Edwards Lifesciences (EW) 10-Q 27 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 23, 2017
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Edwards Lifesciences Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1,099,800
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		211,619,891

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 630.3	$ 930.1
Short-term investments (Note 5)	772.5	341
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowances of $9.4 and $9.0, respectively	475	414.6
Inventories (Note 2)	538.4	396.6
Prepaid expenses	52.8	45.9
Other current assets	97.4	111.8
Total current assets	2,566.4	2,240
Long-term investments (Note 5)	567.5	532.1
Property, plant, and equipment, net	649.6	580
Goodwill (Note 4)	980.5	626.1
Other intangible assets, net (Note 4)	414.9	204.8
Deferred income taxes	197.1	203.8
Other assets	112.4	123.2
Total assets	5,488.4	4,510
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 2)	693.7	532.5
Contingent consideration liabilities (Notes 4 and 6)	41.5	0
Total current liabilities	735.2	532.5
Long-term debt	1,034	822.3
Contingent consideration liabilities (Notes 4 and 6)	140.5	31.6
Other long-term liabilities	416.2	504.6
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 50.0 shares, no shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 350.0 shares authorized, 211.6 and 242.6 shares issued, and 211.6 and 211.6 shares outstanding, respectively	211.6	242.6
Additional paid-in capital	1,129.5	1,167.8
Retained earnings	1,964.9	3,906.3
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(142.7)	(198.4)
Treasury stock, at cost, 0.01 and 31.0 shares, respectively (Note 10)	(0.8)	(2,499.3)
Total stockholders' equity	3,162.5	2,619
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 5,488.4	$ 4,510

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE3

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9.4	$ 9
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	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	211,600,000	242,600,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	211,600,000	211,600,000
Treasury stock, shares	10,000	31,000,000

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMEN

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 821.5	$ 739.4	$ 2,546.8	$ 2,196
Cost of sales	213.3	201.4	640	584.2
Gross profit	608.2	538	1,906.8	1,611.8
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	244.6	229.6	718	671.1
Research and development expenses	142.9	113	406	327.3
Intellectual property litigation expenses	13.7	6.5	31.6	27.8
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, net (Note 6)	(16.7)	0.1	(12.5)	1.1
Special charges (Note 3)	10.2	0	41.4	34.5
Interest expense, net	0.1	2.1	3.9	6.9
Other expenses, net	1.6	1.5	7.4	5.6
Income before provision for income taxes	211.8	185.2	711	537.5
Provision for income taxes	41.7	43.8	124.6	126.5
Net income	$ 170.1	$ 141.4	$ 586.4	$ 411
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.81	$ 0.66	$ 2.78	$ 1.93
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.79	$ 0.65	$ 2.71	$ 1.89
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	211.3	213.2	211	212.8
Diluted (in shares)	216.2	218.1	216.1	217.7

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEME5

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 170.1	$ 141.4	$ 586.4	$ 411
Other comprehensive income, net of tax (Note 11):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	26.2	10.6	87.1	31.5
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges	(10.6)	(2)	(29.2)	(22.8)
Defined benefit pension plans	0.5	0	0.6	0
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale investments	(2.1)	(1.3)	(4.7)	1.9
Reclassification of net realized investment loss to earnings	1.1	0.2	1.9	0.8
Other comprehensive income	15.1	7.5	55.7	11.4
Comprehensive income	$ 185.2	$ 148.9	$ 642.1	$ 422.4

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEME6

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 586.4	$ 411
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	60.7	52.1
Stock-based compensation (Note 8)	46.3	43
Excess tax benefit from stock plans (Note 1)	0	(56.6)
Impairment charge (Note 3)	31	0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, net (Note 6)	(12.5)	1.1
Deferred income taxes	44.1	(2.6)
Purchased in-process research and development	6.7	34.5
Other	(2.2)	3.9
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables, net	(14.4)	(54.8)
Inventories	(109.8)	(43.1)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	48.6	41.4
Income taxes	(55)	72.9
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0.1	(14.5)
Other	6.8	15
Net cash provided by operating activities	636.8	503.3
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(116.2)	(112.9)
Purchases of held-to-maturity investments (Note 5)	(716.9)	(579.6)
Proceeds from held-to-maturity investments (Note 5)	333	628.7
Purchases of available-for sale investments (Note 5)	(477.8)	(337)
Proceeds from available-for-sale investments (Note 5)	381	161.1
Investments in intangible assets and in-process research and development	(7.4)	(41.3)
Investments in trading securities, net	(8)	(6.5)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net (Note 5)	0.3	(5.1)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (Note 4)	(84.9)	0
Other	0.4	0.7
Net cash used in investing activities	(696.5)	(291.9)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of debt	989.3	24.6
Payments on debt and capital lease obligations	(812.8)	(25.7)
Purchases of treasury stock	(512)	(380.9)
Equity forward contract related to accelerated share repurchase agreement	0	(35)
Excess tax benefit from stock plans (Note 1)	0	56.6
Proceeds from stock plans	91.3	82.7
Other	0	4.1
Net cash used in financing activities	(244.2)	(273.6)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	4.1	(11.2)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(299.8)	(73.4)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	930.1	718.4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	630.3	645
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Fair value of shares issued in connection with business combinations (Note 4)	266.5	0
Capital expenditures accruals	19.1	19.7
Retirement of treasury stock (Note 10)	$ 2,746.2	$ 0

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying interim consolidated condensed financial statements and related disclosures have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in Edwards Lifesciences Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation ("Edwards Lifesciences" or the "Company"), the interim consolidated condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the interim periods. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an amendment to the guidance on stock compensation. The amendment simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017. The impact of the standard was as follows: • the Company recorded excess tax benefits of $46.9 million as a benefit to the " Provision for Income Taxes " for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Previously, this amount would have been recorded to " Additional Paid-in Capital "; • the new standard eliminates the requirement that excess tax benefits be realized through a reduction in income taxes payable before a company can recognize them. As a result, on January 1, 2017, the Company recorded, on a modified-retrospective basis, a cumulative-effect adjustment of $9.3 million in retained earnings for excess tax benefits not previously recognized; • in the diluted earnings per share calculation, when applying the treasury stock method for shares that could be repurchased, the assumed proceeds no longer include the amount of excess tax benefit. This did not have a material impact on the Company's diluted net earnings per share calculation; • the new standard requires that excess tax benefits be reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Previously, these cash flows were included in financing activities. The Company elected to apply this change on a prospective basis; • the new standard requires that employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes be reported as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. This had no impact since the Company has historically presented these amounts as a financing activity; and • the Company elected not to change its policy on accounting for forfeitures, and continued to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation cost to be recognized each period. New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In August 2017, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance on derivatives and hedging. The amendment expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements and modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued an amendment on the guidance on retirement benefits. The amendment requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. The amendment also provides explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allows only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. The guidance related to the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement must be applied retrospectively, and the guidance related to the capitalization of the service cost component of net benefit cost must be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued an update to the guidance to defer the effective date by one year, such that the new standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 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 will apply the new guidance effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method to contracts that are not completed as of January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance, including the cumulative effect of any adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings, to have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements.

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIA

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS	COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS Components of selected captions in the consolidated condensed balance sheets consisted of the following (in millions): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Inventories Raw materials $ 83.2 $ 60.6 Work in process 136.6 102.4 Finished products 318.6 233.6 $ 538.4 $ 396.6 At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , $87.2 million and $64.2 million , respectively, of the Company's finished products inventories were held on consignment. September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable $ 113.4 $ 97.1 Employee compensation and withholdings 214.2 216.1 Taxes payable (Note 13) 73.7 5.9 Property, payroll, and other taxes 38.5 35.3 Research and development accruals 41.9 40.0 Accrued rebates 49.2 36.1 Fair value of derivatives 25.8 3.3 Accrued marketing expenses 17.3 12.6 Accrued professional services 12.2 4.0 Litigation reserves 8.2 7.8 Other accrued liabilities 99.3 74.3 $ 693.7 $ 532.5

SPECIAL CHARGES

SPECIAL CHARGES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
SPECIAL CHARGES	SPECIAL CHARGES Realignment Expenses In September 2017, the Company recorded a $10.2 million charge related primarily to severance expenses (impacting 232 employees) and other costs associated with the planned closure of its manufacturing plant in Switzerland. As of September 30, 2017 , the Company's remaining severance obligations of $9.6 million are expected to be substantially paid by September 30, 2018. Impairment of Long-lived Assets In June 2017, the Company recorded a $31.2 million charge related to the other-than-temporary impairment of one of its cost method investments and an associated long-term asset related to the Company's option to acquire this investee. The Company concluded that the impairment of these assets was other-than-temporary based upon a recent review of the investee's clinical data and trial results, which did not support continuation of the product development effort, and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee. Acquisition of In-process Research and Development ("IPR&D") In May 2016, the Company entered into two separate agreements to acquire technologies for use in its transcatheter heart valve programs. In connection with these agreements, the Company recorded an IPR&D charge totaling $34.5 million . The acquired technologies are in the early stages of development and have no alternative uses. Additional design developments, bench testing, pre-clinical studies, and human clinical studies must be successfully completed prior to selling any product using these technologies.

