DENTSPLY SIRONA (XRAY) 10-Q 6 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 28, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	818479
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Trading Symbol	XRAY
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		139,815,027

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$656,320	$730,114
Cost of products sold	282,952	335,909
Gross profit	373,368	394,205
Selling, general and administrative expenses	270,233	287,842
Restructuring and other costs	5,426	793
Operating income	97,709	105,570
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense	10,668	10,955
Interest income	-742	-1,435
Other expense (income), net	609	388
Income before income taxes	87,174	95,662
Provision for income taxes	18,853	22,452
Equity in net loss of unconsolidated affiliated company	-4,367	-290
Net income	63,954	72,920
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-7	42
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$63,961	$72,878
Earnings per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.46	$0.51
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.50
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	140,296	142,053
Diluted (in shares)	142,804	144,453

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$63,954	$72,920
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-188,904	-1,035
Net gain on derivative financial instruments	24,752	1,757
Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	30,851	-2,041
Pension liability adjustments	1,417	318
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-131,884	-1,001
Total comprehensive (loss) income	-67,930	71,919
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	540	114
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	($68,470)	$71,805

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$100,619	$151,639
Accounts and notes receivables-trade, net	409,865	426,606
Inventories, net	380,098	387,095
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	309,500	241,630
Total Current Assets	1,200,082	1,206,970
Property, plant and equipment, net	556,766	588,845
Identifiable intangible assets, net	613,457	670,840
Goodwill, net	1,953,271	2,089,339
Other noncurrent assets, net	61,254	94,271
Total Assets	4,384,830	4,650,265
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	134,090	132,611
Accrued liabilities	240,040	379,202
Income taxes payable	40,072	28,948
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	247,631	112,831
Total Current Liabilities	661,833	653,592
Long-term debt	1,078,823	1,152,882
Deferred income taxes	150,470	165,551
Other noncurrent liabilities	319,452	356,042
Total Liabilities	2,210,578	2,328,067
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	1,628	1,628
Capital in excess of par value	211,114	221,669
Retained earnings	3,434,484	3,380,748
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-573,567	-441,136
Treasury stock, at cost, 22.9 million and 21.9 million shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	-900,866	-841,630
Total DENTSPLY International Equity	2,172,793	2,321,279
Noncontrolling interests	1,459	919
Total Equity	2,174,252	2,322,198
Total Liabilities and Equity	$4,384,830	$4,650,265

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	250,000	250,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$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	22,900,000	21,900,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$63,954	$72,920
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	19,311	21,370
Amortization	10,906	12,569
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,089	1,142
Deferred income taxes	20,172	-11,505
Share-based compensation expense	4,895	5,786
Restructuring and other costs - non-cash	4,832	0
Stock option income tax benefit	-381	-69
Equity in net loss from unconsolidated affiliates	4,367	290
Other non-cash income	-8,005	-3,405
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts and notes receivable-trade, net	-10,246	-22,920
Inventories, net	-7,431	-15,180
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	-5,635	-5,751
Other noncurrent assets, net	-2,511	1,465
Accounts payable	5,247	8,047
Accrued liabilities	-36,258	-21,901
Income taxes	-4,488	23,423
Other noncurrent liabilities	5,813	-1,716
Net cash provided by operating activities	65,631	64,565
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-16,243	-25,322
Cash received on derivatives contracts	8,593	864
Cash paid on derivatives contracts	810	2,103
Expenditures for identifiable intangible assets	-178	-1,305
Purchase of short-term investments	0	-1,144
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, net	91	168
Net cash used in investing activities	-8,547	-28,842
Cash flows from financing activities:
Increase in short-term borrowings	160,117	64,886
Cash paid for treasury stock	-85,009	-40,395
Cash dividends paid	-9,416	-8,979
Cash paid for acquisition of noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiary	-80,452	-33
Repayments on long-term borrowings	-100,143	-75,174
Proceeds from exercised stock options	14,065	4,149
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	381	69
Net cash used in financing activities	-100,457	-55,477
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-7,647	623
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-51,020	-19,131
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	151,639	74,954
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$100,619	$55,823

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 Loss	Treasury Stock	Total DENTSPLY International Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$2,577,974	$1,628	$255,272	$3,095,721	($69,062)	($748,506)	$2,535,053	$42,921
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	72,920			72,878			72,878	42
Other comprehensive loss	-1,001				-1,073		-1,073	72
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	-87,283		-40,283		-5,530		-45,813	-41,470
Exercise of stock options	4,149		-533			4,682	4,149
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	69		69				69
Share based compensation expense	5,786		5,786				5,786
Funding of Employee Stock Ownership Plan	5,953		1,535			4,418	5,953
Treasury shares purchased	-40,395					-40,395	-40,395
RSU distributions	-4,180		-10,461			6,281	-4,180
RSU dividends			82	-82
Cash dividends ($0.07250 per share)	-9,394			-9,394			-9,394
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	2,524,598	1,628	211,467	3,159,123	-75,665	-773,520	2,523,033	1,565
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	2,322,198	1,628	221,669	3,380,748	-441,136	-841,630	2,321,279	919
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	63,954			63,961			63,961	-7
Other comprehensive loss	-131,884				-132,431		-132,431	547
Exercise of stock options	14,065		-3,724			17,789	14,065
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	381		381				381
Share based compensation expense	4,895		4,895				4,895
Funding of Employee Stock Ownership Plan	4,727		1,077			3,650	4,727
Treasury shares purchased	-88,651					-88,651	-88,651
RSU distributions	-5,293		-13,269			7,976	-5,293
RSU dividends			85	-85
Cash dividends ($0.07250 per share)	-10,140			-10,140			-10,140
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$2,174,252	$1,628	$211,114	$3,434,484	($573,567)	($900,866)	$2,172,793	$1,459

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends, per share	$0.07	$0.07

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	The accounting policies of the Company, as applied in the interim consolidated financial statements presented herein are substantially the same as presented in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, except as may be indicated below:
	Accounts and Notes Receivable
	The Company records a provision for doubtful accounts, which is included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Accounts and notes receivables – trade, net are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts and trade discounts, which were $8.0 million at March 31, 2015 and $8.8 million at December 31, 2014.
	Marketable Securities
	The Company’s marketable securities consist of corporate convertible bonds that are classified as available-for-sale in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” 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 element of the bonds has not been bifurcated from the underlying bonds as the element 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.  The fair value of the bonds was $93.4 million and $57.7 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, a cumulative unrealized holding gain of $39.3 million and $8.5 million, respectively, on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, has been recorded in AOCI.  As this investment is held by a euro-denominated subsidiary of the Company, the investment’s value is also impacted by changing foreign currency rates which accounts for the remaining difference between the period end values and the change in cumulative gain.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This newly issued accounting standard changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. This standard will have the impact of reducing the frequency of disposals reported as discontinued operations, by requiring such a disposal to represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on entity’s operations and financial results. Additionally, existing provisions that prohibit an entity from reporting a discontinued operation if it has certain continuing cash flows or involvement with the component after a disposal are eliminated by this standard. The ASU also expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually significant disposals that do not qualify as discontinued operations. This Company adopted this accounting standard for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” that seeks to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers that improve comparability within industries, across industries and across capital markets. Under this standard, an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. Enhanced disclosure requirements regarding the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and related cash flows exist. To assist entities in applying the standard, a five step model for recognizing and measuring revenue from contracts with customers has been introduced. Entities have the option to apply the new guidance retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective approach) or retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for initial application of the guidance at the date of initial adoption (modified retrospective method). The Company expects to adopt this accounting standard for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. On April 1, 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The proposal has not been ratified. The Company is currently assessing the impact that ASU No. 2014-09 may have on their financial positions, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures, as well as, the transition method they will use to adopt the guidance
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, “Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items” This newly issued accounting standard eliminates from generally accepted accounting principles the concept of Extraordinary items, events or transactions that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Prospective application and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ” This newly issued accounting standard requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carry amount of that debt liability. Retrospective application is required. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

STOCK_COMPENSATION

STOCK COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015		2014
	Stock option expense	$	1,445	$	1,674
	RSU expense	3,136		3,719
	Total stock based compensation expense	$	4,581	$	5,393
	Total related tax benefit	$	1,547	$	1,564
	For the three months end March 31, 2015 and 2014, stock compensation expense of $4.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively, of which, $4.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively, was recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense and $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, was recorded in Cost of products sold on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	At March 31, 2015, the remaining unamortized compensation cost related to non-qualified stock options is $14.6 million, which will be expensed over the weighted average remaining vesting period of the options, or approximately 2.0 years. At March 31, 2015, the unamortized compensation cost related to RSU is $29.7 million, which will be expensed over the weighted average remaining restricted period of the RSU, or approximately 1.7 years.

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, foreign currency translation adjustments included currency translation losses of $188.6 million and losses on the Company’s loans designated as hedges of net investments of $0.9 million.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, foreign currency translation adjustments included currency translation gains of $0.8 million and losses of $1.9 million on the Company’s loans designated as hedges of net investments.
	The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments included translation losses of $305.6 million and $117.1 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and losses on loans designated as hedges of net investments of $96.3 million and $95.4 million, respectively.  These foreign currency translation adjustments were partially offset by movements on derivative financial instruments, which are discussed in Note 10, Financial Instruments and Derivatives.
	Changes in AOCI, net of tax, by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges				Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Net Investment Hedges			Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Pension Liability Adjustments			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(212,490	)		$	(10,825	)		$	(112,728	)	$	8,481		$	(113,574	)	$	(441,136	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(189,451		)		20,919				7,368			30,851			—			(130,313		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				(3,535		)		—			—			1,417			(2,118		)
	Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	(189,451		)		17,384				7,368			30,851			1,417			(132,431		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(401,941	)		$	6,559			$	(105,360	)	$	39,332		$	(112,157	)	$	(573,567	)
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges				Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Net Investment Hedges			Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)on Available-for-Sale Securities			Pension Liability Adjustments			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	140,992			$	(21,753	)		$	(151,114	)	$	12,729		$	(49,916	)	$	(69,062	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,107		)		642				(976		)	(2,041		)	(154		)	(3,636		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				2,091				—			—			472			2,563
	Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	(1,107		)		2,733				(976		)	(2,041		)	318			(1,073		)
	Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(5,530		)		—				—			—			—			(5,530		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	134,355			$	(19,020	)		$	(152,090	)	$	10,688		$	(49,598	)	$	(75,665	)
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (expense) to the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	(in thousands)
	Details about AOCI Components		Amounts Reclassified from AOCI								Affected Line Item in the
			Three Months Ended March 31,								Statements of Operations
			2015				2014
	Gains and (losses) on derivative financial instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(966	)		$	(926	)		Interest expense
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		3,886				(1,646		)		Cost of products sold
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		162				(99		)		SG&A expenses
	Commodity contracts		(129		)		(246		)		Cost of products sold
			2,953				(2,917		)		Net loss before tax
			582				826				Tax benefit
			$	3,535			$	(2,091	)		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		(2,026		)		(719		)		(a)
			(1,992		)		(685		)		Net loss before tax
			575				213				Tax benefit
			$	(1,417	)		$	(472	)		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	2,118			$	(2,563	)
	(a) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (see Note 8, Benefit Plans, for additional details).

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share Computation	Three Months Ended
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2015		2014
	Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$	63,961	$	72,878
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	140,296		142,053
	Earnings per common share - basic	$	0.46	$	0.51
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Computation
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$	63,961	$	72,878
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	140,296		142,053
	Incremental weighted average shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options from stock-based compensation awards	2,508		2,400
	Total weighted average diluted shares outstanding	142,804		144,453
	Earnings per common share - diluted	$	0.45	$	0.5
	The calculation of weighted average diluted shares outstanding excludes options to purchase 1.1 million and 1.5 million shares of common stock that were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, because their effect would be antidilutive.

BUSINESS_ACQUISITIONS

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company recorded a liability for the contractual purchase of the remaining shares of one variable interest entity. The Company paid this obligation during the first quarter of 2015.

SEGMENT_AND_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMA

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [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 89% and 88% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	The operating businesses are combined into operating groups, which generally 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 evaluates performance of the segments based on the groups’ net third party sales, excluding precious metal content, and segment income. The Company defines net third party sales excluding precious metal content as the Company’s net sales excluding the precious metal cost within the products sold, and this is considered a non-US GAAP measure. The Company’s exclusion of precious metal content in the measurement of net third party sales enhances comparability of performance between periods as it excludes the fluctuating market prices of the precious metal content. The Company defines segment income as net operating income after the assignment of certain direct corporate costs and before restructuring and other costs, interest expense, interest income, other expense (income), net and provision for income taxes. A description of the products and services provided within each of the Company’s three reportable segments is provided below.
	Significant interdependencies exist among the Company’s operations in certain geographic areas. Inter-segment 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.
	During the first quarter of 2015, the Company realigned reporting responsibilities for multiple locations as a result of changes to the management structure. The segment information below reflects the revised structure for all periods shown.
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses
	This segment includes responsibility for the design and manufacture of the Company’s chairside consumable products. It also has responsibilities for sales and distribution of certain small equipment and chairside consumable products in the United States, Germany and certain other European regions as well as responsibility for the sales and distribution of certain endodontic products in Germany and certain other European regions. In addition, this segment is responsible for the design, manufacture, sales and distribution of most of the Company’s dental laboratory products. This segment is also responsible for the design, manufacture, worldwide distribution and sales of certain non-dental products, excluding urological and surgery-related products
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses
	This segment is responsible for the worldwide design, manufacture, sales and distribution of the Company’s healthcare products, primarily urological and surgery-related products, throughout most of the world. This segment also includes responsibility for the design, manufacture, sales and distribution of orthodontic and implant products, in most regions of the world. Additionally, segment is also responsible for the sales and distribution of most of the Company’s other dental products, including most dental consumables within Canada.
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses
	This segment has responsibilities for sales and distribution of chairside consumable, endodontic and dental laboratory products within certain European regions, Japan and Australia. This segment also includes the responsibility for the sales and distribution of most of the Company’s dental products, including most dental consumables, sold in Eastern Europe, Middle East, South America, Latin America including Mexico, Asia and Africa.
	The following tables set forth information about the Company’s segments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Third Party Net Sales
		Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	310,316		$	339,281
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	235,993			264,411
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	110,011			126,422
	Total net sales	$	656,320		$	730,114
	Third Party Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content
		Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	292,091		$	305,072
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	235,810			264,204
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	103,645			119,906
	Total net sales, excluding precious metal content	631,546			689,182
	Precious metal content of sales	24,774			40,932
	Total net sales, including precious metal content	$	656,320		$	730,114
	Inter-segment Net Sales
		Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	83,889		$	89,458
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	1,774			2,461
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	2,876			3,517
	All Other (a)	53,886			60,785
	Eliminations	(142,425		)	(156,221		)
	Total	$	—		$	—
	(a) Includes amounts recorded at one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.
	Segment Operating Income (Loss)
		Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	103,407		$	106,769
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	26,529			24,524
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	(3,886		)	(1,292		)
	Segment operating income	126,050			130,001
	Reconciling Items (income) expense:
	All Other (b)	22,915			23,638
	Restructuring and other costs	5,426			793
	Interest expense	10,668			10,955
	Interest income	(742		)	(1,435		)
	Other expense (income), net	609			388
	Income before income taxes	$	87,174		$	95,662
	(b) Includes the results of unassigned Corporate headquarter costs, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.
	Assets
	(in thousands)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	1,339,795		$	1,358,018
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	2,456,208			2,655,622
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	341,380			369,844
	All Other (c)	247,447			266,781
	Total	$	4,384,830		$	4,650,265
	(c) Includes the assets of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  The cost of inventories determined by the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $7.0 million and $6.3 million, respectively. 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 by $6.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively.
	Inventories, net of inventory valuation reserves, consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Finished goods	$	249,800	$	253,333
	Work-in-process	59,499		58,329
	Raw materials and supplies	70,799		75,433
	Inventories, net	$	380,098	$	387,095
	The inventory valuation reserves were $34.0 million and $34.1 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

BENEFIT_PLANS

BENEFIT PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Defined Benefit Plans	Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Service cost	$	4,348		$	3,552
	Interest cost	1,854			2,866
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,378		)	(1,387		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	(34		)	(34		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,984			707
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	6,774		$	5,704
	Other Postemployment Benefit Plans	Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Service cost	$	89		$	44
	Interest cost	144			140
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	42			12
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	275		$	196
	The following sets forth the information related to the contributions to the Company’s benefit plans for 2015:
	(in thousands)	Pension			Other
		Benefits			Postemployment Benefits
	Actual contributions through March 31, 2015	$	2,899		$	123
	Projected contributions for the remainder of the year	8,405			518
	Total projected contributions	$	11,304		$	641

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_COSTS

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS	RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS
	Restructuring Costs
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded net restructuring costs and other costs of $5.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively. 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 March 31, 2015, the Company’s restructuring accruals were as follows:
		Severance
	(in thousands)	2013 and			2014 Plans			2015 Plans			Total
		Prior Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	951		$	5,062		$	—		$	6,013
	Provisions	84			193			5,083			5,360
	Amounts applied	(583		)	(2,267		)	(390		)	(3,240		)
	Change in estimates	(76		)	(7		)	—			(83		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	376		$	2,981		$	4,693		$	8,050
		Lease/Contract Terminations
	(in thousands)	2013 and			2014 Plans			Total
		Prior Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	535		$	1,636		$	2,171
	Provisions	—			4			4
	Amounts applied	(72		)	(266		)	(338		)
	Change in estimates	—			(20		)	(20		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	463		$	1,354		$	1,817
		Other Restructuring Costs
	(in thousands)	2013 and			2014 Plans			2015 Plans			Total
		Prior Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	25		$	1,049		$	—		$	1,074
	Provisions	—			65			158			223
	Amounts applied	—			(642		)	(53		)	(695		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	25		$	472		$	105		$	602
	The following table provides the year-to-date changes in the restructuring accruals by segment:
	(in thousands)	December 31,			Provisions			Amounts			Change in Estimates			March 31, 2015
		2014						Applied
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	5,272		$	489		$	(1,626	)	$	—		$	4,135
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	3,828			4,850			(2,558		)	(103		)	6,017
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	91			196			(17		)	—			270
	All Other	67			52			(72		)	—			47
	Total	$	9,258		$	5,587		$	(4,273	)	$	(103	)	$	10,469

