SEGMENT INFORMATION Net Sales (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Net sales	$ 708,240		$ 704,018		$ 2,203,579		$ 2,197,112
Operating Segments [Member] | Healthcare and Emerging Markets Businesses [Member]
Net sales	139,521		129,551		404,314		384,344
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental Specialty and Laboratory Businesses [Member]
Net sales	387,005		403,200		1,262,067		1,309,304
Operating Segments [Member] | Dental Consumables and Certain International Businesses [Member]
Net sales	182,885		172,382		540,601		506,777
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other
Net sales	$ (1,171)	[1]	$ (1,115)	[1]	$ (3,403)	[1]	$ (3,313)	[1]

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