GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Reconciliation of Changes in Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	$ 2,190,063
Revision of provisional amounts on prior acquistion	(144,530)
Effects of exchange rate changes	(9,449)
Balance, end of the year	2,036,084
Dental Consumable and Laboratrory Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	484,779
Effects of exchange rate changes	(2,054)
Balance, end of the year	482,725
Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	102,950
Effects of exchange rate changes	(641)
Balance, end of the year	102,309
Select Distribution Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	108,566
Goodwill, Other Changes	2,132
Effects of exchange rate changes	(6,602)
Balance, end of the year	104,096
Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	1,493,768
Revision of provisional amounts on prior acquistion	(144,530)
Goodwill, Other Changes	(2,132)
Effects of exchange rate changes	(152)
Balance, end of the year	$ 1,346,954

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Publisher FASB

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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