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instrument 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 Designated as Hedging
	Cash Flow Hedges
	The following table summarizes the notional amounts of cash flow hedges by derivative instrument type at March 31, 2015 and the notional amounts expected to mature during the next 12 months, with a discussion of the various cash flow hedges by derivative instrument type following the table:
		Aggregate				Aggregate Notional Amount Maturing within 12 Months
		Notional
	(in thousands)	Amount
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	326,793			$	247,247
	Interest rate swaps	171,511				—
	Commodity contracts	2,203				2,203
	Total derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	$	500,507			$	249,450
	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 designated 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 on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company hedges various currencies, with the most significant activity occurring in euros, Swedish kronor, Canadian dollars, and Swiss francs.
	These foreign exchange forward contracts generally have maturities up to 18 months and the counterparties to the transactions are typically large international financial institutions.
	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. At March 31, 2015, the Company has two significant exposures hedged with interest rate contracts. One exposure is hedged with derivative contracts having notional amounts totaling 12.6 billion Japanese yen, which effectively converts the underlying variable interest rate debt facility to a fixed interest rate of 0.9% for a term of five years ending September 2019. Another exposure hedged with derivative contracts has a notional amount of 65.0 million Swiss francs, and effectively converts the underlying variable interest rate of a Swiss franc denominated loan to a fixed interest rate of 0.7% for an initial 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 operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Commodity Risk Management
	The Company enters into precious metal commodity swap contracts to effectively fix certain variable raw material costs typically for up to 18 months. These swaps are used 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 on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	The following tables summarize the amount of gains (losses) recorded in AOCI in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and income (expense) in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations related to all cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	March 31, 2015
		Gain (Loss) in AOCI				Consolidated Statements of Operations Location		Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Expense)				Ineffective Portion Recognized in Income (Expense)
	(in thousands)
	Effective Portion:
	Interest rate swaps	$	(1,182	)		Interest expense		$	(966	)		$	—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	24,087				Cost of products sold		3,886				—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	463				SG&A expenses		162				—
	Commodity contracts	—				Cost of products sold		(129		)		—
	Ineffective Portion:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	—				Other expense (income), net		—				327
	Commodity contracts	—				Interest expense		—				(4		)
	Total in cash flow hedging	$	23,368					$	2,953			$	323
	March 31, 2014
		Gain (Loss) in AOCI				Consolidated Statements of Operations Location		Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Expense)				Ineffective Portion Recognized in Income (Expense)
	(in thousands)
	Effective Portion:
	Interest rate swaps	$	(387	)		Interest expense		$	(926	)		$	—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	1,067				Cost of products sold		(1,646		)		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	(10		)		SG&A expenses		(99		)		—
	Commodity contracts	101				Cost of products sold		(246		)		—
	Ineffective Portion:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	—				Other expense (income), net		—				106
	Commodity contracts	—				Interest expense		—				(13		)
	Total for cash flow hedging	$	771					$	(2,917	)		$	93
	Overall, the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are considered to be highly effective. At March 31, 2015, the Company expects to reclassify $14.9 million of deferred net gains on cash flow hedges recorded in AOCI to the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the next 12 months. This reclassification is primarily due to the sale of inventory that includes hedged purchases and recognized interest expense on interest rate swaps. The 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 typically 18 months.
	For the rollforward of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges in AOCI see Note 3, Comprehensive Income.
	Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations
	The Company has significant investments in foreign subsidiaries the most significant of which are denominated in euros, Swiss francs, Japanese yen and Swedish kronor. The net assets of these subsidiaries are exposed to volatility in currency exchange rates. The Company employs both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments to hedge a portion of this exposure . The derivative instruments consist of foreign exchange forward contracts and cross currency basis swaps. The non-derivative instruments consist of foreign currency denominated debt held at the parent company level. Translation gains and losses related to the net assets of the foreign subsidiaries are offset by gains and losses in derivative and non-derivative financial instruments designated as hedges of net investments, which are included in AOCI. Any cash flows associated with these instruments are included in investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows except for derivative instruments that include an other-than-insignificant financing element, in which case all cash flows will be classified as financing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	The following table summarizes the notional amounts of hedges of net investments by derivative instrument type at March 31, 2015 and the notional amounts expected to mature during the next 12 months:
		Aggregate				Aggregate Notional Amount Maturing within 12 Months
		Notional
	(in thousands)	Amount
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	406,194			$	228,340
	The fair value of the cross currency basis swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts is the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay at the reporting date, taking into account the effective interest rates, cross currency swap basis rates and foreign exchange rates. The effective portion of the change in the value of these derivatives is recorded in AOCI, net of tax effects.
	The following tables summarize the amount of gains (losses) recorded in AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and other income (expense) on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the hedges of net investments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	March 31, 2015
		Gain (Loss) in AOCI				Consolidated Statements of Operations Location		Recognized in Income (Expense)
	(in thousands)
	Effective Portion:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	12,499			Other expense (income), net		$	(336	)
	Total for net investment hedging	$	12,499					$	(336	)
	March 31, 2014
	Gain (Loss) in AOCI				Consolidated Statements of Operations Location		Recognized in Income (Expense)
(in thousands)
Effective Portion:
Cross currency basis swaps	$	(4,660	)		Interest income		$	677
					Interest expense		541
Foreign exchange forward contracts	3,068				Other expense (income), net		248
Total for net investment hedging	$	(1,592	)				$	1,466
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 an initial 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 on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Any cash flows associated with these instruments are included in operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The following table summarizes the notional amounts of fair value hedges by derivative instrument type at March 31, 2015 and the notional amounts expected to mature during the next 12 months:
	Aggregate				Aggregate Notional Amount Maturing within 12 Months
	Notional
(in thousands)	Amount
Interest rate swaps	$	45,000			$	45,000
The following tables summarize the amount of income (expense) recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the hedges of fair value for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Consolidated Statements of Operations Location
			Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)			2015				2014
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		$	118			$	87
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedges
The Company enters into derivative instruments with the intent to partially mitigate 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 foreign exchange forward contracts and cross currency basis swaps to hedge these risks. Any cash flows associated with the foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swaps not designated as hedges are included in cash from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Any cash flows associated with the cross currency basis swaps not designated as hedges are included in investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows except for derivative instruments that include an other-than-insignificant financing element, in which case the cash flows will be classified as financing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The following tables summarize the aggregate notional amounts of the Company’s economic hedges not designated as hedges by derivative instrument types at March 31, 2015 and the notional amounts expected to mature during the next 12 months:
	Aggregate				Aggregate Notional Amount Maturing within 12 Months
	Notional
(in thousands)	Amount
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	460,653			$	460,653
Interest rate swaps	2,327				776
Cross currency basis swaps	16,853				16,853
Total for instruments not designated as hedges	$	479,833			$	478,282
The Company maintains Swiss franc denominated cross currency basis swaps to offset an intercompany Swiss franc note receivable at a U.S. dollar functional entity. The hedge declines each quarter to coincide with expected repayments of the note. At March 31, 2015, the remaining notional value of the cross currency swaps was 16.4 million Swiss francs.
The following table summarizes the amounts of gains (losses) recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the economic hedges not designated as hedging for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Consolidated Statements of Operations Location		Gain (Loss) Recognized
			Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)			2015				2014
Foreign exchange forward contracts (a)	Other expense (income), net		$	8,584			$	(4,441	)
DIO equity option contracts	Other expense (income), net		5				(228		)
Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		(3		)		(11		)
Cross currency basis swaps (a)	Other expense (income), net		(1,222		)		825
Total for instruments not designated as hedges			$	7,364			$	(3,855	)
(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.
Consolidated Balance Sheets Location of Derivative Fair Values
The following tables summarize the fair value and consolidated balance sheet location of the Company’s derivatives at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
	March 31, 2015
(in thousands)	Prepaid				Other				Accrued				Other
	Expenses				Noncurrent				Liabilities				Noncurrent
	and Other				Assets, Net								Liabilities
Designated as Hedges	Current Assets, Net
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	51,040			$	11,039			$	2,077			$	638
Commodity contracts	—				—				169				—
Interest rate swaps	472				336				1,165				1,040
Total	$	51,512			$	11,375			$	3,411			$	1,678
Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	10,884			$	—			$	4,160			$	—
DIO equity option contracts	—				—				—				97
Interest rate swaps	—				—				54				94
Cross currency basis swaps	700				—				—				—
Total	$	11,584			$	—			$	4,214			$	191
	December 31, 2014
(in thousands)	Prepaid				Other				Accrued				Other
	Expenses				Noncurrent				Liabilities				Noncurrent
	and Other				Assets, Net								Liabilities
Designated as Hedges	Current Assets, Net
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	28,036			$	12,542			$	2,740			$	1,707
Commodity contracts	—				—				233				—
Interest rate swaps	617				135				575				377
Total	$	28,653			$	12,677			$	3,548			$	2,084
Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	4,798			$	—			$	4,764			$	—
DIO equity option contracts	—				—				—				115
Interest rate swaps	—				—				63				129
Cross currency basis swaps	2,683				—				—				—
Total	$	7,481			$	—			$	4,827			$	244
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 with the same counterparty, the Company elects to present them on a gross basis on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities under netting arrangements at March 31, 2015:
													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
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	72,963			$	—			$	72,963			$	(8,748	)	$	—	$	64,215
Interest rate swaps	808				—				808				(185		)	—		623
Cross currency basis swaps	700				—				700				(147		)	—		553
Total Assets	$	74,471			$	—			$	74,471			$	(9,080	)	$	—	$	65,391
													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
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	6,875			$	—			$	6,875			$	(6,875	)	$	—	$	—
Commodity contracts	169				—				169				—			—		169
DIO equity option contracts	97				—				97				—			—		97
Interest rate swaps	2,353				—				2,353				(2,205		)	—		148
Total Liabilities	$	9,494			$	—			$	9,494			$	(9,080	)	$	—	$	414
Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities under netting arrangements at December 31, 2014:
													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
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	45,377			$	—			$	45,377			$	(7,797	)	$	—	$	37,580
Interest rate swaps	751				—				751				(274		)	—		477
Cross currency basis swaps	2,683				—				2,683				(1,067		)	—		1,616
Total Assets	$	48,811			$	—			$	48,811			$	(9,138	)	$	—	$	39,673
													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
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	9,208			$	—			$	9,208			$	(8,186	)	$	—	$	1,022
Commodity contracts	235				—				235				—			—		235
DIO equity option contracts	115				—				115				—			—		115
Interest rate swaps	1,145				—				1,145				(952		)	—		193
Total Liabilities	$	10,703			$	—			$	10,703			$	(9,138	)	$	—	$	1,565

