View Filing Data

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES

Business Acquisitions

The acquisition related activity for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $1.8 billion, net of cash acquired of $23.4 million, was related to six acquisitions and two earn-out payments for prior period acquisitions.

On August 31, 2011, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Astra Tech using the available cash on hand and debt financing discussed in Note 10, Financing Arrangements. Astra Tech is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of dental implants, customized implant abutments and consumable medical devices in the urology and surgery market segments.

This transaction strengthens the Company's leadership position in the global dental market as well as provides additional growth opportunities within the broader medical devices category.

The Astra Tech acquisition was recorded in accordance with the business combinations provisions of US GAAP. The Company has preliminarily valued tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The Company is in the process of completing the valuation of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed and, therefore, the fair values set forth below are subject to adjustment upon finalizing the valuations. The Company expects to finalize valuations during the first half of 2012. In addition, completion of the valuation may impact the assessment of the net deferred tax liability currently recognized with any adjustment resulting in a corresponding change to goodwill. The amount of these potential adjustments could be significant.

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Astra Tech acquisition:



(in thousands)

Inventory	$	85,181
Other current assets	140,400
Property, plant, and equipment	178,495
Identifiable intangible assets	793,000
Goodwill	969,550
Other long-term assets	13,301
Total assets	2,179,927
Current liabilities	106,983
Long-term liabilities	282,154
Total liabilities	389,137
Net assets	$	1,790,790

Other current assets consist primarily of trade accounts receivable of $101.2 million. Current liabilities assumed are primarily comprised of accrued and other current liabilities of $80.0 million and trade accounts payable of $27.0 million. Long-term liabilities assumed are primarily comprised of noncurrent deferred tax liabilities of $232.8 million and pension obligations of $49.3 million.

Inventory held by Astra Tech includes a fair value adjustment of $32.8 million. The Company expensed this amount by December 31, 2011 as the acquired inventory was sold.

Property, plant and equipment include a fair value adjustment of $28.7 million and consist of land, buildings, plant and equipment. Depreciable lives range 40 years for buildings and from 5 to 15 years for plant and equipment.

The preliminary fair values assigned to intangible assets were determined through the use of the income approach, specifically the relief from royalty method and the multi-period excess earnings method. Both valuation methods rely on management's judgments, including expected future cash flows resulting from existing customer relationships, customer attrition rates, contributory effects of other assets utilized in the business, peer group cost of capital and royalty rates as well as other factors. The valuation of tangible assets was derived using a combination of the income approach, the market approach and the cost approach. Significant judgments used in valuing tangible assets include estimated reproduction or replacement cost, useful lives of assets, estimated selling prices, costs to complete and reasonable profit.

Useful lives for intangible assets were determined based upon the remaining useful economic lives of the intangible assets that are expected to contribute to future cash flows. The acquired intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives. Identifiable indefinite-lived intangible and in-process research and development ("In-process R&D") assets were not assigned lives.

Intangible assets acquired consist of the following:



(in thousands, except for useful life)			Useful Life
	Amount		(in years)
Customer relationships	$	435,100	15
Developed technology and patents	116,500		10
Tradenames	229,100		Indefinite
In-process R&D	12,300		—
Total	$	793,000

The $969.6 million of goodwill is attributable to the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The goodwill recognized is primarily attributable to cost savings and other synergies that the Company expects to realize through operational efficiencies. All of the goodwill has been assigned to the Company's Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/Orthodontics/Astra Tech segment and is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Astra Tech contributed net sales of $207.1 million and an operating loss of $18.5 million to the Company's consolidated statements of operations during the period from September 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 and is included in the Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/Orthodontics/Astra Tech segment.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of the Company had the Astra Tech acquisition occurred on January 1, 2010. These amounts were calculated after conversion to US GAAP, applying the Company's accounting policies and adjusting Astra Tech's results to reflect the additional depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming the fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment, inventory and intangible assets had been applied from January 1, 2010, together with the consequential tax effects at the statutory rate. These adjustments also reflect the additional interest expense incurred on the debt to finance the acquisition.



	Year Ended
(in thousands, except per share data)	December 31,
	2011		2010
Net Sales	$	2,923,011	$	2,755,300
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY	240,791		275,360
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.68	$	1.89

The pro forma financial information is based on the Company's preliminary assignment of purchase price and therefore subject to adjustment upon finalizing the purchase price assignment. The Astra Tech financial information has been compiled in a manner consistent with the accounting policies adopted by DENTSPLY. Pro forma results do not include any anticipated synergies or other anticipated benefits of the acquisition. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have been achieved had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2010. While the Company completed other transactions during the pro forma periods presented above, these transactions were immaterial to the Company's net sales and net income attributable to DENTSPLY.

The Company had additional acquisition related activity for the year ended December 31, 2011. The results of operations for these businesses have been included in the accompanying financial statements as of the effective date of the respective transactions. The purchase prices have been assigned on the basis of preliminary estimates of the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. At December 31, 2011, the Company recorded a total of $9.7 million in goodwill related to the difference between the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the consideration given. The goodwill is primarily associated with the Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/Orthodontics/Astra Tech segment.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, in connection with pending or completed acquisitions, the Company has incurred $44.2 million of transaction related costs, primarily banking fees and amounts paid to third party advisers.

Investment in Affiliates

On December 9, 2010, the Company purchased an initial ownership interest of 16% of the outstanding shares of DIO. The Company accounts for the ownership in DIO under the equity method of accounting as it has significant influence over DIO. In addition, on December 9, 2010, the Company invested $49.7 million in the corporate convertible bonds of DIO, which may be converted into common shares at any time. The bonds are designated by the Company as available-for-sale securities which are reported in, “Other noncurrent assets, net,” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the changes in fair value are reported in AOCI. The convertible feature of the bond has not been bifurcated from the underlying bond as the feature does not contain a net-settlement feature, nor would the Company be able to achieve a hypothetical net-settlement that would substantially place the Company in a comparable cash settlement position. As such, the derivative is not accounted for separately from the bond. The cash paid by the Company is equal to the face value of the bonds issued by DIO, and therefore, the Company has not recorded any bond premium or discount on acquiring the bonds. The fair value of the DIO bond was $47.8 million and $66.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the amortized cost was $49.7 million. At December 31, 2011, an unrealized holding loss of $11.5 million on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, had been recorded in AOCI. At December 31, 2010, an unrealized holding gain of $11.0 million on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, had been recorded in AOCI. The contractual maturity of the bond is in December 2015.

DIO is located in Busan, South Korea and manufactures a wide range of dental implants including STEADY®, BioTite-H, SM implant, internal implant, external implant, ProTem implant, and SM Extra Wide implant systems. In addition, DIO offers various dental devices including implant surgical devices, handpieces, dental materials, impression materials, sterilizers, toothpaste that contains dyrdoxyapatite, and the iTero® 3D intra-oral scanner (Cadent Inc.).

Variable Interest Entities

During 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of the remaining shares of one VIE, in which it had acquired a minority interest in 2006.

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Appendix F
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 67-73
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911361&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911361&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1500-128463

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4926-128472

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4922-128472

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911361&loc=d3e6996-128479

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1524-128463

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911361&loc=d3e7000-128479

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4934-128472

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1383-128463

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

The operating businesses are combined into operating groups, which have overlapping product offerings, geographical presence, customer bases, distribution channels and regulatory oversight. These operating groups are considered the Company’s reportable segments as the Company’s chief operating decision-maker regularly reviews financial results at the operating group level and uses this information to manage the Company’s operations. The accounting policies of the segments are consistent with those described for the consolidated financial statements in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 1, Significant Accounting Policies). The Company measures segment income for reporting purposes as net operating income before restructuring, impairments, and other costs, interest and taxes. Additionally, the operating groups are measured on net third party sales, excluding precious metal content. A description of the services provided within each of the Company’s four reportable segments is provided below. The disclosure below reflects the Company’s segment reporting structure.

United States, Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses

This business group includes responsibility for the design, manufacturing, sales and distribution of certain small equipment and chairside consumable products in the United States, Germany and certain other European regions. It also has responsibility for the sales and distribution of certain Endodontic products in Germany.

France, United Kingdom, Italy and Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses

This business group includes responsibility for the sales and distribution for certain small equipment, chairside consumable products, certain laboratory products and certain Endodontic products in France, United Kingdom, Italy, the Commonwealth of Independent States (“CIS”), Middle East, Africa, Asia (excluding Japan), Japan and Australia, as well as the sale and distribution of implant products and bone substitute/grafting materials in France, Italy, Asia and Australia. This business group also includes the responsibility for sales and distribution for certain laboratory products, implants products and bone substitution/grafting materials for Austria. It also is responsible for sales and distribution of certain small equipment and chairside consumable products, certain laboratory products, implant products and bone substation/grafting materials in certain other European countries. In addition this business group also includes the manufacturing and sale of Orthodontic products and certain laboratory products in Japan, and the manufacturing of certain laboratory and certain Endodontic products in Asia.

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/Orthodontics/Astra Tech

This business group includes responsibility for the design, manufacture, and/or sales and distribution of certain small equipment, chairside consumable products, certain laboratory products and Endodontic products in Brazil. It also has responsibility for the sales and distribution of most of the Company's dental products sold in Latin America and Canada. This business group also includes the responsibility for the design and manufacturing of Endodontic products in the United States, Switzerland and Germany and is responsible for the sales and distribution of the Company's Endodontic products in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Benelux, Scandinavia, Austria, Latin America and Eastern Europe, and for certain Endodontic products in Germany. This business group is also responsible for the world-wide sales and distribution, excluding Japan, as well as some manufacturing of the Company's Orthodontic products. In addition, this business group is also responsible for sales and distribution in the United States of implant and bone substitute/grafting materials, sales and distribution of implants in Brazil, sales of dental lasers and the manufacture and sale of certain products in the Company's non-dental business.

This business group includes the Astra Tech business which was acquired on August 31, 2011, see Note 3, Business Acquisitions and Investments in Affiliates. Astra Tech designs, manufactures and markets dental implants, customized implant abutments, hydrophilic intermittent catheters and certain surgical products.

Dental Laboratory Business/Implants/Non-Dental

This business group includes the responsibility for the design, manufacture, sales and distribution of most laboratory products, excluding certain countries mentioned previously, and the design, manufacture, and/or sales and distribution of the Company’s dental implant products and bone substitute/grafting materials, excluding sales and distribution of implants and bone substitute/grafting materials in the United States; France, Italy, Austria, and certain other Eastern European countries; and Australia. This business group is also responsible for most of the Company’s non-dental business.

Significant interdependencies exist among the Company’s operations in certain geographic areas. Inter-group sales are at prices intended to provide a reasonable profit to the manufacturing unit after recovery of all manufacturing costs and to provide a reasonable profit for purchasing locations after coverage of marketing, sales, distribution and general and administrative costs.

Generally, the Company evaluates performance of the operating groups based on the groups’ operating income, excluding restructuring, impairments and other costs, interest and taxes, and net third party sales, excluding precious metal content. The Company considers net third party sales, excluding precious metal content, as the appropriate sales measurement due to the fluctuations of precious metal prices and due to the fact that the precious metal content is largely a pass-through to customers and has a minimal effect on earnings.

The following table sets forth information about the Company’s operating groups for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Third Party Net Sales



(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	566,535		$	526,781		$	526,668

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	538,449			482,146			471,232

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	861,273			665,032			621,256

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	576,491			550,359			543,637

All Other (a)	(5,030		)	(3,304		)	(3,415		)
Total net sales	$	2,537,718		$	2,221,014		$	2,159,378


(a)	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.

Third Party Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content



(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	566,535		$	526,781		$	526,668

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	496,722			445,627			436,790

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	858,360			662,556			618,414

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	416,002			400,097			412,209

All Other (b)	(5,030		)	(3,304		)	(3,415		)
Total net sales, excluding precious metal content	$	2,332,589		$	2,031,757		$	1,990,666
Precious metal content of sales	205,129			189,257			168,712
Total net sales, including precious metal content	$	2,537,718		$	2,221,014		$	2,159,378


(b)	Includes results of Corporate headquarters and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

Intersegment Net Sales



(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	116,228		$	116,440		$	104,328

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	21,048			17,103			13,202

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	139,142			115,158			103,329

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	113,298			112,285			114,591

All Other (c)	211,658			179,780			176,539
Eliminations	(601,374		)	(540,766		)	(511,989		)
Total	$	—		$	—		$	—


(c)	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.

Depreciation and Amortization



(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	16,120	$	16,315	$	14,945

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	3,560		3,939		3,884

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	37,492		18,419		16,978

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	25,266		20,479		21,461

All Other (d)	10,620		7,188		7,907
Total	$	93,058	$	66,340	$	65,175


(d)	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.

Segment Operating Income



(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	185,429		$	176,128		$	158,389

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	12,192			17,187			19,737

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	161,739			195,817			185,772

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	79,876			83,428			92,554

All Other (e)	(102,643		)	(81,303		)	(68,319		)
Segment Operating Income	$	336,593		$	391,257		$	388,133

Reconciling Items:
Restructuring and other costs	35,865			10,984			6,890
Interest expense	43,814			25,089			21,896
Interest income	(9,456		)	(4,254		)	(5,032		)
Other expense (income), net	10,259			1,782			1,023
Income before income taxes	$	256,111		$	357,656		$	363,356


(e)	Includes results of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments. Amount recorded in 2011 includes $31.9 million of Astra Tech acquisition costs.

Capital Expenditures



(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	11,681	$	9,267	$	8,333

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	3,179		2,978		2,506

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	29,334		17,078		14,434

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	17,701		11,397		25,546

All Other (f)	9,291		3,516		5,662
Total	$	71,186	$	44,236	$	56,481


(f)	Includes capital expenditures of Corporate headquarters.



Assets
(in thousands)	2011			2010

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	572,295		$	578,770

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	403,107			390,572

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	2,803,638			932,126

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	2,622,227			995,090

All Other (g)	(1,645,869		)	361,393
Total	$	4,755,398		$	3,257,951


(g)	Includes assets of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

Geographic Information

The following table sets forth information about the Company's operations in different geographic areas for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Net sales reported below represent revenues for shipments made by operating businesses located in the country or territory identified, including export sales. Assets reported represent those held by the operating businesses located in the respective geographic areas.



(in thousands)	United States		Germany		Sweden		Other Foreign		Consolidated

2011
Net sales	$	870,732	$	514,739	$	20,203	$	1,132,044	$	2,537,718
Long-lived assets	137,795		118,173		147,079		188,398		591,445

2010
Net sales	$	841,232	$	469,796	$	—	$	909,986	$	2,221,014
Long-lived assets	119,533		116,916		—		186,656		423,105

2009
Net sales	$	843,349	$	482,130	$	—	$	833,899	$	2,159,378
Long-lived assets	124,129		132,348		—		183,143		439,620

Product and Customer Information

The following table presents net sales information by product category:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Dental consumables products	$	766,385	$	717,718	$	708,713
Dental laboratory products	525,008		511,061		504,526
Dental specialty products	1,078,034		925,317		892,421
Consumable medical device products	168,291		66,918		53,718
Total net sales	$	2,537,718	$	2,221,014	$	2,159,378

Dental consumable products consist of dental sundries and small equipment products used in dental offices for the treatment of patients. DENTSPLY’s products in this category include dental anesthetics, infection control products, prophylaxis paste, dental sealants, impression materials, restorative materials, bone grafting materials, tooth whiteners and topical fluoride. The Company manufactures thousands of different consumable products marketed under more than a hundred brand names. Small equipment products consist of various durable goods used in dental offices for treatment of patients. DENTSPLY’s small equipment products include high and low speed handpieces, intraoral curing light systems and ultrasonic scalers and polishers.

Dental laboratory products are used in dental laboratories in the preparation of dental appliances. DENTSPLY’s products in this category include dental prosthetics, including artificial teeth, precious metal dental alloys, dental ceramics, crown and bridge materials, and equipment products used in laboratories consisting of computer aided machining (CAM) ceramic systems and porcelain furnaces.

Dental specialty products are specialized treatment products used within the dental office and laboratory settings. DENTSPLY’s products in this category include endodontic (root canal) instruments and materials, implants and related products, bone grafting material, 3D digital implantology, dental lasers and orthodontic appliances and accessories.

Consumable medical device products consist mainly of urological catheters, certain surgical products, medical drills and other non-medical products.

One customer, Henry Schein, Incorporated, a dental distributor, accounted for more than ten percent of consolidated net sales in 2011, 2010 and 2009 accounting for 11% of all net sales. Third party export sales from the U.S. are less than ten percent of consolidated net sales.

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET

OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other expense (income), net, consists of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010			2009

Foreign exchange transaction losses	$	2,932	$	3,331		$	336
Other expense (income), net	7,327		(1,549		)	687
Total other expense (income), net	$	10,259	$	1,782		$	1,023

Other expense (income), net in the 2011 period included approximately $2.9 million of interest rate swap terminations, $3.8 million of Treasury rate lock ineffectiveness, and $0.6 million of other non-operating expense. The 2010 period included approximately $1.5 million of other non-operating income.

INVENTORIES, NET

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories, net, consist of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

Finished goods	$	218,814	$	189,343
Work-in-process	66,952		57,272
Raw materials and supplies	75,996		62,123
Inventories, net	$	361,762	$	308,738

The Company’s inventory valuation reserve was $35.1 million for 2011 and $35.5 million for 2010.

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property, plant and equipment, net, consist of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Assets, at cost:
Land	$	45,840	$	40,032
Buildings and improvements	372,156		304,341
Machinery and equipment	680,240		576,704
Construction in progress	42,648		20,639
	1,140,884		941,716
Less: Accumulated depreciation	549,439		518,611
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	591,445	$	423,105

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

The Company performed the required annual impairment tests of goodwill as of April 30, 2011 on seven reporting units. To determine the fair value of the Company’s reporting units, the Company uses a discounted cash flow model with market-based support as its valuation technique to measure the fair value for its reporting units. The discounted cash flow model uses five year forecasted cash flows plus a terminal value based on a multiple of earnings. In addition, the Company applies gross margin and operating expense assumptions consistent with historical trends. The total cash flows were discounted based on a range between 7% to 10%, which included assumptions regarding the Company’s weighted-average cost of capital. The Company considered the current market conditions both in the U.S and globally, when determining its assumptions. Lastly, the Company reconciled the aggregated fair values of its reporting units to its market capitalization, which included a reasonable control premium based on market conditions. As a result of the annual impairment tests of goodwill, no impairment was identified.

Impairments of identifiable definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $1.5 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

A reconciliation of changes in the Company’s goodwill is as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Balance, beginning of the year	$	1,303,055		$	1,312,596
Acquisition activity	978,191			20,382
Additional consideration for post closing adjustments	2,833			—
Effect of exchange rate changes	(94,016		)	(29,923		)
Balance, end of the year	$	2,190,063		$	1,303,055

Goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	247,119	$	249,522

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	170,379		167,258

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	1,178,547		282,321

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	594,018		603,954

Total	$	2,190,063	$	1,303,055

Identifiable definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:



	December 31, 2011							December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount

Patents	$	131,252	$	(17,393	)	$	113,859	$	21,956	$	(12,108	)	$	9,848
Trademarks	73,413		(23,885		)	49,528		68,344		(20,835		)	47,509
Licensing agreements	30,444		(17,277		)	13,167		28,509		(15,709		)	12,800
Customer relationships	411,626		(19,066		)	392,560		16,994		(8,408		)	8,586
Total definite-lived	$	646,735	$	(77,621	)	$	569,114	$	135,803	$	(57,060	)	$	78,743

Trademarks	$	210,675	$	—		$	210,675	$	—	$	—		$	—
In-process R&D	11,311		—			11,311		—		—			—
Total indefinite-lived	$	221,986	$	—		$	221,986	$	—	$	—		$	—

Total identifiable intangible assets	$	868,721	$	(77,621	)	$	791,100	$	135,803	$	(57,060	)	$	78,743

Amortization expense for identifiable definite-lived intangible assets for 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $21.0 million, $9.0 million and $10.6 million, respectively. The annual estimated amortization expense related to these intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is $45.0 million, $43.7 million, $43.0 million, $42.9 million and $42.5 million for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively.

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

ACCRUED LIABILITIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

Payroll, commissions, bonuses, other cash compensation and employee benefits	$	85,855	$	61,334
General insurance	12,164		12,118
Sales and marketing programs	34,528		31,070
Professional and legal costs	10,269		10,844
Restructuring costs	4,787		9,191
Warranty liabilities	3,765		4,253
Deferred income	6,304		5,656
Accrued vacation and holidays	28,169		12,528
Third party royalties	10,174		9,184
Current portion of derivatives	18,143		27,668
Other	75,043		40,899
	$	289,201	$	224,745

A reconciliation of changes in the Company's warranty liability for 2011, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Balance, beginning of the year	$	4,253		$	4,141		$	4,260
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	845			1,581			1,129
Accruals related to pre-existing warranties	153			103			—
Warranty settlements made during the year	(1,441		)	(1,494		)	(1,295		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(45		)	(78		)	47
Balance, end of the year	$	3,765		$	4,253		$	4,141

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Short-Term Debt

Short-term debt consisted of the following:



	December 31,
	2011					2010
	Principal			Interest		Principal			Interest
(in thousands)	Balance			Rate		Balance			Rate

U. S. Dollar revolving credit agreement expiring August 2012	$	—				$	—
Bank overdrafts	192					247
U. S. dollar corporate commercial paper facility rated A/2-P/2	266,828			0.5	%	—
European short-term loan	2,438			3.4	%	4,129			2.5	%
Brazil short-term loan	5,834			12.9	%	900			2.3	%
Add: Current portion of long-term debt	1,409					2,478
Total short-term debt	$	276,701				$	7,754

	2011					2010
Maximum month-end outstanding during the year	$	355,304				$	30,818
Average amount outstanding during the year	$	225,498				$	11,197
Weighted-average interest rate at year-end	0.8		%			2.3		%

Short-Term Borrowings

The Company has a $500 million commercial paper facility, which has utilization, dealer and annual appraisal fees which on average cost 0.15% annually. The Company has two committed revolving credit facilities totaling $750 million that jointly serve as back-up credit to this commercial paper facility. Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper, if any, reduce amounts available under the committed revolvers. Commercial paper outstanding was $266.8 million and $119.5 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2011, the Company has classified its commercial paper as short-term debt, reflecting the Company's intent to repay this debt over the next year. At December 31, 2010, the Company had classified its commercial paper as long-term debt, reflecting the Company's intent and ability to borrow for a period longer than one year. Average outstanding issued commercial paper during the year was $218.2 million at an average interest rate of 0.4%.

