BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Unaudited Financial Information had the Astra Tech Acquisition Occurred (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Business Acquisitions And Investments In Affiliates Abstract [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 713,235
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY	$ 69,445
Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48

The pro forma net Income or Loss for the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (h)(2)-(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6909870&loc=d3e1392-128463

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The pro forma revenue for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period.

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Business Acquisition Pro Forma Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted

+ References

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