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [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 $1,190.8 million and $1,163.6 million, respectively at March 31, 2015.  At December 31, 2014, the Company estimated the fair value and carrying value, including the current portion, was $1,290.0 million and $1,262.7 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 March 31, 2015. 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, which are classified as “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net,” “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.
		March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Interest rate swaps	$	808		$	—		$	808	$	—
	Cross currency basis swaps	700			—			700		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	72,963			—			72,963		—
	DIO Corporation convertible bonds	93,394			—			—		93,394
	Total assets	$	167,865		$	—		$	74,471	$	93,394
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	2,353		$	—		$	2,353	$	—
	Commodity contracts	169			—			169		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	6,875			—			6,875		—
	Long-term debt	45,474			—			45,474		—
	DIO equity option contracts	97			—			—		97
	Total liabilities	$	54,968		$	—		$	54,871	$	97
		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Interest rate swaps	$	752		$	—		$	752	$	—
	Cross currency basis swaps	2,683			—			2,683		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	45,376			—			45,376		—
	DIO Corporation convertible bonds	57,698			—			—		57,698
	Total assets	$	106,509		$	—		$	48,811	$	57,698
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	1,144		$	—		$	1,144	$	—
	Commodity contracts	233			—			233		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	9,211			—			9,211		—
	Long-term debt	106,023			—			106,023		—
	DIO equity option contracts	115			—			—		115
	Total liabilities	$	116,726		$	—		$	116,611	$	115
	Derivative valuations are based on observable inputs to the valuation model including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, future commodities prices and credit risks.  As discussed in Note 10, Financial Instruments and Derivatives, commodity contracts, certain interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts are considered cash flow hedges. In addition, certain cross currency basis swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts are considered hedges of net investments in foreign operations.
	The Company uses the income method valuation technique to estimate the fair value of the DIO Corporation convertible bonds.  The significant unobservable inputs for valuing the corporate bonds are both the DIO Corporation’s stock volatility factor of approximately 26% and corporate bond rating which implies approximately a 9.2% 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 “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” 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 rollforward of the Company’s Level 3 holdings measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs:
	(in thousands)	DIO Corporation			DIO Equity
		Convertible			Options
		Bonds			Contracts
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	57,698		$	(115	)
	Unrealized gain:
	Reported in AOCI, pretax	44,499			5
	Effects of exchange rate changes	(8,803		)	13
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	93,394		$	(97	)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, there were no purchases, issuances or transfers of Level 3 financial instruments.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	Uncertainties in Income Taxes
	The Company recognizes in the interim 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 12 months of the reporting date of the Company’s interim consolidated financial statements.  Final settlement and resolution of outstanding tax matters in various jurisdictions during the next twelve months could include unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $2.3 million. Of this total, approximately $0.9 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized would affect the effective income tax rate. In addition, expiration of statutes of limitation in various jurisdictions during the next 12 months could include unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.4 million.
	Other Tax Matters
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $0.3 million related to prior year tax matters. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded $1.6 million of tax expense related to prior year tax matters.

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS	FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company paid the second required payment of $100.0 million under the Private Placement Notes “PPN” by issuing commercial paper. The final required payment of $75.0 million due in February 2016 has been classified as current on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The second annual installment under the terms of the PNC Term Loan in the amount of $8.8 million will be due in August 2015 and has been classified as current on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	At March 31, 2015, there was $160.0 million in outstanding borrowings, in the form of issued commercial paper, under the current $500.0 million multi-currency revolving credit facility and is classified as current on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The Company’s revolving credit facility, term loans and PPN contain certain affirmative and negative covenants relating to the Company's operations and financial condition. At March 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
	At March 31, 2015, the Company had $395.6 million of borrowing available under lines of credit, including lines available under its short-term arrangements and revolving credit agreement.

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	A reconciliation of changes in the Company’s goodwill is as follows:
	(in thousands)	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses			Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses			Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	565,714		$	1,394,398		$	129,227		$	2,089,339
	Effects of exchange rate changes	(8,541		)	(117,041		)	(10,486		)	(136,068		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	557,173		$	1,277,357		$	118,741		$	1,953,271
	Identifiable definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:
		March 31, 2015									December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount
	Patents	$	170,790		$	(94,380	)	$	76,410		$	175,186		$	(95,526	)	$	79,660
	Trademarks	72,396			(38,854		)	33,542			75,645			(37,053		)	38,592
	Licensing agreements	33,699			(23,002		)	10,697			34,638			(22,806		)	11,832
	Customer relationships	421,806			(104,586		)	317,220			452,882			(104,703		)	348,179
	Total definite-lived	$	698,691		$	(260,822	)	$	437,869		$	738,351		$	(260,088	)	$	478,263
	Indefinite-lived Trademarks and In-process R&D	$	175,588		$	—		$	175,588		$	192,577		$	—		$	192,577
	Total identifiable intangible assets	$	874,279		$	(260,822	)	$	613,457		$	930,928		$	(260,088	)	$	670,840

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [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.” The case went to trial in September 2013, and on January 22, 2014, the San Francisco Superior Court issued its decision in the Company’s favor, rejecting all of the plaintiffs’ claims. The plaintiffs have appealed the Superior Court’s decision, and the appeal is now pending. The Company is defending against this appeal.
	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 grant of a Company Motion and dismissal of the case for lack of jurisdiction, the plaintiffs filed a second complaint under the name of Dr. Hildebrand’s corporate practice, Center City Periodontists, asserting the same allegations (this case is now proceeding under the name “Center City Periodontists”). The plaintiffs moved to have the case certified as a class action, to which the Company has objected and filed its brief. The Court subsequently granted a Motion filed by the Company and dismissed plaintiffs’ New Jersey Consumer Fraud and negligent design claims, leaving only a breach of express warranty claim, in response to which the Company has filed a Motion for Summary Judgment. The Court has rescheduled a hearing to early May 2015 on plaintiffs’ class certification motion.
	On January 20, 2014, the Company was served with a qui tam complaint filed by two former and one current employee of the Company under the Federal False Claims Act and equivalent state and city laws. The lawsuit was previously under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company engaged in various illegal marketing activities, and thereby caused dental and other healthcare professionals to file false claims for reimbursement with Federal and State governments. The relators seek injunctive relief, fines, treble damages, and attorneys’ fees and costs. On January 27, 2014, the United States filed with the Court a notice that it had elected not to intervene in the qui tam action at this time. The United States’ notice indicated that the named state and city co-plaintiffs had authorized the United States to communicate to the Court that they also had decided not to intervene at this time. These non-intervention decisions do not prevent the qui tam relators from litigating this action, and the United States and/or the named states and/or cities may seek to intervene in the action at a later time. On September 4, 2014, the Company’s motion to dismiss the complaint was granted in part and denied in part. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in the litigation.
	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 internal review by the Company. In August 2014, the Company entered into a tolling agreement with OFAC, under which the statute of limitations for any violations by the Company is tolled until September 1, 2015. 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, 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounts and Notes Receivable-Trade	The Company records a provision for doubtful accounts, which is included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Accounts and notes receivables – trade, net are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts and trade discounts, which were $8.0 million at March 31, 2015 and $8.8 million at December 31, 2014.
Marketable Securities	The Company’s marketable securities consist of corporate convertible bonds that are classified as available-for-sale in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” 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 element of the bonds has not been bifurcated from the underlying bonds as the element 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.  The fair value of the bonds was $93.4 million and $57.7 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.  At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, a cumulative unrealized holding gain of $39.3 million and $8.5 million, respectively, on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, has been recorded in AOCI.  As this investment is held by a euro-denominated subsidiary of the Company, the investment’s value is also impacted by changing foreign currency rates which accounts for the remaining difference between the period end values and the change in cumulative gain.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This newly issued accounting standard changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. This standard will have the impact of reducing the frequency of disposals reported as discontinued operations, by requiring such a disposal to represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on entity’s operations and financial results. Additionally, existing provisions that prohibit an entity from reporting a discontinued operation if it has certain continuing cash flows or involvement with the component after a disposal are eliminated by this standard. The ASU also expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually significant disposals that do not qualify as discontinued operations. This Company adopted this accounting standard for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” that seeks to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers that improve comparability within industries, across industries and across capital markets. Under this standard, an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. Enhanced disclosure requirements regarding the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and related cash flows exist. To assist entities in applying the standard, a five step model for recognizing and measuring revenue from contracts with customers has been introduced. Entities have the option to apply the new guidance retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective approach) or retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for initial application of the guidance at the date of initial adoption (modified retrospective method). The Company expects to adopt this accounting standard for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. On April 1, 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The proposal has not been ratified. The Company is currently assessing the impact that ASU No. 2014-09 may have on their financial positions, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures, as well as, the transition method they will use to adopt the guidance
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, “Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items” This newly issued accounting standard eliminates from generally accepted accounting principles the concept of Extraordinary items, events or transactions that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Prospective application and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ” This newly issued accounting standard requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carry amount of that debt liability. Retrospective application is required. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This newly issued accounting standard changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. This standard will have the impact of reducing the frequency of disposals reported as discontinued operations, by requiring such a disposal to represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on entity’s operations and financial results. Additionally, existing provisions that prohibit an entity from reporting a discontinued operation if it has certain continuing cash flows or involvement with the component after a disposal are eliminated by this standard. The ASU also expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually significant disposals that do not qualify as discontinued operations. This Company adopted this accounting standard for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” that seeks to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers that improve comparability within industries, across industries and across capital markets. Under this standard, an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. Enhanced disclosure requirements regarding the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and related cash flows exist. To assist entities in applying the standard, a five step model for recognizing and measuring revenue from contracts with customers has been introduced. Entities have the option to apply the new guidance retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective approach) or retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for initial application of the guidance at the date of initial adoption (modified retrospective method). The Company expects to adopt this accounting standard for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. On April 1, 2015, the FASB proposed deferring the effective date by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The proposal has not been ratified. The Company is currently assessing the impact that ASU No. 2014-09 may have on their financial positions, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures, as well as, the transition method they will use to adopt the guidance
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, “Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items” This newly issued accounting standard eliminates from generally accepted accounting principles the concept of Extraordinary items, events or transactions that are unusual in nature and occur infrequently. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Prospective application and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ” This newly issued accounting standard requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carry amount of that debt liability. Retrospective application is required. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Stock_Compensation_Tables

