Stryker (SYK) 10-Q 23 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	SYK
Entity Registrant Name	STRYKER CORP
Entity Central Index Key	310764
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	378,418,945

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ear

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales	$2,151	$2,052	$6,553	$6,319
Cost of sales	682	655	2,125	2,036
Gross profit	1,469	1,397	4,428	4,283
Research, development and engineering expenses	136	114	397	342
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,136	791	3,067	2,433
Intangible asset amortization	34	30	102	92
Restructuring Charges, Selling, General and Administrative	13	12	36	45
Total operating expenses	1,319	947	3,602	2,912
Operating income	150	450	826	1,371
Other income (expense), net	-13	-6	-45	-24
Earnings before income taxes	137	444	781	1,347
Income taxes	34	91	161	319
Net earnings	$103	$353	$620	$1,028
Net earnings per share of common stock:
Basic net earnings per share of common stock	$0.27	$0.93	$1.64	$2.70
Diluted net earnings per share of common stock	$0.27	$0.92	$1.62	$2.68
Weighted-average shares outstanding—in millions:
Basic	378.3	380.2	378.7	380.7
Net effect of dilutive employee stock options	3.4	2.3	3.1	2.5
Diluted	381.7	382.5	381.8	383.2
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of net effect of dilutive employee stock options	0	6.4	1.9	8.6

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net earnings	$103	$353	$620	$1,028
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of income tax (expense) benefit [($1) and $1 in 2013, ($3) and ($4) in 2012]	3	4	-3	8
Unfunded pension losses, net of income tax (expense) benefit [($1) and $0 in 2013, $0 and $0 in 2012]	-3	0	-1	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	115	134	21	-74
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	115	138	17	-66
Comprehensive income	$218	$491	$637	$962

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp1

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, income tax (expense) benefit	($1)	($3)	$1	($4)
Unfunded pension (losses) gains, income tax (expense) benefit	($1)	$0	$0	$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,110	$1,395
Marketable securities	4,028	2,890
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $70 ($58 in 2012)	1,370	1,430
Inventories
Materials and supplies	210	202
Work in process	92	71
Finished goods	1,102	992
Total inventories	1,404	1,265
Deferred income taxes	757	811
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	518	357
Total current assets	9,187	8,148
Property, plant and equipment
Land, buildings and improvements	669	625
Machinery and equipment	1,740	1,607
Total property, plant and equipment	2,409	2,232
Less allowance for depreciation	1,373	1,284
Net property, plant and equipment	1,036	948
Other assets
Goodwill	2,603	2,142
Other intangibles, net	1,539	1,424
Other	518	544
Total assets	14,883	13,206
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	278	288
Accrued compensation	434	467
Income taxes	25	70
Dividend payable	100	101
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,456	934
Current maturities of debt	31	16
Total current liabilities	2,324	1,876
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	2,743	1,746
Other liabilities	1,079	987
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, $0.10 par value: Authorized: 1 billion shares, outstanding: 378 million shares (380 million in 2012)	38	38
Additional paid-in capital	1,142	1,098
Retained earnings	7,411	7,332
Accumulated other comprehensive income	146	129
Total shareholders' equity	8,737	8,597
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity	$14,883	$13,206

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance	$70	$58
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, authorized	1,000	1,000
Common stock, outstanding	378	380

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Shar

Consolidated Statement Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In Millions
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$8,597	$38	$1,098	$7,332	$129
Net earnings	620			620
Other comprehensive income	17				17
Issuance of shares of common stock under stock option and benefit plans, including excess income tax benefit	-2		-2
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	-252		-11	-241
Share-based compensation	57		57
Cash dividends declared of common stock	-300			-300
Balances at Sep. 30, 2013	$8,737	$38	$1,142	$7,411	$146

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Shar1

Consolidated Statement Of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Issuance of common stock under stock option and benefit plans, shares				5.9
Issuance of common stock under stock option and benefit plans, excess income tax benefit				$5
Repurchase and retirement of common stock, shares				3.9
Cash dividends declared, per share of common stock	$0.27	$0.27	$0.27	$0.80
Dividend payable date	31-Oct-13	31-Jul-13	30-Apr-13	31-Oct-13
Dividend record date	30-Sep-13	28-Jun-13	28-Mar-13	30-Sep-13

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities
Net earnings	$103	$353	$620	$1,028
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	42	38	123	115
Intangible asset amortization	34	30	102	92
Share-based compensation	19	18	57	57
Restructuring charges	14	12	38	45
Sale of inventory stepped up to fair value at acquisition	8		16	15
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	57	27	46	52
Inventories	-43	-10	-106	-40
Accounts payable	-1	-21	-31	-65
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	381	95	538	-88
Income taxes	34	19	-116	-108
Other	-26	8	-73	-42
Net cash provided by operating activities	622	569	1,214	1,061
Investing activities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-24	-37	-686	-47
Purchases of marketable securities	-1,160	-744	-3,777	-2,314
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	859	411	2,676	2,355
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-43	-58	-139	-161
Net cash used in investing activities	-368	-428	-1,926	-167
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	110	37	1,272	131
Payments on borrowings	-107	-36	-258	-129
Dividends paid	-100	-81	-301	-243
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	-2	-19	-252	-108
Other	-6	-11	-8	-37
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-105	-110	453	-386
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-10	-1	-26	10
Change in cash and cash equivalents	$139	$30	($285)	$518

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	General Information
	The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. As a result, this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Management believes that the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, including normal recurring items, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods. The results of operations for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2013. The balance sheet at December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
	Certain prior year amounts in our Segment Information in Note 10 have been reclassified to conform to the presentation used in 2013.