ACQUISITION

ACQUISITION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITION	ACQUISITION On November 26, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger to acquire Valtech Cardio Ltd. ("Valtech") for approximately $340.0 million , subject to certain adjustments, with the potential for up to an additional $350.0 million in pre-specified milestone-driven payments over the next 10 years. The transaction closed on January 23, 2017, and the consideration paid included the issuance of approximately 2.8 million shares of the Company's common stock (fair value of $266.5 million ) and cash of $86.2 million . The Company recognized in " Other Long-term Liabilities " a $162.9 million liability for the estimated fair value of the contingent milestone payments. The fair value of the contingent milestone payments will be remeasured each quarter, with changes in the fair value recognized within operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. For further information on the fair value of the contingent milestone payments, see Note 6. In connection with the acquisition, the Company placed $27.6 million of the purchase price into escrow to satisfy any claims for indemnification made in accordance with the merger agreement. Any funds remaining 15 months after the acquisition date will be disbursed to Valtech's former shareholders. Acquisition-related costs of $0.6 million and $4.1 million were recorded in “ Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses ” during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016, respectively. Prior to the close of the transaction, Valtech spun off its early-stage transseptal mitral valve replacement technology program. Concurrent with the closing, the Company entered into an agreement for an exclusive option to acquire that program and its associated intellectual property for $200.0 million , subject to certain adjustments, plus an additional $50.0 million if a certain European regulatory approval is obtained within 10 years of the acquisition closing date. The option expires two years after the closing date of the transaction, but can be extended by up to one year depending on the results of certain clinical trials. Valtech is a developer of a transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve repair system. The Company plans to add this technology to its portfolio of mitral and tricuspid repair products. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination. Tangible and intangible assets acquired were recorded based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired was recorded to goodwill. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in millions): Current assets $ 22.7 Property and equipment, net 1.2 Goodwill 316.5 Developed technology 109.2 In-process research and development ("IPR&D") 87.9 Other assets 0.8 Current liabilities assumed (5.1 ) Deferred income taxes (17.6 ) Total purchase price 515.6 Less: cash acquired (4.3 ) Total purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 511.3 Goodwill includes expected synergies and other benefits the Company believes will result from the acquisition. Goodwill was assigned to the Company’s Rest of World segment and is not deductible for tax purposes. IPR&D has been capitalized at fair value as an intangible asset with an indefinite life and will be assessed for impairment in subsequent periods. The fair value of the IPR&D was determined using the income approach. This approach determines fair value based on cash flow projections which are discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate of return. The discount rates used to determine the fair value of the IPR&D ranged from 18.0% to 20.0% . Completion of successful design developments, bench testing, pre-clinical studies and human clinical studies are required prior to selling any product. The risks and uncertainties associated with completing development within a reasonable period of time include those related to the design, development, and manufacturability of the product, the success of pre-clinical and clinical studies, and the timing of regulatory approvals. The valuation assumed $87.3 million of additional research and development expenditures would be incurred prior to the date of product introduction. In the valuation, net cash inflows were modeled to commence in 2019. Upon completion of development, the underlying IPR&D asset will be amortized over its estimated useful life. Developed technology assets are being amortized over a weighted-average useful life of 11 years. The results of operations for Valtech have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Pro forma results have not been presented as the results of Valtech are not material in relation to the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	INVESTMENTS Debt Securities Investments in debt securities at the end of each period were as follows (in millions): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Held-to-maturity Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Bank time deposits $ 616.4 $ — $ — $ 616.4 $ 217.0 $ — $ — $ 217.0 Commercial paper 0.2 — — 0.2 — — — — U.S. government and agency securities 4.5 — — 4.5 16.1 — (0.1 ) 16.0 Asset-backed securities — — — — 0.3 — — 0.3 Corporate debt securities 0.9 — — 0.9 3.0 — — 3.0 Municipal securities — — — — 1.9 — — 1.9 Total $ 622.0 $ — $ — $ 622.0 $ 238.3 $ — $ (0.1 ) $ 238.2 Available-for-sale Bank time deposits $ 2.5 $ — $ — $ 2.5 $ — $ — $ — $ — Commercial paper 48.0 — — 48.0 35.4 — — 35.4 U.S. government and agency securities 64.7 — (0.3 ) 64.4 143.4 — (0.7 ) 142.7 Foreign government bonds 3.0 — — 3.0 — — — — Asset-backed securities 128.1 0.1 (0.1 ) 128.1 86.0 — (0.2 ) 85.8 Corporate debt securities 450.8 1.0 (0.7 ) 451.1 333.6 0.4 (1.5 ) 332.5 Municipal securities 4.5 — — 4.5 4.6 — (0.1 ) 4.5 Total $ 701.6 $ 1.1 $ (1.1 ) $ 701.6 $ 603.0 $ 0.4 $ (2.5 ) $ 600.9 The cost and fair value of investments in debt securities, by contractual maturity, as of September 30, 2017 were as follows: Held-to-Maturity Available-for-Sale Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value (in millions) Due in 1 year or less $ 617.5 $ 617.5 $ 155.0 $ 155.0 Due after 1 year through 5 years — — 435.2 435.2 Instruments not due at a single maturity date 4.5 4.5 111.4 111.4 $ 622.0 $ 622.0 $ 701.6 $ 701.6 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 condensed balance sheets, and are as follows: September 30, December 31, (in millions) Available-for-sale investments Cost $ — $ — Unrealized gains — 0.1 Fair value of available-for-sale investments — 0.1 Equity method investments Cost 9.2 9.5 Equity in losses (5.0 ) (3.9 ) Carrying value of equity method investments 4.2 5.6 Cost method investments Carrying value of cost method investments 12.2 28.2 Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ 16.4 $ 33.9 During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the gross realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale investments were not material. See Note 3 for information regarding the Company's impairment of one of its cost method investments.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The consolidated condensed 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 a revolving credit agreement. These financial instruments are held at cost, which generally approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. Financial instruments also include long-term notes payable. As of September 30, 2017 , the fair value of the notes payable, based on Level 2 inputs, was $606.0 million , versus a carrying value of $598.7 million . 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 (in millions): September 30, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Cash equivalents $ 57.4 $ 1.0 $ — $ 58.4 Available-for-sale investments: Bank time deposits — 2.5 — 2.5 Corporate debt securities — 451.1 — 451.1 Asset-backed securities — 128.1 — 128.1 U.S. government and agency securities 22.1 42.3 — 64.4 Foreign government bonds — 3.0 — 3.0 Commercial paper — 48.0 — 48.0 Municipal securities — 4.5 — 4.5 Investments held for deferred compensation plans 59.7 — — 59.7 Derivatives — 7.2 — 7.2 $ 139.2 $ 687.7 $ — $ 826.9 Liabilities Derivatives $ — $ 25.8 $ — $ 25.8 Deferred compensation plans 59.7 — — 59.7 Contingent consideration liabilities — — 182.0 182.0 $ 59.7 $ 25.8 $ 182.0 $ 267.5 December 31, 2016 Assets Cash equivalents $ 44.1 $ — $ — $ 44.1 Available-for-sale investments: Corporate debt securities — 332.5 — 332.5 Asset-backed securities — 85.8 — 85.8 U.S. government and agency securities 100.7 42.0 — 142.7 Commercial paper — 35.4 — 35.4 Municipal securities — 4.5 — 4.5 Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates 0.1 — — 0.1 Investments held for deferred compensation plans 46.0 — — 46.0 Derivatives — 35.2 — 35.2 $ 190.9 $ 535.4 $ — $ 726.3 Liabilities Derivatives $ — $ 3.3 $ — $ 3.3 Deferred compensation plans 46.7 — — 46.7 Contingent consideration liabilities — — 31.6 31.6 $ 46.7 $ 3.3 $ 31.6 $ 81.6 The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in millions): Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 31.6 Additions 162.9 Changes in fair value (12.5 ) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 182.0 The contingent consideration liability related to one of the Company's previous business acquisitions was reduced by $19.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017 due to delays in product development which reduced the probability of milestone achievement. 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 time deposits, commercial paper, U.S. and foreign government and agency securities, municipal 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 Plans The Company holds investments in trading securities related to its deferred compensation plans. 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 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. 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. Contingent Consideration Liabilities Certain of the Company's acquisitions involve contingent consideration arrangements. Payment of additional consideration is contingent upon the acquired company reaching certain performance milestones, such as attaining specified revenue levels, achieving product development targets, or obtaining regulatory approvals. These contingent consideration liabilities are measured at estimated fair value using either a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis or a Monte Carlo simulation model, both of which consider significant unobservable inputs. These inputs include (1) the discount rate used to present value the projected cash flows (ranging from 1.0% to 2.9% ), (2) the probability of milestone achievement (ranging from 25.0% to 85.0% ), (3) the projected payment dates (ranging from 2018 to 2024), and (4) the volatility of future revenue ( 50.0% ). The use of different assumptions could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDG

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate and foreign currency risks, as summarized below. It is the Company's policy not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Notional amounts are stated in United States dollar equivalents at spot exchange rates at the respective dates. Notional Amount September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in millions) Foreign currency forward exchange contracts $ 997.0 $ 949.7 Interest rate swap agreements 300.0 300.0 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 manage foreign currency risks. The contracts are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries, principally the Euro and the Japanese yen. 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 local currency expenses expected to occur within the next 13 months . These foreign currency forward exchange contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. The Company also uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency denominated debt to offset changes in the value of its net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The foreign currency forward exchange contracts and the foreign currency denominated debt are designated as net investment hedges. Certain of the Company's locations have assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies resulting principally from intercompany and local currency transactions. The Company uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to offset the transaction gains and losses associated with certain of these assets and liabilities. All derivative financial instruments are recognized at fair value in the consolidated condensed 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 the interest rate swaps (designated as 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. The effective portions of net investment hedges are reported in " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " as a part of the cumulative translation adjustment, and would be reclassified into earnings if the underlying net investment is sold or substantially liquidated. The ineffective portions of cash flow hedges and net investment hedges, if applicable, are recorded in current period earnings. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , 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 condensed statements of operations in each period based upon the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument. Cash flows from net investment hedges are reported as investing activities in the consolidated condensed statements of cash flows, and cash flows from all other derivative financial instruments are reported as operating activities. 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. The master-netting agreements provide for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in a single currency in the event of default, as defined by the agreements. The following table presents the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported in the consolidated condensed balance sheets (in millions): Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assets Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ 6.7 $ 28.6 Interest rate swap agreements Other assets $ 0.5 $ 0.4 Liabilities Foreign currency contracts Accrued and other liabilities $ 25.8 $ 3.3 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Assets Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ — $ 6.2 The following table presents the effect of master-netting agreements and rights of offset on the consolidated condensed balance sheets (in millions): Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet September 30, 2017 Gross Amounts Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount Derivative assets Foreign currency contracts $ 6.7 $ — $ 6.7 $ (6.1 ) $ — $ 0.6 Interest rate swap agreements $ 0.5 $ — $ 0.5 $ — $ — $ 0.5 Derivative liabilities Foreign currency contracts $ 25.8 $ — $ 25.8 $ (6.1 ) $ — $ 19.7 December 31, 2016 Derivative assets Foreign currency contracts $ 34.8 $ — $ 34.8 $ (3.3 ) $ — $ 31.5 Interest rate swap agreements $ 0.4 $ — $ 0.4 $ — $ — $ 0.4 Derivative liabilities Foreign currency contracts $ 3.3 $ — $ 3.3 $ (3.3 ) $ — $ — The following tables present the effect of derivative and non-derivative hedging instruments on the consolidated condensed statements of operations and consolidated condensed statements of comprehensive income (in millions): Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cash flow hedges Foreign currency contracts $ (13.6 ) $ (6.4 ) Cost of sales $ 3.1 $ (3.3 ) Selling, general, and administrative expenses $ (0.4 ) $ (0.1 ) Net investment hedges Foreign currency contracts $ — $ (0.3 ) Foreign currency denominated debt $ (16.9 ) $ — Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cash flow hedges Foreign currency contracts $ (39.7 ) $ (26.9 ) Cost of sales $ 7.8 $ 11.3 Selling, general, and administrative expenses $ (0.2 ) $ (0.4 ) Net investment hedges Foreign currency contracts $ — $ (4.1 ) Foreign currency denominated debt $ (32.5 ) $ — As of September 30, 2017 , the Company had €370.0 million of outstanding long-term debt designated as a net investment hedge. Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Fair value hedges 2017 2016 Interest rate swap agreements Interest expense, net $ (0.1 ) $ (2.3 ) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Nine Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Fair value hedges 2017 2016 Interest rate swap agreements Interest expense, net $ 0.1 $ 2.5 The gains 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 Income on Derivative Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 2017 2016 Foreign currency contracts Other expenses, net $ (6.2 ) $ (2.7 ) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Nine Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 2017 2016 Foreign currency contracts Other expenses, net $ (12.8 ) $ (18.5 ) The Company expects that during the next twelve months it will reclassify to earnings a $0.3 million loss currently recorded in " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ."

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Stock-based compensation expense related to awards issued under the Company's incentive compensation plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cost of sales $ 2.4 $ 2.2 $ 7.0 $ 6.3 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 10.3 9.5 30.5 28.6 Research and development expenses 3.1 2.7 8.8 8.1 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 15.8 $ 14.4 $ 46.3 $ 43.0 At September 30, 2017 , the total remaining compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP") subscription awards amounted to $112.4 million , which will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the weighted-average remaining requisite service period of 31 months . During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the Company granted 1.0 million stock options at a weighted-average exercise price of $110.36 and 0.3 million shares of restricted stock units at a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $109.36 . The Company also granted 0.1 million shares of market-based and performance-based restricted stock units at a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $129.46 . In addition, the Company issued an additional 0.1 million shares related to a previous year's grant of market-based restricted stock units since the payout percentage achieved at the end of the performance period was in excess of the targeted shares. The market-based restricted stock units 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 form 0% to 175% of the targeted number of shares granted. The performance-based restricted stock units vest based on the achievement of specified milestones. Fair Value Disclosures The fair value of the 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 granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 included a risk-free interest rate of 1.7% and 1.0% , respectively, and an expected volatility rate of 30.2% and 30.0% , respectively. The following table includes the weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock options granted during the periods indicated and the related weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model: Option Awards Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Average risk-free interest rate 1.8 % 1.0 % 1.8 % 1.1 % Expected dividend yield None None None None Expected volatility 33.2 % 33.2 % 33.0 % 33.1 % Expected term (years) 4.7 4.6 4.6 4.5 Fair value, per option $ 36.26 $ 31.23 $ 33.74 $ 31.02 The following table includes the weighted-average grant-date fair values for ESPP subscriptions granted during the periods indicated and the related weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model: ESPP Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Average risk-free interest rate 0.7 % 0.2 % 0.5 % 0.3 % Expected dividend yield None None None None Expected volatility 34.3 % 31.9 % 33.1 % 29.3 % Expected term (years) 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.6 Fair value, per share $ 29.15 $ 31.13 $ 25.69 $ 21.97

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES On October 30, 2015, Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., a subsidiary of Boston Scientific Corporation ("Boston Scientific"), filed a lawsuit in the district court in Düsseldorf, Germany against Edwards Lifesciences and its German subsidiary, Edwards Lifesciences Services GmbH, alleging that Edwards Lifesciences' SAPIEN 3 heart valve infringes certain claims of a Boston Scientific German national patent arising from EP 2 749 254 B1 (the "'254 patent") related to paravalvular sealing technology. On February 26, 2016, Boston Scientific added the German national patent arising from EP 2 926 766 (the "'766 patent") to the infringement allegations. On April 8, 2016, Boston Scientific filed a similar patent infringement action in district court in Paris, France relating to these patents. The complaints seek unspecified money damages and injunctive relief. The Company intends to defend itself vigorously in these matters. The French suit has been stayed pending the outcome of validity proceedings on the '766 and '254 patents. On March 9, 2017, the German district court ruled that the SAPIEN 3 heart valve infringes the '254 and '766 patents, and that Boston Scientific is entitled to enforce an injunction against SAPIEN 3 sales in Germany upon payment of a €90.0 million bond for each patent, but has not yet elected to do so. Edwards Lifesciences has appealed this infringement decision. In addition, Edwards Lifesciences filed oppositions at the European Patent Office ("EPO") challenging the validity of the '254 and '766 patents. On October 19, 2017, the EPO required Boston Scientific to amend the '254 patent. On November 2, 2015, Edwards Lifesciences LLC, a U.S. subsidiary of Edwards Lifesciences, filed a lawsuit against Sadra Medical, Inc. and Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., two subsidiaries of Boston Scientific, in the United Kingdom in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, Patents Court to declare invalid and revoke the U.K. national patent corresponding to the '254 patent. Edwards Lifesciences later added Boston Scientific’s U.K. national patent corresponding to the '766 patent to this invalidity lawsuit. The Boston Scientific subsidiaries filed counterclaims against Edwards Lifesciences and three of its European subsidiaries alleging that the SAPIEN 3 heart valve infringes certain claims of the same patents and seeking unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief. On March 3, 2017, the U.K. Patents Court ruled that Boston Scientific's '254 patent is invalid, and that its '766 patent is valid and infringed. The court also ruled that Boston Scientific is entitled to an injunction against SAPIEN 3 sales in the United Kingdom, but stayed the injunction pending appeal. Both sides have appealed this decision and U.K. Patents Court Proceedings for damages are ongoing. On June 16, 2017, Edwards Lifesciences filed a lawsuit against Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. in Germany in the district court in Munich, seeking a court order that Edwards Lifesciences is a co-owner of the '254 patent based on rights it has acquired. On July 31, 2017, Edwards Lifesciences filed a similar lawsuit with regard to the '766 patent. Proceedings are ongoing. On November 23, 2015, Edwards Lifesciences PVT, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Edwards Lifesciences, filed a lawsuit in the district court in Düsseldorf, Germany for patent infringement against Boston Scientific and a German subsidiary, Boston Scientific Medizintechnik GmbH, alleging that the Lotus heart valve infringes certain claims of Edwards Lifesciences' German national patents EP 1 441 672 B1 (the "'672 patent") and 2 255 753 B1 (the "'753 patent") related to prosthetic valve and delivery system technology. Edwards Lifesciences later added its German national patent EP 2 399 550 (the "'550 patent") to this suit. The complaint sought unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief. On March 9, 2016, the German district court ruled that the Lotus heart valve infringes the '550 patent, but does not infringe the '672 patent. The court also ruled that Edwards Lifesciences is entitled to enforce an injunction against the sales of the Lotus valve in Germany upon the payment of a €10.0 million bond, but has not yet elected to do so. Both sides have appealed this decision. The court did not rule on the '753 patent due to an opposition filed at the EPO by Boston Scientific. On March 28, 2017, the EPO rendered an initial decision to revoke the '753 patent. Edwards Lifesciences has appealed the EPO's initial decision. O n April 19, 2016, Boston Scientific filed a lawsuit against Edwards Lifesciences in the Federal District Court in the District of Delaware alleging that the SAPIEN 3 heart valve infringes certain claims of Boston Scientific’s U.S. Patent 8,992,608 (the "'608 patent") related to paravalvular sealing technology and seeking unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief. On June 9, 2016, Edwards Lifesciences LLC and Edwards Lifesciences PVT, Inc. filed counterclaims alleging that Boston Scientific’s Lotus heart valve infringes Edwards Lifesciences’ U.S. Patents 9,168,133; 9,339,383; and 7,510,575 related to prosthetic valve technology. Trial is scheduled for July 2018. On October 12, 2016, Edwards Lifesciences filed an Inter Partes Review ("IPR") request with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the "USPTO") challenging the validity of Boston Scientific's '608 patent. On March 29, 2017, the USPTO decided to institute the IPR. Also on April 19, 2016, Boston Scientific filed a lawsuit against Edwards Lifesciences in the Federal District Court in the Central District of California alleging that five of its transcatheter heart valve delivery systems and a valve crimper infringe certain claims of eight Boston Scientific U.S. patents. The complaints seek unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief. Trial is scheduled for May 2018. The Company intends to defend itself vigorously in these matters and has filed IPRs challenging the validity of the Boston Scientific patents in the suit. The lawsuit has been stayed pending the outcome of these IPR proceedings. The USPTO has instituted two of the requested IPRs. One other IPR request is pending. On October 23, 2016, Edwards Lifesciences PVT, Inc. and Edwards Lifesciences (Canada) Inc., a Canadian subsidiary of Edwards Lifesciences, filed a lawsuit against Boston Scientific and its Canadian subsidiary, Boston Scientific Ltd., as well as LivaNova PLC and LivaNova Canada Corp., its contract manufacturers, in the Federal Court in Toronto, Canada, alleging that Boston Scientific's manufacture of the Lotus valve through its contract manufacturers infringes two of Edwards Lifesciences' patents covering transcatheter heart valve technology. On February 17, 2017, Edwards added Neovasc, Inc. and Neovasc Medical Inc., additional contract manufacturers of Boston Scientific, to this lawsuit. On January 11, 2017, Edwards Lifesciences PVT, Inc. and Edwards Lifesciences SA(AG), a Swiss subsidiary of Edwards Lifesciences, filed a lawsuit against Boston Scientific Ltd and Boston Scientific Group PLC, two Irish subsidiaries of Boston Scientific, in the High Court in Dublin, Ireland alleging that the Boston Scientific's manufacture of the Lotus and Lotus Edge valves infringes the '550 patent. Because the ultimate outcome of the above matters involve judgments, estimates, and inherent uncertainties, and cannot be predicted with certainty, charges related to such matters could have a material adverse impact on Edwards Lifesciences' financial position, results of operations, and liquidity. In addition, 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 (the "Other Lawsuits"). The Other Lawsuits 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. Management does not believe that any charge relating to the Other Lawsuits would have a material adverse effect on Edwards Lifesciences’ overall financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. However, the resolution of one or more of the Other Lawsuits in any reporting period, could have a material adverse impact on Edwards Lifesciences' net income or cash flows for that period. 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. 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.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY On July 13, 2017, the Company's board of directors approved the retirement of the Company's treasury stock. In August 2017, the Company retired 33.6 million shares of treasury stock. Upon retirement, treasury stock decreased by $2.7 billion , with a corresponding reduction in common stock at par value, additional paid-in capital, and retained earnings of $33.6 million , $175.5 million and $2.5 billion , respectively. The shares were returned to the status of authorized but unissued.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The following table is a summary of activity for each component of " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in millions): Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-sale Investments Unrealized Pension Costs Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss December 31, 2016 $ (197.6 ) $ 16.7 $ 0.1 $ (17.6 ) $ (198.4 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications 74.9 (39.7 ) (5.4 ) 0.7 30.5 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (7.6 ) 1.9 — (5.7 ) Deferred income tax benefit 12.2 18.1 0.7 (0.1 ) 30.9 September 30, 2017 $ (110.5 ) $ (12.5 ) $ (2.7 ) $ (17.0 ) $ (142.7 ) The following table provides information about amounts reclassified from " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components 2017 2016 2017 2016 Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges $ 2.7 $ (3.4 ) $ 7.6 $ 10.9 Cost of sales (1.2 ) 1.2 (3.0 ) (4.5 ) Provision for income taxes $ 1.5 $ (2.2 ) $ 4.6 $ 6.4 Net of tax Gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments $ (1.1 ) $ (0.2 ) $ (1.9 ) $ (0.8 ) Other expenses, net 0.1 — 0.1 — Provision for income taxes $ (1.0 ) $ (0.2 ) $ (1.8 ) $ (0.8 ) Net of tax

