| Cover | Sep. 22, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 22, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 0-16093 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CONMED CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000816956 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 16-0977505 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NY |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 525 French Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Utica |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 13502 |
| City Area Code | (315) |
| Local Phone Number | 797-8375 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | CNMD |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
