Boston Scientific (BSX) 10-K23 Feb 212020 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Cover

Cover - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Cover - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Jan. 29, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-11083
Entity Registrant Name	BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	04-2695240
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
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 50,000
Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share	$ 0.01
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,417,165,707
Entity Central Index Key	0000885725
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	BSX
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Senior Note due 2027 [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	0.625% Senior Notes due 2027
Trading Symbol	BSX27
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
5.50% MCPS, Series A [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	5.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	BSX PR A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net sales	$ 9,913	$ 10,735	$ 9,823
Cost of products sold	3,465	3,116	2,813
Gross profit	6,448	7,620	7,011
Operating expenses:
Selling, general and administrative expenses	3,787	3,941	3,569
Research and development expenses	1,143	1,174	1,113
Royalty expense	45	65	70
Amortization expense	789	699	599
Goodwill impairment charges	73	0	0
Intangible asset impairment charges	460	105	35
Contingent consideration net expense (benefit)	(100)	(35)	(21)
Restructuring net charges (credits)	52	38	36
Litigation-related net charges (credits)	278	115	103
Operating expenses	6,528	6,102	5,504
Operating income (loss)	(80)	1,518	1,506
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(361)	(473)	(241)
Other, net	362	(358)	156
Income (loss) before income taxes	(79)	687	1,422
Income tax (benefit) expense	2	(4,013)	(249)
Net income (loss)	(82)	4,700	1,671
Preferred stock dividends	33	0	0
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ (115)	$ 4,700	$ 1,671
Net income (loss) per common share — basic	$ (0.08)	$ 3.38	$ 1.21
Net income (loss) per common share — assuming dilution	$ (0.08)	$ 3.33	$ 1.19
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Basic	1,416,700	1,391,500	1,381,000
Assuming dilution	1,416,700	1,410,600	1,401,400

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net income (loss)	$ (82)	$ 4,700	$ 1,671
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	76	195	(21)
Net change in derivative financial instruments	(137)	62	110
Defined benefit pensions and other items	(1)	(20)	2
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(63)	237	91
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ (145)	$ 4,937	$ 1,761

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,734	$ 217
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,531	1,828
Inventories	1,351	1,579
Prepaid income taxes	194	195
Assets held for sale	1,133	0
Other current assets	751	880
Total current assets	6,694	4,699
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,084	2,079
Goodwill	9,951	10,176
Other intangible assets, net	5,917	7,886
Deferred tax assets	4,210	4,196
Other long-term assets	1,921	1,529
TOTAL ASSETS	30,777	30,565
Current liabilities:
Current debt obligations	13	1,416
Accounts payable	513	542
Accrued expenses	2,197	2,109
Other current liabilities	958	800
Total current liabilities	3,681	4,866
Long-term debt	9,130	8,592
Deferred tax liabilities	330	595
Other long-term liabilities	2,309	2,635
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 50,000,000 shares - issued 10,062,500 shares as of December 31, 2020 and none as of December 31, 2019	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized 2,000,000,000 shares; issued 1,679,911,918 shares as of December 31, 2020 and 1,642,488,911 shares as of December 31, 2019	17	16
Treasury stock, at cost - 263,289,848 shares as of December 31, 2020 and 247,566,270 shares as of December 31, 2019	(2,251)	(1,717)
Additional paid-in capital	19,732	17,561
Accumulated deficit	(2,378)	(2,253)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	218	142
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments	36	173
Unrealized costs associated with defined benefit pensions and other items	(47)	(45)
Total stockholders’ equity	15,326	13,877
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 30,777	$ 30,565

Consolidated Balance Sheet Para

Consolidated Balance Sheet Paranthetical - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	10,062,500
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	1,679,911,918	1,642,488,911
Treasury Stock, Shares	263,289,848	247,566,270

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017		$ 0	$ 16	$ (1,717)	$ 17,161	$ (8,390)	$ (59)
Beginning Balance (Shares Issued) at Dec. 31, 2017		0	1,621,062,898
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	$ 1,671					1,671
Cumulative Effect Of New Accounting Principles						(233)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(21)						(21)
Net change in derivative financial instruments	110						110
Defined benefit pensions and other items	2						2
Stock-based compensation					185
Stock-based compensation (Shares)			11,085,132
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 0	$ 16	(1,717)	17,346	(6,953)	33
Ending Balance (Shares Issued) at Dec. 31, 2018		0	1,632,148,030
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	4,700					4,700
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	195						195
Net change in derivative financial instruments	62						62
Defined benefit pensions and other items	(20)						(20)
Stock-based compensation					215
Stock-based compensation (Shares)			10,340,881
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	13,877	$ 0	$ 16	(1,717)	17,561	(2,253)	270
Ending Balance (Shares Issued) at Dec. 31, 2019		0	1,642,488,911
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(82)					(82)
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASC 2016-13	10					(10)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	76						76
Net change in derivative financial instruments	(137)						(137)
Defined benefit pensions and other items	(1)						(1)
Stock Issuance (Par value)		$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock issuance (Value in excess of par)					975
Common stock issuance (Value in excess of par)					975
Stock issuance (Shares)		10,062,500	29,382,500
Preferred stock dividends						(33)
Repurchase of common stock				(535)
Stock-based compensation					221
Stock-based compensation (Shares)			8,040,507
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 15,326	$ 0	$ 17	$ (2,251)	$ 19,732	$ (2,378)	$ 207
Ending Balance (Shares Issued) at Dec. 31, 2020		10,062,500	1,679,911,918

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net income (loss)	$ (82,000,000)	$ 4,700,000,000	$ 1,671,000,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used for) operating activities
Gain on sale of businesses	0	(8,000,000)	0
Depreciation and amortization	1,123,000,000	1,011,000,000	894,000,000
Deferred and prepaid income taxes	(82,000,000)	(4,301,000,000)	(87,000,000)
Stock-based compensation expense	170,000,000	157,000,000	140,000,000
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges	533,000,000	105,000,000	35,000,000
Net loss (gain) on investments and notes receivable	(398,000,000)	30,000,000	(155,000,000)
Contingent consideration net expense (benefit)	(100,000,000)	(35,000,000)	(21,000,000)
Inventory step-up amortization	58,000,000	46,000,000	6,000,000
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	32,000,000	358,000,000	(11,000,000)
Other, net	213,000,000	63,000,000	8,000,000
Increase (decrease) in operating assets and liabilities, excluding purchase accounting:
Trade accounts receivable	335,000,000	(130,000,000)	(110,000,000)
Inventories	(65,000,000)	(290,000,000)	(83,000,000)
Other assets	(200,000,000)	45,000,000	(172,000,000)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	88,000,000	105,000,000	(640,000,000)
Other liabilities	(116,000,000)	(18,000,000)	(1,164,000,000)
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities	1,508,000,000	1,836,000,000	310,000,000
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(376,000,000)	(461,000,000)	(316,000,000)
Proceeds on disposals of property, plant and equipment	12,000,000	7,000,000	14,000,000
Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(3,000,000)	(4,382,000,000)	(1,448,000,000)
Proceeds from divestiture of certain businesses	15,000,000	90,000,000	0
Proceeds from royalty rights	87,000,000	52,000,000	0
Payments for settlements of hedge contracts	0	(199,000,000)	0
Payments for investments and acquisitions of certain technologies	(146,000,000)	(149,000,000)	(172,000,000)
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities	(411,000,000)	(5,041,000,000)	(1,921,000,000)
Financing Activities
Payment of contingent consideration previously established in purchase accounting	(49,000,000)	(66,000,000)	(19,000,000)
Payments for royalty rights	(97,000,000)	(69,000,000)	0
Proceeds from royalty rights transfer	0	256,000,000	0
Payments on short-term borrowings	(2,950,000,000)	(1,000,000,000)	0
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs	2,245,000,000	700,000,000	999,000,000
Net increase (decrease) in commercial paper	(714,000,000)	(575,000,000)	21,000,000
Payments on borrowings from credit facilities	(1,919,000,000)	0	(569,000,000)
Proceeds from borrowings on credit facilities	1,916,000,000	0	569,000,000
Payments on long-term borrowings and debt extinguishment costs	(1,260,000,000)	(3,560,000,000)	(602,000,000)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs	1,683,000,000	7,229,000,000	987,000,000
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock	(28,000,000)	0	0
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock in connection with public offering	975,000,000	0	0
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with public offering	975,000,000	0	0
Payments for repurchase of common stock	(535,000,000)	0	0
Cash used to net share settle employee equity awards	(59,000,000)	(65,000,000)	(56,000,000)
Proceeds from issuances of shares of common stock pursuant to employee stock compensation and purchase plans	111,000,000	123,000,000	101,000,000
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities	293,000,000	2,973,000,000	1,432,000,000
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	(2,000,000)	10,000,000	(8,000,000)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	1,388,000,000	(222,000,000)	(188,000,000)
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of period	607,000,000	829,000,000	1,017,000,000
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period	1,995,000,000	607,000,000	829,000,000
Supplemental Information
Cash (received) paid for income taxes, net	207,000,000	242,000,000	1,037,000,000
Cash paid for interest	359,000,000	449,000,000	262,000,000
Fair value of contingent consideration recorded in purchase accounting	0	127,000,000	248,000,000
Non-cash impact of transferred royalty rights	$ (87,000,000)	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Ca_2

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Supplemental Disclosure) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,734,000,000	$ 217,000,000	$ 146,000,000
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in Other current assets	208,000,000	346,000,000	655,000,000
Restricted cash equivalents included in Other long-term assets	52,000,000	43,000,000	27,000,000
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents	$ 1,995,000,000	$ 607,000,000	$ 829,000,000	$ 1,017,000,000

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	NOTE A – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Boston Scientific Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, after the elimination of intercompany transactions. When used in this report, the terms "we," "us," "our" and "the Company" mean Boston Scientific Corporation and its divisions and subsidiaries. We assess the terms of our investment interests to determine if any of our investees meet the definition of a variable interest entity (VIE) . For any VIEs, we perform an analysis to determine whether our variable interests give us a controlling financial interest. The analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both 1) the power to direct activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and 2) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity. Based on our assessments under the applicable guidance, we did not have controlling financial interests in any VIEs and, therefore, did not consolidate any VIEs during 2020, 2019 or 2018. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) and with the instructions to Form 10-K and Regulation S-X. Amounts reported in millions within this report are computed based on the amounts in thousands. As a result, the sum of the components reported in millions may not equal the total amount reported in millions due to rounding. Certain columns and rows within tables may not add due to the use of rounded numbers. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying numbers in dollars. Subsequent Events We evaluate events occurring after the date of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets for potential recognition or disclosure in our consolidated financial statements. Those items requiring recognition in the financial statements have been recorded and disclosed accordingly. Those items requiring disclosure (non-recognized subsequent events) in the financial statements have been disclosed accordingly. Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments , Note H – Restructuring-related Activities , Note K – Commitments and Contingencies and Note L – Stockholders' Equity for further details. Accounting Estimates To prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities as of the date of our consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of our revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our actual results may differ from these estimates. Refer to Critical Accounting Estimates included in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report for further discussion. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents We record Cash and cash equivalents in our consolidated balance sheets at cost, which approximates fair value. Our policy is to invest excess cash in short-term marketable securities earning a market rate of interest without assuming undue risk of loss of principal amounts invested and we limit our direct exposure to securities in any one industry or issuer. We consider to be cash equivalents all short-term marketable securities with remaining days to maturity of 90 days or less from the purchase date that can be readily converted to cash. Restricted Cash Amounts included in restricted cash represent cash on hand required to be set aside by a contractual agreement related to receivable factoring arrangements and deferred compensation plans and are included in the Other current assets caption within our consolidated balance sheets. Generally, the restrictions related to the factoring arrangements lapse at the time we remit the customer payments collected by us for servicing previously sold customer receivables to the purchaser. Restrictions for deferred compensation lapse when amounts are paid to the employee. Restricted Cash Equivalents Restricted cash equivalents primarily represent amounts paid into various qualified settlement funds related to our ongoing transvaginal surgical mesh litigation and current amounts related to our non-qualified pension plan and are included in the Other current assets caption within our consolidated balance sheets. The restrictions related to the various qualified settlement funds will lapse as we approve amounts payable to claimants, at which time we no longer have rights to a return of the amounts paid into the various qualified settlement funds. Restricted cash equivalents included in the Other long-term assets caption within our consolidated balance sheets are related to deferred compensation plans. Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and accounts and notes receivable. Our investment policy limits exposure to concentrations of credit risk and changes in market conditions. Counterparties to financial instruments expose us to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance. We transact our financial instruments with a diversified group of major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings and actively monitor their credit ratings and our outstanding positions to limit our credit exposure. In the normal course, our payment terms with customers, including hospitals, healthcare agencies, clinics, doctors' offices and other private and governmental institutions, are typically 30 days in the U.S. but may be longer in international markets and generally do not require collateral. We record credit loss reserves to Allowance for credit losses when we establish Trade accounts receivable if credit losses are expected over the asset's contractual life. We base our estimates of credit loss reserves on historical experience and adjust, as necessary, to reflect current conditions using reasonable and supportable forecasts not already reflected in the historical loss information. We utilize an accounts receivable aging approach to determine the reserve to record at accounts receivable commencement for certain customers, applying country or region-specific factors. In performing the assessment of outstanding accounts receivable, regardless of country or region, we may consider significant factors relevant to collectability, including those specific to a customer such as bankruptcy, lengthy average payment cycles and type of account. We write-off amounts determined to be uncollectible against this reserve. Write-offs of uncollectible accounts receivable were immaterial in 2020, 2019 and 2018. We are not dependent on any single institution, and no single customer accounted for more than ten percent of our net sales in 2020, 2019 and 2018; however, large group purchasing organizations, hospital networks, international distributors and dealers and other buying groups have become increasingly important to our business and represent a substantial portion of our net sales. We closely monitor outstanding receivables for potential collection risks, including those that may arise from economic conditions, in both the U.S. and international economies. Our sales to government-owned or supported customers, particularly in southern Europe, are subject to an increased number of days outstanding prior to payment relative to other countries. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated an ongoing site-of-service trend of shifting procedure volumes toward non-hospital settings, particularly ambulatory surgery centers, driven by considerations surrounding costs, reimbursement policies, advances in minimally invasive treatments and remote patient monitoring. We have seen an increase in the volume of our U.S. business conducted in ambulatory surgery centers. Many of these customers are smaller than those we have historically done business with and may have limited liquidity. While certain ambulatory surgery centers are performing an increasing number of procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, others have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and mitigation measures. We have adjusted our estimates of credit loss reserves for these customers, regions and conditions, as appropriate. We believe our Allowance for credit losses is adequate as of December 31, 2020 and 2019; however, if significant changes were to occur in the payment practices of government customers, or if there is an increase in bankruptcies among our ambulatory surgery center customers, we may not be able to collect on receivables due to us from these customers, and our write-offs of uncollectible accounts may increase. Revenue Recognition We sell our products primarily through a direct sales force. In certain international markets, we sell our products through independent distributors or dealers. We consider revenue to be earned when all of the following criteria are met in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers : • We have a contract with a customer that creates enforceable rights and obligations, • Promised products or services are identified, • The transaction price, or the amount we expect to receive, is determinable and • We have transferred control of the promised items to the customer. Transfer of control is evidenced upon passage of title and risk of loss to the customer unless we are required to provide additional services. We treat shipping and handling costs performed after a customer obtains control of the good as a fulfillment cost and record these costs as a selling expense when incurred. We recognize revenue from consignment arrangements based on product usage, or implant, which indicates that the sale is complete. We recognize a receivable at the point in time we have an unconditional right to payment. Payment terms are typically 30 days in the U.S. but may be longer in international markets. Deferred Revenue We record a contract liability, or deferred revenue, when we have an obligation to provide a product or service to the customer and payment is received or due in advance of our performance. When we sell a device with a future service obligation, we defer revenue on the unfulfilled performance obligation and recognize this revenue over the related service period. Many of our Cardiac Rhythm Management product offerings combine the sale of a device with our LATITUDE™ Patient Management System, within our Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) business, which represents a future service obligation. Generally, we do not have observable evidence of the standalone selling price related to our future service obligations; therefore, we estimate the selling price using an expected cost plus a margin approach. We allocate the transaction price using the relative standalone selling price method. The use of alternative estimates could result in a different amount of revenue deferral. Contract liabilities are classified within Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our contractual liabilities are primarily composed of deferred revenue related to the LATITUDE Patient Management System. Revenue is recognized over the average service period which is based on device and patient longevity. Our contractual liabilities also include deferred revenue related to the LUX-Dx™ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) system, also within our CRM business, for which revenue is recognized over the average service period based on device longevity and usage. We have elected not to disclose the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations when the original expected contract duration is one year or less. In addition, we have not identified material unfulfilled performance obligations for which revenue is not currently deferred. Variable Consideration We generally allow our customers to return defective, damaged and, in certain cases, expired products for credit. We base our estimate for sales returns upon historical trends and record the amount as a reduction to revenue when we sell the initial product. In addition, we may allow customers to return previously purchased products for next-generation product offerings. For these transactions, we defer recognition of revenue on the sale of the earlier generation product based upon an estimate of the amount of product to be returned when the next-generation products are shipped to the customer. Uncertain timing of next-generation product approvals, variability in product launch strategies, product recalls and variation in product utilization all affect our estimates related to sales returns and could cause actual returns to differ from these estimates. We also offer sales rebates and discounts to certain customers. We treat sales rebates and discounts as a reduction of revenue and classify the corresponding liability as current. We estimate rebates for products where there is sufficient historical information available to predict the volume of expected future rebates. If we are unable to reasonably estimate the expected rebates, we record a liability for the maximum rebate percentage offered. We have entered certain agreements with group purchasing organizations to sell our products to participating hospitals at negotiated prices. We recognize revenue from these agreements following the same revenue recognition criteria discussed above. Post-Implant Services We provide non-contractual services to customers to ensure the safe and effective use of certain implanted devices. Because the revenue related to the immaterial services is recognized before they are delivered, we forward accrue the costs to provide these services at the time the devices are sold. We record these costs to Selling, general and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of operations. We estimate the amount of time spent by our representatives performing these services and their compensation throughout the device life to determine the service cost. Changes to our business practice or the use of alternative estimates could result in a different amount of accrued cost. Warranty Obligations We offer warranties on certain of our product offerings. The majority of our warranty liability relates to implantable devices offered by our CRM business, which include implantable defibrillator and pacemaker systems. These products come with a standard limited warranty covering the replacement of these devices. We offer a full warranty for a portion of the period post-implant and a partial warranty for a period of time thereafter. We estimate the costs that we may incur under our warranty programs based on the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims and cost per claim and record a liability equal to these estimated costs as cost of products sold at the time the product sale occurs. We assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty liabilities on a quarterly basis and adjust these amounts as necessary. Inventories We state inventories at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or net realizable value. We utilize a standard costing system, capitalizing variances between estimated and actual production costs during periods of normal production, and amortize to Cost of products sold over inventory turns. We expense manufacturing variances during periods of abnormal production, or less than 75 percent of manufacturing capacity. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded $149 million of abnormal manufacturing variances attributable to lower production levels resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and lower than forecasted demand for our products. We did not record any abnormal production variances during the years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018. We base our provisions for excess, expired and obsolete inventory primarily on our estimates of forecasted net sales. A significant change in the timing or level of demand for our products as compared to forecasted amounts may result in recording additional provisions for excess, expired and obsolete inventory in the future. Further, the industry in which we participate is characterized by rapid product development and frequent new product introductions. Uncertain timing of next-generation product approvals, variability in product launch strategies, product recalls and variation in product utilization all affect our estimates related to excess, expired and obsolete inventory. Property, Plant and Equipment We state property, plant, equipment and leasehold improvements at historical cost. We charge expenditures for maintenance and repairs to expense and capitalize additions and improvements that extend the life of the underlying asset. We provide for depreciation using the straight-line method at rates that approximate the estimated useful lives of the assets. We depreciate buildings over a maximum life of 40 years; building improvements over the remaining useful life of the building structure; equipment, furniture and fixtures over a three to seven year life; and leasehold improvements over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the related lease. Valuation of Business Combinations We allocate the amounts we pay for each acquisition to the assets we acquire and liabilities we assume based on their fair values at the date of acquisition, including identifiable intangible assets and in-process research and development (IPR&D), which either arise from a contractual or legal right or are separable from goodwill. We base the fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination, including IPR&D, on detailed valuations that use information and assumptions provided by management, which consider management’s best estimates of inputs and assumptions that a market participant would use. We allocate to goodwill any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Transaction costs associated with these acquisitions are expensed as incurred through Selling, general and administrative expenses . In those circumstances where an acquisition involves a contingent consideration arrangement, we recognize a liability equal to the fair value of the contingent payments we expect to make as of the acquisition date. We re-measure this liability each reporting period and record changes in the fair value through Contingent consideration net expense (benefit) on our consolidated statements of operations. Increases or decreases in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability can result from changes in discount rates, periods, timing and amount of projected revenue or timing or likelihood of achieving regulatory, revenue or commercialization-based milestones. Payment of additional consideration is generally contingent on the acquired company reaching certain performance milestones after the acquisition date, including attaining specified revenue levels, achieving product development targets and/or obtaining regulatory approvals for products in development at the date of the acquisition. Indefinite-lived Intangibles and IPR&D Our indefinite-lived intangible assets, which are not subject to amortization, include acquired balloon and other technology, which is foundational to our ongoing operations within our Cardiovascular and MedSurg businesses, and IPR&D intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Our IPR&D represents intangible assets that are used in research and development activities but have not yet reached technological feasibility, regardless of whether they have alternative future use. The primary basis for determining the technological feasibility or completion of these projects is obtaining regulatory approval to market the underlying products in an applicable geographic region. We classify IPR&D as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. Upon completion of the associated research and development efforts, we will determine the useful life of the technology and begin amortizing the assets to reflect their use over their remaining lives. Upon permanent abandonment, we write-off the remaining carrying amount of the associated IPR&D intangible asset. We test our indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually during the third quarter for impairment and reassess their classification as indefinite-lived assets. In addition, we review our indefinite-lived intangible assets for classification and impairment more frequently if impairment indicators exist. We assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that our indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired, we then determine the fair value of the intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset, we write the carrying value down to the fair value. We use the income approach to determine the fair values of our IPR&D. We base our revenue assumptions on estimates of relevant market sizes, expected market growth rates, expected trends in technology and expected levels of market share. In arriving at the value of the in-process projects, we consider, among other factors, the in-process projects’ stage of completion, the complexity of the work completed as of the acquisition date, the costs already incurred, the projected costs to complete, the contribution of other acquired assets, the expected regulatory path and introduction dates by region and the estimated useful life of the technology. See Note D – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for more information related to indefinite-lived intangibles, including IPR&D. For asset purchases outside of business combinations, we expense any purchased research and development assets as of the acquisition date. Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets We record definite-lived intangible assets at historical cost and amortize them over their estimated useful lives. We use a straight-line method of amortization, unless a method that better reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up can be reliably determined. The approximate useful lives for amortization of our intangible assets are as follows: patents and licenses, two to 20 years; amortizable technology-related and customer relationships, five to 25 years; other intangible assets, various. We review intangible assets subject to amortization quarterly to determine if any adverse conditions exist or a change in circumstances has occurred that would indicate impairment or a change in the remaining useful life. Conditions that may indicate impairment include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate that could affect the value of an asset, a product recall or an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. If we determine it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired based on our qualitative assessment of impairment indicators, we test the intangible asset for recoverability. For purposes of the recoverability test, we group our amortizable intangible assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows if the intangible asset does not generate cash flows independent of other assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of the intangible asset or asset group exceeds the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the intangible asset or asset group, we will write the carrying value down to fair value in the period impairment is identified. We calculate fair value of our intangible assets as the present value of estimated future cash flows we expect to generate from the asset. In determining our estimated future cash flows associated with our intangible assets, we use estimates and assumptions about future revenue contributions, cost structures and remaining useful lives of the asset or asset group. See Note D – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for more information related to impairments of intangible assets. For patents developed internally, we capitalize costs incurred to obtain patents, including attorney fees, registration fees, consulting fees and other expenditures directly related to securing the patent. Goodwill Valuation We allocate any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination to goodwill. We test our goodwill balances in the second quarter of each year as of April 1 for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest an impairment may exist. We assess goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. For our 2020 annual impairment assessment, we identified the following reporting units: Interventional Cardiology, Peripheral Interventions, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Electrophysiology, Endoscopy, Urology and Pelvic Health, Neuromodulation and Specialty Pharmaceuticals. We aggregated the Cardiac Rhythm Management and Electrophysiology reporting units, components of the Rhythm Management operating segment, based on the criteria prescribed in FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other . In the second quarter of 2020, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test utilizing the qualitative assessment approach to test all of our reporting units. We assessed recent events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as changes in macroeconomic factors, industry and market conditions, overall financial performance and other entity-specific factors since the most recently performed quantitative test. After assessing the totality of events, we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units has sufficient excess over its carrying value, and concluded that goodwill was not impaired or at risk of impairment. On December 1, 2020, we announced the execution of a definitive agreement pursuant to which we agreed to sell our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business (disposal group) for a purchase price of $800 million, subject to certain adjustments including cash on hand as of the closing date of the transaction. The sale is expected to close in the first half of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. We acquired our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business in conjunction with the BTG acquisition on August 19, 2019. In connection with the execution of a definitive agreement to sell the disposal group for a specified amount, we performed an impairment assessment of our goodwill and intangible assets, which resulted in a goodwill impairment of $73 million. As of December 31, 2020, we classified the remaining assets and liabilities of the disposal group as held for sale within our consolidated balance sheets at their respective carrying values, which approximates fair value, less cost to sell. Refer to Note D – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets to our consolidated financial statements for additional details related to our goodwill balances. Investments in Publicly Traded and Privately Held Entities For publicly-held equity securities for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, we measure at fair value with changes in fair value recognized currently in Other, net within our accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For privately-held equity securities for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, we apply the measurement alternative approach and measure these investments at cost minus impairment, if any, adjusted to fair value for any, observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. We account for investments in entities over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence under the equity method if we hold 50 percent or less of the voting stock and the entity is not a VIE in which we are the primary beneficiary in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures . We record these investments initially at cost and adjust the carrying amount to reflect our share of the earnings or losses of the investee, including all adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated financial statements. Lastly, we have notes receivable from certain companies that we account for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 320 , Investments - Debt and Equity Securities . Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments for additional details on our investment balances. Each reporting period, we evaluate our investments to determine if there are any events or circumstances that are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. Examples of such impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, a significant deterioration in earnings performance, recent financing rounds at reduced valuations, a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic or technological environment of an investee or a significant doubt about an investee’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we identify an impairment indicator, we will estimate the fair value of the investment and compare it to its carrying value. Our estimation of fair value considers financial information related to the investee available to us, including valuations based on recent third-party equity investments in the investee. For our investments for which we apply the measurement alternative, if the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value, the investment is impaired and we recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between an investment’s carrying value and its fair value. For our equity method investments, if we determine an impairment is other-than-temporary, we recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between an investment’s carrying value and its fair value. We deem an impairment to be other-than-temporary unless available evidence indicates that the valuation is more likely than not to recover up to the carrying value of the investment in a reasonable period of time, and we have both the ability and intent to hold the investment for at least the period of time needed to recover the value. Net gains and losses and impairments associated with our investment portfolio are included in Other, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Income Taxes We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of our assets and liabilities. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when we expect the differences to reverse. We reduce our deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that we will not realize some portion or all of the deferred tax assets. We consider relevant evidence, both positive and negative, to determine the need for a valuation allowance. Information evaluated includes our financial position and results of operations for the current and preceding years, the availability of deferred tax liabilities and tax carrybacks, as well as estimates of the impact of future taxable income and available prudent and feasible tax-planning strategies. We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense. As part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), we are subject to a territorial tax system in which we are required to establish an accounting policy in providing for tax on Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. We have elected to treat the

