GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Reconciliation of Changes in Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	$ 2,281,596
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(1,413)
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	6,532
Balance, end of the year	2,286,715
Dental Consumable Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	325,044
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	1,008
Balance, end of the year	326,052
Dental Specialty and Laboratory Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	1,576,126
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(1,413)
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	1,269
Balance, end of the year	1,575,982
Healthcare and Emerging Markets Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	380,426
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	4,255
Balance, end of the year	$ 384,681