Total Net Sales by Product Group Category (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 722,900	$ 719,200	$ 2,195,500	$ 2,144,500
Vascular
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	202,500	208,200	633,000	621,700
Urology
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	188,100	182,200	562,000	544,400
Oncology
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	203,900	198,900	601,900	578,100
Surgical Specialties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	107,700	107,600	333,800	333,400
Other Product Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 20,700	$ 22,300	$ 64,800	$ 66,900