EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$ 44,099	$ 89,993	$ 108,061	$ 162,871
Shares
Basic	139,813	141,790	140,054	141,921
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options from stock-based compensation awards (in shares)	2,449	2,374	2,467	2,367
Diluted (in shares)	142,262	144,164	142,521	144,288
Earnings per common share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 0.63	$ 0.77	$ 1.15
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.62	$ 0.76	$ 1.13