Supplemental Balance Sheet Data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts Receivable, net [Abstract]
Gross trade accounts receivable:	$ 479,647	$ 498,882
Less: Allowance for revenue adjustments	(69,814)	(87,035)
Gross trade accounts receivable	409,833	411,847
Less: Allowance for bad debt	(9,367)	(9,970)
Net trade accounts receivable	400,466	401,877
Other receivables	10,629	12,206
Accounts receivable, net	411,095	414,083
Inventories, net [Abstract]
Finished goods and tissue available for distribution	92,612	92,769
Goods and tissue in-process	16,187	9,507
Raw materials, supplies, parts and unprocessed tissue	90,463	96,197
Inventory, gross, total	199,262	198,473
Less: Amounts expected to be converted into equipment for short-term rental	(17,247)	(10,008)
Reserve for excess and obsolete inventory	(13,368)	(15,913)
Inventory, net	168,647	172,552
Americas [Member]
Accounts Receivable, net [Abstract]
Gross trade accounts receivable:	349,550	381,125
Americas [Member] \| AHS and TSS [Member]
Accounts Receivable, net [Abstract]
Gross trade accounts receivable:	307,049	341,874
Americas [Member] \| LifeCell [Member]
Accounts Receivable, net [Abstract]
Gross trade accounts receivable:	42,501	39,251
EMEA [Member]
Accounts Receivable, net [Abstract]
Gross trade accounts receivable:	117,272	106,174
APAC [Member]
Accounts Receivable, net [Abstract]
Gross trade accounts receivable:	$ 12,825	$ 11,583

An allowance for unbilled receivables due that are expected to be denied or uncollectible, or have been unbilled beyond an established billing window.

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Amounts due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business. Includes the allowance for revenue adjustments.

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The amount in inventory that is held by an entity that will ultimately be used in the production of goods for short-term rental to others that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year.

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Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.

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A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible.

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Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of merchandise or goods held by the company that are readily available for sale.

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Gross amount, as of the balance sheet date, of merchandise, goods, commodities, or supplies held for future sale or to be used in manufacturing, servicing or production process.

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Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).

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Aggregated amount of unprocessed materials to be used in manufacturing or production process and supplies that will be consumed.

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The amount of the valuation account as of the balance sheet date which reduces the carrying amount of inventory to net realizable value; takes into consideration such factors as market value, excessive quantities based on expected sales, technological obsolescence, and shrinkage. May also provide for estimated product returns or price concessions pertaining to product cost.

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Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of merchandise or goods which are partially completed, are generally comprised of raw materials, labor and factory overhead costs, and which require further materials, labor and overhead to be converted into finished goods, and which generally require the use of estimates to determine percentage complete and pricing.

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The carrying amount of other receivables, net, due within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from third parties or arising from transactions not separately disclosed.

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The total amount due to the entity within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from outside sources, including trade accounts receivable, notes and loans receivable, as well as any other types of receivables, net of allowances established for the purpose of reducing such receivables to an amount that approximates their net realizable value.

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