Acquisitions and Strategic Inve

Acquisitions and Strategic Investments	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions and Strategic Investments	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS	NOTE B – ACQUISITIONS AND STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS Our consolidated financial statements include the operating results for acquired entities from the respective dates of acquisition. We did not complete any material acquisitions during 2020. We have not presented supplemental pro forma financial information for prior acquisitions given their results are not material to our consolidated financial statements. Transaction costs for all acquisitions completed during 2020, 2019 and 2018 were immaterial to our consolidated financial statements and were expensed as incurred. In 2020, we recorded immaterial purchase price adjustments during the measurement period for the preliminary purchase price allocations associated with prior acquisitions. On January 21, 2021, we announced our entrance into a definitive agreement to acquire Preventice Solutions, Inc. (Preventice), a privately-held company which offers a full portfolio of mobile cardiac health solutions and services, ranging from ambulatory cardiac monitors, to cardiac event monitors and mobile cardiac telemetry. We have been an investor in Preventice since 2015 and currently hold an equity stake of approximately 22 percent. The transaction price to acquire the remaining stake is expected to result in a net cash payment of approximately $720 million upon closing and up to an additional $230 million payment upon achievement of a commercial milestone. The acquisition is expected to close during the first half of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Following the closing of the acquisition, the Preventice business will be managed by our Cardiac Rhythm Management division. 2019 Acquisitions BTG plc On August 19, 2019, we announced the closing of our acquisition of BTG plc (BTG), a public company organized under the laws of England and Wales. BTG had three key portfolios, the largest of which is its interventional medicine portfolio (Interventional Medicine) that encompasses interventional oncology therapeutic technologies for patients with liver and kidney cancers, as well as a vascular portfolio for treatment of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, deep venous obstruction and superficial venous disease. Following the closing of the acquisition, we integrated BTG's Interventional Medicine business into our Peripheral Interventions division. In addition to the Interventional Medicine product lines, the BTG portfolio also included a specialty pharmaceutical business (Specialty Pharmaceuticals) comprised of acute care antidotes to treat overexposure to certain medications and toxins. On December 1, 2020, we announced the execution of a definitive agreement pursuant to which we agreed to sell our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business (disposal group) for a purchase price of $800 million , subject to certain adjustments including cash on hand as of the closing date of the transaction. The sale is expected to close in the first half of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Refer to Note C – Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale for additional information. The BTG portfolio further included a licensing portfolio (Licensing arrangements) that generated net royalties related to BTG intellectual property and product license agreements. In connection with the acquisition, we acquired rights to future royalties associated with the Zytiga™ Drug used to treat certain forms of prostate cancer. In the fourth quarter of 2019, we sold our rights to these royalties for $256 million in cash, included in Proceeds from royalty rights transfer in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Refer to Note E – Hedging Activities and Fair Value Measurements for additional information. The transaction price for the acquisition of BTG consisted of upfront cash in the aggregate amount of £3.312 billion (or $4.023 billion based on the exchange rate at closing on August 19, 2019) for the entire issued ordinary share capital of BTG, whereby BTG stockholders received 840 pence (or $10.20 based on the exchange rate at closing) in cash for each BTG share. The transaction price included $404 million of cash and cash equivalents acquired. We implemented our acquisition of BTG by way of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the United Kingdom Companies Act 2006, as amended. Purchase Price Allocation We accounted for the acquisition of BTG as a business combination, and in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805 , Business Combinations , (FASB ASC Topic 805), we recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. The final purchase price was comprised of the following components: (in millions) Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired $ 3,619 The final purchase price allocation was comprised of the following components: (in millions) Goodwill $ 1,635 Trade accounts receivable, net 108 Inventories 232 Other current assets 252 Other intangible assets, net 1,785 Other long-term assets 538 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (308) Other long-term liabilities (274) Deferred tax liability (349) $ 3,619 We allocated a portion of the purchase price to the specific intangible asset categories as follows: Amount Assigned (in millions) Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Amortizable intangible assets: Technology-related $ 1,709 10 - 18 11 % - 12% Other intangible assets 75 2 - 11 11% $ 1,785 We recognized goodwill of $1.635 billion, which is attributable to the synergies expected to arise from the acquisition and revenue and cash flow projections associated with future technologies. We allocated $1.399 billion to our Peripheral Interventions reporting unit and $236 million to the Specialty Pharmaceuticals reporting unit. In 2020, we recorded Goodwill impairment charges of $73 million related to our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business. Refer to Note A – Significant Accounting Policies for additional information. Transaction with Varian Medical Systems, Inc. On August 21, 2019, we completed the sale of our drug-eluting and bland embolic microsphere portfolio to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (Varian) in connection with our acquisition of BTG. The transaction price consisted of an upfront cash payment of $90 million, a portion of which is allocated to the fair value of the services to be rendered under the Transition Services Agreement and Transition Manufacturing Agreement entered into with Varian as part of this transaction. Additionally, we transferred certain contingent consideration arrangements arising from our initial acquisition of the portfolio to Varian and agreed to indemnify Varian for any payments ultimately arising under the terms of the contingent consideration arrangement. Accordingly, as part of the disposal, we recorded a liability of $16 million to recognize the fair value of this guarantee based on our potential obligation resulting from the indemnifications. The maximum amount payable under this guarantee is $200 million in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 460, Guarantees , which is consistent with the contingent consideration arrangement executed with our initial acquisition of the portfolio in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805. Vertiflex, Inc. On June 11, 2019, we announced the closing of our acquisition of Vertiflex, Inc. (Vertiflex), a privately-held company which developed and commercialized the Superion™ Indirect Decompression System, a minimally-invasive device used to improve physical function and reduce pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The transaction price consisted of an upfront cash payment of $465 million and contingent payments that are based on a percentage of Vertiflex sales growth in the first three years following the acquisition close. At the time of acquisition, we estimated the sales-based contingent payments to be in a range of zero to $100 million; however, the payments are uncapped over the three year earn-out period. Through December 31, 2020, we have made incremental payments of $20 million to the prior shareholders of Vertiflex in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Following the closing of the acquisition, we integrated the Vertiflex business into our Neuromodulation division. Millipede, Inc. On January 29, 2019, we announced the closing of our acquisition of Millipede, Inc. (Millipede), a privately-held company that has developed the IRIS Transcatheter Annuloplasty Ring System for the treatment of severe mitral regurgitation. We were an investor in Millipede since the first quarter of 2018 as part of an investment and acquisition option agreement, whereby we purchased a portion of the outstanding shares of Millipede, along with newly issued shares of the company, for an upfront cash payment of $90 million. In the fourth quarter of 2018, upon the successful completion of a first-in-human clinical study, we exercised our option to acquire the remaining shares of Millipede. We held an interest of approximately 20 percent immediately prior to the acquisition date. We remeasured the fair value of our previously-held investment based on the implied enterprise value and allocation of purchase price consideration according to priority of equity interests. The transaction price for the remaining stake consisted of an upfront cash payment of $325 million and up to an additional $125 million payment upon achievement of a commercial milestone. Through December 31, 2020, we have not made any incremental payments to the prior shareholders of Millipede, as the commercial milestone has not yet been achieved. Following the closing of the acquisition, we integrated the Millipede business into our Interventional Cardiology division. Purchase Price Allocation We accounted for the acquisitions of Vertiflex and Millipede as business combinations, and in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, we recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values as of the acquisition dates. The final purchase prices were comprised of the following components: (in millions) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 763 Fair value of contingent consideration 127 Fair value of prior interests 102 $ 992 The final combined purchase price allocation was comprised of the following components: (in millions) Goodwill $ 577 Amortizable intangible assets 220 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 240 Other assets acquired 24 Liabilities assumed (12) Net deferred tax liabilities (58) $ 992 We allocated a portion of the combined purchase price to the specific intangible asset categories as follows: Amount Assigned (in millions) Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Amortizable intangible assets: Technology-related $ 210 12 15% Other intangible assets 10 12 15% Indefinite-lived intangible assets: In-process research and development 240 N/A 19% $ 461 2018 Acquisitions Augmenix, Inc. On October 16, 2018, we announced the closing of our acquisition of Augmenix, Inc. (Augmenix), a privately-held company that developed and commercialized the SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel System to help reduce common and debilitating side effects that men may experience after receiving radiotherapy to treat prostate cancer. The transaction price consisted of an upfront cash payment of $500 million and up to $100 million in payments contingent upon achieving certain revenue-based milestones. Through December 31, 2020, we made incremental payments of $24 million to the prior shareholders of Augmenix in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Following the closing of the acquisition, we integrated the Augmenix business into our Urology and Pelvic Health division. Claret Medical, Inc. On August 2, 2018, we announced the closing of our acquisition of Claret Medical, Inc. (Claret), a privately-held company that has developed and commercialized the Sentinel™ Cerebral Embolic Protection System. The device is used to protect the brain during certain interventional procedures, predominately in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The transaction price consisted of an upfront cash payment of $220 million and an additional $50 million payment for achieving a reimbursement-based milestone that was achieved in the third quarter of 2018. Following the closing of the acquisition, we integrated the Claret business into our Interventional Cardiology division. Cryterion Medical, Inc. On July 5, 2018, we announced the closing of our acquisition of Cryterion Medical, Inc. (Cryterion), a privately-held company developing a single-shot cryoablation platform for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. We had been an investor in Cryterion since 2016 and held an interest of approximately 35 percent immediately prior to the acquisition date. The transaction price to acquire the remaining stake consisted of an upfront cash payment of $202 million. Following the closing of the acquisition, we integrated the Cryterion business into our Electrophysiology division. NxThera, Inc. On April 30, 2018, we announced the closing of our acquisition of NxThera, Inc. (NxThera), a privately-held company that developed the Rezūm™ System, a minimally invasive therapy in a growing category of treatment options for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We held a minority interest immediately prior to the acquisition date. The transaction price to acquire the remaining stake consisted of an upfront cash payment of approximately $240 million and up to approximately $85 million in future potential payments contingent upon achieving commercial milestones over the four years following the date of acquisition. Through December 31, 2020, we have made incremental payments of $12 million to the prior shareholders of NxThera in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Following the closing of the acquisition, we integrated the NxThera business into our Urology and Pelvic Health division. nVision Medical Corporation On April 16, 2018, we announced the closing of our acquisition of nVision Medical Corporation (nVision), a privately-held company focused on women’s health. nVision developed the first and only device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collect cells from the fallopian tubes, offering a potential platform for earlier diagnosis of ovarian cancer. The transaction price consisted of an upfront cash payment of $150 million and up to an additional $125 million in future potential payments contingent upon achieving certain clinical and commercial milestones over the four years following the date of acquisition. Following the closing of the acquisition, we integrated the nVision business into our Urology and Pelvic Health division. We discontinued the nVision R&D program during 2020 and do not expect to make any incremental payments to the prior shareholders. Other Acquisitions In addition, we completed other individually immaterial acquisitions in 2018 for total consideration of $158 million in cash at closing plus aggregate future potential contingent consideration of up to $62 million. We recorded gains of $184 million in 2018 within Other, net on our consolidated statements of operations based on the difference between the book values and the fair values of our previously-held investments immediately prior to the acquisition dates. The aggregate fair value of our previously-held investments immediately prior to the acquisition dates was $251 million. We remeasured the fair value of each previously-held investment based on the implied enterprise value and allocation of purchase price consideration according to priority of equity interests. Purchase Price Allocation We accounted for our 2018 acquisitions as business combinations, and in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, we recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values as of the acquisition dates. The final purchase prices were comprised of the following components: (in millions) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 1,449 Fair value of contingent consideration 248 Fair value of prior interests 251 $ 1,948 The final combined purchase price allocation was comprised of the following components: (in millions) Goodwill $ 939 Amortizable intangible assets 939 In-process research and development 213 Other assets acquired 38 Liabilities assumed (19) Net deferred tax liabilities (162) $ 1,948 We allocated a portion of the combined purchase price to the specific intangible asset categories as follows: Amount Assigned (in millions) Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Amortizable intangible assets Technology-related $ 908 6 - 14 14 % - 23% Other intangible assets 31 6 - 13 13 % - 15% Indefinite-lived intangible assets In-process research and development 213 n/a 15% $ 1,153 Our technology-related intangible assets consist of technical processes, intellectual property and institutional understanding with respect to products and processes that we intend to leverage in future products or processes and will carry forward from one product generation to the next. We used the multi-period excess earnings method, a form of the income approach, to derive the fair value of the technology-related intangible assets and are amortizing them on a straight-line basis over their assigned estimated useful lives. Goodwill was primarily established due to synergies expected to be gained from leveraging our existing operations, as well as revenue and cash flow projections associated with future technologies. The goodwill recorded relating to our acquisitions is not deductible for tax purposes. Contingent Consideration Changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liability were as follows: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 347 Amounts recorded related to current year acquisitions 127 Contingent consideration arrangements transferred (16) Contingent consideration net expense (benefit) (35) Contingent consideration payments (68) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 354 Contingent consideration net expense (benefit) (100) Contingent consideration payments (58) Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 196 As of December 31, 2020, the maximum amount of future contingent consideration (undiscounted) that we could be required to pay associated with our prior acquisitions was $532 million. The $100 million benefit recorded in 2020 related to a reduction in the contingent consideration liability for certain prior acquisitions for which we reduced the probability of achievement of associated revenue and/or regulatory milestones upon which payment is conditioned, or in the case of nVision, for milestones that would not be achieved due to discontinuation of the R&D program. The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of our contingent consideration liability that we expect to be required to settle include the following significant unobservable inputs: Contingent Consideration Liability Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (1) R&D, Regulatory and Commercialization-based Milestones $104 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 2% 2% Probability of Payment 90% 90% Projected Year of Payment 2027 2027 Revenue-based Payments $93 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 12 % - 14% 13% Probability of Payment 80 % - 100% 100% Projected Year of Payment 2021 - 2024 2022 (1) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the contingent consideration liability. For projected year of payment, the amount represents the median of the inputs and is not a weighted average. Projected contingent payment amounts related to our R&D, commercialization-based and revenue-based milestones are discounted back to the current period, primarily using a discounted cash flow model. Significant increases or decreases in projected revenues, probabilities of payment, discount rates or the time until payment is made would have resulted in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement as of December 31, 2020. Strategic Investments The aggregate carrying amount of our strategic investments was comprised of the following: As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Equity method investments $ 319 $ 264 Measurement alternative investments (1) 183 171 Publicly-held securities (2) 414 1 Notes receivable 2 23 $ 918 $ 458 (1) Measurement alternative investments are privately-held equity securities without readily determinable fair values that are measured at cost less impairment, if any, adjusted to fair value for any observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer, recognized in Other, net within our accompanying consolidated statements of operations. (2) Publicly-held equity securities are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in Other, net within our consolidated statements of operations. These investments are classified as Other long-term assets within our consolidated balance sheets, in accordance with U.S. GAAP and our accounting policies. In 2020, we recorded a $363 million gain on our investment in Pulmonx Corporation presented in Other, net

Assets and Liabilities Held for

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale	12 Months Ended
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale	Dec. 31, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE	NOTE C – ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE On December 1, 2020, we announced the execution of a definitive agreement pursuant to which we agreed to sell our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business to Stark International Lux S.A.R.L., and SERB SAS, affiliates of SERB, a European specialty pharmaceutical group, for a purchase price of $800 million, subject to certain adjustments including cash on hand at the closing of the transaction. The agreement includes the transfer of five facilities and approximately 280 employees globally. The transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. As of December 31, 2020, we have classified the assets and liabilities of our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business (disposal group) as held for sale within our consolidated balance sheets at their respective carrying values, which approximates fair value, less costs to sell. Assets within the disposal group are presented within Assets held for sale and liabilities are presented within Other current liabilities within our consolidated balance sheets. Refer to Note A – Significant Accounting Policies for additional information. The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of the disposal group as of December 31, 2020 are presented below: (in millions) As of December 31, 2020 Cash $ 37 Trade accounts receivable, net 24 Inventories 79 Other current assets 17 Goodwill 175 Other intangible assets, net 758 Other long-term assets 45 Assets held for sale $ 1,133 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 25 Other long-term liabilities 27 Deferred tax liability 148 Liabilities held for sale included in Other current liabilities $ 200 In addition, as of December 31, 2020, we had foreign currency translation adjustments of $107 million contained within Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	NOTE D – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The gross carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization for intangible assets subject to amortization and accumulated goodwill impairment charges are as follows: As of December 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 (in millions) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Technology-related $ 11,059 $ (6,179) $ 12,020 $ (5,706) Patents 511 (407) 525 (408) Other intangible assets 1,775 (1,220) 1,754 (1,081) Amortizable intangible assets $ 13,345 $ (7,806) $ 14,299 $ (7,195) Goodwill $ 19,924 $ (9,973) $ 20,076 $ (9,900) IPR&D 257 662 Technology-related 120 120 Indefinite-lived intangible assets $ 377 $ 782 During 2020, following receipt of regulatory approvals, we reclassified certain of our IPR&D intangible assets to amortizable technology-related assets and began amortization to reflect their use over their remaining lives. Intangible asset impairment charges were $460 million in 2020, $105 million in 2019 and $35 million in 2018. The impairment charges recorded in 2020 were primarily associated with our acquisitions of Apama Medical Inc. and nVision Medical Corporation (nVision) following management’s decision to cancel the programs due to cost to complete, time to market, overall economic viability or, specific to nVision, our understanding of the clinical evidence necessary to commercialize the technology. Intangible asset impairment charges in 2020 also included charges related to our acquisition of Sadra Medical, Inc. (Sadra Medical) as a result of lower sales forecasts, as well as the cost of quality remediation efforts following the voluntary recall of our LOTUS Edge™ Aortic Valve System and subsequent discontinuation of the LOTUS platform. The following represents our goodwill balance by global reportable segment and our separately presented Specialty Pharmaceuticals operating segment: (in millions) MedSurg Rhythm and Neuro Cardiovascular Specialty Pharmaceuticals Total Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 2,063 $ 1,924 $ 3,925 $ — $ 7,911 Foreign currency fluctuations and other changes (1) — 58 9 66 Goodwill acquired — 268 1,712 238 2,218 Goodwill divested — — (19) — (19) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 2,061 $ 2,192 $ 5,676 $ 247 $ 10,176 Foreign currency fluctuations and other changes (2) 3 22 — 22 Goodwill impairment charges — — — (73) (73) Goodwill reclassified to Current assets held for sale — — — (175) (175) Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 2,059 $ 2,194 $ 5,697 $ — $ 9,951 In 2020, we recorded Goodwill impairment charges of $73 million related to our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business. We did not record any Goodwill impairment charges in 2019 or 2018. Refer to Note A – Significant Accounting Policies for further discussion of our goodwill and intangible asset impairment testing. Estimated Amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years based upon our amortizable intangible asset portfolio as of December 31, 2020 is as follows (in millions): Fiscal Year 2021 $ 689 2022 664 2023 651 2024 613 2025 560

Hedging Activities and Fair Val

Hedging Activities and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
Hedging Activities and Fair Value Measurements	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	NOTE E – HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities We address market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates through risk management programs which include the use of derivative and nonderivative financial instruments. We operate these programs pursuant to documented corporate risk management policies and do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes. Our derivative instruments do not subject our earnings to material risk, as the gains or losses on these derivatives generally offset losses or gains recognized on the hedged item. We manage concentration of counterparty credit risk by limiting acceptable counterparties to major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings, limiting the amount of credit exposure to individual counterparties and by actively monitoring counterparty credit ratings and the amount of individual credit exposure. We also employ master netting arrangements that limit the risk of counterparty non-payment on a particular settlement date to the net gain that would have otherwise been received from the counterparty. Although not completely eliminated, we do not consider the risk of counterparty default to be significant as a result of these protections. Further, none of our derivative instruments are subject to collateral or other security arrangements, nor do they contain provisions that are dependent on our credit ratings from any credit rating agency. Currency Hedging Instruments Risk Management Strategy Our risk from changes in currency exchange rates consists primarily of monetary assets and liabilities; forecasted intercompany and third-party transactions; net investments in certain subsidiaries; and, during 2019 prior to our acquisition of BTG, the purchase price of BTG, which was denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. We manage currency exchange rate risk at a consolidated level to reduce the cost of hedging by taking advantage of offsetting transactions. We employ derivative and nonderivative instruments, primarily forward currency contracts, to reduce the risk to our earnings and cash flows associated with changes in currency exchange rates. The success of our currency risk management program depends, in part, on forecast transactions denominated primarily in Euro, Japanese yen, Chinese renminbi, Australian dollar and British pound sterling. We may experience unanticipated currency exchange gains or losses to the extent the actual activity is different than forecast, particularly resulting from the impact of COVID-19 on transaction volumes. In addition, changes in currency exchange rates related to any unhedged transactions may impact our earnings and cash flows. Hedge Designations and Relationships Certain of our currency derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 , Derivatives and Hedging (FASB ASC Topic 815), and are intended to protect the U.S. dollar value of forecasted transactions. The gain or loss on a derivative instrument designated as a cash flow hedge is recorded in the Net change in derivative financial instruments component of Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (OCI) within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) until the underlying third-party transaction occurs. When the underlying third-party transaction occurs, we recognize the gain or loss in earnings within Cost of products sold in our consolidated statements of operations. In the event the hedging relationship is no longer effective, or if the occurrence of the hedged forecast transaction becomes no longer probable, we reclassify the gains or losses within AOCI to earnings at that time. We also designate certain forward currency contracts as net investment hedges to hedge a portion of our net investments in certain of our entities with functional currencies denominated in the Euro, Swiss franc, Japanese yen, British pound sterling, South Korean won and Taiwan dollar. We elected to use the spot method to assess effectiveness for our derivatives that are designated as net investment hedges. Under the spot method, the change in fair value attributable to changes in the spot rate is recorded in the Foreign currency translation adjustment (CTA) component of OCI . We have elected to exclude the spot-forward difference from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and are amortizing this amount separately, as calculated at the date of designation, on a straight-line basis over the term of the currency forward contracts. Amortization of the spot-forward difference is then reclassified from AOCI to current period earnings as a component of Interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations. In November 2019, we completed an offering of €900 million (approximately $1.000 billion) in aggregate principal amount of 0.625% senior notes due in 2027 (December 2027 Notes). The euro-denominated debt principal is a nonderivative instrument designated as a net investment hedge of our net investments in certain of our euro functional entities. We dedesignated a portion of the net investment hedge in 2020. We also use forward currency contracts that are not part of designated hedging relationships under FASB ASC Topic 815 as a part of our strategy to manage our exposure to currency exchange rate risk related to monetary assets and liabilities and related forecast transactions. These non-designated currency forward contracts have an original time to maturity consistent with the hedged currency transaction exposures, generally less than one year, and are marked-to-market with changes in fair value recorded to earnings within Other, net in our consolidated statements of operations. Certain of our non-designated forward currency contracts were entered into for the purpose of managing our exposure to currency exchange rate risk related to the British pound sterling-denominated purchase price of BTG. In 2019, we settled all outstanding contracts, for $294 million, which is presented within Payments for settlements of hedge contracts in our consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon settlement in 2019, we received £3.312 billion of cash to fund our acquisition of BTG, which translated into $4.303 billion based on hedged currency exchange rates. We recognized a $323 million loss in 2019 and a $29 million gain in 2018 in Other, net due to changes in fair value of the contracts. Interest Rate Hedging Instruments Risk Management Strategy Our interest rate risk relates primarily to U.S. dollar borrowings partially offset by U.S. dollar cash investments. We use interest rate derivative instruments to mitigate the risk to our earnings and cash flows associated with exposure to changes in interest rates. Under these agreements, we and the counterparty, at specified intervals, exchange the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. We designate these derivative instruments either as fair value or cash flow hedges in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815. Hedge Designations and Relationships We had no interest rate derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Prior to 2020, we terminated interest rate derivative instruments that were designated as cash flow hedges and are continuing to recognize the amortization of the gains or losses originally recorded within AOCI to earnings as a component of Interest expense over the same period that the hedged item affects earnings, provided the hedge relationship remains effective. If we determine the hedge relationship is no longer effective, or if the occurrence of the hedged forecast transaction becomes no longer probable, we reclassify the amount of gains or losses from AOCI to earnings at that time. In the event that we designate outstanding interest rate derivative instruments as cash flow hedges we record the changes in the fair value of the derivatives within OCI until the underlying hedged transaction occurs. The balance of the deferred amounts on our terminated cash flow hedges within AOCI was a $29 million loss as of December 31, 2020 and a $34 million loss as of December 31, 2019. We recognized immaterial gains and losses in Interest expense relating to the amortization of our terminated cash flow hedges in the current and prior periods. We had no interest rate derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Prior to 2018, we terminated interest rate derivative instruments that were designated as fair value hedges and are continuing to recognize the amortization of the gains or losses originally recorded within Long-term debt in our consolidated balance sheets into earnings as a component of Interest expense over the same period that the discount or premium associated with the hedged items affects earnings. In the event that we designate outstanding interest rate derivative instruments as fair value hedges, we record the changes in the fair values of interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedges and of the underlying hedged debt instruments in Interest expense , which generally offset. The balance of the deferred gains on our terminated fair value hedges within Long-term debt was immaterial as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. We recognized immaterial gains in Interest expense relating to the amortization of the terminated fair value hedges in the current and prior periods. The following table presents the contractual amounts of our hedging instruments outstanding: (in millions) FASB ASC Topic 815 Designation As of December 31, 2020 2019 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedge $ 4,531 $ 3,891 Forward currency contracts Net investment hedge 1,004 953 Foreign currency-denominated debt (1) Net investment hedge 868 997 Forward currency contracts Non-designated 4,946 4,377 Total Notional Outstanding $ 11,349 $ 10,218 (1) The €900 million (approximately $1.000 billion) debt principal is a nonderivative instrument designated as a net investment hedge of our net investments in certain of our euro functional subsidiaries. We dedesignated a portion of the net investment hedges in 2020. The remaining time to maturity as of December 31, 2020 is within 60 months for all forward currency contracts designated as cash flow hedges and generally less than one year for all non-designated forward currency contracts. The forward currency contracts designated as net investment hedges generally mature within the next two years. The euro-denominated debt principal designated as a net investment hedge has a contractual maturity of December 1, 2027. The following presents the effect of our derivative and nonderivative instruments designated as cash flow and net investment hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Refer to Note Q – Changes in Other Comprehensive Income for the total amounts relating to derivative and nonderivative instruments presented within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Effect of Hedging Relationships on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Amount Recognized in OCI on Hedges Consolidated Statements of Operations (1) Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) Tax Benefit (Expense) Gain (Loss) Net of Tax Location of Amount Reclassified and Total Amount of Line Item Pre-Tax (Gain) Loss Tax (Benefit) Expense (Gain) Loss Net of Tax Year Ended December 31, 2020 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedges $ (99) $ 22 $ (77) Cost of products sold $ 3,465 $ (83) $ 19 $ (64) Net investment hedges (2) (37) 8 (29) Interest expense 361 (24) 5 (19) Foreign currency-denominated debt Net investment hedges (3) (89) 21 (68) Other, net (362) — — — Interest rate derivative contracts Cash flow hedges — — — Interest expense 361 5 (1) 4 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedges $ 150 $ (34) $ 117 Cost of products sold $ 3,116 $ (73) $ 16 $ (56) Net investment hedges (2) 68 (15) 53 Interest expense 473 (43) 10 (33) Foreign currency-denominated debt Net investment hedges (3) (14) 3 (11) Other, net 358 — — — Interest rate derivative contracts Cash flow hedges — — — Interest expense 473 3 (1) 2 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedges $ 167 $ (38) $ 130 Cost of products sold $ 2,813 $ 19 $ (4) $ 15 Net investment hedges (2) 56 (13) 43 Interest expense 241 (27) 6 (21) Interest rate derivative contracts Cash flow hedges (44) 10 (34) Interest expense 241 (1) — (1) (1) In all periods presented in the table above, the pre-tax (gain) loss amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings represent the effect of the hedging relationships on earnings. All other amounts included in earnings related to hedging relationships were immaterial. (2) For our outstanding forward currency contracts designated as net investment hedges, the net gain or loss reclassified from AOCI to earnings as a reduction of Interest expense represents the straight-line amortization of the excluded component as calculated at the date of designation. This initial value of the excluded component has been excluded from the assessment of effectiveness in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815. In the current period, we did not recognize any gains or losses on the components included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness in earnings. (3) For our outstanding euro-denominated debt principal designated as a net investment hedge, the change in fair value attributable to changes in the spot rate is recorded in the Foreign currency translation adjustment (CTA) component of OCI . No amounts were reclassified from AOCI to current period earnings. As of December 31, 2020, pre-tax net gains or losses for our derivative instruments designated, or previously designated, as cash flow and net investment hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 that may be reclassified from AOCI to earnings within the next twelve months are presented below (in millions): Designated Hedging Instrument FASB ASC Topic 815 Designation Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations Amount of Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) that may be Reclassified to Earnings Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedge Cost of products sold $ 21 Forward currency contracts Net investment hedge Interest expense 13 Interest rate derivative contracts Cash flow hedge Interest expense (5) Net gains and losses on currency hedge contracts not designated as hedging instruments offset by net gains and losses from currency transaction exposures are presented below: (in millions) Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Net gain (loss) on currency hedge contracts Other, net $ 73 $ (343) $ 41 Net gain (loss) on currency transaction exposures Other, net (105) (15) (30) Net currency exchange gain (loss) $ (32) $ (358) $ 11 Fair Value Measurements FASB ASC Topic 815 requires all derivative and nonderivative instruments to be recognized at their fair values as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. We determine the fair value of our derivative and nonderivative instruments using the framework prescribed by FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures , and considering the estimated amount we would receive or pay to transfer these instruments at the reporting date with respect to current currency exchange rates, interest rates, the creditworthiness of the counterparty for unrealized gain positions and our own creditworthiness for unrealized loss positions. In certain instances, we may utilize financial models to measure fair value of our derivative and nonderivative instruments. In doing so, we use inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, other observable inputs for the asset or liability and inputs derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means. The following are the balances of our derivative and nonderivative assets and liabilities: (in millions) Location on Consolidated Balance Sheets (1) As of December 31, 2020 2019 Derivative and Nonderivative Assets: Designated Hedging Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current assets $ 53 $ 72 Forward currency contracts Other long-term assets 109 216 162 288 Non-Designated Hedging Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current assets 79 33 Total Derivative and Nonderivative Assets $ 242 $ 321 Derivative and Nonderivative Liabilities: Designated Hedging Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current liabilities $ 44 $ 3 Forward currency contracts Other long-term liabilities 54 8 Foreign currency-denominated debt (2) Other long-term liabilities 1,094 998 1,191 1,009 Non-Designated Hedging Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current liabilities 71 29 Total Derivative and Nonderivative Liabilities $ 1,262 $ 1,037 (1) We classify derivative and nonderivative assets and liabilities as current when the settlement date of the contract is one year or less. (2) The €900 million (approximately $1.000 billion) debt principal is a nonderivative instrument designated as a net investment hedge of our net investments in certain of our euro functional subsidiaries. We dedesignated a portion of the net investment hedges in 2020. Recurring Fair Value Measurements On a recurring basis, we measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Where quoted market prices or other observable inputs are not available, we apply valuation techniques to estimate fair value. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The category of a financial asset or a financial liability within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement of fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows: • Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are other observable inputs, including quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities and market-corroborated inputs. • Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs based on management’s best estimate of inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date, including assumptions about risk. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following: As of December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Money market funds and time deposits $ 1,584 $ — $ — $ 1,584 $ 50 $ — $ — $ 50 Publicly-held securities 414 — — 414 1 — — 1 Hedging instruments — 242 — 242 — 321 — 321 Licensing arrangements — — 365 365 — — 518 518 $ 1,998 $ 242 $ 365 $ 2,605 $ 51 $ 321 $ 518 $ 890 Liabilities Hedging instruments $ — $ 1,262 $ — $ 1,262 $ — $ 1,037 $ — $ 1,037 Contingent consideration liability — — 196 196 — — 354 354 Licensing arrangements — — 407 407 — — 571 571 $ — $ 1,262 $ 603 $ 1,865 $ — $ 1,037 $ 925 $ 1,963 Our investments in money market funds and time deposits are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. These investments are classified as Cash and cash equivalents within our accompanying consolidated balance sheets, in accordance with U.S. GAAP and our accounting policies. In addition to $1.584 billion invested in money market funds and time deposits as of December 31, 2020 and $50 million as of December 31, 2019, we held $150 million in interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing bank accounts as of December 31, 2020 and $165 million as of December 31, 2019. Our recurring fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs related to our contingent consideration liability. Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments for a discussion of the changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liability. In addition, our recurring fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs related to our licensing arrangements, principally the contractual right to receive future royalty payments related to Zytiga™ Drug acquired with BTG. Prior to our acquisition of BTG, BTG agreed to pay 50 percent of the Zytiga royalty stream, net of certain offsets, to the inventors associated with the intellectual property. In the fourth quarter of 2019, we sold the remaining 50 percent we acquired through our acquisition with BTG of the future Zytiga royalty stream for an upfront cash payment of $256 million to the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS). In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing , we are accounting for the transfer of the royalty stream to OMERS as a secured borrowing, continue to recognize the financial asset and associated liability in our consolidated balance sheets and do not expect to receive any future cash benefit from Zytiga royalties. We have elected the fair value option to account for our licensing arrangements' financial asset and financial liability in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments. As of December 31, 2020, we have recorded the fair values using a discounted cash flow approach considering the probability-weighted expected future cash flows to be generated by the royalty stream. The fair value of the financial liability also considers the related contractual provisions that govern our payment obligations. The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of our licensing arrangements recognized in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 include the following significant unobservable inputs: Licensing Arrangements Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (1) Financial Asset $365 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 15% 15% Projected Year of Payment 2021 - 2025 2023 Financial Liability $407 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 12% - 15% 13% Projected Year of Payment 2021 - 2027 2024 (1) Unobservable inputs relate to a single financial asset and liability. As such, unobservable inputs were not weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments. For projected year of payment, the amount represents the median of the inputs and is not a weighted average. Significant increases or decreases in projected cash flows of the royalty stream and the related contractual provisions that govern our payment obligations, discount rates or the time until payment is made would have resulted in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement of the licensing arrangements' financial asset and liability as of December 31, 2020. However, increases or decreases in the financial asset would be offset by increases or decreases in the financial liability, other than for timing of receipt and remittance; as such our earnings are not subject to material gains or losses from the licensing arrangement. Changes in the fair value of our licensing arrangements' financial asset were as follows: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ — Amounts recorded related to current year acquisition 567 Proceeds from royalty rights (52) Fair value adjustment (expense) benefit 3 Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 518 Proceeds from royalty rights (175) Fair value adjustment (expense) benefit 22 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 365 Changes in the fair value of our licensing arrangements' financial liability were as follows: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ — Amounts recorded related to current year acquisition 315 Proceeds from royalty rights transfer 256 Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 571 Payments for royalty rights (186) Fair value adjustment expense (benefit) 22 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 407 Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements We hold certain assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods after initial recognition. The fair value of a measurement alternative investment is not estimated if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments for a discussion of our strategic investments and Note D – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for a discussion of the fair values of our intangible assets including goodwill. The fair value of our outstanding debt obligations was $10.774 billion as of December 31, 2020, including $1.118 billion relating to the euro-denominated December 2027 Notes, and $11.020 billion as of December 31, 2019, including $1.004 billion relating to our euro-denominated December 2027 Notes. We determined fair value by using quoted market prices for our publicly registered senior notes, classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy, and face value for commercial paper, term loans and credit facility borrowings outstanding. Refer to Note F – Contractual Obligations and Commitments for a discussion of our debt obligations.

Contractual Obligations and Com

Contractual Obligations and Commitments	12 Months Ended
Contractual Obligations and Commitments	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS	NOTE F – CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS Borrowings and Credit Arrangements We had total debt outstanding of $9.143 billion as of December 31, 2020 and $10.008 billion as of December 31, 2019, with current maturities of $13 million as of December 31, 2020 and $1.416 billion as of December 31, 2019. The debt maturity schedule for our long-term debt obligations is presented below: Issuance Date Maturity Date As of December 31, Coupon Rate (1) (in millions, except interest rates) 2020 2019 May 2022 Notes May 2015 May 2022 $ 250 $ 500 3.375% October 2023 Notes August 2013 October 2023 244 244 4.125% March 2024 Notes February 2019 March 2024 850 850 3.450% May 2025 Notes May 2015 May 2025 523 523 3.850% June 2025 Notes May 2020 June 2025 500 — 1.900% March 2026 Notes February 2019 March 2026 850 850 3.750% December 2027 Notes November 2019 December 2027 1,105 1,011 0.625% March 2028 Notes February 2018 March 2028 434 434 4.000% March 2029 Notes February 2019 March 2029 850 850 4.000% June 2030 Notes May 2020 June 2030 1,200 — 2.650% November 2035 Notes (2) November 2005 November 2035 350 350 7.000% March 2039 Notes February 2019 March 2039 750 750 4.550% January 2040 Notes December 2009 January 2040 300 300 7.375% March 2049 Notes February 2019 March 2049 1,000 1,000 4.700% August 2022 Term Loan August 2019 August 2022 — 1,000 Unamortized Debt Issuance Discount and Deferred Financing Costs 2022 - 2049 (88) (83) Unamortized Gain on Fair Value Hedges 2023 5 7 Finance Lease Obligation Various 7 6 Long-term debt $ 9,130 $ 8,592 Note: The table above does not include unamortized amounts related to interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges. (1) Coupon rates are semi-annual, except for the euro-denominated December 2027 Notes, which bear an annual coupon, and the August 2022 Term Loan, which was a variable-rate instrument based on LIBOR. (2) Corporate credit rating improvements may result in a decrease in the adjusted interest rate on our November 2035 Notes to the extent that our lowest credit rating is above BBB- or Baa3. The interest rates on our November 2035 Notes will be permanently reinstated to the issuance rate if the lowest credit ratings assigned to these senior notes is either A- or A3 or higher. Revolving Credit Facility We maintain a $2.750 billion revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility) with a global syndicate of commercial banks that matures on December 19, 2023 with one-year extension options, subject to certain conditions. This facility provides backing for our commercial paper program, and outstanding commercial paper directly reduces borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. The credit agreement requires that we comply with certain covenants, including a financial covenant described within Financial Covenant below. In the first quarter of 2020, we refinanced $1.360 billion of commercial paper using proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility. In April 2020, we entered into the April 2021 Term Loan, described below, and used the proceeds to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. On May 28, 2020, we entered into an amendment of the credit agreement to permit payment of regularly scheduled quarterly cash dividends and other limited cash payments on our issued 5.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (MCPS) and other capital stock issued by us, which is or becomes mandatorily convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock. In May 2020, we completed our senior notes offering described below and used a portion of the proceeds to repay $450 million outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. There were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. Term Loans On April 21, 2020, in a proactive step to offset the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our short-term liquidity, we entered into a $1.250 billion term loan credit agreement scheduled to mature on April 20, 2021 (April 2021 Term Loan). We used proceeds from the April 2021 Term Loan to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and the remaining amount under the December 2020 Term Loan described below. In May 2020, as described in further detail below, we used a portion of the proceeds from the May 2020 senior notes offering to prepay $500 million of amounts outstanding under the April 2021 Term Loan, and a portion of the combined net proceeds from our MCPS and common stock offerings to repay in full the remaining $750 million outstanding under the April 2021 Term Loan and to pay related fees, expenses and premiums, after which it was terminated. On February 27, 2020, we entered into a $1.000 billion term loan credit agreement scheduled to mature on February 25, 2021 (February 2021 Term Loan). We used the proceeds from the February 2021 Term Loan to repay the remaining amounts outstanding on the Three-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan, described below. On May 28, 2020, we entered into an amendment of the credit agreement to permit payment of regularly scheduled quarterly cash dividends and other limited cash payments on our issued MCPS and other capital stock issued by us, which is or becomes mandatorily convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our common stock. The February 2021 Term Loan bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 0.85%. The credit agreement is subject to a financial covenant described below under Financial Covenant , and also contains customary events of default, which may result in the acceleration of any outstanding commitments. We used a portion of the proceeds from our May 2020 senior notes offering, described below, to prepay $750 million of amounts outstanding under the February 2021 Term Loan in the second quarter of 2020. In the third quarter of 2020, we prepaid the remaining $250 million and terminated the February 2021 Term Loan. On December 5, 2019, we entered into a $700 million term loan credit agreement, which was scheduled to mature on December 3, 2020 (December 2020 Term Loan). As of December 31, 2019, we had $700 million outstanding under the December 2020 Term Loan, and we used the proceeds to repay a portion of the Two-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan, described below. In January 2020, we repaid $300 million of the outstanding balance of the December 2020 Term Loan with proceeds from our commercial paper program. In April 2020, we used the proceeds from the April 2021 Term Loan to repay the remaining amounts outstanding under the December 2020 Term Loan and terminated the December 2020 Term Loan. On December 19, 2018, we entered into a $2.000 billion senior unsecured delayed-draw term loan facility consisting of a $1.000 billion two-year delayed draw term loan credit facility maturing in two years from the date of the closing of the acquisition of BTG (Two-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan) and a $1.000 billion three-year delayed draw term loan credit facility maturing in three years from the date of the closing of the acquisition of BTG (Three-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan). On August 19, 2019, for the purpose of funding the acquisition of BTG, we borrowed $1.000 billion under the Two-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan and $1.000 billion under the Three-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan. In 2019, we repaid all amounts outstanding on the Two-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan with proceeds from the sale of the Zytiga-related royalty interests, the December 2020 Term Loan and commercial paper and terminated the facility. As of December 31, 2019, we had $1.000 billion outstanding under the Three-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan (also referred to as the "August 2022 Term Loan" in the debt maturity schedule above). In the first quarter of 2020, we repaid all amounts outstanding on the Three-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan with proceeds from the February 2021 Term Loan and terminated the facility. As of December 31, 2020, we had no amounts outstanding under the Two and Three-Year Delayed Draw Term Loans and the facilities were terminated. Financial Covenant As of and through December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with the financial covenant required by our credit facilities described above. Covenant Requirement Actual Maximum permitted leverage ratio (1) 4.75 times 3.48 times (1) Ratio of total debt to deemed consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the credit agreements, as amended. On April 21, 2020, we entered into an agreement with our banking syndicates to amend the financial covenant requirement for all of our outstanding credit arrangements as follows: (i) established a deemed Consolidated EBITDA of $671 million for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2020, reflecting average quarterly Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreements, for 2018 and 2019; and (ii) maintain the maximum permitted leverage ratio of 4.75 times through the remainder of 2020, with a step-down for each succeeding fiscal quarter end to 4.50 times, 4.25 times, 4.00 times and ultimately 3.75 times for the fourth quarter of 2021 and through the remaining term of the facility. In addition, pursuant to the April 21, 2020 Revolving Credit Facility and February 2021 Term Loan amendments, the definition of "Material Adverse Effect" has been amended to exclude the direct and indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic from what constitutes a material adverse effect through the remainder of 2020. The financial covenant requirement provides for an exclusion from the calculation of consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the agreements, through maturity, of any non-cash charges and up to $500 million in restructuring and restructuring-related net charges related to our current or future restructuring plans. As of December 31, 2020, we had $101 million of the restructuring net charges exclusion remaining. In addition, any cash litigation payments (net of any cash litigation receipts), as defined by the agreements, are excluded from the calculation of consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the agreements, provided that the sum of any excluded net cash litigation payments do not exceed $2.624 billion in the aggregate. As of December 31, 2020, we had $926 million of the litigation exclusion remaining. Any inability to maintain compliance with this amended covenant could require us to seek to further renegotiate the terms of our Revolving Credit Facility or seek waivers from compliance with this covenant, both of which could result in additional borrowing costs. Further, there can be no assurance that our lenders would agree to such new terms or grant such waivers on terms acceptable to us. In this case, all Revolving Credit Facility commitments would terminate, and any amounts borrowed under the facility would become immediately due and payable. Furthermore, any termination of our Revolving Credit Facility may negatively impact the credit ratings assigned to our commercial paper program which may impact our ability to refinance any then outstanding commercial paper as it becomes due and payable . Commercial Paper Our commercial paper program is backed by the Revolving Credit Facility, as discussed above. Outstanding commercial paper directly reduces borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. In the first quarter of 2020, we refinanced $1.360 billion of commercial paper using proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility and did not have any commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, (in millions, except maturity and yield) 2020 2019 Commercial paper outstanding (at par) $ — $ 711 Maximum borrowing capacity 2,750 2,750 Borrowing capacity available 2,750 2,039 Weighted average maturity 0 days 55 days Weighted average yield — % 2.21 % Senior Notes We had senior notes outstanding of $9.205 billion as of December 31, 2020 and $7.661 billion as of December 31, 2019. On December 29, 2020, we redeemed $250 million of our $500 million 3.375% senior notes due 2022 (May 2022 Notes) at a redemption price calculated in accordance with the terms of the May 2022 Notes and its indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest through, but excluding, the date of redemption. In May 2020, we completed an offering of $1.700 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior notes comprised of $500 million of 1.900% senior notes due June 2025 and $1.200 billion of 2.650% senior notes due June 2030. We used the net proceeds from the offering to refinance $450 million of amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, prepay $750 million of amounts outstanding under the $1.000 billion February 2021 Term Loan, prepay $500 million of amounts outstanding under the $1.250 billion April 2021 Term Loan and pay related fees, expenses and premiums. In November 2019, we completed an offering of €900 million (approximately $1.000 billion) in aggregate principal amount of 0.625% senior notes due in 2027 (December 2027 Notes). The euro-denominated debt principal is a nonderivative instrument designated as a net investment hedge of our net investments in certain of our euro functional entities. Refer to Note E – Hedging Activities and Fair Value Measurements for additional information. We used a portion of the net proceeds from our November 2019 senior notes offering to repay certain outstanding principal amounts of our senior notes including $206 million of our $450 million 4.125% senior notes due 2023, $566 million of our $1.000 billion 4.000% senior notes due 2028 and $227 million of our $750 million 3.850% senior notes due 2025 and pay accrued and unpaid interest, premiums, fees and expenses in connection with the transaction. In 2019, we incurred associated debt extinguishment charges of $86 million presented in Interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations. In February 2019, we completed an offering of $4.300 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior notes comprised of $850 million of 3.450% senior notes due March 2024, $850 million of 3.750% senior notes due March 2026, $850 million of 4.000% senior notes due March 2029, $750 million of 4.550% senior notes due March 2039 and $1.000 billion of 4.700% senior notes due March 2049. We used a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to repay the $850 million plus accrued interest and premium of our 6.000% senior notes due in January 2020, the $600 million plus accrued interest and premium of our 2.850% senior notes due in May 2020 and the $1.000 billion plus accrued interest of our August 2019 Term Loan. In 2019, the remaining proceeds were used to finance a portion of our acquisition of BTG. Our senior notes were issued in public offerings, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to sinking fund requirements. Our senior notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations and rank on parity with each other. These notes are effectively junior to liabilities of our subsidiaries (see Other Arrangements below). Our $8.855 billion of senior notes issued in 2009, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020 contain a change-in-control provision, which provides that each holder of the senior notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a price equal to 101 percent of the aggregate repurchased principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if a rating event, as defined in the indenture, occurs as a result of a change-in-control, as defined in the indenture. Any other credit rating changes may impact our borrowing cost, but do not require us to repay any borrowings. Other Arrangements We have accounts receivable factoring programs in certain European countries and with commercial banks in China and Japan which include promissory notes discounting programs. We account for our factoring programs as sales under FASB ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing . We have no retained interest in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administration, and once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. Amounts de-recognized for accounts and notes receivable, which are excluded from Trade accounts receivable, net in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are aggregated by contract denominated currency below (in millions): As of December 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 Factoring Arrangements Amount Weighted Average Interest Rate Amount Weighted Average Interest Rate Euro denominated $ 148 1.9 % $ 171 1.4 % Yen denominated 240 0.6 % 226 0.6 % Renminbi denominated (1) — 3.5 % n/a n/a (1) The Renminbi denominated factoring arrangement was entered into in 2020 and had remaining capacity available as of December 31, 2020. There were no amounts de-recognized for accounts receivable as of December 31, 2020 associated with this arrangement. Other Contractual Obligations and Commitments We had outstanding letters of credit of $124 million as of December 31, 2020 and $105 million as of December 31, 2019, which consisted primarily of bank guarantees and collateral for workers' compensation insurance arrangements. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, none of the beneficiaries had drawn upon the letters of credit or guarantees, accordingly, we have not recognized a related liability for our outstanding letters of credit in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. Future minimum purchase obligations, relating primarily to non-cancellable inventory commitments and capital expenditures entered in the normal course of business, were as of December 31, 2020 (in millions): Fiscal Year Unrecorded Purchase Obligations 2021 $ 403 2022 53 2023 41 2024 26 2025 13 Thereafter — $ 535

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
Leases	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE G – LEASES We have operating and finance leases for real estate including corporate offices, land, warehouse space, and vehicles and certain equipment. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are generally not recorded on the balance sheet, unless the arrangement includes an option to purchase the underlying asset, or an option to renew the arrangement, that we are reasonably certain to exercise (short-term leases). We recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term for short-term leases that we do not record on our balance sheet. If there is a change in our assessment of the lease term and, as a result, the remaining lease term extends more than 12 months from the end of the previously determined lease term, or we subsequently become reasonably certain that we will exercise an option to purchase the underlying asset, the lease no longer meets the definition of a short-term lease and is accounted for as either an operating or finance lease and recognized on the balance sheet. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases , we account for the lease components and the non-lease components as a single lease component, with the exception of our warehouse leases. Our leases have remaining lease terms of less than 1 year to approximately 56 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 10 years. If we are reasonably certain we will exercise an option to extend the lease, the time period covered by the extension option is included in the lease term. We determine whether an arrangement is or contains a lease based on the unique facts and circumstances present at the inception of the arrangement. Operating lease liabilities and their corresponding right-of-use assets are recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable. As such, we utilize the appropriate incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate incurred to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term at an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Certain adjustments to the right-of-use asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received. Our operating lease right-of-use assets are presented within Other long-term assets and corresponding liabilities are presented within Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note F – Contractual Obligations and Commitments for additional information. The following table presents supplemental balance sheet information related to our operating leases: As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Assets Operating lease right-of-use assets in Other long-term assets $ 458 $ 336 Liabilities Operating lease liabilities in Other current liabilities 70 67 Operating lease liabilities in Other long-term liabilities 401 276 The following table presents the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate information related to our operating leases: As of December 31, 2020 2019 Weighted average remaining lease term 10.5 years 5.8 years Weighted average discount rate 2.4% 3.7% Our operating lease cost under FASB ASC Topic 842 was $92 million in 2020 and $80 million in 2019. Rent expense under FASB ASC Topic 840 amounted to $92 million in 2018. The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to our operating leases: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 91 $ 77 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations were $202 million as of December 31, 2020 and $137 million as of December 31, 2019. The following table presents the maturities of our operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 (in millions): Fiscal year Operating Leases 2021 $ 86 2022 75 2023 60 2024 49 2025 43 Thereafter 218 Total future minimum operating lease payments 530 Less: imputed interest (59) Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 471 As of December 31, 2020, we have additional leases for office space and warehouse space, that have not yet commenced, of approximately $25 million. These leases will commence in 2021 and thereafter with lease terms of up to 15 years.

Restructuring Related Activitie

Restructuring Related Activities	12 Months Ended
Restructuring Related Activities	Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	NOTE H – RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES 2019 Restructuring Plan On November 15, 2018, our Board of Directors approved, and we committed to a global restructuring program (the 2019 Restructuring Plan). The 2019 Restructuring Plan is intended to support our effort to improve operating performance and meet anticipated market demands by ensuring that we are appropriately structured and resourced to deliver sustainable value to patients and customers. Key activities under the 2019 Restructuring Plan include supply chain network optimization intended to maximize our global manufacturing and distribution network capacity and building functional capabilities that support business growth. These activities were initiated in 2019, with the majority of activity expected to be complete by the end of 2022, following a one-year extension approved by our Board of Directors on February 22, 2021. On February 22, 2021, our Board of Directors approved an extension and expansion of the 2019 Restructuring Plan to include additional cost optimization activities, including the centralization of certain functional capabilities within the international regions in which we operate, and a one-year extension of the program to complete these activities along with certain other initiatives that were delayed in 2020 due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect the majority of activity associated with our 2019 Restructuring Plan, including the expansion, to be substantially complete by the end of 2022. The following table provides a summary of our estimates of total pre-tax charges associated with the 2019 Restructuring Plan, including the expansion, by major type of cost, of which approximately $340 million to $440 million are expected to result in cash outlays: Type of Cost (in millions) Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred Restructuring charges: Termination benefits $75 - $100 Other (1) 25 - 50 Restructuring-related expenses: Other (2) 275 - 325 $375 - $475 (1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contractual cancellations. (2) Comprised of other costs directly related to the restructuring program, including program management, accelerated depreciation, fixed asset write-offs, and costs to transfer product lines among facilities. 2016 Restructuring Plan On June 6, 2016, our Board of Directors approved, and we committed to a restructuring initiative (the 2016 Restructuring Plan). The 2016 Restructuring Plan was intended to develop global commercialization, technology and manufacturing capabilities in key growth markets, build on our Plant Network Optimization (PNO) strategy which is intended to simplify our manufacturing plant structure by transferring certain production lines among facilities and expand operational efficiencies in support of our operating income margin goals. Key activities under the 2016 Restructuring Plan included strengthening global infrastructure through evolving global real estate assets and workplaces, developing global commercial and technical competencies, enhancing manufacturing and distribution expertise in certain regions and continuing implementation of our PNO strategy. These activities were initiated in the second quarter of 2016 and substantially completed in 2019. The following table provides a summary of total pre-tax charges associated with the 2016 Restructuring Plan by major type of cost, of which approximately $255 million resulted in cash outlays: Type of cost (in millions) Total Amount Incurred Restructuring charges: Termination benefits $ 86 Other (1) 21 Restructuring-related expenses: Other (2) 164 $ 271 (1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contract cancellations. (2) Comprised of other costs directly related to the 2016 Restructuring Plan, including program management, accelerated depreciation, fixed asset write-offs and costs to transfer product lines among facilities. The following presents the restructuring and restructuring-related net charges (credits) by major type and line item within our accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2020 Termination Transfer Other Total Restructuring charges $ 27 $ — $ 24 $ 52 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 64 — 64 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 51 51 Research and development expenses — — 4 4 — 64 55 119 $ 27 $ 64 $ 79 $ 171 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Termination Transfer Other Total Restructuring charges $ 38 $ — $ — $ 38 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 32 — 32 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 13 13 — 32 13 44 $ 38 $ 32 $ 13 $ 82 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Termination Transfer Costs Other Total Restructuring charges $ 32 $ — $ 4 $ 36 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 47 — 47 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 12 12 — 47 12 59 $ 32 $ 47 $ 16 $ 96 LOTUS Discontinuation On November 17, 2020, we announced a global, voluntary recall of all unused inventory of our LOTUS Edge™ Aortic Valve System, and our decision to retire the entire LOTUS platform. We estimate the decision will result in total pre-tax restructuring and restructuring-related net charges of approximately $80 million to $90 million, which includes $30 million to $40 million of estimated charges expected to result in future cash outlays. We recorded $55 million of restructuring and restructuring-related net charges associated with the product discontinuation in 2020, which is included in the table above for the year ended December 31, 2020, and expect the remaining activity to be substantially complete during early 2021. In addition, during 2020 we recorded $119 million of inventory charges within Cost of products sold and $8 million of Intangible asset impairment charges associated with the product discontinuation. The following table presents cumulative restructuring and restructuring-related net charges incurred as of December 31, 2020, related to our ongoing Restructuring Plans by major type: (in millions) 2016 Restructuring Plan 2019 Restructuring Plan Total Termination benefits $ 86 $ 38 $ 124 Other (1) 21 26 46 Total restructuring charges 106 64 171 Transfer costs 126 87 213 Other (2) 39 28 66 Restructuring-related charges 164 115 279 $ 271 $ 179 $ 450 (1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contract cancellations. (2) Comprised of other costs directly related to our Restructuring Plans, including program management, accelerated depreciation, and fixed asset write-offs. Cumulative cash payments associated with our ongoing Restructuring Plans were made using cash generated from operations and are comprised of the following: (in millions) 2016 Restructuring Plan 2019 Restructuring Plan Total Termination benefits $ 89 $ 12 $ 100 Transfer costs 125 77 202 Other 41 25 67 $ 255 $ 114 $ 369

Supplemental Balance Sheet Info

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	12 Months Ended
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information	Dec. 31, 2020
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION	NOTE I – SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION Components of selected captions in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows: Trade accounts receivable, net As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Trade accounts receivable $ 1,637 $ 1,902 Allowance for credit losses (105) (74) $ 1,531 $ 1,828 The following is a rollforward of our Allowance for credit losses : Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Beginning balance $ 74 $ 68 $ 68 Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASU 2016-13 10 n/a n/a Credit loss expense 49 23 19 Write-offs (27) (17) (19) Ending balance $ 105 $ 74 $ 68 Note: Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted FASB ASC Topic 326 using the modified retrospective method, which requires that we recognize credit loss reserves when financial assets are established if credit losses are expected over the asset’s contractual life. Prior period amounts have not been restated and are presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310 . Please refer to Note R – New Accounting Pronouncements for additional information. Inventories As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Finished goods $ 893 $ 971 Work-in-process 109 192 Raw materials 349 416 $ 1,351 $ 1,579 Approximately 33 percent of our finished goods inventory as of December 31, 2020 and approximately 32 percent as of December 31, 2019 was at customer locations pursuant to consignment arrangements or held by sales representatives. Other current assets As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 208 $ 346 Derivative assets 133 105 Licensing arrangements 148 186 Other 263 243 $ 751 $ 880 Property, plant and equipment, net As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Land $ 104 $ 117 Buildings and improvements 1,292 1,198 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 3,465 3,411 Capital in progress 446 442 5,308 5,169 Less: accumulated depreciation 3,224 3,089 $ 2,084 $ 2,079 Depreciation expense was $333 million in 2020, $311 million in 2019 and $296 million in 2018. Other long-term assets As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Restricted cash equivalents $ 52 $ 43 Operating lease right-of-use assets 458 336 Derivative assets 109 216 Investments 918 458 Licensing arrangements 218 332 Other 166 144 $ 1,921 $ 1,529 Accrued expenses As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Legal reserves $ 505 $ 470 Payroll and related liabilities 681 708 Rebates 331 298 Contingent consideration 26 56 Other 656 576 $ 2,197 $ 2,109 Other current liabilities As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Deferred revenue $ 138 $ 144 Licensing arrangements 153 197 Taxes payable 158 265 Liabilities held for sale 200 — Other 307 195 $ 958 $ 800 Other long-term liabilities As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Accrued income taxes $ 547 $ 667 Legal reserves 64 227 Contingent consideration 171 299 Licensing arrangements 253 374 Operating lease liabilities 401 276 Deferred revenue 257 257 Other 615 535 $ 2,309 $ 2,635