The Company has a $250 million committed 364-day revolving credit agreement to partially backstop its commercial paper facility. This short-term facility is unsecured and contains certain affirmative and negative covenants relating to the Company's operations and financial condition, including prescribed leverage and interest coverage ratios, identical to the Company's five-year facility. The Facility contains customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, all outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be accelerated and become immediately due and payable.

Other short-term bank borrowings amounted to $8.5 million and $5.3 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The weighted-average interest rates of these borrowings were 9.9% and 2.3% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Unused lines of credit for short-term financing at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $65.1 million and $72.1 million, respectively. The unused lines of credit have no major restrictions and are provided under demand notes between the Company and the lending institution. Interest is charged on borrowings under these lines of credit at various rates, generally below prime or equivalent money rates.

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



	December 31,
	2011				2010
	Principal		Interest		Principal		Interest
(in thousands)	Balance		Rate		Balance		Rate

Multi-currency revolving credit agreement expiring July 2016
U. S. dollar denominated	$	—			$	2,123
U. S. dollar corporate commercial paper facility rated A/2-P/2	—				119,500		0.4	%
Floating rate senior notes $250 million due August 2013	250,000		2.0	%	—
Term loan Japanese yen denominated expiring September 2014	162,956		1.1	%	154,626		0.9	%
Private placement notes $250 million expiring March 2016	254,512		4.1	%	250,000		4.1	%
Fixed rate senior notes $300 million due August 2016	299,603		2.8	%	—
Term loan Swiss francs denominated expiring September 2016	69,197		1.2	%	69,560		1.7	%
Fixed rate senior notes $450 million due August 2021	448,497		4.1	%	—
Other borrowings, various currencies and rates	6,654				10,684
	$	1,491,419			$	606,493
Less: Current portion
(included in notes payable and current portion of long-term debt)	1,409				2,478
Long-term portion	$	1,490,010			$	604,015

Long-Term Borrowings

The Company has a $500 million five-year revolving credit agreement with participation from sixteen banks, which expires in July 2016 and a $250 million, 364 -day revolving credit agreement, with the same participant banks, which expires in August 2012. The revolving credit agreements contain a number of covenants and two financial ratios, which the Company is required to satisfy. The most restrictive of these covenants pertain to asset dispositions and prescribed ratios of indebtedness to total capital and operating income excluding depreciation and amortization to interest expense. Any breach of any such covenants or restrictions would result in a default under the existing borrowing documentation that would permit the lenders to declare all borrowings under such documentation to be immediately due and payable and, through cross default provisions, would entitle the Company's other lenders to accelerate their loans. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. The Company pays a facility fee of 0.15% per annum on the amount of the commitment under both revolving credit facilities. Interest rates on amounts borrowed under the facility will depend on the maturity of the borrowing, the currency borrowed, the interest rate option selected, and the Company's long-term credit rating from Standard and Poor's (S&P) and Moody's Investor Services (Moody's).

At December 31, 2011, the Company had total unused lines of credit, including lines available under its short-term arrangements and revolving credit agreement of $548.2 million.

The Company has a $250 million Private Placement Note (“PPN”), issued in February 2010, at a fixed rate of 4.1% for an average term of five years and a final maturity of six years. The PPN is unsecured and contains certain affirmative and negative covenants relating to the company's operations and financial condition. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

The Company has a three-year Japanese yen 12.5 billion Samurai loan, issued September 1, 2011, with five investors, at a variable rate of Japanese yen three-month LIBOR plus 0.90%, maturing September 2014. The loan is unsecured and contains certain affirmative and negative covenants relating to the company's operations and financial condition. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

The Company has a five-year Swiss franc 65 million term loan, issued in September 30, 2011, at a variable rate of Swiss franc three-month LIBOR plus 1.125% maturing September 2016. The loan is unsecured and contains certain affirmative and negative covenants relating to the company's operations and financial condition. At December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

The Company issued $1.0 billion of senior unsecured notes to partially finance the Astra Tech acquisition. The notes were issued in three tranches: $250.0 million two-year floating rate notes at a variable rate of three-month USD LIBOR plus 1.5% maturing August 2013; $300.0 million five-year fixed rate notes with a semi-annual coupon of 2.75% maturing August 2016; and $450.0 million ten-year fixed rate notes with a semi-annual coupon of 4.125% maturing August 2021. Underwriting fees and discounts totaled $7.6 million resulting in net proceeds of $992.4 million. The bonds are rated BBB+ by S&P and Baa2 by Moody's.

The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to convert the Swiss franc denominated term loan debt to fixed rate debt. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to convert the variable rate Japanese yen denominated notes to fixed rate debt. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to convert the fixed rate U.S. dollar denominated notes to variable rate debt. The Company's use of interest rate swaps is further described in Note 15, Financial Instruments and Derivatives.

The table below reflects the contractual maturity dates of the various borrowings at December 31, 2011:



(in thousands)

2012	$	1,409
2013	251,416
2014	239,884
2015	102,175
2016	447,241
2016 and Beyond	449,294
	$	1,491,419

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

EQUITY

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

EQUITY

At December 31, 2011, the Company had authorization to repurchase shares under its stock repurchase program in an amount up to 34,000,000 shares of treasury stock. Under its stock repurchase program, the Company purchased 2,187,382 shares and 6,714,508 shares during 2011 and 2010, respectfully, at an average price of $36.34 and $33.36, respectively. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company held 21.1 million and 21.0 million shares, respectively. During 2011, the Company repurchased $79.5 million in treasury stock. The Company also received proceeds of $42.3 million primarily as a result of the exercise of 2.1 million stock options during the year ended December 31, 2011. During 2010, the Company repurchased $224.0 million in treasury stock. The Company also received proceeds of $30.2 million primarily as a result of the exercise of 1.5 million stock options during the year ended December 31, 2010. It is the Company’s practice to issue shares from treasury stock when options are exercised. The tax benefit realized for the options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is $9.2 million and $5.4 million, respectively.

The following table represents total outstanding shares for the years ended December 31:



(in thousands)	Common Shares	Treasury Shares		Outstanding Shares

Balance at December 31, 2008	162,776	(14,248	)	148,528
Shares Issued	—	886		886
Repurchase of common stock at cost	—	(2,453	)	(2,453	)

Balance at December 31, 2009	162,776	(15,815	)	146,961
Shares Issued	—	1,489		1,489
Repurchase of common stock at cost	—	(6,715	)	(6,715	)

Balance at December 31, 2010	162,776	(21,041	)	141,735
Shares Issued	—	2,084		2,084
Repurchase of common stock at cost	—	(2,187	)	(2,187	)

Balance at December 31, 2011	162,776	(21,144	)	141,632

The Company maintains the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) under which it may grant non-qualified stock options ("NQSO"), incentive stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSU”) and stock appreciation rights, collectively referred to as “Awards.” Awards are granted at exercise prices that are equal to the closing stock price on the date of grant. The Company authorized grants under the Plan of 13.0 million shares of common stock, plus any unexercised portion of cancelled or terminated stock options granted under the DENTSPLY International Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, subject to adjustment as follows: each January, if 7% of the total outstanding common shares of the Company exceed 13.0 million, the excess becomes available for grant under the Plan. No more than 2.5 million shares may be awarded as restricted stock and RSU, and no key employee may be granted restricted stock and RSU in excess of approximately 0.2 million shares of common stock in any calendar year. The number of shares available for grant under the 2010 Plan as of December 31, 2011 is 12.1 million.

Stock options generally expire ten years after the date of grant under these plans and grants become exercisable over a period of three years after the date of grant at the rate of one-third per year, except when they become immediately exercisable upon death, disability or qualified retirement. RSU vest 100% on the third anniversary of the date of grant and are subject to a service condition, which requires grantees to remain employed by the Company during the three-year period following the date of grant. In addition to the service condition, certain key executives are subject to performance requirements. Similar to stock options, RSU become immediately exercisable upon death, disability or qualified retirement. The fair value of each RSU assumes that performance goals will be achieved. If such goals are not met, no compensation cost is recognized and any recognized compensation costs is reversed. Under the terms of the RSU, the three-year period is referred to as the restricted period. RSU and the rights under the award may not be sold, assigned, transferred, donated, pledged or otherwise disposed of during the three year restricted period prior to vesting. Upon the expiration of the applicable restricted period and the satisfaction of all conditions imposed, all restrictions imposed on RSU will lapse, and one share of common stock will be issued as payment for each vested RSU.

The following table represents total stock based compensation expense and the tax related benefit for the years ended:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Stock option expense	$	10,369	$	10,420	$	8,705
RSU expense	9,243		7,227		6,408
Total stock based compensation expense	$	19,612	$	17,647	$	15,113

Related deferred income tax benefit	$	5,021	$	4,886	$	3,591

There were 2.1 million non-qualified stock options unvested as of December 31, 2011. The remaining unamortized compensation cost related to non-qualified stock options is $11.9 million, which will be expensed over the weighted average remaining vesting period of the options, or 1.7 years. The unamortized compensation cost related to RSU is $10.9 million, which will be expensed over the remaining weighted average restricted period of the RSU, or 1.2 years.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of each option awarded. The following table sets forth the assumptions used to determine compensation cost for the Company’s NQSO issued during the years ended:



	December 31,
	2011			2010 (a)			2009
Weighted average fair value per share	$	8.86		$	9.06		$	7.31
Expected dividend yield	0.55		%	0.58		%	0.60		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.35		%	2.55		%	2.14		%
Expected volatility	24		%	22		%	22		%
Expected life (years)	5.07			6.42			4.84

(a)

In 2010, the Human Resources Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors reviewed the Company’s practices for NQSO grants and determined that it would be more appropriate to make all regular equity grants in the February time frame, after the Company’s financial results are known for the prior year. Accordingly, there were no grants of NQSO in December 2010, which had been the historic practice.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $27.0 million, $16.5 million and $12.3 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes the non-qualified stock option transactions for the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Outstanding						Exercisable
(in thousands, except share amounts)	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
December 31, 2010	10,636		$	29.07	$	66,722	8,815	$	28.58	$	61,450
Granted	1,496		36.70
Exercised	(1,864	)	22.68
Cancelled	(32	)	37.78
Forfeited	(88	)	32.52

December 31, 2011	10,148		$	31.23	$	51,402	8,049	$	30.06	$	50,365

The weighted average remaining contractual term of all outstanding options is 5.8 years and the weighted average remaining contractual term of exercisable options is 5.0 years.

