amount of IPR&D transferred to developed technology	0.8
Other
Amortizable intangible assets
Cost	10.7	10.4	10.7		10.7
Accumulated Amortization	-8.1	-8.4	-8.1		-8.1
Net Carrying Value	$2.60	$2	$2.60		$2.60

DEBT_CREDIT_FACILITIES_AND_LEA2

DEBT, CREDIT FACILITIES AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Notes
Gross carrying amount			$600
Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent)			2.70%	2.70%
Senior Notes due 2018
Notes
Principal amount	600
Interest rate (as a percent)			2.88%
Effective interest rate (as a percent)			2.98%	2.98%
Summary of Notes
Gross carrying amount			600	600
Unamortized discount			-2.3	-2.9
Hedge accounting fair value adjustments (see Note 11)			0.4	-4
Total			598.1	593.1
Issuance costs				5.4
Senior Notes due 2018 | Level 2
Summary of Notes
Value of the Notes			610.4
Senior Notes due 2018 | Change of control triggering events
Notes
Price at which Notes may be required to be repurchased as a percentage of principal amount	101.00%
Credit Facility | Credit agreement, maturity July 2019
Summary of Notes
Term of Credit Facility		5 years
Aggregate borrowings provided by Credit Facility			750
Borrowings under credit agreement during year			0
Facility fee (as a percent)			0.15%
Issuance costs			3
Credit Facility | Credit agreement, maturity July 2019 | Maximum
Summary of Notes
Optional increase in amount available, subject to lender approval			$250
Credit Facility | Credit agreement, maturity July 2019 | Debt agreement terms | Minimum
Summary of Notes
Facility fee (as a percent)			0.13%
Credit Facility | Credit agreement, maturity July 2019 | Debt agreement terms | Maximum
Summary of Notes
Facility fee (as a percent)			0.25%
Credit Facility | Credit agreement, maturity July 2019 | LIBOR | Debt agreement terms | Minimum
Summary of Notes
Percent spread added to reference rate of unsecured credit facility			1.00%
Credit Facility | Credit agreement, maturity July 2019 | LIBOR | Debt agreement terms | Maximum
Summary of Notes
Percent spread added to reference rate of unsecured credit facility			1.50%
Credit Facility | Credit agreement, maturity July 2015 | Minimum
Summary of Notes
Facility fee (as a percent)			0.15%
Credit Facility | Credit agreement, maturity July 2015 | Maximum
Summary of Notes
Facility fee (as a percent)			0.18%
Credit Facility | Credit agreement, maturity July 2015 | LIBOR | Minimum
Summary of Notes
Percent spread added to reference rate of unsecured credit facility			0.98%
Credit Facility | Credit agreement, maturity July 2015 | LIBOR | Maximum
Summary of Notes
Percent spread added to reference rate of unsecured credit facility			1.20%

DEBT_CREDIT_FACILITIES_AND_LEA3

DEBT, CREDIT FACILITIES AND LEASE OBLIGATIONS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating leases
Expense for all operating leases	$22.90	$25.90	$23.90
Future minimum lease payments (including interest) under non-cancelable operating leases
2015	20.6
2016	16.4
2017	11.3
2018	8
2019	5.6
Thereafter	18.5
Total future minimum lease payments	80.4
Aggregate Debt Maturities
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	600
Total debt maturities	$600

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (Fair Value on a Recurring Basis, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Level 1
Assets
Investments held for deferred compensation plans	$28.20	$15.10
Total assets	61.2	15.9
Liabilities
Deferred compensation plans	28.7	15.5
Total liabilities	28.7	15.5
Level 2
Assets
Derivatives	50.7	13.8
Total assets	222.8	13.8
Liabilities
Derivatives	2.6	17.2
Total liabilities	2.6	17.2
Fair Value
Assets
Investments held for deferred compensation plans	28.2	15.1
Derivatives	50.7	13.8
Total assets	284	29.7
Liabilities
Derivatives	2.6	17.2
Deferred compensation plans	28.7	15.5
Total liabilities	31.3	32.7
Cash equivalents | Level 1
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	32.6
Cash equivalents | Level 2
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	12
Cash equivalents | Fair Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	44.6
Corporate debt securities | Level 2
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	103.2
Corporate debt securities | Fair Value
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	103.2
Asset-backed securities | Level 2
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	42.9
Asset-backed securities | Fair Value
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	42.9
U.S. government and agency securities | Level 2
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	1
U.S. government and agency securities | Fair Value
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	1
Commercial paper | Level 2
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	13
Commercial paper | Fair Value
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	13
Equity investments | Level 1 | Unconsolidated affiliates
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0.4	0.8
Equity investments | Fair Value | Unconsolidated affiliates
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	$0.40	$0.80

