CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 1,138.9	$ 1,140.7
Cost of products sold	292.9	288.7
Gross Profit	846.0	852.0
Research and development	53.5	59.6
Selling, general and administrative	460.8	463.3
Special items (Note 2)	33.5	33.5
Operating expenses	547.8	556.4
Operating Profit	298.2	295.6
Interest income	3.7	3.1
Interest expense	(18.2)	(17.6)
Earnings before income taxes	283.7	281.1
Provision for income taxes	65.7	72.2
Net earnings	218.0	208.9
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(0.6)	(0.7)
Net Earnings of Zimmer Holdings, Inc.	$ 218.6	$ 209.6
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic	$ 1.30	$ 1.18
Diluted	$ 1.28	$ 1.17
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
Basic	168.7	177.4
Diluted	170.7	178.5
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$ 0.20