DENTSPLY SIRONA (XRAY) 10-Q 29 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 22, 2013
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	XRAY
Entity Registrant Name	DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	818479
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		142,652,236

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales	$704,018	$695,734	$2,197,112	$2,175,141
Cost of products sold	327,601	331,619	1,017,539	1,010,807
Gross profit	376,417	364,115	1,179,573	1,164,334
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	269,165	260,352	852,763	860,740
Restructuring and other costs	2,231	15,097	5,065	18,862
Operating income	105,021	88,666	321,745	284,732
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense	11,442	13,948	38,170	44,053
Interest income	-2,138	-2,342	-6,556	-6,204
Other expense (income), net	1,581	1,279	8,723	2,324
Income before income taxes	94,136	75,781	281,408	244,559
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	13,187	18,960	39,599	48,550
Equity in net earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affilated company	-83	-2,529	320	-5,448
Net income	80,866	54,292	242,129	190,561
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,015	928	3,366	3,148
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$79,851	$53,364	$238,763	$187,413
Earnings per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.56	$0.38	$1.67	$1.32
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.55	$0.37	$1.65	$1.30
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	142,421	141,843	142,705	141,767
Diluted (in shares)	144,698	143,884	144,952	143,885

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$80,866	$54,292	$242,129	$190,561
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	140,374	104,168	52,118	58,893
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-31,997	-11,214	-17,241	3,743
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	-1,916	15,373	-10,905	30,419
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	-1,692	44	1,624	1,710
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	104,769	108,371	25,596	94,765
Total comprehensive (loss) income	185,635	162,663	267,725	285,326
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,666	1,366	4,866	2,722
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$182,969	$161,297	$262,859	$282,604

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$50,658	$80,132
Accounts and notes receivable-trade, net	502,370	442,412
Inventories, net	448,277	402,940
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	151,840	185,612
Total Current Assets	1,153,145	1,111,096
Property, plant and equipment, net	628,509	614,705
Identifiable intangible assets, net	800,470	830,642
Goodwill, net	2,218,136	2,210,953
Other noncurrent assets, net	209,719	204,901
Total Assets	5,009,979	4,972,297
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	136,945	165,290
Accrued liabilities	335,745	424,336
Income taxes payable	33,923	39,191
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	270,948	298,963
Total Current Liabilities	777,561	927,780
Long-term debt	1,164,794	1,222,035
Deferred income taxes	226,668	232,641
Other noncurrent liabilities	361,938	340,398
Total Liabilities	2,530,961	2,722,854
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; .25 million shares authorized; no shares issued	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value; 200.0 million shares authorized; 162.8 million shares issued at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	1,628	1,628
Capital in excess of par value	250,153	246,548
Retained earnings	3,030,252	2,818,461
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-120,104	-144,200
Treasury stock, at cost, 20.6 million and 20.5 million shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	-723,488	-713,739
Total DENTSPLY International Equity	2,438,441	2,208,698
Noncontrolling Interests	40,577	40,745
Total Equity	2,479,018	2,249,443
Total Liabilities and Equity	$5,009,979	$4,972,297

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	250,000	250,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	162,800,000	162,800,000
Treasury stock, shares	20,600,000	20,500,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$242,129	$190,561
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	61,545	59,509
Amortization	34,700	37,289
Amortization of deferred financing costs	3,842	5,749
Deferred income taxes	-32,096	-2,702
Share based compensation expense	18,027	17,248
Restructuring and other costs - non-cash	843	14,207
Stock option income tax benefit	-2,262	-11,201
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated affiliates	-320	5,448
Other non-cash expense	3,422	-8,354
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts and notes receivable-trade, net	-65,455	-41,943
Inventories, net	-45,284	-54,329
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	26,137	-23,798
Other noncurrent assets, net	992	-2,743
Accounts payable	-25,099	-11,557
Accrued liabilities	706	9,488
Income taxes payable	29,544	17,802
Other noncurrent liabilities	6,895	1,391
Net cash provided by operating activities	258,266	202,065
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-73,500	-64,859
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	-3,939	0
Proceeds from Hedge, Investing Activities	9,172	0
Payments on settlement of net investment hedges	-95,667	-14,221
Expenditures for identifiable intangible assets	-1,049	-196
Purchase of Company-owned life insurance policies	0	-1,577
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, net	3,092	553
Net cash used in investing activities	-161,891	-80,300
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in short-term borrowings	8,789	-115,468
Cash paid for treasury stock	-72,381	-38,839
Cash dividends paid	-25,895	-23,561
Cash paid for contingent consideration on prior acquisitions	0	-2,519
Cash paid for acquisition of noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries	-8,960	0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	174,628	0
Repayments on long-term borrowings	-251,335	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	48,350	24,830
Excess tax benefits from share based compensation	2,262	11,201
Interest Received on derivatives with an other than insignificant financing element	21	0
Payments for Hedge, Financing Activities	129	1,229
Net cash used in financing activities	-124,650	-145,585
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-1,199	2,767
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-29,474	-21,053
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	80,132	77,128
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$50,658	$56,075

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Total DENTSPLY International Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$1,884,151	$1,628	$229,687	$2,535,709	($190,970)	($727,977)	$1,848,077	$36,074
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	190,561			187,413			187,413	3,148
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	94,765				95,191		95,191	-426
Exercise of stock options	24,830		-8,449			33,279	24,830
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	11,201		11,201				11,201
Share based compensation expense	17,248		17,248				17,248
Funding of Employee Stock Ownership Plan	3,642		370			3,272	3,642
Treasury shares purchased	-38,839					-38,839	-38,839
RSU distributions	-3,289		-8,386			5,097	-3,289
RSU dividends			-173	-173
Cash dividends ($0.1875 in 2013, $0.1650 in 2012 per share)	-23,403			-23,403			-23,403
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	2,160,867	1,628	241,844	2,699,546	-95,779	-725,168	2,122,071	38,796
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	2,249,443	1,628	246,548	2,818,461	-144,200	-713,739	2,208,698	40,745
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	242,129						238,763
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	25,596				24,096		24,096	1,500
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	-8,960		-3,926				-3,926	-5,034
Exercise of stock options	48,350		-5,569			53,919	48,350
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	2,262		2,262				2,262
Share based compensation expense	18,027		18,027				18,027
Funding of Employee Stock Ownership Plan	4,657		959			3,698	4,657
Treasury shares purchased	-72,381					-72,381	-72,381
RSU distributions	-3,363		-8,378			5,015	-3,363
RSU dividends			-230	-230
Cash dividends ($0.1875 in 2013, $0.1650 in 2012 per share)	-26,742			-26,742			-26,742
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$2,479,018	$1,628	$250,153	$3,030,252	($120,104)	($723,488)	$2,438,441	$40,577

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends, per share	$0.19	$0.17

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” The standard requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions that are offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as well as instruments and transactions that are subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement. In January 2013, The FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” The standard clarifies the scope of the disclosure to apply only to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements as well as securities lending and borrowing transactions. The standard was effective January 1, 2013, with retrospective application required. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements. The Company adopted this accounting standard during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” This newly issued accounting standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test by providing entities an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Under the revised standard, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step impairment test. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required; otherwise, no further testing is required. Prior to the issuance of the revised standard, an entity was required to perform step one of the impairment test at least annually by calculating and comparing the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset to its carrying amount. Under the revised standard, if an entity determines that step one is necessary and the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then step two of the test will continue to be required to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. This ASU is effective for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company adopted this accounting standard during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” This newly issued accounting standard requires an entity to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income in its entirety in the same period. For other amounts not required to be reclassified to net income in the same reporting period, a cross reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about the reclassification amounts is required. Since the standard only impacts the disclosure requirements of AOCI and does not impact the accounting for accumulated comprehensive income, the standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted this accounting standard during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

STOCK_COMPENSATION

STOCK COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
STOCK COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Stock Compensation	STOCK COMPENSATION
	The following table represents total stock based compensation expense for non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units (“RSU”) and the tax related benefit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Stock option expense	$	2,565		$	3,027		$	7,570		$	8,706
	RSU expense	3,077			2,839			8,637			7,480
	Total stock based compensation expense	$	5,642		$	5,866		$	16,207		$	16,186
	Total related tax benefit	$	1,590		$	1,692		$	4,250		$	4,406
	At September 30, 2013, the remaining unamortized compensation cost related to non-qualified stock options is $13.1 million, which will be expensed over the weighted average remaining vesting period of the options, or 1.5 years. At September 30, 2013, the unamortized compensation cost related to RSU is $20.8 million, which will be expensed over the weighted average remaining restricted period of the RSU, or 1.5 years.
	The following table reflects the non-qualified stock option transactions from December 31, 2012 through September 30, 2013:
		Outstanding								Exercisable
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Shares		Weighted			Aggregate			Shares			Weighted		Aggregate
				Average			Intrinsic						Average		Intrinsic
				Exercise			Value						Exercise		Value
				Price									Price
	Balance at December 31, 2012	9,906		$	33.18		$	69,079		7,599			$	31.79	$	64,819
	Granted	922		40.93
	Exercised	(1,707	)	28.32
	Cancelled	(34	)	42.82
	Forfeited	(133	)	38.88
	Balance at September 30, 2013	8,954		$	34.79		$	78,895		6,810			$	33.41	$	69,780
	At September 30, 2013, the weighted average remaining contractual term of all outstanding options is 5.8 years and the weighted average remaining contractual term of exercisable options is 4.9 years.
	The following table summarizes the unvested RSU transactions from December 31, 2012 through September 30, 2013:
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Balance at December 31, 2012	1,034		$	36.34
	Granted	505		40.91
	Vested	(243	)	32.71
	Forfeited	(128	)	38.82
	Balance at September 30, 2013	1,168		$	38.8

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, foreign currency translation adjustments included currency translation gains of $141.4 million and losses on the Company’s loans designated as hedges of net investments of $2.7 million.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, foreign currency translation adjustments included currency translation losses of $106.5 million and gains of $2.8 million on the Company’s loans designated as hedges of net investments.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, foreign currency translation adjustments included currency gains of $40.8 million and gains on the Company’s loans designated as hedges of net investments of $9.8 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, foreign currency translation adjustments included currency translation gains of $58.0 million and gains on the Company’s loans designated as hedges of net investments of $1.3 million. These foreign currency translation adjustments were offset by movements on derivative financial instruments, which are discussed in Note 10, Financial Instruments and Derivatives.
	The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments included translation gains of $218.5 million and $177.7 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, were offset by losses of $113.6 million and $123.4 million, respectively, on loans designated as hedges of net investments.  These foreign currency translation adjustments were partially offset by movements on derivatives financial instruments, which are discussed in Note 10, Financial Instruments and Derivatives.
	Changes in AOCI, net of tax, by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Gains and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments				Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Pension Liability Adjustments			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	54,302			$	(143,142	)		$	17,822		$	(73,182	)	$	(144,200	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	50,618				(17,970		)		(10,905		)	(1,195		)	20,548
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				729				—			2,819			3,548
	Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income	50,618				(17,241		)		(10,905		)	1,624			24,096
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	104,920			$	(160,383	)		$	6,917		$	(71,558	)	$	(120,104	)
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Gains and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments				Net Unrealized Holding (Loss) Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities			Pension Liability Adjustments			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	(39,078	)		$	(117,390	)		$	(516	)	$	(33,986	)	$	(190,970	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	59,319				6,702				30,419			610			97,050
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	—				(2,959		)		—			1,100			(1,859		)
	Net increase in other comprehensive income	59,319				3,743				30,419			1,710			95,191
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	20,241			$	(113,647	)		$	29,903		$	(32,276	)	$	(95,779	)
	Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (expense) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	(in thousands)
	Details about AOCI Components		Amounts Reclassified from AOCI								Affected Line Item in the
			Three Months Ended September 30,								Statements of Operations
			2013				2012
	Gains and (loss) on derivative financial instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(924	)		$	(899	)		Interest expense
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		460				1,976				Cost of products sold
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		(27		)		264				SG&A expenses
	Commodity contracts		(190		)		40				Cost of products sold
			(681		)		1,381				Net (loss) gain before tax
			156				(137		)		Tax benefit (expense)
			$	(525	)		$	1,244			Net of tax
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postemployment benefit items:
	Amortization of prior service benefits		$	34			$	34			(a)
	Amortization of net actuarial losses		(1,380		)		(544		)		(a)
			(1,346		)		(510		)		Net loss before tax
			394				148				Tax benefit
			$	(952	)		$	(362	)		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(1,477	)		$	882
	(a) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (see Note 8, Benefit Plans, for additional details)
	(in thousands)
	Details about AOCI Components		Amounts Reclassified from AOCI								Affected Line Item in the
			Nine Months Ended September 30,								Statements of Operations
			2013				2012
	Gains and (loss) on derivative financial instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(2,755	)		$	(2,701	)		Interest expense
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		1,589				4,968				Cost of products sold
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		(67		)		721				SG&A expenses
	Commodity contracts		12				90				Cost of products sold
			(1,221		)		3,078				Net (loss) gain before tax
			492				(119		)		Tax benefit (expense)
			$	(729	)		$	2,959			Net of tax
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postemployment benefit items:
	Amortization of prior service benefits		$	101			$	104			(b)
	Amortization of net actuarial losses		(4,104		)		(1,651		)		(b)
			(4,003		)		(1,547		)		Net loss before tax
			1,184				447				Tax benefit
			$	(2,819	)		$	(1,100	)		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(3,548	)		$	1,859
	(b) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (see Note 8, Benefit Plans, for additional details)

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
	The dilutive effect of outstanding non-qualified stock options and RSU is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share Computation	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$	79,851	$	53,364	$	238,763	$	187,413
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	142,421		141,843		142,705		141,767
	Earnings per common share - basic	$	0.56	$	0.38	$	1.67	$	1.32
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Computation
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$	79,851	$	53,364	$	238,763	$	187,413
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	142,421		141,843		142,705		141,767
	Incremental weighted average shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options from stock-based compensation awards	2,277		2,041		2,247		2,118
	Total weighted average diluted shares outstanding	144,698		143,884		144,952		143,885
	Earnings per common share - diluted	$	0.55	$	0.37	$	1.65	$	1.3
	Options to purchase 2.1 million and 2.7 million shares of common stock that were outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share since the options’ exercise price were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive. There were 3.8 million and 4.1 million antidilutive shares of common stock outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.

BUSINESS_ACQUISITIONS

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company paid $9.0 million to purchase the remaining outstanding shares of a consolidated subsidiary. As a result of the transaction, the Company recorded a decrease in noncontrolling interest of $5.0 million and a reduction to additional paid in capital of $3.9 million for the excess of the purchase price above the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest.

