Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	$ 1,031.5	$ 965.0	$ 3,284.5	$ 3,085.5
Knees [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	416.7	402.9	1,349.8	1,316.2
Hips [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	315.6	287.3	997.9	920.1
Extremities [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	36.0	33.6	119.6	110.2
Reconstructive implants [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	768.3	723.8	2,467.3	2,346.5
Dental [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	55.1	49.0	184.6	156.6
Trauma [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	69.3	58.1	208.5	176.3
Spine [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	55.2	56.5	168.5	174.4
Surgical and other [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	$ 83.6	$ 77.6	$ 255.6	$ 231.7