EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Disclosure - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$ 79,851	$ 53,364	$ 238,763	$ 187,413
Shares
Basic (in shares)	142,421	141,843	142,705	141,767
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options from stock-based compensation awards (in shares)	2,277	2,041	2,247	2,118
Diluted (in shares)	144,698	143,884	144,952	143,885
Earnings per common share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.56	$ 0.38	$ 1.67	$ 1.32
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.55	$ 0.37	$ 1.65	$ 1.30