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	NOTE J – INCOME TAXES Our Income (loss) before income taxes consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Domestic $ (660) $ (1,145) $ 35 Foreign 581 1,832 1,387 $ (79) $ 687 $ 1,422 The related expense (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Current Federal $ (29) $ 120 $ (221) State (35) 54 (27) Foreign 151 101 160 87 275 (87) Deferred Federal (26) (146) (124) State (6) (18) 4 Foreign (53) (4,124) (42) (85) (4,288) (162) $ 2 $ (4,013) $ (249) The reconciliation of income taxes at the federal statutory rate to the actual expense (benefit) for income taxes is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (reclassified) (1) (reclassified) (1) U.S. federal statutory income tax rate (21.0) % 21.0 % 21.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 16.6 % 6.7 % 0.1 % Domestic taxes on foreign earnings 155.4 % 21.9 % 0.5 % Effect of foreign taxes (40.7) % (47.6) % (8.4) % Acquisition-related (16.7) % 12.2 % 2.1 % Research credit (43.0) % (4.2) % (2.6) % Valuation allowance (42.0) % 1.1 % (5.2) % Goodwill impairment charges 3.7 % — % — % Compensation-related (7.7) % (0.3) % (1.0) % Non-deductible expenses 64.4 % 3.6 % 0.8 % Uncertain tax positions (96.8) % 1.4 % (22.0) % TCJA net impact — % — % (4.7) % Intra-entity asset transfers 10.2 % (597.0) % — % Return to provision (37.3) % (0.2) % (0.2) % Change in tax rates 51.8 % (0.2) % 0.5 % Other, net 6.0 % (2.4) % 1.6 % 2.9 % (584.0) % (17.5) % (1) Due to the disclosure of additional rate reconciling items in 2020, we have reclassified select items in prior years to align with the new categories disclosed in the current year. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Deferred Tax Assets: Inventory costs and related reserves $ 10 $ — Tax benefit of net operating loss and credits 557 545 Reserves and accruals 308 258 Restructuring-related charges 23 20 Litigation and product liability reserves 82 168 Investment write-down — 42 Compensation related 134 121 Federal benefit of uncertain tax positions 9 10 Intangible assets 3,551 3,447 Other (6) — 4,668 4,611 Less: valuation allowance (887) (915) 3,781 3,696 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Property, plant and equipment 1 16 Unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments 12 52 Investment write-up 34 — Inventory costs and related reserves — 2 Other — 25 47 95 Net Deferred Tax Assets 3,734 3,601 Prepaid on intercompany profit 194 195 Net Deferred Tax Assets and Prepaid on Intercompany Profit $ 3,928 $ 3,796 Our deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities and prepaid on intercompany profit, are included in the following locations within our accompanying consolidated balance sheets (in millions): Location on Consolidated Balance Sheets As of December 31, Component 2020 2019 Prepaid on intercompany profit Prepaid income taxes $ 194 $ 195 Non-current deferred tax asset Assets held for sale 2 — Non-current deferred tax asset Deferred tax assets 4,210 4,196 Deferred Tax Assets and Prepaid on Intercompany Profit 4,406 4,391 Non-current deferred tax liability Deferred tax liabilities 330 595 Non-current deferred tax liability Liabilities held for sale in Other current liabilities 148 — Deferred Tax Liabilities 478 595 Net Deferred Tax Assets and Prepaid on Intercompany Profit $ 3,928 $ 3,796 As of December 31, 2020, we had U.S. federal and state tax net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits, the tax effect of which was $474 million. As of December 31, 2019, we had U.S. federal and state tax net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits, the tax effect of which was $449 million. In addition, we had foreign tax net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits, the tax effect of which was $83 million as of December 31, 2020, as compared to $105 million as of December 31, 2019. These tax attributes expire periodically beginning in 2021. During the fourth quarter of 2019, we completed intra-entity asset transfers of certain intellectual property rights among various wholly owned subsidiaries. These transactions occurred to more closely align the global economic ownership of our intellectual property rights with our current and future business operations. These transactions did not result in a taxable gain in any jurisdiction, however, some of the transactions did create a step-up in the tax-deductible basis in the transferred intellectual property rights in certain jurisdictions. As a result, we recorded deferred tax assets in the amount of $4.102 billion, which represents the book and tax basis differences measured at applicable statutory tax rates, net of a valuation allowance of $542 million. After consideration of all positive and negative evidence, we believe that it is more likely than not that a portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. As a result, we established a valuation allowance of $887 million as of December 31, 2020 and $915 million as of December 31, 2019, representing a decrease of $28 million. The decrease in the valuation allowance as of December 31, 2020, as compared to December 31, 2019, is primarily due to current year utilization of loss carryforwards and the concurrent release of the related valuation allowance. The income tax impact of the unrealized gain or loss component of other comprehensive income and stockholders' equity was a benefit of $78 million in 2020, a charge of $13 million in 2019 and a charge of $37 million in 2018. We obtain tax incentives through Free Trade Zone Regime offered in Costa Rica which allows 100.0 percent exemption from income tax in the first eight years of operations and 50.0 percent exemption in the following four years. This tax incentive resulted in income tax savings of $64 million for 2020, $173 million for 2019 and $146 million for 2018. The tax incentive for 100.0 percent exemption from income tax was renewed during 2019 and is expected to expire in 2027. The impact on Net income (loss) per common share - assuming dilution was $0.04 for 2020, $0.12 for 2019 and $0.10 for 2018. Additionally, we benefit from tax incentives in Puerto Rico resulting in income tax savings of $30 million for 2020, and immaterial amounts for 2019 and 2018. As of December 31, 2020, we had $261 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $183 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2019, we had $455 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $355 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2018, we had $427 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $332 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Beginning Balance $ 455 $ 427 $ 1,238 Additions based on positions related to the current year 28 30 79 Additions based on positions related to prior years 6 45 4 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (186) (34) (433) Settlements with taxing authorities (27) (4) (459) Statute of limitation expirations (15) (9) (3) Ending Balance $ 261 $ 455 $ 427 We are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. We have concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters through 2016 and substantially all material state and local income tax matters through 2010. We have concluded all foreign income tax matters through 2013, with the exception of issues for Italy, which have concluded through 2002. In the second quarter of 2018, a decision was entered by the U.S. Tax Court resolving all disputes for Guidant Corporation for its 2001 through 2006 tax years and our 2006 and 2007 tax years as well as the tax issues related to our 2006 transaction with Abbott Laboratories. Additionally, we resolved all issues with the IRS Office of Appeals for our 2008 through 2010 tax years. The final settlement calculation resulted in a final net tax payment of $303 million plus $307 million of estimated interest, which was remitted in the second quarter of 2018. Due to the final settlement of these disputes, we recorded a net tax benefit of $250 million in 2018 to remove a reserve related to these years. In the fourth quarter of 2018, we received a Revenue Agent Report (RAR) from the IRS for our 2011 through 2013 tax years. We remitted $93 million to the IRS in the fourth quarter of 2018 reflecting the net balance of tax and interest due for these years after consideration of amounts owed to us by the IRS. Due to the resolution of these tax years, we recorded a net tax benefit of $90 million in 2018 to remove a reserve related to these years. In the third quarter of 2020, we received notification from the IRS regarding the examination of our 2014 through 2016 tax years stating that the Joint Committee on Taxation completed its review on July 21, 2020, and the IRS examination was resolved. Due to the resolution of these tax years, we recorded a net tax benefit of $91 million in the third quarter of 2020 to release the reserves related to these years. We received a refund of $62 million from the IRS in the fourth quarter of 2020 reflecting the net balance of amounts owed to us by the IRS after consideration of tax and interest due for these years. We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense. We had $41 million accrued for gross interest and penalties as of December 31, 2020 and $19 million as of December 31, 2019. We recognized net tax expense related to interest and penalties of $7 million in 2020, as compared to a net tax benefit of $1 million in 2019 and a net tax benefit of $498 million in 2018. The increase in our net tax expense related to interest and penalties as of December 31, 2020, as compared to December 31, 2019, is related to reaching favorable settlements with the taxing authorities during 2019. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months we will resolve transactional- related issues with foreign and state taxing authorities, in which case we could record a reduction in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits of up to approximately $27 million. During 2018, we completed our analysis and recording of all tax effects related to the TCJA, as required under SAB 118, and recorded a net benefit of $67 million, exclusive of the one-time transition tax adjustment described below. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we were required under the TCJA to calculate a one-time transition tax based on our total post-1986 foreign subsidiaries' earnings and profits (E&P) that we previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. As a result of various audit activities, the revised amount of transition tax was approximately $939 million as of December 31, 2020 as compared to $856 million as of December 31, 2018. We anticipate offsetting this liability against existing tax attributes reducing the required payment to approximately $597 million, which will be remitted over an eight-year period. We have begun remitting the required installment payments, with a balance remaining of $477 million as of December 31, 2020. In addition, we have provided for U.S. state income taxes of $20 million on all U.S. dollar-denominated E&P accumulated through December 31, 2017, which constitutes the preponderance of our foreign subsidiaries' accumulated E&P through December 31, 2017. We intend to indefinitely reinvest the unremitted foreign earnings of all other subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017, as well as all subsequent earnings generated by all of our foreign subsidiaries. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any remaining undistributed foreign earnings and additional outside basis difference in these entities is not practicable. We are subject to a territorial tax system under the TCJA, in which we are required to provide for tax on Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. We have established an accounting policy election to provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred as a period expense. Economic stimulus legislation has been enacted in many countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the U.S., the CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020 and provided an estimated $2.2 trillion in COVID-19 pandemic related relief, and included tax relief and government loans, subsidies and other relief for entities in affected industries. While we have not applied for government loans, we have taken advantage of the benefits offered in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. provision allowing taxpayers to defer payment of the employer portion of certain payroll taxes through the end of 2020. This allowed us to preserve cash generated from operations to service our debt obligations and other near-term commitments.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	NOTE K – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The medical device market in which we participate is largely technology driven. As a result, intellectual property rights, particularly patents and trade secrets, play a significant role in product development and differentiation. Over the years, there has been litigation initiated against us by others, including our competitors, claiming that our current or former product offerings infringe patents owned or licensed by them. Intellectual property litigation is inherently complex and unpredictable. In addition, competing parties frequently file multiple suits to leverage patent portfolios across product lines, technologies and geographies and to balance risk and exposure between the parties. In some cases, several competitors are parties in the same proceeding, or in a series of related proceedings, or litigate multiple features of a single class of devices. These dynamics frequently drive settlement not only for individual cases, but also for a series of pending and potentially related and unrelated cases. Although monetary and injunctive relief is typically sought, remedies and restitution are generally not determined until the conclusion of the trial court proceedings and can be modified on appeal. Accordingly, the outcomes of individual cases are difficult to time, predict or quantify and are often dependent upon the outcomes of other cases in other geographies. During recent years, we successfully negotiated closure of several long-standing legal matters and have received favorable rulings in several other matters; however, there continues to be outstanding intellectual property litigation. Adverse outcomes in one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our ability to sell certain products and on our operating margins, financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity. In the normal course of business, product liability, securities and commercial claims are asserted against us. Similar claims may be asserted against us in the future related to events not known to management at the present time. We maintain an insurance policy providing limited coverage against securities claims and we are substantially self-insured with respect to product liability claims and fully self-insured with respect to intellectual property infringement claims. The absence of significant third-party insurance coverage increases our potential exposure to unanticipated claims or adverse decisions. Product liability claims, securities and commercial litigation and other legal proceedings in the future, regardless of their outcome, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to sell certain products and on our operating margins, financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity. In addition, like other companies in the medical device industry, we are subject to extensive regulation by national, state and local government agencies in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate. From time to time we are the subject of qui tam actions and governmental investigations often involving regulatory, marketing and other business practices. These qui tam actions and governmental investigations could result in the commencement of civil and criminal proceedings, substantial fines, penalties and administrative remedies and have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies , we accrue anticipated costs of settlement, damages, losses for product liability claims and, under certain conditions, costs of defense, based on historical experience or to the extent specific losses are probable and estimable. Otherwise, we expense these costs as incurred. If the estimate of a probable loss is a range and no amount within the range is more likely, we accrue the minimum amount of the range. Our accrual for legal matters that are probable and estimable was $569 million as of December 31, 2020 and $697 million as of December 31, 2019 and includes certain estimated costs of settlement, damages and defense. The decrease in our legal accrual was mainly due to settlement payments related to litigation with Channel Medsystems, Inc. (Channel), partially offset by charges associated with product liability cases or claims related to transvaginal surgical mesh products. A portion of our legal accrual is already funded through our qualified settlement fund (QSF), which is included in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in Other current assets of $208 million as of December 31, 2020 and $346 million as of December 31, 2019. Refer to Note A – Significant Accounting Policies for additional information. We recorded litigation-related net charges of $278 million in 2020, primarily related to transvaginal mesh products, inclusive of a reserve related to claims made by a coalition of state attorneys general. Those claims settled in principle in the fourth quarter of 2020. We recorded litigation-related net charges of $115 million in 2019, which included a net charge of $223 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, primarily related to litigation with Channel, net charges of $25 million in the third quarter of 2019 and $15 million in the second quarter of 2019, primarily related to transvaginal surgical mesh product liability litigation, and a gain of $148 million recorded in the first quarter of 2019, which represents a portion of the total $180 million one-time settlement payment received from Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (Edwards) in January 2019. We record certain legal and product liability charges, credits and costs of defense, which we consider to be unusual or infrequent and significant as Litigation-related net charges (credits) in our consolidated financial statements. All other legal and product liability charges, credits and costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses . As such, a portion of the related gain from this settlement was recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. We recorded litigation-related net charges of $103 million in 2018, primarily related to transvaginal surgical mesh product liability litigation. We continue to assess certain litigation and claims to determine the amounts, if any, that management believes will be paid as a result of such claims and litigation and, therefore, additional losses may be accrued and paid in the future, which could materially adversely impact our operating results, cash flows and/or our ability to comply with our financial covenant. In management's opinion, we are not currently involved in any legal proceedings other than those specifically identified below, which, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operations and/or cash flows. Unless included in our legal accrual or otherwise indicated below, a range of loss associated with any individual material legal proceeding cannot be reasonably estimated. Patent Litigation On October 28, 2015, BSC filed suit against Cook Group Limited and Cook Medical LLC (collectively, “Cook”) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (1:15-cv-00980) alleging infringement of certain Company patents regarding Cook’s Instinct Endoscopic Hemoclip. The case was transferred to the District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Cook filed seven Inter Partes Review (“IPR”) requests with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office against the four asserted patents. All IPRs have concluded, and Cook and Boston Scientific both appealed the Patent Office’s IPR decisions to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. On April 30, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that claims from two of the Boston Scientific patents remain valid, remanding two of the patents for further review by the USPTO's Patent Trial and Appeal Board. In November, the Patent Office issued remand rulings invalidating several additional claims. The district court had stayed the case pending the appeals court decision on the IPRs, which is now complete. In the first or second quarter of 2021, the case will proceed before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, with BSC asserting two patents against Cook. Trial is anticipated in 2022. On December 9, 2016, the Company and Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation filed a patent infringement action against Nevro in United States District Court for the District of Delaware (16-cv-1163) alleging that ten U.S. patents owned by Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation are infringed by Nevro’s Senza™ Spinal Cord Stimulation System. On June 22, 2020, this action was consolidated with case 18-cv-664, described below. The court set trial for October 2021. On November 20, 2017, The Board of Regents, University of Texas System (UT) and TissueGen. Inc., served a lawsuit against us in the Western District of Texas. The complaint against us alleges patent infringement of two U.S. patents owned by UT, relating to “Drug Releasing Biodegradable Fiber Implant” and “Drug Releasing Biodegradable Fiber for Delivery of Therapeutics,” and affects the manufacture, use and sale of our Synergy™ Stent System. On March 12, 2018, the District Court for the Western District of Texas dismissed the action and transferred it to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. On September 5, 2019, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal of the District Court for the Western District of Texas. In April 2020, the United States Supreme Court denied the University’s Petition for Certiorari. UT is proceeding with its case against BSC in Delaware. On April 21, 2018, the Company and Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation filed a patent infringement, theft of trade secrets and tortious interference with a contract action against Nevro in United States District Court for the District of Delaware (18-cv-664), and amended the complaint on July 18, 2018, alleging that nine U.S. patents owned by Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation are infringed by Nevro’s Senza™ I and Senza™ II Spinal Cord Stimulation Systems. On December 9, 2019, Nevro filed an answer and counterclaims, in which it alleged that our Spinal Cord Stimulation systems infringe five Nevro patents. On June 22, 2020, this action was consolidated with case 16-cv-1163. The theft of trade secrets, patent counterclaims, and patent infringement claims from case 16-cv-1163 were set for trial in October 2021. The patent infringement claims from case 18-cv-664 were stayed pending IPRs. On January 6, 2021, the court stayed one of the patent infringement claims from case 16-cv-1163, such that it will proceed with the stayed patent infringement claims from case 18-cv-664. On November 2, 2020, Koninklijke Philips N.V. and IP2IPO Innovations, Ltd. (“Philips”) served a complaint against the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. The complaint alleges that certain BSC cardiovascular diagnostic devices infringe six Philips patents. Product Liability Litigation As of January 27, 2021, approximately 54,000 product liability cases or claims related to transvaginal surgical mesh products designed to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse have been asserted against us. As of January 27, 2021, we have entered into master settlement agreements in principle or are in the final stages of entering one with certain plaintiffs' counsel to resolve an aggregate of approximately 52,000 cases and claims, adjusted to reflect the Company's analysis of expected non-participation and duplicate claims. These master settlement agreements provide that the settlement and distribution of settlement funds to participating claimants are conditional upon, among other things, achieving minimum required claimant participation thresholds. Of the approximately 52,000 cases and claims, approximately 48,000 have met the conditions of the settlement and are final. All settlement agreements were entered into solely by way of compromise and without any admission or concession by us of any liability or wrongdoing. The pending cases are in various federal and state courts in the U.S. Generally, the plaintiffs allege personal injury associated with use of our transvaginal surgical mesh products. The plaintiffs assert design and manufacturing claims, failure to warn, breach of warranty, fraud, violations of state consumer protection laws and loss of consortium claims. Over 3,100 of the cases were specially assigned to one judge in state court in Massachusetts. On February 7, 2012, the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation (MDL) established MDL-2326 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and transferred the federal court transvaginal surgical mesh cases to MDL-2326 for coordinated pretrial proceedings. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we received written discovery requests from certain state attorneys general offices regarding our transvaginal surgical mesh products. We have responded to those requests. On December 12, 2019 the Mississippi Attorney General filed suit against BSC in State Court alleging violations of the Mississippi Consumer Protection Act which the Company plans to vigorously defend. There are fewer than 60 claims in the United Kingdom and fewer than 125 cases in Australia. There are also fewer than 10 cases in Canada, inclusive of one certified class action, which has settled and received Court approval. On April 16, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered that all manufacturers of surgical mesh products indicated for the transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse stop selling and distributing their products in the United States immediately, stemming from the FDA’s 2016 reclassification of these devices to class III (high risk) devices, and as a result, the Company ceased global sales and distribution of surgical mesh products indicated for transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse. We have established a product liability accrual for known and estimated future cases and claims asserted against us as well as with respect to the actions that have resulted in verdicts against us and the costs of defense thereof associated with our transvaginal surgical mesh products. While we believe that our accrual associated with this matter is adequate, changes to this accrual may be required in the future as additional information becomes available. We have also established an accrual related to the claims made by the coalition of state attorneys general. While we continue to engage in discussions with plaintiffs’ counsel regarding potential resolution of pending cases and claims and intend to vigorously contest the cases and claims asserted against us that do not settle, the final resolution of the cases and claims is uncertain and could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity. Initial trials involving our transvaginal surgical mesh products have resulted in both favorable and unfavorable judgments for us. We do not believe that the judgment in any one trial is representative of potential outcomes of all cases or claims related to our transvaginal surgical mesh products. We are currently named a defendant in 118 filed product liability cases involving our Greenfield Vena Cava Filter, alleging various injuries, including perforation of the vena cava, post-implant deep vein thrombosis, fracture, and other injuries. Most of the filed cases are part of a consolidated matter in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. We have received notice of an additional 597 claims, none of which have been filed. Governmental Investigations and Qui Tam Matters On May 5, 2014, we were served with a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. The subpoena seeks information relating to the launch of the Cognis™ and Teligen™ line of devices in 2008, the performance of those devices from 2007 to 2009 and the operation of the Physician Guided Learning Program. We are cooperating with this request. On May 6, 2016, a qui tam lawsuit in this matter was unsealed in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. At the same time, we learned that the U.S. government and the State of California had earlier declined to intervene in that lawsuit on April 15, 2016. The complaint was served on us on July 21, 2016. On October 7, 2016, the plaintiff/relator served an amended complaint that dropped the allegations relating to the Physician Guided Learning Program. We filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint on December 7, 2016 and the court heard our motion to dismiss on April 5, 2017. On August 29, 2017, the Court granted the motion to dismiss, without prejudice and on September 19, 2017, the relator filed a Second Amended Complaint. We filed a motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint on October 10, 2017 and the Court denied that motion on December 13, 2017. On July 31, 2018, the relator filed a motion seeking leave to file a Third Amended Complaint. The Court denied the motion on October 30, 2018. On February 23, 2015, a judge for the Court of Modena (Italy) ordered a trial for Boston Scientific and three of its employees, as well as numerous other defendants charged in criminal proceedings. The charges arise from allegations that the defendants made improper donations to certain healthcare providers and other employees of the Hospital of Modena in order to induce them to conduct unauthorized clinical trials, as well as related government fraud in relation to the financing of such clinical trials. A trial began on February 24, 2016. On November 10, 2017, the Court issued a ruling that convicted one Boston Scientific employee but acquitted two others and levied a fine of €245 thousand against us and imposed joint and several civil damages of €620 thousand on all defendants. We continue to deny these allegations, and timely appealed the decision on May 10, 2018. On November 9, 2020, the Court of Appeal in Bologna reversed the judgements against Boston Scientific and its employee and acquitted them of all charges. On December 1, 2015, the Brazilian governmental entity known as CADE (the Administrative Council of Economic Defense), served a search warrant on the offices of our Brazilian subsidiary, as well as on the Brazilian offices of several other major medical device makers who do business in Brazil, in furtherance of an investigation into alleged anti-competitive activity with respect to certain tender offers for government contracts. On June 20, 2017, CADE, through the publication of a “technical note,” announced that it was launching a formal administrative proceeding against Boston Scientific’s Brazilian subsidiary, Boston Scientific do Brasil Ltda., as well as against the Brazilian operations of Medtronic, Biotronik and St. Jude Medical, two Brazilian associations, ABIMED and AMBIMO and 29 individuals for alleged anti-competitive behavior. We deny the allegations and intend to defend ourselves vigorously. Other Proceedings On May 16, 2018, Arthur Rosenthal et al., filed a plenary summons against Boston Scientific Corporation and Boston Scientific Limited with the High Court of Ireland alleging that payments are due pursuant a transaction agreement regarding Labcoat Limited, a company Boston Scientific purchased in 2008 that provided coating technology for drug-eluting stents. On September 6, 2019, Boston Scientific Corporation, Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., and Fortis Advisors, LLC, as a Securityholder Representative for the former Securityholders of nVision Medical Corp. filed a declaratory judgment action against BioCardia, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California to address threats and allegations by BioCardia challenging inventorship and ownership of various patents that Boston Scientific Corporation acquired through an April 13, 2018 merger with nVision as well as related threats and allegations by BioCardia of trade secret misappropriation and unjust enrichment. On December 11, 2019, BioCardia filed an amended answer and counterclaims. On April 23, 2020, BioCardia filed a complaint against nVision, which had not been named as a defendant in the original case. On May 22, 2020, BioCardia amended its complaint against nVision to add twenty former nVision shareholders as defendants. On August 20, 2020, BioCardia again amended its complaint against Boston Scientific Corporation/Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc./Fortis Advisors, LLC and its complaint against nVision/nVision shareholders. On April 18, 2019, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana and HMO Louisiana, Inc. filed a class action complaint against Janssen Biotech, Inc, Janssen Oncology, Inc, Janssen Research & Development, LLC and BTG International Limited in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated the Sherman Act and the antitrust and consumer protections laws of several states by pursuing patent litigation relating to ZYTIGA™ in order to delay generic entry. On June 21, 2019, the case was transferred to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and has been consolidated with similar complaints. On December 21, 2017, Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen Oncology, Inc, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, and Johnson & Johnson (collectively, Janssen) were served with a qui tam complaint filed on behalf of the United States, 28 states, and the District of Columbia. The complaint, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that Janssen violated the federal False Claims Act and state law when providing pricing information for ZYTIGA to the government in connection with direct government sales and government-funded drug reimbursement programs. The case has been transferred to United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. On June 20, 2019, the complaint was amended to include BTG International Limited as a defendant. In May 2020, a class action complaint was filed in New Jersey federal court against Johnson & Johnson and BTG by two direct purchasers of Zytiga on behalf of similarly situated entities. The complaint alleges that BTG and J&J violated antitrust laws by attempting to enforce certain patents against potential generic competitors. On December 4, 2020 Enrique Jevons, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a class action complaint against Boston Scientific Corporation, Michael F. Mahoney and Daniel J. Brennan, stemming from the recall and retirement of the LOTUS Edge™ Aortic Valve System (LOTUS System) in United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. On December 14, 2020, the parties agreed to transfer the case to the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. On December 16, 2020, Mariano Errichiello, individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated, filed a second, materially similar class action complaint against Boston Scientific Corporation, Michael F. Mahoney, Joseph M. Fitzgerald, and Daniel J. Brennan in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The Company expects these cases to be superseded by a single amended and consolidated class action complaint in the first or second quarter of 2021. On December 15, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Boston Regional Office (Boston SEC) notified the Company that it is conducting an investigation related to Boston Scientific’s decision to retire the LOTUS System, and issued a voluntary request for documents and information related to that decision. On February 10, 2021, the Boston SEC issued a second voluntary request for additional documents and information. The Company is cooperating fully with the investigation. On February 8, 2021, the Company received a letter from The Vladimir Gusinsky Revocable Trust, a shareholder, demanding that the Company’s Board of Directors conduct an investigation into actions by the Company’s directors and executive officers regarding statements made about the effectiveness and commercial viability of the LOTUS System. On December 16, 2020 Mariano Errichiello, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a class action complaint against Boston Scientific Corporation, Michael F. Mahoney, Joseph M. Fitzgerald and Daniel J. Brennan stemming from the recall and retirement of the LOTUS Edge™ Aortic Valve System in United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Refer to Note J – Income Taxes for information regarding our tax litigation. Matters Concluded Since December 31, 2019 On April 30, 2019, Tissue Anchor Innovations filed a complaint for patent infringement in the United States District Court Central District of California against Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, Los Alamitos Medical Center and us. The complaint alleged that the Solyx™ Sling System infringes US Patent 6,506,190. We reached a confidential settlement in this matter in July 2020, pursuant to which the action was dismissed. On March 10, 2017, Imran Niazi filed a patent infringement action against us in the United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin alleging that a U.S. patent owned by him is infringed by our Acuity™ Lead Delivery System. On June 30, 2017, we filed a motion to dismiss for improper venue and on November 7, 2017 the Wisconsin Court granted the motion to dismiss. On November 13, 2017 Niazi refiled the same action in the U.S. District of Minnesota. We reached a confidential settlement on this matter on February 3, 2020 pursuant to which the action was dismissed. On November 1, 2017, we entered into a definitive agreement with Channel pursuant to which we could have been obligated to pay $145 million in cash up-front and a maximum of $130 million in contingent payments to acquire Channel. The agreement contained a provision allowing Channel to sell the remaining equity interests of Channel to us upon achievement of a regulatory milestone and an option allowing us to acquire the remaining equity interests. We sent a notice of termination of that agreement to Channel in the second quarter of 2018. On September 12, 2018, Channel filed a complaint in Delaware Chancery Court against us for alleged breach of the agreement. Channel alleged that we breached the agreement by terminating it. We answered the complaint, denied the claims by Channel and counterclaimed to recover part of our investment in Channel, alleging fraud in the inducement. On April 2, 2019, Channel announced its receipt of FDA approval of the Cerene™ Cryotherapy Device. Trial testimony was taken in April 2019, and the post-trial briefing and hearing were completed. During the third quarter of 2019, Channel notified us that they were exercising their option to sell the remaining equity interests in Channel to us. We responded to the notification that we did not intend to purchase Channel since the previous agreement had been terminated. On December 18, 2019, the Chancery Court ruled that Boston Scientific was in breach of the agreement and granted Channel's request for specific performance to require the Company to complete the purchase. On January 10, 2020, we filed a Notice of Appeal of the Chancery Court’s decision to the Delaware Supreme Court. On February 4, 2020, the Company settled the dispute with Channel resulting in termination of the agreement, payment by the Company of an undisclosed sum and surrender of the Company's equity interest in Channel. On November 29, 2016 Nevro Corp. (Nevro) filed a patent infringement action against us and one of our subsidiaries, Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that six U.S. patents (Alataris) owned by Nevro are infringed by our spinal cord stimulation systems. On June 29, 2017, Nevro amended the complaint to add an additional patent (Fang). On July 24, 2018, summary judgment was entered in favor of the Company and on July 31, 2018, we received final judgment and dismissal of the action. On July 31, 2018, Nevro filed an appeal. On April 9, 2020, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit vacated the finding of indefiniteness as to certain patents, provided claim constructions for those patents, and remanded the case. On December 16, 2020, the district court dismissed all remaining claims with prejudice, ending the case with Nevro receiving none of its requested relief.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Dec. 31, 2020
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	NOTE L – STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred Stock We are authorized to issue 50 million shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative participating, option or other rights thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption terms, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. As of December 31, 2019, we had no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding. On May 27, 2020, we completed an offering of 10,062,500 shares of 5.50% Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock (MCPS), Series A at a price to the public and liquidation preference of $100 per share. The net proceeds from the MCPS offering were approximately $975 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. As of December 31, 2020, our MCPS had an aggregate liquidation preference of $1.006 billion. Holders of MCPS will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, or an authorized committee thereof, out of funds legally available for payment, cumulative dividends at the annual rate of 5.50% of the liquidation preference of $100 per share, payable in cash or, subject to certain limitations, by delivery of shares of common stock or any combination of cash and shares of common stock, at our election; provided, however, that any unpaid dividends on the MCPS will continue to accumulate as described in the Certificate of Designations. Subject to certain exceptions, no dividend or distribution will be declared or paid on shares of our common stock, and no common stock will be purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired for consideration by us or any of our subsidiaries unless, in each case, all accumulated and unpaid dividends for all preceding dividend periods have been declared and paid, or a sufficient amount of cash or number of shares of common stock has been set apart for the payment of such dividends, on all outstanding shares of MCPS. In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, winding-up or dissolution, no distribution of our assets may be made to holders of our common stock until we have paid holders of our MCPS, each of which will be entitled to receive a liquidation preference in the amount of $100 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends. Unless earlier converted, each share of MCPS will automatically convert on June 1, 2023, subject to postponement for certain market disruption events, into between 2.3834 and 2.9197 shares of common stock, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. The number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion will be determined based on the average volume-weighted average price per share of common stock over the 20 consecutive trading day period beginning on, and including, the 21st scheduled trading day immediately preceding June 1, 2023. The MCPS is not subject to any redemption, sinking fund or other similar provisions. However, at our option, we may purchase or exchange the MCPS from time to time in the open market, by tender or exchange offer or otherwise, without the consent of, or notice to, holders of MCPS. The holders of the MCPS will not have any voting rights, with limited exceptions. On September 1, 2020, we paid to holders of our MCPS as of August 15, 2020 a cash dividend of $1.4361 per MCPS share (or $14 million in aggregate cash dividends), representing a dividend period beginning on the May 27, 2020 issuance date through August 31, 2020. On December 1, 2020, we paid to holders of our MCPS as of November 15, 2020 a cash dividend of $1.3750 per MCPS share (or $14 million in aggregate cash dividends), representing a dividend period beginning on September 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020. On February 1, 2021, the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, pursuant to authority delegated to such committee by our Board of Directors, declared a cash dividend of $1.375 per MCPS share (or $14 million in aggregate cash dividends) to be paid on March 1, 2021 to holders of our MCPS as of February 15, 2021, representing a dividend period beginning December 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021. We have presented cumulative, unpaid dividends covering this period from December 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 totaling $5 million within Accrued expenses within our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020. Common Stock We are authorized to issue 2.000 billion shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if and when declared by our Board of Directors, and to share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders in the event of liquidation. Holders of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption, or conversion rights. The holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. The holders of a majority of the shares of common stock can elect all of the directors and can control our management and affairs. Holders of common stock are junior to holders of MCPS in terms of liquidation preference. On May 27, 2020, we completed an offering of 29,382,500 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $34.25 per share. The net proceeds from the common stock offering were approximately $975 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses. We used a portion of the net proceeds from the May 27, 2020 MCPS and common stock offerings to repay remaining amounts outstanding under the April 2021 Term Loan and to pay related fees, expenses and premiums as discussed in Note F – Contractual Obligations and Commitments . The remaining proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes. On January 25, 2013, our Board of Directors approved and on January 29, 2013, we announced a program authorizing the repurchase of up to $1.000 billion of our common stock (2013 share repurchase program). In the fourth quarter of 2020, we repurchased approximately 15.7 million shares of our common stock pursuant to the 2013 share repurchase program for a total of approximately $535 million in cash, which represented the full amount remaining under that authorization. On December 14, 2020, our Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $1.000 billion of our common stock (2020 share repurchase program). As of December 31, 2020, we had the full amount remaining available under the 2020 share repurchase program. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during 2019 or 2018. There were approximately 263 million shares in treasury as of December 31, 2020 and 248 million shares in treasury as of December 31, 2019.

Stock Inventive and Purchase Pl

Stock Inventive and Purchase Plans	12 Months Ended
Stock Inventive and Purchase Plans	Dec. 31, 2020
Stock Incentive and Purchase Plans [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	NOTE M – STOCK INCENTIVE AND PURCHASE PLANS Employee and Director Stock Incentive Plans In 2020, our Board of Directors and stockholders approved amendments to our 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan effective October 1, 2020 (Amended and Restated 2011 LTIP), authorizing for issuance up to 171 million shares of our common stock. The Amended and Restated 2011 LTIP covers officers, directors, employees and consultants and provides for the grant of restricted or unrestricted common stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), options to acquire our common stock, stock appreciation rights, performance awards (market-based and performance-based RSUs) and other stock and non-stock awards. Shares reserved under our current and former stock incentive plans totaled approximately 187 million as of December 31, 2020. The Executive Compensation and Human Resources Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors, consisting of independent, non-employee directors may authorize the issuance of common stock and cash awards under the Amended and Restated 2011 LTIP in recognition of the achievement of long-term performance objectives established by the Committee. Non-qualified options issued to employees are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our stock on the grant date, vest over a four-year service period and have a ten-year contractual life. In the case of qualified options, if the recipient owns more than ten percent of the voting power of all classes of stock, the option granted will be at an exercise price of 110 percent of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant and will expire over a period not to exceed five years. Non-vested stock awards, including restricted stock awards (RSAs), RSUs and deferred stock units (DSUs) issued to employees are generally granted with an exercise price of zero and typically vest in four or five equal annual installments. These awards represent our commitment to issue shares to recipients after the vesting period. Upon each vesting date, such awards are no longer subject to risk of forfeiture and we issue shares of our common stock to the recipient. The following presents the impact of stock-based compensation on our consolidated statements of operations: Year Ended December 31, (in millions, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 Cost of products sold $ 9 $ 8 $ 7 Selling, general and administrative expenses 130 120 109 Research and development expenses 30 28 24 170 157 140 Income tax (benefit) expense (28) (24) (21) $ 142 $ 133 $ 119 Net impact per common share - basic $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.09 Net impact per common share - assuming dilution $ 0.10 $ 0.09 $ 0.08 Stock Options We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of stock options granted to employees under our stock incentive plans. We calculated the fair value for options granted using the following estimated weighted-average assumptions: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Options granted (in thousands) 3,819 2,992 3,491 Weighted-average exercise price $ 41.79 $ 40.20 $ 27.26 Weighted-average grant-date fair value $ 10.44 $ 11.76 $ 8.55 Black-Scholes Assumptions Expected volatility 23 % 24 % 26 % Expected term (in years, weighted) 5.8 6.1 6.0 Risk-free interest rate 0.27% - 1.72% 1.38% - 2.61% 2.61% - 3.01% Expected Volatility We use our historical volatility and implied volatility as a basis to estimate expected volatility in our valuation of stock options. Expected Term We estimate the expected term of options using historical exercise and forfeiture data. We believe that this historical data provides the best estimate of the expected term of new option grants. Risk-Free Interest Rate We use yield rates on U.S. Treasury securities for a period approximating the expected term of the award to estimate the risk-free interest rate in our grant-date fair value assessment. Expected Dividend Yield We have not historically paid cash dividends on our common stock and currently we do not intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock. Therefore, we have assumed an expected dividend yield of zero in our grant-date fair value assessment. Information related to stock options under stock incentive plans are as follows: Stock Options (in thousands) Weighted Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 26,716 $ 13 Granted 3,491 27 Exercised (4,385) 11 Cancelled/forfeited (519) 22 Outstanding as of December 31, 2018 25,304 $ 16 Granted 2,992 40 Exercised (4,872) 12 Cancelled/forfeited (359) 24 Outstanding as of December 31, 2019 23,065 $ 19 Granted 3,819 42 Exercised (3,096) 13 Cancelled/forfeited (666) 27 Outstanding as of December 31, 2020 23,122 $ 24 5.5 $ 312 Exercisable as of December 31, 2020 15,105 17 4.1 290 Expected to vest as of December 31, 2020 7,683 37 8.2 22 Total vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2020 22,787 $ 24 5.4 $ 312 The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $84 million in 2020, $140 million in 2019 and $90 million in 2018. Non-Vested Stock We value RSAs, RSUs and DSUs based on the closing trading value of our shares on the date of grant. Information related to non-vested stock awards is as follows: Non-Vested Stock Award Units (in thousands) Weighted Average Balance as of December 31, 2017 15,250 $ 18 Granted 4,375 28 Vested (1) (6,194) 16 Forfeited (748) 22 Balance as of December 31, 2018 12,683 $ 22 Granted 3,656 39 Vested (1) (4,811) 20 Forfeited (449) 27 Balance as of December 31, 2019 11,079 $ 29 Granted 3,609 41 Vested (1) (4,147) 25 Forfeited (554) 34 Balance as of December 31, 2020 9,987 $ 34 (1) The number of shares vested includes shares withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements. The total vesting date fair value of shares that vested was approximately $172 million in 2020, $193 million in 2019 and $170 million in 2018. Market-based DSU Awards During 2020, 2019 and 2018, we granted market-based DSU awards to certain members of our senior management team. The number of shares ultimately issued to the recipient is based on the total stockholder return (TSR) of our common stock as compared to the TSR of the common stock of the other companies in the S&P 500 Healthcare Index over a three-year performance period. The number of DSUs ultimately granted under this program range from 0 percent to 200 percent of the target number of performance-based DSUs awarded to the participant as determined by achievement of the performance criteria of the program. In addition, in general, award recipients must remain employed by us throughout the three-year performance period to attain the full amount of the market-based DSUs that satisfied the market performance criteria. We determined the fair value of the market-based DSU awards to be approximately $8 million for 2020, $10 million for 2019 and $7 million for 2018. We determined these fair values based on Monte Carlo simulations as of the date of grant, utilizing the following assumptions: 2020 2019 2018 Awards Awards Awards Stock price on date of grant $ 42.16 $ 40.12 $ 27.09 Measurement period (in years) 2.9 2.9 2.9 Risk-free rate 1.37 % 2.48 % 2.36 % We recognize the expense on these awards in our consolidated statements of operations on a straight-line basis over the three-year measurement period. Free Cash Flow Performance-based DSU Awards During 2020, 2019 and 2018, we granted free cash flow performance-based DSU awards to certain members of our senior management team. The attainment of these performance-based DSUs is based on our adjusted free cash flow (AFCF) measured against our internal annual financial plan performance for AFCF. AFCF is measured over a one-year performance period beginning January 1st of each year and ending December 31st. The number of DSUs ultimately granted under this program range from 0 percent to 150 percent of the target number of performance-based DSUs awarded to the participant as determined by achievement of the performance criteria of the program. In addition, in general, award recipients must remain employed by us throughout a three-year service period (inclusive of the one-year performance period) to attain the full amount of the performance-based DSUs that satisfied the performance criteria. The following table presents our assumptions used in determining the fair value of our AFCF awards currently expected to vest as of December 31, 2020: 2020 AFCF 2019 AFCF 2018 AFCF Fair value, net of forfeitures to date (in millions) $ 6 $ 8 $ 11 Achievement of target payout 89 % 90 % 118 % Year-end stock price used in determining fair value $ 35.95 $ 45.22 $ 35.34 We recognize the expense on these awards in our consolidated statements of operations over the vesting period which is three years after the date of grant. Expense Attribution We recognize compensation expense for our stock incentive plan using a straight-line method over the substantive vesting period. Most of our stock awards provide for immediate vesting upon death or disability of the participant. In addition, our stock grants to employees provide for accelerated vesting of our stock-based awards, other than performance-based and market-based awards, upon retirement, if the stock award has been held for at least one year by the recipient. In accordance with the terms of our stock grants, for employees who will become retirement eligible prior to the vest date we expense stock-based awards, other than performance-based and market-based awards, over the greater of one year or the period between grant date and retirement-eligibility. The performance-based and market-based awards discussed above do not contain provisions that would accelerate the full vesting of the awards upon retirement-eligibility. We recognize stock-based compensation expense for the value of the portion of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation allows forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The term “forfeitures” is distinct from “cancellations” or “expirations” and represents only the unvested portion of the surrendered stock-based award. We have applied, based on an analysis of our historical forfeitures, a weighted-average annual forfeiture rate of approximately five percent to all unvested stock-based awards as of December 31, 2020, which represents the portion that we expect will be forfeited each year over the vesting period. We re-evaluate this analysis annually or more frequently if there are significant changes in circumstances and adjust the forfeiture rate as necessary. Ultimately, we will only recognize expense for those shares that vest. Unrecognized Compensation Cost We expect to recognize the following future expense for awards outstanding as of December 31, 2020: Unrecognized Compensation Cost (in millions) (1) Weighted Average Remaining Vesting Period (in years) Stock options $ 35 Non-vested stock awards 169 $ 204 1.7 (1) Amounts presented represent compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures. Employee Stock Purchase Plans Our global employee stock purchase plan provides for the granting of options to purchase up to 50 million shares of our common stock to all eligible employees. Under the global employee stock purchase plan, we grant each eligible employee, at the beginning of each six-month offering period, an option to purchase shares of our common stock equal to not more than ten percent of the employee’s eligible compensation or the statutory limit under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Such options may be exercised only to the extent of accumulated payroll deductions at the end of the offering period, at a purchase price equal to 85 percent of the fair market value of our common stock at the beginning or end of each offering period, whichever is less. As of December 31, 2020, there were approximately 6 million shares available for future issuance under the employee stock purchase plan. We temporarily suspended our global employee stock purchase plan for the offering period for the second half of 2020 due to cost-savings initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and have resumed for the offering period for the first half of 2021. Information related to shares issued or to be issued in connection with the employee stock purchase plan based on employee contributions and the range of purchase prices is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Shares issued or to be issued (in thousands) 1,387 2,196 2,452 Range of purchase prices $ 29.84 $29.29 - $36.47 $21.49 - $27.91 Expense recognized (in millions) $ 10 $ 19 $ 17 We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of shares issued under the employee stock purchase plan. We recognize expense related to shares purchased through the employee stock purchase plan ratably over the offering period.