The following table summarizes information about non-qualified stock options outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2011:



			Outstanding				Exercisable
(in thousands, except share amounts and life)			Number Outstanding at December 31,	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable at December 31,	Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of			Number Outstanding at December 31,				Number Exercisable at December 31,
Exercise Prices			2011				2011
10.01	-	20.00	405	0.9	$	18.46	405	$	18.46
20.01	-	30.00	4,381	4.4	26.11		4,331	26.08
30.01	-	40.00	4,328	7.6	34.32		2,279	32.88
40.01	-	50.00	1,034	5.9	45.00		1,034	45.00

			10,148	5.8	$	31.23	8,049	$	30.06

The following table summarizes the unvested RSU transactions for the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Unvested Restricted Stock Units
	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
(in thousands, except share amounts)

Unvested at December 31, 2010	744		$	32.43
Granted	362		36.61
Vested	(180	)	40.74
Forfeited	(29	)	30.85

Unvested at December 31, 2011	897		$	32.50

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph d

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

INCOME TAXES

The components of income before income taxes from operations are as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

United States	$	7,041	$	104,424	$	99,009
Foreign	249,070		253,232		264,347
	$	256,111	$	357,656	$	363,356

The components of the provision for income taxes from operations are as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Current:
U.S. federal	$	34,870		$	21,848		$	30,851
U.S. state	5,151			3,795			5,886
Foreign	59,397			62,196			52,012
Total	$	99,418		$	87,839		$	88,749

Deferred:
U.S. federal	$	(29,664	)	$	3,067		$	(8,046	)
U.S. state	(4,089		)	1,062			(476		)
Foreign	(54,649		)	(2,743		)	8,717
Total	$	(88,402	)	$	1,386		$	195

	$	11,016		$	89,225		$	88,944

The reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the effective rate for the years ended is as follows:



	December 31,
	2011		2010		2009

Statutory U. S. federal income tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Effect of:
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	0.3		0.9		1.0
Federal benefit of R&D and foreign tax credits	(8.6	)	(6.9	)	(11.3	)
Tax effect of international operations	(7.9	)	(3.7	)	0.7
Net effect of tax audit activity	2.1		1.0		(1.3	)
Tax effect of enacted statutory rate changes	0.2		—		—
Federal tax on unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries	0.1		0.2		0.1
Valuation allowance adjustments	(18.1	)	(1.0	)	—
Other	1.2		(0.5	)	0.3

Effective income tax rate on operations	4.3	%	25.0	%	24.5	%

The tax effect of significant temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



	December 31, 2011					December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Deferred Tax Asset			Deferred Tax Liability		Deferred Tax Asset			Deferred Tax Liability

Commission and bonus accrual	$	2,812		$	—	$	1,201		$	—
Employee benefit accruals	38,061			—		33,139			—
Inventory	19,972			—		17,497			—
Identifiable intangible assets	—			336,822		—			138,621
Insurance premium accruals	4,533			—		4,610			—
Miscellaneous accruals	12,273			—		7,088			—
Other	13,166			—		13,820			—
Unrealized losses included in other
comprehensive income	28,424			—		59,618			—
Property, plant and equipment	—			52,251		—			36,881
Product warranty accruals	907			—		901			—
R&D and foreign tax credit carryforward	49,552			—		34,844			—
Restructuring and other cost accruals	1,439			—		1,011			—
Sales and marketing accrual	4,874			—		4,545			—
Taxes on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	—			2,273		—			2,083
Tax loss carryforwards and other tax attributes	152,999			—		111,948			—
Valuation allowance	(71,758		)	—		(93,054		)	—
	$	257,254		$	391,346	$	197,168		$	177,585

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the following consolidated balance sheet line items:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	67,159	$	55,747
Income taxes payable	2,678		3,004
Other noncurrent assets	51,250		39,329
Deferred income taxes	249,822		72,489

The Company has $49.1 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards, of which $4.2 million, $7.1 million, $9.9 million, $6.9 million, and $21.0 million will expire in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2021 respectively.

Certain foreign and domestic subsidiaries of the Company have tax loss carryforwards of $809.2 million at December 31, 2011, of which $563.0 million expire through 2031 and $246.2 million may be carried forward indefinitely. Federal and state net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards that result from the exercise of employee stock options are not recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Federal and state net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards that result from the exercise of employee stock options are accounted for as a credit to additional paid-in capital if and when realized through a reduction in income taxes payable. The tax benefit of certain tax loss carryforwards and deferred tax assets has been offset by a valuation allowance as of December 31, 2011, because it is uncertain whether the benefits will be realized in the future. The valuation allowance at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $71.8 million and $93.1 million, respectively.

The Company has provided federal income taxes on certain undistributed earnings of its foreign subsidiaries that the Company anticipates will be repatriated. Deferred federal income taxes have not been provided on $960.7 million of cumulative earnings of foreign subsidiaries that the Company has determined to be permanently reinvested. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of tax that might be payable on these permanently reinvested earnings.

Tax Contingencies

The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011, is approximately $21.9 million, of this total, approximately $20.4 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate. It is reasonably possible that certain amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months of the reporting date of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Final settlement and resolution of outstanding tax matters in various jurisdictions during the next twelve months could include unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $10.8 million.

The total amount of accrued interest and penalties were $6.9 million and $6.0 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company has consistently classified interest and penalties recognized in its consolidated financial statements as income taxes based on the accounting policy election of the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized income tax expense in the amount of $0.9 million and $0.6 million for interest and penalties. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the company recognized income tax benefit of $1.7 million in interest and penalties.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The significant jurisdictions include the U.S., Germany and Switzerland. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2005, resulting in the years 2006 through 2010 being subject to future potential tax audit adjustments while years prior to 2006 are settled. The Company is currently under audit for the tax years 2008 and 2009 with the U. S. Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). The Company has concluded audits in Germany through the tax year 2003 and is currently under audit for the years 2004 through 2008. The taxable years that remain open for Switzerland are 2001 through 2010.

The Company had the following activity recorded for unrecognized tax benefits:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period	$	13,143		$	12,864		$	17,285
Gross change for prior period positions	1,425			47			(5,120		)
Gross change for current year positions	640			1,036			1,630
Decrease due to settlements and payments	—			—			(255		)
Decrease due to statute expirations	(123		)	(424		)	(1,026		)
Increase due to effect of foreign currency translation	—			—			350
Decrease due to effect from foreign currency translation	(129		)	(380		)	—

Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period	$	14,956		$	13,143		$	12,864

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS

BENEFIT PLANS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

BENEFIT PLANS

Substantially all of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are covered by government or Company-sponsored benefit plans. Total costs for Company-sponsored defined benefit, defined contribution and employee stock ownership plans amounted to $31.3 million, $26.2 million and $24.6 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Defined Contribution Plans

The DENTSPLY Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) and 401(k) plans are designed to have contribution allocations of “Covered Compensation,” with a targeted 3% going into the ESOP in Company stock and a targeted 3% going into the 401(k) as a Non-Elective Contribution (“NEC”) in cash. The Company sponsors an employee 401(k) savings plan for its U.S. workforce to which enrolled participants may contribute up to IRS defined limits. The annual expense and cash contribution to the 401(k) is expected to be $4.9 million for 2011 (to be contributed in the first quarter of 2012), and was $4.6 million for 2010 (contributed in the first quarter of 2011), and $5.3 million for 2009 (contributed in the first quarter of 2010).

The ESOP is a non-contributory defined contribution plan that covers substantially all of the U.S. based non-union employees of the Company. Contributions to the ESOP, net of forfeitures, are expected to be $3.6 million for 2011 (to be contributed in the first quarter of 2012), and were $3.0 million for 2010 (contributed in the first quarter of 2011), and were $1.4 million for 2009 (contributed in the first quarter of 2010).

All future ESOP allocations will come from a combination of forfeited shares and shares acquired in the open market. The Company has targeted future ESOP allocations at 3% of “Covered Compensation.” The share allocation will be accounted at fair value at the point of allocation, which is normally year-end.

Defined Benefit Plans

The Company maintains a number of separate contributory and non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement medical plans for certain union and salaried employee groups in the U.S. Pension benefits for salaried plans are based on salary and years of service; hourly plans are based on negotiated benefits and years of service. Annual contributions to the pension plans are sufficient to satisfy minimum funding requirements. Pension plan assets are held in trust and consist mainly of common stock and fixed income investments. The U.S. plans are funded in excess of the funding required by the U.S. Department of Labor.

In addition to the U.S. plans, the Company maintains defined benefit pension plans for its employees in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan. These plans provide benefits based upon age, years of service and remuneration. Substantially all of the German plans are unfunded book reserve plans. Other foreign plans are not significant individually or in the aggregate. Most employees and retirees outside the U.S. are covered by government health plans.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets

The primary investment strategy is to ensure that the assets of the plans, along with anticipated future contributions, will be invested in order that the benefit entitlements of employees, pensioners and beneficiaries covered under the plan can be met when due with high probability. Pension plan assets consist mainly of common stock and fixed income investments. The target allocations for defined benefit plan assets are 30% to 65% equity securities, 30% to 65% fixed income securities, 0% to 15% real estate, and 0% to 25% in all other types of investments. Equity securities include investments in companies located both in and outside the U.S. Equity securities do not include common stock of the Company. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries, government bonds, mortgage notes and pledge letters. Other types of investments include investments in mutual funds, common trusts, insurance contracts, hedge funds and real estate. These plan assets are not recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as they are held in trust or other off-balance sheet investment vehicles.

The defined benefit pension plan assets in the U.S. are held in trust and the investment policies of the plans are generally to invest the plans assets in equities and fixed income investments. The objective is to achieve a long-term rate of return in excess of 5% while at the same time mitigating the impact of investment risk associated with investment categories that are expected to yield greater than average returns. In accordance with the investment policies of the U.S. plans, the plans assets were invested in the following investment categories: interest-bearing cash, registered investment companies (e.g. mutual funds), common/collective trusts, master trust investment accounts and insurance company general accounts. The investment objective is for assets to be invested in a manner consistent with the fiduciary standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”).

The defined benefit pension plan assets maintained in Austria, Germany, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Taiwan all have separate investment policies but generally have an objective to achieve a long-term rate of return in excess 5% while at the same time mitigating the impact of investment risk associated with investment categories that are expected to yield greater than average returns. In accordance with the investment policies for the plans outside the U.S., the plans’ assets were invested in the following investment categories: interest-bearing cash, U.S. and foreign equities, foreign fixed income securities (primarily corporate and government bonds), insurance company contracts, real estate and hedge funds.

Postretirement Healthcare

The plans for postretirement healthcare have no plan assets. The postretirement healthcare plans cover certain union and salaried employee groups in the U.S. and is contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted annually to limit the Company’s contribution for participants who retired after June 1, 1985. The Company also sponsors unfunded non-contributory postretirement medical plans for a limited number of union employees and their spouses and retirees of a discontinued operation.

Reconciliations of changes in the defined benefit and postretirement healthcare plans’ benefit obligations, fair value of assets and statement of funded status are as follows:



							Other Postretirement
	Pension Benefits						Benefits
	December 31,						December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	211,504		$	191,976		$	11,607		$	11,666
Service cost	10,950			8,108			61			58
Interest cost	9,633			8,415			553			605
Participant contributions	3,562			2,886			583			616
Actuarial losses (gains)	2,991			7,976			537			(548		)
Amendments	(3,034		)	—			—			—
Acquisitions/Divestitures	52,282			291			—			—
Effect of exchange rate changes	(8,355		)	3,474			—			—
Benefits paid	(8,926		)	(11,622		)	(1,124		)	(790		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	270,607		$	211,504		$	12,217		$	11,607

Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	99,546		$	88,866		$	—		$	—
Actual return on assets	(889		)	1,883			—			—
Acquisitions/Divestitures	7,006			—			—			—
Effect of exchange rate changes	(1,238		)	8,374			—			—
Employer contributions	9,647			9,159			541			174
Participant contributions	3,562			2,886			583			616
Benefits paid	(8,926		)	(11,622		)	(1,124		)	(790		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	108,708		$	99,546		$	—		$	—

Funded status at end of year	$	(161,899	)	$	(111,958	)	$	(12,217	)	$	(11,607	)

The amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, net of tax effects, are as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	December 31,						December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Other noncurrent assets	$	355		$	—		$	—		$	—
Deferred tax asset	10,972			9,834			1,247			1,113
Total assets	$	11,327		$	9,834		$	1,247		$	1,113

Current liabilities	(4,411		)	(3,462		)	(978		)	(1,099		)
Long-term liabilities	(157,843		)	(108,496		)	(11,240		)	(10,508		)
Deferred tax liability	(269		)	(22		)	—			—
Total liabilities	$	(162,523	)	$	(111,980	)	$	(12,218	)	$	(11,607	)

Accumulated other comprehensive income	32,002			29,050			1,984			1,772
Net amount recognized	$	(119,194	)	$	(73,096	)	$	(8,987	)	$	(8,722	)

Amounts recognized in AOCI consist of:



						Other Postretirement
	Pension Benefits					Benefits
	December 31,					December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010		2011		2010

Net actuarial loss	$	45,462		$	38,694	$	3,232	$	2,884
Net prior service cost	(2,757		)	168		—		—
Pretax AOCI	$	42,705		$	38,862	$	3,232	$	2,884
Less deferred taxes	10,703			9,812		1,248		1,112
Post tax AOCI	$	32,002		$	29,050	$	1,984	$	1,772

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

Projected benefit obligation	$	268,391	$	211,504
Accumulated benefit obligation	246,515		200,574
Fair value of plan assets	106,137		99,546

Components of net periodic benefit cost:



	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009			2011		2010		2009

Service cost	$	10,950		$	8,108		$	8,375		$	61	$	58	$	50
Interest cost	9,633			8,415			8,003			553		605		676
Expected return on assets	(5,184		)	(4,662		)	(3,991		)	—		—		—
Amortization of actuarial losses	—			124			240			—		—		—
Amortization of prior service	80			86			138			—		—		—
Amortization of net loss	1,584			1,002			1,652			189		265		281
Settlement gains	4			—			(1,148		)	—		—		—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	17,067		$	13,073		$	13,269		$	803	$	928	$	1,007

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI:



	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009			2011			2010			2009

Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	8,352		$	12,640		$	(7,994	)	$	537		$	(548	)	$	1,020
Net prior service (credit)	(2,845		)	(8		)	(37		)	—			—			—
Net transition obligation	—			(1		)	1			—			—			—
Amortization	(1,664		)	(1,212		)	(2,030		)	(189		)	(265		)	(281		)
Total recognized in AOCI	$	3,843		$	11,419		$	(10,060	)	$	348		$	(813	)	$	739
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and AOCI	$	20,910		$	24,492		$	3,209		$	1,151		$	115		$	1,746

The estimated net loss, prior service cost and transition obligation for the defined benefit plans that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $1.8 million. The estimated net loss and prior service credit for the other postretirement plans that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $0.2 million.

The amounts in AOCI that are expected to be amortized as net expense (income) during fiscal year 2012 are as follows:



(in thousands)	Pension Benefits			Other Postretirement Benefits

Amount of net prior service cost	$	(124	)	$	—
Amount of net loss	1,962			230

The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the Company's plans, principally in foreign locations, at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009
Discount rate	4.0	%	4.1	%	4.7	%	4.0	%	5.0	%	5.5	%
Rate of compensation increase	2.8	%	2.6	%	2.7	%	n/a		n/a		n/a
Health care cost trend	n/a		n/a		n/a		7.5	%	8.0	%	8.5	%
Ultimate health care cost trend	n/a		n/a		n/a		5.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%
Years until ultimate trend is reached	n/a		n/a		n/a		6.0		7.0		8.0

The weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the Company's plans, principally in foreign locations, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009
Discount rate	4.1	%	4.7	%	4.5	%	5.0	%	5.5	%	6.3	%
Expected return on plan assets	4.8	%	5.2	%	5.2	%	n/a		n/a		n/a
Rate of compensation increase	2.6	%	2.7	%	2.7	%	n/a		n/a		n/a
Health care cost trend	n/a		n/a		n/a		7.5	%	8.0	%	8.5	%
Ultimate health care cost trend	n/a		n/a		n/a		5.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%
Years until ultimate trend is reached	n/a		n/a		n/a		6.0		7.0		8.0

Measurement Date	12/31/2011		12/31/2010		12/31/2009		12/31/2011		12/31/2010		12/31/2009

To develop the assumptions for the expected long-term rate of return on assets, the Company considered the current level of expected returns on risk free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical level of the risk premium associated with the other asset classes in which the assets are invested and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset class was then weighted based on the target asset allocations to develop the assumptions for the expected long-term rate of return on assets.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have an impact on the amounts reported for postretirement benefits. A one percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects for the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Other Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)	1% Increase		1% Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	62	$	(52	)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	1,289		(1,078		)

Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets

The fair value of the Company's pension plan assets at December 31, 2011 is presented in the table below by asset category. Over 80% of the total plan assets are categorized as Level 1, and therefore, the values assigned to these pension assets are based on quoted prices available in active markets. For the other category levels, a description of the valuation is provided in Note 1, Significant Accounting Policies, under the “Fair Value Measurement” heading.



	December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets Category
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,165	$	5,001	$	164	$	—
Equity securities:
U. S.	2,036		2,036		—		—
International	27,982		27,982		—		—
Fixed income securities:
Fixed rate bonds (a)	44,499		44,499		—		—
Other types of investments:
Mutual funds (b)	8,065		—		8,065		—
Common trusts (c)	2,083		—		—		2,083
Insurance contracts	9,323		—		3,503		5,820
Hedge funds	891		—		—		891
Real estate	8,664		8,307		—		357
Total	$	108,708	$	87,825	$	11,732	$	9,151



	December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets Category
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,028	$	2,775	$	253	$	—
Equity securities:
U. S.	1,103		1,103		—		—
International	29,944		29,944		—		—
Fixed income securities:
Fixed rate bonds (a)	41,215		41,215		—		—
Other types of investments:
Mutual funds (b)	8,857		417		8,440		—
Common trusts (c)	1,648		—		—		1,648
Insurance contracts	4,858		—		3,034		1,824
Hedge funds	1,334		—		—		1,334
Real estate	7,559		7,199		—		360
Total	$	99,546	$	82,653	$	11,727	$	5,166


(a)	This category includes fixed income securities invested primarily in Swiss bonds, foreign bonds in Swiss currency, foreign currency bonds, mortgage notes and pledged letters.


(b)	This category includes mutual funds balanced between moderate-income generation and moderate capital appreciation with investment allocations of approximately 50% equities and 50% fixed income investments.


(c)	This category includes common/collective funds with investments in approximately 65% equities and 35% in fixed income investments.

The following table provides a reconciliation from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011 for the plans assets categorized as Level 3.



	Changes within Level 3 Category for
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Common Trust		Insurance Contracts			Hedge Funds			Real Estate			Total
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	1,648	$	1,824		$	1,334		$	360		$	5,166
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	5		(1,355		)	(80		)	—			(1,430		)
Relating to assets sold during the period	5		—			—			—			5
Acquisitions/Divestitures	—		6,738			—			—			6,738
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	7		(1,144		)	(384		)	—			(1,521		)
Transfers in and/or out	418		—			—			—			418
Effect of exchange rate changes	—		(243		)	20			(2		)	(225		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	2,083	$	5,820		$	890		$	358		$	9,151

The following tables provide a reconciliation from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2010 for the plans assets categorized as Level 3. No assets were transferred in or out of the Level 3 category during the year ended December 31, 2010.



	Changes within Level 3 Category for
	Year Ended December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Common Trust			Insurance Contracts			Hedge Funds			Real Estate		Total
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	1,842		$	1,742		$	1,672		$	325	$	5,581
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	116			29			37			—		182
Relating to assets sold during the period	46			—			—			—		46
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(356		)	109			(541		)	—		(788		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			(56		)	166			35		145
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	1,648		$	1,824		$	1,334		$	360	$	5,166

Fair values for Level 3 assets are determined as follows:

Common Trusts and Hedge Funds: The investments are valued using the net asset value provided by the administrator of the trust or fund, which is based on the fair value of the underlying securities.

Real Estate: Investment is stated by its appraised value.

Insurance Contracts: The value of the asset represents the mathematical reserve of the insurance policies and is calculated by the insurance firms using their own assumptions.

Cash Flows

In 2012, the Company expects to make contributions and direct benefit payments of $11.6 million to its defined benefit pension plans and $1.0 million to its postretirement medical plans.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments



(in thousands)	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
2012	$	8,863	$	978
2013	10,134		967
2014	10,799		948
2015	10,620		904
2016	11,341		902
2017-2019	67,976		3,888

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Restructuring Costs

Restructuring costs of $3.1 million and $5.8 million for 2011 and 2010, respectively, are reflected in Restructuring and other costs in the statement of operations and the associated liabilities are recorded in accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. These costs consist of employee severance benefits, payments due under operating contracts, and other restructuring costs.

During 2011 and 2010, the Company initiated several restructuring plans primarily related to the closure and/or consolidation of certain production and selling facilities in the Europe and South America to better leverage the Company’s resources by reducing costs and obtaining operational efficiencies.

Also in 2011, as a result of the impact of the Japan natural disaster, the Company initiated a restructuring plan related to the Orthodontic business during the second quarter. The restructuring plan addressed overhead costs related to the business and has reduced those costs as the Orthodontic business continues to be impacted by the lack of product supply. The Company recorded $1.7 million of charges for the year ended December 31, 2011 for this plan. In addition to the restructuring charges, for the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company incurred approximately $3.3 million of selling, general and administrative expenses related to costs of maintaining the critical Orthodontic business processes and structures during the lack of product supply. In addition to these Orthodontic restructuring plans, the Company incurred $1.9 million of costs related to other restructuring plans, offset by income of $0.5 million for adjustments to 2010 plans and 2009 and prior plans. These adjustments were primarily related to revised estimates of severance costs.

The 2011 restructuring plans and ongoing benefits associated with these plans were immaterial to the current period as well as future periods. The majority of the benefits of the 2010 and 2009 and prior period restructuring plans have been incorporated into the Company’s results. While certain restructuring plans continue to be executed, the future benefits of these on the Company’s results would be immaterial in the period realized.

At December 31, 2011, the Company’s restructuring accruals were as follows:



	Severances
(in thousands)	2009 and Prior Plans			2010 Plans			2011 Plan			Total

Balance at December 31, 2010	$	2,878		$	5,260		$	—		$	8,138
Provisions and adjustments	(442		)	(289		)	3,645			2,914
Amounts applied	(1,003		)	(2,961		)	(3,010		)	(6,974		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,433		$	2,010		$	635		$	4,078



	Lease/Contract Terminations
(in thousands)	2009 and Prior Plans			2010 Plans			Total

Balance at December 31, 2010	$	996		$	—		$	996
Provisions and adjustments	1			(114		)	(113		)
Amounts applied	(328		)	114			(214		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	669		$	—		$	669



	Other Restructuring Costs
(in thousands)	2009 and Prior Plans			2010 Plans			2011 Plans			Total

Balance at December 31, 2010	$	57		$	—		$	—		$	57
Provisions and adjustments	174			70			60			304
Amounts applied	(191		)	(70		)	(60		)	(321		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	40		$	—		$	—		$	40

The following table provides the cumulative amounts for the provisions and adjustments and amounts applied for all the plans by segment:



(in thousands)	December 31, 2010		Provisions and Adjustments			Amounts Applied			December 31, 2011

U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	1,031	$	—		$	(328	)	$	703

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	193		(49		)	(144		)	—

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/ Orthodontics/Astra Tech	400		2,926			(2,633		)	693

Dental Laboratory Business/ Implants/Non-Dental	7,567		228			(4,404		)	3,391
Total	$	9,191	$	3,105		$	(7,509	)	$	4,787

Other Costs

In 2011, the Company recorded certain other costs of $32.7 million, which were primarily related to Astra Tech acquisition costs, legal settlement costs of $12.6 million and impairments of certain previously acquired technology. In 2010, the Company recorded certain other costs of $5.2 million, of which $3.7 million related to legal matters. The remaining portion consisted of impairments related to intangible assets and acquisition related costs.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company's activities expose it to a variety of market risks, which primarily include the risks related to the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. These financial exposures are monitored and managed by the Company as part of its overall risk management program. The objective of this risk management program is to reduce the volatility that these market risks may have on the Company's operating results and equity. The Company employs derivative financial instruments to hedge certain anticipated transactions, firm commitments, or assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. Additionally, the Company utilizes interest rate swaps to convert variable rate debt to fixed rate and to convert fixed rate debt to variable rate debt, cross currency basis swaps to convert debt denominated in one currency to another currency and commodity swaps to fix its variable raw materials.

Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging

The Company enters into derivative financial instruments to hedge the foreign exchange revaluation risk associated with recorded assets and liabilities that are denominated in a non-functional currency. The gains and losses on these derivative transactions offset the gains and losses generated by the revaluation of the underlying non-functional currency balances and are recorded in “Other expense (income), net” on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company primarily uses forward foreign exchange contracts and cross currency basis swaps to hedge these risks. The Company's significant contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2011 are summarized in the tables that follow.

On August 31, 2011, the Company entered into a cross currency basis swap with a total notional value of $650.0 million with five financial institutions to hedge the revaluation of a non-functional currency intercompany loan that was put into place in conjunction with the financing of the Astra Tech acquisition. The swaps mature in December 2014, and the Company pays three month U. S. dollar LIBOR on $650.0 million and receives three-month Euro Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") minus 45.72 basis points on EUR 449.8 million . The spot-to-spot change in the value of the swap will be recorded in “Other expense (income), net” while the interest income and expense will be recorded in “Interest income” on the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company wrote put options (“DIO equity option contracts”) to the original sellers of the DIO investment for the remaining DIO common shares held by the seller. The equity options provide the seller the ability to require the Company to purchase their remaining shares on hand at a price based on an agreed-upon formula at specific timeframes in the future. The sellers are also allowed to sell their remaining shares on the open market. Changes in the fair value of the DIO equity option contracts are reported in “Other expense (income), net” on the consolidated statements of operations. This derivative is further discussed in Note 16, Fair Value Measurement.

Cash Flow Hedges

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

The Company uses a layered hedging program to hedge select anticipated foreign currency cash flows to reduce volatility in both cash flows and reported earnings of the consolidated Company. The Company accounts for the forward foreign exchange contracts as cash flow hedges. As a result, the Company records the fair value of the contract primarily through AOCI based on the tested effectiveness of the forward foreign exchange contracts. The Company measures the effectiveness of cash flow hedges of anticipated transactions on a spot-to-spot basis rather than on a forward-to-forward basis. Accordingly, the spot-to-spot change in the derivative fair value will be deferred in AOCI and released and recorded on the consolidated statements of operations in the same period that the hedged transaction is recorded. Any time value component of the hedge fair value is deemed ineffective and will be reported currently in “Other expense (income), net” on the consolidated statements of operations in the period which it is applicable. Any cash flows associated with these instruments are included in cash from operations in accordance with the Company's policy of classifying the cash flows from these instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.

These foreign exchange contracts generally have maturities up to eighteen months and the counterparties to the transactions are typically large international financial institutions. The Company's significant contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2011 are summarized in the table that follows.

Interest Rate Risk Management

The Company uses interest rate swaps to convert a portion of its variable interest rate debt to fixed interest rate debt. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has two groups of significant interest rate swaps. One of the groups of swaps has notional amounts totaling 12.6 billion Japanese yen, and effectively converts the underlying variable interest rates to an average fixed interest rate of 0.2% for a term of three- years, ending in September 2014. Another swap has a notional amount of 65.0 million Swiss francs, and effectively converts the underlying variable interest rates to a fixed interest rate of 0.7% for a term of five- years, ending in September 2016.

On June 24, 2011 the Company entered into a $500.0 million Treasury Rate Lock (“T-Lock”) , which was terminated on August 19, 2011, to hedge the base rate interest variability exposure of the Company's planned ten year bond issuance. The T-Lock was cash settled for a payment of $34.6 million, of which $3.8 million was deemed ineffective and expensed in the current period in Other expense (income), net on the consolidated statements of operations, while $30.8 million remained effective on the Company's issuance of $450.0 million ten year bonds. The effective portion of the hedge is recognized in AOCI. As interest is accrued on the bond in the future, the Company will release the pro rata amount in AOCI into interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts infrequently as they are only used to manage interest rate risk on long-term debt instruments and not for speculative purposes. The Company's significant contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2011 are summarized in the table that follows.

Commodity Risk Management

The Company selectively enters into commodity swaps to effectively fix certain variable raw material costs. These swaps are used purely to stabilize the cost of components used in the production of certain of the Company's products. The Company generally accounts for the commodity swaps as cash flow hedges. As a result, the Company records the fair value of the swap primarily through AOCI based on the tested effectiveness of the commodity swap. The Company measures the effectiveness of cash flow hedges of anticipated transactions on a spot-to-spot basis rather than on a forward-to-forward basis. Accordingly, the spot-to-spot change in the derivative fair value will be deferred in AOCI and released and recorded on the consolidated statements of operations in the same period that the hedged transaction is recorded. Any time value component of the hedge fair value is deemed ineffective and will be reported currently in “Interest expense” in the period which it is applicable. Any cash flows associated with these instruments are included in cash from operations in accordance with the Company's policy of classifying the cash flows from these instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had swaps in place to purchase 1,126 troy ounces of platinum bullion for use in production at an average fixed rate of $1,527 per troy ounce. In addition, the Company had swaps in place to purchase 125,058 troy ounces of silver bullion for use in production at an average fixed rate of $28 per troy ounce.

The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company's cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives at December 31, 2011:



Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	Notional Amount Maturing in the Year						Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2012			2013			December 31, 2011
Forward sale, 13.2 million Australian dollars	$	11,895		$	1,076		$	(736	)
Forward purchase, 6.9 million British pounds	(10,456		)	(190		)	554
Forward sale, 35.0 million Canadian dollars	26,709			8,226			1,061
Forward purchase, 14.9 million Danish kroner	(2,597		)	—			4
Forward sale, 97.5 million euros	83,981			43,167			2,188
Forward sale, 0.5 billion Japanese yen	9,998			(3,105		)	(803		)
Forward sale, 159.3 million Mexican pesos	11,391			—			45
Forward purchase, 11.8 million Norwegian kroner	(1,974		)	—			72
Forward sale, 5.4 million Polish zlotys	1,568			—			(6		)
Forward sale, 2.5 million Singapore dollars	1,924			—			(14		)
Forward sale, 5.7 billion South Korean won	4,940			—			(31		)
Forward purchase, 1.2 billion Swedish kronor	(139,982		)	(27,873		)	1,347
Forward sale, 25.3 million Swiss francs	20,202			7,637			770
Forward sale, 47.0 million Taiwanese dollars	1,553			—			(46		)

Total foreign exchange forward contracts	$	19,152		$	28,938		$	4,405



Interest Rate Swaps	Notional Amount Maturing in the Year										Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2012		2013		2014		2015		2016 and Beyond		December 31, 2011
Euro	$	1,221	$	1,221	$	934	$	934	$	2,101	$	(581	)
Japanese yen	—		—		162,956		—		—		739
Swiss francs	—		—		—		—		69,197		(553		)
Total interest rate swaps	$	1,221	$	1,221	$	163,890	$	934	$	71,298	$	(395	)



Commodity Contracts	Notional Amount Maturing in the Year				Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2012		2013		December 31, 2011
Silver swap - U.S. dollar	$	3,216	$	327	$	(62	)
Platinum swap - U.S. dollar	1,452		84		(182		)
Total commodity contracts	$	4,668	$	411	$	(244	)



	Notional
	Amounts
	Maturing in the		Fair Value Net
Cross Currency Basis Swaps	Year		Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2014		December 31, 2011
Euro 449.8 million @ $1.45 rec. EUR 3 mth. EURIBOR pay USD 3 mth. LIBOR	$	581,568	$	(67,690	)
Total cross currency basis swaps	$	581,568	$	(67,690	)

At December 31, 2011, deferred net gains on derivative instruments of $3.0 million, which were recorded in AOCI, are expected to be reclassified to current earnings during the next twelve months. This reclassification is primarily due to the sale of inventory that includes previously hedged purchases and interest rate swaps. The maximum term over which the Company is hedging exposures to variability of cash flows (for all forecasted transactions, excluding interest payments on variable interest rate debt) is eighteen months. Overall, the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are highly effective. Any cash flows associated with these instruments are included in cash from operations in accordance with the Company's policy of classifying the cash flows from these instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged.

Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations

The Company has numerous investments in foreign subsidiaries. The net assets of these subsidiaries are exposed to volatility in currency exchange rates. Currently, the Company uses both non-derivative financial instruments, including foreign currency denominated debt held at the parent company level and derivative financial instruments to hedge some of this exposure. Translation gains and losses related to the net assets of the foreign subsidiaries are offset by gains and losses in the non-derivative and derivative financial instruments designated as hedges of net investments, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income.

During the third quarter 2011, the Company entered into euro denominated forward exchange contracts that hedged an investment in a foreign subsidiary. These forward contracts totaled 450.0 million euro and were designated as net investment hedges. These hedges were settled during the third quarter at the closing of the Astra Tech acquisition and the Company recorded a loss of $1.5 million included in AOCI, net of tax.

During the third quarter of 2011, the Company entered into five new cross currency basis swaps totaling 260.0 million euros (the “Euro Swaps”). The Euro Swaps mature in October 2013, and the Company pays three-month Euro Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") minus 52.75 basis points on EUR 260.0 million and receives three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR on $350.9 million. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company entered into three new cross currency basis swaps totaling $80.4 million Swiss franc (the “Swiss Swaps”). The Swiss Swaps mature in November 2014, and the Company pays three-month Swiss franc London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") minus 44.5 basis points on Swiss francs 80.4 million and receives three-month U.S. dollar LIBOR on $87.6 million. The new contracts were entered into to replace maturing contracts. The Swiss franc and euro cross currency interest rate swaps are designated as net investment hedges of the Swiss and euro denominated net assets. The interest rate differential is recognized in the earnings as "Interest income" or "Interest expense" on the consolidated statements of operations as it is accrued. The foreign currency revaluation is recorded in AOCI, net of tax effects.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had Swiss franc-denominated and Japanese yen-denominated debt and cross currency basis swaps denominated in euro and Swiss franc to hedge the currency exposure related to a designated portion of the net assets of its European, Swiss and Japanese subsidiaries. The fair value of the cross currency interest rate swap agreements is the estimated amount the Company would (pay) receive at the reporting date, taking into account the effective interest rates and foreign exchange rates. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the estimated net fair values of the cross currency interest rate swap agreements was a liability of $111.9 million and a liability of $169.1 million, respectively, which are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax effects. At December 31, 2011and 2010, the accumulated translation gain (loss) on investments in foreign subsidiaries, primarily denominated in Euros, Swiss francs, Japanese yen and Swedish krona, net of these net investment hedges, were $134.2 million in losses and $45.4 million in gains, respectively, which were included in AOCI, net of tax effects.

