Business Segment Information (Total Net Revenues By Product Group) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	$ 371,891	$ 345,041	$ 1,117,181	$ 1,047,005
Critical Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	245,122	226,107	735,908	685,709
Surgical Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	65,997	61,623	203,906	190,960
Cardiac Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	18,117	17,364	57,926	54,462
OEM And Development Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	42,436	39,538	118,676	113,832
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total net revenues	$ 219	$ 409	$ 765	$ 2,042