Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	$ 1,140.7	$ 1,115.6
Knees [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	470.6	462.2
Hips [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	344.5	337.3
Extremities [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	44.8	42.9
Reconstructive implants [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	859.9	842.4
Dental [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	60.2	62.4
Trauma [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	75.5	70.1
Spine [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	53.2	56.9
Surgical and other [Member]
Net sales by product category
Net Sales	$ 91.9	$ 83.8