COVER PAGE - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
COVER PAGE - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-13149
Entity Registrant Name	STRYKER CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	MI
Entity Tax Identification Number	38-1239739
Entity Address, Address Line One	2825 Airview Boulevard,
Entity Address, City or Town	Kalamazoo,
Entity Address, State or Province	MI
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	49002
City Area Code	(269)
Local Phone Number	385-2600
Title of 12(g) Security	None
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 Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 71,863,352,935
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		374,575,145
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the proxy statement to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the 2020 proxy statement) are incorporated by reference into Part III.
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Central Index Key	0000310764
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Common Stock, $.10 Par Value
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $.10 Par Value
Trading Symbol	SYK
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
1.125% Notes due 2023
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	1.125% Notes due 2023
Trading Symbol	SYK23
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
0.250% Notes due 2024
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	0.250% Notes due 2024
Trading Symbol	SYK24A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
2.125% Notes due 2027
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	2.125% Notes due 2027
Trading Symbol	SYK27
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
0.750% Notes due 2029
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	0.750% Notes due 2029
Trading Symbol	SYK29
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
2.625% Notes due 2030
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	2.625% Notes due 2030
Trading Symbol	SYK30
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
1.000% Notes due 2031
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	1.000% Notes due 2031
Trading Symbol	SYK31
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Floating Rate Notes due 2020
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	Floating Rate Notes due 2020
Trading Symbol	SYK20A
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

Consolidated Statements Of Earnings - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 14,884	$ 13,601	$ 12,444
Cost of sales	5,188	4,663	4,264
Gross profit	9,696	8,938	8,180
Research, development and engineering expenses	971	862	787
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,356	5,099	4,552
Recall charges	192	23	173
Amortization of intangible assets	464	417	371
Total operating expenses	6,983	6,401	5,883
Operating income	2,713	2,537	2,297
Other income (expense), net	(151)	(181)	(234)
Earnings before income taxes	2,562	2,356	2,063
Income taxes	479	(1,197)	1,043
Net earnings	$ 2,083	$ 3,553	$ 1,020
Net earnings per share of common stock:
Basic net earnings per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 5.57	$ 9.50	$ 2.73
Diluted net earnings per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 5.48	$ 9.34	$ 2.68
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions):
Basic (in shares)	374.0	374.1	374.0
Effect of dilutive employee stock compensation (in shares)	5.9	6.2	6.1
Diluted (in shares)	379.9	380.3	380.1
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of dilutive employee stock compensation	0.0	0.0	0.0

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 2,083	$ 3,553	$ 1,020
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Marketable securities	1	0	(4)
Pension plans	(42)	(3)	(2)
Unrealized gains (losses) on designated hedges	(3)	22	4
Financial statement translation	69	(97)	210
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	25	(78)	208
Comprehensive income	$ 2,108	$ 3,475	$ 1,228

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,337	$ 3,616
Marketable securities	88	83
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $88 ($64 in 2018)	2,893	2,332
Inventories:
Materials and supplies	677	606
Work in process	178	149
Finished goods	2,427	2,200
Total inventories	3,282	2,955
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	760	747
Total current assets	11,360	9,733
Property, plant and equipment:
Land, buildings and improvements	1,263	1,041
Machinery and equipment	3,451	3,236
Total property, plant and equipment	4,714	4,277
Less allowance for depreciation	2,147	1,986
Property, plant and equipment, net	2,567	2,291
Goodwill	9,069	8,563
Other intangibles, net	4,227	4,163
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets	1,575	1,678
Other noncurrent assets	1,369	801
Total assets	30,167	27,229
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	675	646
Accrued compensation	955	917
Income taxes	171	158
Dividend payable	213	192
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	1,527	1,521
Current maturities of debt	859	1,373
Total current liabilities	4,400	4,807
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	10,231	8,486
Income taxes	1,068	1,228
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,661	978
Total liabilities	17,360	15,499
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, $0.10 par value	37	37
Additional paid-in capital	1,628	1,559
Retained earnings	11,748	10,765
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(606)	(631)
Total shareholders' equity	12,807	11,730
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity	$ 30,167	$ 27,229

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 88	$ 64
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Total	Total Stryker shareholders' equity	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Non-controlling interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					$ 0
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination							$ 114
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests							(99)
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016			$ 37	$ 1,432	8,842	$ (761)	0
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016			374.6
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation and benefit plans				(42)
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation and benefit plans, shares			1.7
Repurchase of common stock				(7)	(223)
Repurchase of common stock, shares			(1.9)
Share-based compensation				113
Net earnings	$ 1,020				1,020		0
Cash dividends declared					(653)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	208					208
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017			374.4
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	9,980	$ 9,966	$ 37	1,496	8,986	(553)	14
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					(759)
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment							(1)
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination							0
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests							(15)
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation and benefit plans				(49)
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation and benefit plans, shares			1.9
Repurchase of common stock				(7)	(293)
Repurchase of common stock, shares			(1.9)
Share-based compensation				119
Net earnings	3,553				3,553		0
Cash dividends declared					(722)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(78)					(78)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2018			374.4
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	11,730	11,730	$ 37	1,559	10,765	(631)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative effect of accounting changes					0
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment							1
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination							0
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests							0
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation and benefit plans			$ 0	(50)
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation and benefit plans, shares			2.0
Repurchase of common stock	$ (307)		$ 0	(8)	(299)
Repurchase of common stock, shares	(1.9)		(1.9)
Share-based compensation				127
Net earnings	$ 2,083				2,083		0
Cash dividends declared					(801)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2019			374.5
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 12,807	$ 12,807	$ 37	$ 1,628	$ 11,748	$ (606)	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Foreign currency exchange translation adjustment							$ 0

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating activities
Net earnings	$ 2,083	$ 3,553	$ 1,020
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	314	306	271
Amortization of intangible assets	464	417	371
Share-based compensation	127	119	113
Recall charges	192	23	173
Sale of inventory stepped up to fair value at acquisition	67	16	22
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	126	(1,582)	36
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(563)	(60)	(162)
Inventories	(400)	(385)	(320)
Accounts payable	63	116	21
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	113	289	90
Recall-related payments	(177)	(90)	(526)
Income taxes	(105)	(156)	704
Other, net	(113)	44	(254)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,191	2,610	1,559
Investing activities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(802)	(2,451)	(831)
Purchases of marketable securities	(74)	(226)	(270)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	69	394	87
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(649)	(572)	(598)
Other investing, net	1	(2)	(1)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,455)	(2,857)	(1,613)
Financing activities
Proceeds and payments on short-term borrowings, net	(7)	(1)	(200)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	2,642	3,126	499
Payments on long-term debt	(1,342)	(669)	0
Dividends paid	(778)	(703)	(636)
Repurchases of common stock	(307)	(300)	(230)
Cash paid for taxes from withheld shares	(136)	(120)	(95)
Payments to purchase noncontrolling interest	0	(14)	(99)
Other financing, net	(69)	10	(33)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3	1,329	(794)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(18)	(8)	74
Change in cash and cash equivalents	721	1,074	(774)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	3,616	2,542	3,316
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	4,337	3,616	2,542
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	457	539	312
Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities	$ 286	$ 248	$ 231

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2019
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Operations: Stryker (the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") is one of the world's leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The Company offers innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that improve patient and hospital outcomes. Our products include implants used in joint replacement and trauma surgeries; surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems; endoscopic and communications systems; patient handling, emergency medical equipment and intensive care disposable products; neurosurgical, neurovascular and spinal devices; as well as other products used in a variety of medical specialties. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We have no material interests in variable interest entities and none that require consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses in the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue Recognition: Sales are recognized as the performance obligations to deliver products or services are satisfied and are recorded based on the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfying the performance obligations. Our sales continue to be recognized primarily when we transfer control to the customer, which can be on the date of shipment, the date of receipt by the customer or, for most Orthopaedics products, when we have received a purchase order and appropriate notification the product has been used or implanted. Products and services are primarily transferred to customers at a point in time, with some transfers of services taking place over time. Sales represent the amount of consideration we expect to receive from customers in exchange for transferring products and services. Net sales exclude sales, value added and other taxes we collect from customers. Other costs to obtain and fulfill contracts are expensed as incurred due to the short-term nature of most of our sales. We extend terms of payment to our customers based on commercially reasonable terms for the markets of our customers, while also considering their credit quality. A provision for estimated sales returns, discounts and rebates is recognized as a reduction of sales in the same period that the sales are recognized. Our estimate of the provision for sales returns has been established based on contract terms with our customers and historical business practices and current trends. Shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in net sales. Cost of Sales: Cost of sales is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacture of product, as well as manufacturing labor, depreciation expense and direct overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into finished product. Cost of sales also includes the cost to distribute products to customers, inbound freight costs, warehousing costs and other shipping and handling activity. Research, Development and Engineering Expenses: Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Costs include research, development and engineering activities relating to the development of new products, improvement of existing products, technical support of products and compliance with governmental regulations for the protection of customers and patients. Costs primarily consist of salaries, wages, consulting and depreciation and maintenance of research facilities and equipment. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expense is primarily comprised of selling expenses, marketing expenses, administrative and other indirect overhead costs, amortization of loaner instrumentation, depreciation and amortization expense of non-manufacturing assets and other miscellaneous operating items. Currency Translation: Financial statements of subsidiaries outside the United States generally are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Adjustments to translate those statements into United States Dollars are recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI). Transactional exchange gains and losses are included in earnings. Cash Equivalents: Highly liquid investments with remaining stated maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents and recorded at cost. Marketable Securities: Marketable securities consist of marketable debt securities, certificates of deposit and mutual funds. Mutual funds are acquired to offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements and are expected to be used to settle these liabilities. Pursuant to our investment policy, all individual marketable security investments must have a minimum credit quality of single A (Standard & Poor’s and Fitch) and A2 (Moody’s Corporation) at the time of acquisition, while the overall portfolio of marketable securities must maintain a minimum average credit quality of double A (Standard & Poor’s and Fitch) or Aa (Moody’s Corporation). In the event of a rating downgrade below the minimum credit quality subsequent to purchase, the marketable security investment is evaluated to determine the appropriate action to take to minimize the overall risk to our marketable security investment portfolio. Our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and trading securities. Investments in trading securities represent participant-directed investments of deferred employee compensation. Accounts Receivable: Accounts receivable consists of trade and other miscellaneous receivables. An allowance is maintained for doubtful accounts for estimated losses in the collection of accounts receivable. Estimates are made regarding the ability of customers to make required payments based on historical credit experience and expected future trends. Accounts receivable are written off when all reasonable collection efforts are exhausted. Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost generally determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method. For excess and obsolete inventory resulting from the potential inability to sell specific products at prices in excess of current carrying costs, reserves are maintained to reduce current carrying cost to market prices. Financial Instruments: Our financial instruments consist of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, other investments, accounts payable, debt and foreign currency exchange contracts. The carrying value of our financial instruments, with the exception of our senior unsecured notes, approximates fair value on December 31, 2019 and 2018. Refer to Notes 3 and 10 for further details. All marketable securities are recognized at fair value. Adjustments to the fair value of marketable securities that are classified as available-for-sale are recorded as increases or decreases, net of income taxes, within accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) in shareholders’ equity and adjustments to the fair value of marketable securities that are classified as trading are recorded in earnings. The amortized cost of marketable debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts to maturity computed under the effective interest method. Such amortization and interest and realized gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net. The cost of securities sold is determined by the specific identification method. We review declines in the fair value of our investments classified as available-for-sale to determine whether the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. The resulting losses from other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale marketable debt securities are included in earnings. Derivatives: All derivatives are recognized at fair value and reported on a gross basis. We enter into forward currency exchange contracts to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on transactions denominated in nonfunctional currencies, thereby limiting our risk that would otherwise result from changes in exchange rates. The periods of the forward currency exchange contracts correspond to the periods of the exposed transactions, with realized gains and losses included in the measurement and recording of transactions denominated in the nonfunctional currencies. All forward currency exchange contracts are recorded at their fair value each period. Forward currency exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges are designed to hedge the variability of cash flows associated with forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency that will take place in the future. These nonfunctional currency exposures principally relate to forecasted intercompany sales and purchases of manufactured products and generally have maturities up to eighteen months. Changes in value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until earnings are affected by the variability of the underlying cash flows. At that time, the applicable amount of gain or loss from the derivative instrument that is deferred in shareholders’ equity is reclassified into earnings and is included in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Cash flows associated with these hedges are included in cash from operations in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged. Forward currency exchange contracts are used to offset our exposure to the change in value of specific foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, primarily intercompany payables and receivables. These derivatives are not designated as hedges and, therefore, changes in the value of these forward contracts are recognized in earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the related changes in value of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The estimated fair value of our forward currency exchange contracts represents the measurement of the contracts at month-end spot rates as adjusted by current forward points. From time to time, we designate derivative and non-derivative financial instruments as net investment hedges of our investments in certain international subsidiaries. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is recognized in OCI and reported as a component of AOCI. We have elected to use the spot method to assess effectiveness for our derivatives designated as net investment hedges. Accordingly, the change in fair value attributable to changes in the spot rate is recorded in AOCI. We exclude the spot-forward difference from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and amortize this amount separately on a straight-line basis over the term of the forward contracts. This amortization will be recorded in Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. From time to time, we designate forward starting interest rate derivative instruments as cash flow hedges to manage the exposure to interest rate volatility with regard to future issuance and refinancing of debt. The effective portion of the gain or loss on a forward starting interest rate derivative instrument that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge is reported as a component of AOCI. Beginning in the period in which the debt refinancing occurs and the related derivative instruments is terminated, the effective portion of the gains or losses is then reclassified into interest expense over the term of the related debt. Interest rate derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges have been used in the past to manage the exposure to interest rate movements and to reduce borrowing costs by converting fixed-rate debt into floating-rate debt. Under these agreements, we agree to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is generally computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of three to 30 years for buildings and improvements and three to 10 years for machinery and equipment. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of tangible net assets of acquired businesses at the acquisition date, after amounts allocated to other identifiable intangible assets. Factors that contribute to the recognition of goodwill include synergies that are specific to our business and not available to other market participants and are expected to increase net sales and profits; acquisition of a talented workforce; cost savings opportunities; the strategic benefit of expanding our presence in core and adjacent markets; and diversifying our product portfolio. The fair values of other identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination are primarily determined using the income approach. Other intangible assets include, but are not limited to, developed technology, customer and distributor relationships (which reflect expected continued customer or distributor patronage) and trademarks and patents. Intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of four to 40 years. Certain acquired trade names are considered to have indefinite lives and are not amortized, but are assessed annually for potential impairment as described below. In some of our acquisitions, we acquire in-process research and development (IPRD) intangible assets. For acquisitions accounted for as business combinations IPRD is considered to be an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the research is completed (then it becomes a determinable-lived intangible asset) or determined to have no future use (then it is impaired). For asset acquisitions IPRD is expensed immediately unless there is an alternative future use. Goodwill, Intangibles and Long-Lived Asset Impairment Tests: We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill in the fourth quarter of each year. We consider qualitative indicators of the fair value of a reporting unit when it is unlikely that a reporting unit has impaired goodwill. In certain circumstances, we may also utilize a discounted cash flow analysis that requires certain assumptions and estimates be made regarding market conditions and our future profitability. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also tested at least annually for impairment by comparing the individual carrying values to the fair value. We review long-lived assets for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. Undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the related assets are estimated over the asset's useful life based on updated projections. If the evaluation indicates that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, any potential impairment is measured based upon the fair value of the related asset or asset group as determined by an appropriate market appraisal or other valuation technique. Assets classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Share-Based Compensation: We use share based compensation in the form of stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance stock units (PSUs). Stock options are granted under long-term incentive plans to certain key employees and non-employee directors at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the underlying common stock, which is the quoted closing price of our common stock on the day prior to the date of grant. The options are granted for periods of up to 10 years and become exercisable in varying installments. We grant RSUs to key employees and non-employee directors and PSUs to certain key employees under our long-term incentive plans. The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the fact that RSUs do not include anticipated dividends. RSUs generally vest in one-third increments over a three-year period and are settled in stock. PSUs are earned over a three-year performance cycle and vest in March of the year following the end of that performance cycle. The number of PSUs that will ultimately be earned is based on our performance relative to pre-established goals in that three-year performance cycle. The fair value of PSUs is determined based on the quoted closing price of our common stock on the day of grant. Compensation expense is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings based on the estimated fair value of the awards on the grant date. Compensation expense recognized reflects an estimate of the number of awards expected to vest after taking into consideration an estimate of award forfeitures based on actual experience and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the period required to obtain full vesting. Management expectations related to the achievement of performance goals associated with PSU grants is assessed regularly and that assessment is used to determine whether PSU grants are expected to vest. If performance-based milestones related to PSU grants are not met or not expected to be met, any compensation expense recognized associated with such grants will be reversed. Income Taxes: Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted income tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax benefits generally represent the change in net deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the year. Other amounts result from adjustments related to acquisitions and foreign currency as appropriate. We operate in multiple income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally. Accordingly, management must determine the appropriate allocation of income to each of these jurisdictions based on current interpretations of complex income tax regulations. Income tax authorities in these jurisdictions regularly perform audits of our income tax filings. Income tax audits associated with the allocation of this income and other complex issues, including inventory transfer pricing and cost sharing, product royalty and foreign branch arrangements, may require an extended period of time to resolve and may result in significant income tax adjustments if changes to the income allocation are required between jurisdictions with different income tax rates. New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted We evaluate all Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for consideration of their applicability. ASUs not included in our disclosures were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The standard replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses for accounts receivables, loans and other financial instruments. The standard is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted On January 1, 2019 we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, and related amendments (ASC 842), which require lease assets and liabilities to be recorded on the balance sheet for leases with terms greater than twelve months. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 7 for further information. On January 1, 2019 we adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which amends and simplifies hedge accounting guidance, as well as improves presentation and disclosure to align the economic effects of risk management strategies in the financial statements. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. No other new accounting pronouncements were issued or became effective in the period that had, or are expected to have, a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

