GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Reconciliation of Changes in Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	$ 2,281,596
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(240)
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	(120,660)
Balance, end of the year	2,160,696
Dental Consumables and Certain International Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	325,044
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	(4,784)
Balance, end of the year	320,260
Dental Specialty and Laboratory Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	1,576,126
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(240)
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	(100,804)
Balance, end of the year	1,475,082
Healthcare and Emerging Markets Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	380,426
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments	(15,072)
Balance, end of the year	$ 365,354