Reclassification_Adjustments_O

Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (AOCI)
	Changes in and reclassifications out of AOCI, net of tax, for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:
		Foreign Currency Translation							Marketable Securities Unrealized Gain (Loss)							Defined Benefit Pension Plans						Total AOCI
		Three Months				Nine Months			Three Months				Nine Months			Three Months			Nine Months			Three Months			Nine Months
	Beginning balance	$	132			$	226		$	(2	)		$	4		$	(99	)	$	(101	)	$	31		$	129
	Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) before reclassifications	115				21			10				11			(5		)	(5		)	120			27
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				—			(7		)		(14		)	2			4			(5		)	(10		)
	Net current-period OCI	115				21			3				(3		)	(3		)	(1		)	115			17
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	247			$	247		$	1			$	1		$	(102	)	$	(102	)	$	146		$	146
	The following items were reclassified out of AOCI into earnings for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013:
			Three Months					Nine Months
	Detail of AOCI Components		Amount Reclassified from AOCI				Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings	Amount Reclassified from AOCI				Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale marketable securities		$	(6	)		Other (income) expense	$	(15	)		Other (income) expense
			(1		)		Income tax benefit	1				Income tax expense
			$	(7	)		Net of tax	$	(14	)		Net of tax
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
	Actuarial losses		$	2			Cost of sales	$	5			Cost of sales
			—				Income tax benefit	(1		)		Income tax benefit
			$	2			Net of tax	$	4			Net of tax

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Accounting guidance on fair value measurements for certain financial assets and liabilities requires that financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1:    Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2:    Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3:    Unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entity's own assumptions or external inputs from active markets.
	When applying fair value principles in the valuation of assets and liabilities, we are required to maximize the use of quoted market prices and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. We calculate the fair value of our Level 1 and Level 2 instruments based on the exchange traded price of similar or identical instruments, where available, or based on other observable inputs. There were no significant transfers into or out of Level 1 or Level 2 that occurred between December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013. The fair value of our Level 3 assets and liabilities are calculated as the net present value of expected cash flows based on externally provided or obtained inputs. Certain Level 3 assets may also be based on sale prices of similar assets. Our fair value calculations take into consideration our credit risk and that of our counterparties. Should a counterparty default, our maximum exposure to loss is the asset balance of the instrument. We did not change our valuation techniques used in measuring the fair value of any financial assets and liabilities during the period.
	Valuation of assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
		Total							Level 1							Level 2							Level 3
		September			December				September			December				September			December				September		December
		2013			2012				2013			2012				2013			2012				2013		2012
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,110		$	1,395			$	1,110		$	1,395			$	—		$	—			$	—	$	—
	Available-for-sale marketable securities
	Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	1,841			1,280				—			—				1,841			1,280				—		—
	Foreign government debt securities	890			848				—			—				890			848				—		—
	United States agency debt securities	519			288				—			—				519			288				—		—
	United States treasury debt securities	635			343				—			—				635			343				—		—
	Certificates of deposit	115			114				—			—				115			114				—		—
	Other	28			17				—			—				28			17				—		—
	Total available-for-sale marketable securities	4,028			2,890				—			—				4,028			2,890				—		—
	Trading marketable securities	67			57				67			57				—			—				—		—
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	2			3				—			—				2			3				—		—
		$	5,207		$	4,345			$	1,177		$	1,452			$	4,030		$	2,893			$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation arrangements	$	67		$	57			$	67		$	57			$	—		$	—			$	—	$	—
	Contingent consideration	59			103				—			—				—			—				59		103
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	1			1				—			—				1			1				—		—
		$	127		$	161			$	67		$	57			$	1		$	1			$	59	$	103
	Rollforward of assets and liabilities measured at fair value using unobservable inputs (Level 3):
		Total								Corporate and Asset-Backed Debt Securities								Contingent Consideration
		September				December				September				December				September				December
		2013				2012				2013				2012				2013				2012
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	(103	)		$	(114	)		$	—			$	1			$	(103	)		$	(115	)
	Transfers into Level 3	—				—				—				—				—				—
	Transfers out of Level 3	—				—				—				—				—				—
	Gains or (losses) included in earnings	5				6				—				—				5				6
	Sales	—				(1		)		—				(1		)		—				—
	Settlements	39				39				—				—				39				39
	Other	—				(33		)		—				—				—				(33		)
	Balance at the end of the period	$	(59	)		$	(103	)		$	—			$	—			$	(59	)		$	(103	)
	The estimated fair value of the liability for contingent consideration represents milestone payments for acquisitions. The fair value of these liabilities were estimated using a discounted cash flow technique. Significant inputs to this technique included our probability assessments of the occurrence of triggering events, appropriately discounted considering the uncertainties associated with the obligation. We remeasure these liabilities each reporting period and record the changes in the fair value in selling, general and administrative expense for changes in probability of occurrence and other income (expense) for changes in time value of money.
	Quantitative information about the inputs and valuation methodologies we use for fair value measurements classified in Level 3 at September 30, 2013:
					Probability Range (Weighted Average)
		Fair Value	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Minimum	Maximum	Weighted Average
	Contingent consideration	$59	Discounted cash flow	Probability of occurrence	85	100	95
	Summary of marketable securities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012
		Amortized Cost							Gross Unrealized Gains							Gross Unrealized Losses							Estimated Fair Value
		September			December				September			December				September			December				September		December
		2013			2012				2013			2012				2013			2012				2013		2012
	Available-for-sale marketable securities:
	Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	$	1,840		$	1,277			$	2		$	4			$	(1	)	$	(1	)		$	1,841	$	1,280
	Foreign government debt securities	890			846				1			2				(1		)	—				890		848
	United States agency debt securities	519			288				—			—				—			—				519		288
	United States treasury debt securities	635			343				—			—				—			—				635		343
	Certificates of deposit	115			114				—			—				—			—				115		114
	Other	28			17				—			—				—			—				28		17
	Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$	4,027		$	2,885			$	3		$	6			$	(2	)	$	(1	)		4,028		2,890
	Trading marketable securities																						67		57
	Total marketable securities																						$	4,095	$	2,947
	Reported as:
	Current assets-marketable securities																						$	4,028	$	2,890
	Noncurrent assets-other																						67		57
																							$	4,095	$	2,947
	The unrealized losses on available-for-sale marketable securities at September 30, 2013 were primarily caused by increases in yields as a result of the rise in government benchmark rates. Less than 1% of our investments in available-for-sale securities had a credit quality rating of less than A2 (Moody's), A (Standard & Poors) and A (Fitch). Because we do not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, we do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2013.
The cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities at September 30, 2013 by contractual maturity are:
		Cost				Estimated
						Fair Value
Due in one year or less		$	816			$	816
Due after one year through three years		2,864				2,865
Due after three years		347				347
		$	4,027			$	4,028
The gross unrealized losses and fair value of our investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2013 are:
	Corporate and Asset-Backed Debt Securities							Foreign Government Debt Securities							United States Agency Debt Securities							Other				Total
	Less Than 12 Months			Total				Less Than 12 Months			Total				Less Than 12 Months			Total				Less Than 12 Months		Total		Less Than 12 Months			Total
Number of investments	333			333				104			104				54			54				14		14		505			505
Fair value	$	722		$	722			$	593		$	593			$	277		$	277			$	17	$	17	$	1,609		$	1,609
Unrealized losses	$	(1	)	$	(1	)		$	(1	)	$	(1	)		$	—		$	—			$	—	$	—	$	(2	)	$	(2	)
Upon the sale of a security classified as available-for-sale, the security’s specific unrealized gain (loss) is reclassified out of AOCI into earnings based on the specific identification method.
Interest and marketable securities income was $7 and $12 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $18 and $37 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in other income (expense).