REVENUE RECOGNITION

We disaggregate our net sales by product line and geographic location for each of our segments as we believe it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and certainty of our net sales and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

Products and services are primarily transferred to customers at a point in time, with some transfers of services taking place over time. In 2019 less than 10% of our sales were recognized as services transferred over time. Refer to Note 1 for further discussion on our revenue recognition policies.



Segment Net Sales
Orthopaedics:	2019		2018		2017
Knees	$	1,815	$	1,701	$	1,595
Hips	1,383		1,336		1,303
Trauma and Extremities	1,639		1,580		1,478
Other	415		374		337
	$	5,252	$	4,991	$	4,713
MedSurg:
Instruments	$	2,041	$	1,822	$	1,678
Endoscopy	1,983		1,846		1,652
Medical	2,264		2,118		1,969
Sustainability	286		259		258
	$	6,574	$	6,045	$	5,557
Neurotechnology and Spine:
Neurotechnology	$	1,973	$	1,737	$	1,423
Spine	1,085		828		751
	$	3,058	$	2,565	$	2,174
Total	$	14,884	$	13,601	$	12,444



United States Net Sales
Orthopaedics:	2019		2018		2017
Knees	$	1,347	$	1,244	$	1,169
Hips	882		838		820
Trauma and Extremities	1,051		1,001		950
Other	334		300		276
	$	3,614	$	3,383	$	3,215
MedSurg:
Instruments	$	1,608	$	1,424	$	1,304
Endoscopy	1,577		1,432		1,290
Medical	1,787		1,630		1,525
Sustainability	283		257		257
	$	5,255	$	4,743	$	4,376
Neurotechnology and Spine:
Neurotechnology	$	1,271	$	1,115	$	900
Spine	817		607		568
	$	2,088	$	1,722	$	1,468
Total	$	10,957	$	9,848	$	9,059



International Net Sales
Orthopaedics:	2019		2018		2017
Knees	$	469	$	457	$	426
Hips	500		498		483
Trauma and Extremities	588		579		528
Other	81		74		61
	$	1,638	$	1,608	$	1,498
MedSurg:
Instruments	$	433	$	398	$	374
Endoscopy	406		414		362
Medical	477		488		444
Sustainability	3		2		1
	$	1,319	$	1,302	$	1,181
Neurotechnology and Spine:
Neurotechnology	$	702	$	622	$	523
Spine	268		221		183
	$	970	$	843	$	706
Total	$	3,927	$	3,753	$	3,385

Orthopaedics

Orthopaedics products consist primarily of implants used in hip and knee joint replacements and trauma and extremity surgeries. Substantially all Orthopaedics sales are recognized when we have received a purchase order and appropriate notification the product has been used or implanted. For certain Orthopaedic products in the "other" category, we recognize sales at a point in time, as well

as over time for performance obligations that may include an obligation to complete installation, provide training and ongoing services. Performance obligations are satisfied within one year.

MedSurg

MedSurg products include surgical equipment and navigation systems (Instruments), endoscopic and communications systems (Endoscopy), patient handling, emergency medical equipment and intensive care disposable products (Medical), reprocessed and remanufactured medical devices (Sustainability) and other medical device products used in a variety of medical specialties. Substantially all MedSurg sales are recognized when a purchase order has been received and control has transferred. For certain Endoscopy, Instruments and Medical services, we may recognize sales over time as we satisfy performance obligations that may include an obligation to complete installation, provide training and perform ongoing services, generally performed within one year.

Neurotechnology and Spine

Neurotechnology and Spine products include neurosurgical, neurovascular, and spinal implant devices. Our neurotechnology offering includes products used for minimally invasive endovascular techniques; a comprehensive line of products for traditional brain and open skull based surgical procedures; orthobiologic and biosurgery products, including synthetic bone grafts and vertebral augmentation products; and minimally invasive products for the treatment of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Our spinal implant offering includes cervical, thoracolumbar and interbody systems used in spinal injury, deformity and degenerative therapies. Substantially all Neurotechnology and Spine sales are recognized when a purchase order has been received and control has transferred.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

The nature of our products and services do not generally give rise to contract assets as we typically do not incur costs to fulfill a contract before a product or service is provided to a customer. Our costs to obtain contracts are typically in the form of sales commissions paid to employees of Stryker or third-party agents. We have elected to expense sales commissions associated with obtaining a contract as incurred as the amortization period is generally less than one year. These costs have been presented within selling, general and administrative expenses. On December 31, 2019 there were no contract assets recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Our contract liabilities arise as a result of consideration received from customers at inception of contracts for certain businesses or where the timing of billing for services precedes satisfaction of our performance obligations. We generally satisfy performance obligations within one year from the contract inception date. Our contract liabilities were $313 and $327 on December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input and disclosed in one of the following three categories:



Level 1	Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2	Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3	Unobservable inputs reflecting our assumptions or external inputs from active markets.

Use of observable market data, when available, is required in making fair value measurements. When inputs used fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We determine fair value for Level 1 instruments using exchange-traded prices for identical instruments. We determine fair value of Level 2 instruments using exchange-traded prices of similar instruments, where available, or utilizing other observable inputs that take into account our credit risk and that of our counterparties. Foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate hedges are included in Level 2 and we use inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. The Level 2 derivative instruments are primarily valued using standard calculations and models that use readily observable market data as their basis. Our Level 3 liabilities are comprised of contingent consideration arising from recently completed acquisitions. We determine fair value of these Level 3 liabilities using a discounted cash flow technique. Significant unobservable inputs were used in our assessment of fair value, including assumptions regarding future business results, discount rates, discount periods and probability assessments based on the likelihood of reaching various targets. We remeasure the fair value of our assets and liabilities each reporting period. We record the changes in fair value within selling, general and administrative expense and the changes in the time value of money within other income (expense), net.



Assets Measured at Fair Value
	2019		2018
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,337	$	3,616
Trading marketable securities	149		118
Level 1 - Assets	$	4,486	$	3,734
Available-for-sale marketable securities:
Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	$	32	$	38
United States agency debt securities	2		11
United States treasury debt securities	49		23
Certificates of deposit	5		11
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$	88	$	83
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	226		77
Interest rate swap asset	17		—
Level 2 - Assets	$	331	$	160
Total assets measured at fair value	$	4,817	$	3,894



Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
	2019			2018
Deferred compensation arrangements	$	149		$	118
Level 1 - Liabilities	$	149		$	118
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	23		$	20
Level 2 - Liabilities	$	23		$	20
Contingent consideration:
Beginning	$	117		$	32
Additions	298			77
Change in estimate	(10		)	15
Settlements	(99		)	(7		)
Ending	$	306		$	117
Level 3 - Liabilities	$	306		$	117
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	478		$	255

On December 31, 2019 the aggregate difference between the cost and fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities was nominal. Interest and marketable securities income was $155, $119 and $60 in 2019, 2018 and 2017, which was recorded in other income (expense), net.

Our investments in available-for-sale marketable securities had a minimum credit quality rating of A2 (Moody's), A (Standard & Poor's) and A (Fitch). We do not plan to sell the investments, and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. We do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired on December 31, 2019. On December 31, 2019 the majority of our investments with unrealized losses that were not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months, and the losses were not material.



Securities in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
	Number of Investments	Fair Value
Corporate and Asset-Backed	2	$	1
United States Treasury	6	13
Certificate of Deposit	4	1
Total	12	$	15

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Derivative Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Foreign Currency Hedges

We use operational and economic hedges, foreign currency exchange forward contracts, net investment hedges (both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments) and interest rate derivative instruments to manage the impact of currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations on earnings, cash flow and equity. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. We are exposed to potential credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on our outstanding derivative instruments but do not anticipate nonperformance by any of our counterparties. Should a counterparty default, our maximum exposure to loss is the asset balance of the instrument.



2019	Cash Flow			Net Investment		Non-Designated			Total
Gross notional amount	$	801		$	1,113	$	6,174		$	8,088
Maximum term in days									1646
Fair value:
Other current assets	$	5		$	—	$	180		$	185
Other noncurrent assets	1			40		—			41
Other current liabilities	(10		)	—		(11		)	(21		)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(2		)	—		—			(2		)
Total fair value	$	(6	)	$	40	$	169		$	203
2018
Gross notional amount	$	870		$	—	$	5,466		$	6,336
Maximum term in days									586
Fair value:
Other current assets	$	15		$	—	$	28		$	43
Other noncurrent assets	1			—		33			34
Other current liabilities	(5		)	—		(15		)	(20		)
Other noncurrent liabilities	—			—		—			—
Total fair value	$	11		$	—	$	46		$	57

In December 2019 and November 2018 we designated the issuance of €2,400 and €2,250 of senior unsecured notes as a net investment hedge to selectively hedge portions of our investment in certain international subsidiaries. The currency effects of our euro-denominated senior unsecured notes are reflected in AOCI within shareholders' equity where they offset gains and losses recorded on our net investment in international subsidiaries.

On December 31, 2019 the total after-tax gain in AOCI related to these designated net investment hedges was $17. We evaluate the effectiveness of our net investment hedges quarterly. We have not recognized any ineffectiveness in 2019.

In July 2019 we entered into €1.0 billion in certain forward currency contracts and designated these as net investment hedges to hedge a portion of our investments in certain of our entities with functional currencies denominated in Euros. We evaluate the effectiveness of our net investment hedges quarterly.



Net Currency Exchange Rate Gains (Losses)
Derivative Instrument	Recorded in:	2019			2018			2017
Cash Flow	Cost of sales	$	2		$	7		$	(6	)
Net Investment	Other income (expense), net	14			—			—
Non-Designated	Other income (expense), net	$	(7	)	$	(6	)	$	(9	)
	Total	$	9		$	1		$	(15	)

Pretax gains (losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow of ($6) and net investment hedges of $27 recorded in AOCI are expected to be reclassified to cost of sales and other income (expense) in earnings within 12 months as of December 31, 2019. This cash flow hedge reclassification is primarily due to the sale of inventory that includes previously hedged purchases. A component of the AOCI amounts related to net investment hedges is reclassified over the life of the hedge instruments as we elected to exclude the initial value of the component related to the spot-forward difference from the effectiveness assessment.

Interest Rate Hedges

In conjunction with our offering of senior unsecured notes in November 2019 we terminated cash flow hedges with gross notional amounts of €600 designated as forward starting interest rate swaps of our interest rates, the impact of which will be recognized over time as a benefit within interest expense. Pretax gains recorded in AOCI related to closed interest rate hedges of $6 are expected to be reclassified to other income (expense) in earnings within 12 months of December 31, 2019.

On December 31, 2019 we had interest rate swap agreements with notional amounts of $750 designated as forward starting interest rate swaps in anticipation of future debt issuances. Pretax gains of $17 were recorded in AOCI as of December 31, 2019. Upon the probable issuance of the debt, these amounts will be released to interest expense over the term of the debt. The cash flow effect of these hedges is recorded in cash flow from operations.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (AOCI)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (AOCI)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (AOCI)



	Marketable Securities			Pension Plans			Hedges			Financial Statement Translation			Total
2017	$	(4	)	$	(134	)	$	28		$	(443	)	$	(553	)
OCI	2			(16		)	36			(115		)	(93		)
Income taxes	—			1			(9		)	18			10
Reclassifications to:
Cost of Sales	—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
Other (income) expense	(2		)	10			—			—			8
Income taxes	—			2			2			—			4
Net OCI	—			(3		)	22			(97		)	(78		)
2018	$	(4	)	$	(137	)	$	50		$	(540	)	$	(631	)
OCI	—			(74		)	3			101			30
Income taxes	—			26			—			(21		)	5
Reclassifications to:
Cost of Sales	—			—			(2		)	—			(2		)
Other (income) expense	1			8			(5		)	(14		)	(10		)
Income taxes	—			(2		)	1			3			2
Net OCI	1			(42		)	(3		)	69			25
2019	$	(3	)	$	(179	)	$	47		$	(471	)	$	(606	)

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

ACQUISITIONS

The aggregate purchase price of our acquisitions, net of cash acquired was $1,096 and $2,451 in 2019 and 2018. We acquired stock in companies and various assets that continue to support our capital deployment and product development strategies.

In October 2019 we completed the acquisition of Mobius Imaging and Cardan Robotics for net cash consideration of $360 and future regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to $130. Mobius Imaging is a leader in point-of-care imaging technology focused on integrating advanced imaging technologies into medical workflow. Cardan Robotics is working to develop innovative robotics and navigation technology systems for surgical and interventional radiology procedures. Mobius Imaging and Cardan Robotics (Mobius) are part of our Spine business within Neurotechnology and Spine. For income tax purposes the acquisition is treated as an asset purchase. Goodwill attributable to the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.

In March 2019 we completed the acquisition of OrthoSpace, Ltd. (OrthoSpace) for net cash consideration of $110 and future regulatory milestone payments of up to $110. OrthoSpace is a medical device company specializing in orthopaedic biodegradable technology for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears. OrthoSpace is part of our Endoscopy business within MedSurg. Goodwill attributable to the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

In November 2018 we completed the acquisition of K2M Group Holdings, Inc. (K2M) for $27.50 per share, or an aggregate purchase price of $1,380, net of cash acquired. K2M is a global leader of complex spine and minimally invasive solutions focused on achieving three-dimensional Total Body Balance. K2M is part of our Spine business within Neurotechnology and Spine. Goodwill attributable to the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

In February 2018 we completed the acquisition of Entellus Medical, Inc. (Entellus) for $24.00 per share, or an aggregate purchase price of $697, net of cash acquired. Entellus is focused on delivering superior patient and physician experiences through products designed for the minimally invasive treatment of various ear, nose and throat (ENT) disease states. Entellus is part of our Neurotechnology business within Neurotechnology and Spine. Goodwill attributable to the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.