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED2

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative Financial Instruments
Notional Amount	$761.20	$805.50
Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative Financial Instruments
Notional Amount	300	300
Foreign currency option contracts
Derivative Financial Instruments
Notional Amount	$9.20

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED3

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Other current assets
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Fair value of derivative assets	$45.20	$13.80
Designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Accrued and other liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	2.6	13.2
Designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate swap agreements | Other assets
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Fair value of derivative assets	0.4
Designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate swap agreements | Other long-term liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities		4
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Other assets
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Fair value of derivative assets	$5.10

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED4

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details 3) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Foreign currency contracts
Derivative Asset
Gross Amounts	$50.30	$13.80
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	50.3	13.8
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments	-2.6	-9.5
Net amount	47.7	4.3
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts	2.6	13.2
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	2.6	13.2
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments	-2.6	-9.5
Net amount		3.7
Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative Asset
Gross Amounts	0.4
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0.4
Derivative Assets, Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net amount	0.4
Derivative Liabilities
Gross Amounts		4
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet		4
Derivative Liabilities, Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Net amount		$4

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_AND_HED5

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Expected reclassification of gain recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during next twelve months	$9.90
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Other expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	13.7	18.4	4.4
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships | Foreign currency contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	54.3	16.3
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships | Foreign currency contracts | Cost of sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income	7.6	21.5
Derivatives in fair value hedging relationship | Interest rate swap agreements | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	$4.40	($4)

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (Defined benefit pension plans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, opening balance	$111.20	$108
Service cost	6.3	7.6	7.2
Interest cost	2.2	2	2.3
Participant contributions	1.9	1.9
Actuarial loss (gain)	12	-5.6
Benefits paid	0.3
Plan amendment	-1
Currency exchange rate changes and other	-9.8	-2.7
Projected benefit obligation, ending balance	123.1	111.2	108
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, opening balance	68.5	57.2
Actual return on plan assets	4.2	4.4
Employer contributions	5	6.7
Participant contributions	1.9	1.9
Benefits paid	0.3
Currency exchange rate changes and other	-6.1	-1.7
Fair value of plan assets, ending balance	73.8	68.5	57.2
Funded Status
Projected benefit obligation	-123.1	-111.2	-108
Plan assets at fair value	73.8	68.5	57.2
Underfunded status	-49.3	-42.7
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Net actuarial loss	-24.1	-16.7
Net prior service credit	2.6	2.1
Deferred income tax benefit	4.7	3.4
Total	-16.8	-11.2
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans	109.3	99.3
Other long-term liabilities
Net amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheet:
Liability recognized	$49.30	$42.70

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details1

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 2) (Defined benefit pension plans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$6.30	$7.60	$7.20
Interest cost	2.2	2	2.3
Expected return on plan assets	-1.6	-1.2	-1.4
Curtailment gain			-0.2
Amortization of actuarial loss	0.5	1.3	0.8
Amortization of prior service credit	-0.3	-0.3	-0.3
Amortization of transition obligation			0.1
Net periodic pension benefit cost	7.1	9.4	8.5
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts that will Be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in Next Fiscal Year
Net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefits cost	1.1
Prior service credit that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefits cost	($0.40)
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations
Discount rate (as a percent)	1.40%	2.20%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	3.00%	3.10%
Social securities increase (as a percent)	1.60%	1.80%
Pension increase (as a percent)	2.00%	2.00%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.20%	1.90%	2.50%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	2.60%	2.10%	2.60%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	3.10%	3.10%	3.10%
Social securities increase (as a percent)	1.80%	1.80%	1.80%
Pension increase (as a percent)	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Target weighted-average asset allocations
Target asset allocations (as a percent)	100.00%
Insurance contracts
Target weighted-average asset allocations
Target asset allocations (as a percent)	80.70%
Equity investments
Target weighted-average asset allocations
Target asset allocations (as a percent)	10.40%
Debt securities
Target weighted-average asset allocations
Target asset allocations (as a percent)	8.90%