Stock Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015		2014
	Stock option expense	$	1,445	$	1,674
	RSU expense	3,136		3,719
	Total stock based compensation expense	$	4,581	$	5,393
	Total related tax benefit	$	1,547	$	1,564

Comprehensive_Income_Tables

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in AOCI, net of tax, by component for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges				Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Net Investment Hedges			Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Pension Liability Adjustments			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(212,490	)		$	(10,825	)		$	(112,728	)	$	8,481		$	(113,574	)	$	(441,136	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(189,451		)		20,919				7,368			30,851			—			(130,313		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				(3,535		)		—			—			1,417			(2,118		)
	Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	(189,451		)		17,384				7,368			30,851			1,417			(132,431		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	(401,941	)		$	6,559			$	(105,360	)	$	39,332		$	(112,157	)	$	(573,567	)
	(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments				Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges				Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Net Investment Hedges			Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)on Available-for-Sale Securities			Pension Liability Adjustments			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	140,992			$	(21,753	)		$	(151,114	)	$	12,729		$	(49,916	)	$	(69,062	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1,107		)		642				(976		)	(2,041		)	(154		)	(3,636		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—				2,091				—			—			472			2,563
	Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	(1,107		)		2,733				(976		)	(2,041		)	318			(1,073		)
	Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(5,530		)		—				—			—			—			(5,530		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	134,355			$	(19,020	)		$	(152,090	)	$	10,688		$	(49,598	)	$	(75,665	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (expense) to the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	(in thousands)
	Details about AOCI Components		Amounts Reclassified from AOCI								Affected Line Item in the
			Three Months Ended March 31,								Statements of Operations
			2015				2014
	Gains and (losses) on derivative financial instruments:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(966	)		$	(926	)		Interest expense
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		3,886				(1,646		)		Cost of products sold
	Foreign exchange forward contracts		162				(99		)		SG&A expenses
	Commodity contracts		(129		)		(246		)		Cost of products sold
			2,953				(2,917		)		Net loss before tax
			582				826				Tax benefit
			$	3,535			$	(2,091	)		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		(2,026		)		(719		)		(a)
			(1,992		)		(685		)		Net loss before tax
			575				213				Tax benefit
			$	(1,417	)		$	(472	)		Net of tax
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	2,118			$	(2,563	)
	(a) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 (see Note 8, Benefit Plans, for additional details).

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Tabl

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Basic Earnings Per Common Share Computation	Three Months Ended
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2015		2014
	Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$	63,961	$	72,878
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	140,296		142,053
	Earnings per common share - basic	$	0.46	$	0.51
	Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Computation
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$	63,961	$	72,878
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	140,296		142,053
	Incremental weighted average shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options from stock-based compensation awards	2,508		2,400
	Total weighted average diluted shares outstanding	142,804		144,453
	Earnings per common share - diluted	$	0.45	$	0.5

SEGMENT_AND_GEOGRAPHIC_INFORMA1

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net Sales	The following tables set forth information about the Company’s segments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Third Party Net Sales
		Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	310,316		$	339,281
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	235,993			264,411
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	110,011			126,422
	Total net sales	$	656,320		$	730,114
Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content	Third Party Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content
		Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	292,091		$	305,072
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	235,810			264,204
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	103,645			119,906
	Total net sales, excluding precious metal content	631,546			689,182
	Precious metal content of sales	24,774			40,932
	Total net sales, including precious metal content	$	656,320		$	730,114
Intersegment Net Sales	Inter-segment Net Sales
		Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	83,889		$	89,458
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	1,774			2,461
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	2,876			3,517
	All Other (a)	53,886			60,785
	Eliminations	(142,425		)	(156,221		)
	Total	$	—		$	—
	(a) Includes amounts recorded at one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.
Segment Operating Income	Segment Operating Income (Loss)
		Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	103,407		$	106,769
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	26,529			24,524
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	(3,886		)	(1,292		)
	Segment operating income	126,050			130,001
	Reconciling Items (income) expense:
	All Other (b)	22,915			23,638
	Restructuring and other costs	5,426			793
	Interest expense	10,668			10,955
	Interest income	(742		)	(1,435		)
	Other expense (income), net	609			388
	Income before income taxes	$	87,174		$	95,662
	(b) Includes the results of unassigned Corporate headquarter costs, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.
Assets	Assets
	(in thousands)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	1,339,795		$	1,358,018
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	2,456,208			2,655,622
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	341,380			369,844
	All Other (c)	247,447			266,781
	Total	$	4,384,830		$	4,650,265
	(c) Includes the assets of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, net	Inventories, net of inventory valuation reserves, consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	Finished goods	$	249,800	$	253,333
	Work-in-process	59,499		58,329
	Raw materials and supplies	70,799		75,433
	Inventories, net	$	380,098	$	387,095

BENEFIT_PLANS_Tables

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	Defined Benefit Plans	Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Service cost	$	4,348		$	3,552
	Interest cost	1,854			2,866
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,378		)	(1,387		)
	Amortization of prior service credit	(34		)	(34		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,984			707
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	6,774		$	5,704
	Other Postemployment Benefit Plans	Three Months Ended
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Service cost	$	89		$	44
	Interest cost	144			140
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	42			12
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	275		$	196
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 2015:
	(in thousands)	Pension			Other
		Benefits			Postemployment Benefits
	Actual contributions through March 31, 2015	$	2,899		$	123
	Projected contributions for the remainder of the year	8,405			518
	Total projected contributions	$	11,304		$	641

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_COSTS_

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Accruals	At March 31, 2015, the Company’s restructuring accruals were as follows:
		Severance
	(in thousands)	2013 and			2014 Plans			2015 Plans			Total
		Prior Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	951		$	5,062		$	—		$	6,013
	Provisions	84			193			5,083			5,360
	Amounts applied	(583		)	(2,267		)	(390		)	(3,240		)
	Change in estimates	(76		)	(7		)	—			(83		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	376		$	2,981		$	4,693		$	8,050
		Lease/Contract Terminations
	(in thousands)	2013 and			2014 Plans			Total
		Prior Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	535		$	1,636		$	2,171
	Provisions	—			4			4
	Amounts applied	(72		)	(266		)	(338		)
	Change in estimates	—			(20		)	(20		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	463		$	1,354		$	1,817
		Other Restructuring Costs
	(in thousands)	2013 and			2014 Plans			2015 Plans			Total
		Prior Plans
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	25		$	1,049		$	—		$	1,074
	Provisions	—			65			158			223
	Amounts applied	—			(642		)	(53		)	(695		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	25		$	472		$	105		$	602
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			Amounts			Change in Estimates			March 31, 2015
		2014						Applied
	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses	$	5,272		$	489		$	(1,626	)	$	—		$	4,135
	Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses	3,828			4,850			(2,558		)	(103		)	6,017
	Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses	91			196			(17		)	—			270
	All Other	67			52			(72		)	—			47
	Total	$	9,258		$	5,587		$	(4,273	)	$	(103	)	$	10,469

