Trading Arrangements, by Individual Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table] Shares used in computing net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.: Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Trading Arrangement: Trading Arrangement [Axis] Maximum Maximum [Member] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Amounts capitalized into inventory Capitalized into Inventory [Member] Capitalized into Inventory Title of each class Title of 12(b) Security Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Table] Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Table] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Remaining performance obligations, expected timing of satisfaction, period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Share-based compensation expense after income taxes Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense, after Tax Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Shares Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Segment Reporting [Abstract] 2031 and thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Four Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Expense Of Intangible Assets Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, and Capitalized Cost, Software to be Sold, Leased, or Marketed, Estimated Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Common stock, 600.0 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, 354.4 shares and 355.1 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2026, and December 31, 2025, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Fair Value, Level 2 [Abstract] Fair Value, Level 2 [Abstract] Fair Value, Level 2 Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-Based 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Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Class of Treasury Stock [Table] Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Significant Accounting Policies New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Acquisition of property, plant, and equipment in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Noncontrolling Interest in Joint Venture Noncontrolling Interest [Member] 2027 Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Payment to be Received, Year One Related Party [Axis] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Axis] Intangible and other assets Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Identifiable Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill Mature in one to five years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Purchases / Sales / Other Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Sales, Purchases and Other Adjustments Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Sales, Purchases and Other Adjustments Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Equity [Text Block] Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract] Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name U.S. Geographic Distribution, Domestic [Member] Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Axis] Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Axis] Options granted (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Remainder of 2026 Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Payment to be Received, Remainder of Fiscal Year Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Purchase of investments Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Unrealized losses more than 12 months, fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer Subtotal Sales-Type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, before Allowance for Credit Loss Schedule of Estimated Fair Value of the Option Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model, Weighted Average Assumptions Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block] NET INCOME PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Total liabilities Liabilities Trading Symbol(s) Trading Symbol In-process research and development Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] Total Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Payment to be Received Schedule of Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed [Table Text Block] Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Gain (Loss), after Adjustment and Tax Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived [Table] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived [Table] Employee Benefit Plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Table Text Block] Non-compete agreements Noncompete Agreements [Member] Operating activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Jamie E. Samath Rule Trading Arrangement, Stock Option [Member] Jamie E. Samath Rule Trading Arrangement, Stock Option Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Individual: Individual [Axis] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived [Line Items] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived [Line Items] Diluted (in shares) Weighted-average shares outstanding used in diluted calculation (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Commercial paper Commercial Paper [Member] U.S. treasuries US Treasury Securities [Member] Award vesting percentage Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award [Table] Deferred Revenue [Domain] Deferred Revenue [Domain] Gross profit Gross Profit Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Add: dilutive effect of potential common shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Adjustment Sales-type leases terms Lessor, Sales-type Lease, Term of Contract Cost of revenue: Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Intangible Asset, Goodwill and Other [Abstract] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Line Items] Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Share-based compensation expense related to employee stock plans APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Income tax expense, percentage of pre-tax income (expense) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Domain] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Domain] 2023 Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Unvested beginning balance (usd per share) Unvested ending balance (usd per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] 2025 Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year Repurchase and retirement of common stock Value of shares repurchased Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Cost of Sales, Products [Axis] Cost of Sales, Products [Axis] Cost of Sales, Products Schedule Of Common Stock Repurchased Schedule Of Common Stock Repurchased [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Common Stock Repurchased Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Long lived assets maintained in the United States (as a percent) Long Lived Assets Maintained In The United States Percent Long-lived assets maintained in the United States. Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Distribution rights and others Distribution Rights [Member] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Beginning balance (in dollars per share) Ending balance (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Consolidating Reporting [Axis] Consolidating Reporting [Axis] Consolidating Reporting [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Mature in less than one year Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired to Liability Assumed, Excess (Less), and Goodwill Net investment in sales-type leases – short-term Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Current Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Current SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting [Text Block] Proceeds from maturities of investments Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Minimum Minimum [Member] Expiration Date Trading Arrangement Expiration Date Revenue Disaggregated by Types and Geography Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Sales-type lease revenue Sales-type Lease, Lease Income Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation Location, Statement of Income, Balance Location, Statement of Income, Balance [Axis] Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Total stockholders’ equity Beginning balance Ending balance Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest ab medica, Abex, Excelencia Robótica and Affiliates ab medica, Abex, Excelencia Robótica and Affiliates [Member] ab medica, Abex, Excelencia Robótica and Affiliates Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] 2029 Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Payment to be Received, Year Three Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Business Combination [Line Items] Business Combination [Line Items] Options exercisable, number of shares Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Translation and other Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation and Measurement Period Adjustments Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Accounts receivable, net Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Receivable, Current Summary of RSU Activity Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Investing activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Line Items] Segment Reporting [Line Items] Amount of share repurchases authorized Share Repurchase Program, Authorized, Amount Amal M. Johnson [Member] Amal M. Johnson Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Business Combination [Table] Business Combination [Table] PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table] Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table] Fair Value Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Text Block [Abstract] Total Intuitive Surgical, Inc. stockholders’ equity Equity, Attributable to Parent Interest and other income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Unbilled accounts receivable and other Unbilled Receivables and Other Receivables, Current Unbilled Receivables and Other Receivables, Current ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Outside of the U.S. (“OUS”) Geographic Distribution, Foreign [Member] Total assets measured at fair value, amortized cost Cash and Cash Equivalents and Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Cash and Cash Equivalents and Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost 2022 Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year Total Total Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Risk-free interest rate Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Amortized Cost Basis by Year of Origination and Credit Quality Indicator Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Beginning balance (in shares) Ending balance (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Gross lease receivables Sales-type Lease, Gross Investment in Lease Sales-type Lease, Gross Investment in Lease Income taxes payable – long-term Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Prepaids and other current assets Total prepaids and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Selling, general, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Craig H. Barratt, PhD. [Member] Craig H. Barratt, PhD. Business Combination [Domain] Business Combination [Domain] CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Operating lease revenue Operating Lease, Lease Income Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Employee stock options excluded from computation of diluted net income per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Schedule of Summary of Changes in Goodwill Goodwill [Table Text Block] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Business Combination [Axis] Business Combination [Axis] Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member] Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Stockholders’ equity: Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Employee Stock Purchase Plan, number of shares purchased by employees Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Fair Value, Hierarchy Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Accrued construction-related capital expenditures Accrued Construction Liabilities, Current Accrued Construction Liabilities, Current Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Deferred tax assets Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Schedule of Intangible Assets Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived [Table Text Block] Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Stock Options Outstanding Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Other acquired current assets Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Other Asset, Current Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] City Area Code City Area Code 2024 Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Total AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Other long-term liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Long-term investments Long- term Investments Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Keith R. Leonard Jr. [Member] Keith R. Leonard Jr. Total assets Assets Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Number of shares reserved for future issuance Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Weighted average fair value at grant date (usd per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Beginning balance, carrying value Ending balance, carrying value Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Gross Unrealized Gains Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Employee Stock Purchase Plan, value of shares purchased by employees Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Total liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Liability Assumed, Liability SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS Nature of Operations [Text Block] PEO PEO [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Note Securities [Member] Options forfeited/expired (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based compensation expense before income taxes Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense Repurchase and retirement of common stock (in shares) Shares repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Short-term investments Short- term Investments Marketable Securities, Current Schedule Of Available-For-Sale Securities [Axis] Schedule Of Available-For-Sale Securities [Axis] Schedule Of Available-For-Sale Securities Goodwill Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill, ending balance Goodwill Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Options exercised (in shares) 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market funds Money Market Funds [Member] Forfeited (usd per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Parent [Member] Cash Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Cash and Cash Equivalent Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Beginning balance (in shares) Ending balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Foreign Currency Translation Gains Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Net cash used in financing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Shares withheld related to net share settlement of equity awards Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation Prepaids and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accrued compensation and employee benefits Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Amortization of intangible and other assets Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Amortization Expense Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived [Line Items] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived [Line Items] Research and development Research and Development Expense Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity [Abstract] Estimated Fair Values Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Acquired Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Financing activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Total revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Property, plant, and equipment, net Property, Plant, and Equipment, after Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Schedule of Stockholders Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Sales-type Lease Revenue Sales-type Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Performance change (usd per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Change, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Change, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value LEASES Lessor, Sales-type Leases [Text Block] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Axis] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Axis] Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cost of revenue – product Cost Of Sales Product [Member] Cost Of Sales Product [Member] Gross Carrying Amount Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill, before Accumulated Amortization REVENUE AND CONTRACT ACQUISITION COSTS Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Amy L. Ladd, M.D. [Member] Amy L. Ladd, M.D. Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Segment Reporting [Table] Segment Reporting [Table] Common stock reserved for issuance Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share Repurchase Program, Excise Tax Share Repurchase Program, Excise Tax Repurchase Program Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Common Stock Repurchase Program [Member] Cash Cash [Member] Equipment transfers, including operating lease assets, from inventory to property, plant, and equipment Property, Plant, and Equipment, before Accumulated Depreciation, Other Increase (Decrease) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Recognized gains (losses) in interest and other income, net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Unrealized losses less than 12 months, fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Service Service [Member] Price allocated to remaining performance obligations Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date 2028 Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Payment to be Received, Year Two Gain on sale of business and assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] Entity File Number Entity File Number Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Issuance of common stock through employee stock plans Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Summary of Contractual Maturities of Cash Equivalents and Available-For-Sale Investments Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Summary of Stock Option Activity Under All Stock Plans Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalent Item [Line Items] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalent Item [Line Items] Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Measure: Measure [Axis] Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Allowance for Credit Loss Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Allowance for Credit Loss Unrealized losses more than 12 months, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest in joint venture Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Jamie E. Samath [Member] Jamie E. Samath Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Mature in one to five years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Amortized Cost, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Total