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
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. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted-average common shares outstanding plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period calculated using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include employee equity share options, nonvested shares, and similar equity instruments granted by the Company. 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): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Basic: Net income $ 170.1 $ 141.4 $ 586.4 $ 411.0 Weighted-average shares outstanding 211.3 213.2 211.0 212.8 Basic earnings per share $ 0.81 $ 0.66 $ 2.78 $ 1.93 Diluted: Net income $ 170.1 $ 141.4 $ 586.4 $ 411.0 Weighted-average shares outstanding 211.3 213.2 211.0 212.8 Dilutive effect of stock plans 4.9 4.9 5.1 4.9 Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding 216.2 218.1 216.1 217.7 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.79 $ 0.65 $ 2.71 $ 1.89 Stock options, restricted stock units, and market-based restricted stock units to purchase 2.1 million and 1.1 million shares for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and 1.8 million and 0.8 million shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The Company's effective income tax rates were 19.7% and 23.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, and 17.5% and 23.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The change in the effective rates is primarily a result of the benefit determined under the new accounting standard for employee share-based compensation (see Note 1), and fluctuations in the relative contribution of foreign operations and United States operations to worldwide pre-tax income. The adoption of the new accounting standard for the tax benefit of employee share-based compensation resulted in a decrease in the Company's effective rates of 3.5% and 6.6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. 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 condensed 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. At September 30, 2017 , all material state, local, and foreign income tax matters have been concluded for years through 2008. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has substantially completed its fieldwork for the 2009 through 2013 tax years. However, the audits are currently in suspense pending a final determination with respect to a pending application for an Advanced Pricing Agreement ("APA") discussed below. The IRS began its examination of the 2014 tax year during the fourth quarter of 2016. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions was $142.4 million and $245.5 million , respectively. The Company estimates that these liabilities would be reduced by $20.3 million and $44.9 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 $122.1 million and $200.6 million , respectively, if not required, would favorably affect the Company's effective tax rate. The significant decrease in the net amount during 2017 is a result of the Company's anticipated partial settlement of the APA discussed below. The Company has been pursuing an APA covering certain transfer pricing matters between the Switzerland and United States governments for the years 2009 through 2013, with the possibility of a roll-forward of the results to subsequent years. During 2017, an agreement was reached with the IRS on several of the transactions covered by the APA, including a roll-forward of the results through 2020. The agreement is subject to finalization of a bilateral APA between the governments. The Company anticipates, however, that it will make tax payments related to these transactions within the next twelve months. Therefore, reclassifications were made from the long-term liability for uncertain tax positions to current taxes payable for the portion that relates to these transactions. Resolution of other significant transaction flows, however, remain open as of September 30, 2017. Overall, transfer pricing matters continue to be significant to the Company's consolidated financial statements as the disputed amounts are material, and the final outcome is uncertain. The Company continues to believe its transfer pricing positions are supportable. During 2014, the Company 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 in May 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, the IRS accepted the Company's request into the pre-filing agreement program. The closing agreement for this matter was finalized during the fourth quarter of 2016. There remained a disputed issue and the Company was accepted into the Fast-Track Appeals process in July 2017. The Company met with the Fast-Track Appeals team in October 2017 and was unable to reach an agreement. The Company intends to revert to the regular Appeals process. The Company made an advance payment of tax in December 2015 to prevent the further accrual of interest on any potential deficiency.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	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 of the Company's consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . 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): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Segment Net Sales United States $ 470.4 $ 417.1 $ 1,413.9 $ 1,194.2 Europe 167.8 171.2 614.3 556.3 Japan 84.0 68.1 257.1 203.8 Rest of World 87.1 72.4 261.4 220.9 Total segment net sales $ 809.3 $ 728.8 $ 2,546.7 $ 2,175.2 Segment Pre-tax Income United States $ 303.2 $ 274.2 $ 921.4 $ 776.0 Europe 75.3 80.1 306.9 273.0 Japan 46.4 33.4 145.2 101.5 Rest of World 24.7 17.4 77.4 54.4 Total segment pre-tax income $ 449.6 $ 405.1 $ 1,450.9 $ 1,204.9 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): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net Sales Reconciliation Segment net sales $ 809.3 $ 728.8 $ 2,546.7 $ 2,175.2 Foreign currency 12.2 10.6 0.1 20.8 Consolidated net sales $ 821.5 $ 739.4 $ 2,546.8 $ 2,196.0 Pre-tax Income Reconciliation Segment pre-tax income $ 449.6 $ 405.1 $ 1,450.9 $ 1,204.9 Unallocated amounts: Corporate items (217.3 ) (211.9 ) (660.6 ) (613.4 ) Special charges (Note 3) (10.2 ) — (41.4 ) (34.5 ) Intellectual property litigation expenses (13.7 ) (6.5 ) (31.6 ) (27.8 ) Interest expense, net (0.1 ) (2.1 ) (3.9 ) (6.9 ) Foreign currency 3.5 0.6 (2.4 ) 15.2 Consolidated pre-tax income $ 211.8 $ 185.2 $ 711.0 $ 537.5 Enterprise-wide Information Enterprise-wide information is based on actual foreign exchange rates used in the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Net Sales by Geographic Area United States $ 470.4 $ 417.1 $ 1,413.9 $ 1,194.2 Europe 182.3 172.3 627.0 564.4 Japan 83.2 79.8 253.0 226.3 Rest of World 85.6 70.2 252.9 211.1 $ 821.5 $ 739.4 $ 2,546.8 $ 2,196.0 Net Sales by Major Product and Service Area Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy $ 481.2 $ 410.1 $ 1,507.9 $ 1,196.5 Surgical Heart Valve Therapy 195.6 190.9 602.2 585.5 Critical Care 144.7 138.4 436.7 414.0 $ 821.5 $ 739.4 $ 2,546.8 $ 2,196.0 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in millions) Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area United States $ 595.9 $ 555.5 Europe 29.7 27.9 Japan 7.2 8.0 Rest of World 122.9 108.6 $ 755.7 $ 700.0