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following table summarizes the notional amounts of hedges of net investments by derivative instrument type at March 31, 2015 and the notional amounts expected to mature during the next 12 months:
		Aggregate				Aggregate Notional Amount Maturing within 12 Months
		Notional
	(in thousands)	Amount
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	406,194			$	228,340
	The following table summarizes the notional amounts of cash flow hedges by derivative instrument type at March 31, 2015 and the notional amounts expected to mature during the next 12 months, with a discussion of the various cash flow hedges by derivative instrument type following the table:
		Aggregate				Aggregate Notional Amount Maturing within 12 Months
		Notional
	(in thousands)	Amount
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	326,793			$	247,247
	Interest rate swaps	171,511				—
	Commodity contracts	2,203				2,203
	Total derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges	$	500,507			$	249,450
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The following table summarizes the amounts of gains (losses) recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the economic hedges not designated as hedging for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Consolidated Statements of Operations Location		Gain (Loss) Recognized
				Three Months Ended March 31,
	(in thousands)			2015				2014
	Foreign exchange forward contracts (a)	Other expense (income), net		$	8,584			$	(4,441	)
	DIO equity option contracts	Other expense (income), net		5				(228		)
	Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		(3		)		(11		)
	Cross currency basis swaps (a)	Other expense (income), net		(1,222		)		825
	Total for instruments not designated as hedges			$	7,364			$	(3,855	)
Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the aggregate notional amounts of the Company’s economic hedges not designated as hedges by derivative instrument types at March 31, 2015 and the notional amounts expected to mature during the next 12 months:
		Aggregate				Aggregate Notional Amount Maturing within 12 Months
		Notional
	(in thousands)	Amount
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	460,653			$	460,653
	Interest rate swaps	2,327				776
	Cross currency basis swaps	16,853				16,853
	Total for instruments not designated as hedges	$	479,833			$	478,282
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The following tables summarize the fair value and consolidated balance sheet location of the Company’s derivatives at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
		March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)	Prepaid				Other				Accrued				Other
		Expenses				Noncurrent				Liabilities				Noncurrent
		and Other				Assets, Net								Liabilities
	Designated as Hedges	Current Assets, Net
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	51,040			$	11,039			$	2,077			$	638
	Commodity contracts	—				—				169				—
	Interest rate swaps	472				336				1,165				1,040
	Total	$	51,512			$	11,375			$	3,411			$	1,678
	Not Designated as Hedges
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	10,884			$	—			$	4,160			$	—
	DIO equity option contracts	—				—				—				97
	Interest rate swaps	—				—				54				94
	Cross currency basis swaps	700				—				—				—
	Total	$	11,584			$	—			$	4,214			$	191
		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Prepaid				Other				Accrued				Other
		Expenses				Noncurrent				Liabilities				Noncurrent
		and Other				Assets, Net								Liabilities
	Designated as Hedges	Current Assets, Net
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	28,036			$	12,542			$	2,740			$	1,707
	Commodity contracts	—				—				233				—
	Interest rate swaps	617				135				575				377
	Total	$	28,653			$	12,677			$	3,548			$	2,084
	Not Designated as Hedges
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	4,798			$	—			$	4,764			$	—
	DIO equity option contracts	—				—				—				115
	Interest rate swaps	—				—				63				129
	Cross currency basis swaps	2,683				—				—				—
	Total	$	7,481			$	—			$	4,827			$	244
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities	Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities under netting arrangements at March 31, 2015:
														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
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	72,963			$	—			$	72,963			$	(8,748	)	$	—	$	64,215
	Interest rate swaps	808				—				808				(185		)	—		623
	Cross currency basis swaps	700				—				700				(147		)	—		553
	Total Assets	$	74,471			$	—			$	74,471			$	(9,080	)	$	—	$	65,391
														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
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	6,875			$	—			$	6,875			$	(6,875	)	$	—	$	—
	Commodity contracts	169				—				169				—			—		169
	DIO equity option contracts	97				—				97				—			—		97
	Interest rate swaps	2,353				—				2,353				(2,205		)	—		148
	Total Liabilities	$	9,494			$	—			$	9,494			$	(9,080	)	$	—	$	414
	Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities under netting arrangements at December 31, 2014:
														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
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	45,377			$	—			$	45,377			$	(7,797	)	$	—	$	37,580
	Interest rate swaps	751				—				751				(274		)	—		477
	Cross currency basis swaps	2,683				—				2,683				(1,067		)	—		1,616
	Total Assets	$	48,811			$	—			$	48,811			$	(9,138	)	$	—	$	39,673
														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
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	9,208			$	—			$	9,208			$	(8,186	)	$	—	$	1,022
	Commodity contracts	235				—				235				—			—		235
	DIO equity option contracts	115				—				115				—			—		115
	Interest rate swaps	1,145				—				1,145				(952		)	—		193
	Total Liabilities	$	10,703			$	—			$	10,703			$	(9,138	)	$	—	$	1,565
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following tables summarize the amount of gains (losses) recorded in AOCI in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and income (expense) in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations related to all cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	March 31, 2015
		Gain (Loss) in AOCI				Consolidated Statements of Operations Location		Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Expense)				Ineffective Portion Recognized in Income (Expense)
	(in thousands)
	Effective Portion:
	Interest rate swaps	$	(1,182	)		Interest expense		$	(966	)		$	—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	24,087				Cost of products sold		3,886				—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	463				SG&A expenses		162				—
	Commodity contracts	—				Cost of products sold		(129		)		—
	Ineffective Portion:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	—				Other expense (income), net		—				327
	Commodity contracts	—				Interest expense		—				(4		)
	Total in cash flow hedging	$	23,368					$	2,953			$	323
	March 31, 2014
		Gain (Loss) in AOCI				Consolidated Statements of Operations Location		Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Expense)				Ineffective Portion Recognized in Income (Expense)
	(in thousands)
	Effective Portion:
	Interest rate swaps	$	(387	)		Interest expense		$	(926	)		$	—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	1,067				Cost of products sold		(1,646		)		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	(10		)		SG&A expenses		(99		)		—
	Commodity contracts	101				Cost of products sold		(246		)		—
	Ineffective Portion:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	—				Other expense (income), net		—				106
	Commodity contracts	—				Interest expense		—				(13		)
	Total for cash flow hedging	$	771					$	(2,917	)		$	93
Net Investment Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following tables summarize the amount of gains (losses) recorded in AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and other income (expense) on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the hedges of net investments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
	March 31, 2015
		Gain (Loss) in AOCI				Consolidated Statements of Operations Location		Recognized in Income (Expense)
	(in thousands)
	Effective Portion:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	12,499			Other expense (income), net		$	(336	)
	Total for net investment hedging	$	12,499					$	(336	)
	March 31, 2014
		Gain (Loss) in AOCI				Consolidated Statements of Operations Location		Recognized in Income (Expense)
	(in thousands)
	Effective Portion:
	Cross currency basis swaps	$	(4,660	)		Interest income		$	677
						Interest expense		541
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	3,068				Other expense (income), net		248
	Total for net investment hedging	$	(1,592	)				$	1,466
Fair Value Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	The following table summarizes the notional amounts of fair value hedges by derivative instrument type at March 31, 2015 and the notional amounts expected to mature during the next 12 months:
		Aggregate				Aggregate Notional Amount Maturing within 12 Months
		Notional
	(in thousands)	Amount
	Interest rate swaps	$	45,000			$	45,000
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)	The following tables summarize the amount of income (expense) recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the hedges of fair value for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Consolidated Statements of Operations Location
				Three Months Ended March 31,
	(in thousands)			2015				2014
	Interest rate swaps	Interest expense		$	118			$	87

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, which are classified as “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net,” “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.
		March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Interest rate swaps	$	808		$	—		$	808	$	—
	Cross currency basis swaps	700			—			700		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	72,963			—			72,963		—
	DIO Corporation convertible bonds	93,394			—			—		93,394
	Total assets	$	167,865		$	—		$	74,471	$	93,394
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	2,353		$	—		$	2,353	$	—
	Commodity contracts	169			—			169		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	6,875			—			6,875		—
	Long-term debt	45,474			—			45,474		—
	DIO equity option contracts	97			—			—		97
	Total liabilities	$	54,968		$	—		$	54,871	$	97
		December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Assets
	Interest rate swaps	$	752		$	—		$	752	$	—
	Cross currency basis swaps	2,683			—			2,683		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	45,376			—			45,376		—
	DIO Corporation convertible bonds	57,698			—			—		57,698
	Total assets	$	106,509		$	—		$	48,811	$	57,698
	Liabilities
	Interest rate swaps	$	1,144		$	—		$	1,144	$	—
	Commodity contracts	233			—			233		—
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	9,211			—			9,211		—
	Long-term debt	106,023			—			106,023		—
	DIO equity option contracts	115			—			—		115
	Total liabilities	$	116,726		$	—		$	116,611	$	115
Reconciliation of the Company's Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Unobservable Inputs (Level 3):	The following table presents a rollforward of the Company’s Level 3 holdings measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs:
	(in thousands)	DIO Corporation			DIO Equity
		Convertible			Options
		Bonds			Contracts
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	57,698		$	(115	)
	Unrealized gain:
	Reported in AOCI, pretax	44,499			5
	Effects of exchange rate changes	(8,803		)	13
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	93,394		$	(97	)

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes In Goodwill Table Text Block	A reconciliation of changes in the Company’s goodwill is as follows:
	(in thousands)	Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses			Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses			Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	565,714		$	1,394,398		$	129,227		$	2,089,339
	Effects of exchange rate changes	(8,541		)	(117,041		)	(10,486		)	(136,068		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015	$	557,173		$	1,277,357		$	118,741		$	1,953,271
Reconciliation of Changes in the Company's Goodwill	Identifiable definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:
		March 31, 2015									December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount
	Patents	$	170,790		$	(94,380	)	$	76,410		$	175,186		$	(95,526	)	$	79,660
	Trademarks	72,396			(38,854		)	33,542			75,645			(37,053		)	38,592
	Licensing agreements	33,699			(23,002		)	10,697			34,638			(22,806		)	11,832
	Customer relationships	421,806			(104,586		)	317,220			452,882			(104,703		)	348,179
	Total definite-lived	$	698,691		$	(260,822	)	$	437,869		$	738,351		$	(260,088	)	$	478,263
	Indefinite-lived Trademarks and In-process R&D	$	175,588		$	—		$	175,588		$	192,577		$	—		$	192,577
	Total identifiable intangible assets	$	874,279		$	(260,822	)	$	613,457		$	930,928		$	(260,088	)	$	670,840

SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTING_POLICIE2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	$39,300,000	$8,500,000
Corporate Bond Securities
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	93,394,000	57,698,000
Trade Accounts Receivable
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$8,000,000	$8,800,000

STOCK_COMPENSATION_Stock_Compe

STOCK COMPENSATION Stock Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$4,581,000	$5,393,000
Nonqualified Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unamortized compensation cost	14,600,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 0 months
Performance Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unamortized compensation cost	29,700,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	3,136,000	3,719,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 8 months
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	4,400,000	5,200,000
Cost of Sales
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$200,000	$200,000

