Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Quarterly Financial Information
Net Sales	$ 1,167.3	$ 1,031.5	$ 1,137.4	$ 1,115.6	$ 1,134.7	$ 965.0	$ 1,057.7	$ 1,062.8	$ 4,451.8	$ 4,220.2	$ 4,095.4
Gross Profit	864.1	779.6	849.5	836.6	860.5	745.8	807.1	794.4	3,329.8	3,208.0	3,104.7
Net Earnings of Zimmer Holdings, Inc.	$ 156.6	$ 191.5	$ 203.8	$ 208.9	$ 34.9	$ 191.1	$ 165.5	$ 205.4	$ 760.8	$ 596.9	$ 717.4
Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings Per Common Share - Basic	$ 0.88	$ 1.02	$ 1.06	$ 1.08	$ 0.18	$ 0.96	$ 0.82	$ 1.01	$ 4.05	$ 2.98	$ 3.34
Earnings Per Common Share - Diluted	$ 0.87	$ 1.01	$ 1.06	$ 1.08	$ 0.18	$ 0.96	$ 0.82	$ 1.01	$ 4.03	$ 2.97	$ 3.32