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Strategies	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING STRATEGIES
	The estimated fair value of our forward currency exchange contracts represents the measurement of the contracts at month-end spot rates as adjusted by current forward points. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on our outstanding forward currency exchange contracts but do not anticipate nonperformance by any of our counterparties. Should a counterparty default, our maximum exposure to loss is the asset balance of the instrument.
	Foreign currency transaction losses recognized in other income (expense) totaled $0 and ($2) for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and ($3) and ($4) for nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and outstanding derivative contracts at September 30, 2013 were:
		Notional Amount	Assets	Liabilities	Maximum Term (Days)
	Forward currency exchange contracts	$1,426	$2	$1	92

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	CONTINGENCIES
	We are involved in various ongoing proceedings, legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business, including proceedings related to product, labor, intellectual property and other matters. The outcomes of certain of these matters will not be known for prolonged periods of time. To partially mitigate losses arising from unfavorable outcomes in such matters, we purchase third-party insurance coverage subject to certain deductibles and loss limitations. Future operating results may be unfavorably impacted by any settlement payments or losses beyond the amounts of insurance carried. In addition, such matters may negatively impact our ability to obtain cost effective third-party insurance coverage in future periods. In certain of the legal proceedings, the claimants seek damages, as well as other compensatory and equitable relief, that could result in the payment of significant claims and settlements and/or the imposition of injunctions or other equitable relief. For legal matters for which management has sufficient information to reasonably estimate our future obligations, a liability representing management's best estimate of the probable cost, or the minimum of the range of probable losses when a best estimate within the range is not known, for the resolution of these legal matters is recorded. Estimates are based on consultation with legal counsel, previous settlement experience and settlement strategies. If actual outcomes are less favorable than those projected by management, additional expense may be incurred, which could unfavorably affect future operating results.
	In 2010 we received a subpoena from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) related to the sales and marketing of the OtisKnee device.  The subpoena concerns allegations of violations of Federal laws related to sales of a device not cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  We continue to discuss the settlement of this matter with the DOJ, but there can be no assurance that we will reach a consensual resolution rather than seeking a resolution through the courts.
	In 2007 we disclosed that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made an inquiry of us regarding possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in connection with the sale of medical devices in certain foreign countries. We are fully cooperating with the SEC regarding these matters.
	We have recorded charges totaling $93 related to the above DOJ and SEC regulatory matters, including $58 in the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The final outcome of these matters is difficult to predict, and the ultimate cost to resolve these matters may be materially different than the amount of the current estimate and accruals and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	In June 2012 we voluntarily recalled our Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip stems and terminated global distribution of these hip products. We notified healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies of this recall, which was taken due to potential risks associated with fretting and/or corrosion that may lead to adverse local tissue reactions. Product liability lawsuits relating to this voluntary recall have been filed against us. As previously announced, we intend to reimburse implanted patients for reasonable and customary costs of testing and treatment services, including any necessary revision surgeries. We continue to work with the medical community to evaluate the data and further understand this matter and the associated costs. The ultimate total cost with respect to this matter will depend on many factors that are difficult to predict with the limited information received to date and may vary materially based on the number of and actual costs of patients seeking testing and treatment services, the number of and actual costs of patients requiring revision surgeries, the number of and actual costs to settle lawsuits filed against us, and the amount of third-party insurance recoveries.  Based on the information that has been received, the actuarially determined range of probable loss to resolve this matter is estimated to be approximately $700 to $1,130, before third-party insurance recoveries.  In the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded charges to earnings of $510 representing the excess of the $700 minimum of the range over the previously recorded reserves. No contingent gain for third-party insurance recoveries was recorded as of September 30, 2013. As noted above, the final outcome of this matter is dependent on many variables that are difficult to predict.  The ultimate cost to entirely resolve this matter may be materially different than the amount of the current estimate and accruals and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	In 2010 we filed a lawsuit in federal court against Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (Zimmer), alleging that a Zimmer product infringed three of our patents. In rulings issued in August and September 2013, the trial judge upheld the February 2013 jury verdict in our favor, issued a permanent injunction barring Zimmer from making or selling infringing products, and ordered Zimmer to pay us at least $228. Zimmer is appealing this ruling and the ultimate resolution of this matter may differ materially. Accordingly, we have not recorded a contingent gain related to this matter.
	For each of the following legal matters the final outcome is dependent on many variables and cannot be predicted. Accordingly, it is not possible at this time for us to estimate any material loss or range of losses. However, the ultimate cost to resolve these matters could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	In April 2011 lawsuits brought by Hill-Rom Company, Inc. and affiliated entities (Hill-Rom) against us were filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.  The Wisconsin lawsuit was subsequently transferred to the United States District Court in Indiana. The suits allege infringement under United States patent laws with respect to certain patient handling equipment we manufactured and sold and seek damages and permanent injunctions. The first lawsuit involved ten patents related to the use of a motorized wheel for hospital beds and stretchers. We have entered into an agreement settling that lawsuit. This agreement included a payment to Hill-Rom of $3.75, a covenant not to sue and a cross-license. The second lawsuit involves nine patents related to electrical network communications for hospital beds. The case has been stayed with respect to six of the patents, which are currently under reexamination by the United States Patent Office. With respect to the suit and the three remaining patents, we continue to vigorously defend ourselves. The ultimate resolution of the second suit may have no relation to the resolution of the first suit and cannot be predicted; however, the ultimate result could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	In 2010 we received a subpoena from the DOJ related to sales, marketing and regulatory matters related to the Stryker PainPump. We have received requests for certain documents in connection with this investigation. The investigation is ongoing and we are fully cooperating with the DOJ regarding this matter.
	In 2007 the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS) issued us a civil subpoena seeking to determine whether we violated various laws by paying consulting fees and providing other things of value to orthopedic surgeons and healthcare and educational institutions as inducements to use Stryker's orthopedic medical devices in procedures paid for in whole or in part by Medicare. We have produced numerous documents and other materials to HHS in response to the subpoena.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	ACQUISITIONS
	On September 25, 2013, we announced a definitive agreement to acquire MAKO Surgical Corp. (MAKO) for $30.00 per share with an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1,650. The acquisition of MAKO, combined with our strong history in joint reconstruction, capital equipment (operating room integration and surgical navigation) and surgical instruments, will help further advance the growth of robotic assisted surgery. Our combined expertise offers the potential to simplify joint reconstruction procedures, reduce variability and enhance the surgeon and patient experience. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
	On March 1, 2013, we acquired Trauson Holdings Company Limited (Trauson) in an all cash transaction totaling $751. The acquisition of Trauson will enhance our product offerings, primarily within our Reconstructive segment, broaden our presence in China and enable us to expand into the fast growing value segment of the emerging markets. The effect of the acquisition has been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements prospectively from the date of acquisition. Pro forma consolidated results of operations for the periods ended September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 would not differ significantly as a result of the acquisition. The purchase price allocation is based upon a preliminary valuation, and our estimates and assumptions are subject to change within the measurement period as the valuation is finalized. Management is currently in the process of verifying data and finalizing information related to the valuation and recording of identifiable intangible assets, deferred income taxes and the corresponding effect on the value of goodwill. In the period since acquisition, revisions to our estimates include an increase to customer relationship intangible assets of $47, an increase to liabilities of $14, and a reduction to goodwill of $29.
	The preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the acquired net assets of Trauson is as follows:
		Trauson
	Total purchase consideration	$	751
	Tangible assets acquired:
	Inventory	43
	Other assets	169
	Liabilities	(87		)
	Identifiable intangible assets:
	Customer relationship	119
	Trade name	18
	Developed technology	32
	In-process research & development	5
	Goodwill	452
		$	751

