Goodwill and other intangible assets, net - Changes in carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting segment (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 26, 2016 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 1,295,852
Currency translation adjustment	5,496
Goodwill, ending balance	1,301,348
Operating Segments | Vascular North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	345,546
Currency translation adjustment	0
Goodwill, ending balance	345,546
Operating Segments | Anesthesia North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	141,122
Currency translation adjustment	405
Goodwill, ending balance	141,527
Operating Segments | Surgical North America
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	250,912
Currency translation adjustment	0
Goodwill, ending balance	250,912
Operating Segments | EMEA
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	306,009
Currency translation adjustment	367
Goodwill, ending balance	306,376
Operating Segments | Asia
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	141,067
Currency translation adjustment	6,864
Goodwill, ending balance	147,931
Operating Segments | OEM
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,194
Currency translation adjustment	0
Goodwill, ending balance	1,194
Operating Segments | All Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	110,002
Currency translation adjustment	(2,140)
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 107,862