In November 2019 we announced a definitive agreement to acquire all of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Wright Medical Group N.V. (Wright) for $30.75 per share, or an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5.4 billion (including convertible notes). Pursuant to the agreement, on December 13, 2019 our wholly owned subsidiary, Stryker B.V., commenced a tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding ordinary shares, par value €0.03 per share, of Wright at a price of $30.75 per share, without interest, but subject to any applicable withholding of taxes. We expect the acquisition to close in the second half of 2020, subject to the expiration of the waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the receipt of other required approvals and clearances under applicable antitrust laws, the adoption of certain resolutions by Wright’s shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting of Wright’s shareholders and other customary conditions. Wright is a global medical device company focused on extremities and biologics. Following closing, we plan to integrate Wright into our Trauma and Extremities business within Orthopaedics.

Purchase price allocations for our significant acquisitions are presented below:



Purchase Price Allocation of Acquired Net Assets
2019	Mobius			OrthoSpace
Tangible assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	3		$	1
Inventory	7			1
Other assets	2			1
Contingent consideration	(4		)	—
Liabilities	(10		)	(29		)
Intangible assets:
Customer relationship	7			—
Developed technology and patents	60			120
In-process research and development	98			—
Non-compete agreements	9			—
Goodwill	301			114
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	$	473		$	208
Weighted average life of intangible assets	12			18



2018	K2M			Entellus
Tangible assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	58		$	17
Inventory	131			14
Other assets	160			62
Contingent consideration	—			(79		)
Liabilities	(257		)	(76		)
Intangible assets:
Customer relationship	34			33
Distributor relationship	1			—
Trade name	10			—
Developed technology and patents	475			261
Internally developed software	2			—
Goodwill	766			465
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	$	1,380		$	697
Weighted average life of intangible assets	15			16

Purchase price allocations for Mobius, OrthoSpace and other 2019 acquisitions were based on preliminary valuations, primarily related to intangible assets and inventory. Our estimates and assumptions are subject to change within the measurement period. The purchase price allocations for K2M, Entellus and other 2018 acquisitions were finalized in 2019.

Contingencies and Commitments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies and Commitments

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

We are involved in various ongoing proceedings, legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business, including proceedings related to product, labor, intellectual property and other matters that are more fully described below. The outcomes of these matters will generally not be known for prolonged periods of time. In certain of the legal proceedings, the claimants seek damages as well as other compensatory and equitable relief that could result in the payment of significant claims and settlements and/or the imposition of injunctions or other equitable relief. For legal matters for which management had sufficient information to reasonably estimate our future obligations, a liability representing management's best estimate of the probable loss, or the minimum of the range of probable losses when a best estimate within the range is not known, is recorded. The estimates are based on consultation with legal counsel, previous settlement experience and settlement strategies. If actual outcomes are less favorable than those estimated by management, additional expense may be incurred, which could unfavorably affect future operating results. We are self-insured for product liability claims and expenses. The ultimate cost to us with respect to product liability claims could be materially different than the amount of the current estimates and

accruals and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In 2010 we filed a lawsuit in federal court against Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (Zimmer), alleging that a Zimmer product infringed on three of our patents. In 2013 following a jury trial favorable to us, the trial judge entered a final judgment that, among other things, awarded us damages of $76 and ordered Zimmer to pay us enhanced damages. Zimmer appealed this ruling. In December 2014 the Federal Circuit affirmed the damages awarded to us, reversed the order for enhanced damages and remanded the issue of attorney fees to the trial court. In May 2015 the trial court entered a stipulated judgment that, among other things, required Zimmer to pay us the base amount of damages and interest, while the issues of enhanced damages and attorney fees continue to be pursued. In June 2015 we recorded a $54 gain, net of legal costs, which was recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. On June 13, 2016 the United States Supreme Court vacated the decision of the Federal Circuit that reversed our judgment for enhanced damages and remanded the case to the Federal Circuit to reconsider the issue. On September 12, 2016 the Federal Circuit issued an opinion that, among other things, remanded the issue of enhanced damages to the trial court. On July 12, 2017 the trial court reaffirmed its award of enhanced damages and entered a judgment of $164 in our favor. Zimmer appealed, and on December 10, 2018 the Federal Circuit affirmed the decision. Zimmer filed a petition on January 23, 2019 to seek a rehearing of this ruling by the entire Federal Circuit. On March 19, 2019 the Federal Circuit denied Zimmer’s petition for a rehearing. Zimmer conditionally paid us $167 while it pursued a review of the decision by the Supreme Court. On October 7, 2019 the Supreme Court denied Zimmer’s petition for review. This decision concluded the case. Accordingly, in November 2019 we recorded a $100 gain, net of legal costs, which was recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses.

Recall Matters

In June 2012 we voluntarily recalled our Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular-Neck hip stems and terminated global distribution of these hip products. Product liability lawsuits relating to this voluntary recall have been filed against us. In November 2014 we entered into a settlement agreement to compensate eligible United States patients who had revision surgery prior to November 3, 2014 and in December 2016 the settlement program was extended to patients who had revision surgery prior to December 19, 2016. We continue to offer support for recall-related care and reimburse patients who are not eligible to enroll in the settlement program for testing and treatment services, including any necessary revision surgeries. In addition, there are remaining lawsuits that we will continue to defend against.

In August 2016 and May 2018 we voluntarily recalled certain lot-specific sizes and offsets of LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 Femoral Heads. Product liability lawsuits and claims relating to this voluntary recall have been filed against us. In November 2018 we entered into a settlement agreement to resolve a significant number of claims and lawsuits related to the recalls. The specific terms of the settlement agreement, including the financial terms, are confidential.

We have incurred, and expect to incur in the future, costs associated with the defense and settlement of these matters. Based on the information that has been received, we have estimated the remaining range of probable loss related to these matters globally to be approximately $275 to $520. We have recorded charges to earnings representing the minimum of the range of probable loss. The final outcomes of these matters are dependent on many factors that are difficult to predict. Accordingly, the ultimate cost related to

these matters globally may be materially different than the amount of our current estimate and accruals and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

Leases

We lease various manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities, administrative and sales offices as well as equipment under operating leases. We evaluate our contracts to identify leases, which is generally if there is an identified asset and we have the right to direct the use of and obtain substantially all of the economic benefit from the use of the identified asset. Certain of our lease agreements contain rent escalation clauses (including index-based escalations), rent holidays, capital improvement funding or other lease concessions. We recognize our minimum rental expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease beginning with the date of initial control of the asset. With the adoption of ASC 842 we recognized all leases with terms greater than twelve months in duration on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of approximately $350 as of January 1, 2019. We adopted the standard using the prospective approach and did not retrospectively apply to prior periods. Right-of-use assets are recorded in Other noncurrent assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Current and non-current lease liabilities are recorded in Accrued expenses and other liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities, respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We have made certain assumptions and judgments when applying ASC 842, the most significant of which are:


•	We elected the package of practical expedients available for transition which allow us to not reassess whether expired or existing contracts contain leases under the new definition of a lease, lease classification for expired or existing leases and whether previously capitalized initial direct costs would qualify for capitalization under ASC 842.


•	We did not elect to use hindsight when considering judgments and estimates such as assessments of lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or purchase the underlying asset.


•	For all asset classes, we elected to not recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for short-term leases.


•	For all asset classes, we elected to not separate non-lease components from lease components to which they relate and have accounted for the combined lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.


•	The determination of the discount rate used in a lease is our incremental borrowing rate which is based on what we would normally pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments.



Leases	December
Leases	2019
Right-of-use assets	$	384
Lease liabilities, current	$	86
Lease liabilities, non-current	$	301

Other information
Weighted-average remaining lease term	6.2 years
Weighted-average discount rate	3.34		%

Lease expense totaled $133, $138, and $125 in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Future Obligations

We have purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services and property, plant and equipment as part of the normal course of business. In addition, we lease various manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities, administrative and sales offices as well as equipment under operating leases. Refer to Note 10 for more information on the debt obligations.



Future Obligations
	2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		Thereafter
Debt repayments	$	860	$	750	$	—	$	612	$	1,546	$	7,433
Purchase obligations	$	1,373	$	19	$	9	$	6	$	6	$	6
Minimum lease payments	$	94	$	74	$	62	$	38	$	32	$	95

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

We completed our annual impairment tests of goodwill in 2019 and 2018 and concluded in each year that no impairments exist.



Summary of Other Intangible Assets
	Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Less Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Developed technologies
2019	14	$	3,731	$	1,271	$	2,460
2018	13	3,426		1,115		2,311
Customer relationships
2019	16	$	2,160	$	848	$	1,312
2018	15	2,155		703		1,452
Patents
2019	11	$	348	$	265	$	83
2018	12	332		231		101
Trademarks
2019	18	$	362	$	136	$	226
2018	18	349		108		241
In-process research and development
2019	N/A	$	110	—		$	110
2018	N/A	6		—		6
Other
2019	8	$	125	$	89	$	36
2018	11	128		76		52
Total
2019	14	$	6,836	$	2,609	$	4,227
2018	14	$	6,396	$	2,233	$	4,163



Changes in the Net Carrying Value of Goodwill by Segment
	Orthopaedics			MedSurg			Neurotechnology and Spine			Total
2017	$	2,426		$	3,509		$	1,233		$	7,168
Additions and adjustments	4			100			1,366			1,470
Foreign exchange	(31		)	(28		)	(16		)	(75		)
2018	$	2,399		$	3,581		$	2,583		$	8,563
Additions and adjustments	—			229			318			547
Foreign exchange	(13		)	(11		)	(17		)	(41		)
2019	$	2,386		$	3,799		$	2,884		$	9,069



Estimated Amortization Expense
2020		2021		2022		2023		2024
$	457	$	440	$	435	$	414	$	384

Capital Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Capital Stock [Abstract]

Capital Stock

CAPITAL STOCK

The aggregate number of shares of all classes of stock with which we are authorized to issue is up to 1,000,500,000, divided into two classes consisting of 500,000 shares of $1 par value preferred stock and 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.10. No shares of preferred stock were outstanding on December 31, 2019.

In 2019 we repurchased 1.9 million shares at a cost of $307. The manner, timing and amount of repurchases are determined by management based on an evaluation of market conditions, stock price and other factors and are subject to regulatory considerations. Purchases are made from time-to-time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. On December 31, 2019 the total dollar value of shares that could be purchased under our authorized repurchase program was $1,033.

Shares reserved for future compensation grants of our common stock were 31 million and 33 million on December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Stock Options

We measure the cost of employee stock options based on the grant-date fair value and recognize that cost using the straight-line method over the period in which a recipient is required to provide services in exchange for the options, typically the vesting period. The weighted-average fair value per share of options is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.



Option Value and Assumptions
	2019			2018			2017
Weighted-average fair value per share	$	36.30		$	28.52		$	22.43
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate	2.6		%	2.7		%	2.0		%
Expected dividend yield	1.1		%	1.2		%	1.5		%
Expected stock price volatility	18.3		%	16.8		%	19.4		%
Expected option life (years)	5.9			6.0			6.0

The risk-free interest rate for periods within the expected life of options granted is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected stock price volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock. The expected option life, representing the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, is based on historical option exercise and employee termination data.



2019 Stock Option Activity
	Shares (in millions)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding January 1	14.1		$	97.69
Granted	2.1		179.41
Exercised	(2.6	)	75.74
Canceled	(0.8	)	134.73
Outstanding December 31	12.8		$	113.10	6.0	$	1,242.8
Exercisable December 31	6.8		$	85.62	4.4	$	853.2
Options expected to vest	5.4		$	143.38	7.7	$	360.8

The aggregate intrinsic value of options, which represents the cumulative difference between the fair market value of the underlying common stock and the option exercise prices, exercised was $294, $247, and $184 in 2019, 2018 and 2017. Exercise prices for options outstanding ranged from $51.82 to $209.78 on December 31, 2019. On December 31, 2019 there was $101 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the long-term incentive plans; that cost is expected to be recognized over the weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years.



Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Stock Units (PSUs) Activity
	Shares (in millions)				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	RSUs		PSUs		RSUs		PSUs
Nonvested on January 1	0.9		0.3		$	129.90	$	122.39
Granted	0.4		—		175.96		180.70
Vested	(0.4	)	(0.1	)	120.56		98.10
Canceled or forfeited	(0.1	)	—		146.37		136.56
Nonvested on December 31	0.8		0.2		$	158.80	$	152.44

On December 31, 2019 there was $67 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSUs. That cost is expected to be recognized as expense over the weighted-average period of approximately one year. The weighted-average grant date fair value per share of RSUs granted was $175.96 and $150.23 in 2019 and 2018. The fair value of RSUs and PSUs vested in 2019 was $52 and $10. On December 31, 2019 there was $15 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested PSUs; the cost is expected to be recognized as expense over the weighted-average period of approximately one year.

Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP)

Full- and part-time employees may participate in our ESPP provided they meet certain eligibility requirements. The purchase price for our common stock under the terms of the ESPP is defined as 95% of the closing stock price on the last trading day of a purchase period. We issued 166,758 and 168,626 shares under the ESPP in 2019 and 2018.

Debt and Credit Facilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]

Debt And Credit Facilities

DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES

We have lines of credit issued by various financial institutions that are available to fund our day-to-day operating needs. Certain of our credit facilities require us to comply with financial and other covenants. We were in compliance with all covenants on December 31, 2019.

Our commercial paper program allows us to have a maximum of $1,500 in commercial paper outstanding with maturities up to 397 days from the date of issuance. On December 31, 2019 there were no amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program.



Summary of Total Debt
			2019		2018
Senior unsecured notes:
	Rate	Due
	1.800%	January 15, 2019	$	—	$	500
	2.000%	March 8, 2019	—		750
	4.375%	January 15, 2020	500		499
	Variable	November 30, 2020	333		343
	2.625%	March 15, 2021	749		747
	1.125%	November 30, 2023	609		627
	3.375%	May 15, 2024	587		584
	0.250%	December 3, 2024	938		—
	3.375%	November 1, 2025	746		746
	3.500%	March 15, 2026	991		990
	2.125%	November 30, 2027	829		853
	3.650%	March 7, 2028	596		595
	0.750%	March 1, 2029	884		—
	2.625%	November 30, 2030	712		733
	1.000%	December 3, 2031	823		—
	4.100%	April 1, 2043	391		391
	4.375%	May 15, 2044	395		395
	4.625%	March 15, 2046	981		980
Other			26		126
Total debt			$	11,090	$	9,859
Less current maturities			859		1,373
Total long-term debt			$	10,231	$	8,486



		2019		2018
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$	58	$	50
Borrowing capacity on existing facilities	$	1,546	$	1,548
Fair value of senior unsecured notes	$	11,910	$	9,746

The fair value of the senior unsecured notes was estimated using quoted interest rates, maturities and amounts of borrowings based on quoted active market prices and yields that took into account the underlying terms of the debt instruments. Substantially all of our debt is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

In January 2019 we repaid $500 of senior unsecured notes with a coupon of 1.800% that were due on January 15, 2019. In March 2019 we repaid $750 of senior unsecured notes with a coupon of 2.000% that were due on March 8, 2019.

In December 2019 we issued €850 of senior unsecured notes with a fixed interest rate of 0.250% due on December 3, 2024, €800 of senior unsecured notes with a fixed interest rate of 0.750% due on March 1, 2029 and €750 of senior unsecured notes with a fixed interest rate of 1.000% due on December 3, 2031. Our annual interest expense arising from the issuance of the 2029 notes will be reduced by the benefit from the cash flow hedges that were terminated in conjunction with the issuance. Refer to Note 4 for further information. The 2024 and 2031 notes are subject to a Special Mandatory Redemption in which we will be required to redeem the notes in whole at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest if we do not consummate the Wright tender offer on or before February 4, 2021.

In January 2020 we repaid $500 of senior unsecured notes with a coupon of 4.375% that were due on January 15, 2020.

