Segment Data (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, 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
Net sales by product category
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
Knees [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales									1,825.1	1,789.9	1,756.3
Hips [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales									1,355.6	1,262.3	1,228.5
Extremities [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales									163.4	150.1	135.6
Reconstructive implants [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales									3,344.1	3,202.3	3,120.4
Dental [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales									248.1	219.0	204.7
Trauma [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales									285.8	245.5	234.8
Spine [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales									225.0	234.4	253.6
Surgical and other [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales									$ 348.8	$ 319.0	$ 281.9