Net Sales (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Net sales	$ 2,537,718		$ 2,221,014		$ 2,159,378
U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses
Net sales	566,535		526,781		526,668
France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses
Net sales	538,449		482,146		471,232
Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech
Net sales	861,273		665,032		621,256
Dental Laboratory Business/ Implants/ Non Dental
Net sales	576,491		550,359		543,637
All Other
Net sales	$ (5,030)	[1]	$ (3,304)	[1]	$ (3,415)	[1]

[1] Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.