SEGMENT_AND_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMA

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company has numerous operating businesses covering a wide range of dental and certain healthcare products and geographic regions, primarily serving the professional dental market. Professional dental products represented approximately 88% of sales for both the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and 88% and 89% of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The operating businesses are combined into operating groups, which have overlapping product offerings, geographical presence, customer bases, distribution channels, and regulatory oversight. These operating groups are considered the Company’s reportable segments as the Company’s chief operating decision-maker regularly reviews financial results at the operating group level and uses this information to manage the Company’s operations. The accounting policies of the segments are consistent with those described in the Company’s most recently filed Form 10-K in the summary of significant accounting policies.  The Company measures segment income for reporting purposes as net operating income before restructuring and other costs, interest expense, interest income, other expense (income), net and provision for income taxes. Additionally, the operating segments are measured on net third party sales, excluding precious metal content. A description of the services provided within each of the Company’s four reportable segments is provided below.
	During the first nine months of 2013, the Company realigned certain implant and implant related businesses as a result of changes to the business structure. The segment information below reflects the revised structure for all periods shown.
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses
	This segment includes responsibility for the design, manufacturing, sales and distribution of certain small equipment and chairside consumable products in the United States, Germany and certain other European regions.  It also has responsibility for the sales and distribution of certain Endodontic products in Germany. This segment also includes the responsibility for the design, manufacture, sales and distribution of most dental laboratory products, excluding certain countries. This segment is also responsible for most of the Company’s non-dental business excluding medical products.
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan
	This segment is responsible for the worldwide manufacturing, sales and distribution of the Company’s Orthodontic products. It also has responsibility for the sales and distribution of most of the Company’s dental products sold in Japan, Canada and Mexico
	Select Distribution Businesses
	This segment includes responsibility for the sales and distribution for most of the Company’s dental products sold in France, United Kingdom, Italy, Austria and certain other European countries, Middle Eastern countries, India and Africa. Operating margins of the segment are reflective of the intercompany transfer price of products manufactured by other operating segments.
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim
	This segment includes the responsibility for the design, manufacture, sales and distribution of most of the Company’s dental implant and related products. This segment also includes the responsibility for the design and manufacturing of Endodontic products and is responsible for the sales and distribution of the Company’s Endodontic products in the United States, Switzerland, and locations not covered by other selling divisions.  In addition, this segment is also responsible for sales and distribution of certain Endodontic products in Germany, Asia and other parts of the world. Additionally, this segment is responsible for the design and manufacture of certain dental consumables and dental laboratory products and the sales and distribution of most dental products sold in Brazil, Latin America (excluding Mexico), Australia and most of Asia (excluding India and Japan). This segment is also responsible for the worldwide design, manufacturing, sales and distribution of the Company’s healthcare products (non-dental) throughout most of the world.
	Significant interdependencies exist among the Company’s operations in certain geographic areas. Inter-group sales are at prices intended to provide a reasonable profit to the manufacturing unit after recovery of all manufacturing costs and to provide a reasonable profit for purchasing locations after coverage of marketing and general and administrative costs.
	Generally, the Company evaluates performance of the segments based on the groups’ operating income, excluding restructuring and other costs, and net third party sales, excluding precious metal content.
	The following tables set forth information about the Company’s segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Third Party Net Sales
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	242,281		$	244,215		$	761,691		$	765,186
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	71,298			78,761			224,712			232,310
	Select Distribution Businesses	66,012			59,498			192,941			182,344
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	325,542			313,729			1,021,082			999,939
	All Other (a)	(1,115		)	(469		)	(3,314		)	(4,638		)
	Total	$	704,018		$	695,734		$	2,197,112		$	2,175,141
	(a) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.
	Third Party Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	214,634		$	204,230		$	645,015		$	627,536
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	64,758			70,675			203,629			207,883
	Select Distribution Businesses	65,914			59,387			192,612			181,911
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	325,233			313,295			1,020,086			998,532
	All Other (b)	(1,115		)	(467		)	(3,313		)	(4,637		)
	Total excluding precious metal content	669,424			647,120			2,058,029			2,011,225
	Precious metal content	34,594			48,614			139,083			163,916
	Total including precious metal content	$	704,018		$	695,734		$	2,197,112		$	2,175,141
	(b) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.
	Inter-segment Net Sales
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	21,413		$	23,049		$	128,153		$	132,370
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	1,022			989			2,788			3,221
	Select Distribution Businesses	311			345			1,816			1,139
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	36,328			34,059			102,739			106,283
	All Other (c)	121,453			109,138			178,880			163,118
	Eliminations	(180,527		)	(167,580		)	(414,376		)	(406,131		)
	Total	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	(c) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.
	Segment Operating Income (Loss)
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	62,575		$	58,975		$	183,508		$	181,261
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	1,901			4,678			8,792			7,639
	Select Distribution Businesses	833			(790		)	(1,463		)	(3,250		)
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	65,211			65,546			213,972			214,333
	All Other (d)	(23,268		)	(24,646		)	(77,999		)	(96,389		)
	Segment operating income	107,252			103,763			326,810			303,594
	Reconciling Items:
	Restructuring and other costs	2,231			15,097			5,065			18,862
	Interest expense	11,442			13,948			38,170			44,053
	Interest income	(2,138		)	(2,342		)	(6,556		)	(6,204		)
	Other expense (income), net	1,581			1,279			8,723			2,324
	Income before income taxes	$	94,136		$	75,781		$	281,408		$	244,559
	(d) Includes the results of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.
Assets
(in thousands)	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	879,460		$	1,007,307
Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	306,699			294,348
Select Distribution Businesses	183,987			192,684
Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	3,424,913			3,195,382
All Other (e)	214,920			282,576
Total	$	5,009,979		$	4,972,297
(e) Includes the assets of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the cost of $8.1 million and $6.3 million, respectively, was determined by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. The cost of other inventories was determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods. If the FIFO method had been used to determine the cost of LIFO inventories, the amounts at which net inventories are stated would be higher than reported at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 by $6.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively.
	The Company establishes reserves for inventory estimated to be obsolete or unmarketable. Assumptions about future demand and market conditions are considered when estimating these reserves. The inventory valuation reserves were $35.3 million and $32.6 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	Inventories, net of inventory valuation reserves, consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Finished goods	$	281,363	$	248,870
	Work-in-process	72,909		72,533
	Raw materials and supplies	94,005		81,537
		$	448,277	$	402,940

BENEFIT_PLANS

BENEFIT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
BENEFIT PLANS	BENEFIT PLANS
	The following sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s defined benefit plans and for the Company’s other postemployment benefit plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Defined Benefit Plans	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	3,728		$	3,004		$	11,113		$	9,014
	Interest cost	2,486			2,608			7,408			7,926
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,252		)	(1,180		)	(3,729		)	(3,594		)
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(34		)	(34		)	(101		)	(104		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,292			486			3,840			1,478
	Curtailments and settlement gains	(680		)	—			(1,305		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	5,540		$	4,884		$	17,226		$	14,720
	Other Postemployment Benefit Plans	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	61		$	18		$	184		$	55
	Interest cost	122			117			364			352
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	88			58			264			173
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	271		$	193		$	812		$	580
	The following sets forth the information related to the contributions to the Company’s benefit plans for 2013:
	(in thousands)	Pension			Other
		Benefits			Postretirement
					Benefits
	Actual contributions through September 30, 2013	$	9,744		$	203
	Projected contributions for the remainder of the year	3,167			462
	Total projected contributions	$	12,911		$	665

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_COSTS

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS	RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS
	Restructuring Costs
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $2.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively. These costs related primarily to closing locations as a result of integration activities.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded restructuring costs of $10.0 million and $13.4 million, respectively. During 2012 , the Company initiated several restructuring plans primarily related to the integration, reorganization and closure or consolidation of certain production and selling facilities in order to better leverage the Company’s resources. These costs are recorded in “Restructuring and other costs” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the associated liabilities are recorded in “Accrued liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company’s restructuring accruals were as follows:
		Severance
	(in thousands)	2011 and			2012 Plans			2013 Plans			Total
		Prior Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1,495		$	11,412		$	—		$	12,907
	Provisions and adjustments	—			856			2,756			3,612
	Amounts applied	(873		)	(6,202		)	(856		)	(7,931		)
	Change in estimates	(24		)	(1,959		)	—			(1,983		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	598		$	4,107		$	1,900		$	6,605
		Lease/Contract Terminations
	(in thousands)	2011 and			2012 Plans			2013 Plans			Total
		Prior Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	792		$	682		$	—		$	1,474
	Provisions and adjustments	—			23			2,003			2,026
	Amounts applied	(102		)	(657		)	(1,745		)	(2,504		)
	Change in estimate	—			(48		)	—			(48		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	690		$	—		$	258		$	948
		Other Restructuring Costs
	(in thousands)	2012 Plans			2013 Plans			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	94		$	—		$	94
	Provisions and adjustments	570			990			1,560
	Amounts applied	(664		)	(271		)	(935		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	719		$	719
	The following table provides the year-to-date changes in the restructuring accruals by segment:
	(in thousands)	December 31,			Provisions and			Amounts			Change in Estimate			September 30, 2013
		2012			Adjustments			Applied
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	9,132		$	1,140		$	(3,780	)	$	(1,821	)	$	4,671
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	361			164			(415		)	(4		)	106
	Select Distribution Businesses	222			331			(264		)	—			289
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	4,760			5,563			(6,911		)	(206		)	3,206
		$	14,475		$	7,198		$	(11,370	)	$	(2,031	)	$	8,272

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company’s activities expose it to a variety of market risks, which primarily include the risks related to the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. These financial exposures are monitored and managed by the Company as part of its overall risk management program. The objective of this risk management program is to reduce the volatility that these market risks may have on the Company’s operating results and equity. The Company employs derivative financial instruments to hedge certain anticipated transactions, firm commitments, or assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. Additionally, the Company utilizes interest rate swaps to convert variable rate debt to fixed rate debt and to convert fixed rate debt to variable rate debt, cross currency basis swaps to convert debt denominated in one currency to another currency and commodity swaps to fix certain variable raw material costs.
	Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging
	The Company enters into derivative financial instruments to hedge the foreign exchange revaluation risk associated with recorded assets and liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency. The gains and losses on these derivative transactions offset the gains and losses generated by the revaluation of the underlying non-functional currency balances and are recorded in “Other expense (income), net” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company primarily uses forward foreign exchange contracts and cross currency basis swaps to hedge these risks. The Company’s significant contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2013 are summarized in the tables that follow.
	On June 19, 2013, the Company terminated 347.8 million euros of cross currency basis swaps that had been used to offset the revaluation of a euro denominated intercompany note receivable at a U.S. dollar functional entity.
	On June 27, 2013 and September 16, 2013, the Company dedesignated 36.0 million euros and 48.0 million euros, respectively, of its net investment hedges. The change in the value of the dedesignated hedges will be recorded in “Other expense (income), net” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and going forward it will offset the change in the value of a euro denominated intercompany note receivable held at a U.S. dollar functional entity.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	Foreign Exchange Risk Management
	The Company uses a layered hedging program to hedge select anticipated foreign currency cash flows to reduce volatility in both cash flows and reported earnings of the consolidated Company. The Company accounts for the foreign exchange forward contracts as cash flow hedges. As a result, the Company records the fair value of the contracts primarily through AOCI based on the tested effectiveness of the foreign exchange forward contracts. The Company measures the effectiveness of cash flow hedges of anticipated transactions on a spot-to-spot basis rather than on a forward-to-forward basis. Accordingly, the spot-to-spot change in the derivative fair value will be deferred in AOCI and released and recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the same period that the hedged transaction is recorded. The time value component of the fair value of the derivative is deemed ineffective and is reported currently in “Other expense (income), net” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period which it is applicable. Any cash flows associated with these instruments are included in cash from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in accordance with the Company’s policy of classifying the cash flows from these instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.
	These foreign exchange forward contracts generally have maturities up to eighteen months and the counterparties to the transactions are typically large international financial institutions. The Company’s significant contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2013 are summarized in the tables that follow.
	Interest Rate Risk Management
	The Company uses interest rate swaps to convert a portion of its variable interest rate debt to fixed interest rate debt. As of September 30, 2013, the Company has two groups of significant interest rate swaps. One of the groups of swaps has notional amounts totaling 12.6 billion Japanese yen, and effectively converts the underlying variable interest rates to an average fixed interest rate of 0.2% for a term of three years, ending in September 2014. Another swap has a notional amount of 65.0 million Swiss francs, and effectively converts the underlying variable interest rates to a fixed interest rate of 0.7% for a term of five years, ending in September 2016.
	The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts infrequently as they are only used to manage interest rate risk on long-term debt instruments and not for speculative purposes. Any cash flows associated with these instruments are included in cash from financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in accordance with the Company’s policy of classifying the cash flows from these instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged. The Company’s significant contracts outstanding as of September 30, 2013 are summarized in the tables that follow.
	Commodity Risk Management
	The Company selectively enters into commodity swaps to effectively fix certain variable raw material costs. These swaps are used purely to stabilize the cost of components used in the production of certain of the Company’s products. The Company generally accounts for the commodity swaps as cash flow hedges. As a result, the Company records the fair value of the contracts primarily through AOCI based on the tested effectiveness of the commodity swaps. The Company measures the effectiveness of cash flow hedges of anticipated transactions on a spot-to-spot basis rather than on a forward-to-forward basis. Accordingly, the spot-to-spot change in the derivative fair value will be deferred in AOCI and released and recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the same period that the hedged transaction is recorded. The time value component of the fair value of the derivative is deemed ineffective and is reported currently in “Interest expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period which it is applicable. Any cash flows associated with these instruments are included in cash from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in accordance with the Company’s policy of classifying the cash flows from these instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.
	The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company’s cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives at September 30, 2013:
	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year												Fair Value Net
														Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2013				2014				2015				September 30, 2013
	Forward sale, 17.7 million Australian dollars	$	10,854			$	5,356			$	778			$	477
	Forward purchase, 11.4 million British pounds	(18,485		)		—				—				315
	Forward sale, 46.3 million Canadian dollars	14,891				26,127				3,923				327
	Forward purchase, 23.2 million Danish kroner	(4,204		)		—				—				(4		)
	Forward sale, 159.2 million euros	40,879				149,922				23,137				(2,513		)
	Forward sale, 376.6 million Japanese yen	10,238				(6,417		)		—				(1,070		)
	Forward sale, 177.5 million Mexican pesos	13,513				—				—				194
	Forward purchase, 10.3 million Norwegian kroner	(1,718		)		—				—				(55		)
	Forward sale, 17.6 million Polish zlotys	5,635				—				—				(39		)
	Forward sale, 3.0 million Singapore dollars	2,385				—				—				21
	Forward sale, 7.7 billion South Korean won	7,144				—				—				66
	Forward purchase, 1.4 billion Swedish kronor	(115,715		)		(89,865		)		(13,691		)		(554		)
	Forward purchase, 57.3 million Swiss francs	(91,982		)		24,108				3,444				(137		)
	Forward sale, 10.0 million Taiwanese dollars	337				—				—				5
	Total foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(126,228	)		$	109,231			$	17,591			$	(2,967	)
	Interest Rate Swaps	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year																		Fair Value Net
																				Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2013				2014				2015				2016				2017 and Beyond		September 30, 2013
	Euro	$	319			$	977			$	977			$	977			$	1,221	$	(373	)
	Japanese yen	—				127,793				—				—				—		217
	Swiss francs	—				—				—				71,903				—		(865		)
	Total interest rate swaps	$	319			$	128,770			$	977			$	72,880			$	1,221	$	(1,021	)
	Commodity Swap Contracts	Notional Amounts Maturing								Fair Value Net
		in the Year								Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2013				2014				September 30, 2013
	Silver swap - U.S. dollar	$	615			$	1,279			$	(396	)
	Platinum swap - U.S. dollar	514				1,074				(97		)
	Total commodity swap contracts	$	1,129			$	2,353			$	(493	)
	Cross Currency Basis Swap	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year												Fair Value Net
														Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2013				2014				2015 and Beyond				September 30, 2013
	449.8 million euro at $1.45 pay U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR receive three-month EURIBOR	$	—			$	608,697			$	—			$	(43,752	)
	84.0 million euro at $1.34 pay three-month EURIBOR receive U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR	113,627				—				—				(1,129		)
	166.4 million Swiss franc at 0.93 pay Swiss franc three-month LIBOR receive U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR	27,655				110,619				45,780				(5,359		)
	Total cross currency basis swap	$	141,282			$	719,316			$	45,780			$	(50,240	)
	At September 30, 2013, deferred net losses on derivative instruments of $5.7 million, which were recorded in AOCI, are expected to be reclassified to current earnings during the next twelve months. This reclassification is primarily due to the sale of inventory that includes hedged purchases and recognized interest expense on interest rate swaps. The maximum term over which the Company is hedging exposures to variability of cash flows (for all forecasted transactions, excluding interest payments on variable interest rate debt) is eighteen months. Overall, the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are highly effective. Any cash flows associated with these instruments are included in cash from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in accordance with the Company’s policy of classifying the cash flows from these instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.
	Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
	The Company has significant investments in foreign subsidiaries. The net assets of these subsidiaries are exposed to volatility in currency exchange rates. Currently, the Company uses both non-derivative financial instruments, including foreign currency denominated debt held at the parent company level and derivative financial instruments to hedge some of this exposure. Translation gains and losses related to the net assets of the foreign subsidiaries are offset by gains and losses in the non-derivative and derivative financial instruments designated as hedges of net investments, which are included in AOCI.
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had Swiss franc-denominated and Japanese yen-denominated debt and cross currency basis swaps denominated in euro and Swiss franc to hedge the currency exposure related to a designated portion of the net assets of its European, Swiss and Japanese subsidiaries. The fair value net asset (liability) of the cross currency interest rate swap agreements is the estimated amount the Company would receive (pay) at the reporting date, taking into account the effective interest rates, currency swap basis rates and foreign exchange rates. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the estimated net fair values of the cross currency interest rate swap agreements was a liability of $60.5 million and a liability of $90.7 million, respectively, which are recorded in AOCI, net of tax effects. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the accumulated translation gain (loss) on investments in foreign subsidiaries, primarily denominated in euros, Swiss francs, Japanese yen and Swedish kronor, net of these net investment hedges, were losses of $35.1 million and $71.4 million, respectively, which were included in AOCI, net of tax effects.
	The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company’s cross currency basis swaps that are designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations at September 30, 2013:
	Cross Currency Basis Swaps	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year																		Fair Value Net
																				Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2013				2014				2015				2016				2017 and Beyond		September 30, 2013
	432.5 million Swiss franc at 0.93 pay Swiss franc three-month LIBOR receive U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR	$	—			$	88,938			$	62,611			$	110,619			$	216,261	$	(12,891	)
534.0 million euro at $1.26 pay three-month EURIBOR receive U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR	722,342				—				—				—				—		(47,597		)
Total cross currency basis swaps	$	722,342			$	88,938			$	62,611			$	110,619			$	216,261	$	(60,488	)
Fair Value Hedges
The Company uses interest rate swaps to convert a portion of its fixed interest rate debt to variable interest rate debt. The Company has a group of U.S. dollar denominated interest rate swaps with an initial total notional value of $150.0 million to effectively convert the underlying fixed interest rate of 4.1% on the Company’s $250.0 million Private Placement Notes (“PPN”) to variable rate for a term of five years, ending February 2016. The notional value of the swaps will decline proportionately as portions of the PPN mature. These interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges of the interest rate risk associated with the hedged portion of the fixed rate PPN. Accordingly, the Company will carry the portion of the hedged debt at fair value, with the change in debt and swaps offsetting each other in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. At September 30, 2013, the estimated net fair value of these interest rate swaps was an asset of $2.8 million.
The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company’s fair value hedges at September 30, 2013:
Interest Rate Swap	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year												Fair Value Net
													Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2014				2015				2016				September 30, 2013
U.S. dollar	$	45,000			$	60,000			$	45,000			$	2,825
Total interest rate swap	$	45,000			$	60,000			$	45,000			$	2,825
The following tables summarize the fair value and consolidated balance sheet location of the Company’s derivatives at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
	September 30, 2013
(in thousands)	Prepaid				Other				Accrued				Other
	Expenses				Noncurrent				Liabilities				Noncurrent
	and Other				Assets, Net								Liabilities
Designated as Hedges	Current Assets
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	479			$	132			$	3,502			$	803
Commodity contracts	—				—				472				21
Interest rate swaps	2,491				551				463				402
Cross currency basis swaps	489				—				47,604				13,373
Total	$	3,459			$	683			$	52,041			$	14,599
Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,790			$	—			$	2,063			$	—
DIO equity option contracts	—				—				—				137
Interest rate swaps	—				—				88				285
Cross currency basis swaps	1,797				—				4,743				47,294
Total	$	4,587			$	—			$	6,894			$	47,716
	December 31, 2012
(in thousands)	Prepaid				Other				Accrued				Other
	Expenses				Noncurrent				Liabilities				Noncurrent
	and Other				Assets, Net								Liabilities
Designated as Hedges	Current Assets
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,353			$	65			$	2,243			$	844
Commodity contracts	—				—				95				—
Interest rate swaps	2,192				2,535				525				948
Cross currency basis swaps	8,191				—				97,281				1,588
Total	$	12,736			$	2,600			$	100,144			$	3,380
Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	6,652			$	—			$	1,353			$	—
DIO equity option contracts	—				—				—				153
Interest rate swaps	—				—				114				416
Cross currency basis swaps	537				—				40,026				55,858
Total	$	7,189			$	—			$	41,493			$	56,427
Balance Sheet Offsetting
Substantially all of the Company’s derivative contracts are subject to netting arrangements, whereby the right to offset occurs in the event of default or termination in accordance with the terms of the arrangements with the counterparty. While these contracts contain the enforceable right to offset through netting arrangements, the Company elects to present them on a gross basis in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities under netting arrangements at September 30, 2013:
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amount Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received/Pledged		Net Amount
Assets
Derivative contracts
Counterparty A	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—	$	—
Counterparty B	1,073				—				1,073				(1,073		)		—		—
Counterparty C	3,483				—				3,483				(3,483		)		—		—
Counterparty D	1,083				—				1,083				(1,083		)		—		—
Counterparty E	—				—				—				—				—		—
Counterparty F	155				—				155				(155		)		—		—
Counterparty G	1,070				—				1,070				(1,070		)		—		—
Counterparty H	—				—				—				—				—		—
All Other	1,865				—				1,865				(472		)		—		1,393
Total Assets	$	8,729			$	—			$	8,729			$	(7,336	)		$	—	$	1,393
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amount Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received/Pledged		Net Amount
Liabilities
Derivative contracts
Counterparty A	$	18,119			$	—			$	18,119			$	—			$	—	$	18,119
Counterparty B	5,858				—				5,858				(1,073		)		—		4,785
Counterparty C	15,077				—				15,077				(3,483		)		—		11,594
Counterparty D	12,642				—				12,642				(1,083		)		—		11,559
Counterparty E	14,052				—				14,052				—				—		14,052
Counterparty F	35,989				—				35,989				(155		)		—		35,834
Counterparty G	2,792				—				2,792				(1,070		)		—		1,722
Counterparty H	9,044				—				9,044				—				—		9,044
All Other	7,677				—				7,677				(472		)		—		7,205
Total Liabilities	$	121,250			$	—			$	121,250			$	(7,336	)		$	—	$	113,914
Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities under netting arrangements at December 31, 2012:
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amount Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received/Pledged		Net Amount
Assets
Derivative contracts
Counterparty A	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—	$	—
Counterparty B	2,110				—				2,110				(1,142		)		—		968
Counterparty C	9,682				—				9,682				(9,682		)		—		—
Counterparty D	1,618				—				1,618				(1,618		)		—		—
Counterparty E	1,579				—				1,579				(1,579		)		—		—
Counterparty F	183				—				183				(183		)		—		—
Counterparty G	2,843				—				2,843				(1,057		)		—		1,786
Counterparty H	—				—				—				—				—		—
All Other	4,510				—				4,510				(1,837		)		—		2,673
Total Assets	$	22,525			$	—			$	22,525			$	(17,098	)		$	—	$	5,427
													Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amount Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received/Pledged		Net Amount
Liabilities
Derivative contracts
Counterparty A	$	40,176			$	—			$	40,176			$	—			$	—	$	40,176
Counterparty B	1,142				—				1,142				(1,142		)		—		—
Counterparty C	38,019				—				38,019				(9,682		)		—		28,337
Counterparty D	10,432				—				10,432				(1,618		)		—		8,814
Counterparty E	17,802				—				17,802				(1,579		)		—		16,223
Counterparty F	84,260				—				84,260				(183		)		—		84,077
Counterparty G	1,057				—				1,057				(1,057		)		—		—
Counterparty H	7,378				—				7,378				—				—		7,378
All Other	1,178				—				1,178				(1,837		)		—		(659		)
Total Liabilities	$	201,444			$	—			$	201,444			$	(17,098	)		$	—	$	184,346
The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s cash flow hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
(in thousands)	Gain (Loss)				Classification		Effective Portion
	in AOCI				of Gains (Losses)		Reclassified from
							AOCI into Income
Interest rate swaps	$	(414	)		Interest expense		$	(924	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	(2,488		)		Cost of products sold		460
Foreign exchange forward contracts	(273		)		SG&A expenses		(27		)
Commodity contracts	457				Cost of products sold		(190		)
Total	$	(2,718	)				$	(681	)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
(in thousands)	Classification of Gains (Losses)		Ineffective Portion Recognized in Income
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other expense (income), net		$	134
Commodity contracts	Interest expense		(13		)
Total			$	121
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
(in thousands)	Gain (Loss)				Classification		Effective Portion
	in AOCI				of Gains (Losses)		Reclassified from
							AOCI into Income
Interest rate swaps	$	(448	)		Interest expense		$	(899	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	1,603				Cost of products sold		1,976
Foreign exchange forward contracts	(47		)		SG&A expenses		264
Commodity contracts	572				Cost of products sold		40
Total	$	1,680					$	1,381
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
(in thousands)	Classification		Ineffective Portion Recognized in Income
	of Gains (Losses)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other expense (income), net		$	114
Commodity contracts	Interest expense		(14		)
Total			$	100
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
(in thousands)	Gain (Loss)				Classification		Effective Portion
	in AOCI				of Gains (Losses)		Reclassified from
							AOCI into Income
Interest rate swaps	$	180			Interest expense		$	(2,755	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	(3,790		)		Cost of products sold		1,589
Foreign exchange forward contracts	(184		)		SG&A expenses		(67		)
Commodity contracts	(802		)		Cost of products sold		12
Total	$	(4,596	)				$	(1,221	)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
(in thousands)	Classification		Ineffective Portion Recognized in Income
	of Gains (Losses)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other expense (income), net		$	323
Commodity contracts	Interest expense		(54		)
Total			$	269
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
(in thousands)	Gain (Loss)				Classification		Effective Portion
	in AOCI				of Gains (Losses)		Reclassified from
							AOCI into Income
Interest rate swaps	$	(1,848	)		Interest expense		$	(2,701	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	4,955				Cost of products sold		4,968
Foreign exchange forward contracts	255				SG&A expenses		721
Commodity contracts	829				Cost of products sold		90
Total	$	4,191					$	3,078
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
(in thousands)	Classification		Ineffective Portion Recognized in Income
	of Gains (Losses)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other expense (income), net		$	592
Commodity contracts	Interest expense		(20		)
Total			$	572
The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges of net investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging
(in thousands)	Gain (Loss)				Classification		Gain (Loss)
	in AOCI				of Gains (Losses)		Recognized
							in Income
Cross currency basis swaps	$	(49,614	)		Interest income		$	1,331
					Interest expense		755
Total	$	(49,614	)				$	2,086
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging
(in thousands)	Gain (Loss)				Classification		Gain (Loss)
	in AOCI				of Gains (Losses)		Recognized
							in Income
Cross currency basis swaps	$	(18,055	)		Interest income		$	1,167
					Interest expense		(182		)
Total	$	(18,055	)				$	985
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging
(in thousands)	Gain (Loss)				Classification		Gain (Loss)
	in AOCI				of Gains (Losses)		Recognized
							in Income
Cross currency basis swaps	$	(23,464	)		Interest income		$	3,988
					Interest expense		497
Total	$	(23,464	)				$	4,485
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging
(in thousands)	Gain (Loss)				Classification		Gain (Loss)
	in AOCI				of Gains (Losses)		Recognized
							in Income
Cross currency basis swaps	$	5,360			Interest income		$	2,800
					Interest expense		(1,800		)
Total	$	5,360					$	1,000
The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges of fair value for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging
	Classification		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
			September 30,								September 30,
(in thousands)	of Gains (Losses)		2013				2012				2013				2012
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		$	251			$	789			$	163			$	2,274
Total			$	251			$	789			$	163			$	2,274
The following table summarizes the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges not designated as hedging for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging
	Classification		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
			September 30,								September 30,
(in thousands)	of Gains (Losses)		2013				2012				2013				2012
Foreign exchange forward contracts (a)	Other expense (income), net		$	3,110			$	(5,033	)		$	6,193			$	(4,727	)
DIO equity option contracts	Other expense (income), net		8				406				20				229
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		(7		)		(49		)		14				(136		)
Cross currency basis swaps (a)	Other expense (income), net		10,625				8,275				9,250				(3,841		)
Total			$	13,736			$	3,599			$	15,477			$	(8,475	)
(a) The gains and losses on these derivative transactions offset the gains and losses generated by the revaluation of the underlying non-functional currency balances which are recorded in “Other expense (income), net” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Amounts recorded in AOCI related to cash flow hedging instruments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
(in thousands, net of tax)	2013				2012				2013				2012
Beginning balance	$	(18,781	)		$	(12,157	)		$	(17,481	)		$	(12,737	)
Changes in fair value of derivatives	(2,059		)		1,099				(3,562		)		3,411
Reclassifications to earnings from equity	526				(1,228		)		729				(2,960		)
Total activity	(1,533		)		(129		)		(2,833		)		451
Ending balance	$	(20,314	)		$	(12,286	)		$	(20,314	)		$	(12,286	)
Amounts recorded in AOCI related to hedges of net investments in foreign operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
(in thousands, net of tax)	2013				2012				2013				2012
Beginning balance	$	(143,407	)		$	(173,764	)		$	(71,358	)		$	(143,730	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	141,410				106,541				40,787				58,068
Changes in fair value of:
Foreign currency debt	(2,687		)		(2,811		)		9,831				1,251
Derivative hedge instruments	(30,464		)		(11,086		)		(14,408		)		3,291
Total activity	108,259				92,644				36,210				62,610
Ending balance	$	(35,148	)		$	(81,120	)		$	(35,148	)		$	(81,120	)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
	The Company records financial instruments at fair value with unrealized gains and losses related to certain financial instruments reflected in AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  In addition, the Company recognizes certain liabilities at fair value.  The Company applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements.  Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
	The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to various market data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. The Company believes the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts), prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, income taxes payable and notes payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.  The Company estimated the fair value and carrying value of total long-term debt, including the current portion, was $1,404.9 million and $1,379.0 million, respectively, at September 30, 2013.  At December 31, 2012, the Company estimated the fair value and carrying value, including the current portion, was $1,515.2 million and $1,472.9 million respectively.  The interest rate on the $450.0 million Senior Notes, the $300.0 million Senior Notes, and the $250.0 million PPN are fixed rates of 4.1%, 2.8% and 4.1%, respectively, and their fair value is based on the interest rates as of September 30, 2013. The interest rates on variable rate term loan debt and commercial paper are consistent with current market conditions, therefore the fair value of these instruments approximates their carrying values.
	The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, which are classified as “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” “Other noncurrent assets, net,” “Accrued liabilities,” and “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value as of the balance sheet date are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
		September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Interest rate swaps	$	3,042		$	—		$	3,042	$	—
	Cross currency basis swaps	2,286			—			2,286		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	3,401			—			3,401		—
	DIO Corporate convertible bonds	60,749			—			—		60,749
	Total assets	$	69,478		$	—		$	8,729	$	60,749
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	1,238		$	—		$	1,238	$	—
	Commodity contracts	493			—			493		—
	Cross currency basis swaps	113,014			—			113,014		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	6,368			—			6,368		—
	Long term debt	152,843			—			152,843		—
	DIO equity option contracts	137			—			—		137
	Total liabilities	$	274,093		$	—		$	273,956	$	137
		December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Interest rate swaps	$	4,727		$	—		$	4,727	$	—
	Cross currency basis swaps	8,728			—			8,728		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	9,070			—			9,070		—
	DIO Corporate convertible bonds	75,143			—			—		75,143
	Total assets	$	97,668		$	—		$	22,525	$	75,143
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	2,003		$	—		$	2,003	$	—
	Commodity contracts	95			—			95		—
	Cross currency basis swaps	194,753			—			194,753		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	4,440			—			4,440		—
	Long term debt	154,560			—			154,560		—
	DIO equity option contracts	153			—			—		153
	Total liabilities	$	356,004		$	—		$	355,851	$	153
	Derivative valuations are based on observable inputs to the valuation model including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, future commodities prices and credit risks.  The commodity contracts, certain interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts are considered cash flow hedges and certain cross currency interest rate swaps are considered hedges of net investments in foreign operations as discussed in Note 10, Financial Instruments and Derivatives.
	The Company uses the income method valuation technique to estimate the fair value of the DIO corporate bonds.  The significant unobservable inputs for valuing the corporate bonds are DIO Corporation’s stock volatility factor of approximately 40% and corporate bond rating which implies approximately a 15% discount rate on the valuation model.  Significant observable inputs used to value the corporate bonds include foreign exchange rates and DIO Corporation’s period-ending market stock price.
	The Company has valued the DIO equity option contracts using a Monte Carlo simulation which uses several estimates and probability assumptions by management including the future stock price, the stock price as a multiple of DIO earnings and the probability of the sellers to reduce their shares held by selling into the open market.  The fair value of equity option contracts are reported in “Other noncurrent liabilities,” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and changes in the fair value are reported in “Other expense (income), net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s Level 3 holdings measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs:
	(in thousands)	DIO Corporate			DIO Equity
		Convertible			Options
		Bonds			Contracts
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	75,143		$	(153	)
	Unrealized loss:
	Reported in AOCI, pretax	(15,876		)	—
	Unrealized gain:
	Reported in other expense (income), net	—			20
	Effects of exchange rate changes	1,482			(4		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	60,749		$	(137	)
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no purchases, issuances or transfers of Level 3 financial instruments.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	Uncertainties in Income Taxes
	The Company recognizes in the consolidated financial statements, the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position.
	It is reasonably possible that certain amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months of the reporting date of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  Expiration of statutes of limitation in various jurisdictions during the next twelve months could include unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.6 million.
	Other Tax Matters
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months of 2013 was favorably impacted by the Company’s recording of tax benefits of $9.4 million related to U.S. federal legislative changes enacted in January 2013, relating to 2012, and $9.3 million of benefits related to prior year tax matters.

