SEGMENT INFORMATION Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	$ 631,546	$ 689,182
Precious metal content of sales	24,774	40,932
Net Sales, including precious metal content	656,320	730,114
Operating Segments | Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	292,091	305,072
Net Sales, including precious metal content	310,316	339,281
Operating Segments | Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	235,810	264,204
Net Sales, including precious metal content	235,993	264,411
Operating Segments | Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Net Sales, excluding precious metal content	103,645	119,906
Net Sales, including precious metal content	$ 110,011	$ 126,422