comprehensive income attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Shares withheld related to net share settlement of equity awards (in shares) Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Shares Withheld for Tax Withholding Obligation Weighted-Average Useful Lives (in Years) Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Acquired, Weighted-Average Amortization Period Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] Employee benefit plan adjustments Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Other accrued liabilities Total other accrued liabilities – short-term Other Liabilities, Current Document Type Document Type Acquisition of business, net of cash, and intellectual property and other investing activities Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Jamie E. Samath Rule Trading Arrangement, Common Stock [Member] Jamie E. Samath Rule Trading Arrangement, Common Stock Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] BUSINESS COMBINATION, GOODWILL, AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Business Combination, Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination, Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] 2010 Incentive Award Plan 2010 Incentive Award Plan [Member] 2010 Incentive Award Plan Remaining amount of share repurchases authorized Share Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized, Amount Business combination, deferred revenue Business Combination, Recognized Liability Assumed, Deferred Revenue, Current Total assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Acquired Including Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Acquired Including Goodwill Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table] Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table] Local Phone Number Local Phone Number BALANCE SHEET DETAILS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block] Allowance for credit loss Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Allowance for Credit Loss Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Unrealized losses less than 12 months, gross unrealized losses Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Performance Shares, Activity Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Performance Shares, Activity [Table Text Block] Income before taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block] Contingencies (Note 8) Commitments and Contingencies Gross Carrying Amount Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, before Accumulated Amortization High High [Member] High Other Long-term Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] Excess tax benefits associated with employee equity plans (in percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Expense (Benefit), Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Percent 2030 Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Estimated Amortization Expense, Year Four Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Consolidation and Joint Ventures Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] David J. Rosa [Member] David J. 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Employer Identification No. Entity Tax Identification Number Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired to Liability Assumed, Excess (Less), and Goodwill [Abstract] Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired to Liability Assumed, Excess (Less), and Goodwill [Abstract] Income tax benefit Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Options exercised (in dollars per share) Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived [Table] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived [Table] Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] 2026 Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] Non-NEOs Non-NEOs [Member] Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member] Depreciation and loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment Depreciation and Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Depreciation and Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other long-term liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Liability Assumed, Other Liability, Noncurrent Share-based compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense 2028 Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Estimated Amortization Expense, Year Two Employee Stock ESPP Employee Stock [Member] Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Total current assets Assets, Current Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Cost of revenue – service Cost Of Sales Service [Member] Cost Of Sales Service [Member] Named Executive Officers, Footnote Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Sales returns and allowances Sales Returns and Allowances Sales Returns and Allowances Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Unearned income Sales-type Lease, Deferred Selling Profit Sales-type Lease, Deferred Selling Profit Fair Value Total Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale Operating Lease Revenue Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Cover page. Cover [Abstract] Jami Dover Nachtsheim [Member] Jami Dover Nachtsheim Moderate Moderate [Member] Moderate Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Other Productive Assets Concentration risk (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Deferred revenue – long-term Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Amortization of intangible and other assets Amortization Of Intangible Assets, Contract Acquisition, And Other Assets Amortization Of Intangible Assets, Contract Acquisition, And Other Assets Equity Awards Adjustments Equity Awards Adjustments [Member] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Gross realized gains (losses) Realized Investment Gains (Losses) Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Noncontrolling interest in joint venture Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Domain] Geographic Distribution [Domain] Geographic Distribution [Domain] Accounts Receivable, Net Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block] Expected volatility (percent) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Total Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity Parent [Member] 2029 Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Estimated Amortization Expense, Year Three Performance Share Units (PSUs) Performance Share Units (PSUs) [Member] Performance Share Units (PSUs) Remainder of 2026 Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Estimated Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Summary of Equity Investment Activity Debt Securities, Trading, and Equity Securities, FV-NI [Table Text Block] Forfeited (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Other Accrued Liabilities - Short-term Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block] Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Instruments and accessories Instruments and Accessories [Member] Instruments and Accessories [Member] Preferred stock, 2.5 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, issuable in series; zero shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2026, and December 31, 2025 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Net income per share attributable to Intuitive Surgical, Inc.: Earnings Per Share, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Attributable to Parent 2031 and thereafter Sales-type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, Payments to be Received, Year Five and Thereafter Sales-type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, Payments to be Received, Year Five and Thereafter Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Number of class action complaints Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Schedule of Intangible Assets Acquired Business Combination, Intangible Asset, Acquired, Finite-Lived [Table Text Block] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Schedule of Contractual Maturities of Gross Lease Receivables Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Payment to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Prepaid taxes Prepaid Taxes Purchase of property, plant, and equipment Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Hedging Designation Hedging Designation [Axis] Forward contracts Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] In-process research and development In Process Research and Development [Member] Prior Sales-type Lease, Net Investment in Lease, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year Performance change (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Change Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Performance Change Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Service Services [Member] Services [Member] Name Measure Name INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Schedule of Lease Receivables Lessor, Sales-type Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block] Lessor, Sales-type Lease, Lease Income Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Total purchase consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Total unrealized losses, fair value Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Loss Position Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Axis] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Axis] Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalent Options granted (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Trade accounts receivable, net Trade Accounts Receivable, Current Trade Accounts Receivable, Current Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Gary H. Loeb [Member] Gary H. 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