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	NOTE 13 – FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
	On August 15, 2013, the Company’s $250.0 million two-year floating rate note matured. The note repayment was financed with available commercial paper. On August 26, 2013, the Company entered into a $175.0 million seven-year variable rate term loan maturing in August 2020. The variable interest rate is reset quarterly at three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR plus 1.125%. The term loan requires annual principle repayments of $8.8 million with the balance due at maturity. The proceeds were used to repay outstanding commercial paper. The debt agreement includes covenants that are similar to the covenants include in the Company’s five-year multi-currency revolving credit agreement.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The Company performed the required annual impairment tests of goodwill as of April 30, 2013 on thirteen reporting units. To determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model with market-based support as its valuation technique to measure the fair value for its reporting units. The discounted cash flow model uses five-year forecasted cash flows plus a terminal value based on a multiple of earnings. In addition, the Company applies gross margin and operating expense assumptions consistent with historical trends. The total cash flows were discounted based on a range between 8.4% to 11.5%, which included assumptions regarding the Company’s weighted-average cost of capital. The Company considered the current market conditions both in the U.S. and globally, when determining its assumptions. Lastly, the Company reconciled the aggregated fair values of its reporting units to its market capitalization, which included a reasonable control premium based on market conditions. As a result of the annual impairment tests of goodwill, no impairment was identified.
	A reconciliation of changes in the Company’s goodwill is as follows:
	(in thousands)	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses			Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan			Select Distribution Businesses			Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	488,206		$	102,065		$	92,473		$	1,528,209	$	2,210,953
	Business unit transfer (a)	(118,874		)	(4,365		)	(12,192		)	135,431		—
	Effects of exchange rate changes	913			(1,725		)	1,604			6,391		7,183
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	370,245		$	95,975		$	81,885		$	1,670,031	$	2,218,136
	(a) Goodwill moved represents the business unit’s relative fair value within the segment from which it was moved from as required by US GAAP.
	Identifiable definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:
		September 30, 2013									December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount					Amount
	Patents	$	180,288		$	(89,182	)	$	91,106		$	179,512	$	(81,390	)	$	98,122
	Trademarks	83,082			(35,445		)	47,637			83,073		(33,129		)	49,944
	Licensing agreements	31,740			(20,397		)	11,343			30,695		(18,966		)	11,729
	Customer relationships	492,621			(74,072		)	418,549			491,859		(50,632		)	441,227
	Total definite-lived	$	787,731		$	(219,096	)	$	568,635		$	785,139	$	(184,117	)	$	601,022
	Trademarks and In-process R&D	$	231,835		$	—		$	231,835		$	229,620	$	—		$	229,620
	Total identifiable intangible assets	$	1,019,566		$	(219,096	)	$	800,470		$	1,014,759	$	(184,117	)	$	830,642

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Litigation
	On June 18, 2004, Marvin Weinstat, DDS and Richard Nathan, DDS filed a class action suit in San Francisco County, California alleging that the Company misrepresented that its Cavitron® ultrasonic scalers are suitable for use in oral surgical procedures. The Complaint seeks a recall of the product and refund of its purchase price to dentists who have purchased it for use in oral surgery. The Court certified the case as a class action in June 2006 with respect to the breach of warranty and unfair business practices claims. The class that was certified is defined as California dental professionals who, at any time during the period beginning June 18, 2000 through September 14, 2012, purchased and used one or more Cavitron® ultrasonic scalers for the performance of oral surgical procedures on their patients, which Cavitrons® were accompanied by Directions for Use that “Indicated” Cavitron® use for “periodontal debridement for all types of periodontal disease.” A Class Notice was mailed on September 14, 2012. The case went to trial in September 2013 and a decision has not yet been issued by the Court.
	On December 12, 2006, a Complaint was filed by Carole Hildebrand, DDS and Robert Jaffin, DDS in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (the Plaintiffs subsequently added Dr. Mitchell Goldman as a named class representative).  The case was filed by the same law firm that filed the Weinstat case in California.  The Complaint asserts putative class action claims on behalf of dentists located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Complaint seeks damages and asserts that the Company’s Cavitron® ultrasonic scaler was negligently designed and sold in breach of contract and warranty arising from misrepresentations about the potential uses of the product because it cannot assure the delivery of potable or sterile water. Following dismissal of the case for lack of jurisdiction, the plaintiffs filed a second complaint under the name of Dr. Hildebrand’s corporate practice. The Company’s motion to dismiss this new complaint was denied and the case will now proceed under the name “Center City Periodontists.” The Court recently granted the Company’s Motion and dismissed plaintiffs’ New Jersey Consumer Fraud and negligent design claims, leaving only a breach of express warranty claim.
	The Company does not believe a loss is probable related to the above litigation. Further a reasonable estimate of a possible range of loss cannot be made. In the event that one or more of these matters is unfavorably resolved, it is possible the Company’s results from operations could be materially impacted.
	In 2012, the Company received subpoenas from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana (the “USAO”) and from the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”) requesting documents and information related to compliance with export controls and economic sanctions regulations by certain of its subsidiaries. The Company has voluntarily contacted OFAC and the Bureau of Industry and Security of the United States Department of Commerce (“BIS”), in connection with these matters as well as regarding compliance with export controls and economic sanctions regulations by certain other business units of the Company identified in connection with an ongoing internal review by the Company. The Company is cooperating with the USAO, OFAC and BIS with respect to these matters.
	At this stage of the inquiries, the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters or what impact, if any, the outcome of these matters might have on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Violations of export control or economic sanctions laws or regulations could result in a range of governmental enforcement actions, including fines or penalties, injunctions and/or criminal or other civil proceedings, which actions could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. At this time, no claims have been made against the Company.
	In addition to the matters disclosed above, the Company is, from time to time, subject to a variety of litigation and similar proceedings incidental to its business.  These legal matters primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of the Company’s products and services and claims relating to intellectual property matters including patent infringement, employment matters, tax matters, commercial disputes, competition and sales and trading practices, personal injury and insurance coverage.  The Company may also become subject to lawsuits as a result of past or future acquisitions or as a result of liabilities retained from, or representations, warranties or indemnities provided in connection with, divested businesses.  Some of these lawsuits may include claims for punitive and consequential, as well as compensatory damages.  Based upon the Company’s experience, current information and applicable law, it does not believe that these proceedings and claims will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or liquidity. However, in the event of unexpected further developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, or other similar matters, if unfavorable, may be materially adverse to the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
	While the Company maintains general, products, property, workers’ compensation, automobile, cargo, aviation, crime, fiduciary and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance up to certain limits that cover certain of these claims, this insurance may be insufficient or unavailable to cover such losses.  In addition, while the Company believes it is entitled to indemnification from third parties for some of these claims, these rights may also be insufficient or unavailable to cover such losses.
	Purchase Commitments
	From time to time, the Company enters into long-term inventory purchase commitments with minimum purchase requirements for raw materials and finished goods to ensure the availability of products for production and distribution.  These commitments may have a significant impact on levels of inventory maintained by the Company.

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE1

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” This newly issued accounting standard requires a cumulative translation adjustment (“CTA”)attached to the parent’s investment in a foreign entity should be released in a manner consistent with the derecognition guidance on investment entities. Thus the entire amount of CTA associated with the foreign entity would be released when there has been a sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within a foreign entity and the sale represents a complete liquidation of the investment in the foreign entity, a loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity, or step acquisition for a foreign entity. The adoption of this standard is not expected to materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company expects to adopt this accounting standard for the quarter ending March 31, 2014.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of a Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” The newly issued accounting standard requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. Under the new standard, unrecognized tax benefits will be netted against all available same-jurisdiction losses or other tax carryforwards that would be utilized, rather than only against carryforwards that are created by the unrecognized tax benefit. The adoption of this standard is not expected to materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company expects to adopt this accounting standard for the quarter ending March 31, 2014.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” The standard requires entities to disclose both gross and net information about instruments and transactions that are offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as well as instruments and transactions that are subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement. In January 2013, The FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” The standard clarifies the scope of the disclosure to apply only to derivatives, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements as well as securities lending and borrowing transactions. The standard was effective January 1, 2013, with retrospective application required. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact to the Company’s financial statements. The Company adopted this accounting standard during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.” This newly issued accounting standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test by providing entities an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Under the revised standard, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step impairment test. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required; otherwise, no further testing is required. Prior to the issuance of the revised standard, an entity was required to perform step one of the impairment test at least annually by calculating and comparing the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset to its carrying amount. Under the revised standard, if an entity determines that step one is necessary and the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then step two of the test will continue to be required to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. This ASU is effective for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company adopted this accounting standard during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” This newly issued accounting standard requires an entity to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income in its entirety in the same period. For other amounts not required to be reclassified to net income in the same reporting period, a cross reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about the reclassification amounts is required. Since the standard only impacts the disclosure requirements of AOCI and does not impact the accounting for accumulated comprehensive income, the standard did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted this accounting standard during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.
Accounts and Notes Receivable-Trade	Accounts and Notes Receivable
	The Company sells dental and certain healthcare products through a worldwide network of distributors and directly to end users.  For customers on credit terms, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of those customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral from them.  The Company establishes allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments based on historical averages of aged receivable balances and the Company’s experience in collecting those balances, customer specific circumstances, as well as changes in the economic and political environments.  The Company records a provision for doubtful accounts, which is included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses.”
Marketable Security	Marketable Securities
	The Company’s marketable securities consist of corporate convertible bonds that are classified as available-for-sale in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as the instruments mature in December 2015. The Company determined the appropriate classification at the time of purchase and will re-evaluate such designation as of each balance sheet date. In addition, the Company reviews the securities each quarter for indications of possible impairment. If an impairment is identified, the determination of whether the impairment is temporary or other-than-temporary requires significant judgment. The primary factors that the Company considers in making this judgment include the extent and time the fair value of each investment has been below cost and the existence of a credit loss. If a decline in fair value is judged other-than-temporary, the basis of the securities is written down to fair value and the amount of the write-down is included as a realized loss in the consolidated statement of operations. Changes in fair value are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).
	The convertible feature of the bonds has not been bifurcated from the underlying bonds as the feature does not contain a net-settlement feature, nor would the Company be able to achieve a hypothetical net-settlement that would substantially place the Company in a comparable cash settlement position.  As such, the derivative is not accounted for separately from the bond.  The cash paid by the Company was equal to the face value of the bonds issued, and therefore, the Company has not recorded any bond premium or discount on acquiring the bonds.

