Legal Matters (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Product liability insurance, amount per incident	$ 25
Product liability insurance, aggregate annual amount	$ 25

Product Liability Contingency, Insurance, Aggregate Annual Amount

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	cnmd_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant