Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 26, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CONMED CORPORATION
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2021
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Entity File Number	001-39218
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	16-0977505
Entity Address, Address Line One	11311 Concept Blvd
Entity Address, City or Town	Largo,
Entity Address, State or Province	FL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	33773
City Area Code	727
Local Phone Number	392-6464
Entity Central Index Key	0000816956
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value
Trading Symbol	CNMD
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,092,141
Amendment Flag	false