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details2

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 3) (Defined benefit pension plans, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	$73.80	$68.50	$57.20
Cash
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	0.5	0.8
United States equities
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	2.8	2.1
International equities
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	6.8	5.9
United States government bonds
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	0.6	0.6
International government bonds
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	4.7	4.5
Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	58.4	54.6
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	15.4	13.9
Level 1 | Cash
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	0.5	0.8
Level 1 | United States equities
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	2.8	2.1
Level 1 | International equities
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	6.8	5.9
Level 1 | United States government bonds
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	0.6	0.6
Level 1 | International government bonds
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	4.7	4.5
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	58.4	54.6
Level 3 | Insurance contracts
Defined Benefit Plans
Fair value of defined benefit plan assets	$58.40	$54.60	$45.70

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details3

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 4) (Defined benefit pension plans, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, opening balance	$68.50	$57.20
Currency exchange rate impact	-6.1	-1.7
Fair value of plan assets, ending balance	73.8	68.5
Insurance contracts
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, ending balance	58.4	54.6
Level 3
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, ending balance	58.4	54.6
Level 3 | Insurance contracts
Fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, opening balance	54.6	45.7
Relating to assets still held at the end of the period	3	0.9
Relating to assets sold during year		0.1
Purchases, sales and settlements	4.9	6.9
Currency exchange rate impact	-4.1	1
Fair value of plan assets, ending balance	$58.40	$54.60

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details4

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Future expected benefit payments of defined benefit plans
2015	$3.70
2016	5.5
2017	4.2
2018	4.2
2019	4.1
2020-2024	32.3
Expected employer contributions to defined benefit plans for 2015	$5.80

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details5

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Plans
Matching contributions relating to entity's employees	$12.80	$12	$10.80
United States defined contribution plan
Defined Contribution Plans
Maximum percentage of a participant's eligible compensation that a participant may contribute to the plan	25.00%
Percent of participants compensation that the employer will match, first level	3.00%
Percent of participants compensation that the employer will match, second level	2.00%
Company match, second level (as a percent)	50.00%
Puerto Rico defined contribution plan
Defined Contribution Plans
Maximum percentage of a participant's eligible compensation that a participant may contribute to the plan	25.00%
Percent of participants compensation that the employer will match, first level	4.00%
Company match, first level (as a percent)	50.00%
Percent of a participant's eligible compensation that the employer will contribute to the profit sharing plan	2.00%

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details6

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details 7) (Nonqualified deferred compensation plans, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Nonqualified deferred compensation plans
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount accrued under nonqualified plans	$28.70	$25.90

COMMON_STOCK_Details

COMMON STOCK (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-13	Jul. 31, 2014
Treasury Stock
Shares repurchased	4.4	6.8	4
Aggregate cost of stock repurchases	$300.90	$497	$353.20
Stock repurchase programs, ASRs and shares acquired for tax withholding
Treasury Stock
Aggregate cost of stock repurchases	300.9	497	353.2
May 2013 share repurchase program
Treasury Stock
Maximum amount authorized by the Board of Directors for stock repurchase				750
July 2014 share repurchase program
Treasury Stock
Maximum amount authorized by the Board of Directors for stock repurchase					$750

COMMON_STOCK_Details_2

COMMON STOCK (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	31-May-12	31-May-12	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Accelerated Share Repurchase
Amount Paid	$300.90	$496.90	$344.10
Shares Received	4.4	6.8	4
ASR agreement date, February 2012
Accelerated Share Repurchase
Amount Paid				54
Shares Received				0.6	0.7
Price per Share				$72.40
Value of Shares as % of Contract Value				80.00%
Average Price per Share					$75.12
ASR agreement date, May 2012
Accelerated Share Repurchase
Amount Paid						50
Shares Received						0.5	0.5
Price per Share						$84.81
Value of Shares as % of Contract Value						80.00%
Average Price per Share							$97.50
ASR agreement date, November 2012
Accelerated Share Repurchase
Amount Paid								100
Shares Received								1.1	1.2
Price per Share								$85.73
Value of Shares as % of Contract Value								90.00%
Average Price per Share									$88.93
ASR agreement date, August 2013
Accelerated Share Repurchase
Amount Paid										$250
Shares Received										3.1	3.5
Price per Share										$72.39
Value of Shares as % of Contract Value										90.00%
Average Price per Share											$71.24

