CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 218.0	$ 208.9
Other Comprehensive Income:
Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustments	(65.0)	28.1
Unrealized cash flow hedge gains, net of tax	29.2	4.1
Reclassification adjustments on foreign currency hedges, net of tax	3.9	0.9
Unrealized gains/(losses) on securities, net of tax	(0.1)	0.2
Adjustments to prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial assumptions, net of tax	4.2	22.9
Total Other Comprehensive Gain/(Loss)	(27.8)	56.2
Comprehensive Income	190.2	265.1
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(0.6)	(0.7)
Comprehensive Income attributable to Zimmer Holdings, Inc.	$ 190.8	$ 265.8