Goodwill and other intangible assets, net Changes in carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 1,684,173	$ 1,686,331
Accumulated impairment losses	(332,128)	(332,128)
Goodwill	1,352,045	1,354,203
Goodwill related to acquisitions	15,986
Translation adjustment	(18,144)
Vascular North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	474,044	474,044
Accumulated impairment losses	(219,527)	(219,527)
Goodwill	254,517	254,517
Goodwill related to acquisitions	0
Translation adjustment	0
Anesthesia Respiratory North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	166,895	167,195
Accumulated impairment losses	(107,073)	(107,073)
Goodwill	59,822	60,122
Goodwill related to acquisitions	0
Translation adjustment	(300)
Surgical North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	250,506	250,506
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill	250,506	250,506
Goodwill related to acquisitions	0
Translation adjustment	0
EMEA
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	355,950	373,417
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill	355,950	373,417
Goodwill related to acquisitions	0
Translation adjustment	(17,467)
Asia
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	152,347	136,946
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill	152,347	136,946
Goodwill related to acquisitions	15,986
Translation adjustment	(585)
All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	284,431	284,223
Accumulated impairment losses	(5,528)	(5,528)
Goodwill	278,903	278,695
Goodwill related to acquisitions	0
Translation adjustment	$ 208