v3.19.3.a.u2
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Investment (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Common Shares:      
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment      
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) 1,971,189,465 1,965,908,188 1,707,475,455
Issued under incentive stock programs (in shares) 5,665,620 5,281,277 8,834,924
Issued for St. Jude Medical acquisition (in shares)     249,597,809
Balance at end of period (in shares) 1,976,855,085 1,971,189,465 1,965,908,188
Common Shares Held in Treasury:      
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment      
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) 215,570,043 222,305,719 234,606,250
Issued under incentive stock programs (in shares) 7,796,030 8,870,735 8,696,320
Issued for St. Jude Medical acquisition (in shares)     3,906,848
Purchased (in shares) 6,577,825 2,135,059 302,637
Balance at end of period (in shares) 214,351,838 215,570,043 222,305,719
Earnings Employed in the Business:      
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Investment      
Cash dividends declared per common share $ 1.32 $ 1.16 $ 1.075