STOCK_COMPENSATION_Stock_Compe

STOCK COMPENSATION Stock Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
STOCK COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock Based Compensation	The following table represents total stock based compensation expense for non-qualified stock options, restricted stock units (“RSU”) and the tax related benefit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Stock option expense	$	2,565		$	3,027		$	7,570		$	8,706
	RSU expense	3,077			2,839			8,637			7,480
	Total stock based compensation expense	$	5,642		$	5,866		$	16,207		$	16,186
	Total related tax benefit	$	1,590		$	1,692		$	4,250		$	4,406
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	he following table reflects the non-qualified stock option transactions from December 31, 2012 through September 30, 2013:
		Outstanding								Exercisable
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Shares		Weighted			Aggregate			Shares			Weighted		Aggregate
				Average			Intrinsic						Average		Intrinsic
				Exercise			Value						Exercise		Value
				Price									Price
	Balance at December 31, 2012	9,906		$	33.18		$	69,079		7,599			$	31.79	$	64,819
	Granted	922		40.93
	Exercised	(1,707	)	28.32
	Cancelled	(34	)	42.82
	Forfeited	(133	)	38.88
	Balance at September 30, 2013	8,954		$	34.79		$	78,895		6,810			$	33.41	$	69,780
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity	The following table summarizes the unvested RSU transactions from December 31, 2012 through September 30, 2013:
	(in thousands, except per share data)	Shares		Weighted Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Balance at December 31, 2012	1,034		$	36.34
	Granted	505		40.91
	Vested	(243	)	32.71
	Forfeited	(128	)	38.82
	Balance at September 30, 2013	1,168		$	38.8

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Comprehen

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Gains and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments			Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Pension Liability Adjustments			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	54,302		$	(143,142	)	$	17,822		$	(73,182	)	$	(144,200	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	50,618			(17,970		)	(10,905		)	(1,195		)	20,548
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			729			—			2,819			3,548
	Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income	50,618			(17,241		)	(10,905		)	1,624			24,096
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	104,920		$	(160,383	)	$	6,917		$	(71,558	)	$	(120,104	)
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Gains and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments			Net Unrealized Holding (Loss) Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities			Pension Liability Adjustments			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	(39,078	)	$	(117,390	)	$	(516	)	$	(33,986	)	$	(190,970	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	59,319			6,702			30,419			610			97,050
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	—			(2,959		)	—			1,100			(1,859		)
	Net increase in other comprehensive income	59,319			3,743			30,419			1,710			95,191
	Balance at September 30, 2012	$	20,241		$	(113,647	)	$	29,903		$	(32,276	)	$	(95,779	)

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Reclassif

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Expense) (Tables) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of Goods Sold	$327,601		$331,619		$1,017,539		$1,010,807
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	269,165		260,352		852,763		860,740
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	13,187		18,960		39,599		48,550
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	-1,477		882		-3,548		1,859
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-681		1,381		-1,221		3,078
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	156		-137		492		-119
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	-525		1,244		-729		2,959
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-1,346		-510		-4,003		-1,547
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	394		148		1,184		447
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	-952		-362		-2,819		-1,100
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	34	[1]	34	[1]	101	[1]	104	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) adjustment from AOCI,Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	-1,380	[1]	-544	[1]	-4,104	[1]	-1,651	[1]
Interest Rate Swap | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest Income (Expense), Net			-899
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of Goods Sold			1,976
Selling, General and Administrative Expense			264
Commodity Contract [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of Goods Sold			$40
[1]	(a) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 and 2012 (see Note 8, Benefit Plans, for additional details)

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Tabl

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share Computation	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$	79,851	$	53,364	$	238,763	$	187,413
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	142,421		141,843		142,705		141,767
	Earnings per common share - basic	$	0.56	$	0.38	$	1.67	$	1.32
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Computation
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$	79,851	$	53,364	$	238,763	$	187,413
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	142,421		141,843		142,705		141,767
	Incremental weighted average shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options from stock-based compensation awards	2,277		2,041		2,247		2,118
	Total weighted average diluted shares outstanding	144,698		143,884		144,952		143,885
	Earnings per common share - diluted	$	0.55	$	0.37	$	1.65	$	1.3

SEGMENT_AND_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMA1

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Net Sales	The following tables set forth information about the Company’s segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Third Party Net Sales
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	242,281		$	244,215		$	761,691		$	765,186
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	71,298			78,761			224,712			232,310
	Select Distribution Businesses	66,012			59,498			192,941			182,344
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	325,542			313,729			1,021,082			999,939
	All Other (a)	(1,115		)	(469		)	(3,314		)	(4,638		)
	Total	$	704,018		$	695,734		$	2,197,112		$	2,175,141
	(a) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters
Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content	Third Party Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	214,634		$	204,230		$	645,015		$	627,536
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	64,758			70,675			203,629			207,883
	Select Distribution Businesses	65,914			59,387			192,612			181,911
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	325,233			313,295			1,020,086			998,532
	All Other (b)	(1,115		)	(467		)	(3,313		)	(4,637		)
	Total excluding precious metal content	669,424			647,120			2,058,029			2,011,225
	Precious metal content	34,594			48,614			139,083			163,916
	Total including precious metal content	$	704,018		$	695,734		$	2,197,112		$	2,175,141
	(b) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters
Intersegment Net Sales	Inter-segment Net Sales
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	21,413		$	23,049		$	128,153		$	132,370
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	1,022			989			2,788			3,221
	Select Distribution Businesses	311			345			1,816			1,139
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	36,328			34,059			102,739			106,283
	All Other (c)	121,453			109,138			178,880			163,118
	Eliminations	(180,527		)	(167,580		)	(414,376		)	(406,131		)
	Total	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	(c) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.
Segment Operating Income	Segment Operating Income (Loss)
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	62,575		$	58,975		$	183,508		$	181,261
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	1,901			4,678			8,792			7,639
	Select Distribution Businesses	833			(790		)	(1,463		)	(3,250		)
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	65,211			65,546			213,972			214,333
	All Other (d)	(23,268		)	(24,646		)	(77,999		)	(96,389		)
	Segment operating income	107,252			103,763			326,810			303,594
	Reconciling Items:
	Restructuring and other costs	2,231			15,097			5,065			18,862
	Interest expense	11,442			13,948			38,170			44,053
	Interest income	(2,138		)	(2,342		)	(6,556		)	(6,204		)
	Other expense (income), net	1,581			1,279			8,723			2,324
	Income before income taxes	$	94,136		$	75,781		$	281,408		$	244,559
	(d) Includes the results of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.
Assets
	Assets
	(in thousands)	September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	879,460		$	1,007,307
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	306,699			294,348
	Select Distribution Businesses	183,987			192,684
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	3,424,913			3,195,382
	All Other (e)	214,920			282,576
	Total	$	5,009,979		$	4,972,297
	(e) Includes the assets of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Inventories, net	Inventories, net of inventory valuation reserves, consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Finished goods	$	281,363	$	248,870
	Work-in-process	72,909		72,533
	Raw materials and supplies	94,005		81,537
		$	448,277	$	402,940

BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The following sets forth the components of net periodic benefit cost of the Company’s defined benefit plans and for the Company’s other postemployment benefit plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Defined Benefit Plans	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	3,728		$	3,004		$	11,113		$	9,014
	Interest cost	2,486			2,608			7,408			7,926
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,252		)	(1,180		)	(3,729		)	(3,594		)
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(34		)	(34		)	(101		)	(104		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,292			486			3,840			1,478
	Curtailments and settlement gains	(680		)	—			(1,305		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	5,540		$	4,884		$	17,226		$	14,720
	Other Postemployment Benefit Plans	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Service cost	$	61		$	18		$	184		$	55
	Interest cost	122			117			364			352
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	88			58			264			173
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	271		$	193		$	812		$	580
Information Related to the Contributions to the Compnay's Benefit Plans	The following sets forth the information related to the contributions to the Company’s benefit plans for 2013:
	(in thousands)	Pension			Other
		Benefits			Postretirement
					Benefits
	Actual contributions through September 30, 2013	$	9,744		$	203
	Projected contributions for the remainder of the year	3,167			462
	Total projected contributions	$	12,911		$	665

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_COSTS_

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Restructuring Accruals	At September 30, 2013, the Company’s restructuring accruals were as follows:
		Severance
	(in thousands)	2011 and			2012 Plans			2013 Plans			Total
		Prior Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	1,495		$	11,412		$	—		$	12,907
	Provisions and adjustments	—			856			2,756			3,612
	Amounts applied	(873		)	(6,202		)	(856		)	(7,931		)
	Change in estimates	(24		)	(1,959		)	—			(1,983		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	598		$	4,107		$	1,900		$	6,605
		Lease/Contract Terminations
	(in thousands)	2011 and			2012 Plans			2013 Plans			Total
		Prior Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	792		$	682		$	—		$	1,474
	Provisions and adjustments	—			23			2,003			2,026
	Amounts applied	(102		)	(657		)	(1,745		)	(2,504		)
	Change in estimate	—			(48		)	—			(48		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	690		$	—		$	258		$	948
		Other Restructuring Costs
	(in thousands)	2012 Plans			2013 Plans			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	94		$	—		$	94
	Provisions and adjustments	570			990			1,560
	Amounts applied	(664		)	(271		)	(935		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	719		$	719
Cumulative Amounts for the Provisions and Adjustments and Amounts Applied for All the Plans by Segment	The following table provides the year-to-date changes in the restructuring accruals by segment:
	(in thousands)	December 31,			Provisions and			Amounts			Change in Estimate			September 30, 2013
		2012			Adjustments			Applied
	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses	$	9,132		$	1,140		$	(3,780	)	$	(1,821	)	$	4,671
	Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan	361			164			(415		)	(4		)	106
	Select Distribution Businesses	222			331			(264		)	—			289
	Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim	4,760			5,563			(6,911		)	(206		)	3,206
		$	14,475		$	7,198		$	(11,370	)	$	(2,031	)	$	8,272