COMMON_STOCK_Details_3

COMMON STOCK (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	8-May-14
ESPP
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Percentage of lower of fair market value of common stock on effective date of subscription or date of purchase	85.00%
Maximum percentage of compensation employees can authorize to be withheld for common stock purchases	12.00%
Common stock available for issuance under the Program, as amended (in shares)	6,900,000
MRSUs | Total shareholder return relative to selected industry peer group
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	3 years
MRSUs | Total shareholder return relative to selected industry peer group | Minimum
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Percentage of targeted number of shares granted	0.00%
MRSUs | Total shareholder return relative to selected industry peer group | Maximum
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Percentage of targeted number of shares granted	175.00%
Long-term Stock Incentive Compensation Program
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Common stock available for issuance under the Program, as amended (in shares)		50,900,000
Long-term Stock Incentive Compensation Program | Option Awards
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Expiration date	7 years
Long-term Stock Incentive Compensation Program | Option Awards | Minimum
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	3 years
Long-term Stock Incentive Compensation Program | Option Awards | Maximum
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	4 years
Long-term Stock Incentive Compensation Program | Restricted stock or restricted stock units
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Common stock available for issuance under the Program, as amended (in shares)	4,600,000
Long-term Stock Incentive Compensation Program | Restricted stock units | Minimum
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	3 years
Long-term Stock Incentive Compensation Program | Restricted stock units | Maximum
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	5 years
Nonemployee Directors Program
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Common stock available for issuance under the Program, as amended (in shares)	1,400,000
Nonemployee Directors Program | Annual award to nonemployee director
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Limit on total value of the award	0.2
Nonemployee Directors Program | Option Awards | Annual award to nonemployee director
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Common stock available for issuance under the Program, as amended (in shares)	20,000
Nonemployee Directors Program | Option Awards | Awards granted in 2011 and prior
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	3 years
Nonemployee Directors Program | Option Awards | Awards granted in 2012 and later
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	1 year
Nonemployee Directors Program | Option Awards | Award upon election to receive equity-based award for annual cash retainer
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	1 year
Nonemployee Directors Program | Option Awards | Award upon director's initial election to Board
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	3 years
Common stock available for issuance under the Program, as amended (in shares)	10,000
Limit on total value of the award	0.2
Nonemployee Directors Program | Restricted stock units | Annual award to nonemployee director
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Common stock available for issuance under the Program, as amended (in shares)	8,000
Nonemployee Directors Program | Restricted stock units | Awards granted in 2011 and prior
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	3 years
Nonemployee Directors Program | Restricted stock units | Awards granted in 2012 and later
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Vesting period	1 year

COMMON_STOCK_Details_4

COMMON STOCK (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Option Awards
Weighted-average assumptions for MRSUs, options and ESPP subscriptions granted
Estimated annual forfeiture rate (as a percent)	5.40%
Average risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.50%	0.80%	0.70%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	31.00%	31.00%	31.00%
Expected life	4 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 7 months 6 days
Fair value, per share	$23.50	$19.47	$23.93
ESPP
Weighted-average assumptions for MRSUs, options and ESPP subscriptions granted
Average risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	0.10%	0.10%	0.10%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	30.00%	33.00%	33.00%
Expected life	7 months 6 days	7 months 6 days	7 months 6 days
Fair value, per share	$17.19	$19.87	$21.30
MRSUs
Weighted-average assumptions for MRSUs, options and ESPP subscriptions granted
Average risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	0.90%	0.40%	0.30%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	31.70%	33.40%	30.40%

