CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net sales	$ 2,537,718	$ 2,221,014	$ 2,159,378
Cost of products sold	1,264,278	1,090,856	1,053,015
Gross profit	1,273,440	1,130,158	1,106,363
Selling, general and administrative expenses	936,847	738,901	718,230
Restructuring and other costs	35,865	10,984	6,890
Operating income	300,728	380,273	381,243
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense	43,814	25,089	21,896
Interest income	(9,456)	(4,254)	(5,032)
Other expense (income), net	10,259	1,782	1,023
Income before income taxes	256,111	357,656	363,356
Provision for income taxes	11,016	89,225	88,944
Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated affilated company	2,351	(1,096)	0
Net income	247,446	267,335	274,412
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,926	1,627	154
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$ 244,520	$ 265,708	$ 274,258
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$ 1.73	$ 1.85	$ 1.85
Diluted	$ 1.70	$ 1.82	$ 1.83
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	141,386	143,980	148,319
Diluted	143,553	145,985	150,102