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt And Credit Facilities	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
	Our debt is summarized as follows:	30-Sep			31-Dec
		2013			2012
	3.00% senior unsecured notes, due January 15, 2015	$	500		$	500
	4.375% senior unsecured notes, due January 15, 2020	498			497
	2.00% senior unsecured notes, due September 30, 2016	749			749
	1.30% senior unsecured notes, due April 1, 2018	598			—
	4.10% senior unsecured notes, due April 1, 2043	394			—
	Other	35			16
	Total debt	2,774			1,762
	Less current maturities	(31		)	(16		)
	Long-term debt	$	2,743		$	1,746
	In March 2013 we completed a public offering of $600 in 1.30% Notes due April 1, 2018, net of an offering discount of $3 (2018 Notes), and $400 in 4.10% Notes due April 1, 2043, net of an offering discount of $6 (2043 Notes and, together with the 2018 Notes, the Notes). Interest on the Notes is payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2013. Unless previously redeemed, the 2018 Notes will mature on April 1, 2018 and the 2043 Notes will mature on April 1, 2043. We intend to use the net proceeds from the Notes for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, stock repurchases and other business opportunities.
	Certain of our credit facilities require us to comply with certain financial and other covenants. We were in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2013. We have lines of credit, issued by various financial institutions, available to fund our day-to-day operating needs. At September 30, 2013, we had $1,092 of borrowing capacity available under all of our existing credit facilities. The weighted average interest rate, excluding required fees, for all borrowings was 2.9% at September 30, 2013.
	At September 30, 2013, the total unamortized debt issuance costs incurred in connection with our outstanding notes were $17. The fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities) at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $2,795 and $1,866, respectively, based on the quoted interest rates for similar types and amounts of borrowing agreements.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Capital Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Capital Stock	CAPITAL STOCK
	In December of 2012, 2011 and 2010, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized us to purchase up to $405, $500 and $500, respectively, of our common stock (the 2012, 2011 and 2010 Repurchase Programs, respectively). The manner, timing and amount of purchases is determined by management based on an evaluation of market conditions, stock price and other factors and is subject to regulatory considerations. Purchases are to be made from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 we repurchased 1.4 million shares at a cost of $95 under the 2010 Repurchase Program and 2.5 million shares at a cost of $157 under the 2011 Repurchase Program. The repurchase activity was primarily attributable to our Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) program, which was completed in April of 2013.
	As of September 30, 2013, the 2010 Repurchase Program was complete and the maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the 2011 Repurchase Program was $343. We had not made any repurchases pursuant to the 2012 Repurchase Program at September 30, 2013. Shares repurchased under the share repurchase programs are available for general corporate purposes, including offsetting dilution associated with stock option and other equity-based employee benefit plans. At September 30, 2013, the maximum dollar value of shares that may be purchased under the authorized Repurchase Programs was $748.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	In the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded $17 in severance and related costs in connection with the continuation of a focused reduction of our global workforce and other restructuring activities expected to reduce our global workforce by approximately 5%. The targeted reductions and other restructuring activities were initiated to provide efficiencies and realign resources in advance of the new Medical Device Excise Tax, as well as to allow for continued investment in strategic areas and drive growth. In addition, in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 we recorded $21 in contractual and other obligations, as certain of our restructuring actions resulted in the exit of certain lease and other commitments. The restructuring charges that we recorded in 2012 and 2011 are described in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. We expect that our current restructuring actions will be completed by the end of 2013, and the related cash payments will be substantially completed by the end of the first quarter of 2014.
	Rollforward of restructuring liability balance and nine months of restructuring activity for 2013 is as follows:
		Total			Agent Conversions			Severance and Related Costs			Contractual Obligations and Other
	January 1 Balance	$	40		$	5		$	20		$	15
	Charges to earnings	38			—			17			21
	Cash paid	(42		)	(3		)	(23		)	(16		)
	Other adjustments	(1		)	—			(1		)	—
	September 30 Balance	$	35		$	2		$	13		$	20