STOCK_COMPENSATION_Total_Stock

STOCK COMPENSATION Total Stock Based Compensation Expense and the Tax Related Benefit (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$4,581	$5,393
Total related tax benefit	1,547	1,564
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,445	1,674
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$3,136	$3,719

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Comprehen

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Comprehensive Income - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	($188,904,000)	($1,035,000)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Translation Gains Net Of Tax	-305,600,000		117,100,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Translation Losses Net Of Tax	-96,300,000		-95,400,000
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-188,600,000	800,000
Net Investment Hedging | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	($900,000)	($1,900,000)

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Balances_

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Balances included in AOCI, Net of Tax, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($441,136)
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	-68,470	71,805
Ending balance	-573,567
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-212,490	140,992
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-189,451	-1,107
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	-189,451	-1,107
Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interests		-5,530
Ending balance	-401,941	134,355
Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-10,825	-21,753
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	20,919	642
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,535	2,091
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	17,384	2,733
Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interests		0
Ending balance	6,559	-19,020
Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Net Investment Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-112,728	-151,114
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	7,368	-976
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	7,368	-976
Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interests		0
Ending balance	-105,360	-152,090
Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	8,481	12,729
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	30,851	-2,041
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	30,851	-2,041
Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interests		0
Ending balance	39,332	10,688
Pension Liability Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-113,574	-49,916
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	-154
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	1,417	472
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	1,417	318
Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interests		0
Ending balance	-112,157	-49,598
Total DENTSPLY International Equity
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-441,136	-69,062
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-130,313	-3,636
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,118	2,563
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	-132,431	-1,073
Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interests		-5,530
Ending balance	($573,567)	($75,665)

COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME_Reclassif

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	$18,853		$22,452
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	2,118		-2,563
Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	2,953		-2,917
Provision for income taxes	582		826
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	3,535		-2,091
Pension Liability Adjustments
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-1,992		-685
Provision for income taxes	575		213
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	-1,417		-472
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax	34		34	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) adjustment from AOCI,Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax	-2,026	[1]	-719
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	2,953		-2,917
Interest Expense | Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Swap
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-966		-926
Cost of Sales | Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contract
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	3,886		-1,646
Cost of Sales | Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodity Contract
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-129		-246
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contract
Reclassification of Acuumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	$162		($99)
[1]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended MarchB 31, 2015 and 2014 (see Note 8, Benefit Plans, for additional details).

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Addi

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive common stock options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share (in shares)	1.1	1.5

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Comp

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$63,961	$72,878
Shares
Basic	140,296	142,053
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options from stock-based compensation awards (in shares)	2,508	2,400
Diluted (in shares)	142,804	144,453
Earnings per common share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.46	$0.51
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.50

BUSINESS_ACQUISITIONS_Other_Di

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS - Other Disclosures (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2014
	Entity
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entity, Number of Entities	1

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Additional

SEGMENT INFORMATION Additional Information (Detail) (Dental Products)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Dental Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of sales, professional dental products	89.00%	88.00%

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Net_Sales_

SEGMENT INFORMATION Net Sales (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net sales	$656,320	$730,114
Operating Segments | Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses
Net sales	310,316	339,281
Operating Segments | Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses
Net sales	235,993	264,411
Operating Segments | Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses
Net sales	$110,011	$126,422

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Net_Sales_1

SEGMENT INFORMATION Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	$631,546	$689,182
Precious metal content of sales	24,774	40,932
Net Sales, including precious metal content	656,320	730,114
Operating Segments | Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	292,091	305,072
Net Sales, including precious metal content	310,316	339,281
Operating Segments | Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	235,810	264,204
Net Sales, including precious metal content	235,993	264,411
Operating Segments | Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	103,645	119,906
Net Sales, including precious metal content	$110,011	$126,422

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Intersegme

SEGMENT INFORMATION Intersegment Net Sales (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total	$0		$0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Intersegment Eliminations	-142,425		-156,221
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	83,889		89,458
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	1,774		2,461
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	2,876		3,517
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | All Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$53,886	[1]	$60,785	[1]
[1]	Includes amounts recorded at one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Segment_Op

SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Operating Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	$97,709		$105,570
Restructuring and other costs	5,426		793
Interest expense	10,668		10,955
Interest income	-742		-1,435
Other expense (income), net	609		388
Income before income taxes	87,174		95,662
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	126,050		130,001
Operating Segments | Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	103,407		106,769
Operating Segments | Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	26,529		24,524
Operating Segments | Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	-3,886		-1,292
Operating Segments | All Other
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Segment operating income	$22,915	[1]	$23,638	[1]
[1]	Includes the results of unassigned Corporate headquarter costs, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Assets_Det

SEGMENT INFORMATION Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$4,384,830		$4,650,265
Operating Segments | Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	1,339,795		1,358,018
Operating Segments | Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	2,456,208		2,655,622
Operating Segments | Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	341,380		369,844
Operating Segments | All Other
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$247,447	[1]	$266,781	[1]
[1]	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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
LIFO inventory amount	$7	$6.30
Inventory, LIFO reserve	6.3	6.1
Inventory valuation reserve	$34	$34.10

INVENTORIES_Inventories_Detail

INVENTORIES Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished goods	$249,800	$253,333
Work-in-process	59,499	58,329
Raw materials and supplies	70,799	75,433
Inventory, net	$380,098	$387,095

BENEFIT_PLANS_Components_of_Ne

BENEFIT PLANS Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$4,348	$3,552
Interest cost	1,854	2,866
Expected return on plan assets	-1,378	-1,387
Amortization of prior service cost	-34	-34
Amortization of net loss	1,984	707
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	6,774	5,704
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	89	44
Interest cost	144	140
Amortization of net loss	42	12
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$275	$196

BENEFIT_PLANS_Information_Rela

BENEFIT PLANS Information Related to the Contributions to the Company's Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual contributions through March 31, 2015	$2,899
Projected for the remainder of the year	8,405
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	11,304
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual contributions through March 31, 2015	123
Projected for the remainder of the year	518
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	$641

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_COSTS_1

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost	$5.40	$0.80

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_COSTS_2

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS Restructuring Accruals (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$9,258
Restructuring Charges	5,587
Amounts applied	-4,273
Change in estimates	-103
Ending Balance	10,469
Employee Severance
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	6,013
Restructuring Charges	5,360
Amounts applied	-3,240
Change in estimates	-83
Ending Balance	8,050
Employee Severance | Restructuring Fiscal 2013 And Prior Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	951
Restructuring Charges	84
Amounts applied	-583
Change in estimates	-76
Ending Balance	376
Employee Severance | Restructuring Fiscal 2014 Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,062
Restructuring Charges	193
Amounts applied	-2,267
Change in estimates	-7
Ending Balance	2,981
Employee Severance | Restructuring Fiscal 2015 Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring Charges	5,083
Amounts applied	-390
Change in estimates	0
Ending Balance	4,693
Contract Termination
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,171
Restructuring Charges	4
Amounts applied	-338
Change in estimates	-20
Ending Balance	1,817
Contract Termination | Restructuring Fiscal 2013 And Prior Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	535
Restructuring Charges	0
Amounts applied	-72
Change in estimates	0
Ending Balance	463
Contract Termination | Restructuring Fiscal 2014 Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,636
Restructuring Charges	4
Amounts applied	-266
Change in estimates	-20
Ending Balance	1,354
Other Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,074
Restructuring Charges	223
Amounts applied	-695
Ending Balance	602
Other Restructuring | Restructuring Fiscal 2013 And Prior Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	25
Restructuring Charges	0
Amounts applied	0
Ending Balance	25
Other Restructuring | Restructuring Fiscal 2014 Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,049
Restructuring Charges	65
Amounts applied	-642
Ending Balance	472
Other Restructuring | Restructuring Fiscal 2015 Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Restructuring Charges	158
Amounts applied	-53
Ending Balance	$105

RESTRUCTURING_AND_OTHER_COSTS_3

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS Provisions and Adjustments and Amounts Applied for All Plans by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$9,258
Restructuring Charges	5,587
Amounts applied	-4,273
Change in estimates	-103
Ending Balance	10,469
Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,272
Restructuring Charges	489
Amounts applied	-1,626
Change in estimates	0
Ending Balance	4,135
Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,828
Restructuring Charges	4,850
Amounts applied	-2,558
Change in estimates	-103
Ending Balance	6,017
Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	91
Restructuring Charges	196
Amounts applied	-17
Change in estimates	0
Ending Balance	270
All Other
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	67
Restructuring Charges	52
Amounts applied	-72
Change in estimates	0
Ending Balance	$47

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI1

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Cash Flow Hedges (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging, Designated as Hedging Instrument)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
	USD ($)	Foreign Exchange Contract	Interest Rate Swap	Interest Rate Swap	Commodity Contract
		USD ($)	USD ($)	CHF	USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$500,507,000	$326,793,000	$171,511,000	65,000,000	$2,203,000
Derivative, Notional amount maturing within 12 months	$249,450,000	$247,247,000	$0		$2,203,000

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI2

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Gain (Loss) on AOCI - Cash Flow Hedges (Details) (Cash Flow Hedging, Designated as Hedging Instrument, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	$23,368	$771
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	2,953	-2,917
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	323	93
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	-1,182	-387
Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	24,087	1,067
Derivative Instruments, Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion	463	-10
Commodity Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	0	101
Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-966	-926
Interest Expense | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net		-13
Interest Expense | Commodity Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	-4
Cost of Sales | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	3,886	-1,646
Cost of Sales | Commodity Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	-129	-246
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	162	-99
Other Expense | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net	$327	$106

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI3

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Net Investment Hedges (Details) (Net Investment Hedging, Designated as Hedging Instrument, Foreign Exchange Contract, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
Net Investment Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$406,194,000
Derivative, Notional amount maturing within 12 months	$228,340,000

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI4

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Gain (Loss) on AOCI - Net Investment Hedges (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument, Net Investment Hedging, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	$12,499	($1,592)
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	-336	1,466
Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net		-4,660
Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	12,499	3,068
Interest Income | Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		677
Interest Expense | Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net		541
Other Expense | Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	($336)	$248

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI5

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Fair Value Hedges (Details) (Designated as Hedging Instrument, Fair Value Hedging, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$45,000,000
Derivative, Notional amount maturing within 12 months	45,000,000
Interest Expense | Interest Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$118,000	$87,000

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI6

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Hedges not Designated (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$479,833,000
Derivative, Notional amount maturing within 12 months	478,282,000
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	7,364,000		-3,855,000
Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	460,653,000
Derivative, Notional amount maturing within 12 months	460,653,000
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,327,000
Derivative, Notional amount maturing within 12 months	776,000
Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	16,853,000
Derivative, Notional amount maturing within 12 months	16,853,000
Other Expense | Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	-1,222,000	[1]	825,000	[1]
Other Expense | Equity Option
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	5,000		-228,000
Other Expense | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	8,584,000	[1]	-4,441,000	[1]
Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	($3,000)		($11,000)
[1]	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.