Interest expense, including required fees incurred on outstanding debt and credit facilities that were included in other expense, totaled $287, $264, and $247 in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

Our effective tax rate was 18.7%, (50.8)% and 50.6% for 2019, 2018 and 2017. The effective income tax rate for 2019 reflects the tax related to the transfer of intellectual properties between tax jurisdictions and the continued lower effective income tax rates as a result of our European operations. The effective income tax rate for 2018 reflects the tax effect related to the transfer of intellectual properties between tax jurisdictions, the continuing impact of complying with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the Tax Act) and continued lower effective income tax rates as a result of our European operations. The effective income tax rate for 2017 reflects compliance with the Tax Act offset by lower effective income tax rates as a result of our European operations.



Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
	2019		2018		2017
United States federal statutory rate	21.0	%	21.0	%	35.0	%
United States state and local income taxes, less federal deduction	1.7		0.4		1.2
Foreign income tax at rates other than 21%	(4.6	)	(6.5	)	(21.0	)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 transition tax	—		2.2		38.0
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 deferred tax changes	—		(0.6	)	2.3
Tax related to repatriation of foreign earnings	(0.5	)	0.5		—
Intellectual property transfer	3.5		(63.8	)	—
Other	(2.4	)	(4.0	)	(4.9	)
Effective income tax rate	18.7	%	(50.8	)%	50.6	%

In December 2017 the Tax Act was signed into law in the United States. The law includes significant changes to the United States corporate income tax system, including a federal corporate rate reduction, limitations on the deductibility of certain expenses and the transition of United States international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a territorial tax system. As part of the

transition to a territorial tax system, the Tax Act requires taxpayers to calculate a one-time transition tax based on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.

The Tax Act subjects a United States shareholder to tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. We have elected to account for GILTI tax in the year the tax is incurred.



Earnings Before Income Taxes
	2019		2018		2017
United States	$	366	$	509	$	499
International	2,196		1,847		1,564
Total	$	2,562	$	2,356	$	2,063



Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current income tax expense:	2019			2018			2017
United States federal	$	(17	)	$	178		$	836
United States state and local	46			30			38
International	324			177			133
Total current income tax expense	$	353		$	385		$	1,007
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
United States federal	$	10		$	(44	)	$	84
United States state and local	(1		)	(20		)	(9		)
International	117			(1,518		)	(39		)
Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense	$	126		$	(1,582	)	$	36
Total income tax (benefit) expense	$	479		$	(1,197	)	$	1,043

Interest and penalties included in other income (expense), net were expense of ($9), ($9) and ($28) in 2019, 2018 and 2017. The United States federal deferred income tax benefit (expense) includes the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards of $50, $31 and $32 in 2019, 2018 and 2017.



Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred income tax assets:	2019			2018
Inventories	$	415		$	390
Product-related liabilities	57			60
Other accrued expenses	221			222
Depreciation and amortization	1,363			1,504
State income taxes	65			70
Share-based compensation	49			47
Net operating loss carryforwards	95			134
Other	207			177
Total deferred income tax assets	$	2,472		$	2,604
Less valuation allowances	(75		)	(66		)
Net deferred income tax assets	$	2,397		$	2,538
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	$	(893	)	$	(865	)
Undistributed earnings	(37		)	(46		)
Other	—			(3		)
Total deferred income tax liabilities	$	(930	)	$	(914	)
Net deferred income tax assets	$	1,467		$	1,624
Reported as:
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets	$	1,575		$	1,678
Noncurrent liabilities—Other liabilities	(108		)	(54		)
Total	$	1,467		$	1,624

Accrued interest and penalties were $94 and $85 on December 31, 2019 and 2018 which were reported in current and noncurrent accrued expenses and other liabilities.

Net operating loss carryforwards totaling $378 on December 31, 2019 are available to reduce future taxable earnings of certain domestic and foreign subsidiaries. United States loss carryforwards of $358 expire through 2045. International loss carryforwards of $20 begin to expire in 2037; however, some have no expiration. We also have a tax credit carryforward of $65 with $63 being subject to a full valuation allowance. The credits with a full valuation allowance

have no expiration; however, we do not anticipate generating income tax in excess of the credits in the foreseeable future.

We recorded a transition tax on undistributed foreign earnings as required by the Tax Act. No other provision was made for United States income taxes that may result from future remittances of the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are determined to be indefinitely reinvested. Determination of the total amount of unrecognized deferred income tax on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries is not practicable.



Uncertain Income Tax Positions
	2019			2018
Beginning uncertain tax positions	$	528		$	540
Increases related to current year income tax positions	62			22
Increases related to prior year income tax positions	5			25
Decreases related to prior year income tax positions:
Settlements and resolutions of income tax audits	(78		)	(37		)
Statute of limitations expirations	(40		)	(14		)
Foreign currency translation	(5		)	(8		)
Ending uncertain tax positions	$	472		$	528
Reported as:
Noncurrent liabilities—Income taxes	$	472		$	528

Our income tax expense would have been reduced by $468 and $521 on December 31, 2019 and 2018 had these uncertain income tax positions been favorably resolved. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change due to one or more of the following events in the next 12 months: expiring statutes, audit activity, tax payments, competent authority proceedings related to transfer pricing or final decisions in matters that are the subject of controversy in various taxing jurisdictions in which we operate, including inventory transfer pricing, cost sharing, product royalty and foreign branch arrangements. We are not able to reasonably estimate the amount or the future periods in which changes in unrecognized tax benefits may be resolved. Interest and penalties incurred associated with uncertain tax positions are included in other income (expense), net.

In the normal course of business, income tax authorities in various income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally conduct routine audits of our income tax returns filed in prior years. These audits are generally designed to determine if individual income tax authorities are in agreement with our interpretations of complex income tax regulations regarding the allocation of income to the various income tax jurisdictions. Income tax years are open from 2014 through the current year for the United States federal jurisdiction. Income tax years open for our other major jurisdictions range from 2005 through the current year.

Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Retirement Plans

RETIREMENT PLANS

Defined Contribution Plans

We provide certain employees with defined contribution plans and other types of retirement plans. A portion of our retirement plan expense under the defined contribution plans is funded with Stryker common stock. The use of Stryker common stock represents a non-cash operating activity that is not reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.



	2019			2018			2017
Plan expense	$	205		$	180		$	181
Expense funded with Stryker common stock	31			29			25
Stryker common stock held by plan:
Dollar amount	470			358			353
Shares (in millions)	2.2			2.3			2.3
Value as a percentage of total plan assets	12		%	12		%	11		%

Defined Benefit Plans

Certain of our subsidiaries have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans covering some or all of their employees. Substantially all of the defined benefit pension plans have projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets.

Discount Rate

The discount rates were selected using a hypothetical portfolio of high quality bonds on December 31 that would provide the necessary cash flows to match our projected benefit payments. Effective January 1, 2017, in countries where it was possible, we elected to change the method to calculate the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs for our defined benefit plans and will measure these costs by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve of the projected cash flows for the respective plans. Our defined benefit plans previously utilized the yield curve approach to establish discount rates and we believe the new approach provides a more precise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected cash flows and the corresponding spot yield curve rates. The change does not affect the measurement of our total benefit obligations for those plans and is accounted for as a change in accounting estimate inseparable from a change in accounting principle, which is applied prospectively. The reductions in service and interest costs for 2017 associated with this change in estimate are nominal.

Expected Return on Plan Assets

The expected return on plan assets is determined by applying the target allocation in each asset category of plan investments to the anticipated return for each asset category based on historical and projected returns.



Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost
Net periodic benefit cost:	2019			2018			2017
Service cost	$	(41	)	$	(44	)	$	(42	)
Interest cost	(12		)	(11		)	(10		)
Expected return on plan assets	12			12			11
Amortization of prior service credit	1			1			1
Recognized actuarial loss	(9		)	(11		)	(9		)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(49	)	$	(53	)	$	(49	)
Changes in assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	(74	)	$	11		$	(25	)
Recognized net actuarial loss	9			10			9
Prior service (credit) cost and transition amount	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(66	)	$	20		$	(17	)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and OCI	$	(115	)	$	(33	)	$	(66	)

Weighted-average rates used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	1.9		%	1.8		%	1.8		%
Expected return on plan assets	3.5		%	3.3		%	3.3		%
Rate of compensation increase	2.9		%	2.8		%	2.8		%
Weighted-average discount rate used to determine projected benefit obligations	1.0		%	1.9		%	1.8		%

Investment Strategy

The investment strategy for our defined benefit pension plans is to meet the liabilities of the plans as they fall due and to maximize the return on invested assets within appropriate risk tolerances.



	2019			2018
Fair value of plan assets	$	428		$	376
Benefit obligations	(869		)	(735		)
Funded status	$	(441	)	$	(359	)
Reported as:
Current liabilities—accrued compensation	$	(2	)	$	(2	)
Noncurrent liabilities—other liabilities	(439		)	(357		)
Pre-tax amounts recognized in AOCI:
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	(250		)	(168		)
Unrecognized prior service credit	9			11
Total	$	(241	)	$	(157	)

The estimated net actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plans to be reclassified from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost is $12 in 2020. The total estimated amortization of prior service credit and transition asset for the defined benefit pension plans to be reclassified from AOCI into net periodic benefit credit is $1 in 2020.



Change in Benefit Obligations
	2019			2018
Beginning projected benefit obligations	$	735		$	708
Service cost	41			44
Interest cost	12			11
Foreign exchange impact	(12		)	(16		)
Employee contributions	6			6
Actuarial (gains) losses	116			(1		)
Acquisition	—			—
Benefits paid	(29		)	(17		)
Ending projected benefit obligations	$	869		$	735
Ending accumulated benefit obligations	$	830		$	702



Change in Plan Assets
	2019			2018
Beginning fair value of plan assets	$	376		$	370
Actual return	52			(2		)
Employer contributions	25			22
Employee contributions	6			6
Foreign exchange impact	(5		)	(6		)
Acquisition	—			—
Benefits paid	(26		)	(14		)
Ending fair value of plan assets	$	428		$	376



Allocation of Plan Assets
	2020 Target		2019 Actual		2018 Actual
Equity securities	23	%	22	%	26	%
Debt securities	44		44		46
Other	33		34		28
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%



Valuation of Plan Assets
2019	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7	$	—	$	—	$	7
Equity securities	23		86		—		109
Corporate debt securities	3		173		—		176
Other	4		52		80		136
Total	$	37	$	311	$	80	$	428
2018
Cash and cash equivalents	$	10	$	—	$	—	$	10
Equity securities	20		85		—		105
Corporate debt securities	2		153		—		155
Other	7		43		56		106
Total	$	39	$	281	$	56	$	376

Our Level 3 pension plan assets consist primarily of guaranteed investment contracts with insurance companies. The insurance contracts guarantee us principal repayment and a fixed rate of return. The $24 increase in Level 3 pension plan assets is primarily

related to actual returns and acquired assets. We expect to contribute $24 to our defined benefit pension plans in 2020.



Estimated Future Benefit Payments
2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		2025-2029
$	19	$	18	$	18	$	19	$	19	$	115

Summary of Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Summary of Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)



2019 Quarters	Mar 31		Jun 30		Sep 30		Dec 31
Net sales	$	3,516	$	3,650	$	3,587	$	4,131
Gross profit	2,283		2,380		2,330		2,703
Earnings before income taxes	480		565		581		936
Net earnings	412		480		466		725
Net earnings per share of common stock:
Basic	$	1.10	$	1.29	$	1.24	$	1.94
Diluted	$	1.09	$	1.26	$	1.23	$	1.90
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$	0.52	$	0.52	$	0.52	$	0.575

2018 Quarters	Mar 31		Jun 30		Sep 30		Dec 31
Net sales	$	3,241	$	3,322	$	3,242	$	3,796
Gross profit	2,137		2,190		2,155		2,456
Earnings before income taxes	542		623		534		657
Net earnings	443		452		590		2,068
Net earnings per share of common stock:
Basic	$	1.18	$	1.21	$	1.58	$	5.52
Diluted	$	1.16	$	1.19	$	1.55	$	5.44
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$	0.47	$	0.47	$	0.47	$	0.52

Segment and Geographic Data

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment and Geographic Data

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA

We segregate our operations into three reportable business segments: Orthopaedics, MedSurg, and Neurotechnology and Spine.

The Corporate and Other category shown in the table below includes corporate and administration, corporate initiatives and share-based compensation, which includes compensation related to employee stock options, restricted stock units and performance stock unit grants and director stock options and restricted stock unit grants.



Segment Results
	2019			2018			2017
Orthopaedics	$	5,252		$	4,991		$	4,713
MedSurg	$	6,574		6,045			5,557
Neurotechnology & Spine	3,058			2,565			2,174
Net sales	$	14,884		$	13,601		$	12,444
Orthopaedics	$	348		$	350		$	337
MedSurg	379			285			315
Neurotechnology & Spine	218			176			142
Segment depreciation and amortization	$	945		$	811		$	794
Corporate and Other	99			155			65
Total depreciation and amortization	$	1,044		$	966		$	859
Orthopaedics	$	1,907		$	1,804		$	1,681
MedSurg	1,635			1,444			1,228
Neurotechnology & Spine	846			700			631
Segment operating income	$	4,388		$	3,948		$	3,540
Items not allocated to segments:
Corporate and Other	$	(480	)	$	(431	)	$	(402	)
Acquisition and integration-related charges	(275		)	(123		)	(64		)
Amortization of intangible assets	(464		)	(417		)	(371		)
Restructuring related and other charges	(226		)	(220		)	(194		)
Medical device regulations	(62		)	(12		)	—
Recall-related matters	(192		)	(23		)	(173		)
Regulatory and legal matters	24			(185		)	(39		)
Consolidated operating income	$	2,713		$	2,537		$	2,297



Segment Assets and Capital Spending
Assets:	2019		2018		2017
Orthopaedics	$	9,085	$	8,873	$	7,486
MedSurg	12,066		10,417		9,759
Neurotechnology & Spine	7,646		7,260		4,105
Total segment assets	$	28,797	$	26,550	$	21,350
Corporate and Other	1,370		679		847
Total assets	$	30,167	$	27,229	$	22,197
Capital spending:
Orthopaedics	$	125	$	134	$	138
MedSurg	265		217		194
Neurotechnology & Spine	29		31		50
Total segment capital spending	$	419	$	382	$	382
Corporate and Other	230		190		216
Total capital spending	$	649	$	572	$	598

We measure the financial results of our reportable segments using an internal performance measure that excludes acquisition and integration-related charges, restructuring-related charges, reserves for certain product recall matters and reserves for certain legal and regulatory matters. Identifiable assets are those assets used exclusively in the operations of each business segment or allocated when used jointly. Corporate assets are principally cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and property, plant and equipment.

The countries in which we have local revenue generating operations have been combined into the following geographic areas: the United States (including Puerto Rico); Europe, Middle East, Africa; Asia Pacific; and other foreign countries, which include Canada and countries in the Latin American region. Net sales are reported based off the geographic area of the Stryker location where the sales to the customer originated.



