CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 1,161.5	$ 1,138.9
Cost of products sold	305.4	292.9
Gross Profit	856.1	846.0
Research and development	47.5	53.5
Selling, general and administrative	464.3	460.8
Special items (Note 2)	45.9	33.5
Operating expenses	557.7	547.8
Operating Profit	298.4	298.2
Interest income	2.5	3.7
Interest expense	(15.0)	(18.2)
Earnings before income taxes	285.9	283.7
Provision for income taxes	64.8	65.7
Net earnings	221.1	218.0
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(0.4)	(0.6)
Net Earnings of Zimmer Holdings, Inc.	$ 221.5	$ 218.6
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic	$ 1.31	$ 1.30
Diluted	$ 1.29	$ 1.28
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
Basic	169.1	168.7
Diluted	171.8	170.7
Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$ 0.22	$ 0.20