SEGMENT INFORMATION Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$ 4,384,830		$ 4,650,265
Operating Segments | Dental Consumables, Endodontic and Dental Laboratory Businesses
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	1,339,795		1,358,018
Operating Segments | Healthcare, Orthodontic and Implant Businesses
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	2,456,208		2,655,622
Operating Segments | Select Developed and Emerging Markets Businesses
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	341,380		369,844
Operating Segments | All Other
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$ 247,447	[1]	$ 266,781	[1]

[1] Includes the assets of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.