Geographic Information
	Net Sales						Net Property, Plant and Equipment
	2019		2018		2017		2019		2018
United States	$	10,957	$	9,848	$	9,059	$	1,561	$	1,348
Europe, Middle East, Africa	1,888		1,793		1,567		838		669
Asia Pacific	1,617		1,532		1,413		95		96
Other countries	422		428		405		73		178
Total	$	14,884	$	13,601	$	12,444	$	2,567	$	2,291

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2019
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Stryker (the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") is one of the world's leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The Company offers innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that improve patient and hospital outcomes. Our products include implants used in joint replacement and trauma surgeries; surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems; endoscopic and communications systems; patient handling, emergency medical equipment and intensive care disposable products; neurosurgical, neurovascular and spinal devices; as well as other products used in a variety of medical specialties.
Basis of Presentation and Consideration	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. We have no material interests in variable interest entities and none that require consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses in the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Sales are recognized as the performance obligations to deliver products or services are satisfied and are recorded based on the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for satisfying the performance obligations. Our sales continue to be recognized primarily when we transfer control to the customer, which can be on the date of shipment, the date of receipt by the customer or, for most Orthopaedics products, when we have received a purchase order and appropriate notification the product has been used or implanted. Products and services are primarily transferred to customers at a point in time, with some transfers of services taking place over time. Sales represent the amount of consideration we expect to receive from customers in exchange for transferring products and services. Net sales exclude sales, value added and other taxes we collect from customers. Other costs to obtain and fulfill contracts are expensed as incurred due to the short-term nature of most of our sales. We extend terms of payment to our customers based on commercially reasonable terms for the markets of our customers, while also considering their credit quality. A provision for estimated sales returns, discounts and rebates is recognized as a reduction of sales in the same period that the sales are recognized. Our estimate of the provision for sales returns has been established based on contract terms with our customers and historical business practices and current trends. Shipping and handling costs charged to customers are included in net sales.
Cost of Sales	Cost of sales is primarily comprised of direct materials and supplies consumed in the manufacture of product, as well as manufacturing labor, depreciation expense and direct overhead expense necessary to acquire and convert the purchased materials and supplies into finished product. Cost of sales also includes the cost to distribute products to customers, inbound freight costs, warehousing costs and other shipping and handling activity.
Research, Development and Engineering Expenses	Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Costs include research, development and engineering activities relating to the development of new products, improvement of existing products, technical support of products and compliance with governmental regulations for the protection of customers and patients. Costs primarily consist of salaries, wages, consulting and depreciation and maintenance of research facilities and equipment.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, general and administrative expense is primarily comprised of selling expenses, marketing expenses, administrative and other indirect overhead costs, amortization of loaner instrumentation, depreciation and amortization expense of non-manufacturing assets and other miscellaneous operating items.
Currency Translation	Financial statements of subsidiaries outside the United States generally are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Adjustments to translate those statements into United States Dollars are recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI). Transactional exchange gains and losses are included in earnings.
Cash Equivalents	Highly liquid investments with remaining stated maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents and recorded at cost.
Marketable Securities	Marketable securities consist of marketable debt securities, certificates of deposit and mutual funds. Mutual funds are acquired to offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements and are expected to be used to settle these liabilities. Pursuant to our investment policy, all individual marketable security investments must have a minimum credit quality of single A (Standard & Poor’s and Fitch) and A2 (Moody’s Corporation) at the time of acquisition, while the overall portfolio of marketable securities must maintain a minimum average credit quality of double A (Standard & Poor’s and Fitch) or Aa (Moody’s Corporation). In the event of a rating downgrade below the minimum credit quality subsequent to purchase, the marketable security investment is evaluated to determine the appropriate action to take to minimize the overall risk to our marketable security investment portfolio. Our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and trading securities. Investments in trading securities represent participant-directed investments of deferred employee compensation.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts receivable consists of trade and other miscellaneous receivables. An allowance is maintained for doubtful accounts for estimated losses in the collection of accounts receivable. Estimates are made regarding the ability of customers to make required payments based on historical credit experience and expected future trends. Accounts receivable are written off when all reasonable collection efforts are exhausted.
Inventories	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost generally determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost method. For excess and obsolete inventory resulting from the potential inability to sell specific products at prices in excess of current carrying costs, reserves are maintained to reduce current carrying cost to market prices.
Financial Instruments	Our financial instruments consist of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, other investments, accounts payable, debt and foreign currency exchange contracts. The carrying value of our financial instruments, with the exception of our senior unsecured notes, approximates fair value on December 31, 2019 and 2018. Refer to Notes 3 and 10 for further details. All marketable securities are recognized at fair value. Adjustments to the fair value of marketable securities that are classified as available-for-sale are recorded as increases or decreases, net of income taxes, within accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) in shareholders’ equity and adjustments to the fair value of marketable securities that are classified as trading are recorded in earnings. The amortized cost of marketable debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts to maturity computed under the effective interest method. Such amortization and interest and realized gains and losses are included in other income (expense), net. The cost of securities sold is determined by the specific identification method. We review declines in the fair value of our investments classified as available-for-sale to determine whether the decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. The resulting losses from other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale marketable debt securities are included in earnings.
Derivatives	All derivatives are recognized at fair value and reported on a gross basis. We enter into forward currency exchange contracts to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations on transactions denominated in nonfunctional currencies, thereby limiting our risk that would otherwise result from changes in exchange rates. The periods of the forward currency exchange contracts correspond to the periods of the exposed transactions, with realized gains and losses included in the measurement and recording of transactions denominated in the nonfunctional currencies. All forward currency exchange contracts are recorded at their fair value each period. Forward currency exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges are designed to hedge the variability of cash flows associated with forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency that will take place in the future. These nonfunctional currency exposures principally relate to forecasted intercompany sales and purchases of manufactured products and generally have maturities up to eighteen months. Changes in value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until earnings are affected by the variability of the underlying cash flows. At that time, the applicable amount of gain or loss from the derivative instrument that is deferred in shareholders’ equity is reclassified into earnings and is included in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Cash flows associated with these hedges are included in cash from operations in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged. Forward currency exchange contracts are used to offset our exposure to the change in value of specific foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, primarily intercompany payables and receivables. These derivatives are not designated as hedges and, therefore, changes in the value of these forward contracts are recognized in earnings, thereby offsetting the current earnings effect of the related changes in value of foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The estimated fair value of our forward currency exchange contracts represents the measurement of the contracts at month-end spot rates as adjusted by current forward points. From time to time, we designate derivative and non-derivative financial instruments as net investment hedges of our investments in certain international subsidiaries. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is recognized in OCI and reported as a component of AOCI. We have elected to use the spot method to assess effectiveness for our derivatives designated as net investment hedges. Accordingly, the change in fair value attributable to changes in the spot rate is recorded in AOCI. We exclude the spot-forward difference from the assessment of hedge effectiveness and amortize this amount separately on a straight-line basis over the term of the forward contracts. This amortization will be recorded in Other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. From time to time, we designate forward starting interest rate derivative instruments as cash flow hedges to manage the exposure to interest rate volatility with regard to future issuance and refinancing of debt. The effective portion of the gain or loss on a forward starting interest rate derivative instrument that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge is reported as a component of AOCI. Beginning in the period in which the debt refinancing occurs and the related derivative instruments is terminated, the effective portion of the gains or losses is then reclassified into interest expense over the term of the related debt. Interest rate derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges have been used in the past to manage the exposure to interest rate movements and to reduce borrowing costs by converting fixed-rate debt into floating-rate debt. Under these agreements, we agree to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is generally computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of three to 30 years for buildings and improvements and three to 10 years for machinery and equipment.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of tangible net assets of acquired businesses at the acquisition date, after amounts allocated to other identifiable intangible assets. Factors that contribute to the recognition of goodwill include synergies that are specific to our business and not available to other market participants and are expected to increase net sales and profits; acquisition of a talented workforce; cost savings opportunities; the strategic benefit of expanding our presence in core and adjacent markets; and diversifying our product portfolio. The fair values of other identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination are primarily determined using the income approach. Other intangible assets include, but are not limited to, developed technology, customer and distributor relationships (which reflect expected continued customer or distributor patronage) and trademarks and patents. Intangible assets with determinable useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of four to 40 years. Certain acquired trade names are considered to have indefinite lives and are not amortized, but are assessed annually for potential impairment as described below. In some of our acquisitions, we acquire in-process research and development (IPRD) intangible assets. For acquisitions accounted for as business combinations IPRD is considered to be an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the research is completed (then it becomes a determinable-lived intangible asset) or determined to have no future use (then it is impaired). For asset acquisitions IPRD is expensed immediately unless there is an alternative future use.
Goodwill, Intangibles and Long-Lived Asset Impairment Tests	We perform our annual impairment test for goodwill in the fourth quarter of each year. We consider qualitative indicators of the fair value of a reporting unit when it is unlikely that a reporting unit has impaired goodwill. In certain circumstances, we may also utilize a discounted cash flow analysis that requires certain assumptions and estimates be made regarding market conditions and our future profitability. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are also tested at least annually for impairment by comparing the individual carrying values to the fair value. We review long-lived assets for indicators of impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The evaluation is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. Undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the related assets are estimated over the asset's useful life based on updated projections. If the evaluation indicates that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, any potential impairment is measured based upon the fair value of the related asset or asset group as determined by an appropriate market appraisal or other valuation technique. Assets classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Share-Based Compensation	We use share based compensation in the form of stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and performance stock units (PSUs). Stock options are granted under long-term incentive plans to certain key employees and non-employee directors at an exercise price not less than the fair market value of the underlying common stock, which is the quoted closing price of our common stock on the day prior to the date of grant. The options are granted for periods of up to 10 years and become exercisable in varying installments. We grant RSUs to key employees and non-employee directors and PSUs to certain key employees under our long-term incentive plans. The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted closing price of our common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the fact that RSUs do not include anticipated dividends. RSUs generally vest in one-third increments over a three-year period and are settled in stock. PSUs are earned over a three-year performance cycle and vest in March of the year following the end of that performance cycle. The number of PSUs that will ultimately be earned is based on our performance relative to pre-established goals in that three-year performance cycle. The fair value of PSUs is determined based on the quoted closing price of our common stock on the day of grant. Compensation expense is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings based on the estimated fair value of the awards on the grant date. Compensation expense recognized reflects an estimate of the number of awards expected to vest after taking into consideration an estimate of award forfeitures based on actual experience and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the period required to obtain full vesting. Management expectations related to the achievement of performance goals associated with PSU grants is assessed regularly and that assessment is used to determine whether PSU grants are expected to vest. If performance-based milestones related to PSU grants are not met or not expected to be met, any compensation expense recognized associated with such grants will be reversed.
Income Taxes	Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted income tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax benefits generally represent the change in net deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the year. Other amounts result from adjustments related to acquisitions and foreign currency as appropriate. We operate in multiple income tax jurisdictions both within the United States and internationally. Accordingly, management must determine the appropriate allocation of income to each of these jurisdictions based on current interpretations of complex income tax regulations. Income tax authorities in these jurisdictions regularly perform audits of our income tax filings. Income tax audits associated with the allocation of this income and other complex issues, including inventory transfer pricing and cost sharing, product royalty and foreign branch arrangements, may require an extended period of time to resolve and may result in significant income tax adjustments if changes to the income allocation are required between jurisdictions with different income tax rates.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted and Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted	New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted We evaluate all Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs) issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for consideration of their applicability. ASUs not included in our disclosures were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The new standard is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The standard replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses for accounts receivables, loans and other financial instruments. The standard is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted On January 1, 2019 we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, and related amendments (ASC 842), which require lease assets and liabilities to be recorded on the balance sheet for leases with terms greater than twelve months. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 7 for further information. On January 1, 2019 we adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which amends and simplifies hedge accounting guidance, as well as improves presentation and disclosure to align the economic effects of risk management strategies in the financial statements. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. No other new accounting pronouncements were issued or became effective in the period that had, or are expected to have, a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Schedule of Impacts of Adoption of ASC 606



Leases	December
Leases	2019
Right-of-use assets	$	384
Lease liabilities, current	$	86
Lease liabilities, non-current	$	301

Other information
Weighted-average remaining lease term	6.2 years
Weighted-average discount rate	3.34		%

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis



Assets Measured at Fair Value
	2019		2018
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,337	$	3,616
Trading marketable securities	149		118
Level 1 - Assets	$	4,486	$	3,734
Available-for-sale marketable securities:
Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	$	32	$	38
United States agency debt securities	2		11
United States treasury debt securities	49		23
Certificates of deposit	5		11
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$	88	$	83
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	226		77
Interest rate swap asset	17		—
Level 2 - Assets	$	331	$	160
Total assets measured at fair value	$	4,817	$	3,894



Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
	2019			2018
Deferred compensation arrangements	$	149		$	118
Level 1 - Liabilities	$	149		$	118
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$	23		$	20
Level 2 - Liabilities	$	23		$	20
Contingent consideration:
Beginning	$	117		$	32
Additions	298			77
Change in estimate	(10		)	15
Settlements	(99		)	(7		)
Ending	$	306		$	117
Level 3 - Liabilities	$	306		$	117
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	478		$	255

Available-for-sale Securities

Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value



Securities in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
	Number of Investments	Fair Value
Corporate and Asset-Backed	2	$	1
United States Treasury	6	13
Certificate of Deposit	4	1
Total	12	$	15

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value



2019	Cash Flow			Net Investment		Non-Designated			Total
Gross notional amount	$	801		$	1,113	$	6,174		$	8,088
Maximum term in days									1646
Fair value:
Other current assets	$	5		$	—	$	180		$	185
Other noncurrent assets	1			40		—			41
Other current liabilities	(10		)	—		(11		)	(21		)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(2		)	—		—			(2		)
Total fair value	$	(6	)	$	40	$	169		$	203
2018
Gross notional amount	$	870		$	—	$	5,466		$	6,336
Maximum term in days									586
Fair value:
Other current assets	$	15		$	—	$	28		$	43
Other noncurrent assets	1			—		33			34
Other current liabilities	(5		)	—		(15		)	(20		)
Other noncurrent liabilities	—			—		—			—
Total fair value	$	11		$	—	$	46		$	57

Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location

I

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (AOCI) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Reclassification Adjustments Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)



	Marketable Securities			Pension Plans			Hedges			Financial Statement Translation			Total
2017	$	(4	)	$	(134	)	$	28		$	(443	)	$	(553	)
OCI	2			(16		)	36			(115		)	(93		)
Income taxes	—			1			(9		)	18			10
Reclassifications to:
Cost of Sales	—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
Other (income) expense	(2		)	10			—			—			8
Income taxes	—			2			2			—			4
Net OCI	—			(3		)	22			(97		)	(78		)
2018	$	(4	)	$	(137	)	$	50		$	(540	)	$	(631	)
OCI	—			(74		)	3			101			30
Income taxes	—			26			—			(21		)	5
Reclassifications to:
Cost of Sales	—			—			(2		)	—			(2		)
Other (income) expense	1			8			(5		)	(14		)	(10		)
Income taxes	—			(2		)	1			3			2
Net OCI	1			(42		)	(3		)	69			25
2019	$	(3	)	$	(179	)	$	47		$	(471	)	$	(606	)

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Allocation Of The Preliminary Purchase Price To The Acquired Net Assets Of Acquisitions

Purchase price allocations for our significant acquisitions are presented below:



Purchase Price Allocation of Acquired Net Assets
2019	Mobius			OrthoSpace
Tangible assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	3		$	1
Inventory	7			1
Other assets	2			1
Contingent consideration	(4		)	—
Liabilities	(10		)	(29		)
Intangible assets:
Customer relationship	7			—
Developed technology and patents	60			120
In-process research and development	98			—
Non-compete agreements	9			—
Goodwill	301			114
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	$	473		$	208
Weighted average life of intangible assets	12			18



2018	K2M			Entellus
Tangible assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	58		$	17
Inventory	131			14
Other assets	160			62
Contingent consideration	—			(79		)
Liabilities	(257		)	(76		)
Intangible assets:
Customer relationship	34			33
Distributor relationship	1			—
Trade name	10			—
Developed technology and patents	475			261
Internally developed software	2			—
Goodwill	766			465
Purchase price, net of cash acquired	$	1,380		$	697
Weighted average life of intangible assets	15			16

Contingencies and Commitments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Lease, Cost



Leases	December
Leases	2019
Right-of-use assets	$	384
Lease liabilities, current	$	86
Lease liabilities, non-current	$	301

Other information
Weighted-average remaining lease term	6.2 years
Weighted-average discount rate	3.34		%

Future Purchase Obligations and Minimum Lease Payments



Future Obligations
	2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		Thereafter
Debt repayments	$	860	$	750	$	—	$	612	$	1,546	$	7,433
Purchase obligations	$	1,373	$	19	$	9	$	6	$	6	$	6
Minimum lease payments	$	94	$	74	$	62	$	38	$	32	$	95

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of the Company's Other Intangible Assets