Weighted Average Shares Outstan

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	12 Months Ended
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	NOTE N – WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 1,416.7 1,391.5 1,381.0 Net effect of common stock equivalents — 19.0 20.4 Weighted average shares outstanding - assuming dilution 1,416.7 1,410.6 1,401.4 The following securities were excluded from the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding - assuming dilution because their effect in the periods presented below would have been antidilutive: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Common stock equivalents (1) 14 n/a n/a Stock options outstanding (2) 6 0 0 MCPS (3) 14 n/a n/a (1) Represents common stock equivalents pursuant to our employee stock-based compensation plans, which are anti-dilutive in 2020 due to our Net loss position in this period. (2) Represents stock options outstanding pursuant to our employee stock-based compensation plans with exercise prices that were greater than the average fair market value of our common stock for the related periods. (3) Represents common stock issuable upon the conversion of MCPS. Refer to Note L – Stockholders' Equity for additional information. We base Net income (loss) per common share - assuming dilution upon the weighted-average number of common shares and common stock equivalents outstanding during each year. Potential common stock equivalents are determined using the treasury stock method. We exclude stock options, stock awards and MCPS from the calculation if the effect would be anti-dilutive. The dilutive effect of MCPS is calculated using the if-converted method. The if-converted method assumes that these securities were converted to shares of common stock at the later of the May 27, 2020 issuance date or the beginning of the reporting period to the extent that the effect is dilutive. In 2020, the effect of assuming the conversion of MCPS into shares of common stock was anti-dilutive, and therefore excluded from the calculation of earnings per share (EPS). Accordingly, Net loss was reduced by cumulative Preferred stock dividends , as presented in our consolidated statements of operations, for purposes of calculating Net loss available to common stockholders

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT REPORTING	NOTE O – SEGMENT REPORTING Our seven core businesses are organized into three reportable segments: MedSurg, Rhythm and Neuro, and Cardiovascular, which represent an aggregation of our operating segments that generate revenues from the sale of medical devices. We measure and evaluate our reportable segments based on net sales of reportable segments, operating income of reportable segments, excluding intersegment profits, and operating income of reportable segments as a percentage of net sales of reportable segments. Operating income of reportable segments as a percentage of net sales of reportable segments is defined as operating income of reportable segments divided by net sales of reportable segments. We exclude from operating income of reportable segments certain corporate-related expenses and certain transactions or adjustments that our chief operating decision maker (CODM) considers to be non-operational, such as amounts related to amortization expense, goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges, acquisition/divestiture-related net charges (credits), restructuring and restructuring-related net charges (credits), certain litigation-related net charges (credits), certain investment portfolio net losses (gains) and EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) implementation costs. Although we exclude these amounts from operating income of reportable segments, they are included in reported Income (loss) before income taxes in our consolidated statements of operations and are included in the reconciliation below. Following our acquisition of BTG, we have included BTG’s Interventional Medicine business within our Peripheral Interventions operating segment, within the Cardiovascular reportable segment. We present BTG’s Specialty Pharmaceuticals business as a standalone operating segment alongside our reportable segments. A reconciliation of the totals reported for the reportable segments to the applicable line items in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations is as follows (in millions, except percentages): Year Ended December 31, Net sales 2020 2019 2018 MedSurg $ 3,066 $ 3,307 $ 3,007 Rhythm and Neuro 2,752 3,140 3,041 Cardiovascular 3,876 4,208 3,777 Total net sales of reportable segments 9,694 10,654 9,823 All other (Specialty Pharmaceuticals) 219 81 n/a Consolidated net sales $ 9,913 $ 10,735 $ 9,823 Year Ended December 31, Depreciation expense 2020 2019 2018 MedSurg $ 80 $ 75 $ 72 Rhythm and Neuro 96 92 91 Cardiovascular 154 138 133 Total depreciation expense of reportable segments 330 306 296 All other (Specialty Pharmaceuticals) 3 $ 6 n/a Consolidated depreciation expense $ 333 $ 311 $ 296 Year Ended December 31, Income (loss) before income taxes 2020 2019 2018 MedSurg $ 1,079 $ 1,204 $ 1,102 Rhythm and Neuro 439 666 655 Cardiovascular 661 1,137 1,117 Total operating income of reportable segments 2,179 3,007 2,875 All other (Specialty Pharmaceuticals) 143 56 n/a Unallocated amounts: Corporate expenses, including hedging activities (405) (264) (372) Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges, acquisition/divestiture-related net charges (credits), restructuring and restructuring-related net charges (credits), certain litigation-related net charges (credits) and EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) implementation costs (1,208) (582) (398) Amortization expense (789) (699) (599) Operating income (loss) (80) 1,518 1,506 Other expense, net 1 (831) (85) Income (loss) before income taxes $ (79) $ 687 $ 1,422 Operating income of reportable segments as a percentage of net sales of reportable segments Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 MedSurg 35.2 % 36.4 % 36.7 % Rhythm and Neuro 15.9 % 21.2 % 21.5 % Cardiovascular 17.1 % 27.0 % 29.6 % As of December 31, Total assets 2020 2019 MedSurg $ 1,638 $ 1,803 Rhythm and Neuro 1,827 1,873 Cardiovascular 2,461 2,535 Total assets of reportable segments 5,926 6,211 All other (Specialty Pharmaceuticals) 1,133 211 Goodwill 9,951 10,176 Other intangible assets, net 5,917 7,886 All other corporate assets 7,850 6,082 $ 30,777 $ 30,565 Following the announcement of our plan to sell our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business, as of December 31, 2020, we have classified the assets and liabilities of our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business (disposal group) as held for sale within our consolidated balance sheets at their respective carrying values, which approximates fair value, less costs to sell. Accordingly, the total assets of the Specialty Pharmaceuticals business as of December 31, 2020 reflected above include goodwill and intangible assets attributable to the disposal group that were not previously allocated to our reportable segments. As of December 31, Long-lived assets 2020 2019 2018 U.S. $ 1,151 $ 1,148 $ 1,061 Ireland 382 327 242 Other countries 551 604 478 Property, plant and equipment, net 2,084 2,079 1,782 Goodwill 9,951 10,176 7,911 Other intangible assets, net 5,917 7,886 6,372 Operating lease right-of-use assets in Other long-term assets 458 336 — $ 18,409 $ 20,477 $ 16,064

Revenue

Revenue	12 Months Ended
Revenue	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	NOTE P – REVENUE We generate revenue primarily from the sale of single-use medical devices and present revenue net of sales taxes in our consolidated statements of operations. The following tables disaggregate our revenue from contracts with customers by business and geographic region (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Businesses U.S. OUS Total U.S. OUS Total U.S. OUS Total Endoscopy $ 1,000 $ 780 $ 1,780 $ 1,080 $ 814 $ 1,894 $ 980 $ 781 $ 1,762 Urology and Pelvic Health 918 368 1,286 1,005 408 1,413 864 381 1,245 Cardiac Rhythm Management 992 712 1,704 1,135 804 1,939 1,159 792 1,951 Electrophysiology 118 169 287 148 180 329 150 161 311 Neuromodulation 610 151 761 695 178 873 624 155 779 Interventional Cardiology 981 1,317 2,299 1,293 1,522 2,816 1,154 1,436 2,590 Peripheral Interventions 888 689 1,577 741 651 1,392 608 579 1,187 Specialty Pharmaceuticals 193 27 219 70 11 81 n/a n/a n/a Net Sales $ 5,701 $ 4,212 $ 9,913 $ 6,167 $ 4,569 $ 10,735 $ 5,538 $ 4,286 $ 9,823 Year Ended December 31, Geographic Regions 2020 2019 2018 U.S. $ 5,508 $ 6,097 $ 5,538 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) 2,097 2,264 2,176 APAC (Asia-Pacific) 1,781 1,898 1,727 LACA (Latin America and Canada) 307 395 383 Medical Devices 9,694 10,654 9,823 U.S. 193 70 n/a International 27 11 n/a Specialty Pharmaceuticals 219 81 n/a Net Sales $ 9,913 $ 10,735 $ 9,823 Emerging Markets (1) $ 1,093 $ 1,252 $ 1,097 (1) We define Emerging Markets as the 20 countries that we believe have strong growth potential based on their economic conditions, healthcare sectors and our global capabilities. Periodically, we assess our list of Emerging Markets which is currently comprised of the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam. Contract liabilities are classified within Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our deferred revenue balance was $395 million as of December 31, 2020 and $400 million as of December 31, 2019. Our contractual liabilities are primarily composed of deferred revenue related to the LATITUDE™ Patient Management System. Revenue is recognized over the average service period which is based on device and patient longevity. We recognized revenue of $135 million in 2020 that was included in the above December 31, 2019 contract liability balance. We have elected not to disclose the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations when the original expected contract duration is one year or less. In addition, we have not identified material unfulfilled performance obligations for which revenue is not currently deferred. We capitalize sales force commissions related to contracts with customers when the associated revenue is expected to be earned over a period that exceeds one year. Deferred commissions are primarily related to the sale of devices enabled with our LATITUDE™ Patient Management System. We have elected to expense commission costs when incurred for contracts with an expected duration of one year or less. Capitalized commission fees are amortized over the period the associated products or services are transferred. Similarly, we capitalize certain recoverable costs related to the delivery of the LATITUDE™ Remote Monitoring Service. These fulfillment costs are amortized over the average service period. Our total capitalized contract costs are immaterial to our consolidated financial statements. We received FDA approval in mid-2020 and began the U.S. launch of our next generation WATCHMAN FLX™ Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) Device within our Interventional Cardiology business. The next generation WATCHMAN FLX™ Device is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who need an alternative to oral anticoagulation therapy by permanently closing off the left atrial appendage. In 2020, we recorded $179 million in revenue reserves primarily related to our conversion to a consignment commercial model for our LAAC franchise with the launch of our next-generation WATCHMAN FLX™ Device in the U.S. In connection with the conversion, we repurchased customer-owned inventory and will recognize revenue for consigned units as they are consumed by customers. Refer to Note A – Significant Accounting Policies for additional information on our accounting policies relating to revenue recognition.

Changes in Other Comprehensive

Changes in Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
Changes in Other Comprehensive Income	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax, Period Change [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	NOTE Q – CHANGES IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The following table provides the reclassifications out of Other comprehensive income, net of tax : (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Change in Derivative Financial Instruments Net Change in Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Items Total Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 142 $ 173 $ (45) $ 270 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 95 (77) (5) 13 (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (19) (60) 3 (76) Total other comprehensive income (loss) 76 (137) (1) (63) Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 218 $ 36 $ (47) $ 207 (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Change in Derivative Financial Instruments Net Change in Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Items Total Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ (53) $ 111 $ (25) $ 33 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 228 116 (22) 322 (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (33) (54) 2 (86) Total other comprehensive income (loss) 195 62 (20) 237 Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 142 $ 173 $ (45) $ 270 Refer to Note E – Hedging Activities and Fair Value Measurements for further detail on our net investment hedges recorded in Foreign currency translation adjustments and our cash flow hedges recorded in Net change in derivative financial instruments . The gains and losses on defined benefit and pension items before reclassifications and gains and losses on defined benefit and pension items reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
New Accounting Pronouncements	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	NOTE R – NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Periodically, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standard setting bodies. Recently issued standards typically do not require adoption until a future effective date. Prior to their effective date, we evaluate the pronouncements to determine the potential effects of adoption on our consolidated financial statements. Accounting Standards Implemented Since December 31, 2019 ASC Update No. 2016-13 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (FASB ASC Topic 326 , Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ). We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method. Under this method, we applied the new credit loss measurement guidance to financial assets measured at amortized cost on the date of adoption and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 326. Prior period amounts have not been restated and are reported in accordance with legacy GAAP requirements in FASB ASC Topic 310, Receivables . Upon the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 326, credit loss reserves are recorded when financial assets are established if credit losses are expected over the asset’s contractual life. These losses were previously expensed when it became probable that a loss would be incurred. As a result of the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 326, we recorded a net reduction to opening retained earnings on January 1, 2020 related to the establishment of credit loss reserves on Trade accounts receivable and recorded a corresponding increase in the Allowance for credit losses , a contra Trade accounts receivable account. The adoption had an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations. ASC Update No. 2018-15 In August 2018, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) : Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract . The purpose of Update No. 2018-15 is to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). Update No. 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. We adopted Update No. 2018-15 in the first quarter of 2020. The adoption had an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations. ASC Update No. 2018-18 In November 2018, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction Between Topic 808 and Topic 606. The purpose of Update No. 2018-18 is to clarify the interaction between FASB ASC Topic 808 and FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (FASB ASC Topic 606) as FASB ASC Topic 808 did not provide comprehensive recognition or measurement guidance for collaborative arrangements, and the accounting for those arrangements was often based on an analogy to other accounting literature or an accounting policy election. Update No. 2018-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We adopted Update No. 2018-18 in the first quarter of 2020. The adoption had an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations. Standards to be Implemented ASC Update No. 2020-10 In October 2020, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2020-10, Codification Improvements . Update No. 2020-10 amends a wide variety of Topics in the Codification in order to improve the consistency of the Codification and the application thereof, while leaving Generally Accepted Accounting Principles unchanged. Update No. 2020-10 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, for public business entities. We plan to adopt Update No. 2020-10 in the first quarter of 2021 and expect it will have an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations. ASC Update No. 2020-06 In August 2020, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity . The amendments in Update No. 2020-06 simplify the complexity associated with applying U.S. GAAP for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. More specifically, the amendments focus on the guidance for convertible instruments and derivative scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity. Update No. 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We plan to early adopt Update No. 2020-06 in the first quarter of 2021 and expect it will have an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations. ASC Update No. 2019-12 In December 2019, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes . The purpose of Update No. 2019-12 is to continue the FASB’s Simplification Initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. The amendments in Update No. 2019-12 simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions related to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the requirement to recognize or derecognize deferred tax liabilities related to equity method investments that are also foreign subsidiaries, and the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period. In addition to removing these exceptions, Update No. 2019-12 also clarifies and simplifies other aspects of the accounting for income taxes. Update No. 2019-12 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those annual periods. We plan to adopt Update No. 2019-12 in the first quarter of 2021 and expect it will have an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations. No other new accounting pronouncements, issued or effective, during the period had, or is expected to have, a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Employee Retirement Plans (Note

Employee Retirement Plans (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Employee Retirement Plans (Notes)	Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	NOTE S – EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS Defined Benefit Pension Plans Domestic Retirement Plans Following our 2006 acquisition of Guidant, we assumed the Guidant Supplemental Retirement Plan, a frozen, non-qualified defined benefit plan for certain former officers and employees of Guidant. The Guidant Supplemental Retirement Plan was partially funded through a Rabbi Trust that contains segregated company assets within restricted cash used to pay the benefit obligations related to the plan. We also maintain an Executive Retirement Plan, a defined benefit plan covering executive officers and division presidents. Participants may retire with benefits once retirement conditions have been satisfied. U.K. Plan As a result of our acquisition of BTG, we assumed a benefit obligation related to a defined benefit pension plan sponsored by BTG for eligible United Kingdom (U.K.) employees (U.K. Plan). The U.K. Plan was closed to new entrants as of June 1, 2004. Prior to the acquisition close date of August 19, 2019, the Trustees of the U.K. Plan executed buy-in arrangements (Buy-in Contracts), which effectively, as structured under the Buy-in Contracts, are intended to provide payments designed to equal all future designated contractual benefit payments to covered participants. The benefit obligation of the pension plan is not transferred to the insurers, and we remain responsible for paying pension benefits. We do not anticipate any additional material contributions or payments to the U.K. Plan or the insurer. In connection with the final purchase price allocation of BTG, we recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. The following assumptions were used to measure the fair value of the benefit obligation and associated plan assets as of the August 19, 2019 measurement date: Discount Rate Expected Return on Plan Assets Rate of Compensation Increase U.K. Plan 0.4% 0.4% 3.4% As of the measurement date of August 19, 2019, the funded status was as follows: (in millions) Fair value of plan assets $ 213 Benefit obligation (216) Funded status $ (3) Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments for additional information on our acquisition of BTG. Information about the U.K. Plan presented below are as of the December 31, 2020 and 2019 measurement dates. Other International Retirement Plans In addition, we maintain retirement plans covering certain international employees. We use a December 31 measurement date for these plans and record the net unfunded and underfunded portion as a liability within non-current liabilities, with the current portion within accrued expenses, on the consolidated balance sheets, recognizing changes primarily through OCI . As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the funded status of our plans were unfunded or underfunded in aggregate. The outstanding obligation is as follows: As of December 31, 2020 ( in millions) Accumulated Benefit Obligation (ABO) Projected Fair value of Plan Assets Unfunded/Underfunded Domestic Retirement Plans $ 54 $ 58 $ — $ 58 U.K. Plan 226 226 223 3 Other International Retirement Plans 225 247 132 115 $ 506 $ 532 $ 355 $ 177 As of December 31, 2019 ( in millions) Accumulated Benefit Obligation (ABO) Projected Fair value of Plan Assets Unfunded/Underfunded PBO Recognized Domestic Retirement Plans $ 50 $ 54 $ — $ 54 U.K. Plan 212 212 209 3 Other International Retirement Plans 204 223 123 100 $ 466 $ 488 $ 332 $ 156 A rollforward of the changes in the PBO for our retirement plans is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Beginning obligations $ 488 $ 232 Acquired plans — 216 Service costs 19 15 Interest costs 5 5 Actuarial (gain) loss 22 — Plan amendments and assumption changes (5) 11 Benefits paid (23) (10) Impact of foreign currency fluctuations 26 19 Ending obligation $ 532 $ 488 The critical assumptions associated with our employee retirement plans for 2020 are as follows: Weighted Average Discount Rate Weighted Average Expected Return on Plan Weighted Average Rate of Compensation Increase (1) Domestic Retirement Plans 1.90% n/a 1.50% U.K. Plan 0.10% 0.10% n/a Other International Retirement Plans 0.67% 1.98% 2.40% (1) Rates of compensation increase were not weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments. As such, the amount represents the median of the inputs and is not a weighted average. The critical assumptions associated with our employee retirement plans for 2019 are as follows: Weighted Average Discount Rate Weighted Average Expected Return on Plan Weighted Average Rate of Compensation Increase (1) Domestic Retirement Plans 2.94% n/a 1.50% U.K. Plan 0.60% 0.60% 3.00% Other International Retirement Plans 0.75% 2.05% 2.65% (1) Rates of compensation increase were not weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments. As such, the amount represents the median of the inputs and is not a weighted average. A rollforward of the changes in the fair value of plan assets for our funded retirement plans is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Beginning fair value $ 332 $ 107 Acquired plans — 213 Actual return on plan assets 2 7 Employer contributions 12 13 Participant contributions 2 2 Actuarial gain (loss) 14 (20) Benefits paid (23) (10) Impact of foreign currency fluctuations 16 19 Ending fair value $ 355 $ 332 For our defined benefit plans excluding our U.K. Plan, we base our discount rate on the rates of return available on high-quality bonds with maturities approximating the expected period over which benefits will be paid. The rate of compensation increase is based on historical and expected rate increases. We base our rate of expected return on plan assets on historical experience, our investment guidelines and expectations for long-term rates of return. Our assets are invested in a variety of securities, primarily equity securities and government bonds. These securities are considered Level 1 and Level 2 investments. For our U.K. Plan, we utilize the insurance buy-in methodology and base our discount rate on a yield curve reflective of the market pricing obtained in the most recent buy-in transaction, which occurred prior to the acquisition of BTG, and movements in market-observed buy-in pricing as of December 31, 2020. We believe this is a reasonable proxy for an effective settlement rate of the buy-in assets. The discount rate is calculated as the single equivalent assumption that gives the same value of the liabilities as if the figures were calculated using the full yield curve. We assume that all pension increases will continue to be linked to the Retail Price Inflation (RPI), both before and after retirement, for all members, with the exception of post-88 Guaranteed Minimum Pensions (GMP), which will be based on Consumer Price Inflation (CPI). We base our rate of expected return on plan assets as equal to the discount rate used to value the buy-in assets. The U.K. Plan assets' investment policy is to invest in fully matching assets. This has been achieved through the purchase of two buy-in policies (Buy-in contracts), which provide payments designed to equal all future benefit payments due from the fund. As of December 31, 2020, the Buy-in contracts represented 100% of the total plan assets, as compared to the target percentage of 100 percent, and are considered Level 3 investments. As of December 31, 2019, the Buy-in contracts represented 99 percent of the total plan assets, as compared to the target percentage of 100 percent, and are considered Level 3 investments. The following table presents the fair value hierarchy of the U.K. Plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2020: As of December 31, 2020 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Buy-in contracts $ — $ — $ 223 $ 223 Total assets $ — $ — $ 223 $ 223 The following table presents the fair value hierarchy of the U.K. Plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2019: As of As of December 31, 2019 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Buy-in contracts $ — $ — $ 207 $ 207 Cash 1 — — 1 Total assets $ 1 $ — $ 207 $ 209 Changes in the fair value of the U.K. Plan Level 3 assets were as follows: (in millions) Buy-in Contracts Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 209 Actual return on plan assets 1 Actuarial gain (loss) 15 Transfers out for benefits paid (9) Impact of foreign currency fluctuations 7 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 223 Defined Contribution Plan We also sponsor a voluntary 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan for eligible employees. We match 200 percent of employee elective deferrals for the first two percent of employee eligible compensation and 50 percent of employee elective deferrals greater than two percent, but not exceeding six percent, of employee eligible compensation. Total expense for our matching contributions to the plan was $102 million in 2020, $98 million in 2019 and $87 million in 2018.