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an amendment to the guidance on stock compensation. The amendment simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017. The impact of the standard was as follows: • the Company recorded excess tax benefits of $46.9 million as a benefit to the " Provision for Income Taxes " for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . Previously, this amount would have been recorded to " Additional Paid-in Capital "; • the new standard eliminates the requirement that excess tax benefits be realized through a reduction in income taxes payable before a company can recognize them. As a result, on January 1, 2017, the Company recorded, on a modified-retrospective basis, a cumulative-effect adjustment of $9.3 million in retained earnings for excess tax benefits not previously recognized; • in the diluted earnings per share calculation, when applying the treasury stock method for shares that could be repurchased, the assumed proceeds no longer include the amount of excess tax benefit. This did not have a material impact on the Company's diluted net earnings per share calculation; • the new standard requires that excess tax benefits be reported as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Previously, these cash flows were included in financing activities. The Company elected to apply this change on a prospective basis; • the new standard requires that employee taxes paid when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes be reported as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. This had no impact since the Company has historically presented these amounts as a financing activity; and • the Company elected not to change its policy on accounting for forfeitures, and continued to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of compensation cost to be recognized each period. New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In August 2017, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance on derivatives and hedging. The amendment expands and refines hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The guidance eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. The guidance also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements and modifies the accounting for components excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued an amendment on the guidance on retirement benefits. The amendment requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. The amendment also provides explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allows only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. The guidance related to the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement must be applied retrospectively, and the guidance related to the capitalization of the service cost component of net benefit cost must be applied prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 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. In August 2015, the FASB issued an update to the guidance to defer the effective date by one year, such that the new standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 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 will apply the new guidance effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method to contracts that are not completed as of January 1, 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance, including the cumulative effect of any adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings, to have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements.

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANC22

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Components of Selected Captions in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets	Components of selected captions in the consolidated condensed balance sheets consisted of the following (in millions): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Inventories Raw materials $ 83.2 $ 60.6 Work in process 136.6 102.4 Finished products 318.6 233.6 $ 538.4 $ 396.6
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable $ 113.4 $ 97.1 Employee compensation and withholdings 214.2 216.1 Taxes payable (Note 13) 73.7 5.9 Property, payroll, and other taxes 38.5 35.3 Research and development accruals 41.9 40.0 Accrued rebates 49.2 36.1 Fair value of derivatives 25.8 3.3 Accrued marketing expenses 17.3 12.6 Accrued professional services 12.2 4.0 Litigation reserves 8.2 7.8 Other accrued liabilities 99.3 74.3 $ 693.7 $ 532.5

ACQUISITION (Tables)

ACQUISITION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date (in millions): Current assets $ 22.7 Property and equipment, net 1.2 Goodwill 316.5 Developed technology 109.2 In-process research and development ("IPR&D") 87.9 Other assets 0.8 Current liabilities assumed (5.1 ) Deferred income taxes (17.6 ) Total purchase price 515.6 Less: cash acquired (4.3 ) Total purchase price, net of cash acquired $ 511.3

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Investments in Debt Securities	Investments in debt securities at the end of each period were as follows (in millions): September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Held-to-maturity Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Bank time deposits $ 616.4 $ — $ — $ 616.4 $ 217.0 $ — $ — $ 217.0 Commercial paper 0.2 — — 0.2 — — — — U.S. government and agency securities 4.5 — — 4.5 16.1 — (0.1 ) 16.0 Asset-backed securities — — — — 0.3 — — 0.3 Corporate debt securities 0.9 — — 0.9 3.0 — — 3.0 Municipal securities — — — — 1.9 — — 1.9 Total $ 622.0 $ — $ — $ 622.0 $ 238.3 $ — $ (0.1 ) $ 238.2 Available-for-sale Bank time deposits $ 2.5 $ — $ — $ 2.5 $ — $ — $ — $ — Commercial paper 48.0 — — 48.0 35.4 — — 35.4 U.S. government and agency securities 64.7 — (0.3 ) 64.4 143.4 — (0.7 ) 142.7 Foreign government bonds 3.0 — — 3.0 — — — — Asset-backed securities 128.1 0.1 (0.1 ) 128.1 86.0 — (0.2 ) 85.8 Corporate debt securities 450.8 1.0 (0.7 ) 451.1 333.6 0.4 (1.5 ) 332.5 Municipal securities 4.5 — — 4.5 4.6 — (0.1 ) 4.5 Total $ 701.6 $ 1.1 $ (1.1 ) $ 701.6 $ 603.0 $ 0.4 $ (2.5 ) $ 600.9
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 September 30, 2017 were as follows: Held-to-Maturity Available-for-Sale Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value (in millions) Due in 1 year or less $ 617.5 $ 617.5 $ 155.0 $ 155.0 Due after 1 year through 5 years — — 435.2 435.2 Instruments not due at a single maturity date 4.5 4.5 111.4 111.4 $ 622.0 $ 622.0 $ 701.6 $ 701.6
Schedule of Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	Investments in these unconsolidated affiliates are recorded in " Long-term Investments " on the consolidated condensed balance sheets, and are as follows: September 30, December 31, (in millions) Available-for-sale investments Cost $ — $ — Unrealized gains — 0.1 Fair value of available-for-sale investments — 0.1 Equity method investments Cost 9.2 9.5 Equity in losses (5.0 ) (3.9 ) Carrying value of equity method investments 4.2 5.6 Cost method investments Carrying value of cost method investments 12.2 28.2 Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ 16.4 $ 33.9

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
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 (in millions): September 30, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Cash equivalents $ 57.4 $ 1.0 $ — $ 58.4 Available-for-sale investments: Bank time deposits — 2.5 — 2.5 Corporate debt securities — 451.1 — 451.1 Asset-backed securities — 128.1 — 128.1 U.S. government and agency securities 22.1 42.3 — 64.4 Foreign government bonds — 3.0 — 3.0 Commercial paper — 48.0 — 48.0 Municipal securities — 4.5 — 4.5 Investments held for deferred compensation plans 59.7 — — 59.7 Derivatives — 7.2 — 7.2 $ 139.2 $ 687.7 $ — $ 826.9 Liabilities Derivatives $ — $ 25.8 $ — $ 25.8 Deferred compensation plans 59.7 — — 59.7 Contingent consideration liabilities — — 182.0 182.0 $ 59.7 $ 25.8 $ 182.0 $ 267.5 December 31, 2016 Assets Cash equivalents $ 44.1 $ — $ — $ 44.1 Available-for-sale investments: Corporate debt securities — 332.5 — 332.5 Asset-backed securities — 85.8 — 85.8 U.S. government and agency securities 100.7 42.0 — 142.7 Commercial paper — 35.4 — 35.4 Municipal securities — 4.5 — 4.5 Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates 0.1 — — 0.1 Investments held for deferred compensation plans 46.0 — — 46.0 Derivatives — 35.2 — 35.2 $ 190.9 $ 535.4 $ — $ 726.3 Liabilities Derivatives $ — $ 3.3 $ — $ 3.3 Deferred compensation plans 46.7 — — 46.7 Contingent consideration liabilities — — 31.6 31.6 $ 46.7 $ 3.3 $ 31.6 $ 81.6
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Obligation	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in millions): Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 31.6 Additions 162.9 Changes in fair value (12.5 ) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 182.0

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE26

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Derivative Financial Instruments Used to Manage Currency Exchange Rate Risk and Interest Rate Risk	Notional Amount September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in millions) Foreign currency forward exchange contracts $ 997.0 $ 949.7 Interest rate swap agreements 300.0 300.0
Schedule of Location and Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments Reported in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets	The following table presents the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported in the consolidated condensed balance sheets (in millions): Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Balance Sheet Location September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Assets Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ 6.7 $ 28.6 Interest rate swap agreements Other assets $ 0.5 $ 0.4 Liabilities Foreign currency contracts Accrued and other liabilities $ 25.8 $ 3.3 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Assets Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ — $ 6.2
Schedule of Effect of Master-Netting Agreements and Rights of Offset, Derivative Assets	The following table presents the effect of master-netting agreements and rights of offset on the consolidated condensed balance sheets (in millions): Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet September 30, 2017 Gross Amounts Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount Derivative assets Foreign currency contracts $ 6.7 $ — $ 6.7 $ (6.1 ) $ — $ 0.6 Interest rate swap agreements $ 0.5 $ — $ 0.5 $ — $ — $ 0.5 Derivative liabilities Foreign currency contracts $ 25.8 $ — $ 25.8 $ (6.1 ) $ — $ 19.7 December 31, 2016 Derivative assets Foreign currency contracts $ 34.8 $ — $ 34.8 $ (3.3 ) $ — $ 31.5 Interest rate swap agreements $ 0.4 $ — $ 0.4 $ — $ — $ 0.4 Derivative liabilities Foreign currency contracts $ 3.3 $ — $ 3.3 $ (3.3 ) $ — $ —
Schedule of Effect of Master-Netting Agreements and Rights of Offset, Derivative Liabilities	The following table presents the effect of master-netting agreements and rights of offset on the consolidated condensed balance sheets (in millions): Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet September 30, 2017 Gross Amounts Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount Derivative assets Foreign currency contracts $ 6.7 $ — $ 6.7 $ (6.1 ) $ — $ 0.6 Interest rate swap agreements $ 0.5 $ — $ 0.5 $ — $ — $ 0.5 Derivative liabilities Foreign currency contracts $ 25.8 $ — $ 25.8 $ (6.1 ) $ — $ 19.7 December 31, 2016 Derivative assets Foreign currency contracts $ 34.8 $ — $ 34.8 $ (3.3 ) $ — $ 31.5 Interest rate swap agreements $ 0.4 $ — $ 0.4 $ — $ — $ 0.4 Derivative liabilities Foreign currency contracts $ 3.3 $ — $ 3.3 $ (3.3 ) $ — $ —
Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations and Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income	The following tables present the effect of derivative and non-derivative hedging instruments on the consolidated condensed statements of operations and consolidated condensed statements of comprehensive income (in millions): Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cash flow hedges Foreign currency contracts $ (13.6 ) $ (6.4 ) Cost of sales $ 3.1 $ (3.3 ) Selling, general, and administrative expenses $ (0.4 ) $ (0.1 ) Net investment hedges Foreign currency contracts $ — $ (0.3 ) Foreign currency denominated debt $ (16.9 ) $ — Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cash flow hedges Foreign currency contracts $ (39.7 ) $ (26.9 ) Cost of sales $ 7.8 $ 11.3 Selling, general, and administrative expenses $ (0.2 ) $ (0.4 ) Net investment hedges Foreign currency contracts $ — $ (4.1 ) Foreign currency denominated debt $ (32.5 ) $ — As of September 30, 2017 , the Company had €370.0 million of outstanding long-term debt designated as a net investment hedge. Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Fair value hedges 2017 2016 Interest rate swap agreements Interest expense, net $ (0.1 ) $ (2.3 ) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Nine Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Fair value hedges 2017 2016 Interest rate swap agreements Interest expense, net $ 0.1 $ 2.5 The gains 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 Income on Derivative Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 2017 2016 Foreign currency contracts Other expenses, net $ (6.2 ) $ (2.7 ) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Nine Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 2017 2016 Foreign currency contracts Other expenses, net $ (12.8 ) $ (18.5 )