Summary of Other Intangible Assets
	Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Less Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Developed technologies
2019	14	$	3,731	$	1,271	$	2,460
2018	13	3,426		1,115		2,311
Customer relationships
2019	16	$	2,160	$	848	$	1,312
2018	15	2,155		703		1,452
Patents
2019	11	$	348	$	265	$	83
2018	12	332		231		101
Trademarks
2019	18	$	362	$	136	$	226
2018	18	349		108		241
In-process research and development
2019	N/A	$	110	—		$	110
2018	N/A	6		—		6
Other
2019	8	$	125	$	89	$	36
2018	11	128		76		52
Total
2019	14	$	6,836	$	2,609	$	4,227
2018	14	$	6,396	$	2,233	$	4,163

Changes in the Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment



Changes in the Net Carrying Value of Goodwill by Segment
	Orthopaedics			MedSurg			Neurotechnology and Spine			Total
2017	$	2,426		$	3,509		$	1,233		$	7,168
Additions and adjustments	4			100			1,366			1,470
Foreign exchange	(31		)	(28		)	(16		)	(75		)
2018	$	2,399		$	3,581		$	2,583		$	8,563
Additions and adjustments	—			229			318			547
Foreign exchange	(13		)	(11		)	(17		)	(41		)
2019	$	2,386		$	3,799		$	2,884		$	9,069

Estimated Amortization Expense



Estimated Amortization Expense
2020		2021		2022		2023		2024
$	457	$	440	$	435	$	414	$	384

Capital Stock (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Capital Stock [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions



Option Value and Assumptions
	2019			2018			2017
Weighted-average fair value per share	$	36.30		$	28.52		$	22.43
Assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate	2.6		%	2.7		%	2.0		%
Expected dividend yield	1.1		%	1.2		%	1.5		%
Expected stock price volatility	18.3		%	16.8		%	19.4		%
Expected option life (years)	5.9			6.0			6.0

Summary of Stock Option Activity



2019 Stock Option Activity
	Shares (in millions)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding January 1	14.1		$	97.69
Granted	2.1		179.41
Exercised	(2.6	)	75.74
Canceled	(0.8	)	134.73
Outstanding December 31	12.8		$	113.10	6.0	$	1,242.8
Exercisable December 31	6.8		$	85.62	4.4	$	853.2
Options expected to vest	5.4		$	143.38	7.7	$	360.8

Summary of RSU and PSU Activity



Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Stock Units (PSUs) Activity
	Shares (in millions)				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	RSUs		PSUs		RSUs		PSUs
Nonvested on January 1	0.9		0.3		$	129.90	$	122.39
Granted	0.4		—		175.96		180.70
Vested	(0.4	)	(0.1	)	120.56		98.10
Canceled or forfeited	(0.1	)	—		146.37		136.56
Nonvested on December 31	0.8		0.2		$	158.80	$	152.44

Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]

Maturities Of Long-Term Debt Disclosures



Summary of Total Debt
			2019		2018
Senior unsecured notes:
	Rate	Due
	1.800%	January 15, 2019	$	—	$	500
	2.000%	March 8, 2019	—		750
	4.375%	January 15, 2020	500		499
	Variable	November 30, 2020	333		343
	2.625%	March 15, 2021	749		747
	1.125%	November 30, 2023	609		627
	3.375%	May 15, 2024	587		584
	0.250%	December 3, 2024	938		—
	3.375%	November 1, 2025	746		746
	3.500%	March 15, 2026	991		990
	2.125%	November 30, 2027	829		853
	3.650%	March 7, 2028	596		595
	0.750%	March 1, 2029	884		—
	2.625%	November 30, 2030	712		733
	1.000%	December 3, 2031	823		—
	4.100%	April 1, 2043	391		391
	4.375%	May 15, 2044	395		395
	4.625%	March 15, 2046	981		980
Other			26		126
Total debt			$	11,090	$	9,859
Less current maturities			859		1,373
Total long-term debt			$	10,231	$	8,486



		2019		2018
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$	58	$	50
Borrowing capacity on existing facilities	$	1,546	$	1,548
Fair value of senior unsecured notes	$	11,910	$	9,746

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 8: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=75038535&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21475-112644

+ Details

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Reconciliation of U.S. Statutory Income Tax Rate to Company's Effective Income Tax Rate from Continuing Operations



Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
	2019		2018		2017
United States federal statutory rate	21.0	%	21.0	%	35.0	%
United States state and local income taxes, less federal deduction	1.7		0.4		1.2
Foreign income tax at rates other than 21%	(4.6	)	(6.5	)	(21.0	)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 transition tax	—		2.2		38.0
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 deferred tax changes	—		(0.6	)	2.3
Tax related to repatriation of foreign earnings	(0.5	)	0.5		—
Intellectual property transfer	3.5		(63.8	)	—
Other	(2.4	)	(4.0	)	(4.9	)
Effective income tax rate	18.7	%	(50.8	)%	50.6	%

Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes



Earnings Before Income Taxes
	2019		2018		2017
United States	$	366	$	509	$	499
International	2,196		1,847		1,564
Total	$	2,562	$	2,356	$	2,063



Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Current income tax expense:	2019			2018			2017
United States federal	$	(17	)	$	178		$	836
United States state and local	46			30			38
International	324			177			133
Total current income tax expense	$	353		$	385		$	1,007
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
United States federal	$	10		$	(44	)	$	84
United States state and local	(1		)	(20		)	(9		)
International	117			(1,518		)	(39		)
Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense	$	126		$	(1,582	)	$	36
Total income tax (benefit) expense	$	479		$	(1,197	)	$	1,043

Schedule of Difference in Income Tax Effects Comprising Company's Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities



Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred income tax assets:	2019			2018
Inventories	$	415		$	390
Product-related liabilities	57			60
Other accrued expenses	221			222
Depreciation and amortization	1,363			1,504
State income taxes	65			70
Share-based compensation	49			47
Net operating loss carryforwards	95			134
Other	207			177
Total deferred income tax assets	$	2,472		$	2,604
Less valuation allowances	(75		)	(66		)
Net deferred income tax assets	$	2,397		$	2,538
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	$	(893	)	$	(865	)
Undistributed earnings	(37		)	(46		)
Other	—			(3		)
Total deferred income tax liabilities	$	(930	)	$	(914	)
Net deferred income tax assets	$	1,467		$	1,624
Reported as:
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets	$	1,575		$	1,678
Noncurrent liabilities—Other liabilities	(108		)	(54		)
Total	$	1,467		$	1,624

Schedule of Unresolved Income Tax Positions



Uncertain Income Tax Positions
	2019			2018
Beginning uncertain tax positions	$	528		$	540
Increases related to current year income tax positions	62			22
Increases related to prior year income tax positions	5			25
Decreases related to prior year income tax positions:
Settlements and resolutions of income tax audits	(78		)	(37		)
Statute of limitations expirations	(40		)	(14		)
Foreign currency translation	(5		)	(8		)
Ending uncertain tax positions	$	472		$	528
Reported as:
Noncurrent liabilities—Income taxes	$	472		$	528

Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures



	2019			2018			2017
Plan expense	$	205		$	180		$	181
Expense funded with Stryker common stock	31			29			25
Stryker common stock held by plan:
Dollar amount	470			358			353
Shares (in millions)	2.2			2.3			2.3
Value as a percentage of total plan assets	12		%	12		%	11		%

Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans



Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost
Net periodic benefit cost:	2019			2018			2017
Service cost	$	(41	)	$	(44	)	$	(42	)
Interest cost	(12		)	(11		)	(10		)
Expected return on plan assets	12			12			11
Amortization of prior service credit	1			1			1
Recognized actuarial loss	(9		)	(11		)	(9		)
Net periodic benefit cost	$	(49	)	$	(53	)	$	(49	)
Changes in assets and benefit obligations recognized in OCI:
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$	(74	)	$	11		$	(25	)
Recognized net actuarial loss	9			10			9
Prior service (credit) cost and transition amount	(1		)	(1		)	(1		)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(66	)	$	20		$	(17	)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and OCI	$	(115	)	$	(33	)	$	(66	)

Weighted-average rates used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	1.9		%	1.8		%	1.8		%
Expected return on plan assets	3.5		%	3.3		%	3.3		%
Rate of compensation increase	2.9		%	2.8		%	2.8		%
Weighted-average discount rate used to determine projected benefit obligations	1.0		%	1.9		%	1.8		%

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures



	2019			2018
Fair value of plan assets	$	428		$	376
Benefit obligations	(869		)	(735		)
Funded status	$	(441	)	$	(359	)
Reported as:
Current liabilities—accrued compensation	$	(2	)	$	(2	)
Noncurrent liabilities—other liabilities	(439		)	(357		)
Pre-tax amounts recognized in AOCI:
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	(250		)	(168		)
Unrecognized prior service credit	9			11
Total	$	(241	)	$	(157	)

Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations



Change in Benefit Obligations
	2019			2018
Beginning projected benefit obligations	$	735		$	708
Service cost	41			44
Interest cost	12			11
Foreign exchange impact	(12		)	(16		)
Employee contributions	6			6
Actuarial (gains) losses	116			(1		)
Acquisition	—			—
Benefits paid	(29		)	(17		)
Ending projected benefit obligations	$	869		$	735
Ending accumulated benefit obligations	$	830		$	702

Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets



Change in Plan Assets
	2019			2018
Beginning fair value of plan assets	$	376		$	370
Actual return	52			(2		)
Employer contributions	25			22
Employee contributions	6			6
Foreign exchange impact	(5		)	(6		)
Acquisition	—			—
Benefits paid	(26		)	(14		)
Ending fair value of plan assets	$	428		$	376



Valuation of Plan Assets
2019	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7	$	—	$	—	$	7
Equity securities	23		86		—		109
Corporate debt securities	3		173		—		176
Other	4		52		80		136
Total	$	37	$	311	$	80	$	428
2018
Cash and cash equivalents	$	10	$	—	$	—	$	10
Equity securities	20		85		—		105
Corporate debt securities	2		153		—		155
Other	7		43		56		106
Total	$	39	$	281	$	56	$	376

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets



Allocation of Plan Assets
	2020 Target		2019 Actual		2018 Actual
Equity securities	23	%	22	%	26	%
Debt securities	44		44		46
Other	33		34		28
Total	100	%	100	%	100	%

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments



Estimated Future Benefit Payments
2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		2025-2029
$	19	$	18	$	18	$	19	$	19	$	115

Summary of Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Summary of Quarterly Data



2019 Quarters	Mar 31		Jun 30		Sep 30		Dec 31
Net sales	$	3,516	$	3,650	$	3,587	$	4,131
Gross profit	2,283		2,380		2,330		2,703
Earnings before income taxes	480		565		581		936
Net earnings	412		480		466		725
Net earnings per share of common stock:
Basic	$	1.10	$	1.29	$	1.24	$	1.94
Diluted	$	1.09	$	1.26	$	1.23	$	1.90
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$	0.52	$	0.52	$	0.52	$	0.575

2018 Quarters	Mar 31		Jun 30		Sep 30		Dec 31
Net sales	$	3,241	$	3,322	$	3,242	$	3,796
Gross profit	2,137		2,190		2,155		2,456
Earnings before income taxes	542		623		534		657
Net earnings	443		452		590		2,068
Net earnings per share of common stock:
Basic	$	1.18	$	1.21	$	1.58	$	5.52
Diluted	$	1.16	$	1.19	$	1.55	$	5.44
Dividends declared per share of common stock	$	0.47	$	0.47	$	0.47	$	0.52

Segment and Geographic Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated



Segment Results
	2019			2018			2017
Orthopaedics	$	5,252		$	4,991		$	4,713
MedSurg	$	6,574		6,045			5,557
Neurotechnology & Spine	3,058			2,565			2,174
Net sales	$	14,884		$	13,601		$	12,444
Orthopaedics	$	348		$	350		$	337
MedSurg	379			285			315
Neurotechnology & Spine	218			176			142
Segment depreciation and amortization	$	945		$	811		$	794
Corporate and Other	99			155			65
Total depreciation and amortization	$	1,044		$	966		$	859
Orthopaedics	$	1,907		$	1,804		$	1,681
MedSurg	1,635			1,444			1,228
Neurotechnology & Spine	846			700			631
Segment operating income	$	4,388		$	3,948		$	3,540
Items not allocated to segments:
Corporate and Other	$	(480	)	$	(431	)	$	(402	)
Acquisition and integration-related charges	(275		)	(123		)	(64		)
Amortization of intangible assets	(464		)	(417		)	(371		)
Restructuring related and other charges	(226		)	(220		)	(194		)
Medical device regulations	(62		)	(12		)	—
Recall-related matters	(192		)	(23		)	(173		)
Regulatory and legal matters	24			(185		)	(39		)
Consolidated operating income	$	2,713		$	2,537		$	2,297

Sales and Other Financial Information by Business Segment



Segment Assets and Capital Spending
Assets:	2019		2018		2017
Orthopaedics	$	9,085	$	8,873	$	7,486
MedSurg	12,066		10,417		9,759
Neurotechnology & Spine	7,646		7,260		4,105
Total segment assets	$	28,797	$	26,550	$	21,350
Corporate and Other	1,370		679		847
Total assets	$	30,167	$	27,229	$	22,197
Capital spending:
Orthopaedics	$	125	$	134	$	138
MedSurg	265		217		194
Neurotechnology & Spine	29		31		50
Total segment capital spending	$	419	$	382	$	382
Corporate and Other	230		190		216
Total capital spending	$	649	$	572	$	598

Geographic Information on Net Sales and Long-Lived Assets



Geographic Information
	Net Sales						Net Property, Plant and Equipment
	2019		2018		2017		2019		2018
United States	$	10,957	$	9,848	$	9,059	$	1,561	$	1,348
Europe, Middle East, Africa	1,888		1,793		1,567		838		669
Asia Pacific	1,617		1,532		1,413		95		96
Other countries	422		428		405		73		178
Total	$	14,884	$	13,601	$	12,444	$	2,567	$	2,291

Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Accounting Standards Update 2018-11
Operating lease, liability	$ 350
Employee Stock Option
Vesting period	10 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Performance period	3 years
Performance Stock Units (PSUs)
Vesting period	3 years
Minimum
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	4 years
Maximum
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	40 years
Building and Improvements \| Minimum
Property, plant and equipment useful life	3 years
Building and Improvements \| Maximum
Property, plant and equipment useful life	30 years
Machinery and Equipment \| Minimum
Property, plant and equipment useful life	3 years
Machinery and Equipment \| Maximum
Property, plant and equipment useful life	10 years

Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Percentage of sales recognized as services over time (less than)	10.00%
Contract liabilities	$ 313	$ 327

Revenue Recognition - Disaggregated Sales Analysis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 4,131	$ 3,587	$ 3,650	$ 3,516	$ 3,796	$ 3,242	$ 3,322	$ 3,241	$ 14,884	$ 13,601	$ 12,444
United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									10,957	9,848	9,059
International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									3,927	3,753	3,385
Orthopaedics
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									5,252	4,991	4,713
Orthopaedics \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									3,614	3,383	3,215
Orthopaedics \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,638	1,608	1,498
Orthopaedics \| Knees
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,815	1,701	1,595
Orthopaedics \| Knees \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,347	1,244	1,169
Orthopaedics \| Knees \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									469	457	426
Orthopaedics \| Hips
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,383	1,336	1,303
Orthopaedics \| Hips \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									882	838	820
Orthopaedics \| Hips \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									500	498	483
Orthopaedics \| Trauma and Extremities
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,639	1,580	1,478
Orthopaedics \| Trauma and Extremities \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,051	1,001	950
Orthopaedics \| Trauma and Extremities \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									588	579	528
Orthopaedics \| Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									415	374	337
Orthopaedics \| Other \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									334	300	276
Orthopaedics \| Other \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									81	74	61
MedSurg
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									6,574	6,045	5,557
MedSurg \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									5,255	4,743	4,376
MedSurg \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,319	1,302	1,181
MedSurg \| Instruments
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									2,041	1,822	1,678
MedSurg \| Instruments \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,608	1,424	1,304
MedSurg \| Instruments \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									433	398	374
MedSurg \| Endoscopy
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,983	1,846	1,652
MedSurg \| Endoscopy \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,577	1,432	1,290
MedSurg \| Endoscopy \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									406	414	362
MedSurg \| Medical
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									2,264	2,118	1,969
MedSurg \| Medical \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,787	1,630	1,525
MedSurg \| Medical \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									477	488	444
MedSurg \| Sustainability
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									286	259	258
MedSurg \| Sustainability \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									283	257	257
MedSurg \| Sustainability \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									3	2	1
Neurotechnology and Spine
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									3,058	2,565	2,174
Neurotechnology and Spine \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									2,088	1,722	1,468
Neurotechnology and Spine \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									970	843	706
Neurotechnology and Spine \| Neurotechnology
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,973	1,737	1,423
Neurotechnology and Spine \| Neurotechnology \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,271	1,115	900
Neurotechnology and Spine \| Neurotechnology \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									702	622	523
Neurotechnology and Spine \| Spine
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,085	828	751
Neurotechnology and Spine \| Spine \| United States
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									817	607	568
Neurotechnology and Spine \| Spine \| International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 268	$ 221	$ 183