Schedule II

Schedule II	12 Months Ended
Schedule II	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Description Balance at Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASU 2016-13 (a) Credit loss exposure (a) Write-offs (c) Charges to Balance at Year Ended December 31, 2020: Allowances for credit losses (b) $ 74 10 49 (27) — $ 105 Year Ended December 31, 2019: Allowances for uncollectible accounts $ 68 n/a 23 (17) — $ 74 Year Ended December 31, 2018: Allowances for uncollectible accounts (e) $ 98 n/a 19 (19) (30) $ 68 (a) Following the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 326 as of January 1, 2020, we record credit loss reserves to Allowance for credit losses when we establish Trade accounts receivable if credit losses are expected over the asset's contractual life. As a result of the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 326, we recorded a net reduction to opening retained earnings on January 1, 2020 related to the establishment of credit loss reserves on Trade accounts receivable and recorded a corresponding increase in the Allowance for credit losses , a contra Trade accounts receivable account. Prior period amounts have not been restated and are presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310. Amounts shown within credit loss exposure above were established through selling, general and administrative expense. (b) Beginning in 2020, Allowance for uncollectible accounts are referred to as Allowance for credit losses within our consolidated balance sheets. (c) Represents actual write-offs of uncollectible accounts. (d) Represents net change in allowances for sales returns, recorded as contra-revenue. (e) Following the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018, the allowance for sales returns has been reclassified from Trade accounts receivable, net to Other current liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets and is not included in the ending balance for 2018 above. Prior period balances remain unchanged.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Boston Scientific Corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, after the elimination of intercompany transactions. When used in this report, the terms "we," "us," "our" and "the Company" mean Boston Scientific Corporation and its divisions and subsidiaries. We assess the terms of our investment interests to determine if any of our investees meet the definition of a variable interest entity (VIE) . For any VIEs, we perform an analysis to determine whether our variable interests give us a controlling financial interest. The analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both 1) the power to direct activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and 2) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity. Based on our assessments under the applicable guidance, we did not have controlling financial interests in any VIEs and, therefore, did not consolidate any VIEs during 2020, 2019 or 2018. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) and with the instructions to Form 10-K and Regulation S-X. Amounts reported in millions within this report are computed based on the amounts in thousands. As a result, the sum of the components reported in millions may not equal the total amount reported in millions due to rounding. Certain columns and rows within tables may not add due to the use of rounded numbers. Percentages presented are calculated from the underlying numbers in dollars.
Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Subsequent Events We evaluate events occurring after the date of our accompanying consolidated balance sheets for potential recognition or disclosure in our consolidated financial statements. Those items requiring recognition in the financial statements have been recorded and disclosed accordingly. Those items requiring disclosure (non-recognized subsequent events) in the financial statements have been disclosed accordingly. Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments , Note H – Restructuring-related Activities , Note K – Commitments and Contingencies and Note L – Stockholders' Equity for further details.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Estimates To prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities as of the date of our consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of our revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Our actual results may differ from these estimates. Refer to Critical Accounting Estimates included in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report for further discussion.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents We record Cash and cash equivalents in our consolidated balance sheets at cost, which approximates fair value. Our policy is to invest excess cash in short-term marketable securities earning a market rate of interest without assuming undue risk of loss of principal amounts invested and we limit our direct exposure to securities in any one industry or issuer. We consider to be cash equivalents all short-term marketable securities with remaining days to maturity of 90 days or less from the purchase date that can be readily converted to cash. Restricted Cash Amounts included in restricted cash represent cash on hand required to be set aside by a contractual agreement related to receivable factoring arrangements and deferred compensation plans and are included in the Other current assets caption within our consolidated balance sheets. Generally, the restrictions related to the factoring arrangements lapse at the time we remit the customer payments collected by us for servicing previously sold customer receivables to the purchaser. Restrictions for deferred compensation lapse when amounts are paid to the employee. Restricted Cash Equivalents Restricted cash equivalents primarily represent amounts paid into various qualified settlement funds related to our ongoing transvaginal surgical mesh litigation and current amounts related to our non-qualified pension plan and are included in the Other current assets caption within our consolidated balance sheets. The restrictions related to the various qualified settlement funds will lapse as we approve amounts payable to claimants, at which time we no longer have rights to a return of the amounts paid into the various qualified settlement funds. Restricted cash equivalents included in the Other long-term assets
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and accounts and notes receivable. Our investment policy limits exposure to concentrations of credit risk and changes in market conditions. Counterparties to financial instruments expose us to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance. We transact our financial instruments with a diversified group of major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings and actively monitor their credit ratings and our outstanding positions to limit our credit exposure. In the normal course, our payment terms with customers, including hospitals, healthcare agencies, clinics, doctors' offices and other private and governmental institutions, are typically 30 days in the U.S. but may be longer in international markets and generally do not require collateral. We record credit loss reserves to Allowance for credit losses when we establish Trade accounts receivable if credit losses are expected over the asset's contractual life. We base our estimates of credit loss reserves on historical experience and adjust, as necessary, to reflect current conditions using reasonable and supportable forecasts not already reflected in the historical loss information. We utilize an accounts receivable aging approach to determine the reserve to record at accounts receivable commencement for certain customers, applying country or region-specific factors. In performing the assessment of outstanding accounts receivable, regardless of country or region, we may consider significant factors relevant to collectability, including those specific to a customer such as bankruptcy, lengthy average payment cycles and type of account. We write-off amounts determined to be uncollectible against this reserve. Write-offs of uncollectible accounts receivable were immaterial in 2020, 2019 and 2018. We are not dependent on any single institution, and no single customer accounted for more than ten percent of our net sales in 2020, 2019 and 2018; however, large group purchasing organizations, hospital networks, international distributors and dealers and other buying groups have become increasingly important to our business and represent a substantial portion of our net sales. We closely monitor outstanding receivables for potential collection risks, including those that may arise from economic conditions, in both the U.S. and international economies. Our sales to government-owned or supported customers, particularly in southern Europe, are subject to an increased number of days outstanding prior to payment relative to other countries. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated an ongoing site-of-service trend of shifting procedure volumes toward non-hospital settings, particularly ambulatory surgery centers, driven by considerations surrounding costs, reimbursement policies, advances in minimally invasive treatments and remote patient monitoring. We have seen an increase in the volume of our U.S. business conducted in ambulatory surgery centers. Many of these customers are smaller than those we have historically done business with and may have limited liquidity. While certain ambulatory surgery centers are performing an increasing number of procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, others have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and mitigation measures. We have adjusted our estimates of credit loss reserves for these customers, regions and conditions, as appropriate. We believe our Allowance for credit losses
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition We sell our products primarily through a direct sales force. In certain international markets, we sell our products through independent distributors or dealers. We consider revenue to be earned when all of the following criteria are met in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers : • We have a contract with a customer that creates enforceable rights and obligations, • Promised products or services are identified, • The transaction price, or the amount we expect to receive, is determinable and • We have transferred control of the promised items to the customer. Transfer of control is evidenced upon passage of title and risk of loss to the customer unless we are required to provide additional services. We treat shipping and handling costs performed after a customer obtains control of the good as a fulfillment cost and record these costs as a selling expense when incurred. We recognize revenue from consignment arrangements based on product usage, or implant, which indicates that the sale is complete. We recognize a receivable at the point in time we have an unconditional right to payment. Payment terms are typically 30 days in the U.S. but may be longer in international markets. Deferred Revenue We record a contract liability, or deferred revenue, when we have an obligation to provide a product or service to the customer and payment is received or due in advance of our performance. When we sell a device with a future service obligation, we defer revenue on the unfulfilled performance obligation and recognize this revenue over the related service period. Many of our Cardiac Rhythm Management product offerings combine the sale of a device with our LATITUDE™ Patient Management System, within our Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) business, which represents a future service obligation. Generally, we do not have observable evidence of the standalone selling price related to our future service obligations; therefore, we estimate the selling price using an expected cost plus a margin approach. We allocate the transaction price using the relative standalone selling price method. The use of alternative estimates could result in a different amount of revenue deferral. Contract liabilities are classified within Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our contractual liabilities are primarily composed of deferred revenue related to the LATITUDE Patient Management System. Revenue is recognized over the average service period which is based on device and patient longevity. Our contractual liabilities also include deferred revenue related to the LUX-Dx™ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) system, also within our CRM business, for which revenue is recognized over the average service period based on device longevity and usage. We have elected not to disclose the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations when the original expected contract duration is one year or less. In addition, we have not identified material unfulfilled performance obligations for which revenue is not currently deferred. Variable Consideration We generally allow our customers to return defective, damaged and, in certain cases, expired products for credit. We base our estimate for sales returns upon historical trends and record the amount as a reduction to revenue when we sell the initial product. In addition, we may allow customers to return previously purchased products for next-generation product offerings. For these transactions, we defer recognition of revenue on the sale of the earlier generation product based upon an estimate of the amount of product to be returned when the next-generation products are shipped to the customer. Uncertain timing of next-generation product approvals, variability in product launch strategies, product recalls and variation in product utilization all affect our estimates related to sales returns and could cause actual returns to differ from these estimates. We also offer sales rebates and discounts to certain customers. We treat sales rebates and discounts as a reduction of revenue and classify the corresponding liability as current. We estimate rebates for products where there is sufficient historical information available to predict the volume of expected future rebates. If we are unable to reasonably estimate the expected rebates, we record a liability for the maximum rebate percentage offered. We have entered certain agreements with group purchasing organizations to sell our products to participating hospitals at negotiated prices. We recognize revenue from these agreements following the same revenue recognition criteria discussed above. Post-Implant Services We provide non-contractual services to customers to ensure the safe and effective use of certain implanted devices. Because the revenue related to the immaterial services is recognized before they are delivered, we forward accrue the costs to provide these services at the time the devices are sold. We record these costs to Selling, general and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of operations. We estimate the amount of time spent by our representatives performing these services and their compensation throughout the device life to determine the service cost. Changes to our business practice or the use of alternative estimates could result in a different amount of accrued cost.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories We state inventories at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or net realizable value. We utilize a standard costing system, capitalizing variances between estimated and actual production costs during periods of normal production, and amortize to Cost of products sold over inventory turns. We expense manufacturing variances during periods of abnormal production, or less than 75 percent of manufacturing capacity. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded $149 million of abnormal manufacturing variances attributable to lower production levels resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and lower than forecasted demand for our products. We did not record any abnormal production variances during the years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment We state property, plant, equipment and leasehold improvements at historical cost. We charge expenditures for maintenance and repairs to expense and capitalize additions and improvements that extend the life of the underlying asset. We provide for depreciation using the straight-line method at rates that approximate the estimated useful lives of the assets. We depreciate buildings over a maximum life of 40 years; building improvements over the remaining useful life of the building structure; equipment, furniture and fixtures over a three to seven year life; and leasehold improvements over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the related lease.
Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Valuation of Business Combinations We allocate the amounts we pay for each acquisition to the assets we acquire and liabilities we assume based on their fair values at the date of acquisition, including identifiable intangible assets and in-process research and development (IPR&D), which either arise from a contractual or legal right or are separable from goodwill. We base the fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination, including IPR&D, on detailed valuations that use information and assumptions provided by management, which consider management’s best estimates of inputs and assumptions that a market participant would use. We allocate to goodwill any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Transaction costs associated with these acquisitions are expensed as incurred through Selling, general and administrative expenses . In those circumstances where an acquisition involves a contingent consideration arrangement, we recognize a liability equal to the fair value of the contingent payments we expect to make as of the acquisition date. We re-measure this liability each reporting period and record changes in the fair value through Contingent consideration net expense (benefit) on our consolidated statements of operations. Increases or decreases in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability can result from changes in discount rates, periods, timing and amount of projected revenue or timing or likelihood of achieving regulatory, revenue or commercialization-based milestones. Payment of additional consideration is generally contingent on the acquired company reaching certain performance milestones after the acquisition date, including attaining specified revenue
In Process Research and Development, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Indefinite-lived Intangibles and IPR&D Our indefinite-lived intangible assets, which are not subject to amortization, include acquired balloon and other technology, which is foundational to our ongoing operations within our Cardiovascular and MedSurg businesses, and IPR&D intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Our IPR&D represents intangible assets that are used in research and development activities but have not yet reached technological feasibility, regardless of whether they have alternative future use. The primary basis for determining the technological feasibility or completion of these projects is obtaining regulatory approval to market the underlying products in an applicable geographic region. We classify IPR&D as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. Upon completion of the associated research and development efforts, we will determine the useful life of the technology and begin amortizing the assets to reflect their use over their remaining lives. Upon permanent abandonment, we write-off the remaining carrying amount of the associated IPR&D intangible asset. We test our indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually during the third quarter for impairment and reassess their classification as indefinite-lived assets. In addition, we review our indefinite-lived intangible assets for classification and impairment more frequently if impairment indicators exist. We assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that our indefinite-lived intangible assets are impaired. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired, we then determine the fair value of the intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset, we write the carrying value down to the fair value. We use the income approach to determine the fair values of our IPR&D. We base our revenue assumptions on estimates of relevant market sizes, expected market growth rates, expected trends in technology and expected levels of market share. In arriving at the value of the in-process projects, we consider, among other factors, the in-process projects’ stage of completion, the complexity of the work completed as of the acquisition date, the costs already incurred, the projected costs to complete, the contribution of other acquired assets, the expected regulatory path and introduction dates by region and the estimated useful life of the technology. See Note D – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for more information related to indefinite-lived intangibles, including IPR&D.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets We record definite-lived intangible assets at historical cost and amortize them over their estimated useful lives. We use a straight-line method of amortization, unless a method that better reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up can be reliably determined. The approximate useful lives for amortization of our intangible assets are as follows: patents and licenses, two to 20 years; amortizable technology-related and customer relationships, five to 25 years; other intangible assets, various. We review intangible assets subject to amortization quarterly to determine if any adverse conditions exist or a change in circumstances has occurred that would indicate impairment or a change in the remaining useful life. Conditions that may indicate impairment include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate that could affect the value of an asset, a product recall or an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. If we determine it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired based on our qualitative assessment of impairment indicators, we test the intangible asset for recoverability. For purposes of the recoverability test, we group our amortizable intangible assets with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows if the intangible asset does not generate cash flows independent of other assets and liabilities. If the carrying value of the intangible asset or asset group exceeds the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the intangible asset or asset group, we will write the carrying value down to fair value in the period impairment is identified. We calculate fair value of our intangible assets as the present value of estimated future cash flows we expect to generate from the asset. In determining our estimated future cash flows associated with our intangible assets, we use estimates and assumptions about future revenue contributions, cost structures and remaining useful lives of the asset or asset group. See Note D – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for more information related to impairments of intangible assets.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill Valuation We allocate any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination to goodwill. We test our goodwill balances in the second quarter of each year as of April 1 for impairment, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest an impairment may exist. We assess goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. For our 2020 annual impairment assessment, we identified the following reporting units: Interventional Cardiology, Peripheral Interventions, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Electrophysiology, Endoscopy, Urology and Pelvic Health, Neuromodulation and Specialty Pharmaceuticals. We aggregated the Cardiac Rhythm Management and Electrophysiology reporting units, components of the Rhythm Management operating segment, based on the criteria prescribed in FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other . In the second quarter of 2020, we performed our annual goodwill impairment test utilizing the qualitative assessment approach to test all of our reporting units. We assessed recent events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as changes in macroeconomic factors, industry and market conditions, overall financial performance and other entity-specific factors since the most recently performed quantitative test. After assessing the totality of events, we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units has sufficient excess over its carrying value, and concluded that goodwill was not impaired or at risk of impairment. On December 1, 2020, we announced the execution of a definitive agreement pursuant to which we agreed to sell our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business (disposal group) for a purchase price of $800 million, subject to certain adjustments including cash on hand as of the closing date of the transaction. The sale is expected to close in the first half of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. We acquired our Specialty Pharmaceuticals business in conjunction with the BTG acquisition on August 19, 2019. In connection with the execution of a definitive agreement to sell the disposal group for a specified amount, we performed an impairment assessment of our goodwill and intangible assets, which resulted in a goodwill impairment of $73 million. As of December 31, 2020, we classified the remaining assets and liabilities of the disposal group as held for sale within our consolidated balance sheets at their respective carrying values, which approximates fair value, less cost to sell. Refer to Note D – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets to our consolidated financial statements for additional details related to our goodwill balances.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of our assets and liabilities. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when we expect the differences to reverse. We reduce our deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that we will not realize some portion or all of the deferred tax assets. We consider relevant evidence, both positive and negative, to determine the need for a valuation allowance. Information evaluated includes our financial position and results of operations for the current and preceding years, the availability of deferred tax liabilities and tax carrybacks, as well as estimates of the impact of future taxable income and available prudent and feasible tax-planning strategies. We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense. As part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), we are subject to a territorial tax system in which we are required to establish an accounting policy in providing for tax on Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. We have elected to treat the impact of GILTI as a period cost and report it as part of continuing operations. See Note J – Income Taxes
Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Legal and Product Liability Costs In the normal course of business, we are involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings, including intellectual property, breach of contract, securities litigation and product liability suits. In some cases, the claimants seek damages, as well as other relief, which, if granted, could require significant expenditures or impact our ability to sell our products. We are also the subject of certain governmental investigations, which could result in substantial fines, penalties and administrative remedies. We maintain an insurance policy providing limited coverage against securities claims, and we are substantially self-insured with respect to product liability claims and fully self-insured with respect to intellectual property infringement claims. We accrue anticipated costs of settlement, damages, losses for product liability claims and, under certain conditions, costs of defense, based on historical experience or to the extent specific losses are probable and estimable. Otherwise, we expense these costs as incurred. If the estimate of a probable loss is a range and no amount within the range is more likely, we accrue our best estimate of the minimum amount of the range. We analyze litigation settlements to identify each element of the arrangement. We allocate arrangement consideration to patent licenses received based on estimates of fair value and capitalize these amounts as assets if the license will provide an ongoing future benefit. We record certain legal and product liability charges, credits and costs of defense, which we consider to be unusual or infrequent and significant as Litigation-related charges (credits) in our consolidated statements of operations; all other legal and product liability charges, credits and costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of operations. See Note K – Commitments and Contingencies for discussion of our individual material legal proceedings.	In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies , we accrue anticipated costs of settlement, damages, losses for product liability claims and, under certain conditions, costs of defense, based on historical experience or to the extent specific losses are probable and estimable. Otherwise, we expense these costs as incurred. If the estimate of a probable loss is a range and no amount within the range is more likely, we accrue the minimum amount of the range.
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activity or Restructuring [Policy Text Block]	Costs Associated with Exit Activities We record employee termination costs in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 712 , Compensation - Nonretirement and Postemployment Benefits , if we pay the benefits as part of an ongoing benefit arrangement, which includes benefits provided as part of our established severance policies or that we provide in accordance with international statutory requirements. We accrue employee termination costs associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement if the obligation is attributable to prior services rendered, the rights to the benefits have vested, the payment is probable and we can reasonably estimate the liability. We account for involuntary employee termination benefits that represent a one-time benefit in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 420 , Exit or Disposal Cost Obligation s. We record such costs into expense over the employee’s future service period, if any. Other costs associated with exit activities may include contract termination costs and consulting fees, which are expensed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 420 and are included in Restructuring net charges (credits) in our consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, costs directly related to our active restructuring initiatives, including program management costs, accelerated depreciation, fixed asset write-offs and costs to transfer product lines among facilities are included within Costs of products sold and Selling, general and administrative expenses within our consolidated statements of operations. Impairment of right of use lease assets and lease termination costs directly related to our active restructuring initiatives are expensed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 842 and included within Costs of products sold or Selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. See Note H – Restructuring-related Activities for further information and discussion of our restructuring plans.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Translation of Foreign Currency We translate all assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries from the functional currency, which is generally the local currency, into U.S. dollars using the year-end exchange rate. We show the net effect of these translation adjustments in our consolidated financial statements as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax . We translate revenues and expenses at the average exchange rates in effect during the year. For any significant foreign subsidiaries located in highly inflationary economies, we would re-measure their financial statements as if the functional currency were the U.S. dollar. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in Other, net
ASC Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities [Policy Text Block]
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research and Development We expense research and development (R&D) costs, including new product development programs, regulatory compliance and clinical research as incurred. Refer to Indefinite-lived Intangibles and IPR&D above for our policy regarding R&D projects acquired in connection with our business combinations and asset purchases.
Investment, Policy	Investments in Publicly Traded and Privately Held Entities For publicly-held equity securities for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, we measure at fair value with changes in fair value recognized currently in Other, net within our accompanying consolidated statements of operations. For privately-held equity securities for which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence, we apply the measurement alternative approach and measure these investments at cost minus impairment, if any, adjusted to fair value for any, observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. We account for investments in entities over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence under the equity method if we hold 50 percent or less of the voting stock and the entity is not a VIE in which we are the primary beneficiary in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures . We record these investments initially at cost and adjust the carrying amount to reflect our share of the earnings or losses of the investee, including all adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated financial statements. Lastly, we have notes receivable from certain companies that we account for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 320 , Investments - Debt and Equity Securities . Refer to Note B – Acquisitions and Strategic Investments for additional details on our investment balances. Each reporting period, we evaluate our investments to determine if there are any events or circumstances that are likely to have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. Examples of such impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, a significant deterioration in earnings performance, recent financing rounds at reduced valuations, a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic or technological environment of an investee or a significant doubt about an investee’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we identify an impairment indicator, we will estimate the fair value of the investment and compare it to its carrying value. Our estimation of fair value considers financial information related to the investee available to us, including valuations based on recent third-party equity investments in the investee. For our investments for which we apply the measurement alternative, if the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value, the investment Net gains and losses and impairments associated with our investment portfolio are included in Other, net
Standard Product Warranty, Policy	Warranty Obligations We offer warranties on certain of our product offerings. The majority of our warranty liability relates to implantable devices offered by our CRM business, which include implantable defibrillator and pacemaker systems. These products come with a standard limited warranty covering the replacement of these devices. We offer a full warranty for a portion of the period post-implant and a partial warranty for a period of time thereafter. We estimate the costs that we may incur under our warranty programs based on the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims and cost per claim and record a liability equal to these estimated costs as cost of products sold at the time the product sale occurs. We assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty liabilities on a quarterly basis and adjust these amounts as necessary.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy	Shipping and Handling Costs We generally do not bill customers for shipping and handling of our products. We treat shipping and handling costs incurred after a customer obtains control of the good as a fulfillment cost and record in Selling, general and administrative expenses

Fair Value Measures and Disclos

Fair Value Measures and Disclosures (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Fair Value Measures and Disclosures (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Financial Instruments We recognize all derivative financial instruments in our consolidated financial statements at fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815 , Derivatives and Hedging , and we present assets and liabilities associated with our derivative financial instruments on a gross basis in our financial statements. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, for those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the hedging instrument must be designated, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether it qualifies for, and has been designated as part of a hedging relationship, as well as on the type of hedging relationship. Our derivative instruments do not subject our earnings to material risk, as gains and losses on these derivatives generally offset gains and losses on the item being hedged, and we do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes. Refer to Note E – Hedging Activities and Fair Value Measurements for more information on our hedging instruments.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	FASB ASC Topic 815 requires all derivative and nonderivative instruments to be recognized at their fair values as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. We determine the fair value of our derivative and nonderivative instruments using the framework prescribed by FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

New Accounting Pronouncements N

New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]
ASC Update No. 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (FASB ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses)	ASC Update No. 2016-13 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (FASB ASC Topic 326 , Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ). We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective method. Under this method, we applied the new credit loss measurement guidance to financial assets measured at amortized cost on the date of adoption and recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 326. Prior period amounts have not been restated and are reported in accordance with legacy GAAP requirements in FASB ASC Topic 310, Receivables . Upon the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 326, credit loss reserves are recorded when financial assets are established if credit losses are expected over the asset’s contractual life. These losses were previously expensed when it became probable that a loss would be incurred. As a result of the adoption of FASB ASC Topic 326, we recorded a net reduction to opening retained earnings on January 1, 2020 related to the establishment of credit loss reserves on Trade accounts receivable and recorded a corresponding increase in the Allowance for credit losses , a contra Trade accounts receivable account. The adoption had an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations.
ASC Update No. 2018-15 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40)	ASC Update No. 2018-15 In August 2018, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) : Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract . The purpose of Update No. 2018-15 is to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). Update No. 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. We adopted Update No. 2018-15 in the first quarter of 2020. The adoption had an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations.
ASC Update No. 2018-18 Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction Between Topic 808 and Topic 606	ASC Update No. 2018-18 In November 2018, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction Between Topic 808 and Topic 606. The purpose of Update No. 2018-18 is to clarify the interaction between FASB ASC Topic 808 and FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (FASB ASC Topic 606) as FASB ASC Topic 808 did not provide comprehensive recognition or measurement guidance for collaborative arrangements, and the accounting for those arrangements was often based on an analogy to other accounting literature or an accounting policy election. Update No. 2018-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. We adopted Update No. 2018-18 in the first quarter of 2020. The adoption had an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations.
ASC Update No. 2020-10 Codification Improvements	ASC Update No. 2020-10 In October 2020, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2020-10, Codification Improvements . Update No. 2020-10 amends a wide variety of Topics in the Codification in order to improve the consistency of the Codification and the application thereof, while leaving Generally Accepted Accounting Principles unchanged. Update No. 2020-10 is effective for annual periods beginning
ASC Update No. 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40)	ASC Update No. 2020-06 In August 2020, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2020-06, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity . The amendments in Update No. 2020-06 simplify the complexity associated with applying U.S. GAAP for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. More specifically, the amendments focus on the guidance for convertible instruments and derivative scope exception for contracts in an entity’s own equity. Update No. 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We plan to early adopt Update No. 2020-06 in the first quarter of 2021 and expect it will have an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations.
ASC Update No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740)	ASC Update No. 2019-12 In December 2019, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
ASC Update No. 2018-15, Internal-Use Software [Policy Text Block]	ASC Update No. 2018-15 In August 2018, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) : Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract . The purpose of Update No. 2018-15 is to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). Update No. 2018-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. We adopted Update No. 2018-15 in the first quarter of 2020. The adoption had an immaterial impact on our financial position and results of operations.

Employee Retirement Plans Emplo

Employee Retirement Plans Employee Retirement Plans (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We use a December 31 measurement date for these plans and record the net unfunded and underfunded portion as a liability within non-current liabilities, with the current portion within accrued expenses, on the consolidated balance sheets, recognizing changes primarily through OCI

Acquisitions and Strategic In_2

Acquisitions and Strategic Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions and Strategic Investments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liability were as follows: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 347 Amounts recorded related to current year acquisitions 127 Contingent consideration arrangements transferred (16) Contingent consideration net expense (benefit) (35) Contingent consideration payments (68) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 354 Contingent consideration net expense (benefit) (100) Contingent consideration payments (58) Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 196
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]	The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of our contingent consideration liability that we expect to be required to settle include the following significant unobservable inputs: Contingent Consideration Liability Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (1) R&D, Regulatory and Commercialization-based Milestones $104 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 2% 2% Probability of Payment 90% 90% Projected Year of Payment 2027 2027 Revenue-based Payments $93 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 12 % - 14% 13% Probability of Payment 80 % - 100% 100% Projected Year of Payment 2021 - 2024 2022 (1) Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the contingent consideration liability. For projected year of payment, the amount represents the median of the inputs and is not a weighted average.
Investment [Table Text Block]	The aggregate carrying amount of our strategic investments was comprised of the following: As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Equity method investments $ 319 $ 264 Measurement alternative investments (1) 183 171 Publicly-held securities (2) 414 1 Notes receivable 2 23 $ 918 $ 458 (1) Measurement alternative investments are privately-held equity securities without readily determinable fair values that are measured at cost less impairment, if any, adjusted to fair value for any observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer, recognized in Other, net within our accompanying consolidated statements of operations. (2) Publicly-held equity securities are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in Other, net within our consolidated statements of operations.
BTG Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	(in millions) Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired $ 3,619
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	(in millions) Goodwill $ 1,635 Trade accounts receivable, net 108 Inventories 232 Other current assets 252 Other intangible assets, net 1,785 Other long-term assets 538 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (308) Other long-term liabilities (274) Deferred tax liability (349) $ 3,619
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	Amount Assigned (in millions) Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Amortizable intangible assets: Technology-related $ 1,709 10 - 18 11 % - 12% Other intangible assets 75 2 - 11 11% $ 1,785
2019 Acquisitions (Vertiflex and Millipede)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	(in millions) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 763 Fair value of contingent consideration 127 Fair value of prior interests 102 $ 992
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	(in millions) Goodwill $ 577 Amortizable intangible assets 220 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 240 Other assets acquired 24 Liabilities assumed (12) Net deferred tax liabilities (58) $ 992
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	Amount Assigned (in millions) Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Amortizable intangible assets: Technology-related $ 210 12 15% Other intangible assets 10 12 15% Indefinite-lived intangible assets: In-process research and development 240 N/A 19% $ 461
2018 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The final purchase prices were comprised of the following components: (in millions) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired $ 1,449 Fair value of contingent consideration 248 Fair value of prior interests 251 $ 1,948
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]	(in millions) Goodwill $ 939 Amortizable intangible assets 939 In-process research and development 213 Other assets acquired 38 Liabilities assumed (19) Net deferred tax liabilities (162) $ 1,948
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	Amount Assigned (in millions) Amortization Period (in years) Risk-Adjusted Discount Amortizable intangible assets Technology-related $ 908 6 - 14 14 % - 23% Other intangible assets 31 6 - 13 13 % - 15% Indefinite-lived intangible assets In-process research and development 213 n/a 15% $ 1,153

Assets and Liabilities Held f_2

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of the disposal group as of December 31, 2020 are presented below: (in millions) As of December 31, 2020 Cash $ 37 Trade accounts receivable, net 24 Inventories 79 Other current assets 17 Goodwill 175 Other intangible assets, net 758 Other long-term assets 45 Assets held for sale $ 1,133 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities $ 25 Other long-term liabilities 27 Deferred tax liability 148 Liabilities held for sale included in Other current liabilities $ 200

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 (in millions) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Technology-related $ 11,059 $ (6,179) $ 12,020 $ (5,706) Patents 511 (407) 525 (408) Other intangible assets 1,775 (1,220) 1,754 (1,081) Amortizable intangible assets $ 13,345 $ (7,806) $ 14,299 $ (7,195) Goodwill $ 19,924 $ (9,973) $ 20,076 $ (9,900) IPR&D 257 662 Technology-related 120 120 Indefinite-lived intangible assets $ 377 $ 782
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The following represents our goodwill balance by global reportable segment and our separately presented Specialty Pharmaceuticals operating segment: (in millions) MedSurg Rhythm and Neuro Cardiovascular Specialty Pharmaceuticals Total Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 2,063 $ 1,924 $ 3,925 $ — $ 7,911 Foreign currency fluctuations and other changes (1) — 58 9 66 Goodwill acquired — 268 1,712 238 2,218 Goodwill divested — — (19) — (19) Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 2,061 $ 2,192 $ 5,676 $ 247 $ 10,176 Foreign currency fluctuations and other changes (2) 3 22 — 22 Goodwill impairment charges — — — (73) (73) Goodwill reclassified to Current assets held for sale — — — (175) (175) Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 2,059 $ 2,194 $ 5,697 $ — $ 9,951
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Estimated Amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years based upon our amortizable intangible asset portfolio as of December 31, 2020 is as follows (in millions): Fiscal Year 2021 $ 689 2022 664 2023 651 2024 613 2025 560

Hedging Activities and Fair V_2

Hedging Activities and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Hedging Activities and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Derivative [Line Items]
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions (Table Text Block)	The following table presents the contractual amounts of our hedging instruments outstanding: (in millions) FASB ASC Topic 815 Designation As of December 31, 2020 2019 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedge $ 4,531 $ 3,891 Forward currency contracts Net investment hedge 1,004 953 Foreign currency-denominated debt (1) Net investment hedge 868 997 Forward currency contracts Non-designated 4,946 4,377 Total Notional Outstanding $ 11,349 $ 10,218
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following presents the effect of our derivative and nonderivative instruments designated as cash flow and net investment hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Refer to Note Q – Changes in Other Comprehensive Income for the total amounts relating to derivative and nonderivative instruments presented within our consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Effect of Hedging Relationships on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Amount Recognized in OCI on Hedges Consolidated Statements of Operations (1) Amount Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) Tax Benefit (Expense) Gain (Loss) Net of Tax Location of Amount Reclassified and Total Amount of Line Item Pre-Tax (Gain) Loss Tax (Benefit) Expense (Gain) Loss Net of Tax Year Ended December 31, 2020 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedges $ (99) $ 22 $ (77) Cost of products sold $ 3,465 $ (83) $ 19 $ (64) Net investment hedges (2) (37) 8 (29) Interest expense 361 (24) 5 (19) Foreign currency-denominated debt Net investment hedges (3) (89) 21 (68) Other, net (362) — — — Interest rate derivative contracts Cash flow hedges — — — Interest expense 361 5 (1) 4 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedges $ 150 $ (34) $ 117 Cost of products sold $ 3,116 $ (73) $ 16 $ (56) Net investment hedges (2) 68 (15) 53 Interest expense 473 (43) 10 (33) Foreign currency-denominated debt Net investment hedges (3) (14) 3 (11) Other, net 358 — — — Interest rate derivative contracts Cash flow hedges — — — Interest expense 473 3 (1) 2 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedges $ 167 $ (38) $ 130 Cost of products sold $ 2,813 $ 19 $ (4) $ 15 Net investment hedges (2) 56 (13) 43 Interest expense 241 (27) 6 (21) Interest rate derivative contracts Cash flow hedges (44) 10 (34) Interest expense 241 (1) — (1) (1) In all periods presented in the table above, the pre-tax (gain) loss amounts reclassified from AOCI to earnings represent the effect of the hedging relationships on earnings. All other amounts included in earnings related to hedging relationships were immaterial. (2) For our outstanding forward currency contracts designated as net investment hedges, the net gain or loss reclassified from AOCI to earnings as a reduction of Interest expense represents the straight-line amortization of the excluded component as calculated at the date of designation. This initial value of the excluded component has been excluded from the assessment of effectiveness in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815. In the current period, we did not recognize any gains or losses on the components included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness in earnings. (3) For our outstanding euro-denominated debt principal designated as a net investment hedge, the change in fair value attributable to changes in the spot rate is recorded in the Foreign currency translation adjustment (CTA) component of OCI . No amounts were reclassified from AOCI to current period earnings.
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) that may be Reclassified from AOCI to Earnings within Twelve Months [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2020, pre-tax net gains or losses for our derivative instruments designated, or previously designated, as cash flow and net investment hedges under FASB ASC Topic 815 that may be reclassified from AOCI to earnings within the next twelve months are presented below (in millions): Designated Hedging Instrument FASB ASC Topic 815 Designation Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations Amount of Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) that may be Reclassified to Earnings Forward currency contracts Cash flow hedge Cost of products sold $ 21 Forward currency contracts Net investment hedge Interest expense 13 Interest rate derivative contracts Cash flow hedge Interest expense (5)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Table Text Block)	Net gains and losses on currency hedge contracts not designated as hedging instruments offset by net gains and losses from currency transaction exposures are presented below: (in millions) Location on Consolidated Statements of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Net gain (loss) on currency hedge contracts Other, net $ 73 $ (343) $ 41 Net gain (loss) on currency transaction exposures Other, net (105) (15) (30) Net currency exchange gain (loss) $ (32) $ (358) $ 11
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value (Table Text Block)	The following are the balances of our derivative and nonderivative assets and liabilities: (in millions) Location on Consolidated Balance Sheets (1) As of December 31, 2020 2019 Derivative and Nonderivative Assets: Designated Hedging Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current assets $ 53 $ 72 Forward currency contracts Other long-term assets 109 216 162 288 Non-Designated Hedging Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current assets 79 33 Total Derivative and Nonderivative Assets $ 242 $ 321 Derivative and Nonderivative Liabilities: Designated Hedging Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current liabilities $ 44 $ 3 Forward currency contracts Other long-term liabilities 54 8 Foreign currency-denominated debt (2) Other long-term liabilities 1,094 998 1,191 1,009 Non-Designated Hedging Instruments Forward currency contracts Other current liabilities 71 29 Total Derivative and Nonderivative Liabilities $ 1,262 $ 1,037 (1) We classify derivative and nonderivative assets and liabilities as current when the settlement date of the contract is one year or less. (2) The €900 million (approximately $1.000 billion) debt principal is a nonderivative instrument designated as a net investment hedge of our net investments in certain of our euro functional subsidiaries. We dedesignated a portion of the net investment hedges in 2020.
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following: As of December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Money market funds and time deposits $ 1,584 $ — $ — $ 1,584 $ 50 $ — $ — $ 50 Publicly-held securities 414 — — 414 1 — — 1 Hedging instruments — 242 — 242 — 321 — 321 Licensing arrangements — — 365 365 — — 518 518 $ 1,998 $ 242 $ 365 $ 2,605 $ 51 $ 321 $ 518 $ 890 Liabilities Hedging instruments $ — $ 1,262 $ — $ 1,262 $ — $ 1,037 $ — $ 1,037 Contingent consideration liability — — 196 196 — — 354 354 Licensing arrangements — — 407 407 — — 571 571 $ — $ 1,262 $ 603 $ 1,865 $ — $ 1,037 $ 925 $ 1,963 The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of our licensing arrangements recognized in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 include the following significant unobservable inputs: Licensing Arrangements Fair Value as of December 31, 2020 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range Weighted Average (1) Financial Asset $365 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 15% 15% Projected Year of Payment 2021 - 2025 2023 Financial Liability $407 million Discounted Cash Flow Discount Rate 12% - 15% 13% Projected Year of Payment 2021 - 2027 2024 (1) Unobservable inputs relate to a single financial asset and liability. As such, unobservable inputs were not weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments. For projected year of payment, the amount represents the median of the inputs and is not a weighted average. Changes in the fair value of our licensing arrangements' financial asset were as follows: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ — Amounts recorded related to current year acquisition 567 Proceeds from royalty rights (52) Fair value adjustment (expense) benefit 3 Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 518 Proceeds from royalty rights (175) Fair value adjustment (expense) benefit 22 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 365 Changes in the fair value of our licensing arrangements' financial liability were as follows: (in millions) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ — Amounts recorded related to current year acquisition 315 Proceeds from royalty rights transfer 256 Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 571 Payments for royalty rights (186) Fair value adjustment expense (benefit) 22 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 407

Contractual Obligations and C_2

Contractual Obligations and Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Contractual Obligations and Commitments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Issuance Date Maturity Date As of December 31, Coupon Rate (1) (in millions, except interest rates) 2020 2019 May 2022 Notes May 2015 May 2022 $ 250 $ 500 3.375% October 2023 Notes August 2013 October 2023 244 244 4.125% March 2024 Notes February 2019 March 2024 850 850 3.450% May 2025 Notes May 2015 May 2025 523 523 3.850% June 2025 Notes May 2020 June 2025 500 — 1.900% March 2026 Notes February 2019 March 2026 850 850 3.750% December 2027 Notes November 2019 December 2027 1,105 1,011 0.625% March 2028 Notes February 2018 March 2028 434 434 4.000% March 2029 Notes February 2019 March 2029 850 850 4.000% June 2030 Notes May 2020 June 2030 1,200 — 2.650% November 2035 Notes (2) November 2005 November 2035 350 350 7.000% March 2039 Notes February 2019 March 2039 750 750 4.550% January 2040 Notes December 2009 January 2040 300 300 7.375% March 2049 Notes February 2019 March 2049 1,000 1,000 4.700% August 2022 Term Loan August 2019 August 2022 — 1,000 Unamortized Debt Issuance Discount and Deferred Financing Costs 2022 - 2049 (88) (83) Unamortized Gain on Fair Value Hedges 2023 5 7 Finance Lease Obligation Various 7 6 Long-term debt $ 9,130 $ 8,592 Note: The table above does not include unamortized amounts related to interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedges. (1) Coupon rates are semi-annual, except for the euro-denominated December 2027 Notes, which bear an annual coupon, and the August 2022 Term Loan, which was a variable-rate instrument based on LIBOR. (2) Corporate credit rating improvements may result in a decrease in the adjusted interest rate on our November 2035 Notes to the extent that our lowest credit rating is above BBB- or Baa3. The interest rates on our November 2035 Notes will be permanently reinstated to the issuance rate if the lowest credit ratings assigned to these senior notes is either A- or A3 or higher.
Summary Of Term Loan And Revolving Credit Facility Agreement Compliance With Debt Covenants [Table Text Block]	Covenant Requirement Actual Maximum permitted leverage ratio (1) 4.75 times 3.48 times (1) Ratio of total debt to deemed consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the credit agreements, as amended.
Transfer of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sales [Table Text Block]	Amounts de-recognized for accounts and notes receivable, which are excluded from Trade accounts receivable, net in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are aggregated by contract denominated currency below (in millions): As of December 31, 2020 As of December 31, 2019 Factoring Arrangements Amount Weighted Average Interest Rate Amount Weighted Average Interest Rate Euro denominated $ 148 1.9 % $ 171 1.4 % Yen denominated 240 0.6 % 226 0.6 % Renminbi denominated (1) — 3.5 % n/a n/a (1) The Renminbi denominated factoring arrangement was entered into in 2020 and had remaining capacity available as of December 31, 2020. There were no amounts de-recognized for accounts receivable as of December 31, 2020 associated with this arrangement.
Long-term Purchase Commitment	Fiscal Year Unrecorded Purchase Obligations 2021 $ 403 2022 53 2023 41 2024 26 2025 13 Thereafter — $ 535
Commercial Paper [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Commercial Paper Our commercial paper program is backed by the Revolving Credit Facility, as discussed above. Outstanding commercial paper directly reduces borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. In the first quarter of 2020, we refinanced $1.360 billion of commercial paper using proceeds from the Revolving Credit Facility and did not have any commercial paper outstanding as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, (in millions, except maturity and yield) 2020 2019 Commercial paper outstanding (at par) $ — $ 711 Maximum borrowing capacity 2,750 2,750 Borrowing capacity available 2,750 2,039 Weighted average maturity 0 days 55 days Weighted average yield — % 2.21 %

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Leases (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases	The following table presents supplemental balance sheet information related to our operating leases: As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Assets Operating lease right-of-use assets in Other long-term assets $ 458 $ 336 Liabilities Operating lease liabilities in Other current liabilities 70 67 Operating lease liabilities in Other long-term liabilities 401 276
Lease, Cost	The following table presents the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate information related to our operating leases: As of December 31, 2020 2019 Weighted average remaining lease term 10.5 years 5.8 years Weighted average discount rate 2.4% 3.7%
Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases	The following table presents supplemental cash flow information related to our operating leases: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 91 $ 77
Maturities of Lease Liabilities	The following table presents the maturities of our operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020 (in millions): Fiscal year Operating Leases 2021 $ 86 2022 75 2023 60 2024 49 2025 43 Thereafter 218 Total future minimum operating lease payments 530 Less: imputed interest (59) Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 471

Restructuring Related Activit_2

Restructuring Related Activities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Restructuring Related Activities (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Impact of restructuring costs on the accompanying financial statements	The following presents the restructuring and restructuring-related net charges (credits) by major type and line item within our accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2020 Termination Transfer Other Total Restructuring charges $ 27 $ — $ 24 $ 52 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 64 — 64 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 51 51 Research and development expenses — — 4 4 — 64 55 119 $ 27 $ 64 $ 79 $ 171 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Termination Transfer Other Total Restructuring charges $ 38 $ — $ — $ 38 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 32 — 32 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 13 13 — 32 13 44 $ 38 $ 32 $ 13 $ 82 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Termination Transfer Costs Other Total Restructuring charges $ 32 $ — $ 4 $ 36 Restructuring-related expenses: Cost of products sold — 47 — 47 Selling, general and administrative expenses — — 12 12 — 47 12 59 $ 32 $ 47 $ 16 $ 96
Cumulative Restructuring Charges [Text Block]	The following table presents cumulative restructuring and restructuring-related net charges incurred as of December 31, 2020, related to our ongoing Restructuring Plans by major type: (in millions) 2016 Restructuring Plan 2019 Restructuring Plan Total Termination benefits $ 86 $ 38 $ 124 Other (1) 21 26 46 Total restructuring charges 106 64 171 Transfer costs 126 87 213 Other (2) 39 28 66 Restructuring-related charges 164 115 279 $ 271 $ 179 $ 450 (1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contract cancellations. (2) Comprised of other costs directly related to our Restructuring Plans, including program management, accelerated depreciation, and fixed asset write-offs.
Amount Of Cash Paid In Period To Fully Or Partially Settle Specified Type Of Restructuring Cost [Text Block]	Cumulative cash payments associated with our ongoing Restructuring Plans were made using cash generated from operations and are comprised of the following: (in millions) 2016 Restructuring Plan 2019 Restructuring Plan Total Termination benefits $ 89 $ 12 $ 100 Transfer costs 125 77 202 Other 41 25 67 $ 255 $ 114 $ 369
2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Impact of restructuring costs on the accompanying financial statements	The following table provides a summary of our estimates of total pre-tax charges associated with the 2019 Restructuring Plan, including the expansion, by major type of cost, of which approximately $340 million to $440 million are expected to result in cash outlays: Type of Cost (in millions) Total Estimated Amount Expected to be Incurred Restructuring charges: Termination benefits $75 - $100 Other (1) 25 - 50 Restructuring-related expenses: Other (2) 275 - 325 $375 - $475 (1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contractual cancellations. (2) Comprised of other costs directly related to the restructuring program, including program management, accelerated depreciation, fixed asset write-offs, and costs to transfer product lines among facilities.
2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost [Line Items]
Impact of restructuring costs on the accompanying financial statements	The following table provides a summary of total pre-tax charges associated with the 2016 Restructuring Plan by major type of cost, of which approximately $255 million resulted in cash outlays: Type of cost (in millions) Total Amount Incurred Restructuring charges: Termination benefits $ 86 Other (1) 21 Restructuring-related expenses: Other (2) 164 $ 271 (1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contract cancellations.