COMMON_STOCK_Details_5

COMMON STOCK (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Option Awards
Stock option activity
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013 (in shares)	7,700,000
Options granted (in shares)	1,400,000
Options exercised (in shares)	-2,400,000
Options forfeited (in shares)	-300,000
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 (in shares)	6,400,000
Exercisable as of December 31, 2014 (in shares)	3,900,000
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014 (in shares)	6,100,000
Weighted- Average Exercise Price
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$56.37
Options granted (in dollars per share)	$83.13
Options exercised (in dollars per share)	$38.47
Options forfeited (in dollars per share)	$78.20
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$67.86
Exercisable as of December 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$59.84
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$67.30
Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	3 years 10 months 24 days
Exercisable as of December 31, 2014 (in shares)	2 years 10 months 24 days
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	3 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	$381.30
Exercisable as of December 31, 2014	264.5
Vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	$368.40
Restricted stock units
Nonvested restricted stock unit activity
Nonvested as of December 31, 2013 (in shares)	800,000
Granted (in shares)	300,000
Vested (in shares)	-200,000
Nonvested as of December 31, 2014 (in shares)	900,000
Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Nonvested as of December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$75.87
Granted (in dollars per share)	$85.01
Vested (in dollars per share)	$68.97
Nonvested as of December 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$80.55
MRSUs | Target
Nonvested restricted stock unit activity
Granted (in shares)	39,000

COMMON_STOCK_Details_6

COMMON STOCK (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
COMMON STOCK
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised and vested restricted stock units	$158.80	$73.90	$252.80
Cash received from exercises of stock options	93.2	26.3	80.5
Realized tax benefits from exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units	51.9	24.7	82.6
Total grant-date fair value of stock options vested	12.5	21.8	19.5
Unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units and employee stock purchase subscriptions	$83.60
Period over which unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized	30 months

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	($27.60)	($37.90)	($37.50)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-49.8	30.6	10.2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-7	-20.5	-11.3
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit	-16.5	0.2	0.7
Balance at the end of the period	-100.9	-27.6	-37.9
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	-20.2	-25.8	-30
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-96.2	5.6	4.2
Balance at the end of the period	-116.4	-20.2	-25.8
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	3.5	7	5.9
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	54.3	16.3	13.7
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-7.6	-21.5	-12.2
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit	-17.9	1.7	-0.4
Balance at the end of the period	32.3	3.5	7
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-sale Investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	0.3	1.4	1.1
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-0.8	-1.2	0.1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0.4		0.3
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit	0.1	0.1	-0.1
Balance at the end of the period		0.3	1.4
Unrealized Pension Costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the period	-11.2	-20.5	-14.5
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-7.1	9.9	-7.8
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0.2	1	0.6
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit	1.3	-1.6	1.2
Balance at the end of the period	($16.80)	($11.20)	($20.50)

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unrealized pension costs, net, Pre-Tax Amount
Prior service cost arising during period, Pre-Tax Amount	$0.80		($0.20)
Amortization of prior service credit, Pre-Tax Amount	-0.3	-0.3	-0.3
Net prior service cost arising during period, Pre-Tax Amount	0.5	-0.3	-0.5
Net transition obligation amortized during period, Pre-Tax Amount			0.1
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during period, Pre-Tax Amount	-7.4	11.2	-6.8
Unrealized pension costs, net, Pre-Tax Amount	-6.9	10.9	-7.2
Unrealized pension costs, net, Tax Benefit (Expense)
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during period, Tax Benefit (Expense)	1.3	-1.6	1.2
Unrealized pension costs, net, Tax Benefit (Expense)	1.3	-1.6	1.2
Unrealized pension costs, net, Net of Tax Amount
Prior service cost arising during period, Net of Tax Amount	0.8		-0.2
Amortization of prior service credit, Net of Tax Amount	-0.3	-0.3	-0.3
Net prior service cost arising during period, Net of Tax Amount	0.5	-0.3	-0.5
Net transition obligation amortized during period, Net of Tax Amount			0.1
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during period, Net of Tax Amount	-6.1	9.6	-5.6
Unrealized pension costs, net, Net of Tax Amount	($5.60)	$9.30	($6)

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to affected line on Consolidated Statements of Operations
Cost of sales									($625.60)	($516.60)	($491)
Other expense, net									-7.7	-1.3	-1.7
Provision for income taxes									-332.9	-122.1	-96.7
Net income	109.2	94.6	547	60.3	75.1	76.8	93.3	143.9	811.1	389.1	291.5
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to affected line on Consolidated Statements of Operations
Cost of sales									7.6	21.5
Provision for income taxes									-2.9	-8.4
Net income									4.7	13.1
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-sale Investments | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to affected line on Consolidated Statements of Operations
Other expense, net									-0.4
Net income									-0.4
Unrealized Pension Costs | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to affected line on Consolidated Statements of Operations
Net periodic benefit costs									-0.2	-1
Provision for income taxes									0.1	0.2
Net income									($0.10)	($0.80)