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We segregate our operations into three reportable business segments: Reconstructive, MedSurg, and Neurotechnology and Spine. Our reportable segments are business units that offer different products and services and are managed separately because each business requires different manufacturing, technology and marketing strategies. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies found in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Net sales and net earnings by business segment for the three- and nine- month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Reconstructive								MedSurg								Neurotechnology and Spine								Total
		Three Months Ended September 30				Nine Months Ended September 30				Three Months Ended September 30				Nine Months Ended September 30				Three Months Ended September 30				Nine Months Ended September 30				Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net sales	$	949	$	891	$	2,897	$	2,776	$	792	$	781	$	2,435	$	2,388	$	410	$	380	$	1,221	$	1,155	$	2,151		$	2,052		$	6,553		$	6,319
	Segment net earnings	231		215		696		631		135		148		434		420		68		65		194		183		$	434		$	428		$	1,324		$	1,234
	Less: other (net of income taxes)
	Other																									(61		)	(58		)	(177		)	(110		)
	Acquisition and integration related charges																									(9		)	(6		)	(41		)	(28		)
	Restructuring and related charges																									(15		)	(11		)	(36		)	(35		)
	Recall charges																									(245		)	—			(397		)	—
	Regulatory matter charges																									(1		)	—			(53		)	(33		)
	Net earnings																									$	103		$	353		$	620		$	1,028
	Other than assets associated with the acquisition of Trauson, which are discussed in greater detail in Note 6, there were no significant changes to total assets by segment from information provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Reclassification_Adjustments_O1

Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
		Foreign Currency Translation							Marketable Securities Unrealized Gain (Loss)							Defined Benefit Pension Plans						Total AOCI
		Three Months				Nine Months			Three Months				Nine Months			Three Months			Nine Months			Three Months			Nine Months
	Beginning balance	$	132			$	226		$	(2	)		$	4		$	(99	)	$	(101	)	$	31		$	129
	Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) before reclassifications	115				21			10				11			(5		)	(5		)	120			27
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	—				—			(7		)		(14		)	2			4			(5		)	(10		)
	Net current-period OCI	115				21			3				(3		)	(3		)	(1		)	115			17
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	247			$	247		$	1			$	1		$	(102	)	$	(102	)	$	146		$	146
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
			Three Months					Nine Months
	Detail of AOCI Components		Amount Reclassified from AOCI				Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings	Amount Reclassified from AOCI				Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale marketable securities		$	(6	)		Other (income) expense	$	(15	)		Other (income) expense
			(1		)		Income tax benefit	1				Income tax expense
			$	(7	)		Net of tax	$	(14	)		Net of tax
	Amortization of defined benefit pension items:
	Actuarial losses		$	2			Cost of sales	$	5			Cost of sales
			—				Income tax benefit	(1		)		Income tax benefit
			$	2			Net of tax	$	4			Net of tax

