Total Net Sales by Product Group Category (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 762,600	$ 722,900	$ 742,600	$ 730,000	$ 751,900	$ 719,200	$ 725,000	$ 700,300	$ 2,958,100	$ 2,896,400	$ 2,720,200
Vascular
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									845,000	842,400	755,900
Urology
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									757,800	734,800	718,100
Oncology
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									812,400	779,500	724,800
Surgical Specialties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									455,100	450,000	434,600
Other Product Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 87,800	$ 89,700	$ 86,800