OTHER_EXPENSE_NET_Details

OTHER EXPENSE, NET (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
OTHER EXPENSE, NET
Promissory note impairment	$4
Loss on investments	4.5	0.4	0.7
Insurance settlement gain	-3.7
Foreign exchange losses, net	2	1.5	1.2
Lease contract termination costs	1
Other	-0.1	-0.6	-0.2
Total other expense, net	$7.70	$1.30	$1.70

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
INCOME TAXES
United States	$791.10	$215.50	$140.80
International, including Puerto Rico	352.9	295.7	247.4
Income before provision for income taxes	1,144	511.2	388.2
Current:
Federal	341.5	42.5	87.2
State and local	23.3	5.7	5.9
International, including Puerto Rico	34.8	27.9	31.6
Current income tax expense	399.6	76.1	124.7
Deferred:
Federal	-46.4	39.8	-24.9
State and local	-8.1	0.8	-2.1
International, including Puerto Rico	-12.2	5.4	-1
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	-66.7	46	-28
Total income tax provision	$332.90	$122.10	$96.70

INCOME_TAXES_Details_2

INCOME TAXES (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax assets
Compensation and benefits	$82.30	$58.20
Benefits from uncertain tax positions	41.4	32.6
Net tax credit carryforwards	32.1	25.1
Net operating loss carryforwards	31.8	33.6
Accrued liabilities	25.3	23
Inventories	11.7	8.7
Cash flow hedges		3.2
State income taxes	6.8	1.4
Investments	2.6	2.1
Other	4.8	1.8
Total deferred tax assets	238.8	189.7
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment	-25.8	-23.6
Cash flow hedges	-11.9
Deferred tax on foreign earnings	-4.9	-15.6
Inventories	-3.1
Other intangible assets	-0.5	-1.2
Other	-1.7	-1.6
Total deferred tax liabilities	-47.9	-42
Valuation allowance	-47.7	-46.4
Net deferred tax assets	143.2	101.3
Increase in net deferred tax assets, including items recorded in stockholders' equity	41.9
Valuation allowance provided for other-than-temporary impairments and unrealized losses on investments	$2.60

INCOME_TAXES_Details_3

INCOME TAXES (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Net operating loss carryforwards and the related carryforward period
Carryforward Amount	$122.50
Tax Benefit Amount	32
Valuation Allowance	-31.1
Net Tax Benefit	0.9
State | United States
Net operating loss carryforwards and the related carryforward period
Net operating loss carryforwards attributable to windfall stock option deductions	2.7
Net tax benefit that will be recorded to Additional Paid-In Capital when realized as a reduction to income taxes payable	0.2
State | United States | Carryforward Period Ends 2015-2032
Net operating loss carryforwards and the related carryforward period
Carryforward Amount	16
Tax Benefit Amount	1
Valuation Allowance	-0.8
Net Tax Benefit	0.2
Non-United States | Carryforward Period Ends 2015-2023
Net operating loss carryforwards and the related carryforward period
Carryforward Amount	57.5
Tax Benefit Amount	14.4
Valuation Allowance	-13.8
Net Tax Benefit	0.6
Non-United States | Carryforward Period Indefinite
Net operating loss carryforwards and the related carryforward period
Carryforward Amount	49
Tax Benefit Amount	16.6
Valuation Allowance	-16.5
Net Tax Benefit	$0.10

INCOME_TAXES_Details_4

INCOME TAXES (Details 4) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Tax credit carryforwards
Carryforward Amount	$65.50
Valuation Allowance	-13
Net Tax Benefit	52.5
Non-United States | Puerto Rico | Purchases credit | Carryforward Period Indefinite
Tax credit carryforwards
Carryforward Amount	13
Valuation Allowance	-13
State | California | Research expenditure tax credits
Tax credit carryforwards
Carryforward Amount	52.5
Tax credit carryforwards attributable to windfall stock option deductions	7.7
State | California | Research expenditure tax credits | Carryforward Period Indefinite
Tax credit carryforwards
Carryforward Amount	52.5
Net Tax Benefit	$52.50