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis
		Total							Level 1							Level 2							Level 3
		September			December				September			December				September			December				September		December
		2013			2012				2013			2012				2013			2012				2013		2012
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,110		$	1,395			$	1,110		$	1,395			$	—		$	—			$	—	$	—
	Available-for-sale marketable securities
	Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	1,841			1,280				—			—				1,841			1,280				—		—
	Foreign government debt securities	890			848				—			—				890			848				—		—
	United States agency debt securities	519			288				—			—				519			288				—		—
	United States treasury debt securities	635			343				—			—				635			343				—		—
	Certificates of deposit	115			114				—			—				115			114				—		—
	Other	28			17				—			—				28			17				—		—
	Total available-for-sale marketable securities	4,028			2,890				—			—				4,028			2,890				—		—
	Trading marketable securities	67			57				67			57				—			—				—		—
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	2			3				—			—				2			3				—		—
		$	5,207		$	4,345			$	1,177		$	1,452			$	4,030		$	2,893			$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation arrangements	$	67		$	57			$	67		$	57			$	—		$	—			$	—	$	—
	Contingent consideration	59			103				—			—				—			—				59		103
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	1			1				—			—				1			1				—		—
		$	127		$	161			$	67		$	57			$	1		$	1			$	59	$	103
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
		Total								Corporate and Asset-Backed Debt Securities								Contingent Consideration
		September				December				September				December				September				December
		2013				2012				2013				2012				2013				2012
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	(103	)		$	(114	)		$	—			$	1			$	(103	)		$	(115	)
	Transfers into Level 3	—				—				—				—				—				—
	Transfers out of Level 3	—				—				—				—				—				—
	Gains or (losses) included in earnings	5				6				—				—				5				6
	Sales	—				(1		)		—				(1		)		—				—
	Settlements	39				39				—				—				39				39
	Other	—				(33		)		—				—				—				(33		)
	Balance at the end of the period	$	(59	)		$	(103	)		$	—			$	—			$	(59	)		$	(103	)
Fair Value Measurement Inputs
					Probability Range (Weighted Average)
		Fair Value	Valuation Technique	Unobservable Input	Minimum	Maximum	Weighted Average
	Contingent consideration	$59	Discounted cash flow	Probability of occurrence	85	100	95
Summary Of Marketable Securities
		Amortized Cost							Gross Unrealized Gains							Gross Unrealized Losses							Estimated Fair Value
		September			December				September			December				September			December				September		December
		2013			2012				2013			2012				2013			2012				2013		2012
	Available-for-sale marketable securities:
	Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	$	1,840		$	1,277			$	2		$	4			$	(1	)	$	(1	)		$	1,841	$	1,280
	Foreign government debt securities	890			846				1			2				(1		)	—				890		848
	United States agency debt securities	519			288				—			—				—			—				519		288
	United States treasury debt securities	635			343				—			—				—			—				635		343
	Certificates of deposit	115			114				—			—				—			—				115		114
	Other	28			17				—			—				—			—				28		17
	Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$	4,027		$	2,885			$	3		$	6			$	(2	)	$	(1	)		4,028		2,890
	Trading marketable securities																						67		57
	Total marketable securities																						$	4,095	$	2,947
	Reported as:
	Current assets-marketable securities																						$	4,028	$	2,890
	Noncurrent assets-other																						67		57
																							$	4,095	$	2,947
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date
			Cost				Estimated
							Fair Value
	Due in one year or less		$	816			$	816
	Due after one year through three years		2,864				2,865
	Due after three years		347				347
			$	4,027			$	4,028
Investments In A Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
		Corporate and Asset-Backed Debt Securities							Foreign Government Debt Securities							United States Agency Debt Securities							Other				Total
		Less Than 12 Months			Total				Less Than 12 Months			Total				Less Than 12 Months			Total				Less Than 12 Months		Total		Less Than 12 Months			Total
	Number of investments	333			333				104			104				54			54				14		14		505			505
	Fair value	$	722		$	722			$	593		$	593			$	277		$	277			$	17	$	17	$	1,609		$	1,609
	Unrealized losses	$	(1	)	$	(1	)		$	(1	)	$	(1	)		$	—		$	—			$	—	$	—	$	(2	)	$	(2	)

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Currency Exchange Contracts [Table Text Block]
		Notional Amount	Assets	Liabilities	Maximum Term (Days)
	Forward currency exchange contracts	$1,426	$2	$1	92

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Tabl

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]
		Trauson
	Total purchase consideration	$	751
	Tangible assets acquired:
	Inventory	43
	Other assets	169
	Liabilities	(87		)
	Identifiable intangible assets:
	Customer relationship	119
	Trade name	18
	Developed technology	32
	In-process research & development	5
	Goodwill	452
		$	751

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil1

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]
Maturities Of Long-Term Debt Disclosures
	Our debt is summarized as follows:	30-Sep			31-Dec
		2013			2012
	3.00% senior unsecured notes, due January 15, 2015	$	500		$	500
	4.375% senior unsecured notes, due January 15, 2020	498			497
	2.00% senior unsecured notes, due September 30, 2016	749			749
	1.30% senior unsecured notes, due April 1, 2018	598			—
	4.10% senior unsecured notes, due April 1, 2043	394			—
	Other	35			16
	Total debt	2,774			1,762
	Less current maturities	(31		)	(16		)
	Long-term debt	$	2,743		$	1,746

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges
		Total			Agent Conversions			Severance and Related Costs			Contractual Obligations and Other
	January 1 Balance	$	40		$	5		$	20		$	15
	Charges to earnings	38			—			17			21
	Cash paid	(42		)	(3		)	(23		)	(16		)
	Other adjustments	(1		)	—			(1		)	—
	September 30 Balance	$	35		$	2		$	13		$	20

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Sales and Other Financial Information by Business Segment
		Reconstructive								MedSurg								Neurotechnology and Spine								Total
		Three Months Ended September 30				Nine Months Ended September 30				Three Months Ended September 30				Nine Months Ended September 30				Three Months Ended September 30				Nine Months Ended September 30				Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net sales	$	949	$	891	$	2,897	$	2,776	$	792	$	781	$	2,435	$	2,388	$	410	$	380	$	1,221	$	1,155	$	2,151		$	2,052		$	6,553		$	6,319
	Segment net earnings	231		215		696		631		135		148		434		420		68		65		194		183		$	434		$	428		$	1,324		$	1,234
	Less: other (net of income taxes)
	Other																									(61		)	(58		)	(177		)	(110		)
	Acquisition and integration related charges																									(9		)	(6		)	(41		)	(28		)
	Restructuring and related charges																									(15		)	(11		)	(36		)	(35		)
	Recall charges																									(245		)	—			(397		)	—
	Regulatory matter charges																									(1		)	—			(53		)	(33		)
	Net earnings																									$	103		$	353		$	620		$	1,028

Reclassification_Adjustments_O2

Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Changes in AOCI balances net of tax (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Beginning balance	$31		$129
Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) before reclassifications	120		27
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-5		-10
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	115	138	17	-66
Balance at September 30, 2013	146		146
Foreign Currency Translation
Beginning balance	132		226
Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) before reclassifications	115		21
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	115		21
Balance at September 30, 2013	247		247
Marketable Securities Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Beginning balance	-2		4
Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) before reclassifications	10		11
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-7		-14
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	3		-3
Balance at September 30, 2013	1		1
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Beginning balance	-99		-101
Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) before reclassifications	-5		-5
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	2		4
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-3		-1
Balance at September 30, 2013	($102)		($102)

