Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Other Assets (Goodwill Aquisition) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 Employees
Other Assets [Line Items]
Agreement term	25 years
Number of new employees joining company	35
Up-front payment	$ 63.0
Additional contingent cash payment	84.0
Gross carrying amount	148.1
Accumulated amortization	1.5
Contingent payment period	4 years
After 1 Year of Meeting Supply Target [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Additional contingent cash payment	$ 34.0
Sports Medicine Allograft Product Line [Member] | Arthroscopy [Member] | CONMED Linvatec [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue to be received as compensation for marketing efforts	50.00%
PRP Products [Member] | Arthroscopy [Member] | CONMED Linvatec [Member]
Other Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of revenue to be received as compensation for marketing efforts	100.00%