Total Net Sales by Product Group Category (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 740,300	$ 730,000
Vascular
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	203,200	209,200
Urology
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	188,800	185,100
Oncology
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	207,100	198,900
Surgical Specialties
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	120,300	114,700
Other Product Group
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 20,900	$ 22,100