SEGMENT INFORMATION Net Sales (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales	$ 704,018		$ 695,734		$ 2,197,112		$ 2,175,141
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental Consumable and Laboratrory Businesses [Member]
Net sales	242,281		244,215		761,691		765,186
Operating Segments [Member] | Orthodontics/Canada/Mexico/Japan [Member]
Net sales	71,298		78,761		224,712		232,310
Operating Segments [Member] | Select Distribution Businesses [Member]
Net sales	66,012		59,498		192,941		182,344
Operating Segments [Member] | Implants/Endodontics/Healthcare/Pacific Rim [Member]
Net sales	325,542		313,729		1,021,082		999,939
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other
Net sales	$ (1,115)	[1]	$ (469)	[1]	$ (3,314)	[1]	$ (4,638)	[1]

[1] (a) Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters