| COVER PAGE | Oct. 29, 2020 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | STRYKER CORP |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MI |
| Entity File Number | 001-13149 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 38-1239739 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2825 Airview Boulevard, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Kalamazoo, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MI |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 49002 |
| City Area Code | (269) |
| Local Phone Number | 385-2600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000310764 |
| Common Stock, $.10 Par Value | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $.10 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | SYK |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.125% Notes due 2023 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.125% Notes due 2023 |
| Trading Symbol | SYK23 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.250% Notes due 2024 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.250% Notes due 2024 |
| Trading Symbol | SYK24A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 2.125% Notes due 2027 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 2.125% Notes due 2027 |
| Trading Symbol | SYK27 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.750% Notes due 2029 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.750% Notes due 2029 |
| Trading Symbol | SYK29 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 2.625% Notes due 2030 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 2.625% Notes due 2030 |
| Trading Symbol | SYK30 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.000% Notes due 2031 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.000% Notes due 2031 |
| Trading Symbol | SYK31 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Floating Rate Notes due 2020 | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Floating Rate Notes due 2020 |
| Trading Symbol | SYK20A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
