Capital Expenditures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Capital expenditures	$ 92,072		$ 71,186		$ 44,236
Dental Consumable and Laboratory Businesses Segment [Member]
Capital expenditures	18,912		20,391		15,639
OrthodonticsCanadaMexicoJapan Segment [Member]
Capital expenditures	9,071		7,494		2,432
Select Distribution Businesses Segments
Capital expenditures	724		1,439		1,352
Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim Segments
Capital expenditures	58,367		32,949		21,297
All Other
Capital expenditures	$ 4,998	[1]	$ 8,913	[1]	$ 3,516	[1]

[1] (f)Includes capital expenditures of Corporate headquarters.