Supplemental Balance Sheet In_2

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable, net [Table Text Block]	Trade accounts receivable, net As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Trade accounts receivable $ 1,637 $ 1,902 Allowance for credit losses (105) (74) $ 1,531 $ 1,828 The following is a rollforward of our Allowance for credit losses : Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Beginning balance $ 74 $ 68 $ 68 Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASU 2016-13 10 n/a n/a Credit loss expense 49 23 19 Write-offs (27) (17) (19) Ending balance $ 105 $ 74 $ 68 Note: Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted FASB ASC Topic 326 using the modified retrospective method, which requires that we recognize credit loss reserves when financial assets are established if credit losses are expected over the asset’s contractual life. Prior period amounts have not been restated and are presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 310 . Please refer to Note R – New Accounting Pronouncements for additional information.
Schedule of Inventory, Current	Inventories As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Finished goods $ 893 $ 971 Work-in-process 109 192 Raw materials 349 416 $ 1,351 $ 1,579
Schedule of Other Current Assets [Table Text Block]	Other current assets As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents $ 208 $ 346 Derivative assets 133 105 Licensing arrangements 148 186 Other 263 243 $ 751 $ 880
Property, plant and equipment, net [Table Text Block]	Property, plant and equipment, net As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Land $ 104 $ 117 Buildings and improvements 1,292 1,198 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 3,465 3,411 Capital in progress 446 442 5,308 5,169 Less: accumulated depreciation 3,224 3,089 $ 2,084 $ 2,079
Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block]	Other long-term assets As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Restricted cash equivalents $ 52 $ 43 Operating lease right-of-use assets 458 336 Derivative assets 109 216 Investments 918 458 Licensing arrangements 218 332 Other 166 144 $ 1,921 $ 1,529
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued expenses As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Legal reserves $ 505 $ 470 Payroll and related liabilities 681 708 Rebates 331 298 Contingent consideration 26 56 Other 656 576 $ 2,197 $ 2,109
Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Other current liabilities As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Deferred revenue $ 138 $ 144 Licensing arrangements 153 197 Taxes payable 158 265 Liabilities held for sale 200 — Other 307 195 $ 958 $ 800
Other long-term liabilities [Table Text Block]	Other long-term liabilities As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Accrued income taxes $ 547 $ 667 Legal reserves 64 227 Contingent consideration 171 299 Licensing arrangements 253 374 Operating lease liabilities 401 276 Deferred revenue 257 257 Other 615 535 $ 2,309 $ 2,635

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax rate	The reconciliation of income taxes at the federal statutory rate to the actual expense (benefit) for income taxes is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (reclassified) (1) (reclassified) (1) U.S. federal statutory income tax rate (21.0) % 21.0 % 21.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 16.6 % 6.7 % 0.1 % Domestic taxes on foreign earnings 155.4 % 21.9 % 0.5 % Effect of foreign taxes (40.7) % (47.6) % (8.4) % Acquisition-related (16.7) % 12.2 % 2.1 % Research credit (43.0) % (4.2) % (2.6) % Valuation allowance (42.0) % 1.1 % (5.2) % Goodwill impairment charges 3.7 % — % — % Compensation-related (7.7) % (0.3) % (1.0) % Non-deductible expenses 64.4 % 3.6 % 0.8 % Uncertain tax positions (96.8) % 1.4 % (22.0) % TCJA net impact — % — % (4.7) % Intra-entity asset transfers 10.2 % (597.0) % — % Return to provision (37.3) % (0.2) % (0.2) % Change in tax rates 51.8 % (0.2) % 0.5 % Other, net 6.0 % (2.4) % 1.6 % 2.9 % (584.0) % (17.5) % (1) Due to the disclosure of additional rate reconciling items in 2020, we have reclassified select items in prior years to align with the new categories disclosed in the current year.
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Beginning Balance $ 455 $ 427 $ 1,238 Additions based on positions related to the current year 28 30 79 Additions based on positions related to prior years 6 45 4 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (186) (34) (433) Settlements with taxing authorities (27) (4) (459) Statute of limitation expirations (15) (9) (3) Ending Balance $ 261 $ 455 $ 427
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	Our Income (loss) before income taxes consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Domestic $ (660) $ (1,145) $ 35 Foreign 581 1,832 1,387 $ (79) $ 687 $ 1,422
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: As of December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Deferred Tax Assets: Inventory costs and related reserves $ 10 $ — Tax benefit of net operating loss and credits 557 545 Reserves and accruals 308 258 Restructuring-related charges 23 20 Litigation and product liability reserves 82 168 Investment write-down — 42 Compensation related 134 121 Federal benefit of uncertain tax positions 9 10 Intangible assets 3,551 3,447 Other (6) — 4,668 4,611 Less: valuation allowance (887) (915) 3,781 3,696 Deferred Tax Liabilities: Property, plant and equipment 1 16 Unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments 12 52 Investment write-up 34 — Inventory costs and related reserves — 2 Other — 25 47 95 Net Deferred Tax Assets 3,734 3,601 Prepaid on intercompany profit 194 195 Net Deferred Tax Assets and Prepaid on Intercompany Profit $ 3,928 $ 3,796 Our deferred tax assets, deferred tax liabilities and prepaid on intercompany profit, are included in the following locations within our accompanying consolidated balance sheets (in millions): Location on Consolidated Balance Sheets As of December 31, Component 2020 2019 Prepaid on intercompany profit Prepaid income taxes $ 194 $ 195 Non-current deferred tax asset Assets held for sale 2 — Non-current deferred tax asset Deferred tax assets 4,210 4,196 Deferred Tax Assets and Prepaid on Intercompany Profit 4,406 4,391 Non-current deferred tax liability Deferred tax liabilities 330 595 Non-current deferred tax liability Liabilities held for sale in Other current liabilities 148 — Deferred Tax Liabilities 478 595 Net Deferred Tax Assets and Prepaid on Intercompany Profit $ 3,928 $ 3,796
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	The related expense (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Current Federal $ (29) $ 120 $ (221) State (35) 54 (27) Foreign 151 101 160 87 275 (87) Deferred Federal (26) (146) (124) State (6) (18) 4 Foreign (53) (4,124) (42) (85) (4,288) (162) $ 2 $ (4,013) $ (249)

Stock Incentive and Purchase Pl

Stock Incentive and Purchase Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stock Incentive and Purchase Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Free Cash Flow Performance-based DSU Awards, Fair Value Assumptions [Line Items]
Free Cash Flow Performance-based DSU Awards, Fair Value Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The following table presents our assumptions used in determining the fair value of our AFCF awards currently expected to vest as of December 31, 2020: 2020 AFCF 2019 AFCF 2018 AFCF Fair value, net of forfeitures to date (in millions) $ 6 $ 8 $ 11 Achievement of target payout 89 % 90 % 118 % Year-end stock price used in determining fair value $ 35.95 $ 45.22 $ 35.34
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	The following presents the impact of stock-based compensation on our consolidated statements of operations: Year Ended December 31, (in millions, except per share data) 2020 2019 2018 Cost of products sold $ 9 $ 8 $ 7 Selling, general and administrative expenses 130 120 109 Research and development expenses 30 28 24 170 157 140 Income tax (benefit) expense (28) (24) (21) $ 142 $ 133 $ 119 Net impact per common share - basic $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.09 Net impact per common share - assuming dilution $ 0.10 $ 0.09 $ 0.08
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of stock options granted to employees under our stock incentive plans. We calculated the fair value for options granted using the following estimated weighted-average assumptions: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Options granted (in thousands) 3,819 2,992 3,491 Weighted-average exercise price $ 41.79 $ 40.20 $ 27.26 Weighted-average grant-date fair value $ 10.44 $ 11.76 $ 8.55 Black-Scholes Assumptions Expected volatility 23 % 24 % 26 % Expected term (in years, weighted) 5.8 6.1 6.0 Risk-free interest rate 0.27% - 1.72% 1.38% - 2.61% 2.61% - 3.01%
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	Information related to non-vested stock awards is as follows: Non-Vested Stock Award Units (in thousands) Weighted Average Balance as of December 31, 2017 15,250 $ 18 Granted 4,375 28 Vested (1) (6,194) 16 Forfeited (748) 22 Balance as of December 31, 2018 12,683 $ 22 Granted 3,656 39 Vested (1) (4,811) 20 Forfeited (449) 27 Balance as of December 31, 2019 11,079 $ 29 Granted 3,609 41 Vested (1) (4,147) 25 Forfeited (554) 34 Balance as of December 31, 2020 9,987 $ 34 (1) The number of shares vested includes shares withheld on behalf of employees to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements.
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity [Table Text Block]	Information related to shares issued or to be issued in connection with the employee stock purchase plan based on employee contributions and the range of purchase prices is as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Shares issued or to be issued (in thousands) 1,387 2,196 2,452 Range of purchase prices $ 29.84 $29.29 - $36.47 $21.49 - $27.91 Expense recognized (in millions) $ 10 $ 19 $ 17
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block]	We expect to recognize the following future expense for awards outstanding as of December 31, 2020: Unrecognized Compensation Cost (in millions) (1) Weighted Average Remaining Vesting Period (in years) Stock options $ 35 Non-vested stock awards 169 $ 204 1.7 (1) Amounts presented represent compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures.
Market-based awards, valuation assumptions [Table Text Block]	We determined the fair value of the market-based DSU awards to be approximately $8 million for 2020, $10 million for 2019 and $7 million for 2018. We determined these fair values based on Monte Carlo simulations as of the date of grant, utilizing the following assumptions: 2020 2019 2018 Awards Awards Awards Stock price on date of grant $ 42.16 $ 40.12 $ 27.09 Measurement period (in years) 2.9 2.9 2.9 Risk-free rate 1.37 % 2.48 % 2.36 %
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Information related to stock options under stock incentive plans are as follows: Stock Options (in thousands) Weighted Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in millions) Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 26,716 $ 13 Granted 3,491 27 Exercised (4,385) 11 Cancelled/forfeited (519) 22 Outstanding as of December 31, 2018 25,304 $ 16 Granted 2,992 40 Exercised (4,872) 12 Cancelled/forfeited (359) 24 Outstanding as of December 31, 2019 23,065 $ 19 Granted 3,819 42 Exercised (3,096) 13 Cancelled/forfeited (666) 27 Outstanding as of December 31, 2020 23,122 $ 24 5.5 $ 312 Exercisable as of December 31, 2020 15,105 17 4.1 290 Expected to vest as of December 31, 2020 7,683 37 8.2 22 Total vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2020 22,787 $ 24 5.4 $ 312

Weighted Average Shares Outst_2

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 1,416.7 1,391.5 1,381.0 Net effect of common stock equivalents — 19.0 20.4 Weighted average shares outstanding - assuming dilution 1,416.7 1,410.6 1,401.4
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following securities were excluded from the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding - assuming dilution because their effect in the periods presented below would have been antidilutive: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 2018 Common stock equivalents (1) 14 n/a n/a Stock options outstanding (2) 6 0 0 MCPS (3) 14 n/a n/a (1) Represents common stock equivalents pursuant to our employee stock-based compensation plans, which are anti-dilutive in 2020 due to our Net loss position in this period. (2) Represents stock options outstanding pursuant to our employee stock-based compensation plans with exercise prices that were greater than the average fair market value of our common stock for the related periods. (3) Represents common stock issuable upon the conversion of MCPS. Refer to Note L – Stockholders' Equity for additional information.

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the totals reported for the reportable segments to the applicable line items in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations is as follows (in millions, except percentages): Year Ended December 31, Net sales 2020 2019 2018 MedSurg $ 3,066 $ 3,307 $ 3,007 Rhythm and Neuro 2,752 3,140 3,041 Cardiovascular 3,876 4,208 3,777 Total net sales of reportable segments 9,694 10,654 9,823 All other (Specialty Pharmaceuticals) 219 81 n/a Consolidated net sales $ 9,913 $ 10,735 $ 9,823
Reconciliation of depreciation by reportable segment to total [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, Depreciation expense 2020 2019 2018 MedSurg $ 80 $ 75 $ 72 Rhythm and Neuro 96 92 91 Cardiovascular 154 138 133 Total depreciation expense of reportable segments 330 306 296 All other (Specialty Pharmaceuticals) 3 $ 6 n/a Consolidated depreciation expense $ 333 $ 311 $ 296
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Year Ended December 31, Income (loss) before income taxes 2020 2019 2018 MedSurg $ 1,079 $ 1,204 $ 1,102 Rhythm and Neuro 439 666 655 Cardiovascular 661 1,137 1,117 Total operating income of reportable segments 2,179 3,007 2,875 All other (Specialty Pharmaceuticals) 143 56 n/a Unallocated amounts: Corporate expenses, including hedging activities (405) (264) (372) Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges, acquisition/divestiture-related net charges (credits), restructuring and restructuring-related net charges (credits), certain litigation-related net charges (credits) and EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) implementation costs (1,208) (582) (398) Amortization expense (789) (699) (599) Operating income (loss) (80) 1,518 1,506 Other expense, net 1 (831) (85) Income (loss) before income taxes $ (79) $ 687 $ 1,422
Segment operating income as percentage of net sales [Table Text Block]	Operating income of reportable segments as a percentage of net sales of reportable segments Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 MedSurg 35.2 % 36.4 % 36.7 % Rhythm and Neuro 15.9 % 21.2 % 21.5 % Cardiovascular 17.1 % 27.0 % 29.6 %
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, Total assets 2020 2019 MedSurg $ 1,638 $ 1,803 Rhythm and Neuro 1,827 1,873 Cardiovascular 2,461 2,535 Total assets of reportable segments 5,926 6,211 All other (Specialty Pharmaceuticals) 1,133 211 Goodwill 9,951 10,176 Other intangible assets, net 5,917 7,886 All other corporate assets 7,850 6,082 $ 30,777 $ 30,565
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, Long-lived assets 2020 2019 2018 U.S. $ 1,151 $ 1,148 $ 1,061 Ireland 382 327 242 Other countries 551 604 478 Property, plant and equipment, net 2,084 2,079 1,782 Goodwill 9,951 10,176 7,911 Other intangible assets, net 5,917 7,886 6,372 Operating lease right-of-use assets in Other long-term assets 458 336 — $ 18,409 $ 20,477 $ 16,064

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Revenue (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	The following tables disaggregate our revenue from contracts with customers by business and geographic region (in millions): Year Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Businesses U.S. OUS Total U.S. OUS Total U.S. OUS Total Endoscopy $ 1,000 $ 780 $ 1,780 $ 1,080 $ 814 $ 1,894 $ 980 $ 781 $ 1,762 Urology and Pelvic Health 918 368 1,286 1,005 408 1,413 864 381 1,245 Cardiac Rhythm Management 992 712 1,704 1,135 804 1,939 1,159 792 1,951 Electrophysiology 118 169 287 148 180 329 150 161 311 Neuromodulation 610 151 761 695 178 873 624 155 779 Interventional Cardiology 981 1,317 2,299 1,293 1,522 2,816 1,154 1,436 2,590 Peripheral Interventions 888 689 1,577 741 651 1,392 608 579 1,187 Specialty Pharmaceuticals 193 27 219 70 11 81 n/a n/a n/a Net Sales $ 5,701 $ 4,212 $ 9,913 $ 6,167 $ 4,569 $ 10,735 $ 5,538 $ 4,286 $ 9,823 Year Ended December 31, Geographic Regions 2020 2019 2018 U.S. $ 5,508 $ 6,097 $ 5,538 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) 2,097 2,264 2,176 APAC (Asia-Pacific) 1,781 1,898 1,727 LACA (Latin America and Canada) 307 395 383 Medical Devices 9,694 10,654 9,823 U.S. 193 70 n/a International 27 11 n/a Specialty Pharmaceuticals 219 81 n/a Net Sales $ 9,913 $ 10,735 $ 9,823 Emerging Markets (1) $ 1,093 $ 1,252 $ 1,097

Changes in Other Comprehensiv_2

Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax, Period Change [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the reclassifications out of Other comprehensive income, net of tax : (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Change in Derivative Financial Instruments Net Change in Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Items Total Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 142 $ 173 $ (45) $ 270 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 95 (77) (5) 13 (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (19) (60) 3 (76) Total other comprehensive income (loss) 76 (137) (1) (63) Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 218 $ 36 $ (47) $ 207 (in millions) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Net Change in Derivative Financial Instruments Net Change in Defined Benefit Pensions and Other Items Total Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ (53) $ 111 $ (25) $ 33 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 228 116 (22) 322 (Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (33) (54) 2 (86) Total other comprehensive income (loss) 195 62 (20) 237 Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 142 $ 173 $ (45) $ 270

Employee Retirement Plans (Tabl

Employee Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Employee Retirement Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We also sponsor a voluntary 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan for eligible employees. We match 200 percent of employee elective deferrals for the first two percent of employee eligible compensation and 50 percent of employee elective deferrals greater than two percent, but not exceeding six percent, of employee eligible compensation. Total expense for our matching contributions to the plan was $102 million in 2020, $98 million in 2019 and $87 million in 2018.
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The outstanding obligation is as follows: As of December 31, 2020 ( in millions) Accumulated Benefit Obligation (ABO) Projected Fair value of Plan Assets Unfunded/Underfunded Domestic Retirement Plans $ 54 $ 58 $ — $ 58 U.K. Plan 226 226 223 3 Other International Retirement Plans 225 247 132 115 $ 506 $ 532 $ 355 $ 177 As of December 31, 2019 ( in millions) Accumulated Benefit Obligation (ABO) Projected Fair value of Plan Assets Unfunded/Underfunded PBO Recognized Domestic Retirement Plans $ 50 $ 54 $ — $ 54 U.K. Plan 212 212 209 3 Other International Retirement Plans 204 223 123 100 $ 466 $ 488 $ 332 $ 156
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	A rollforward of the changes in the PBO for our retirement plans is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Beginning obligations $ 488 $ 232 Acquired plans — 216 Service costs 19 15 Interest costs 5 5 Actuarial (gain) loss 22 — Plan amendments and assumption changes (5) 11 Benefits paid (23) (10) Impact of foreign currency fluctuations 26 19 Ending obligation $ 532 $ 488
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The following assumptions were used to measure the fair value of the benefit obligation and associated plan assets as of the August 19, 2019 measurement date: Discount Rate Expected Return on Plan Assets Rate of Compensation Increase U.K. Plan 0.4% 0.4% 3.4% As of the measurement date of August 19, 2019, the funded status was as follows: (in millions) Fair value of plan assets $ 213 Benefit obligation (216) Funded status $ (3) The critical assumptions associated with our employee retirement plans for 2020 are as follows: Weighted Average Discount Rate Weighted Average Expected Return on Plan Weighted Average Rate of Compensation Increase (1) Domestic Retirement Plans 1.90% n/a 1.50% U.K. Plan 0.10% 0.10% n/a Other International Retirement Plans 0.67% 1.98% 2.40% (1) Rates of compensation increase were not weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments. As such, the amount represents the median of the inputs and is not a weighted average. The critical assumptions associated with our employee retirement plans for 2019 are as follows: Weighted Average Discount Rate Weighted Average Expected Return on Plan Weighted Average Rate of Compensation Increase (1) Domestic Retirement Plans 2.94% n/a 1.50% U.K. Plan 0.60% 0.60% 3.00% Other International Retirement Plans 0.75% 2.05% 2.65% (1) Rates of compensation increase were not weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments. As such, the amount represents the median of the inputs and is not a weighted average.
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The following table presents the fair value hierarchy of the U.K. Plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2020: As of December 31, 2020 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Buy-in contracts $ — $ — $ 223 $ 223 Total assets $ — $ — $ 223 $ 223 The following table presents the fair value hierarchy of the U.K. Plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2019: As of As of December 31, 2019 (in millions) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Buy-in contracts $ — $ — $ 207 $ 207 Cash 1 — — 1 Total assets $ 1 $ — $ 207 $ 209
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	A rollforward of the changes in the fair value of plan assets for our funded retirement plans is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions) 2020 2019 Beginning fair value $ 332 $ 107 Acquired plans — 213 Actual return on plan assets 2 7 Employer contributions 12 13 Participant contributions 2 2 Actuarial gain (loss) 14 (20) Benefits paid (23) (10) Impact of foreign currency fluctuations 16 19 Ending fair value $ 355 $ 332 Changes in the fair value of the U.K. Plan Level 3 assets were as follows: (in millions) Buy-in Contracts Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 209 Actual return on plan assets 1 Actuarial gain (loss) 15 Transfers out for benefits paid (9) Impact of foreign currency fluctuations 7 Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 223

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 3,787	$ 3,941	$ 3,569
Production Related Impairments or Charges	149
Shipping and Handling [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$ 146	$ 144	$ 124

Acquisitions and Strategic In_3

Acquisitions and Strategic Investments (Details) £ / shares in Units, $ / shares in Units, £ in Millions, $ in Millions

Jan. 21, 2021USD ($)

Aug. 21, 2019USD ($)

Aug. 19, 2019USD ($)

Aug. 19, 2019GBP (£)£ / shares

Jun. 11, 2019USD ($)

Jan. 29, 2019USD ($)

Oct. 16, 2018USD ($)

Aug. 02, 2018USD ($)

Jul. 05, 2018USD ($)

Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)

Apr. 16, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Aug. 19, 2019$ / shares

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Proceeds from divestiture of certain businesses

$ 15

$ 90

$ 0

Proceeds from royalty rights transfer

256

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

196

354

347

Goodwill

9,951

10,176

7,911

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

532

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

4,382

1,448

Fair value of contingent consideration

(196)

(354)

(347)

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain

184

Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration

800

Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill

$ 247

BTG Acquisition [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Share Price | (per share)

£ 8.40

$ 10.20

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 4,023

£ 3,312

Cash Acquired from Acquisition

$ 404

Proceeds from royalty rights transfer

256

Goodwill

1,635

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables

108

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory

232

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets

252

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

1,785

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets

538

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities

(308)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities

274

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities

(349)

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Including Equity Interest in Acquiree Held Prior to Combination

3,619

BTG Acquisition [Member] | Global Peripheral Interventions (PI) Reporting Unit [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill

1,399

BTG Acquisition [Member] | Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill

236

BTG Acquisition [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

$ 1,709

BTG Acquisition [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

11.00%

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life

10 years

BTG Acquisition [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

12.00%

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life

18 years

BTG Acquisition [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

$ 75

BTG Acquisition [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life

2 years

BTG Acquisition [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life

11 years

BTG Acquisition [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Weighted Average (Member)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

11.00%

Divested Business due to BTG Acquisition [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Proceeds from divestiture of certain businesses

$ 90

Guarantees, Fair Value Disclosure

Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted

$ 200

Vertiflex, Inc. [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 465

Contingent consideration payments made to prior shareholders to date

$ 20

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

$ 100

Millipede [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 325

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage

20.00%

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred

$ 90

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

$ 125

2019 Acquisitions (Vertiflex and Millipede)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

127

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value

102

Goodwill

577

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

220

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

240

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities

(12)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities

(58)

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Including Equity Interest in Acquiree Held Prior to Combination

992

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill

461

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

763

Fair value of contingent consideration

(127)

2019 Acquisitions (Vertiflex and Millipede) | In Process Research and Development [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

$ 240

2019 Acquisitions (Vertiflex and Millipede) | In Process Research and Development [Member] | Weighted Average (Member)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

19.00%

2019 Acquisitions (Vertiflex and Millipede) | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

$ 210

2019 Acquisitions (Vertiflex and Millipede) | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Weighted Average (Member)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

15.00%

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life

12 years

2019 Acquisitions (Vertiflex and Millipede) | Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

$ 10

2019 Acquisitions (Vertiflex and Millipede) | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Weighted Average (Member)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

15.00%

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life

12 years

Augmenix, Inc. [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 500

Contingent consideration payments made to prior shareholders to date

$ 24

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

$ 100

Claret Medical, Inc. [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 220

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

$ 50

Cryterion Medical, Inc. [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 202

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage

35.00%

NxThera, Inc. [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 240

Contingent consideration payments made to prior shareholders to date

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

$ 85

nVision Medical Corporation [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

$ 150

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

$ 125

Other 2018 Acquisitions [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross

158

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

$ 62

2018 Acquisitions [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability

248

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Fair Value

251

Goodwill

939

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

939

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

213

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities

(19)

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities

(162)

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Including Equity Interest in Acquiree Held Prior to Combination

1,948

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill

1,153

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

1,449

Fair value of contingent consideration

(248)

2018 Acquisitions [Member] | In Process Research and Development [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

$ 213

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

15.00%

2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

$ 908

2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

14.00%

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life

6 years

2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

23.00%

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life

14 years

2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles

$ 31

2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

13.00%

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life

6 years

2018 Acquisitions [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Discount Rate, Fair Value Input

15.00%

Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life

13 years

Preventice Solutions, Inc. [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Percentage

22.00%

Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High

$ 230

Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired

$ 720

Contingent Consideration (Detai

Contingent Consideration (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Contingent Consideration (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases	$ 0	$ 127	$ 248
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred		(16)
Payment of contingent consideration	58	68
Contingent consideration net expense (benefit)	(100)	(35)	(21)
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements [Abstract]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	532
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 196	$ 354	$ 347
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| R&D, Regulatory and Commercialization-based Milestone [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract]
contingent consideration liability, probability of payment	90.00%
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input	2.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 104
Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| revenue-based payments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 93
Minimum [Member] \| Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| revenue-based payments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract]
contingent consideration liability, probability of payment	80.00%
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input	12.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| revenue-based payments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract]
contingent consideration liability, probability of payment	100.00%
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input	14.00%
Weighted Average (Member) \| Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| R&D, Regulatory and Commercialization-based Milestone [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract]
contingent consideration liability, probability of payment	90.00%
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input	2.00%
Weighted Average (Member) \| Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] \| revenue-based payments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Abstract]
contingent consideration liability, probability of payment	100.00%
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input	13.00%

Strategic Investments (Details)

Strategic Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Strategic Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity	$ 272
Equity Method Investments	319	$ 264
Measurement alternative investments (1)	183	171
Equity Securities, FV-NI	414	1
Notes receivable	2	23
Investments	918	$ 458
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	$ 363

Assets and Liabilities Held f_3

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets held for sale	$ 1,133	$ 0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current	200	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	218	$ 142	$ (53)
Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member] \| Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration	800
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents	37
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net	24
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current	79
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current	17
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current	175
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Current	758
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent	45
Assets held for sale	1,133
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current	25
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current	27
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Non-current deferred tax liability, Current	148
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current	200
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ 107

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 13,345	$ 14,299
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(7,806)	(7,195)
Goodwill, Gross	19,924	20,076
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	(9,973)	(9,900)
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	377	782
Intangible asset impairment charges	460	105	$ 35
Goodwill (Roll Forward)
Goodwill	9,951	10,176	7,911
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	22	66
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		2,218
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	(73)	0	0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		(19)
Goodwill, Transfers	(175)
Other Intangible Assets (Textuals) [Abstract]
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	689
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	664
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	651
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	613
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	560
MedSurg [Member]
Goodwill (Roll Forward)
Goodwill	2,059	2,061	2,063
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(2)	(1)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		0
Rhythm and Neuro [Member]
Goodwill (Roll Forward)
Goodwill	2,194	2,192	1,924
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	3	0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		268
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		0
Cardiovascular [Member]
Goodwill (Roll Forward)
Goodwill	5,697	5,676	3,925
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	22	58
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		1,712
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		(19)
Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member]
Goodwill (Roll Forward)
Goodwill	0	247	$ 0
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0	9
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		238
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	73
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit		0
Goodwill, Transfers	(175)
In Process Research and Development [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	257	662
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	120	120
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	11,059	12,020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(6,179)	(5,706)
Patents [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	511	525
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(407)	(408)
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,775	1,754
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (1,220)	$ (1,081)