Reclassification_Adjustments_O3

Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income taxes	$34	$91	$161	$319
Net earnings	103	353	620	1,028
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Marketable Securities Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	-6		-15
Income taxes	-1		1
Net earnings	-7		-14
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Income taxes	0		-1
Net earnings	2		4
Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax	$2		$5

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Interest and marketable securities income	$7	$12	$18	$37
Standard & Poor's, A Rating [Member] | Corporate and asset-backed debt securities
Percentage Of Company's Investments With Credit Quality Rating Less Than Single A And A2			1.00%
Fitch, A Rating [Member] | Corporate and asset-backed debt securities
Percentage Of Company's Investments With Credit Quality Rating Less Than Single A And A2			1.00%
Moody's, A2 Rating [Member] | Corporate and asset-backed debt securities
Percentage Of Company's Investments With Credit Quality Rating Less Than Single A And A2			1.00%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Valuat

Fair Value Measurements (Valuation Of Financial Instruments By Pricing Categories) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,110	$1,395
Foreign currency exchange contracts	2	3
Total	5,207	4,345
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation arrangements	67	57
Contingent consideration	59	103
Foreign currency exchange contracts	1	1
Total	127	161
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	4,028	2,890
Available-for-sale marketable securities | Corporate and asset-backed debt securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	1,841	1,280
Available-for-sale marketable securities | Foreign government debt securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	890	848
Available-for-sale marketable securities | United States agency debt securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	519	288
Available-for-sale marketable securities | United States treasury debt securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	635	343
Available-for-sale marketable securities | Certificates of deposit
Assets:
Marketable securities	115	114
Available-for-sale marketable securities | Other
Assets:
Marketable securities	28	17
Trading marketable securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	67	57
Level 1
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,110	1,395
Total	1,177	1,452
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation arrangements	67	57
Total	67	57
Level 1 | Trading marketable securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	67	57
Level 2
Assets:
Foreign currency exchange contracts	2	3
Total	4,030	2,893
Liabilities:
Foreign currency exchange contracts	1	1
Total	1	1
Level 2 | Available-for-sale marketable securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	4,028	2,890
Level 2 | Available-for-sale marketable securities | Corporate and asset-backed debt securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	1,841	1,280
Level 2 | Available-for-sale marketable securities | Foreign government debt securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	890	848
Level 2 | Available-for-sale marketable securities | United States agency debt securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	519	288
Level 2 | Available-for-sale marketable securities | United States treasury debt securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	635	343
Level 2 | Available-for-sale marketable securities | Certificates of deposit
Assets:
Marketable securities	115	114
Level 2 | Available-for-sale marketable securities | Other
Assets:
Marketable securities	28	17
Level 3
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	59	103
Total	$59	$103

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Using Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Balance at the beginning of the period	($103)	($114)
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Gains or (losses) included in earnings	5	6
Sales		-1
Settlements	39	39
Other		-33
Balance at the end of the period	-59	-103
Contingent Consideration
Balance at the beginning of the period	-103	-115
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Gains or (losses) included in earnings	5	6
Sales
Settlements	39	39
Other		-33
Balance at the end of the period	-59	-103
Corporate and Asset-Backed Debt Securities
Balance at the beginning of the period		1
Transfers into Level 3
Transfers out of Level 3
Sales		-1
Settlements
Balance at the end of the period

Fair_Value_Measurements_Contin

Fair Value Measurements (Contingent Consideration) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value	$59
Valuation Technique	Discounted cash flow
Unobservable Input	Probability of occurrence
Minimum
Probability of Occurence	85.00%
Maximum
Probability of Occurence	100.00%
Weighted Average
Probability of Occurence	95.00%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Market

Fair Value Measurements (Marketable Securities) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Estimated Fair Value	$4,095	$2,947
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Amortized Cost	4,027	2,885
Gross Unrealized Gains	3	6
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2	-1
Estimated Fair Value	4,028	2,890
Trading marketable securities
Estimated Fair Value	67	57
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Estimated Fair Value	4,028	2,890
Noncurrent assets-other
Estimated Fair Value	67	57
Corporate and asset-backed debt securities | Available-for-sale marketable securities
Amortized Cost	1,840	1,277
Gross Unrealized Gains	2	4
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1	-1
Estimated Fair Value	1,841	1,280
Foreign government debt securities | Available-for-sale marketable securities
Amortized Cost	890	846
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	2
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1
Estimated Fair Value	890	848
United States agency debt securities | Available-for-sale marketable securities
Amortized Cost	519	288
Estimated Fair Value	519	288
United States treasury debt securities | Available-for-sale marketable securities
Amortized Cost	635	343
Estimated Fair Value	635	343
Certificates of deposit | Available-for-sale marketable securities
Amortized Cost	115	114
Estimated Fair Value	115	114
Other | Available-for-sale marketable securities
Amortized Cost	28	17
Estimated Fair Value	$28	$17

Fair_Value_Measurements_Net_Ca

Fair Value Measurements (Net Carrying Value And Estimated Fair Value Of Available-For-Sale Marketable Securities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Due in one year or less, Cost	$816
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	816
Due after one year through three years, Cost	2,864
Due after one year through three years, Estimated Fair Value	2,865
Due after three years, Cost	347
Due after three years, Estimated Fair Value	347
Fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities, Cost	4,027
Fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities, Estimated Fair Value	$4,028