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI1

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value and Consolidated Balance Sheet Location of the Company's Derivatives	The following tables summarize the fair value and consolidated balance sheet location of the Company’s derivatives at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
		September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Prepaid				Other				Accrued				Other
		Expenses				Noncurrent				Liabilities				Noncurrent
		and Other				Assets, Net								Liabilities
	Designated as Hedges	Current Assets
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	479			$	132			$	3,502			$	803
	Commodity contracts	—				—				472				21
	Interest rate swaps	2,491				551				463				402
	Cross currency basis swaps	489				—				47,604				13,373
	Total	$	3,459			$	683			$	52,041			$	14,599
	Not Designated as Hedges
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,790			$	—			$	2,063			$	—
	DIO equity option contracts	—				—				—				137
	Interest rate swaps	—				—				88				285
	Cross currency basis swaps	1,797				—				4,743				47,294
	Total	$	4,587			$	—			$	6,894			$	47,716
		December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)	Prepaid				Other				Accrued				Other
		Expenses				Noncurrent				Liabilities				Noncurrent
		and Other				Assets, Net								Liabilities
	Designated as Hedges	Current Assets
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,353			$	65			$	2,243			$	844
	Commodity contracts	—				—				95				—
	Interest rate swaps	2,192				2,535				525				948
	Cross currency basis swaps	8,191				—				97,281				1,588
	Total	$	12,736			$	2,600			$	100,144			$	3,380
	Not Designated as Hedges
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	6,652			$	—			$	1,353			$	—
	DIO equity option contracts	—				—				—				153
	Interest rate swaps	—				—				114				416
	Cross currency basis swaps	537				—				40,026				55,858
	Total	$	7,189			$	—			$	41,493			$	56,427
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	(in thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amount Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received/Pledged		Net Amount
	Assets
	Derivative contracts
	Counterparty A	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—	$	—
	Counterparty B	1,073				—				1,073				(1,073		)		—		—
	Counterparty C	3,483				—				3,483				(3,483		)		—		—
	Counterparty D	1,083				—				1,083				(1,083		)		—		—
	Counterparty E	—				—				—				—				—		—
	Counterparty F	155				—				155				(155		)		—		—
	Counterparty G	1,070				—				1,070				(1,070		)		—		—
	Counterparty H	—				—				—				—				—		—
	All Other	1,865				—				1,865				(472		)		—		1,393
	Total Assets	$	8,729			$	—			$	8,729			$	(7,336	)		$	—	$	1,393
														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	(in thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amount Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received/Pledged		Net Amount
	Liabilities
	Derivative contracts
	Counterparty A	$	18,119			$	—			$	18,119			$	—			$	—	$	18,119
	Counterparty B	5,858				—				5,858				(1,073		)		—		4,785
	Counterparty C	15,077				—				15,077				(3,483		)		—		11,594
	Counterparty D	12,642				—				12,642				(1,083		)		—		11,559
	Counterparty E	14,052				—				14,052				—				—		14,052
	Counterparty F	35,989				—				35,989				(155		)		—		35,834
	Counterparty G	2,792				—				2,792				(1,070		)		—		1,722
	Counterparty H	9,044				—				9,044				—				—		9,044
	All Other	7,677				—				7,677				(472		)		—		7,205
	Total Liabilities	$	121,250			$	—			$	121,250			$	(7,336	)		$	—	$	113,914
	Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities under netting arrangements at December 31, 2012:
														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	(in thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amount Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received/Pledged		Net Amount
	Assets
	Derivative contracts
	Counterparty A	$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—	$	—
	Counterparty B	2,110				—				2,110				(1,142		)		—		968
	Counterparty C	9,682				—				9,682				(9,682		)		—		—
	Counterparty D	1,618				—				1,618				(1,618		)		—		—
	Counterparty E	1,579				—				1,579				(1,579		)		—		—
	Counterparty F	183				—				183				(183		)		—		—
	Counterparty G	2,843				—				2,843				(1,057		)		—		1,786
	Counterparty H	—				—				—				—				—		—
	All Other	4,510				—				4,510				(1,837		)		—		2,673
	Total Assets	$	22,525			$	—			$	22,525			$	(17,098	)		$	—	$	5,427
														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	(in thousands)	Gross Amounts Recognized				Gross Amount Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets				Financial Instruments				Cash Collateral Received/Pledged		Net Amount
	Liabilities
	Derivative contracts
	Counterparty A	$	40,176			$	—			$	40,176			$	—			$	—	$	40,176
	Counterparty B	1,142				—				1,142				(1,142		)		—		—
	Counterparty C	38,019				—				38,019				(9,682		)		—		28,337
	Counterparty D	10,432				—				10,432				(1,618		)		—		8,814
	Counterparty E	17,802				—				17,802				(1,579		)		—		16,223
	Counterparty F	84,260				—				84,260				(183		)		—		84,077
	Counterparty G	1,057				—				1,057				(1,057		)		—		—
	Counterparty H	7,378				—				7,378				—				—		7,378
	All Other	1,178				—				1,178				(1,837		)		—		(659		)
	Total Liabilities	$	201,444			$	—			$	201,444			$	(17,098	)		$	—	$	184,346
Cash Flow Hedging
Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value of the Company's Hedges	The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company’s cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives at September 30, 2013:
	Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year												Fair Value Net
														Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2013				2014				2015				September 30, 2013
	Forward sale, 17.7 million Australian dollars	$	10,854			$	5,356			$	778			$	477
	Forward purchase, 11.4 million British pounds	(18,485		)		—				—				315
	Forward sale, 46.3 million Canadian dollars	14,891				26,127				3,923				327
	Forward purchase, 23.2 million Danish kroner	(4,204		)		—				—				(4		)
	Forward sale, 159.2 million euros	40,879				149,922				23,137				(2,513		)
	Forward sale, 376.6 million Japanese yen	10,238				(6,417		)		—				(1,070		)
	Forward sale, 177.5 million Mexican pesos	13,513				—				—				194
	Forward purchase, 10.3 million Norwegian kroner	(1,718		)		—				—				(55		)
	Forward sale, 17.6 million Polish zlotys	5,635				—				—				(39		)
	Forward sale, 3.0 million Singapore dollars	2,385				—				—				21
	Forward sale, 7.7 billion South Korean won	7,144				—				—				66
	Forward purchase, 1.4 billion Swedish kronor	(115,715		)		(89,865		)		(13,691		)		(554		)
	Forward purchase, 57.3 million Swiss francs	(91,982		)		24,108				3,444				(137		)
	Forward sale, 10.0 million Taiwanese dollars	337				—				—				5
	Total foreign exchange forward contracts	$	(126,228	)		$	109,231			$	17,591			$	(2,967	)
	Interest Rate Swaps	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year																		Fair Value Net
																				Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2013				2014				2015				2016				2017 and Beyond		September 30, 2013
	Euro	$	319			$	977			$	977			$	977			$	1,221	$	(373	)
	Japanese yen	—				127,793				—				—				—		217
	Swiss francs	—				—				—				71,903				—		(865		)
	Total interest rate swaps	$	319			$	128,770			$	977			$	72,880			$	1,221	$	(1,021	)
	Commodity Swap Contracts	Notional Amounts Maturing								Fair Value Net
		in the Year								Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2013				2014				September 30, 2013
	Silver swap - U.S. dollar	$	615			$	1,279			$	(396	)
	Platinum swap - U.S. dollar	514				1,074				(97		)
	Total commodity swap contracts	$	1,129			$	2,353			$	(493	)
	Cross Currency Basis Swap	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year												Fair Value Net
														Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2013				2014				2015 and Beyond				September 30, 2013
	449.8 million euro at $1.45 pay U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR receive three-month EURIBOR	$	—			$	608,697			$	—			$	(43,752	)
	84.0 million euro at $1.34 pay three-month EURIBOR receive U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR	113,627				—				—				(1,129		)
	166.4 million Swiss franc at 0.93 pay Swiss franc three-month LIBOR receive U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR	27,655				110,619				45,780				(5,359		)
	Total cross currency basis swap	$	141,282			$	719,316			$	45,780			$	(50,240	)
Fair Value and Consolidated Balance Sheet Location of the Company's Derivatives	The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s cash flow hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
	(in thousands)	Gain (Loss)				Classification		Effective Portion
		in AOCI				of Gains (Losses)		Reclassified from
								AOCI into Income
	Interest rate swaps	$	(414	)		Interest expense		$	(924	)
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	(2,488		)		Cost of products sold		460
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	(273		)		SG&A expenses		(27		)
	Commodity contracts	457				Cost of products sold		(190		)
	Total	$	(2,718	)				$	(681	)
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges of net investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging
	(in thousands)	Gain (Loss)				Classification		Gain (Loss)
		in AOCI				of Gains (Losses)		Recognized
								in Income
	Cross currency basis swaps	$	(49,614	)		Interest income		$	1,331
						Interest expense		755
	Total	$	(49,614	)				$	2,086
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value of the Company's Hedges	The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company’s cross currency basis swaps that are designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations at September 30, 2013:
	Cross Currency Basis Swaps	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year																		Fair Value Net
																				Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2013				2014				2015				2016				2017 and Beyond		September 30, 2013
	432.5 million Swiss franc at 0.93 pay Swiss franc three-month LIBOR receive U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR	$	—			$	88,938			$	62,611			$	110,619			$	216,261	$	(12,891	)
	534.0 million euro at $1.26 pay three-month EURIBOR receive U.S. dollar three-month LIBOR	722,342				—				—				—				—		(47,597		)
	Total cross currency basis swaps	$	722,342			$	88,938			$	62,611			$	110,619			$	216,261	$	(60,488	)
Fair Value Hedging
Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value of the Company's Hedges	The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges of fair value for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging
		Classification		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
				September 30,								September 30,
	(in thousands)	of Gains (Losses)		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		$	251			$	789			$	163			$	2,274
	Total			$	251			$	789			$	163			$	2,274
	The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company’s fair value hedges at September 30, 2013:
	Interest Rate Swap	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year												Fair Value Net
														Asset (Liability)
	(in thousands)	2014				2015				2016				September 30, 2013
	U.S. dollar	$	45,000			$	60,000			$	45,000			$	2,825
	Total interest rate swap	$	45,000			$	60,000			$	45,000			$	2,825
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	The following table summarizes the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges not designated as hedging for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging
		Classification		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
				September 30,								September 30,
	(in thousands)	of Gains (Losses)		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Foreign exchange forward contracts (a)	Other expense (income), net		$	3,110			$	(5,033	)		$	6,193			$	(4,727	)
	DIO equity option contracts	Other expense (income), net		8				406				20				229
	Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		(7		)		(49		)		14				(136		)
	Cross currency basis swaps (a)	Other expense (income), net		10,625				8,275				9,250				(3,841		)
	Total			$	13,736			$	3,599			$	15,477			$	(8,475	)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Financial Assets and Liabilities that are Recorded at Fair Value and Classified Based on the Lowest Level of Input	The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, which are classified as “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” “Other noncurrent assets, net,” “Accrued liabilities,” and “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value as of the balance sheet date are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
		September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Interest rate swaps	$	3,042		$	—		$	3,042	$	—
	Cross currency basis swaps	2,286			—			2,286		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	3,401			—			3,401		—
	DIO Corporate convertible bonds	60,749			—			—		60,749
	Total assets	$	69,478		$	—		$	8,729	$	60,749
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	1,238		$	—		$	1,238	$	—
	Commodity contracts	493			—			493		—
	Cross currency basis swaps	113,014			—			113,014		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	6,368			—			6,368		—
	Long term debt	152,843			—			152,843		—
	DIO equity option contracts	137			—			—		137
	Total liabilities	$	274,093		$	—		$	273,956	$	137
		December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Interest rate swaps	$	4,727		$	—		$	4,727	$	—
	Cross currency basis swaps	8,728			—			8,728		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	9,070			—			9,070		—
	DIO Corporate convertible bonds	75,143			—			—		75,143
	Total assets	$	97,668		$	—		$	22,525	$	75,143
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	2,003		$	—		$	2,003	$	—
	Commodity contracts	95			—			95		—
	Cross currency basis swaps	194,753			—			194,753		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	4,440			—			4,440		—
	Long term debt	154,560			—			154,560		—
	DIO equity option contracts	153			—			—		153
	Total liabilities	$	356,004		$	—		$	355,851	$	153
Reconciliation of the Company's Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Unobservable Inputs (Level 3):	The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company’s Level 3 holdings measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs:
	(in thousands)	DIO Corporate			DIO Equity
		Convertible			Options
		Bonds			Contracts
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	75,143		$	(153	)
	Unrealized loss:
	Reported in AOCI, pretax	(15,876		)	—
	Unrealized gain:
	Reported in other expense (income), net	—			20
	Effects of exchange rate changes	1,482			(4		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	60,749		$	(137	)

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Changes In Goodwill Table Text Block	A reconciliation of changes in the Company’s goodwill is as follows:
	(in thousands)	Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses			Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan			Select Distribution Businesses			Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim		Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	488,206		$	102,065		$	92,473		$	1,528,209	$	2,210,953
	Business unit transfer (a)	(118,874		)	(4,365		)	(12,192		)	135,431		—
	Effects of exchange rate changes	913			(1,725		)	1,604			6,391		7,183
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	370,245		$	95,975		$	81,885		$	1,670,031	$	2,218,136
Reconciliation of Changes in the Company's Goodwill	Identifiable definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:
		September 30, 2013									December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount					Amount
	Patents	$	180,288		$	(89,182	)	$	91,106		$	179,512	$	(81,390	)	$	98,122
	Trademarks	83,082			(35,445		)	47,637			83,073		(33,129		)	49,944
	Licensing agreements	31,740			(20,397		)	11,343			30,695		(18,966		)	11,729
	Customer relationships	492,621			(74,072		)	418,549			491,859		(50,632		)	441,227
	Total definite-lived	$	787,731		$	(219,096	)	$	568,635		$	785,139	$	(184,117	)	$	601,022
	Trademarks and In-process R&D	$	231,835		$	—		$	231,835		$	229,620	$	—		$	229,620
	Total identifiable intangible assets	$	1,019,566		$	(219,096	)	$	800,470		$	1,014,759	$	(184,117	)	$	830,642

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Trade Accounts Receivable
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$14.90	$14.50
Noncurrent Assets Member
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value of DIO bond	60.7	75.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	$6.90	$17.80

STOCK_COMPENSATION_Stock_Compe1

STOCK COMPENSATION Stock Compensation (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 9 months
Exercisable options, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	4 years 11 months
Nonqualified Stock Options Member
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unamortized compensation cost	13.1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 6 months
Performance Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unamortized compensation cost	20.8
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 6 months

STOCK_COMPENSATION_Total_Stock

STOCK COMPENSATION Total Stock Based Compensation Expense and the Tax Related Benefit (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
STOCK COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Stock option expense	$2,565	$3,027	$7,570	$8,706
RSU expense	3,077	2,839	8,637	7,480
Total stock based compensation expense	5,642	5,866	16,207	16,186
Total related tax benefit	$1,590	$1,692	$4,250	$4,406

STOCK_COMPENSATION_NonQualifie

STOCK COMPENSATION Non-Qualified Stock Option Transactions (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 9 months
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 6 months
Nonqualified Stock Options Member
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	9,906
Granted (in shares)	922
Exercised (in shares)	-1,707
Cancelled (in shares)	-34
Forfeitured (in shares)	-133
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	8,954
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$34.79	$33.18
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (in dollars per share)	$40.93
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised (in dollars per share)	$28.32
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$42.82
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$38.88
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$78,895	$69,079
Exercisable options (in shares)	6,810	7,599
Exercisable weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$33.41	$31.79
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$69,780	$64,819

STOCK_COMPENSATION_Unvested_RS

STOCK COMPENSATION Unvested RSU Transactions (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Unvested beginning balance (in shares)	1,034
Granted (in shares)	505
Vested (in shares)	-243
Forfeited (in shares)	-128
Unvested ending balance (in shares)	1,168
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$38.80	$36.34
Granted (in dollars per share)	$40.91
Vested (in dollars per share)	$32.71
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$38.82

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Comprehen1

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive Income - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassification, Net of Tax					$20,548,000		$97,050,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent					24,096,000		95,191,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	140,374,000		104,168,000		52,118,000		58,893,000
AOCI - Foreign currency translation adjustments, gains	218,500,000				218,500,000				177,700,000
AOCI - Foreign currency translation adjustments, losses	-113,600,000				-113,600,000				-123,400,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	13,187,000		18,960,000		39,599,000		48,550,000
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	-1,477,000		882,000		-3,548,000		1,859,000
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassification, Net of Tax					-1,195,000		610,000
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassification, Net of Tax					-10,905,000		30,419,000
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassification, Net of Tax					50,618,000		59,319,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	141,410,000		106,541,000		40,787,000		58,000,000
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassification, Net of Tax					-17,970,000		6,702,000
Net Investment Hedging [Member] | Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	-2,687,000		-2,811,000		9,831,000		1,300,000
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-1,346,000		-510,000		-4,003,000		-1,547,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	394,000		148,000		1,184,000		447,000
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	-952,000		-362,000		-2,819,000		-1,100,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	34,000	[1]	34,000	[1]	101,000	[1]	104,000	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) adjustment from AOCI,Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	-1,380,000	[1]	-544,000	[1]	-4,104,000	[1]	-1,651,000	[1]
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-681,000		1,381,000		-1,221,000		3,078,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	156,000		-137,000		492,000		-119,000
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	-525,000		1,244,000		-729,000		2,959,000
Cash Flow Hedging
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-681,000		1,381,000		-1,221,000		3,078,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap | Interest Rate Contract | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-924,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cost of Sales | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	460,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Selling, General And Administrative Expense | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-27,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Forward | Cost of Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			1,976,000		1,589,000		4,968,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Forward | Selling, General And Administrative Expense
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			264,000		-67,000		721,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of Sales
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			40,000		12,000		90,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of Sales | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-190,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Contract | Interest Rate Contract
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net			($899,000)		($2,755,000)		($2,701,000)
[1]	(a) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended SeptemberB 30, 2013 and 2012 (see Note 8, Benefit Plans, for additional details)

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Balances_

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Balances included in AOCI, Net of Tax, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			($144,200)	($190,970)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			20,548	97,050
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			3,548	-1,859
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	182,969	161,297	262,859	282,604
Ending balance	-120,104	-95,779	-120,104	-95,779
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent			24,096	95,191
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			-73,182	-33,986
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			-1,195	610
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			2,819	1,100
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income			1,624	1,710
Ending balance	-71,558	-32,276	-71,558	-32,276
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			17,822	-516
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			-10,905	30,419
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			0	0
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income			-10,905	30,419
Ending balance	6,917	29,903	6,917	29,903
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			-143,142	-117,390
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			-17,970	6,702
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			729	-2,959
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income			17,241	-3,743
Ending balance	-160,383	-113,647	-160,383	-113,647
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			54,302	-39,078
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			50,618	59,319
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			0	0
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income			50,618	59,319
Ending balance	$104,920	$20,241	$104,920	$20,241

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Addi

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Disclosure - Earnings per Common Share - Additional Information [Abstract]
Antidilutive common stock options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share (in shares)	2.1		2.7
Antidilutive shares of common stock outstanding (in shares)		3.8		4.1

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Comp

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Disclosure - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$79,851	$53,364	$238,763	$187,413
Shares
Basic (in shares)	142,421	141,843	142,705	141,767
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options from stock-based compensation awards (in shares)	2,277	2,041	2,247	2,118
Diluted (in shares)	144,698	143,884	144,952	143,885
Earnings per common share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.56	$0.38	$1.67	$1.32
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.55	$0.37	$1.65	$1.30

BUSINESS_ACQUISITIONS_Addition

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid	$9
Change in noncontrolling interest	5
Capital in Excess of Par Value
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Change in noncontrolling interest	$3.90

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Additional

SEGMENT INFORMATION Additional Information (Detail) (Dental Products)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Dental Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of sales, professional dental products	88.00%	88.00%	88.00%	89.00%

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Net_Sales_

SEGMENT INFORMATION Net Sales (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales	$704,018		$695,734		$2,197,112		$2,175,141
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental Consumable and Laboratrory Businesses [Member]
Net sales	242,281		244,215		761,691		765,186
Operating Segments [Member] | Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan [Member]
Net sales	71,298		78,761		224,712		232,310
Operating Segments [Member] | Select Distribution Businesses [Member]
Net sales	66,012		59,498		192,941		182,344
Operating Segments [Member] | Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim [Member]
Net sales	325,542		313,729		1,021,082		999,939
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other
Net sales	($1,115)	[1]	($469)	[1]	($3,314)	[1]	($4,638)	[1]
[1]	(a) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Net_Sales_1

SEGMENT INFORMATION Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Statement [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	$669,424		$647,120		$2,058,029		$2,011,225
Precious metal content of sales	34,594		48,614		139,083		163,916
Net Sales, including precious metal content	704,018		695,734		2,197,112		2,175,141
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental Consumable and Laboratrory Businesses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	214,634		204,230		645,015		627,536
Net Sales, including precious metal content	242,281		244,215		761,691		765,186
Operating Segments [Member] | Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	64,758		70,675		203,629		207,883
Net Sales, including precious metal content	71,298		78,761		224,712		232,310
Operating Segments [Member] | Select Distribution Businesses [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	65,914		59,387		192,612		181,911
Net Sales, including precious metal content	66,012		59,498		192,941		182,344
Operating Segments [Member] | Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	325,233		313,295		1,020,086		998,532
Net Sales, including precious metal content	325,542		313,729		1,021,082		999,939
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other
Statement [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	-1,115	[1]	-467	[1]	-3,313	[1]	-4,637	[1]
Net Sales, including precious metal content	($1,115)	[2]	($469)	[2]	($3,314)	[2]	($4,638)	[2]
[1]	(b) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters
[2]	(a) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Intersegme