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, $ in Millions	Aug. 19, 2019USD ($)	Aug. 19, 2019GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)units	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Payments for Hedge, Investing Activities			$ 0	$ 199	$ 0
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net			29	34
Derivative, Notional Amount			11,349	10,218
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax			77	(116)
Cost of Goods and Services Sold			3,465	3,116	2,813
Derivative financial instruments			60	54
Interest Expense			361	473	241
Other Operating Income (Expense), Net			(362)	358
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, after Tax			19	33
Foreign exchange (gain) loss			(32)	(358)	11
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset			242	321
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability			1,262	1,037
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity Securities, FV-NI			414	1
Derivative Asset			109	216
Licensing arrangements, asset			218	332
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			196	354	347
Cash			150	165
Proceeds from royalty rights transfer			0	256	0
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure			10,774	11,020
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Licensing arrangements, liability			253	374
November 2019 Aggregate Offering [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Long-term Debt				1,000		€ 900
December 2027 Notes [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Long-term Debt			$ 1,105	1,011
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			0.625%
Licensing arrangement assets (Member)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input			15.00%
Euro-denominated outstanding debt [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure			$ 1,118	1,004
BTG Acquisition [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Proceeds from royalty rights transfer			256
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Licensing arrangements, asset			365
Licensing arrangements, liability			407
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value			1,584	50
Equity Securities, FV-NI			414	1
Derivative Asset			242	321
Licensing arrangements, asset			365	518
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			2,605	890
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure			1,262	1,037
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			196	354
Licensing arrangements, liability			407	571
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure			1,865	1,963
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value			1,584	50
Equity Securities, FV-NI			414	1
Derivative Asset			0	0
Licensing arrangements, asset			0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			1,998	51
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure			0	0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			0	0
Licensing arrangements, liability			0	0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure			0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value			0	0
Equity Securities, FV-NI			0	0
Derivative Asset			242	321
Licensing arrangements, asset			0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			242	321
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure			1,262	1,037
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			0	0
Licensing arrangements, liability			0	0
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure			1,262	1,037
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value			0	0
Equity Securities, FV-NI			0	0
Derivative Asset			0	0
Licensing arrangements, asset			365	518
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure			365	518
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure			0	0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			196	354
Licensing arrangements, liability			407	571
Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure			603	925
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Licensing arrangement assets (Member)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Licensing arrangements, asset			365	518	0
Fair Value of Assets Acquired				567
Proceeds from Royalties Received			175	52
Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value Adjustments on Other Assets (Liabilities) Carried at Fair Value under Fair Value Option			22	3
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] \| Licensing arrangement liabilities (Member)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Licensing arrangements, liability			407	571	0
Fair Value of Assets Acquired				315
Proceeds from Royalties Received				256
Payments for Royalties			(186)
Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value Adjustments on Other Assets (Liabilities) Carried at Fair Value under Fair Value Option			22
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value			162	288
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value			1,191	1,009
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value			$ 1,094	998
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Forward Currency Contracts, Time to Maturity \| units			60
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value			$ 109	216
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value			44	3
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Liabilities, at Fair Value			54	8
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments in Hedges, Assets, at Fair Value			53	72
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments			73	(343)	41
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax			(105)	(15)	(30)
Foreign exchange (gain) loss			(32)	(358)	11
Net gain (loss) from foreign currency transaction exposures			105	15	30
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| BTG Acquisition [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Payments for Hedge, Investing Activities				294
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| BTG Acquisition [Member] \| Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments				(323)	29
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount			4,946	4,377
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value			71	29
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value			$ 79	33
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| BTG Acquisition [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Cash Received on Hedge	$ 4,303	£ 3,312
Weighted Average (Member) \| Licensing arrangement assets (Member)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input			15.00%
Weighted Average (Member) \| Licensing arrangement liabilities (Member)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input			13.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Licensing arrangement liabilities (Member)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input			12.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Licensing arrangement liabilities (Member)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Discount Rate, Fair Value Input			15.00%
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months			$ 21
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Interest Rate Contract [Member] \| Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net			(5)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount			4,531	3,891
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax			99	(150)	(167)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax			(22)	34	38
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax			77	(117)	(130)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax			83	73	(19)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, Tax			19	16	(4)
Derivative financial instruments			(64)	(56)	15
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Interest Rate Contract [Member] \| Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax			0	0	(44)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax			0	0	10
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax			0	0	(34)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax			5	3	(1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, Tax			(1)	(1)	0
Derivative financial instruments			4	2	(1)
Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net			13
Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount			1,004	953
Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contract (Member) \| Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax			(37)	(68)	(56)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), before Adjustments, Tax			8	15	13
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), before Adjustments, after Tax			(29)	(53)	(43)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax			(24)	43	27
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, Tax			5	10	6
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, after Tax			(19)	33	$ 21
Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign currency denominated in debt [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount			868	997
Net Investment Hedging [Member] \| Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] \| Foreign currency denominated in debt [Member] \| Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax			(89)	(14)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), before Adjustments, Tax			21	3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivative, Excluded Component, Increase (Decrease), before Adjustments, after Tax			(68)	(11)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax			0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Investment Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, Tax			0	0
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, after Tax			$ 0	$ 0

Contractual Obligations and C_3

Contractual Obligations and Commitments (Details) € in Millions, $ in Millions	Dec. 29, 2020USD ($)	May 27, 2020USD ($)	May 18, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 21, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 27, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 05, 2019USD ($)	Aug. 19, 2019USD ($)	Feb. 25, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 19, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt								$ 9,143					$ 10,008
Debt, Current								13					1,416
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations								9,130					8,592
Deemed Consolidated EBITDA [Member]								671
Exclusion from EBITDA for Restructuring Charges								500
Restructuring charges remaining to be excluded from calculation of consolidated EBITDA								101
Litigation and Debt Exclusion from EBITDA								2,624
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount								124					105
Legal payments remaining to be excluded from calculation of consolidated EBITDA								926
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt									$ 86
Senior notes issued								$ 8,855
Change-in-control provision, repurchase price of aggregate principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest								1.01
Purchase Obligations, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current								$ 403
Purchase Obligations, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years								53
Purchase Obligations, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years								41
Purchase Obligations, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years								26
Purchase Obligations, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years								13
Purchase Obligations, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter								0
Purchase Obligations, Future Minimum Payments Due								535
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial Paper								0					711
Maximum Commercial Paper Outstanding													2,750
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity								$ 2,750					$ 2,039
Weighted Average Maturity, Days								0 days	55 days
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time								0.00%				2.21%	2.21%
Current Requirement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Leverage Ratio								4.75
Actual, Covenant [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Leverage Ratio								3.48
Requirement, third quarter following qualified acquisition [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Leverage Ratio								4.50
Requirement, fourth quarter following qualified acquisition [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Leverage Ratio								4.25
Requirement, fifth quarter following qualified acquisition [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Leverage Ratio								4
Requirement, sixth quarter and thereafter following qualified acquisition [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Leverage Ratio								3.75
Requirement, extension through the remainder of 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum Leverage Ratio								4.75
the 2018 Facility [Domain] \| Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Commercial Paper						$ 1,360
Repayments of Lines of Credit					$ 450
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity								$ 2,750
February 2019 Aggregate Offering [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt																$ 4,300
May 2020 SN Aggregate Offering [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt			$ 1,700
January 2020 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(6.00%)
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount								$ 850
May 2020 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(2.85%)
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount								$ 600
November 2019 Aggregate Offering [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt												€ 900	$ 1,000
May 2022 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(3.375%)
Repayments of Debt	$ 250
Long-term Debt	$ 500							$ 250					500
October 2023 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(4.125%)
Repayments of Debt							$ 206
Long-term Debt								$ 244					244				$ 450
March 2024 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(3.45%)
Long-term Debt								$ 850					850
May 2025 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(3.85%)
Repayments of Debt							227
Long-term Debt								$ 523					523				750
June 2025 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(1.90%)
Long-term Debt								$ 500					0
March 2026 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(3.75%)
Long-term Debt								$ 850					850
December 2027 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(0.625%)
Long-term Debt								$ 1,105					1,011
March 2028 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(4.00%)
Repayments of Debt							$ 566
Long-term Debt								$ 434					434				$ 1,000
March 2029 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(4.00%)
Long-term Debt								$ 850					850
June 2030 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(2.65%)
Long-term Debt								$ 1,200					0
November 2035 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(7.00%)
Long-term Debt								$ 350					350
March 2039 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(4.55%)
Long-term Debt								$ 750					750
January 2040 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(7.375%)
Long-term Debt								$ 300					300
March 2049 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(4.70%)
Long-term Debt								$ 1,000					1,000
August 2022 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt								0					1,000
Unamortized Gain on Fair Value Hedges
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt								5					7
Finance Lease Obligation
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt								7					6
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net								88					83
Long-term Debt								9,205					7,661
August 2019 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount								$ 1,000
April 2021 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt										$ 1,250
Repayments of Debt		$ 750	500
2020 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt													700	$ 700
Repayments of Debt						$ 300
February 2021 Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								(0.85%)
Short-term Debt											$ 1,000
Repayments of Debt			$ 750	$ 250	$ 750
Three-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit													1,000		$ 1,000			$ 1,000
Two-Year Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] \| Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit															$ 1,000			1,000
Aggregate Senior Unsecured Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] \| Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt																		$ 2,000
Euro Denominated Factoring Arrangements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Transfer of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sales, Amount Derecognized								$ 148					171
Average interest rate of de-recognized receivables								1.90%	1.40%
Yen Denominated Factoring Arrangements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Transfer of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sales, Amount Derecognized								$ 240					$ 226
Average interest rate of de-recognized receivables								0.60%	0.60%
Renminbi Denominated Factoring Arrangements [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Transfer of Financial Assets Accounted for as Sales, Amount Derecognized								$ 0
Average interest rate of de-recognized receivables								3.50%
5.50% MCPS, Series A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage		5.50%

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	$ 458	$ 336	$ 0
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	10 years 6 months	5 years 9 months 18 days
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	2.40%	3.70%
Operating Lease, Cost	$ 92	$ 80
Rent Expense, Net			$ 92
Operating Lease, Payments	91	77
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability	202	137
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Rolling Twelve Months	86
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due in Rolling Year Two	75
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due in Rolling Year Three	60
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due in Rolling Year Four	49
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due in Rolling Year Five	43
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Rolling Year Five	218
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid	530
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount	(59)
Lessee, Leases Not Yet Commenced, Amount	$ 25
Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract	15 years
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	$ 401	276
Operating Lease, Liability	471
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	$ 70	$ 67
Minimum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	56 years
Lessee, Operating and Finance Leases, Option to Extend	10 years

Restructuring Related Activit_3

Restructuring Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 52	$ 38	$ 36
Intangible asset impairment charges	460	105	35
Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	52	38	36
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	171	82	96
Restructuring Related Expenses	119	44	59
Cumulative Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date	171
Cumulative Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date	279
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	450
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	369
2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date	64
Cumulative Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date	115
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	179
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	114
2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date	106
Cumulative Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date	164
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	271
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	255
Lotus Discontinuation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	55
Intangible asset impairment charges	8
Employee Severance [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	27	38	32
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	27	38	32
Restructuring Related Expenses	0	0	0
Cumulative Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date	124
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	100
Employee Severance [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date	38
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	12
Employee Severance [Member] \| 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date	86
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	89
Other Restructuring [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other Restructuring Costs	24	0	4
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	79	13	16
Restructuring Related Expenses	55	13	12
Cumulative Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date	46
Cumulative Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date	66
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	67
Other Restructuring [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date	26
Cumulative Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date	28
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	25
Other Restructuring [Member] \| 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative Restructuring Charges Incurred to Date	21
Cumulative Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date	39
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	41
Transfer costs [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Transfer Costs	0	0	0
Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost	64	32	47
Restructuring Related Expenses	64	32	47
Cumulative Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date	213
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	202
Transfer costs [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date	87
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	77
Transfer costs [Member] \| 2016 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative Restructuring-related Costs Incurred to Date	126
Cumulative Restructuring and Restructuring-Related Payments Made To Date	125
Maximum [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Restructuring-related Cost, Expected Cost	475
Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount	440
Maximum [Member] \| Lotus Discontinuation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Restructuring-related Cost, Expected Cost	90
Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount	40
Minimum [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Restructuring-related Cost, Expected Cost	375
Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount	340
Minimum [Member] \| Lotus Discontinuation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Restructuring-related Cost, Expected Cost	80
Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount	30
Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Other Restructuring [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring-related Cost, Expected Cost	325
Restructuring Related To Plan [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Other Restructuring [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring-related Cost, Expected Cost	275
Restructuring Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Employee Severance [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	100
Restructuring Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Other Restructuring [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	50
Restructuring Plan [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Employee Severance [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	75
Restructuring Plan [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Other Restructuring [Member] \| 2019 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	25
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	51	13	12
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| Employee Severance [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	0	0	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| Other Restructuring [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	51	13	12
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| Transfer costs [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	0	0	0
Cost of Sales [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	64	32	47
Cost of Sales [Member] \| Lotus Discontinuation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Inventory Write-down	119
Cost of Sales [Member] \| Employee Severance [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	0	0	0
Cost of Sales [Member] \| Other Restructuring [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	0	0	0
Cost of Sales [Member] \| Transfer costs [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	64	$ 32	$ 47
Research and Development Expense [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	4
Research and Development Expense [Member] \| Employee Severance [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	0
Research and Development Expense [Member] \| Other Restructuring [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	4
Research and Development Expense [Member] \| Transfer costs [Member] \| Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Related Expenses	$ 0

Supplemental Balance Sheet In_3

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Current Assets [Abstract]
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in Other current assets	$ 208	$ 346	$ 655
Derivative Asset, Current	133	105
Licensing arrangements	148	186
Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Current	263	243
Other Assets, Current	751	880
Trade accounts receivable, net
Trade accounts receivable	1,637	1,902
Allowance for credit losses	(105)	(74)
Trade accounts receivable, net	1,531	1,828
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss (beginning balance)	74	68	68
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASC 2016-13	10
Net (credits) charges to expenses	49	23	19
Utilization of allowances	(27)	(17)	(19)
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss (ending balance)	105	74	68
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves	893	971
Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves	109	192
Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves	349	416
Inventories	1,351	1,579
Property, plant and equipment, net
Land	104	117
Buildings and improvements	1,292	1,198
Equipment, furniture and fixtures	3,465	3,411
Capital in progress	446	442
Property, plant and equipment	5,308	5,169
Less: accumulated depreciation	3,224	3,089
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 2,084	$ 2,079	1,782
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Textuals)
Percent of finished goods at consignment	33.00%	32.00%
Depreciation	$ 333	$ 311	296
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Restricted Cash Equivalents included in Other long-term assets	52	43	27
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	458	336	$ 0
Derivative Asset	109	216
Investments	918	458
Licensing arrangements, asset	218	332
Other, Other Long-term Assets	166	144
Other long-term assets (total)	1,921	1,529
Accrued expenses
Legal reserves	505	470
Payroll and related liabilities	681	708
Accrued Rebates, Current	331	298
Contingent consideration	26	56
Other	656	576
Accrued liabilities, current	2,197	2,109
Other Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Deferred Revenue, Current	138	144
Accrued Royalties, Current	153	197
Taxes Payable, Current	158	265
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current	200	0
Other Sundry Liabilities, Current	307	195
Other current liabilities	958	800
Other long-term liabilities
Other long-term liabilities	2,309	2,635
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Other long-term liabilities
Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent	547	667
Estimated Litigation Liability, Noncurrent	64	227
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent	171	299
Licensing arrangements, liability	253	374
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	401	276
Deferred Revenue	257	257
Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent	615	535
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	401	276
Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent	547	667
Estimated Litigation Liability, Noncurrent	64	227
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent	171	299
Licensing arrangements, liability	253	374
Deferred Revenue	257	257
Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent	$ 615	$ 535

Income Taxes (Details - Rate Ta

Income Taxes (Details - Rate Table)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details - Rate Table)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	(21.00%)	(21.00%)	(21.00%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes	16.60%	6.70%	0.10%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Percent	155.40%	21.90%	0.50%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential	(40.70%)	(47.60%)	(8.40%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense	(16.70%)	(12.20%)	(2.10%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Research	(43.00%)	(4.20%)	(2.60%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance	(42.00%)	1.10%	(5.20%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses	3.70%	0.00%	0.00%
effective income tax reconciliation, compensation-related	(7.70%)	(0.30%)	(1.00%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Percent	64.40%	3.60%	0.80%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Uncertain Domestic Tax Positions	(96.80%)	1.40%	(22.00%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, TCJA net impact	0.00%	0.00%	(4.70%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Intra-entity intangible asset transfers	10.20%	(597.00%)	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Return to provision	(37.30%)	(0.20%)	(0.20%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent	51.80%	(0.20%)	0.50%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments	6.00%	(2.40%)	1.60%
Reported tax rate	2.90%	(584.00%)	(17.50%)

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Deta

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic					$ (660)	$ (1,145)	$ 35
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign					581	1,832	1,387
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest					(79)	687	1,422
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)					(29)	120	(221)
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)					(35)	54	(27)
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)					151	101	160
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)					87	275	(87)
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)					(26)	(146)	(124)
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)					(6)	(18)	4
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)					(53)	(4,124)	(42)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)					(85)	(4,288)	(162)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)					2	(4,013)	(249)
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	$ 10				10	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	557				557	545
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals	308				308	258
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Restructuring Charges	23				23	20
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Contingencies	82				82	168
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Impairment Losses	0				0	42
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost	134				134	121
Federal benefit of uncertain tax positions	9				9	10
Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3,551				3,551	3,447
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	(6)				(6)	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense	4,668				4,668	4,611
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	(887)				(887)	(915)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	3,781				3,781	3,696
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	1				1	16
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives	12				12	52
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets	34				34	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Inventory	0				0	2
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	0				0	25
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	47				47	95
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	3,734				3,734	3,601
Deferred Tax Assets, Prepaid on Intercompany Profit	194				194	195
Net Deferred Tax Liabilities and Prepaid on Intercompany Profit	3,928				3,928	3,796
Deferred Tax Assets	4,406				4,406	4,391
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	478				478	595
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic	474				474	449
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign	83				83	105
Deferred Tax Asset, Intra-entity Transfer, Asset Other than Inventory						4,102
Deferred Tax Asset, Valuation Allowance, Intra-entity						542
Change in Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ (28)				(28)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax					(78)	13	37
Free Trade Zone Regime Tax Incentive					$ 64	$ 173	$ 146
Free Trade Zone Regime Tax Incentive Per Share	$ 0.04		$ 0.10		$ 0.04	$ 0.12	$ 0.10
Tax Incentives in Puerto Rico					$ 30
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 183		$ 332		183	$ 355	$ 332
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	261		427		261	455	427	$ 1,238
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions					28	30	79
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions					6	45	4
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions					(186)	(34)	(433)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities			(90)	$ (303)	(27)	(4)	(459)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations					(15)	(9)	(3)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued				$ 307
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	62	$ 91					250
Net Settlement Payment to IRS			93				93
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued	41				41	19
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense					(7)	(1)	(498)
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible	27				27
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Measurement Period Adjustment, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)							67
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Liability	939		$ 856		939		$ 856
One-time transaction tax post-1986 E&P - net payment					597
transition tax payment remaining					477
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Transition Tax for Accumulated Foreign Earnings, Income Tax Expense					20
The CARES Act	2,200,000				2,200,000
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets	194				194	195
Assets held for sale [Domain]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets	2				2	0
Deferred tax assets [Domain]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets	4,210				4,210	4,196
Deferred tax liabilities [Domain]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	330				330	595
Liabilities held for sale in Other current liabilities [Domain]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	$ 148				$ 148	$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) € in Thousands	Nov. 10, 2017EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 27, 2021claimsUSD ($)	Jan. 15, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 12, 2018USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrual for legal matters that are probable and estimable \| $		$ 697,000,000				$ 569,000,000	$ 697,000,000
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in Other current assets \| $		346,000,000				208,000,000	346,000,000	$ 655,000,000
Litigation Settlement, Expense \| $		$ 223,000,000	$ 25,000,000	$ 15,000,000	$ (148,000,000)	$ 278,000,000	$ 115,000,000	$ 103,000,000
Litigation Settlement Received, Gain \| $										$ 180,000,000
Loss Contingency, Damages Paid, Value \| €	€ 620
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value \| €	€ 245
Subsequent Event [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Product liability cases or claims related to mesh product \| claims									54,000
Product liability cases or claims related to mesh product - United Kingdom \| claims									60
Product liability cases or claims related to mesh product - Australia \| $									125
Product liability cases or claims in Canada, Mesh \| claims									10
Certified class actions in Canada, Mesh \| claims									1
Assigned to one judge in MA [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Product liability cases or claims related to mesh product \| claims									3,100
Settled Litigation [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Product liability cases or claims related to mesh product \| claims									52,000
Total Product liability cases and claims settled related to Mesh product \| claims									48,000
Upfront Cash [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Alleged Breach of Purchase Agreement, Amount \| $											$ 145,000,000
Maximum Contingent Payment [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Alleged Breach of Purchase Agreement, Amount \| $											$ 130,000,000

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Feb. 01, 2021	Dec. 01, 2020	Sep. 01, 2020	May 27, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 14, 2020	Jan. 25, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized					50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued					10,062,500
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock in connection with public offering					$ 975	$ 0	$ 0
Payments of Dividends					$ 28	$ 0	0
Common Stock, Shares Authorized					2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share					$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with public offering					$ 975	$ 0	0
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount								$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased					15,700,000
Payments for repurchase of common stock					$ 535	$ 0	$ 0
Treasury Stock, Shares					263,289,848	247,566,270
5.50% MCPS, Series A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued				10,062,500
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage				5.50%
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share				$ 100	$ 100
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock in connection with public offering				$ 975
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value					$ 1,006
Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid		$ 1.3750	$ 1.4361
Payments of Dividends		$ 14	$ 14
5.50% MCPS, Series A [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Convertible Preferred Stock, Terms of Conversion					2.3834
5.50% MCPS, Series A [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Convertible Preferred Stock, Terms of Conversion					2.9197
5.50% MCPS, Series A [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 1.375
Payments of Dividends	$ 14
Dividends Payable	$ 5
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues				29,382,500
Shares Issued, Price Per Share				$ 34.25
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with public offering				$ 975

Stock Incentive and Purchase _2

Stock Incentive and Purchase Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Oct. 01, 2020	Feb. 18, 2020	Feb. 21, 2019	Feb. 15, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of market based awards	$ 8	$ 10	$ 7
Share Price	$ 35.95	$ 45.22	$ 35.34		$ 42.16	$ 40.12	$ 27.09
Unrecognized Compensation Cost - Stock Options	$ 35
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	1,387,000	2,196,000	2,452,000
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Weighted Average Purchase Price of Shares Purchased	$ 29.84
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	9,987,000	11,079,000	12,683,000					15,250,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 34	$ 29	$ 22					$ 18
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	3,609,000	3,656,000	4,375,000
Measurement period - market based awards	2 years 10 months 24 days	2 years 10 months 24 days	2 years 10 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.37%	2.48%	2.36%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 41	$ 39	$ 28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	(4,147,000)	(4,811,000)	(6,194,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 25	$ 20	$ 16
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	(554,000)	(449,000)	(748,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 34	$ 27	$ 22
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	23,122,000	23,065,000	25,304,000					26,716,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	3,819,000	2,992,000	3,491,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	(3,096,000)	(4,872,000)	(4,385,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 13	$ 12	$ 11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period	(666,000)	(359,000)	(519,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 27	$ 24	$ 22
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 170	$ 157	$ 140
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	2,000,000,000	2,000,000,000
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	187,000,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$ (28)	$ (24)	(21)
Share-based compensation, net of tax benefit	$ 142	$ 133	$ 119
compensation expense, per share - basic	$ 0.10	$ 0.10	$ 0.09
compensation expense, per share - diluted	0.10	0.09	0.08
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	41.79	40.20	27.26
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.44	$ 11.76	$ 8.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	23.00%	24.00%	26.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	5 years 9 months 18 days	6 years 1 month 6 days	6 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	$ 84	$ 140	$ 90
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 24	$ 19	$ 16					$ 13
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 312
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	15,105,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 17
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$ 290
Options expected to vest	7,683,000
Options expected to vest, weighted average exercise price	$ 37
Options expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual life	8 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 22
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	22,787,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 24
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 4 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 312
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	$ 172	$ 193	$ 170
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	50,000,000
Amount of employees total compensation eligible for GESOP purchase	10.00%
Global Employee Stock Purchase Plan - Exercise Amount equivalent to 85% of Fair Market Value of Common Stock at beginning or end of each offering period (whichever is less)	85.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	6,000,000
Unrecognized Compensation Cost - Non-vested stock awards	$ 169
Unrecognized Compensation Cost	$ 204
weighted average remaining vesting period	1 year 8 months 12 days
annualweightedaverageforfeiturerate	5.00%
Voting power of all classes of stock	10.00%
Exercise price of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant	110.00%
Qualified options exercise price	$ 0
Fair value of the Free Cash Flow (FCF) performance awards	$ 6	$ 8	$ 11
Target payout of Free Cash Flows (FCF) performance awards	89.00%	90.00%	118.00%
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Compensation Expense	$ 10	$ 19	$ 17
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of the target number of performance-based DSUs awarded	0.00%
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Weighted Average Purchase Price of Shares Purchased		$ 29.29	$ 21.49
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.27%	1.38%	2.61%
Range of the target number of market-based DSUs awarded	0.00%
High end of range [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Range of the target number of performance-based DSUs awarded	150.00%
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Weighted Average Purchase Price of Shares Purchased		$ 36.47	$ 27.91
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.72%	2.61%	3.01%
Range of the target number of market-based DSUs awarded	200.00%
2011 LTIP Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized				171,000,000
Cost of Sales [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 9	$ 8	$ 7
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	130	120	109
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 30	$ 28	$ 24

Weighted Average Shares Outst_3

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	1,416,700	1,391,500	1,381,000
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	0	19,000	20,400
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	1,416,700	1,410,600	1,401,400
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	14,000
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	6,000	0	0
5.50% MCPS, Series A [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	14,000

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)reportablesegments	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments \| reportablesegments	3
Net sales	$ 9,913	$ 10,735	$ 9,823
Depreciation	(333)	(311)	(296)
Operating income allocated to reportable segments	(80)	1,518	1,506
Amortization expense	(789)	(699)	(599)
Other expense, net	1	(831)	(85)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(79)	687	1,422
Goodwill	9,951	10,176	7,911
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	5,917	7,886	6,372
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	458	336	0
Long-Lived Assets	18,409	20,477	16,064
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations \| Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets (segment reporting)	1,133
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	5,701	6,167	5,538
Long-Lived Assets	1,151	1,148	1,061
IRELAND
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	382	327	242
Other countries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	551	604	478
MedSurg [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,066	3,307	3,007
Depreciation	(80)	(75)	(72)
Operating Income (Loss) Allocated to Reportable Segments	$ 1,079	$ 1,204	$ 1,102
Segment operating income as percentage of net sales	35.20%	36.40%	36.70%
Assets (segment reporting)	$ 1,638	$ 1,803
Goodwill	2,059	2,061	$ 2,063
Rhythm and Neuro [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	2,752	3,140	3,041
Depreciation	(96)	(92)	(91)
Operating Income (Loss) Allocated to Reportable Segments	$ 439	$ 666	$ 655
Segment operating income as percentage of net sales	15.90%	21.20%	21.50%
Assets (segment reporting)	$ 1,827	$ 1,873
Goodwill	2,194	2,192	$ 1,924
Cardiovascular [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,876	4,208	3,777
Depreciation	(154)	(138)	(133)
Operating Income (Loss) Allocated to Reportable Segments	$ 661	$ 1,137	$ 1,117
Segment operating income as percentage of net sales	17.10%	27.00%	29.60%
Assets (segment reporting)	$ 2,461	$ 2,535
Goodwill	5,697	5,676	$ 3,925
BSX Reportable Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	9,694	10,654	9,823
Depreciation	(330)	(306)	(296)
BSX Reportable Segments \| United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	5,508	6,097	5,538
Total allocated to reportable segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income allocated to reportable segments	2,179	3,007	2,875
Assets (segment reporting)	5,926	6,211
Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation	(3)	(6)
Operating income allocated to reportable segments	143	56
Assets (segment reporting)		211
Goodwill	0	247	0
Corporate Expenses including hedging activities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income Unallocated to Segment	(405)	(264)	(372)
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges, acquisition/divestiture-related net charges (credits), restructuring and restructuring-related net charges (credits), litigation-related net charges (credits) and EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) implementation costs
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income Unallocated to Segment	(1,208)	(582)	$ (398)
Corporate Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets (segment reporting)	7,850	6,082
Consolidated BSX [Domain]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets (segment reporting)	$ 30,777	$ 30,565

Revenue (Details)

Revenue (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Revenue (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)countries	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Emerging Markets total number of countries \| countries	20
Net sales	$ 9,913	$ 10,735	$ 9,823
Contract with Customer, Liability [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Liability	395	400
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Estimate of Transaction Price	179
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	135
UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	5,701	6,167	5,538
Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	4,212	4,569	4,286
Emerging Markets [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,093	1,252	1,097
Global Endoscopy (Endo) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,780	1,894	1,762
Global Endoscopy (Endo) Reporting Unit [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,000	1,080	980
Global Endoscopy (Endo) Reporting Unit [Member] \| Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	780	814	781
Global Urology and Pelvic Health Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,286	1,413	1,245
Global Urology and Pelvic Health Reporting Unit [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	918	1,005	864
Global Urology and Pelvic Health Reporting Unit [Member] \| Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	368	408	381
Global CRM Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,704	1,939	1,951
Global CRM Reporting Unit [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	992	1,135	1,159
Global CRM Reporting Unit [Member] \| Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	712	804	792
Global Electrophysiology (EP) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	287	329	311
Global Electrophysiology (EP) Reporting Unit [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	118	148	150
Global Electrophysiology (EP) Reporting Unit [Member] \| Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	169	180	161
Global Neuromodulation (NM) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	761	873	779
Global Neuromodulation (NM) Reporting Unit [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	610	695	624
Global Neuromodulation (NM) Reporting Unit [Member] \| Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	151	178	155
Global Interventional Cardiology (IC) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	2,299	2,816	2,590
Global Interventional Cardiology (IC) Reporting Unit [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	981	1,293	1,154
Global Interventional Cardiology (IC) Reporting Unit [Member] \| Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,317	1,522	1,436
Global Peripheral Interventions (PI) Reporting Unit [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,577	1,392	1,187
Global Peripheral Interventions (PI) Reporting Unit [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	888	741	608
Global Peripheral Interventions (PI) Reporting Unit [Member] \| Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	689	651	579
Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	219	81
Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member] \| UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	193	70
Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member] \| Non-US [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	27	11
BSX Reportable Segments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	9,694	10,654	9,823
BSX Reportable Segments \| UNITED STATES
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	5,508	6,097	5,538
BSX Reportable Segments \| EMEA [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	2,097	2,264	2,176
BSX Reportable Segments \| APAC [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,781	1,898	1,727
BSX Reportable Segments \| Latin America and Canada [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 307	$ 395	$ 383

Changes in Other Comprehensiv_3

Changes in Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax, Period Change [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ 218	$ 142	$ (53)
AOCI, Cash Flow Hedge, Cumulative Gain (Loss), after Tax	36	173	111
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax	(47)	(45)	(25)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	207	270	33
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	95	228
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, after Tax	(77)	116
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	(5)	(22)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	13	322
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, after Tax	(19)	(33)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, after Tax	(60)	(54)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax	3	2
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(76)	(86)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	76	195	(21)
Net change in derivative financial instruments	(137)	62	110
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	(1)	(20)	2
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (63)	$ 237	$ 91

Employee Retirement Plans (Deta

Employee Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 19, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation		$ 506	$ 466
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation		(532)	(488)	$ (232)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		355	332	107
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position		177	156
Defined Benefit Plan, Acquired and Established Plan Changes, Plan Assets		0	213
Defined Benefit Plan, Acquired and Established Plan Changes, Plan Assets		0	216
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost		19	15
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost		5	5
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment		(5)	11
pension benefit obligation, benefits paid		(23)	(10)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		26	19
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss)		2	7
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)		22	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer		12	13
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant		2	2
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)		14	(20)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid		(23)	(10)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		16	19
Expense related to matching contributions		$ 102	$ 98	$ 87
Domestic Plan
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Executive Retirement Plan Discount Rate		1.90%	2.94%
Executive Retirement Plan Rate of Compensation Increase		1.50%	1.50%
U.K. Plan
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Assumptions used to Determine Expected Return		0.10%	0.60%
Executive Retirement Plan Discount Rate		0.10%	0.60%
Executive Retirement Plan Rate of Compensation Increase			3.00%
Other International Plans
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Assumptions used to Determine Expected Return		1.98%	2.05%
Executive Retirement Plan Discount Rate		0.67%	0.75%
Executive Retirement Plan Rate of Compensation Increase		2.40%	2.65%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		$ 7
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss)		1
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)		15
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid		(9)
Other Contract
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		223	$ 207
Other Contract \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
Other Contract \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
Other Contract \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		223	207
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount			1
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount			1
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount			0
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount			0
Executive retirement plan [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation		54	50
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation		(58)	(54)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position		58	54
International retirement plans [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation		225	204
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation		(247)	(223)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		132	123
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position		115	100
U.K. Plan
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan	$ 213
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation		226	212
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	(216)	(226)	(212)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		223	209
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	$ (3)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position		3	3
Executive Retirement Plan Discount Rate	0.40%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets	0.40%
Executive Retirement Plan Rate of Compensation Increase	3.40%
U.K. Plan \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	1
U.K. Plan \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		0	0
U.K. Plan \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount		$ 223	$ 207

Schedule II (Details)

Schedule II (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Schedule II (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss (beginning balance)	$ 74	$ 68	$ 68
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASC 2016-13	10
Net (credits) charges to expenses	49	23	19
Utilization of allowances	(27)	(17)	(19)
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Increase (Decrease) Adjustment	0	0	(30)
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss (ending balance)	$ 105	$ 74	68
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount			$ 68	$ 98