SEGMENT DATA - Summary of Net Sales by Product Category (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 1,180.5	$ 1,025.5	$ 1,125.0	$ 1,140.7	$ 1,167.3	$ 1,031.5	$ 1,137.4	$ 1,115.6	$ 4,471.7	$ 4,451.8	$ 4,220.2
Knees [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales									1,814.8	1,825.1	1,789.9
Hips [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales									1,342.0	1,355.6	1,262.3
Extremities [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales									173.8	163.4	150.1
Reconstructive implants [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales									3,330.6	3,344.1	3,202.3
Dental [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales									237.7	248.1	219.0
Trauma [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales									307.9	285.8	245.5
Spine [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales									208.9	225.0	234.4
Surgical and other [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales									$ 386.6	$ 348.8	$ 319.0