SEGMENT INFORMATION Net Sales (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Net sales	$ 765,225		$ 761,010		$ 1,495,339		$ 1,493,094
Operating Segments [Member] | Healthcare and Emerging Markets Businesses [Member]
Net sales	139,848		133,054		264,794		254,793
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental Specialty and Laboratory Businesses [Member]
Net sales	442,655		458,128		875,062		906,105
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental Consumables and Certain International Businesses [Member]
Net sales	183,741		170,688		357,716		334,395
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other
Net sales	$ (1,019)	[1]	$ (860)	[1]	$ (2,233)	[1]	$ (2,199)	[1]

[1] (a) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters