Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 234,815,000	$ 256,821,000	$ 234,815,000	$ 295,068,000
Other intangible assets, net	195,531,000	190,809,000	195,531,000
Percent of fair values exceeding carrying values, minimum			42.00%
Percent of fair values exceeding carrying values, maximum			107.00%
Goodwill impairment	60,302,000	0	60,302,000	0
Acquired Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Weighted average amortization period (in years)		29 years
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Shipping and handling costs		12,800,000	13,000,000	12,100,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,183,000	1,203,000	1,183,000
Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member]
Fair Value of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Debt interest rate	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%	2.50%
Fair value of the Notes	$ 300,000	$ 200,000	$ 300,000
Linvatec Corporation [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Number of years of historical revenue attrition used to evaluate acquired finite-lived intangible assets useful life		5 years
Annual attrition rate used to evaluate acquired finite-lived intangible assets useful life		2.60%
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Weighted average amortization period (in years)		33 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Linvatec Corporation [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Weighted average amortization period (in years)		38 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Other Acquisitions Excluding ConMed Linvatec [Member]
Acquired Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Weighted average amortization period (in years)		15 years