Fair Value Measurements (Valuation Of Financial Instruments By Pricing Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Available-for-sale marketable securities:	$ 88	$ 83
Total assets measured at fair value	4,817	3,894
Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration [Abstract]
Total liabilities measured at fair value	478	255
(Level 1)
Assets
Available-for-sale marketable securities	4,337	3,616
Trading marketable securities	149	118
Total assets measured at fair value	4,486	3,734
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation arrangements	149	118
Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration [Abstract]
Total liabilities measured at fair value	149	118
(Level 2)
Assets
Total assets measured at fair value	331	160
Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration [Abstract]
Total liabilities measured at fair value	23	20
(Level 2) \| Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Assets
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	226	77
Interest rate swap asset	226	77
Liabilities:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	23	20
(Level 2) \| Interest rate swap asset
Assets
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	17	0
Interest rate swap asset	17	0
(Level 2) \| Available-for-sale marketable securities:
Assets
Available-for-sale marketable securities:	88	83
(Level 2) \| Available-for-sale marketable securities: \| Corporate and asset-backed debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale marketable securities:	32	38
(Level 2) \| Available-for-sale marketable securities: \| United States agency debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale marketable securities:	2	11
(Level 2) \| Available-for-sale marketable securities: \| United States treasury debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale marketable securities:	49	23
(Level 2) \| Available-for-sale marketable securities: \| Certificates of deposit
Assets
Available-for-sale marketable securities:	5	11
(Level 3)
Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration [Abstract]
Beginning	117	32
Additions	298	77
Change in estimate	(10)	15
Settlements	(99)	(7)
Ending	306	117
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$ 306	$ 117

Fair Value Measurements (Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 50	$ 51
Due after one year through three years	$ 38	$ 32

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Marketable securities, gain (loss)	$ 155	$ 119	$ 60

Fair Value Measurements (Unrealized Losses And Fair Value Of Investments With Unrealized Losses) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Total, number of investments	12
Total, fair value	$ 15
Corporate and Asset-Backed
Total, number of investments	2
Total, fair value	$ 1
United States Treasury
Total, number of investments	6
Total, fair value	$ 13
Certificate of Deposit
Total, number of investments	4
Total, fair value	$ 1

Derivative Instruments (Forward Currency Exchange Contracts) (Details) - Foreign currency exchange forward contracts $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 EUR (€)	Jul. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2018 EUR (€)
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 8,088	$ 6,336
Maximum term	1646 days	586 days
Derivative, fair value, net	$ 203	$ 57
Other current assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	185	43
Other noncurrent assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	41	34
Other current liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(21)	(20)
Other noncurrent liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(2)	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,113	0	€ 2,400,000,000	$ 1,000	€ 2,250,000,000
Derivative, fair value, net	40	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other current assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other noncurrent assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	40	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other current liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other noncurrent liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	6,174	5,466
Derivative, fair value, net	169	46
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other current assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	180	28
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other noncurrent assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	33
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other current liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(11)	(15)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other noncurrent liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	0	0
Cash Flow Hedging \| Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	801	870
Derivative, fair value, net	(6)	11
Cash Flow Hedging \| Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other current assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	5	15
Cash Flow Hedging \| Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other noncurrent assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	1	1
Cash Flow Hedging \| Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other current liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	(10)	(5)
Cash Flow Hedging \| Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other noncurrent liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ (2)	$ 0

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 EUR (€)	Nov. 30, 2019 EUR (€)	Jul. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2018 EUR (€)
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 8,088				$ 6,336
Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Foreign currency exchange forward contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	1,113	€ 2,400,000,000		$ 1,000	$ 0	€ 2,250,000,000
Fair value of designated net investment hedges	17
Gains on derivatives designated as hedges	(6)
Net investment hedges recorded in AOCI	27
Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Interest rate swap asset
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional amount	750
Gains on derivatives designated as hedges	6
Derivative notional amount terminated \| €			€ 600,000,000
Pretax gains recorded in AOCI	$ 17

Derivative Instruments (Movements out of OCI) (Details) - Foreign currency exchange forward contracts - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$ 9	$ 1	$ (15)
Cost of sales
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	2	7	(6)
Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other income (expense), net
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	14	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument \| Other income (expense), net
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$ (7)	$ (6)	$ (9)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (AOCI) (Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning of Period	$ (631)	$ (553)
OCI	30	(93)
Income taxes	5	10
Cost of sales	5,188	4,663	$ 4,264
Other (income) expense	(151)	(181)	(234)
Income taxes	479	(1,197)	1,043
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25	(78)	208
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), End of Period	(606)	(631)	(553)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Income taxes	2	4
Other comprehensive income (loss)	25	(78)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Cost of Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cost of sales	(2)	(7)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Other (income) expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other (income) expense	(10)	8
Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning of Period	(4)	(4)
OCI	0	2
Income taxes	0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), End of Period	(3)	(4)	(4)
Marketable Securities \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Income taxes	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1	0
Marketable Securities \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Cost of Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cost of sales	0	0
Marketable Securities \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Other (income) expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other (income) expense	1	(2)
Pension Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning of Period	(137)	(134)
OCI	(74)	(16)
Income taxes	26	1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), End of Period	(179)	(137)	(134)
Pension Plans \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Income taxes	(2)	2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(42)	(3)
Pension Plans \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Cost of Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cost of sales	0	0
Pension Plans \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Other (income) expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other (income) expense	8	10
Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning of Period	50	28
OCI		36
Income taxes		(9)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), End of Period		50	28
Hedges \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Income taxes		2
Other comprehensive income (loss)		22
Hedges \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Cost of Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cost of sales		(7)
Hedges \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Other (income) expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other (income) expense		0
Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
OCI	3
Income taxes	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), End of Period	47
Hedges \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Income taxes	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3)
Hedges \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Cost of Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cost of sales	(2)
Hedges \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Other (income) expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other (income) expense	(5)
Financial Statement Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning of Period	(540)	(443)
OCI	101	(115)
Income taxes	(21)	18
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), End of Period	(471)	(540)	$ (443)
Financial Statement Translation \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Income taxes	3	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	69	(97)
Financial Statement Translation \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Cost of Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cost of sales	0	0
Financial Statement Translation \| Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] \| Other (income) expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other (income) expense	$ (14)	$ 0

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions			1 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 13, 2019 $ / shares	Dec. 13, 2019 € / shares	Nov. 30, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares	Oct. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares	Feb. 28, 2018 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired								$ 802	$ 2,451	$ 831
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred								$ 1,096
Mobius
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred				$ 360
Future regulatory and commercial milestones				$ 130
OrthoSpace, Ltd.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred					$ 110
Future regulatory and commercial milestones					$ 110
K2M
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired						$ 1,380
Consideration transfered, price per share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares						$ 27.50
Entellus
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired							$ 697
Consideration transfered, price per share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares							$ 24.00
Wright
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired			$ 5,400
Consideration transfered, price per share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 30.75		$ 30.75
Par value of ordinary shares of acquiree (in dollars per share) \| € / shares		€ 0.03

Acquisitions (Allocation Of The Preliminary Purchase Price To The Acquired Net Assets Of Acquisitions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 9,069	$ 8,563	$ 7,168
Weighted average life of intangible assets	14 years	14 years
Customer relationship
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average life of intangible assets	16 years	15 years
Developed technology and patents
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average life of intangible assets	14 years	13 years
Mobius
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	$ 3
Inventory	7
Other assets	2
Contingent consideration	(4)
Liabilities	(10)
Goodwill	301
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$ 473
Weighted average life of intangible assets	12 years
Mobius \| Customer relationship
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:	$ 7
Mobius \| Developed technology and patents
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:	60
Mobius \| In-process research and development
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:	98
Mobius \| Non-compete agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:	9
OrthoSpace
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	1
Inventory	1
Other assets	1
Contingent consideration	0
Liabilities	(29)
Goodwill	114
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$ 208
Weighted average life of intangible assets	18 years
OrthoSpace \| Customer relationship
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:	$ 0
OrthoSpace \| Developed technology and patents
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:	120
OrthoSpace \| In-process research and development
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:	0
OrthoSpace \| Non-compete agreements
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:	0
K2M
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable		$ 58
Inventory		131
Other assets		160
Contingent consideration		0
Liabilities		(257)
Goodwill		$ 766
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	1,380
Weighted average life of intangible assets		15 years
K2M \| Customer relationship
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:		$ 34
K2M \| Developed technology and patents
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:		475
K2M \| Distributor relationship
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:		1
K2M \| Trade name
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:		10
K2M \| Internally developed software
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:		2
Entellus
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable		17
Inventory		14
Other assets		62
Contingent consideration		(79)
Liabilities		(76)
Goodwill		$ 465
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$ 697
Weighted average life of intangible assets		16 years
Entellus \| Customer relationship
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:		$ 33
Entellus \| Developed technology and patents
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:		261
Entellus \| Distributor relationship
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:		0
Entellus \| Trade name
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:		0
Entellus \| Internally developed software
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets:		$ 0

Contingencies and Commitments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions			1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 19, 2019 USD ($)	Jul. 12, 2017 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 patent	Jan. 01, 2019 USD ($)
Payments for legal settlements				$ 54
Lease expense					$ 133
Lease expense						$ 138	$ 125
Right of use asset					384
Minimum
Estimate of possible loss					275
Maximum
Estimate of possible loss					$ 520
Zimmer Product Infringement
Number of patents allegedly infringed upon \| patent									3
Gain contingency, damages awarded, value		$ 164						$ 76
Proceeds from legal settlements	$ 167
Gain recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses			$ 100
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Right of use asset										$ 350
Operating lease, liability										$ 350

Commitments and Contingencies - Lease Cost (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Right-of-use assets	$ 384
Lease liabilities, current	86
Lease liabilities, non-current	$ 301
Weighted-average remaining lease term	6 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted-average discount rate	3.34%

Contingencies and Commitments (Future Purchase Obligations and Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 860
2021	750
2022	0
2023	612
2024	1,546
Thereafter	7,433
Purchase obligations
2020	1,373
2021	19
2022	9
2023	6
2024	6
Thereafter	6
Minimum lease payments
2020	94
2021	74
2022	62
2023	38
2024	32
Thereafter	$ 95

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Summary of the Company's Other Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	14 years	14 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 6,836,000,000	$ 6,396,000,000
Less Accumulated Amortization	2,609,000,000	2,233,000,000
Net Carrying Amount	$ 4,227,000,000	$ 4,163,000,000
Developed technologies
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	14 years	13 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 3,731,000,000	$ 3,426,000,000
Less Accumulated Amortization	1,271,000,000	1,115,000,000
Net Carrying Amount	$ 2,460,000,000	$ 2,311,000,000
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	16 years	15 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 2,160,000,000	$ 2,155,000,000
Less Accumulated Amortization	848,000,000	703,000,000
Net Carrying Amount	$ 1,312,000,000	$ 1,452,000,000
Patents
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	11 years	12 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 348,000,000	$ 332,000,000
Less Accumulated Amortization	265,000,000	231,000,000
Net Carrying Amount	$ 83,000,000	$ 101,000,000
Trademarks
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	18 years	18 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 362,000,000	$ 349,000,000
Less Accumulated Amortization	136,000,000	108,000,000
Net Carrying Amount	226,000,000	241,000,000
In-process research and development
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	110,000,000	6,000,000
Less Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Net Carrying Amount	$ 110,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Other
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	8 years	11 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 125,000,000	$ 128,000,000
Less Accumulated Amortization	89,000,000	76,000,000
Net Carrying Amount	$ 36,000,000	$ 52,000,000

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Changes in Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	$ 8,563	$ 7,168
Additions and adjustments	547	1,470
Foreign exchange	(41)	(75)
Goodwill, Ending balance	9,069	8,563
Orthopaedics
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	2,399	2,426
Additions and adjustments	0	4
Foreign exchange	(13)	(31)
Goodwill, Ending balance	2,386	2,399
MedSurg
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	3,581	3,509
Additions and adjustments	229	100
Foreign exchange	(11)	(28)
Goodwill, Ending balance	3,799	3,581
Neuro and Spine
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning balance	2,583	1,233
Additions and adjustments	318	1,366
Foreign exchange	(17)	(16)
Goodwill, Ending balance	$ 2,884	$ 2,583

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Estimated Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 457
2021	440
2022	435
2023	414
2024	$ 384

Capital Stock (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Capital Stock [Line Items]
Common and Preferred Stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,500,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000
Preferred stock, par per share	$ 1
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	1,000,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0
Shares repurchased (in shares)	1,900,000
Repurchase and retirement of shares of common stock	$ 307
Remaining shares authorized to be repurchased	$ 1,033
Capital shares reserved for future issuance	31,000,000	33,000,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 294	$ 247	$ 184
Options exercised during period, exercise price range, lower range limit	$ 51.82
Options exercised during period, exercise price range, upper range limit	$ 209.78
Compensation cost not yet recognized	$ 101
Compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognized	1 year 6 months
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Capital Stock [Line Items]
Compensation cost not yet recognized	$ 67
Compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognized	1 year
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 175.96	$ 150.23
Shares vested during the period	$ 52
Performance Stock Units (PSUs)
Capital Stock [Line Items]
Compensation cost not yet recognized	$ 15
Compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognized	1 year
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 180.70
Shares vested during the period	$ 10
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Capital Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of closing stock price under ESPP	95.00%
Shares issued under the ESPP	166,758	168,626

Capital Stock (Option Grant Assumptions) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Capital Stock [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value per share	$ 36.30	$ 28.52	$ 22.43
Risk-free interest rate	2.60%	2.70%	2.00%
Expected dividend yield	1.10%	1.20%	1.50%
Expected stock price volatility	18.30%	16.80%	19.40%
Expected option life (years)	5 years 10 months 24 days	6 years	6 years

Capital Stock (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Shares, Options outstanding at January 1 (in shares) \| shares	14.1
Shares, Granted (in shares) \| shares	2.1
Shares, Exercised (in shares) \| shares	(2.6)
Shares, Cancelled (in shares) \| shares	(0.8)
Shares, Options outstanding at December 31 (in shares) \| shares	12.8
Shares, Exercisable at December 31 (in shares) \| shares	6.8
Shares, Options expected to vest (in shares) \| shares	5.4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price, Options outstanding at January 1 (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 97.69
Weighted average exercise price, Granted (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	179.41
Weighted average exercise price, Exercised (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	75.74
Weighted average exercise price, Cancelled (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	134.73
Weighted average exercise price, Options outstanding at December 31 (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	113.10
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable at December 31 (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	85.62
Weighted average exercise price, Options expected to vest (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 143.38
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Options outstanding at December 31 (in years)	6 years
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Exercisable at December 31 (in years)	4 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, Options expected to vest (in years)	7 years 8 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Options outstanding at December 31 \| $	$ 1,242.8
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable at December 31 \| $	853.2
Aggregate intrinsic value, Options expected to vest \| $	$ 360.8