SEGMENT INFORMATION Intersegment Net Sales (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Eliminations	($180,527)		($167,580)		($414,376)		($406,131)
Total	0		0		0		0
Dental Consumable and Laboratrory Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Intersegment net sales	21,413		23,049		128,153		132,370
Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Intersegment net sales	1,022		989		2,788		3,221
Select Distribution Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Intersegment net sales	311		345		1,816		1,139
Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Intersegment net sales	36,328		34,059		102,739		106,283
All Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Intersegment net sales	$121,453	[1]	$109,138	[1]	$178,880	[1]	$163,118	[1]
[1]	(c) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Segment_Op

SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Operating Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	$105,021		$88,666		$321,745		$284,732
Restructuring and other costs	2,231		15,097		5,065		18,862
Interest expense	11,442		13,948		38,170		44,053
Interest income	-2,138		-2,342		-6,556		-6,204
Other expense (income), net	1,581		1,279		8,723		2,324
Income before income taxes	94,136		75,781		281,408		244,559
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	107,252		103,763		326,810		303,594
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental Consumable and Laboratrory Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	62,575		58,975		183,508		181,261
Operating Segments [Member] | Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	1,901		4,678		8,792		7,639
Operating Segments [Member] | Select Distribution Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	833		-790		-1,463		-3,250
Operating Segments [Member] | Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	65,211		65,546		213,972		214,333
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	($23,268)	[1]	($24,646)	[1]	($77,999)	[1]	($96,389)	[1]
[1]	(d) Includes the results of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Assets_Det

SEGMENT INFORMATION Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$5,009,979		$4,972,297
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental Consumable and Laboratrory Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	879,460		1,007,307
Operating Segments [Member] | Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	306,699		294,348
Operating Segments [Member] | Select Distribution Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	183,987		192,684
Operating Segments [Member] | Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	3,424,913		3,195,382
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$214,920	[1]	$282,576	[1]
[1]	(e) Includes the assets of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

INVENTORIES_Additional_Informa

INVENTORIES Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure - Inventories, Net - Additional Information [Abstract]
LIFO inventory amount	$8.10	$6.30
Inventory, LIFO reserve	6	5.9
Inventory valuation reserve	$35.30	$32.60

INVENTORIES_Inventories_Detail

INVENTORIES Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosure - Inventories, Net [Abstract]
Finished goods	$281,363	$248,870
Work-in-process	72,909	72,533
Raw materials and supplies	94,005	81,537
Inventory, net	$448,277	$402,940

BENEFIT_PLANS_Components_of_Ne

BENEFIT PLANS Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments		$0		$0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Service cost	3,728	3,004	11,113	9,014
Interest cost	2,486	2,608	7,408	7,926
Expected return on plan assets	-1,252	-1,180	-3,729	-3,594
Amortization of prior service cost	-34	-34	-101	-104
Amortization of net loss	1,292	486	3,840	1,478
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments	-680		-1,305
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	5,540	4,884	17,226	14,720
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Service cost	61	18	184	55
Interest cost	122	117	364	352
Amortization of net loss	88	58	264	173
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$271	$193	$812	$580

BENEFIT_PLANS_Information_Rela

BENEFIT PLANS Information Related to the Contributions to the Company's Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Schedule of Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Actual contributions through June 30, 2012		$9,744
Projected for the remainder of the year	3,167
Total for year		12,911
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Schedule of Employee Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Actual contributions through June 30, 2012		203
Projected for the remainder of the year	462
Total for year		$665

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_COSTS_1

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	$2.40	$10	$5.20	$13.40

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_COSTS_2

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS Restructuring Accruals (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$7,198
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	14,475
Amounts applied	-11,370
Ending Balance	8,272
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-2,031
Contract Termination
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	2,026
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,474
Amounts applied	-2,504
Ending Balance	948
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-48
Contract Termination | Restructuring Fiscal 2011 And Prior Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	792
Amounts applied	-102
Ending Balance	690
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	0
Contract Termination | Restructuring Fiscal 2012 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	23
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	682
Amounts applied	657
Ending Balance	0
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-48
Contract Termination | Restructuring Fiscal 2013 Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	2,003
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Amounts applied	-1,745
Ending Balance	258
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	0
Other Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	1,560
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	94
Amounts applied	-935
Ending Balance	719
Other Restructuring | Restructuring Fiscal 2012 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	570
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	94
Amounts applied	664
Ending Balance	0
Other Restructuring | Restructuring Fiscal 2013 Plans [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	990
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Amounts applied	-271
Ending Balance	$719

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_COSTS_3

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS Provisions and Adjustments and Amounts Applied for All Plans by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$7,198
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	14,475
Amounts applied	-11,370
Ending Balance	8,272
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-2,031
Dental Consumable and Laboratrory Businesses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	1,140
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	9,132
Amounts applied	-3,780
Ending Balance	4,671
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-1,821
Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	164
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	361
Amounts applied	-415
Ending Balance	106
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	4
Select Distribution Businesses [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	331
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	222
Amounts applied	-264
Ending Balance	289
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	0
Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	5,563
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4,760
Amounts applied	-6,911
Ending Balance	3,206
Implants Endodontics Healthcare Pacific Rim Segments [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	206
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	3,612
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	12,907
Amounts applied	-7,931
Ending Balance	6,605
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-1,983
Restructuring Fiscal 2012 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	856
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	11,412
Amounts applied	-6,202
Ending Balance	4,107
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	-1,959
Restructuring Fiscal 2013 Plans [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	2,756
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Amounts applied	-856
Ending Balance	1,900
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	0
Restructuring Fiscal 2011 And Prior Plans [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,495
Amounts applied	-873
Ending Balance	598
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	$24

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI2

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Additional Information (Detail)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 04, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 16, 2013

Jun. 27, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

USD ($)

Fair Value Hedging

Fair Value Hedging

International Subsidiaries

International Subsidiaries

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Private Placement Notes

Private Placement Notes

Unsecured Senior Notes

Currency Swap [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

group

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Currency, Japanese Yen

Currency, Swiss Franc

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

USD ($)

USD ($)

Fair Value Hedging

Fair Value Hedging

Tranche C

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Platinum Bullion

Silver Bullion

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

AUD

CAD

CHF

DKK

EUR (€)

GBP (£)

JPY (¥)

KRW

MXN

NOK

PLN

SEK

SGD

TWD

CHF

JPY (¥)

Currency, Japanese Yen

Currency, Swiss Franc

USD ($)

USD ($)

Swap

Swap

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Platinum Bullion

Platinum Bullion

Silver Bullion

Silver Bullion

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Swap

Swap

Swap

Swap

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivative [Line Items]

Terminated Notional Amount of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

€ 347,800,000

Derivative, Term of Contract [Line Items]

3 years

5 years

Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge

18 months

Interest Rate Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net

2,800,000

Maximum term over which the Company is hedging exposures to variablilty of cash flows related to all forecasted transactions

5,700,000

Derivative, Notional Amount

150,000,000

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

65,000,000

12,600,000,000

141,282,000

719,316,000

48,000,000

36,000,000

722,342,000

88,938,000

1,129,000

2,353,000

514,000

1,074,000

615,000

1,279,000

Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net

-60,488,000

-493,000

-97,000

-396,000

Average fixed interest rate

0.20%

0.70%

Fixed interest rate

4.10%

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

250,000,000

450,000,000

Number of groups of significant interest rate swaps (in groups)

2

Average fixed interest rate, term (in years)

3 years

5 years

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax

-60,500,000

90,700,000

Accumulated translation gains on investments

($35,100,000)

$71,400,000

Debt, maturity term (in years)

5 years

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI3

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value of the Company's Cash Flow Hedges (Detail)

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

USD ($)

Interest Rate Contract

Interest Rate Contract

Interest Rate Contract

Interest Rate Contract

Interest Rate Contract

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Current year

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]

Maturing in Year Four [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]

USD ($)

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Four [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Us Dollar Denominated [Member]

USD ($)

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

USD ($)

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Four [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing in Year Five and Thereafter [Member]

USD ($)

Silver Bullion

Platinum Bullion

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Derivatives Sold

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Foreign Exchange Forward

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Japan, Yen

Switzerland, Francs

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Four [Member]

Maturing in Year Four [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing in Year Five and Thereafter [Member]

Maturing in Year Five and Thereafter [Member]

Maturing in Year Five and Thereafter [Member]

United States of America, Dollars

United States of America, Dollars

United States of America, Dollars

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

USD ($)

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Switzerland, Francs

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Commodity Contract [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Switzerland, Francs

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

Currency Swap [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Australia, Dollars

Canada, Dollars

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Japan, Yen

Mexico, Pesos

Currency, Polish Zlotys

Singapore, Dollars

Korea (South), Won

Switzerland, Francs

Taiwan, New Dollars

United Kingdom, Pounds

Denmark, Kroner

Norway, Krone

Sweden, Kronor

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Swap

Swap

USD ($)

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

Australia, Dollars

USD ($)

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

USD ($)

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivatives Sold

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

Derivative Purchased

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Japan, Yen

Switzerland, Francs

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Japan, Yen

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Japan, Yen

Switzerland, Francs

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Japan, Yen

Switzerland, Francs

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Japan, Yen

Switzerland, Francs

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Four [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

CHF

JPY (¥)

AUD

CAD

CHF

DKK

EUR (€)

GBP (£)

JPY (¥)

KRW

MXN

NOK

PLN

SEK

SGD

TWD

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Switzerland, Francs

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in Year Four [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

Maturing in Year Five and Thereafter [Member]

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Switzerland, Francs

Maturing in Year Three [Member]

Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member]

Maturing In Year Two [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Currency, Australian Dollar

Currency, Canadian Dollar

Currency, Euro

Currency, Japanese Yen

Currency, Mexican Pesos

Currency, Polish Zlotys

Currency, Singapore Dollar

Currency, South Korean Won

Currency, Swiss Franc

Currency, Taiwanese Dollars

Currency, British Pound Sterling

Currency, Danish Krone

Currency, Norwegian Kroner

Currency, Swedish Kronor

Forward Contracts [Member]

Canada, Dollars

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Japan, Yen

Mexico, Pesos

Currency, Polish Zlotys

Singapore, Dollars

Korea (South), Won

Switzerland, Francs

Taiwan, New Dollars

United Kingdom, Pounds

Denmark, Kroner

Norway, Krone

Sweden, Kronor

Australia, Dollars

Canada, Dollars

Euro Member Countries, Euro

Japan, Yen

Mexico, Pesos

Currency, Polish Zlotys

Singapore, Dollars

Korea (South), Won

Switzerland, Francs

Taiwan, New Dollars

United Kingdom, Pounds

Denmark, Kroner

Norway, Krone

Sweden, Kronor

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Silver Bullion

Platinum Bullion

USD ($)

Silver Bullion

Platinum Bullion

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Euribor Future [Member]

Three Month LIBOR Member

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Swap

Swap

Swap

Swap

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]

Derivative, Notional Amount

$60,000,000

$45,000,000

$45,000,000

$977,000

$72,880,000

$319,000

$128,770,000

$1,221,000

$17,591,000

$778,000

$3,923,000

$23,137,000

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$3,444,000

$0

$0

$0

$0

($13,691,000)

$10,854,000

($126,228,000)

$14,891,000

$40,879,000

$10,238,000

$13,513,000

$5,635,000

$2,385,000

$7,144,000

($91,982,000)

$337,000

($18,485,000)

($4,204,000)

($1,718,000)

($115,715,000)

$109,231,000

$5,356,000

$26,127,000

$149,922,000

($6,417,000)

$0

$0

$0

$0

$24,108,000

$0

$0

$0

$0

($89,865,000)

$977,000

$0

$0

$977,000

$0

$319,000

$0

$0

$977,000

$127,793,000

$0

$1,221,000

$0

$0

$60,000,000

$45,000,000

$45,000,000

65,000,000

¥ 12,600,000,000

0

0

0

0

€ 0

£ 0

¥ 0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

$71,903,000

$1,129,000

$615,000

$514,000

$2,353,000

$1,279,000

$1,074,000

$62,611,000

$110,619,000

$722,342,000

$88,938,000

$216,261,000

$45,780,000

$141,282,000

$719,316,000

Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value

217,000

Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value

-373,000

-865,000

Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net

-60,488,000

2,825,000

2,825,000

-2,967,000

477,000

327,000

-2,513,000

-1,070,000

194,000

-39,000

21,000

66,000

-137,000

5,000

315,000

-4,000

-55,000

-554,000

-1,021,000

-493,000

-396,000

-97,000

Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value

$618,000,000

$432,500,000

€ 449,800,000

€ 36,000,000

$191,400,000

Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate

1.27

0.95

0.93

0

0

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI4

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Fair Value of Cross Currency Basis Swaps that are Designated as Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	($60,488,000)
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	-60,500,000		90,700,000
Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	-50,240,000
Euro 449.8 Million 1.45 Pay USD 3 Month LIBOR Rec 3 Month EURIBOR [Domain] | Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	-43,752,000
Euro 36.0 Million 1.32 Pay 3 Month EURIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR [Domain] | Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	-1,129,000
Swiss Franc 216.4 Million 1.10 Pay CHF 3 Month LIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR [Domain] | Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	-5,359,000
Swiss franc 432.5 million 1.06 Pay CHF 3 month LIBOR rec USD 3 month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	-12,891,000
Euros 618.0 million 1.27 Pay 3 month EURIBOR rec. USD 3 month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	-47,597,000
International Subsidiaries Member
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	35,100,000		-71,400,000
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	-35,148,000	-143,407,000	-71,358,000	-81,120,000	-173,764,000	-143,730,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing In Year Two [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	719,316,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing In Year Two [Member] | Euro 449.8 Million 1.45 Pay USD 3 Month LIBOR Rec 3 Month EURIBOR [Domain] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	608,697,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing In Year Two [Member] | Euro 36.0 Million 1.32 Pay 3 Month EURIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR [Domain] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing In Year Two [Member] | Swiss Franc 216.4 Million 1.10 Pay CHF 3 Month LIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR [Domain] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	110,619,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Three [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	45,780,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Three [Member] | Euro 449.8 Million 1.45 Pay USD 3 Month LIBOR Rec 3 Month EURIBOR [Domain] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Three [Member] | Euro 36.0 Million 1.32 Pay 3 Month EURIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR [Domain] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Three [Member] | Swiss Franc 216.4 Million 1.10 Pay CHF 3 Month LIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR [Domain] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	45,780,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	141,282,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member] | Euro 449.8 Million 1.45 Pay USD 3 Month LIBOR Rec 3 Month EURIBOR [Domain] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member] | Euro 36.0 Million 1.32 Pay 3 Month EURIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR [Domain] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	113,627,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member] | Swiss Franc 216.4 Million 1.10 Pay CHF 3 Month LIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR [Domain] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	27,655,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing In Year Two [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	88,938,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing In Year Two [Member] | Swiss Franc 432.5 Million 0.95 Pay CHF 3 Month LIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR (Member) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	88,938,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing In Year Two [Member] | Euros 618.0 million 1.27 Pay 3 month EURIBOR rec. USD 3 month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Five and Thereafter [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	216,261,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Five and Thereafter [Member] | Swiss Franc 432.5 Million 0.95 Pay CHF 3 Month LIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR (Member) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	216,261,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Five and Thereafter [Member] | Euros 618.0 million 1.27 Pay 3 month EURIBOR rec. USD 3 month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Four [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	110,619,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Four [Member] | Swiss Franc 432.5 Million 0.95 Pay CHF 3 Month LIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR (Member) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	110,619,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Four [Member] | Euros 618.0 million 1.27 Pay 3 month EURIBOR rec. USD 3 month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Three [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	62,611,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Three [Member] | Swiss Franc 432.5 Million 0.95 Pay CHF 3 Month LIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR (Member) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	62,611,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in Year Three [Member] | Euros 618.0 million 1.27 Pay 3 month EURIBOR rec. USD 3 month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member] | Currency Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	722,342,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member] | Swiss Franc 432.5 Million 0.95 Pay CHF 3 Month LIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR (Member) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Maturing in the Next Twelve Months [Member] | Euros 618.0 million 1.27 Pay 3 month EURIBOR rec. USD 3 month LIBOR [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$722,342,000