INCOME_TAXES_Details_5

INCOME TAXES (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-14	Feb. 28, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$1,652.80
Favorable impact on earnings per diluted share due to tax incentives received in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Singapore and Switzerland (in dollars per share)	$0.63	$0.44	$0.39
Reconciliation of United States federal statutory income tax rate to effective income tax rate
Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate	400.4	178.9	135.9
Foreign income taxed at different rates	-67.1	-60.6	-41.5
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit	19.3	5.8	3.7
Tax credits, federal and state	-13.5	-19.8	-4.9
Release of reserve for uncertain tax positions for prior years	-4.8	-3.9	-0.8
U.S. tax on foreign earnings, net of credits	-3.1	18.9	0.7
Nondeductible stock-based compensation	2.1	2.6	1.9
Other	-0.4	0.2	1.7
Total income tax provision	332.9	122.1	96.7
Tax benefit related to federal research credit		8.4
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Tax expense	332.9	122.1	96.7
Effective income tax rate
Benefits from remeasurement of uncertain tax positions	4.8
Medtronic litigation settlement
Reconciliation of United States federal statutory income tax rate to effective income tax rate
Total income tax provision	262.1
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Tax expense	262.1
Litigation settlement received from Medtronic				750
CoreValve, Inc.
Reconciliation of United States federal statutory income tax rate to effective income tax rate
Total income tax provision		31.3
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Tax expense		31.3
Litigation settlement received from Medtronic					$83.60	$83.60

INCOME_TAXES_Details_6

INCOME TAXES (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
INCOME TAXES
Liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions	$192.30	$127.70	$113.60
Offsetting tax benefits associated with correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, state income taxes and timing adjustments	34.3	30.9
Net liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions	158	96.8
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits, January 1	127.7	113.6	78
Current year tax positions	75.9	17.8	41.7
Increase prior year tax positions	0.6	5.7	2.6
Decrease prior year tax positions	-10.5	-9	-4.3
Settlements	-1	-0.1	-4.3
Lapse of statutes of limitations	-0.4	-0.3	-0.1
Unrecognized tax benefits, December 31	192.3	127.7	113.6
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, net of tax benefits	6.8	4.5
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, tax benefit	5	3.3
Interest expense, net of tax benefit	$2.30	$1.40	$1

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Information about reportable segments and reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income
Net sales	$618	$607.40	$575.10	$522.40	$536	$495.60	$517.20	$496.70	$2,322.90	$2,045.50	$1,899.60
Pre-tax income									1,144	511.2	388.2
Unallocated amounts:
Special charges									-70.7	-16.3	-16
Intellectual property income (expense), net									740.4	61.5	-14.4
Interest (expense) income, net									-10.8	-5.2	0.4
Total segment
Information about reportable segments and reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income
Net sales									2,344.60	2,108.30	1,918.50
Pre-tax income									1,137.50	1,052.10	937.8
Total segment | United States
Information about reportable segments and reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income
Net sales									1,047.30	939.6	812.1
Pre-tax income									605.6	550.5	465
Total segment | Europe
Information about reportable segments and reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income
Net sales									741.4	622.2	577
Pre-tax income									328.1	287.7	250.9
Total segment | Japan
Information about reportable segments and reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income
Net sales									270.8	293.7	293.4
Pre-tax income									125.2	145.6	153.1
Total segment | Rest of World
Information about reportable segments and reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income
Net sales									285.1	252.8	236
Pre-tax income									78.6	68.3	68.8
Reconciling items (Unallocated amounts), foreign currency
Information about reportable segments and reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income
Net sales									-21.7	-62.8	-18.9
Pre-tax income									6.8	-12.4	5.1
Corporate, non-segment
Unallocated amounts:
Corporate items									($659.20)	($568.50)	($524.70)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details_2