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Stock-based compensation expense related to awards issued under the Company's incentive compensation plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Cost of sales $ 2.4 $ 2.2 $ 7.0 $ 6.3 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 10.3 9.5 30.5 28.6 Research and development expenses 3.1 2.7 8.8 8.1 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 15.8 $ 14.4 $ 46.3 $ 43.0
Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions for Options Granted	The following table includes the weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock options granted during the periods indicated and the related weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model: Option Awards Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Average risk-free interest rate 1.8 % 1.0 % 1.8 % 1.1 % Expected dividend yield None None None None Expected volatility 33.2 % 33.2 % 33.0 % 33.1 % Expected term (years) 4.7 4.6 4.6 4.5 Fair value, per option $ 36.26 $ 31.23 $ 33.74 $ 31.02
Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions for ESPP Subscriptions Granted	The following table includes the weighted-average grant-date fair values for ESPP subscriptions granted during the periods indicated and the related weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model: ESPP Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Average risk-free interest rate 0.7 % 0.2 % 0.5 % 0.3 % Expected dividend yield None None None None Expected volatility 34.3 % 31.9 % 33.1 % 29.3 % Expected term (years) 0.7 0.8 0.6 0.6 Fair value, per share $ 29.15 $ 31.13 $ 25.69 $ 21.97

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI28

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Activity for Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table is a summary of activity for each component of " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in millions): Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-sale Investments Unrealized Pension Costs Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss December 31, 2016 $ (197.6 ) $ 16.7 $ 0.1 $ (17.6 ) $ (198.4 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications 74.9 (39.7 ) (5.4 ) 0.7 30.5 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (7.6 ) 1.9 — (5.7 ) Deferred income tax benefit 12.2 18.1 0.7 (0.1 ) 30.9 September 30, 2017 $ (110.5 ) $ (12.5 ) $ (2.7 ) $ (17.0 ) $ (142.7 )
Schedule of Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table provides information about amounts reclassified from " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components 2017 2016 2017 2016 Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges $ 2.7 $ (3.4 ) $ 7.6 $ 10.9 Cost of sales (1.2 ) 1.2 (3.0 ) (4.5 ) Provision for income taxes $ 1.5 $ (2.2 ) $ 4.6 $ 6.4 Net of tax Gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments $ (1.1 ) $ (0.2 ) $ (1.9 ) $ (0.8 ) Other expenses, net 0.1 — 0.1 — Provision for income taxes $ (1.0 ) $ (0.2 ) $ (1.8 ) $ (0.8 ) Net of tax

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
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): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Basic: Net income $ 170.1 $ 141.4 $ 586.4 $ 411.0 Weighted-average shares outstanding 211.3 213.2 211.0 212.8 Basic earnings per share $ 0.81 $ 0.66 $ 2.78 $ 1.93 Diluted: Net income $ 170.1 $ 141.4 $ 586.4 $ 411.0 Weighted-average shares outstanding 211.3 213.2 211.0 212.8 Dilutive effect of stock plans 4.9 4.9 5.1 4.9 Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding 216.2 218.1 216.1 217.7 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.79 $ 0.65 $ 2.71 $ 1.89

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information About Reportable Segments and Reconciliation of Segment Net Sales to Consolidated Net Sales and Segment Pre-Tax Income to Consolidated Pre-Tax Income	The table below presents information about Edwards Lifesciences' reportable segments (in millions): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Segment Net Sales United States $ 470.4 $ 417.1 $ 1,413.9 $ 1,194.2 Europe 167.8 171.2 614.3 556.3 Japan 84.0 68.1 257.1 203.8 Rest of World 87.1 72.4 261.4 220.9 Total segment net sales $ 809.3 $ 728.8 $ 2,546.7 $ 2,175.2 Segment Pre-tax Income United States $ 303.2 $ 274.2 $ 921.4 $ 776.0 Europe 75.3 80.1 306.9 273.0 Japan 46.4 33.4 145.2 101.5 Rest of World 24.7 17.4 77.4 54.4 Total segment pre-tax income $ 449.6 $ 405.1 $ 1,450.9 $ 1,204.9 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): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net Sales Reconciliation Segment net sales $ 809.3 $ 728.8 $ 2,546.7 $ 2,175.2 Foreign currency 12.2 10.6 0.1 20.8 Consolidated net sales $ 821.5 $ 739.4 $ 2,546.8 $ 2,196.0 Pre-tax Income Reconciliation Segment pre-tax income $ 449.6 $ 405.1 $ 1,450.9 $ 1,204.9 Unallocated amounts: Corporate items (217.3 ) (211.9 ) (660.6 ) (613.4 ) Special charges (Note 3) (10.2 ) — (41.4 ) (34.5 ) Intellectual property litigation expenses (13.7 ) (6.5 ) (31.6 ) (27.8 ) Interest expense, net (0.1 ) (2.1 ) (3.9 ) (6.9 ) Foreign currency 3.5 0.6 (2.4 ) 15.2 Consolidated pre-tax income $ 211.8 $ 185.2 $ 711.0 $ 537.5
Enterprise-Wide Information	Enterprise-wide information is based on actual foreign exchange rates used in the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 (in millions) Net Sales by Geographic Area United States $ 470.4 $ 417.1 $ 1,413.9 $ 1,194.2 Europe 182.3 172.3 627.0 564.4 Japan 83.2 79.8 253.0 226.3 Rest of World 85.6 70.2 252.9 211.1 $ 821.5 $ 739.4 $ 2,546.8 $ 2,196.0 Net Sales by Major Product and Service Area Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy $ 481.2 $ 410.1 $ 1,507.9 $ 1,196.5 Surgical Heart Valve Therapy 195.6 190.9 602.2 585.5 Critical Care 144.7 138.4 436.7 414.0 $ 821.5 $ 739.4 $ 2,546.8 $ 2,196.0 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 (in millions) Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area United States $ 595.9 $ 555.5 Europe 29.7 27.9 Japan 7.2 8.0 Rest of World 122.9 108.6 $ 755.7 $ 700.0

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Excess tax benefits	$ (46.9)
ASU 2016-09 | Retained earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative-effect adjustment in retained earnings for excess tax benefits not previously recognized		$ 9.3

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANC32

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS - Components of Selected Captions in the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 83.2	$ 60.6
Work in process	136.6	102.4
Finished products	318.6	233.6
Total inventories	538.4	396.6
Finished products inventories held on consignment	$ 87.2	$ 64.2

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANC33

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS - Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accounts payable	$ 113.4	$ 97.1
Employee compensation and withholdings	214.2	216.1
Taxes payable (Note 13)	73.7	5.9
Property, payroll, and other taxes	38.5	35.3
Research and development accruals	41.9	40
Accrued rebates	49.2	36.1
Fair value of derivatives	25.8	3.3
Accrued marketing expenses	17.3	12.6
Accrued professional services	12.2	4
Litigation reserves	8.2	7.8
Other accrued liabilities	99.3	74.3
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 693.7	$ 532.5

SPECIAL CHARGES Narrative (Deta

SPECIAL CHARGES Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)employee	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)agreement
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment of long-lived assets		$ 31.2
Number of acquisition agreements | agreement			2
Research and development asset acquired			$ 34.5
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 10.2
Number of employees impacted | employee	232
Expected restructuring cost remaining	$ 9.6

