Net Sales by Product Category (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 1,025.5	$ 1,031.5	$ 3,291.2	$ 3,284.5
Knees [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	407.4	416.7	1,338.7	1,349.8
Hips [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	308.5	315.6	993.0	997.9
Extremities [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	39.7	36.0	127.0	119.6
Reconstructive Implants [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	755.6	768.3	2,458.7	2,467.3
Dental [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	54.7	55.1	176.4	184.6
Trauma [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	74.5	69.3	223.9	208.5
Spine [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	49.8	55.2	155.4	168.5
Surgical and other [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 90.9	$ 83.6	$ 276.8	$ 255.6