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Sales by Geographic Area and by Major Product and Service Area
Net sales	$618	$607.40	$575.10	$522.40	$536	$495.60	$517.20	$496.70	$2,322.90	$2,045.50	$1,899.60
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	492.1				457				492.1	457	399.6
Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy
Net Sales by Geographic Area and by Major Product and Service Area
Net sales									943.6	707.7	552.1
Surgical Heart Valve Therapy
Net Sales by Geographic Area and by Major Product and Service Area
Net sales									826.1	801.2	787.5
Critical Care
Net Sales by Geographic Area and by Major Product and Service Area
Net sales									553.2	536.6	560
United States
Net Sales by Geographic Area and by Major Product and Service Area
Net sales									1,047.30	939.6	812.1
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	347.6				308.2				347.6	308.2	263.4
Europe
Net Sales by Geographic Area and by Major Product and Service Area
Net sales									744.5	616.5	559.7
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	42.1				40.9				42.1	40.9	38.8
Japan
Net Sales by Geographic Area and by Major Product and Service Area
Net sales									257.9	243.6	294.1
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	8.5				10.8				8.5	10.8	13.2
Rest of World
Net Sales by Geographic Area and by Major Product and Service Area
Net sales									273.2	245.8	233.7
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	$93.90				$97.10				$93.90	$97.10	$84.20

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_RESULTS_AN2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS AND MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S STOCK (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	31-May-14	Feb. 28, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Net sales		$618	$607.40	$575.10	$522.40	$536	$495.60	$517.20	$496.70	$2,322.90	$2,045.50	$1,899.60
Gross Profit		457.6	439.3	423.9	376.5	392.2	367.4	393.6	375.7	1,697.30	1,528.90	1,408.60
Net income		109.2	94.6	547	60.3	75.1	76.8	93.3	143.9	811.1	389.1	291.5
Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share)		$1.02	$0.89	$5.18	$0.57	$0.69	$0.69	$0.83	$1.26	$7.62	$3.48	$2.54
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)		$1	$0.87	$5.09	$0.56	$0.68	$0.68	$0.81	$1.24	$7.48	$3.42	$2.46
Charge to settle past and future obligations										7.5
Charitable foundation contribution										50
Charge related to the acquisition of IPR&D	10.2	10.2								10.2
Realignment charge											10.4	9
IPR&D impairment						5.9					5.9
Intellectual property agreement
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Charge to settle past and future obligations					7.5								7.5
Medtronic litigation settlement
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Litigation settlement received and recognized														750
Medtronic litigation settlement | Past damages
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Litigation settlement received and recognized				750
CoreValve, Inc.
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Litigation settlement received and recognized									83.6						83.6
Automated glucose monitoring program
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Charge related to asset write-downs and severance costs			5
2013 global workforce realignment
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Realignment charge						10.4
Intellectual property
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
External legal costs related to intellectual property litigation				2.6	5.5	6.8	4.3	5.5	5.5	9.6	22.1	14.4
Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Net sales										943.6	707.7	552.1
Sales returns reserve and related costs (gain on reversal)		-3.5	-16	6.1	15.6	15.2
Edwards Lifesciences Foundation | Charitable foundation contribution
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Charitable foundation contribution				$50												$50
Maximum
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Market Price (in dollars per share)		$134.29	$104.69	$88.19	$75.62	$78.89	$73.73	$86.11	$94.98	$134.29	$94.98
Minimum
Quarterly Financial Results and Market for the Company's Stock
Market Price (in dollars per share)		$97.07	$84.05	$72.79	$63.04	$60.62	$65.03	$62.34	$78.10	$63.04	$60.62

VALUATION_AND_QUALIFYING_ACCOU2

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at Beginning of Period	$12.20	$12	$19
Additions - Charged to Costs and Expenses	0.8	2.4	3
Additions - Charged to Other Accounts			0.4
Deductions From Reserves	-1.7	-2.2	-10.4
Balance at End of Period	11.3	12.2	12
Inventory reserves
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at Beginning of Period	29.6	16.3	12.9
Additions - Charged to Costs and Expenses	43.2	27.5	21.8
Deductions From Reserves	-40.6	-14.2	-18.4
Balance at End of Period	32.2	29.6	16.3
Tax valuation allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at Beginning of Period	46.4	38.6	32.4
Additions - Charged to Costs and Expenses	2	8.2	3.1
Additions - Charged to Other Accounts			5.2
Deductions From Reserves	-0.7	-0.4	-2.1
Balance at End of Period	$47.70	$46.40	$38.60