Capital Stock (Summary of RSU and PSU Activity) (Details) - $ / shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Shares, Nonvested at January 1 (in shares)	0.9
Shares, Granted (in shares)	0.4
Shares, Vested (in shares)	(0.4)
Shares, Cancelled (in shares)	(0.1)
Shares, Nonvested at December 31 (in shares)	0.8	0.9
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at January 1 (in dollars per share)	$ 129.90
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted (in dollars per share)	175.96	$ 150.23
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested (in dollars per share)	120.56
Weighted average grant date fair value, Cancelled (in dollars per share)	146.37
Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at December 31 (in dollars per share)	$ 158.80	$ 129.90
Performance Stock Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Shares, Nonvested at January 1 (in shares)	0.3
Shares, Granted (in shares)	0.0
Shares, Vested (in shares)	(0.1)
Shares, Cancelled (in shares)	0.0
Shares, Nonvested at December 31 (in shares)	0.2	0.3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at January 1 (in dollars per share)	$ 122.39
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted (in dollars per share)	180.70
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested (in dollars per share)	98.10
Weighted average grant date fair value, Cancelled (in dollars per share)	136.56
Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at December 31 (in dollars per share)	$ 152.44	$ 122.39

Debt and Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Debt and Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details)	Jan. 31, 2020 USD ($) Rate	Dec. 31, 2019 EUR (€) Rate	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019 Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commercial Paper					$ 0
Interest expense, debt					287,000,000	$ 264,000,000	$ 247,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes 1.800% due 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repaid face amount				$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate \| Rate									1.80%
Senior Unsecured Notes 2.000% due 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repaid face amount			$ 750,000,000
Stated interest rate								2.00%	2.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes 0.250% due 2024
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate								0.25%	0.25%
Proceeds from issuance of debt \| €		€ 850,000,000
Redemption price percentage \| Rate		101.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes 4.375% Due 2020
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate								4.375%
Senior Unsecured Notes 4.375% Due 2020 \| Subsequent Event
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repaid face amount	$ 500,000,000
Stated interest rate \| Rate	4.375%
Senior Unsecured Notes 0.750% due 2029
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate								0.75%	0.75%
Proceeds from issuance of debt \| €		€ 800,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes 1.000% due 2031
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate								1.00%	1.00%
Proceeds from issuance of debt \| €		€ 750,000,000
Redemption price percentage		101.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes, Due November 2023
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate								1.125%
Senior Unsecured Notes, Due November 2027
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate								2.125%
Senior Unsecured Notes, Due November 2030
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate								2.625%
Commercial Paper
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity					$ 1,500,000,000
Maturities of time deposits					397 days

Debt and Credit Facilities (Maturities Of Long-Term Debt Disclosures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Long-term Debt	$ 26			$ 126
Total debt	11,090			9,859
Current maturities of debt	859			1,373
Total Long-term Debt	10,231			8,486
Unamortized debt issuance costs	58			50
Borrowing capacity on existing facilities	1,546			1,548
Fair value of senior unsecured notes	11,910			9,746
Senior Unsecured Notes 1.800% due 2019
Stated interest rate		1.80%
Unsecured Debt	0			500
Senior Unsecured Notes 2.000% due 2019
Stated interest rate		2.00%	2.00%
Unsecured Debt	0			750
Senior Unsecured Notes 4.375% due 2020
Stated interest rate		4.375%
Unsecured Debt	500			499
Senior Unsecured Notes, Variable, due 2020
Unsecured Debt	333			343
Senior Unsecured Notes 2.625% due 2021
Stated interest rate		2.625%
Unsecured Debt	749			747
Senior Unsecured Notes, 1.125%, due 2023
Stated interest rate		1.125%
Unsecured Debt	609			627
Senior Unsecured Notes 3.375% due 2024
Stated interest rate		3.375%
Unsecured Debt	587			584
Senior Unsecured Notes 0.250% due 2024
Stated interest rate		0.25%	0.25%
Unsecured Debt	938			0
Senior Unsecured Notes 3.375% due 2025
Stated interest rate		3.375%
Unsecured Debt	746			746
Senior Unsecured Notes 3.50% due 2026
Stated interest rate		3.50%
Unsecured Debt	991			990
Senior Unsecured Notes,2.125%, due 2027
Stated interest rate		2.125%
Unsecured Debt	829			853
Senior Unsecured Notes 3.650% due 2028
Stated interest rate		3.65%
Unsecured Debt	596			595
Senior Unsecured Notes 0.750% due 2029
Stated interest rate		0.75%	0.75%
Unsecured Debt	884			0
Senior Unsecured Notes, 2.625% due 2030
Stated interest rate		2.625%
Unsecured Debt	712			733
Senior Unsecured Notes 1.000% due 2031
Stated interest rate		1.00%	1.00%
Unsecured Debt	823			0
Senior Unsecured Notes 4.10% due 2043
Stated interest rate		4.10%
Unsecured Debt	391			391
Senior Unsecured Notes 4.375% due 2044
Stated interest rate		4.375%
Unsecured Debt	395			395
Senior Unsecured Notes 4.625% due 2046
Stated interest rate		4.625%
Unsecured Debt	$ 981			$ 980

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective income tax, percent	18.70%	(50.80%)	50.60%
Interest expense and penalties included in other income (expense), net	$ (9)	$ (9)	$ (28)
Net operating loss carryforward recognized	50	31	$ 32
Accrued interest and penalties	94	85
Operating loss carryforwards	378
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income tax expense	468	$ 521
United States
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	358
Foreign Tax Authority
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	20
Tax credit carryforward, amount	65
Tax credit carryforward, valuation allowance	$ 63

Income Taxes (Schedule of Reconciliation of U.S. Statutory Income Tax Rate to Company's Effective Income Tax Rate from Continuing Operations) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States federal statutory rate	21.00%	21.00%	35.00%
United States state and local income taxes, less federal deduction	1.70%	0.40%	1.20%
International operations	(4.60%)	(6.50%)	(21.00%)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 transition tax	0.00%	2.20%	38.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 deferred tax changes	0.00%	(0.60%)	2.30%
Tax related to repatriation of foreign earnings	(0.50%)	0.50%	0.00%
Intellectual property transfer	3.50%	(63.80%)	0.00%
Other	(2.40%)	(4.00%)	(4.90%)
Effective income tax rate, total	18.70%	(50.80%)	50.60%

Income Taxes (Schedule of Earnings before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
United States									$ 366	$ 509	$ 499
International									2,196	1,847	1,564
Earnings before income taxes	$ 936	$ 581	$ 565	$ 480	$ 657	$ 534	$ 623	$ 542	$ 2,562	$ 2,356	$ 2,063

Income Taxes (Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current income tax expense:
United States federal	$ (17)	$ 178	$ 836
United States state and local	46	30	38
International	324	177	133
Total current income tax expense	353	385	1,007
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
United States federal	10	(44)	84
United States state and local	(1)	(20)	(9)
International	117	(1,518)	(39)
Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense	126	(1,582)	36
Total income tax (benefit) expense	$ 479	$ (1,197)	$ 1,043

Income Taxes (Schedule of Difference in Income Tax Effects Comprising Company's Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred income tax assets:
Inventories	$ 415	$ 390
Product-related liabilities	57	60
Other accrued expenses	221	222
Depreciation and amortization	1,363	1,504
State income taxes	65	70
Share-based compensation	49	47
Net operating loss carryforwards	95	134
Other	207	177
Total deferred income tax assets	2,472	2,604
Less valuation allowances	(75)	(66)
Net deferred income tax assets	2,397	2,538
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(893)	(865)
Undistributed earnings	(37)	(46)
Other	0	(3)
Total deferred income tax liabilities	(930)	(914)
Net deferred income tax assets	1,467	1,624
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets	1,575	1,678
Noncurrent liabilities—Other liabilities	$ (108)	$ (54)

Income Taxes (Schedule of Unresolved Income Tax Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning uncertain tax positions	$ 528	$ 540
Increases related to current year income tax positions	62	22
Increases related to prior year income tax positions	5	25
Settlements and resolutions of income tax audits	(78)	(37)
Statute of limitations expirations	(40)	(14)
Foreign currency translation	(5)	(8)
Ending uncertain tax positions	$ 472	$ 528

Retirement Plans (Schedule of Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Plan expense	$ 205	$ 180	$ 181
Expense funded with Stryker common stock	31	29	25
Stryker common stock held by plan, amount	$ 470	$ 358	$ 353
Stryker common stock held by plan, shares	2.2	2.3	2.3
Stryker common stock held by plan, value as a percentage of total plan assets	12.00%	12.00%	11.00%

Retirement Plans (Schedule of Funded Status and Components of the Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss), Before the Effect of Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost
Service cost	$ (41)	$ (44)	$ (42)
Interest cost	(12)	(11)	(10)
Expected return on plan assets	12	12	11
Amortization of prior service cost and transition amount	1	1	1
Recognized actuarial loss	(9)	(11)	(9)
Net periodic benefit cost	(49)	(53)	(49)
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(74)	11	(25)
Recognized net actuarial loss	9	10	9
Prior service cost and transition amount	(1)	(1)	(1)
Total recognized in OCI	(66)	20	(17)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and OCI	$ (115)	$ (33)	$ (66)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Discount rate	1.90%	1.80%	1.80%
Expected return on plan assets	3.50%	3.30%	3.30%
Expected return on plan assets	2.90%	2.80%	2.80%
Weighted-average discount rate used to determine projected benefit obligations	1.00%	1.90%	1.80%
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 428	$ 376
Benefit obligations	(869)	(735)	$ (708)
Funded status	(441)	(359)
Current liabilities—accrued compensation	(2)	(2)
Noncurrent liabilities—other liabilities	(439)	(357)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	(241)	(157)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Unrecognized prior service credit	9	11
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$ (250)	$ (168)

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated net actuarial loss for the defined benefit pension plan	$ 12
Estimated amortization of prior service credit and transition asset to be reclassified from AOCI	1
Actual return	52	$ (2)
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	24
(Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual return	$ 24

Retirement Plans (Schedule of Change in Benefit Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Beginning projected benefit obligations	$ 735	$ 708
Service cost	41	44	$ 42
Interest cost	12	11	10
Foreign exchange impact	(12)	(16)
Employee contributions	6	6
Actuarial (gains) losses	116	(1)
Acquisition	0	0
Benefits paid	(29)	(17)
Ending projected benefit obligations	869	735	$ 708
Ending accumulated benefit obligations	$ 830	$ 702

Retirement Plans (Change in Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning fair value of plan assets	$ 376	$ 370
Actual return	52	(2)
Employer contributions	25	22
Employee contributions	6	6
Foreign exchange impact	(5)	(6)
Acquisition	0	0
Benefits paid	(26)	(14)
Ending fair value of plan assets	$ 428	$ 376

Retirement Plans (Schedule of Target and Actual Allocation of Plan Assets) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	100.00%
Actual plan asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	23.00%
Actual plan asset allocations	22.00%	26.00%
Debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	44.00%
Actual plan asset allocations	44.00%	46.00%
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target plan asset allocations	33.00%
Actual plan asset allocations	34.00%	28.00%

Retirement Plans (Schedule of Valuation of the Company's Pension Plan Assets by Pricing Categories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 428	$ 376
(Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	37	39
(Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	311	281
(Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	80	56
Cash and cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7	10
Cash and cash equivalents \| (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7	10
Cash and cash equivalents \| (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents \| (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	109	105
Equity securities \| (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	23	20
Equity securities \| (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	86	85
Equity securities \| (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Corporate debt securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	176	155
Corporate debt securities \| (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3	2
Corporate debt securities \| (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	173	153
Corporate debt securities \| (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	136	106
Other \| (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	4	7
Other \| (Level 2)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	52	43
Other \| (Level 3)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 80	$ 56

Retirement Plans (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
2020	$ 19
2021	18
2022	18
2023	19
2024	19
2025-2029	$ 115

Summary of Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 4,131	$ 3,587	$ 3,650	$ 3,516	$ 3,796	$ 3,242	$ 3,322	$ 3,241	$ 14,884	$ 13,601	$ 12,444
Gross profit	2,703	2,330	2,380	2,283	2,456	2,155	2,190	2,137	9,696	8,938	8,180
Earnings before income taxes	936	581	565	480	657	534	623	542	2,562	2,356	2,063
Net earnings	$ 725	$ 466	$ 480	$ 412	$ 2,068	$ 590	$ 452	$ 443	$ 2,083	$ 3,553	$ 1,020
Basic net earnings per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.94	$ 1.24	$ 1.29	$ 1.10	$ 5.52	$ 1.58	$ 1.21	$ 1.18	$ 5.57	$ 9.50	$ 2.73
Diluted net earnings per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	1.90	1.23	1.26	1.09	5.44	1.55	1.19	1.16	$ 5.48	$ 9.34	$ 2.68
Dividends declared per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.575	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.47	$ 0.47	$ 0.47

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

Segment and Geographic Data (Sales And Other Financial Information By Business Segment) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments \| segment									3
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 4,131	$ 3,587	$ 3,650	$ 3,516	$ 3,796	$ 3,242	$ 3,322	$ 3,241	$ 14,884	$ 13,601	$ 12,444
Depreciation and amortization									1,044	966	859
Segment net earnings (loss)									2,713	2,537	2,297
Amortization of intangible assets									(464)	(417)	(371)
Net earnings	$ 725	$ 466	$ 480	$ 412	$ 2,068	$ 590	$ 452	$ 443	2,083	3,553	1,020
MedSurg
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									6,574	6,045	5,557
Neuro and Spine
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									3,058	2,565	2,174
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization									945	811	794
Segment operating income									4,388	3,948	3,540
Operating Segments \| Orthopaedics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									5,252	4,991	4,713
Depreciation and amortization									348	350	337
Segment net earnings (loss)									1,907	1,804	1,681
Operating Segments \| MedSurg
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									6,574	6,045	5,557
Depreciation and amortization									379	285	315
Segment net earnings (loss)									1,635	1,444	1,228
Operating Segments \| Neuro and Spine
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									3,058	2,565	2,174
Depreciation and amortization									218	176	142
Segment net earnings (loss)									846	700	631
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization									99	155	65
Segment Reconciling Items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment operating income									(480)	(431)	(402)
Acquisition and integration-related charges									(275)	(123)	(64)
Amortization of intangible assets									(464)	(417)	(371)
Restructuring related and other charges									(226)	(220)	(194)
Medical device regulations									(62)	(12)	0
Recall-related matters									(192)	(23)	(173)
Regulatory and legal matters									24	(185)	(39)
Net earnings									$ 2,713	$ 2,537	$ 2,297

Segment and Geographic Data (Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 30,167	$ 27,229	$ 22,197
Capital Expenditures During Period	649	572	598
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	28,797	26,550	21,350
Capital Expenditures During Period	419	382	382
Operating Segments \| Orthopaedics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	9,085	8,873	7,486
Capital Expenditures During Period	125	134	138
Operating Segments \| MedSurg
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	12,066	10,417	9,759
Capital Expenditures During Period	265	217	194
Operating Segments \| Neuro and Spine
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	7,646	7,260	4,105
Capital Expenditures During Period	29	31	50
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,370	679	847
Capital Expenditures During Period	$ 230	$ 190	$ 216

Segment and Geographic Data (Geographic Information on Net Sales and Long-Lived Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 4,131	$ 3,587	$ 3,650	$ 3,516	$ 3,796	$ 3,242	$ 3,322	$ 3,241	$ 14,884	$ 13,601	$ 12,444
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	2,567				2,291				2,567	2,291
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									10,957	9,848	9,059
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	1,561				1,348				1,561	1,348
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,888	1,793	1,567
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	838				669				838	669
Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									1,617	1,532	1,413
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	95				96				95	96
Other foreign countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									422	428	$ 405
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	$ 73				$ 178				$ 73	$ 178

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Notes Receivable [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount	$ 88	$ 64	$ 59	$ 56
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense	39	20	15
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction	13	14	14
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Increase (Decrease) Adjustment	$ 2	$ 1	$ (2)

Fair Value of Available for Sale Securities by Maturity

Due in one year or less

Due after one year through three years