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI5

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Fair value and Location on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	$3,459	$12,736
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	4,587	7,189
Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	683	2,600
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0	0
Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	52,041	100,144
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	6,894	41,493
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	14,599	3,380
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	47,716	56,427
Foreign Exchange Forward | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	479	2,353
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	2,790	6,652
Foreign Exchange Forward | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	132	65
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward | Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	3,502	2,243
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	2,063	1,353
Foreign Exchange Forward | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	803	844
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	0	0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	0	0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	0	0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	472	95
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	21	0
Interest Rate Swap | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	2,491	2,192
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0	0
Interest Rate Swap | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	551	2,535
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0	0
Interest Rate Swap | Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	463	525
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	88	114
Interest Rate Swap | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	402	948
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	285	416
Cross Currency Basis Swaps | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	489	8,191
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	1,797	537
Cross Currency Basis Swaps | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	0	0
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0	0
Cross Currency Basis Swaps | Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	47,604	97,281
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	4,743	40,026
Cross Currency Basis Swaps | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	13,373	1,588
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	47,294	55,858
Dio Equity Option Contracts | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0	0
Dio Equity Option Contracts | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0	0
Dio Equity Option Contracts | Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	0	0
Dio Equity Option Contracts | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	$137	$153

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI6

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Impact of the Company's Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	($49,614)	($18,055)	($23,464)	$5,360
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-681	1,381	-1,221	3,078
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	-2,718	1,680	-4,596	4,191
Ineffective portion Recognized in Income	121	100	269	572
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Contract | Interest Rate Contract
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net		-899	-2,755	-2,701
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	-414	-448	180	-1,848
Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Forward | Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Ineffective portion Recognized in Income	134	114	323	592
Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Forward | Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net		1,976	1,589	4,968
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	-2,488	1,603	-3,790	4,955
Cash Flow Hedging | Foreign Exchange Forward | Selling, General And Administrative Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net		264	-67	721
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	-273	-47	-184	255
Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity Contract [Member] | Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Ineffective portion Recognized in Income	-13	-14	-54	-20
Cash Flow Hedging | Commodity Contract [Member] | Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net		40	12	90
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	$457	$572	($802)	$829

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI7

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Impact of the Companys Fair Value Hedges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	$2,086	$985	$4,485	$1,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Expense
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	251	789	163	2,274
Interest Rate Contract | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Expense
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	$251	$789	$163	$2,274

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI8

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Impact of the Company's Hedges of Net Investments (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

International Subsidiaries Member

International Subsidiaries Member

Interest Income

Interest Income

Interest Income

Interest Income

Interest Expense

Interest Expense

Interest Expense

Interest Expense

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

$35,100,000

($71,400,000)

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net

2,086,000

985,000

4,485,000

1,000,000

1,331,000

1,167,000

3,988,000

2,800,000

755,000

-182,000

497,000

-1,800,000

Gain (Loss) in AOCI

($49,614,000)

($18,055,000)

($23,464,000)

$5,360,000

($49,614,000)

($18,055,000)

($23,464,000)

$5,360,000

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI9

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Impact of the Company's Hedges Not Designated as Hedging (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	$13,736		$3,599	$15,477		($8,475)
Foreign Exchange Forward | Other Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	3,110		-5,033	6,193		-4,727
DIO Corporation | Other Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	8		406	20		229
Interest Rate Contract | Other Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	10,625	[1]	8,275	9,250	[1]	-3,841
Interest Rate Contract | Interest Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	($7)		($49)	$14		($136)
[1]	(a) The gains and losses on these derivative transactions offset the gains and losses generated by the revaluation of the underlying non-functional currency balances which are recorded in bOther expense (income), netb on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Recovered_Sheet1

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Amounts recorded in AOCI related to cash flow hedging instruments (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Interest Income

Interest Income

Interest Income

Interest Income

Interest Expense

Interest Expense

Interest Expense

Interest Expense

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Net Investment Hedging [Member]

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

Gain (Loss) in AOCI

($49,614)

($18,055)

($23,464)

$5,360

($49,614)

($18,055)

($23,464)

$5,360

Beginning balance

-143,407

-173,764

-71,358

-143,730

-60,500

90,700

-12,157

-17,481

-12,737

-18,781

Foreign currency translation adjustment

58,068

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax

140,374

104,168

52,118

58,893

141,410

106,541

40,787

58,000

Changes in fair value of derivatives

-2,059

1,099

-3,562

3,411

Change In Fair Value Of Foreign Currency Debt

1,251

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax

-2,687

-2,811

9,831

1,300

Reclassifications to earnings from equity

526

-1,228

729

-2,960

Changes in fair value of derivative hedge instruments

-30,464

-11,086

-14,408

3,291

Total activity

108,259

92,644

36,210

62,610

-1,533

-129

-2,833

451

Ending balance

-35,148

-81,120

-35,148

-81,120

-60,500

90,700

-12,286

-20,314

-12,286

-18,781

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net

$2,086

$985

$4,485

$1,000

$1,331

$1,167

$3,988

$2,800

$755

($182)

$497

($1,800)

Recovered_Sheet2

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Offsetting Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	$8,729	$22,525
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Oblitagion to Return Securities	-7,336	-17,098
Derivative assets, net amount	1,393	5,427
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	8,729	22,525
Derivative liabilities, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	121,250	201,444
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	7,336	17,098
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	121,250	201,444
Derivative liabilities, net amount	113,914	184,346
Derivative assets, gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets, cash collateral received/pledged	0	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	1,865	4,510
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Oblitagion to Return Securities	-472	-1,837
Derivative assets, net amount	1,393	2,673
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	1,865	4,510
Derivative liabilities, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	7,677	1,178
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	472	1,837
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	7,677	1,178
Derivative liabilities, net amount	7,205	-659
Derivative assets, gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets, cash collateral received/pledged	0	0
Counterparty A [Domain] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	0	0
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Oblitagion to Return Securities	0	0
Derivative assets, net amount	0	0
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	0	0
Derivative liabilities, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	18,119	40,176
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	0	0
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	18,119	40,176
Derivative liabilities, net amount	18,119	40,176
Derivative assets, gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets, cash collateral received/pledged	0	0
Counterparty B [Domain] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	1,073	2,110
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Oblitagion to Return Securities	-1,073	-1,142
Derivative assets, net amount	0	968
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	1,073	2,110
Derivative liabilities, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	5,858	1,142
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	1,073	1,142
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	5,858	1,142
Derivative liabilities, net amount	4,785	0
Derivative assets, gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets, cash collateral received/pledged	0	0
Counterparty C [Domain] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	3,483	9,682
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Oblitagion to Return Securities	-3,483	-9,682
Derivative assets, net amount	0	0
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	3,483	9,682
Derivative liabilities, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	15,077	38,019
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	3,483	9,682
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	15,077	38,019
Derivative liabilities, net amount	11,594	28,337
Derivative assets, gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets, cash collateral received/pledged	0	0
Counterparty D [Domain] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	1,083	1,618
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Oblitagion to Return Securities	-1,083	-1,618
Derivative assets, net amount	0	0
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	1,083	1,618
Derivative liabilities, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	12,642	10,432
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	1,083	1,618
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	12,642	10,432
Derivative liabilities, net amount	11,559	8,814
Derivative assets, gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets, cash collateral received/pledged	0	0
Counterparty E [Domain] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	0	1,579
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Oblitagion to Return Securities	0	-1,579
Derivative assets, net amount	0	0
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	0	1,579
Derivative liabilities, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	14,052	17,802
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	0	1,579
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	14,052	17,802
Derivative liabilities, net amount	14,052	16,223
Derivative assets, gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets, cash collateral received/pledged	0	0
Counterparty F [Domain] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	155	183
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Oblitagion to Return Securities	-155	-183
Derivative assets, net amount	0	0
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	155	183
Derivative liabilities, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	35,989	84,260
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	155	183
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	35,989	84,260
Derivative liabilities, net amount	35,834	84,077
Derivative assets, gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets, cash collateral received/pledged	0	0
Counterparty H [Domain] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	0	0
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Oblitagion to Return Securities	0	0
Derivative assets, net amount	0	0
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	0	0
Derivative liabilities, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	9,044	7,378
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	0	0
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	9,044	7,378
Derivative liabilities, net amount	9,044	7,378
Derivative assets, gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets, cash collateral received/pledged		0
Counterparty G [Domain] [Domain] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Derivative assets, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	1,070	2,843
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Oblitagion to Return Securities	-1,070	-1,057
Derivative assets, net amount	0	1,786
Derivative assets, gross amounts recognized	1,070	2,843
Derivative liabilities, net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets	2,792	1,057
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	1,070	1,057
Derivative liabilities, gross amounts recognized	2,792	1,057
Derivative liabilities, net amount	1,722	0
Derivative assets, gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets, cash collateral received/pledged	$0	$0

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Financi

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT Financial Assets and Liabilities that are Recorded at Fair Value and Classified Based on the Lowest Level of Input (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Paid For Contingent Consideration	$0	$2,519
Assets	69,478		97,668
Liabilities	274,093		356,004
Interest Rate Swap
Assets	3,042		4,727
Liabilities	1,238		2,003
Commodity Contract [Member]
Liabilities	493		95
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps
Assets	2,286		8,728
Liabilities	113,014		194,753
Foreign Exchange Forward
Assets	3,401		9,070
Liabilities	6,368		4,440
Long-term Debt
Liabilities	152,843		154,560
Corporate Bond Securities
Assets	60,749		75,143
Dio Equity Option Contracts
Liabilities	137		153
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Assets	0		0
Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Assets	8,729		22,525
Liabilities	273,956		355,851
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap
Assets	3,042		4,727
Liabilities	1,238		2,003
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Commodity Contract [Member]
Liabilities	493		95
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps
Assets	2,286		8,728
Liabilities	113,014		194,753
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign Exchange Forward
Assets	3,401		9,070
Liabilities	6,368		4,440
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Long-term Debt
Liabilities	152,843		154,560
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Assets	60,749		75,143
Liabilities	137		153
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Corporate Bond Securities
Assets	60,749		75,143
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Dio Equity Option Contracts
Liabilities	$137		$153

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Reconci

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT Reconciliation Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Unobservable Inputs (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Cash Paid For Contingent Consideration	$0	$2,519
Corporate Bond Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	75,143
Unrealized Loss Reported in AOCI	-15,876
Effect of exchange rate changes	1,482
Ending Balance	60,749
Dio Equity Option Contracts
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	-153
Unrealized Gain Reported in other expense (income), net	20
Effect of exchange rate changes	-4
Ending Balance	($137)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Additio

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Corporate Bond Securities

Fixed rate senior notes $450 million due August 2021

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure

Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure

Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure

Tranche C

Tranche B

Tranche A

Private Placement Notes

Fixed Rate Senior Notes

Unsecured Senior Notes

Unsecured Senior Notes

Unsecured Senior Notes

U.S. Dollar Denominated Expiring March 2016

U.S. Dollar Denominated Due August 2016

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate

40.00%

Long-term debt

$1,404,900,000

$1,515,200,000

$1,379,000,000

$1,472,900,000

Senior Notes

450,000,000

300,000,000

250,000,000

Debt, fixed rate

4.10%

4.10%

2.80%

Discount rate

15.00%

Cash Paid For Contingent Consideration

$0

$2,519,000

INCOME_TAXES_Additional_Inform

INCOME TAXES Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	$9.40
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	9.3
Future Period Member
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits, expiration of statues of limitation	$1.60

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS_LongTer

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS Long-Term Borrowings (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 26, 2013
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	$250,000,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Loans Payable [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term	7 years
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	26-Aug-20
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	0.01125
Total debt, carrying value		175,000,000
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment	$8,800,000

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Reconciliation of Changes in Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of reporting units		13
Discount Rate Used In Goodwill Impairment Testing Upper Limit		11.50%
Discount Rate Used In Goodwill Impairment Testing Lower Limit		8.40%
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	$2,210,953
Goodwill, Other Changes	0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	7,183
Balance, end of the year	2,218,136
Dental Consumable and Laboratrory Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	488,206
Goodwill, Other Changes	-118,874
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	913
Balance, end of the year	370,245
Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	102,065
Goodwill, Other Changes	-4,365
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-1,725
Balance, end of the year	95,975
Select Distribution Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	92,473
Goodwill, Other Changes	-12,192
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	1,604
Balance, end of the year	81,885
Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	1,528,209
Goodwill, Other Changes	135,431
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	6,391
Balance, end of the year	$1,670,031

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Identifiable Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$787,731	$785,139
Accumulated Amortization	-219,096	-184,117
Net Carrying Amount	568,635	601,022
Identifiable Intangible Assets Gross	1,019,566	1,014,759
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	800,470	830,642
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	231,835	229,620
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	492,621	491,859
Accumulated Amortization	-74,072	-50,632
Net Carrying Amount	418,549	441,227
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	31,740	30,695
Accumulated Amortization	-20,397	-18,966
Net Carrying Amount	11,343	11,729
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	83,082	83,073
Accumulated Amortization	-35,445	-33,129
Net Carrying Amount	47,637	49,944
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	180,288	179,512
Accumulated Amortization	-89,182	-81,390
Net Carrying Amount	$91,106	$98,122

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2004	Dec. 31, 2006
	San Francisco County, California	Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Lawsuit filing date	18-Jun-04	12-Dec-06
Name of plaintiff(s)	Marvin Weinstat, DDS and Richard Nathan, DDS	Carole Hildebrand, DDS and Robert Jaffin, DDS and Dr. Mitchell Goldman
Class action law suit filed	On JuneB 18, 2004, Marvin Weinstat, DDS and Richard Nathan, DDS filed a class action suit in San Francisco County, California alleging that the Company misrepresented that its CavitronB. ultrasonic scalers are suitable for use in oral surgical procedures.B	On DecemberB 12, 2006, a Complaint was filed by Carole Hildebrand, DDS and Robert Jaffin, DDS in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (the Plaintiffs subsequently added Dr. Mitchell Goldman as a named class representative).B B The case was filed by the same law firm that filed the Weinstat case in California.B B The Complaint asserts putative class action claims on behalf of dentists located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.B