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI7

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Balance Sheet Location (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$51,512	$28,653
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	11,584	7,481
Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	11,375	12,677
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	0	0
Accrued Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	3,411	3,548
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	4,214	4,827
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,678	2,084
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	191	244
Foreign Exchange Forward | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	51,040	28,036
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	10,884	4,798
Foreign Exchange Forward | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	11,039	12,542
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward | Accrued Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	2,077	2,740
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	4,160	4,764
Foreign Exchange Forward | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	638	1,707
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	0	0
Commodity Contract | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Commodity Contract | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	0	0
Commodity Contract | Accrued Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	169	233
Commodity Contract | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	0	0
Interest Rate Swap | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	472	617
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	0	0
Interest Rate Swap | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	336	135
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	0	0
Interest Rate Swap | Accrued Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,165	575
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	54	63
Interest Rate Swap | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	1,040	377
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	94	129
Dio Equity Option Contracts | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	0	0
Dio Equity Option Contracts | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	0	0
Dio Equity Option Contracts | Accrued Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	0	0
Dio Equity Option Contracts | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	97	115
Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	700	2,683
Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member | Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	0	0
Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member | Accrued Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	0	0
Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member | Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Liability, at Fair Value	$0	$0

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI8

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Balance Sheet Offsetting (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	$74,471	$48,811
Derivative Asset	74,471	48,811
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities	9,080	9,138
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	65,391	39,673
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	9,494	10,703
Derivative Liability	9,494	10,703
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	-9,080	-9,138
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	414	1,565
Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	72,963	45,377
Derivative Asset	72,963	45,377
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities	8,748	7,797
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	64,215	37,580
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	6,875	9,208
Derivative Liability	6,875	9,208
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	-6,875	-8,186
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	0	1,022
Commodity Contract
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	169	235
Derivative Liability	169	235
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	0	0
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	169	235
Dio Equity Option Contracts
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	97	115
Derivative Liability	97	115
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	0	0
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	97	115
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	808	751
Derivative Asset	808	751
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities	185	274
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	623	477
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Derivative Liability, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	2,353	1,145
Derivative Liability	2,353	1,145
Derivative Liability, Securities Sold under Agreements to Resell, Securities Loaned, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities	-2,205	-952
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	148	193
Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Not Subject to Master Netting Arrangement	700	2,683
Derivative Asset	700	2,683
Derivative Asset, Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell, Securities Borrowed, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities	147	1,067
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	0	0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	553	1,616
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash	$0	$0

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_AND_DERI9

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	group
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge	18 months
Number of groups of significant interest rate swaps	2
Fair Value Hedging | Private Placement Notes Member
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Maturity Period	5 years
Interest Rate Swap | Fair Value Hedging | Private Placement Notes Member
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Term of Contract	5 years
Currency Japanese Yen Member | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Term of Contract	5 years
Currency Swiss Franc Member | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Term of Contract	5 years

Recovered_Sheet1

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES - Narrative (Details)

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Apr. 04, 2011

Feb. 28, 2010

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Term Loan Agreement

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Interest Rate Swap

Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member

Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member

Foreign Exchange Forward

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

Net Investment Hedging

Fair Value Hedging

Fair Value Hedging

Fair Value Hedging

Fair Value Hedging

Switzerland, Francs

USD ($)

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Foreign Exchange Contract

Foreign Exchange Contract

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Cross Currency Basis Swaps Member

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Term Loan Agreement

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Private Placement Notes Member

Private Placement Notes Member

Private Placement Notes Member

Designated as Hedging Instrument

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

USD ($)

CHF

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CHF

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative, Variable Interest Rate

1260000000000.00%

Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate

0.90%

0.70%

0.70%

4.10%

Derivative, Notional Amount

$479,833,000

$2,327,000

$16,853,000

$460,653,000

$500,507,000

$171,511,000

65,000,000

$326,793,000

$406,194,000

$150,000,000

$45,000,000

16,400,000

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax

14,900,000

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$250,000,000

Derivative, Term of Contract

5 years

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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	$167,865	$106,509
Liabilities	54,968	116,726
Interest Rate Swap
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	808	752
Liabilities	2,353	1,144
Commodity Contract
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liabilities	169	233
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	700	2,683
Foreign Exchange Forward
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	72,963	45,376
Liabilities	6,875	9,211
Long-term Debt
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liabilities	45,474	106,023
Corporate Bond Securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	93,394	57,698
Dio Equity Option Contracts
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liabilities	97	115
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	74,471	48,811
Liabilities	54,871	116,611
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	808	752
Liabilities	2,353	1,144
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Commodity Contract
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liabilities	169	233
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	700	2,683
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign Exchange Forward
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	72,963	45,376
Liabilities	6,875	9,211
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Long-term Debt
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liabilities	45,474	106,023
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	93,394	57,698
Liabilities	97	115
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Corporate Bond Securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets	93,394	57,698
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Dio Equity Option Contracts
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Liabilities	$97	$115

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Reconci

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT Reconciliation Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Unobservable Inputs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Corporate Bond Securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$57,698
Unrealized Loss Reported in AOCI	44,499
Effect of exchange rate changes	-8,803
Ending Balance	93,394
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Unrealized Loss Reported in AOCI	44,499
Effect of exchange rate changes	-8,803
Dio Equity Option Contracts
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Unrealized Loss Reported in AOCI	5
Effect of exchange rate changes	13
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation
Beginning Balance	-115
Unrealized Loss Reported in AOCI	5
Effect of exchange rate changes	13
Ending Balance	($97)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENT_Additio

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Corporate Bond Securities
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Approximate stock volatility	26.00%
Discount rate	9.20%
Fixed rate senior notes $450 million due August 2021
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt, fixed rate	4.10%
Tranche C | Unsecured Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	450,000,000
Tranche B | Unsecured Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	300,000,000
Tranche A | Unsecured Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Senior Notes	250,000,000
Private Placement Notes Member | U.S. Dollar Denominated Expiring March 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt, fixed rate	4.10%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes | U.S. Dollar Denominated Due August 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt, fixed rate	2.80%
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	1,190,800,000	1,290,000,000
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	1,163,600,000	$1,262,700,000

INCOME_TAXES_Additional_Inform

INCOME TAXES Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount	$0.30
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount		1.6
Future Period Member
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	2.3
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	0.9
Unrecognized tax benefits, expiration of statues of limitation	$0.40

FINANCING_ARRANGEMENTS_LongTer

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS Long-Term Borrowings (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 24, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$395,600,000
Commercial Paper
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	100,000,000
Private Placement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt	75,000,000
Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit		160,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			500,000,000
Term Loan Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$8,800,000

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Reconciliation of Changes in Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	$2,089,339
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	-136,068
Balance, end of the year	1,953,271
Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year		565,714
Balance, end of the year		565,714
Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year		129,227
Balance, end of the year		$129,227

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Identifiable Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$698,691	$738,351
Accumulated Amortization	-260,822	-260,088
Net Carrying Amount	437,869	478,263
Identifiable Intangible Assets Gross	874,279	930,928
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	613,457	670,840
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	175,588	192,577
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	170,790	175,186
Accumulated Amortization	-94,380	-95,526
Net Carrying Amount	76,410	79,660
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	72,396	75,645
Accumulated Amortization	-38,854	-37,053
Net Carrying Amount	33,542	38,592
Licensing Agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	33,699	34,638
Accumulated Amortization	-23,002	-22,806
Net Carrying Amount	10,697	11,832
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	421,806	452,882
Accumulated Amortization	-104,586	-104,703
Net Carrying Amount	$317,220	$348,179

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2004	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2006
San Francisco County California Member
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Lawsuit Filing Date	18-Jun-04
Loss Contingency, Name of Plaintiff	Marvin Weinstat, DDS and Richard Nathan, DDS
Loss Contingency, Trial or Alternative Dispute Resolution	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
Eastern District Of Pennsylvania Member
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Lawsuit Filing Date		1/20/14	12-Dec-06
Loss Contingency, Name of Plaintiff		Former and Current Employees	Carole Hildebrand, DDS and Robert Jaffin, DDS and Dr. Mitchell Goldman
Loss Contingency, Trial or Alternative Dispute Resolution		On January 20, 2014, the Company was served with a qui tam complaint filed by two former and one current employee of the Company under the Federal False Claims Act and equivalent state and city laws. The lawsuit was previously under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania	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