Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Zimmer Holdings, Inc. Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	1,000,000,000	1,000,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	255,600,000	254,600,000
Treasury stock, shares	75,200,000	59,000,000