Capital Expenditures (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Capital expenditures	$ 71,186		$ 44,236		$ 56,481
U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses
Capital expenditures	11,681		9,267		8,333
France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses
Capital expenditures	3,179		2,978		2,506
Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech
Capital expenditures	29,334		17,078		14,434
Dental Laboratory Business/ Implants/ Non Dental
Capital expenditures	17,701		11,397		25,546
All Other
Capital expenditures	$ 9,291	[1]	$ 3,516	[1]	$ 5,662	[1]

[1] Includes capital expenditures of Corporate headquarters.