Fair_Value_Measurements_Unreal

Fair Value Measurements (Unrealized Losses And Fair Value Of Investments With Unrealized Losses) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Less Than 12 Months - Number of Investments	505
Less Than 12 Months - Fair Value	$1,609
Less Than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	-2
Total - Number of Investments	505
Total - Fair Value	1,609
Total - Unrealized Losses	-2
Corporate and asset-backed debt securities
Less Than 12 Months - Number of Investments	333
Less Than 12 Months - Fair Value	722
Less Than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	-1
Total - Number of Investments	333
Total - Fair Value	722
Total - Unrealized Losses	-1
Foreign government debt securities
Less Than 12 Months - Number of Investments	104
Less Than 12 Months - Fair Value	593
Less Than 12 Months - Unrealized Losses	-1
Total - Number of Investments	104
Total - Fair Value	593
Total - Unrealized Losses	-1
United States agency debt securities
Less Than 12 Months - Number of Investments	54
Less Than 12 Months - Fair Value	277
Total - Number of Investments	54
Total - Fair Value	277
Other
Less Than 12 Months - Number of Investments	14
Less Than 12 Months - Fair Value	17
Total - Number of Investments	14
Total - Fair Value	$17

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Foreign currency transaction losses	$0	$2	$3	$4

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Strategies (Forward Currency Exchange Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Assets	$2
Liabilities	1
Maximum Term (Days)	92 days
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Notional Amount	$1,426

Contingencies_Narrative_Detail

Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		Rejuvenate and ABG II Voluntary Recall [Member]	Motorized Wheel, Hospital Beds and Stetchers [Member]	Electrical Network Communications, Hospital Beds [Member]	Patents Under Reexamination [Member]	Number of Remaining Patents [Member]	Minimum	Maximum	Zimmer Product Infringement [Member]
			patent	patent	patent	patent	Rejuvenate and ABG II Voluntary Recall [Member]	Rejuvenate and ABG II Voluntary Recall [Member]
Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value	$93
Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Provision	58
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss							700	1,130
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value									$228.00
Estimated Litigation Liability		510
Loss Contingency, Number of Patents			10	9	6	3
Loss Contingency, Damages Paid, Value			$3.75

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
MAKO Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition, Share Price	$30
Total purchase consideration	$1,650
Trauson
Total purchase consideration	751
Liabilities, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	14
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	-29
Customer relationship | Trauson
FInite-Lived Intangible Assets, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	$47

Acquisitions_Acquisitions_Allo

Acquisitions Acquisitions (Allocation Of The Preliminary Purchase Price To The Acquired Net Assets Of The Trauson Acquisition (Details) (Trauson, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Total purchase consideration	$751
Inventory	43
Other assets	169
Liabilities	-87
Goodwill	452
Customer relationship
Identifiable intangible assets:	119
Trade name
Identifiable intangible assets:	18
Developed technology
Identifiable intangible assets:	32
In-process research & development
Identifiable intangible assets:	$5

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil2

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			1.30% senior unsecured notes, due April 1, 2018	4.10% senior unsecured notes, due April 1, 2043
Credit facility			$600	$400
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			1.30%	4.10%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount			3	6
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	1,092
Long-term debt, weighted-average interest rate	2.90%
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	17
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	$2,795	$1,866

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil3

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Maturities Of Long-Term Debt Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other	$35	$16
Total debt	2,774	1,762
Less current maturities	-31	-16
Long-term debt	2,743	1,746
3.00% senior unsecured notes, due January 15, 2015
Senior unsecured notes repayable in year three	500	500
4.375% senior unsecured notes, due January 15, 2020
Senior unsecured notes repayable after year five	498	497
Senior Unsecured Notes 2.00% due 2016 [Member]
Senior unsecured notes repayable in year four	749	749
1.30% senior unsecured notes, due April 1, 2018
Senior unsecured notes repayable after year five	598
4.10% senior unsecured notes, due April 1, 2043
Senior unsecured notes repayable after year five	$394

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Facil4

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Parentheticals) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
3.00% senior unsecured notes, due January 15, 2015
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.00%
4.375% senior unsecured notes, due January 15, 2020
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.38%
2.00% senior unsecured notes, due September 30, 2016
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.00%
1.30% senior unsecured notes, due April 1, 2018
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	1.30%
4.10% senior unsecured notes, due April 1, 2043
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.10%

Capital_Stock_Narrative_Detail

Capital Stock (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010
		2012 $405.0 Million Repurchase Agreement [Member]	2011 $500.0 Million Repurchase Agreement [Member]	2011 $500.0 Million Repurchase Agreement [Member]	2010 $500.0 Million Repurchase Agreement [Member]	2010 $500.0 Million Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$405		$500		$500
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	3.9		2.5		1.4
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value	252		157		95
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$748		$343

Restructuring_Charges_Narrativ

Restructuring Charges (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring charges	$14	$12	$38	$45
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated as a Percent of Total Workforce			5.00%
Severance and Related Costs
Restructuring charges			17
Contractual Obligations and Other
Restructuring charges			$21

Company_Recorded_Restructuring

Company Recorded Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
January 1 Balance			$40
Charges to earnings	14	12	38	45
Cash paid			-42
Other adjustments			-1
September 30 Balance	35		35
Agent Conversions
January 1 Balance			5
Cash paid			-3
September 30 Balance	2		2
Severance and Related Costs
January 1 Balance			20
Charges to earnings			17
Cash paid			-23
Other adjustments			-1
September 30 Balance	13		13
Contractual Obligations and Other
January 1 Balance			15
Charges to earnings			21
Cash paid			-16
Other adjustments
September 30 Balance	$20		$20

Segment_Information_Sales_And_

Segment Information (Sales And Other Financial Information By Business Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales	$2,151	$2,052	$6,553	$6,319
Segment net earnings	150	450	826	1,371
Acquisition and integration related charges	-9	-6	-41	-28
Restructuring and related charges	-15	-11	-36	-35
Recall charges	-245		-397
Regulatory matter charges	-1		-53	-33
Net earnings	103	353	620	1,028
Reconstructive
Net sales	949	891	2,897	2,776
Segment net earnings	231	215	696	631
MedSurg
Net sales	792	781	2,435	2,388
Segment net earnings	135	148	434	420
Neurotechnology and Spine
Net sales	410	380	1,221	1,155
Segment net earnings	68	65	194	183
Other
Segment net earnings	-61	-58	-177	-110
Total
Segment net earnings	$434	$428	$1,324	$1,234