The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company's cross currency basis swaps that are designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations at December 31, 2011:



Cross Currency Basis Swaps	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year						Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2012		2013		2014		December 31, 2011
Swiss franc 592.5 million @ 1.12 pay CHF 3 mth. LIBOR rec. USD 3 mth. LIBOR	$	60,254	$	484,910	$	85,591	$	(99,917	)
Euro 618.0 million @ $1.27 pay EUR 3 mth. EURIBOR rec. USD 3 mth. LIBOR	—		799,105		—		(12,009		)
Total cross currency basis swaps	$	60,254	$	1,284,015	$	85,591	$	(111,926	)

Fair Value Hedges

Effective April 4, 2011, the Company entered into a group of U.S. dollar denominated interest rate swaps with an initial total notional value of $150.0 million to effectively convert the underlying fixed interest rate of 4.1% on the Company's $250.0 million PPN to variable rate for a term of five years, ending February 2016. The notional value of the swaps will decline proportionately as portions of the PPN mature. These interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges of the interest rate risk associated with the hedged portion of the fixed rate PPN. Accordingly, the Company will carry the portion of the hedged debt at fair value, with the change in debt and swap offsetting each other in the income statement. At December 31, 2011, the estimated net fair value of these interest rate swaps was $4.5 million.

The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company's fair value hedges at December 31, 2011:



							Fair Value Net
Interest Rate Contracts	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year						Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2014		2015		2016 and Beyond		December 31, 2011
U. S. dollar	45,000		60,000		45,000		4,463
Total interest rate contracts	$	45,000	$	60,000	$	45,000	$	4,463

The following tables summarize the fair value and consolidated balance sheet location of the Company's derivatives at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:



	December 31, 2011
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Other Noncurrent Assets, Net		Accrued Liabilities		Other Noncurrent Liabilities
(in thousands)

Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	5,464	$	896	$	641	$	107
Commodity contracts	—		15		257		2
Interest rate swaps	2,539		3,160		—		1,050
Cross currency basis swaps	—		19,838		13,790		117,974
Total	$	8,003	$	23,909	$	14,688	$	119,133
Not Designated as Hedges
Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	1,943	$	—	$	3,150	$	—
DIO equity option contracts	—		—		—		419
Interest rate swaps	—		—		105		476
Cross currency basis swaps	—		—		$	—	$	67,690
Total	$	1,943	$	—	$	3,255	$	68,585



	December 31, 2010
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Other Noncurrent Assets, Net		Accrued Liabilities		Other Noncurrent Liabilities
(in thousands)

Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,455	$	21	$	1,139	$	135
Commodity contracts	88		—		—		—
Interest rate swaps	—		—		4,213		871
Cross currency basis swaps	—		—		21,516		147,589
Total	$	2,543	$	21	$	26,868	$	148,595
Not Designated as Hedges
Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	821	$	—	$	600	$	—
Interest rate swaps	—		—		104		556
Total	$	821	$	—	$	704	$	556

The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:



December 31, 2011
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging	Gain (Loss) in AOCI			Classification of Gains (Losses)	Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income

(in thousands)
Interest rate contracts	$	(30,008	)	Interest expense	$	(4,903	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	6,858			Cost of products sold	1,503
Foreign exchange forward contracts	377			SG&A expenses	39
Commodity contracts	(191		)	Cost of products sold	273
Total	$	(22,964	)		$	(3,088	)



Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging	Classification of Gains (Losses)	Ineffective portion Recognized in Income

(in thousands)
Interest rate contracts	Other expense, net	$	(6,151	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Interest expense	(403		)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Interest expense	(1,307		)
Commodity contracts	Interest expense	2
Total		$	(7,859	)



December 31, 2010

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging	Gain (Loss) in AOCI			Classification of Gains (Losses)	Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income

(in thousands)
Interest rate contracts	$	(1,978	)	Interest expense	$	(5,636	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	2,314			Cost of products sold	665
Foreign exchange forward contracts	670			SG&A expenses	630
Commodity contracts	324			Cost of products sold	662
Total	$	1,330			$	(3,679	)



Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging	Classification of Gains (Losses)	Ineffective portion Recognized in Income

(in thousands)
Interest rate contracts	Other expense, net	$	232
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Interest expense	(672		)
Commodity contracts	Interest expense	(14		)
Total		$	(454	)

The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges of net investments for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:



December 31, 2011

Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging	Gain (Loss) in AOCI			Classification of Gains (Losses)	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income

(in thousands)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	$	3,308		Interest income	$	1,085
				Interest expense	(108		)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	30,125			Interest expense	(5,675		)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	(2,462		)	Interest expense	—
Total	$	30,971			$	(4,698	)



December 31, 2010

Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging	Gain (Loss) in AOCI			Classification of Gains (Losses)	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income

(in thousands)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	$	(61,211	)	Interest income	$	869
				Interest expense	(105		)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	34,862			Interest expense	(2,508		)
Total	$	(26,349	)		$	(1,744	)

The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges of fair value for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:



December 31, 2011

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
	Classification of Gains (Losses)	December 31,
(in thousands)	Classification of Gains (Losses)	2011		2010
Interest rate contracts	Interest expense	$	6,328	$	—
Total		$	6,328	$	—

The following table summarizes the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges not designated as hedging for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:



Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging
	Classification of Gains (Losses)	December 31,
(in thousands)	Classification of Gains (Losses)	2011			2010
Foreign exchange forward contracts (a)	Other expense, net	$	(2,921	)	$	1,181
DIO equity option contracts	Other expense, net	383			—
Interest rate contracts	Interest expense	(186		)	(155		)
Cross currency interest rate contracts (a)	Other expense, net	(68,432		)	—
Cross currency interest rate contracts	Interest income	1,219			—
Total		$	(69,937	)	$	1,026

(a) The gains and losses on these derivative transactions offset the gains and losses generated by the revaluation of the underlying non-functional currency balances and are recorded in “Other expense (income), net” on the consolidated statements of operations.

Amounts recorded in AOCI related to cash flow hedging instruments at:



	December 31,
(in thousands, net of tax)	2011			2010

Beginning balance	$	(1,468	)	$	(4,799	)
Changes in fair value of derivatives	(14,357		)	1,248
Reclassifications to earnings from equity	3,088			2,083
Total activity	(11,269		)	3,331
Ending balance	$	(12,737	)	$	(1,468	)

Amounts recorded in AOCI related to hedges of net investments in foreign operations at:



	December 31,
(in thousands, net of tax)	2011			2010

Beginning balance	$	45,417		$	111,115
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(200,121		)	(33,208		)
Changes in fair value of:
foreign currency debt	(9,553		)	(16,311		)
derivative hedge instruments	20,527			(16,179		)
Total activity	(189,147		)	(65,698		)
Ending balance	$	(143,730	)	$	45,417

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6887037&loc=d3e80784-113994

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4E
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624181-113959

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4D
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624177-113959

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6887037&loc=d3e80748-113994

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4H
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624258-113959

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5708775-113959

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41635-113959

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5708773-113959

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

The Company records financial instruments at fair value with unrealized gains and losses related to certain financial instruments reflected in AOCI on the consolidated balance sheets. In addition, the Company recognizes certain liabilities at fair value. The Company applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements. Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to various market data and other valuation techniques as appropriate. The Company believes the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts), prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, income taxes payable and notes payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The Company estimated the fair value and carrying value of its total long-term debt, including current portion, was $1,512.5 million and $1,491.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2010, the Company estimated the fair value and carrying value was $611.2 million and $606.5 million, respectively. The interest rate on the $450.0 million Senior Notes, the $300.0 million Senior Notes, and the $250.0 million Private Placement Notes are fixed rates of 4.1%, 2.8% and 4.1%, respectively, and their fair value is based on the interest rates as of December 31, 2011. The interest rates on variable rate term loan debt and commercial paper are consistent with current market conditions, therefore the fair value of these instruments approximates their carrying values.

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2011 and 2010, which are classified as “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” “Long-Term investments,” “Other noncurrent assets, net,” “Accrued liabilities,” and “Other noncurrent liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet. Financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value as of the balance sheet date are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.



	December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Assets
Money market funds	$	10,516	$	10,516	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swaps	5,699		—		5,699		—
Commodity forward purchase contracts	15		—		15		—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	19,838		—		19,838		—
Foreign exchange forward contracts	8,303		—		8,303		—
Corporate convertible bonds	47,850		—		—		47,850
Total assets	$	92,221	$	10,516	$	33,855	$	47,850

Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	1,631	$	—	$	1,631	$	—
Commodity forward purchase contracts	259		—		259		—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	199,454		—		199,454		—
Foreign exchange forward contracts	3,898		—		3,898		—
Long term debt	154,512		—		154,512		—
Contingent considerations on acquisitions	2,917		—		—		2,917
DIO equity option contracts	419		—		—		419
Total liabilities	$	363,090	$	—	$	359,754	$	3,336



	December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Assets
Money market funds	$	380,593	$	380,593	$	—	$	—
Commodity forward purchase contracts	88		—		88
Foreign exchange forward contracts	3,297		—		3,297		—
Corporate convertible bonds	66,024		—		—		66,024
Total assets	$	450,002	$	380,593	$	3,385	$	66,024

Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	5,744	$	—	$	5,744	$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	169,105		—		169,105		—
Foreign Exchange forward contracts	1,874		—		1,874		—
Contingent considerations on acquisitions	5,887		—		—		5,887
Total liabilities	$	182,610	$	—	$	176,723	$	5,887

Derivative valuations are based on observable inputs to the valuation model including interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, future commodities prices and credit risks. The commodity contracts, certain interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts are considered cash flow hedges and cross currency interest rate swaps are considered balance sheet or hedges of net investments in foreign operations as discussed in Note 15, Financial Instruments and Derivatives.

The Company uses the income method valuation technique to estimate the fair value of the corporate bonds. The significant unobservable inputs for valuing the corporate bonds are DIO Corporation's stock volatility factor of approximately 40% and corporate bond rating which implies an approximately 15% discount rate on the valuation model. Significant observable inputs used to value the corporate bonds include foreign exchange rates and DIO Corporation's period-ending market stock price.

The Company has valued the DIO equity option contracts using a Monte Carlo simulation which uses several estimates and probability assumptions by management including the future stock price, the stock price as a multiple of DIO earnings and the probability of the sellers to reduce their shares held by selling into the open market. Changes in the fair value of the DIO equity option contracts are reported in “Other expense (income), net” on the consolidated statements of operations.

Certain purchase agreements for acquisitions completed after January 1, 2009 contain provisions where the seller could receive additional consideration based on the future operating performance of the acquired business. In accordance with US GAAP, the Company has recorded the fair value of these additional payments on the acquisition date. The fair value was based on a probability-weighted average payout discounted using a market rate of approximately 5%. The fair value is subject to management's estimates at the time of the acquisition and is based upon level 3 inputs. The fair values of these additional payments are reported in “Other noncurrent liabilities,” on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company's Level 3 holdings measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs:



	Corporate			DIO Equity
(in thousands)	Convertible			Options			Contingent
	Bonds			Contracts			Considerations
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	66,024		$	—		$	5,887
Additions/purchases, gross	—			786			—
Payments/sales, gross	—			—			(2,989		)
Unrealized loss:
Reported in AOCI	(16,577		)	—			—
Unrealized gain:
Reported in other expense (income), net	—			(388		)	—
Effect of exchange rate changes	(1,597		)	21			19
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	47,850		$	419		$	2,917

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19296-110258

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Leases

The Company leases automobiles and machinery and equipment and certain office, warehouse and manufacturing facilities under non-cancellable leases. The leases generally require the Company to pay insurance, taxes and other expenses related to the leased property. Total rental expense for all operating leases was $39.0 million for 2011, $34.9 million for 2010 and $32.2 million for 2009.

