FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Summary of Equity Investment Activity (Details) - Level 2 $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2026 USD ($)
Fair Value, Level 2 [Abstract]
Beginning balance, carrying value	$ 121.7
Changes in Fair Value	0.8
Purchases / Sales / Other	6.6
Ending balance, carrying value	129.1
Location, Statement of Financial Position, Balance [Axis]: us-gaap:PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent
Fair Value, Level 2 [Abstract]
Ending balance, carrying value	0.0
Location, Statement of Financial Position, Balance [Axis]: isrg:IntangibleAndOtherAssets
Fair Value, Level 2 [Abstract]
Ending balance, carrying value	$ 129.1

Amount of investment in equity security without readily determinable fair value.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S45
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477657/942-210-S45-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478478/942-210-S50-1

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477268/942-320-50-2

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477268/942-320-50-2

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 320
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(2)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477268/942-320-50-2

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(6))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478546/942-210-S99-1

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 321
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479536/321-10-50-3

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant