| Cover Document and Entity Information | Nov. 05, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 5, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Cerner Corporation |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 0-15386 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 43-1196944 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2800 Rockcreek Parkway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | North Kansas City, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 64117 |
| City Area Code | 816 |
| Local Phone Number | 221-1024 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | CERN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000804753 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