ACQUISITION - Narrative (Detail

ACQUISITION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Jan. 23, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Valtech
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition price, subject to certain adjustments	$ 340
Potential additional pre-specified milestone-driven payments	$ 350
Period for potential additional payments	10 years
Shares issued as part of consideration paid (in shares)	2.8
Fair value of shares issued	$ 266.5
Cash included in consideration paid	86.2
Liability for estimated fair value of contingent milestone payments	162.9
Purchase price placed into escrow	$ 27.6
Period for funds to remain in escrow	15 months
Additional research and development expenditures expected to be incurred	$ 87.3
Valtech | IPR&D | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Discount rates used to determine fair value of IPR&D	18.00%
Valtech | IPR&D | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Discount rates used to determine fair value of IPR&D	20.00%
Valtech | Developed technology assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted-average useful life	11 years
Valtech | Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition-related costs		$ 0.6	$ 4.1
Valtech Spin-off
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Exclusive option to acquire program and its associated intellectual property, subject to certain adjustments	$ 200
Additional amount subject to regulatory approval	$ 50
Period to obtain regulatory approval	10 years
Exclusive option expiration period	2 years
Period of extended term depending on the results of certain clinical trials (up to)	1 year

ACQUISITION - Summary of Fair V

ACQUISITION - Summary of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 23, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 980.5	$ 626.1
Valtech
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 22.7
Property and equipment, net	1.2
Goodwill	316.5
Other assets	0.8
Current liabilities assumed	(5.1)
Deferred income taxes	(17.6)
Total purchase price	515.6
Less: cash acquired	(4.3)
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired	511.3
Valtech | Developed technology
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Developed technology and In-process research and development (IPR&D)	109.2
Valtech | In-process research and development (IPR&D)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Developed technology and In-process research and development (IPR&D)	$ 87.9

INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Inves

INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Investments in Debt Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Held-to-maturity
Cost	$ 622	$ 238.3
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(0.1)
Fair Value	622	238.2
Available-for-sale
Cost	701.6	603
Gross Unrealized Gains	1.1	0.4
Gross Unrealized Losses	(1.1)	(2.5)
Fair Value	701.6	600.9
Bank time deposits
Held-to-maturity
Cost	616.4	217
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	616.4	217
Available-for-sale
Cost	2.5	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	2.5	0
Commercial paper
Held-to-maturity
Cost	0.2	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	0.2	0
Available-for-sale
Cost	48	35.4
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	48	35.4
U.S. government and agency securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	4.5	16.1
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(0.1)
Fair Value	4.5	16
Available-for-sale
Cost	64.7	143.4
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(0.3)	(0.7)
Fair Value	64.4	142.7
Foreign government bonds
Available-for-sale
Cost	3	0
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	3	0
Asset-backed securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	0	0.3
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	0	0.3
Available-for-sale
Cost	128.1	86
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(0.1)	(0.2)
Fair Value	128.1	85.8
Corporate debt securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	0.9	3
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	0.9	3
Available-for-sale
Cost	450.8	333.6
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	0.4
Gross Unrealized Losses	(0.7)	(1.5)
Fair Value	451.1	332.5
Municipal securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	0	1.9
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	0	1.9
Available-for-sale
Cost	4.5	4.6
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(0.1)
Fair Value	$ 4.5	$ 4.5

INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Cost

INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Cost and Fair Value of Investments in Debt Securities, By Contractual Maturity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cost
Due in 1 year or less	$ 617.5
Due after 1 year through 5 years	0
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	4.5
Cost	622	$ 238.3
Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	617.5
Due after 1 year through 5 years	0
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	4.5
Fair Value	622	238.2
Cost
Due in 1 year or less	155
Due after 1 year through 5 years	435.2
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	111.4
Cost	701.6	603
Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	155
Due after 1 year through 5 years	435.2
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	111.4
Fair Value	$ 701.6	$ 600.9

INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Inv39

INVESTMENTS - Schedule of Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale investments
Cost	$ 0	$ 0
Unrealized gains	0	0.1
Fair value of available-for-sale investments	0	0.1
Equity method investments
Cost	9.2	9.5
Equity in losses	(5)	(3.9)
Carrying value of equity method investments	4.2	5.6
Cost method investments
Carrying value of cost method investments	12.2	28.2
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 16.4	$ 33.9

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Narra

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Financial instruments
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities (Note 6)	$ 16.7	$ (0.1)	$ 12.5	$ (1.1)
Level 3 | Obligations
Financial instruments
Volatility of future revenue (as a percent)			50.00%
Level 3 | Obligations | Minimum
Financial instruments
Discount rate			1.00%
Probability of milestone achievement (as a percent)			25.00%
Level 3 | Obligations | Maximum
Financial instruments
Discount rate			2.90%
Probability of milestone achievement (as a percent)			85.00%
Fair value | Level 2
Financial instruments
Fair value of notes payable	606		$ 606
Carrying value | Level 2
Financial instruments
Fair value of notes payable	598.7		$ 598.7
Previous Acquisitions
Financial instruments
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities (Note 6)	$ 19.9

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Summa

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Summary of Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Estimate of Fair Value Measurement - Fair Value on a Recurring Basis - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Cash equivalents	$ 58.4	$ 44.1
Investments held for deferred compensation plans	59.7	46
Derivatives	7.2	35.2
Assets	826.9	726.3
Liabilities
Derivatives	25.8	3.3
Deferred compensation plans	59.7	46.7
Contingent consideration liabilities	182	31.6
Liabilities	267.5	81.6
Bank time deposits
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	2.5
Corporate debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	451.1	332.5
Asset-backed securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	128.1	85.8
U.S. government and agency securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	64.4	142.7
Foreign government bonds
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	3
Commercial paper
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	48	35.4
Municipal securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	4.5	4.5
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Assets
Available-for-sale investments		0.1
Level 1
Assets
Cash equivalents	57.4	44.1
Investments held for deferred compensation plans	59.7	46
Derivatives	0	0
Assets	139.2	190.9
Liabilities
Derivatives	0	0
Deferred compensation plans	59.7	46.7
Contingent consideration liabilities	0	0
Liabilities	59.7	46.7
Level 1 | Bank time deposits
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0
Level 1 | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 1 | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 1 | U.S. government and agency securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	22.1	100.7
Level 1 | Foreign government bonds
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0
Level 1 | Commercial paper
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 1 | Municipal securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 1 | Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Assets
Available-for-sale investments		0.1
Level 2
Assets
Cash equivalents	1	0
Investments held for deferred compensation plans	0	0
Derivatives	7.2	35.2
Assets	687.7	535.4
Liabilities
Derivatives	25.8	3.3
Deferred compensation plans	0	0
Contingent consideration liabilities	0	0
Liabilities	25.8	3.3
Level 2 | Bank time deposits
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	2.5
Level 2 | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	451.1	332.5
Level 2 | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	128.1	85.8
Level 2 | U.S. government and agency securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	42.3	42
Level 2 | Foreign government bonds
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	3
Level 2 | Commercial paper
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	48	35.4
Level 2 | Municipal securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	4.5	4.5
Level 2 | Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Assets
Available-for-sale investments		0
Level 3
Assets
Cash equivalents	0	0
Investments held for deferred compensation plans	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Assets	0	0
Liabilities
Derivatives	0	0
Deferred compensation plans	0	0
Contingent consideration liabilities	182	31.6
Liabilities	182	31.6
Level 3 | Bank time deposits
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0
Level 3 | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 3 | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 3 | U.S. government and agency securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 3 | Foreign government bonds
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0
Level 3 | Commercial paper
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 3 | Municipal securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	$ 0	0
Level 3 | Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Assets
Available-for-sale investments		$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Sum42

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Obligation (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning balance	$ 31.6
Additions	162.9
Changes in fair value	(12.5)
Ending balance	$ 182

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE43

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Summary of Derivative Financial Instruments Used to Manage Currency Exchange Rate Risk and Interest Rate Risk (Details) - Derivatives designated as hedging instruments - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative Financial Instruments
Notional Amount	$ 997	$ 949.7
Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative Financial Instruments
Notional Amount	$ 300	$ 300

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE44

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Narrative (Details) - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2017 € in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	EUR (€)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes due to currency rate movements and expenses expected to occur, maximum term	13 months
Gain expected to be reclassified as earnings | $	$ 0.3
Net investment hedges | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency denominated debt
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative liability, fair value | €		€ 370

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE45

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Schedule of Location and Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments Reported in Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Foreign currency contracts
Assets
Fair value of derivative assets	$ 6.7	$ 34.8
Liabilities
Fair value of derivative liabilities	25.8	3.3
Interest rate swap agreements
Assets
Fair value of derivative assets	0.5	0.4
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Other current assets
Assets
Fair value of derivative assets	6.7	28.6
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Accrued and other liabilities
Liabilities
Fair value of derivative liabilities	25.8	3.3
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate swap agreements | Other assets
Assets
Fair value of derivative assets	0.5	0.4
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Other current assets
Assets
Fair value of derivative assets	$ 0	$ 6.2

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE46

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Schedule of Effect of Master-Netting Agreements and Rights of Offset, Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Foreign currency contracts
Derivative assets
Gross Amounts	$ 6.7	$ 34.8
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	6.7	34.8
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments	(6.1)	(3.3)
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	0.6	31.5
Derivative liabilities
Gross Amounts	25.8	3.3
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	25.8	3.3
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments	(6.1)	(3.3)
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	19.7	0
Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative assets
Gross Amounts	0.5	0.4
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0.5	0.4
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	$ 0.5	$ 0.4

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE47

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations and Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Foreign currency contracts | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Other expenses, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	$ (6.2)	$ (2.7)	$ (12.8)	$ (18.5)
Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(13.6)	(6.4)
Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts | Cost of sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income	3.1	(3.3)
Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts | Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income	(0.4)	(0.1)
Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)			(39.7)	(26.9)
Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Cost of sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income			7.8	11.3
Cash flow hedges | Foreign currency contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income			(0.2)	(0.4)
Net investment hedges | Foreign currency contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	0	(0.3)
Net investment hedges | Foreign currency contracts | Other expenses, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income
Net investment hedges | Foreign currency contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)			0	(4.1)
Net investment hedges | Foreign currency contracts | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Other expenses, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income
Net investment hedges | Foreign currency denominated debt
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(16.9)	0	(32.5)	0
Fair value hedges | Interest rate swap agreements | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	$ (0.1)	$ (2.3)	$ 0.1	$ 2.5

