Segment Information - Summary of Net Sales by Product Category (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 1,138.9	$ 1,140.7
Knees [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	471.0	474.6
Hips [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	330.8	344.5
Extremities [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	47.8	44.8
Reconstructive Implants [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	849.6	863.9
Dental [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	59.7	60.2
Trauma [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	82.0	75.5
Spine [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	47.7	53.2
Surgical and other [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 99.9	$ 87.9