| Cover | Oct. 22, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 22, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 1-11083 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000885725 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 04-2695240 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 300 Boston Scientific Way |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Marlborough |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 01752-1234 |
| City Area Code | (508) |
| Local Phone Number | 683-4000 |
| 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 | BSX |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
