| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 20, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000200406 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 20, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Johnson & Johnson |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | NJ |
| Entity File Number | 1-3215 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 22-1024240 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | One Johnson & Johnson Plaza |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New Brunswick |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 08933 |
| City Area Code | 732 |
| Local Phone Number | 524-0400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, Par Value $1.00 |
| Trading Symbol | JNJ |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 0.250 Notes Due 2022 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 0.250% Notes Due January 2022 |
| Trading Symbol | JNJ22 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 0.650 Notes Due 2024 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 0.650% Notes Due May 2024 |
| Trading Symbol | JNJ24 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 5.50 Notes Due 2024 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 5.50% Notes Due November 2024 |
| Trading Symbol | JNJ24BP |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 1.150 Notes Due 2028 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.150% Notes Due November 2028 |
| Trading Symbol | JNJ28 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| A 1.650 Notes Due 2035 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 1.650% Notes Due May 2035 |
| Trading Symbol | JNJ35 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