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Sche

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 15.8	$ 14.4	$ 46.3	$ 43
Cost of sales
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense	2.4	2.2	7	6.3
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense	10.3	9.5	30.5	28.6
Research and development expenses
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 3.1	$ 2.7	$ 8.8	$ 8.1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Narr

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total remaining unrecognized compensation cost	$ 112.4		$ 112.4
Unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period			31 months
Option Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options grants in period (in shares)			1
Options grants in period, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)			$ 110.36
Average risk-free interest rate	1.80%	1.00%	1.80%	1.10%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	33.20%	33.20%	33.00%	33.10%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instruments other than options, grants in period (in shares)			0.3
Equity instruments other than options grants in period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$ 109.36
Average risk-free interest rate			1.70%	1.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)			30.20%	30.00%
Market Based And Performance Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity instruments other than options, grants in period (in shares)			0.1
Equity instruments other than options grants in period, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)			$ 129.46
Market Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of additional shares (in shares)			0.1
Performance measurement period (in years)			3 years
Minimum | Market Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of targeted shares granted			0.00%
Maximum | Market Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of targeted shares granted			175.00%

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Sc50

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions for Options and ESPP Subscriptions Granted Granted (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Option Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average risk-free interest rate	1.80%	1.00%	1.80%	1.10%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	33.20%	33.20%	33.00%	33.10%
Expected term	4 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 6 months
Fair value, per option (in dollars per share)	$ 36.26	$ 31.23	$ 33.74	$ 31.02
ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average risk-free interest rate	0.70%	0.20%	0.50%	0.30%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	34.30%	31.90%	33.10%	29.30%
Expected term	8 months 12 days	9 months 18 days	7 months 6 days	7 months 6 days
Fair value, per option (in dollars per share)	$ 29.15	$ 31.13	$ 25.69	$ 21.97

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)	Mar. 09, 2017EUR (€)	Oct. 23, 2016patent	Apr. 19, 2016inter_partes_reviewproductpatent	Mar. 09, 2016EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2017lawsuit	Jan. 11, 2017subsidiary	Nov. 02, 2015subsidiary
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of lawsuits that if settled could have a material adverse impact on net income or cash flows | lawsuit					1
Edwards Lifesciences vs Boston Scientific Patent Lawsuits
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of products involved in patent infringement | product			5
Inter partes review requests | inter_partes_review			2
Inter partes reviews pending | inter_partes_review			1
Edwards Lifesciences vs Boston Scientific Patent Lawsuits | Boston Scientific
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Payment of bond for each patent to enforce an injunction against sales in Germany (in euros) | €	€ 90,000,000
Number of subsidiaries in litigation | subsidiary						2	2
Number of patents allegedly infringed | patent			8
Edwards Lifesciences vs Boston Scientific Patent Lawsuits | Boston Scientific | Europe
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of subsidiaries in litigation | subsidiary							3
Edwards Lifesciences vs Boston Scientific Patent Lawsuits | Edwards Lifesciences
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Payment of bond for each patent to enforce an injunction against sales in Germany (in euros) | €				€ 10,000,000
Edwards Lifesciences vs Boston Scientific Patent Lawsuits | Edwards Lifesciences PVT, Inc. and Edwards Lifesciences Inc.
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of patents allegedly infringed | patent		2

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Narrative

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Narrative (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury stock retired (in shares)	33.6
Retirement of treasury stock (Note 10)		$ 2,746.2	$ 0
Treasury Stock, Common
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Retirement of treasury stock (Note 10)	$ 2,700
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Retirement of treasury stock (Note 10)	33.6
Additional Paid-in Capital
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Retirement of treasury stock (Note 10)	175.5
Retained earnings
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Retirement of treasury stock (Note 10)	$ 2,500

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI53

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Summary of Activity for Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 2,619
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	30.5
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(5.7)
Deferred income tax benefit	30.9
Balance at the end of the period	3,162.5
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	(197.6)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	74.9
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Deferred income tax benefit	12.2
Balance at the end of the period	(110.5)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	16.7
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	(39.7)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(7.6)
Deferred income tax benefit	18.1
Balance at the end of the period	(12.5)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available-for-sale Investments
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	0.1
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	(5.4)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1.9
Deferred income tax benefit	0.7
Balance at the end of the period	(2.7)
Unrealized Pension Costs
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	(17.6)
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	0.7
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Deferred income tax benefit	(0.1)
Balance at the end of the period	(17)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax
Balance at the beginning of the period	(198.4)
Balance at the end of the period	$ (142.7)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI54

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Schedule of Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Affected Line on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
Cost of sales	$ (213.3)	$ (201.4)	$ (640)	$ (584.2)
Other expenses, net	(1.6)	(1.5)	(7.4)	(5.6)
Provision for income taxes	(41.7)	(43.8)	(124.6)	(126.5)
Net income	170.1	141.4	586.4	411
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
Affected Line on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
Cost of sales	2.7	(3.4)	7.6	10.9
Provision for income taxes	(1.2)	1.2	(3)	(4.5)
Net income	1.5	(2.2)	4.6	6.4
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments
Affected Line on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
Other expenses, net	(1.1)	(0.2)	(1.9)	(0.8)
Provision for income taxes	0.1	0	0.1	0
Net income	$ (1)	$ (0.2)	$ (1.8)	$ (0.8)

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Schedule o

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Basic:
Net income	$ 170.1	$ 141.4	$ 586.4	$ 411
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	211.3	213.2	211	212.8
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.81	$ 0.66	$ 2.78	$ 1.93
Diluted:
Net income	$ 170.1	$ 141.4	$ 586.4	$ 411
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	211.3	213.2	211	212.8
Dilutive effect of stock plans (in shares)	4.9	4.9	5.1	4.9
Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding	216.2	218.1	216.1	217.7
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.79	$ 0.65	$ 2.71	$ 1.89

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Narrative

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Stock compensation plan
Anti-dilutive securities
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of earnings per share (in shares)	2.1	1.1	1.8	0.8

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	19.70%	23.70%	17.50%	23.50%
Share-based compensation, excess tax benefit (percent)	3.50%		6.60%
Liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions	$ 142.4		$ 142.4		$ 245.5
Offsetting tax benefits associated with correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, state income taxes and timing adjustments	20.3		20.3		44.9
Net amounts that would favorably affect effective tax rate	$ 122.1		$ 122.1		$ 200.6

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Informati

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Information About Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	$ 821.5	$ 739.4	$ 2,546.8	$ 2,196
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	211.8	185.2	711	537.5
Operating segments
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	809.3	728.8	2,546.7	2,175.2
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	449.6	405.1	1,450.9	1,204.9
Operating segments | United States
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	470.4	417.1	1,413.9	1,194.2
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	303.2	274.2	921.4	776
Operating segments | Europe
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	167.8	171.2	614.3	556.3
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	75.3	80.1	306.9	273
Operating segments | Japan
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	84	68.1	257.1	203.8
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	46.4	33.4	145.2	101.5
Operating segments | Rest of World
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	87.1	72.4	261.4	220.9
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	$ 24.7	$ 17.4	$ 77.4	$ 54.4

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconcili

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reconciliations of Segment Net Sales to Consolidated Net Sales and Segment Pre-Tax Income to Consolidated Pre-Tax Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Net Sales Reconciliation
Consolidated net sales	$ 821.5	$ 739.4	$ 2,546.8	$ 2,196
Pre-tax Income Reconciliation
Pre-tax income	211.8	185.2	711	537.5
Unallocated amounts:
Special charges	(10.2)	0	(41.4)	(34.5)
Interest expense, net	(0.1)	(2.1)	(3.9)	(6.9)
Operating segments
Net Sales Reconciliation
Consolidated net sales	809.3	728.8	2,546.7	2,175.2
Pre-tax Income Reconciliation
Pre-tax income	449.6	405.1	1,450.9	1,204.9
Corporate items
Unallocated amounts:
Corporate items	(217.3)	(211.9)	(660.6)	(613.4)
Reconciling items
Net Sales Reconciliation
Consolidated net sales	12.2	10.6	0.1	20.8
Unallocated amounts:
Special charges	(10.2)	0	(41.4)	(34.5)
Intellectual property litigation expenses	(13.7)	(6.5)	(31.6)	(27.8)
Interest expense, net	(0.1)	(2.1)	(3.9)	(6.9)
Foreign currency	$ 3.5	$ 0.6	$ (2.4)	$ 15.2

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Enterpris

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Enterprise-Wide Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Enterprise-Wide Information
Net sales	$ 821.5	$ 739.4	$ 2,546.8	$ 2,196
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	755.7		755.7		$ 700
Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy
Enterprise-Wide Information
Net sales	481.2	410.1	1,507.9	1,196.5
Surgical Heart Valve Therapy
Enterprise-Wide Information
Net sales	195.6	190.9	602.2	585.5
Critical Care
Enterprise-Wide Information
Net sales	144.7	138.4	436.7	414
United States
Enterprise-Wide Information
Net sales	470.4	417.1	1,413.9	1,194.2
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	595.9		595.9		555.5
Europe
Enterprise-Wide Information
Net sales	182.3	172.3	627	564.4
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	29.7		29.7		27.9
Japan
Enterprise-Wide Information
Net sales	83.2	79.8	253	226.3
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	7.2		7.2		8
Rest of World
Enterprise-Wide Information
Net sales	85.6	$ 70.2	252.9	$ 211.1
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	$ 122.9		$ 122.9		$ 108.6