Rental commitments, principally for real estate (exclusive of taxes, insurance and maintenance), automobiles and office equipment are as follows:



(in thousands)

2012	$	38,946
2013	26,918
2014	19,712
2015	15,512
2016	13,755
2017 and thereafter	27,416
	$	142,259

Litigation

On June 18, 2004, Marvin Weinstat, DDS and Richard Nathan, DDS filed a class action suit in San Francisco County, California alleging that the Company misrepresented that its Cavitron® ultrasonic scalers are suitable for use in oral surgical procedures. The Complaint seeks a recall of the product and refund of its purchase price to dentists who have purchased it for use in oral surgery. The Court certified the case as a class action in June 2006 with respect to the breach of warranty and unfair business practices claims. The class that was certified is defined as California dental professionals who purchased and used one or more Cavitron® ultrasonic scalers for the performance of oral surgical procedures. The Company filed a motion for decertification of the class and this motion was granted. Plaintiffs appealed the decertification of the class to the California Court of Appeals and the Court of Appeals reversed the decertification decision of the trial Court. The case was remanded to and is pending in the San Francisco County Court. As the result of several hearings, the Judge has held that the class period will be from 2000 to the present and the class will be defined as dentists who “purchased and used the Cavitron for oral surgery”. Based on his ruling, the Class Notice, which likely will be mailed sometime in March, will go to dentists licensed to practice in California during the class period from 2000 to the present.

On December 12, 2006, a Complaint was filed by Carole Hildebrand, DDS and Robert Jaffin, DDS in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (the Plaintiffs subsequently added Dr. Mitchell Goldman as a named class representative). The case was filed by the same law firm that filed the Weinstat case in California. The Complaint asserts putative class action claims on behalf of dentists located in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Complaint seeks damages and asserts that the Company's Cavitron® ultrasonic scaler was negligently designed and sold in breach of contract and warranty arising from misrepresentations about the potential uses of the product because it cannot assure the delivery of potable or sterile water. Plaintiffs have filed their motion for class certification to which the Company has filed its response. The Company also filed other motions, including a motion to dismiss the claims of Drs. Hildebrand and Jaffin for lack of standing. The Court granted this motion for lack of standing of the individuals and did not allow the plaintiffs to amend the complaint to substitute their corporate practices, leaving Dr. Goldman as a putative class representative in Pennsylvania, raising a question of jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court. Subsequently, the Court issued an Order dismissing this case on the grounds that it did not have jurisdiction over the matter. The plaintiffs filed a second complaint after the Court granted the initial Motion for lack of standing in which they named the corporate practices of Drs. Hildebrand and Jaffin as class representatives. The Company has moved to dismiss this complaint and the Court has not yet ruled on this Motion.

As of December 31, 2011, a reasonable estimate of a possible range of loss related to the above litigation cannot be made. In the event that one or more of these matters is unfavorably resolved, it is possible the Company’s results from operations could be materially impacted.

On August 18, 2011, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with Guidance Endodontics, LLC and its principal (together “Guidance”) under which the Company agreed to pay Guidance a settlement in exchange for a full release and settlement of Guidance's claims against the Company.

Other

The Company has no material non-cancelable purchase commitments.

The Company has employment agreements with its executive officers. These agreements generally provide for salary continuation for a specified number of months under certain circumstances. If all of the employees under contract were to be terminated by the Company without cause, as defined in the agreements, the Company's liability would be approximately $13.8 million at December 31, 2011.

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Disclosure - Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009



			Additions
(in thousands)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged (Credited) To Costs And Expenses			Charged to Other Accounts			Write-offs Net of Recoveries			Translation Adjustment			Balance at End of Period

Description
Allowance for doubtful accounts:

For Year Ended December 31,
2009	$	18,849	$	(3,124	)	$	17		$	(4,253	)	$	746		$	12,235
2010	12,235		(233		)	111			(2,611		)	(682		)	8,820
2011	8,820		469			7,930		(a)	(1,373		)	(941		)	14,905

Inventory valuation reserves:

For Year Ended December 31,
2009	$	28,389	$	5,883		$	80		$	(3,610	)	$	1,190		$	31,932
2010	31,932		6,590			760			(3,652		)	(161		)	35,469
2011	35,469		3,325			697		(b)	(3,924		)	(463		)	35,104

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance:

For Year Ended December 31,
2009	$	36,741	$	13,419		$	—		$	—		$	1,649		$	51,809
2010	51,809		47,304			—			—			(6,059		)	93,054
2011	93,054		(22,400		)	2,174		(c)	—			(1,070		)	71,758

(a) Amount includes $7.8 million allowance for Astra Tech opening balance at August 31, 2011.

(b) Amount includes $1.1 million reserve for Astra Tech opening balance at August 31, 2011.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2011
Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]
Use Of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. The Company also consolidates all variable interest entities (“VIE”) where the Company has determined that it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and shares in either the significant risks or rewards of the VIE. The Company continually reassesses its VIE to determine if consolidation is appropriate. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships as well as less than 20 percent ownership positions where the Company maintains significant influence over the subsidiary) are accounted for using the equity method. The accompanying audited consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 include the results of operations for Astra Tech AB (“Astra Tech”) for the period September 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. The accompanying audited consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011 includes Astra Tech's acquired assets and assumed liabilities. (See Note 3 - Business Acquisitions and Investments in Affiliates).
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include deposits with banks as well as highly liquid time deposits with maturities at the date of purchase of ninety days or less.
Short-term Investments	Short-term Investments Short-term investments are highly liquid time deposits with original maturities at the date of purchase greater than ninety days and with remaining maturities of one year or less.
Accounts and Notes Receivable-Trade	Accounts and Notes Receivable-Trade The Company sells dental and certain healthcare products through a worldwide network of distributors and directly to end users. For customers on credit terms, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluation of those customers' financial condition and generally does not require collateral from them. The Company establishes allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company records a provision for doubtful accounts, which is included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses.”
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the cost of $7.1 million, or 2.0%, and $6.9 million, or 2.2%, respectively, of inventories was determined by the last in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. The cost of other inventories was determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods. The Company establishes reserves for inventory estimated to be obsolete or unmarketable equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If the FIFO method had been used to determine the cost of LIFO inventories, the amounts at which net inventories are stated would be higher than reported at December 31, 2011 and 2010 by $5.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively.
Valuation of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets	Valuation of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets Assessment of the potential impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets is an integral part of the Company's normal ongoing review of operations. Testing for potential impairment of these assets is significantly dependent on assumptions and reflects management's best estimates at a particular point in time. The dynamic economic environments in which the Company's businesses operate and key economic and business assumptions with respect to projected selling prices, increased competition and introductions of new technologies can significantly affect the outcome of impairment tests. Estimates based on these assumptions may differ significantly from actual results. Changes in factors and assumptions used in assessing potential impairments can have a significant impact on the existence and magnitude of impairments, as well as the time at which such impairments are recognized. If there are unfavorable changes in these assumptions, future cash flows, a key variable in assessing the impairment of these assets, may decrease and as a result the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges. Future changes in the environment and the economic outlook for the assets being evaluated could also result in additional impairment charges being recognized. The following information outlines the Company's significant accounting policies on long-lived assets by type. Goodwill Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, during the Company's second quarter, or when indications of potential impairment exist. The Company monitors for the existence of potential impairment throughout the year. This impairment assessment includes an evaluation of various reporting units, which is an operating segment or one reporting level below the operating segment. The Company performs impairment tests using a fair value approach. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If impairment is identified on goodwill, the resulting charge is determined by recalculating goodwill through a hypothetical purchase price allocation of the fair value and reducing the current carrying value to the extent it exceeds the recalculated goodwill. The Company's fair value approach involves using a discounted cash flow model with market-based support as its valuation technique to measure the fair value for its reporting units. The discounted cash flow model uses five-year forecasted cash flows plus a terminal value based on a multiple of earnings. In addition, the Company applies gross profit and operating expense assumptions consistent with its historical trends. The total cash flows were discounted based on market participant data, which included the Company's weighted-average cost of capital. The Company considered the current market conditions when determining its assumptions. Lastly, the Company reconciled the aggregate fair values of its reporting units to its market capitalization, which included a reasonable control premium based on market conditions. Additional information related to the testing for goodwill impairment is provided in Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of tradenames and are not subject to amortization. Valuations of identifiable intangibles assets acquired are based on information and assumptions available at the time of acquisition, using income and market model approaches to determine fair value. In-process research and development assets are not subject to amortization until the product associated with the research and development is substantially complete and is a viable product. At that time, the useful life to amortize the intangible asset is determined by identifying the period in which substantially all the cash flows are expected to be generated and the asset is moved to definite-lived. These assets are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company uses an income approach, more specifically a relief from royalty method. Significant management judgment is necessary to determine key assumptions, including projected revenue, royalty rates and appropriate discount rates. Royalty rates used are consistent with those assumed for the original purchase accounting valuation. Other assumptions are consistent with those applied to goodwill impairment testing. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss in the amount equal to the excess is recognized. Identifiable Definite-Lived Intangible Assets Identifiable definite-lived intangible assets, which primarily consist of patents, trademarks, brand names, non-compete agreements and licensing agreements, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Valuations of identifiable intangibles assets acquired are based on information and assumptions available at the time of acquisition, using income and market model approaches to determine fair value. These assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company closely monitors certain intangible assets related to new and existing technologies for indicators of impairment as these assets have more risk of becoming impaired. Impairment is based upon an initial evaluation of the identifiable undiscounted cash flows. If the initial evaluation identifies a potential impairment, a fair value is determined by using a discounted cash flows valuation. If impaired, the resulting charge reflects the excess of the asset’s carrying cost over its fair value. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Except for leasehold improvements, depreciation for financial reporting purposes is computed by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings - generally 40 years and machinery and equipment - 4 to 15 years. The cost of leasehold improvements is amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred to the statement of operations; replacements and major improvements are capitalized. These assets groups are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the asset group may not be recoverable. Impairment is based upon an evaluation of the identifiable undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the resulting charge reflects the excess of the asset group’s carrying cost over its fair value.
Marketable Security	Marketable Securities The Company's marketable securities consist of debt instruments that are classified as available-for-sale in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheets as the instruments mature in December 2015. The Company determined the appropriate classification at the time of purchase and will re-evaluate such designation as of each balance sheet date. In addition, the Company reviews the securities each quarter for indications of possible impairment. Once identified, the determination of whether the impairment is temporary or other-than-temporary requires significant judgment. The primary factors that the Company considers in classifying the impairment include the extent and time the fair value of each investment has been below cost and the existence of a credit loss. If a decline in fair value is judged other-than-temporary, the basis of the securities is written down to fair value and the amount of the write-down is included as a realized loss.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company records all derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recorded each period in the consolidated statements of operations or accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). The Company employs derivative financial instruments to hedge certain anticipated transactions, firm commitments, and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. Additionally, the Company utilizes interest rate swaps to convert floating rate debt to fixed rate, fixed rate debt to floating rate, cross currency basis swaps to convert debt denominated in one currency to another currency, and commodity swaps to fix its variable raw materials costs.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Some of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are covered by government or Company-sponsored defined benefit plans. Many of the employees have available to them defined contribution plans. Additionally, certain union and salaried employee groups in the United States are covered by postretirement healthcare plans. Costs for Company-sponsored defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans are based on expected return on plan assets, discount rates, employee compensation increase rates and health care cost trends. Expected return on plan assets, discount rates and health care cost trend assumptions are particularly important when determining the Company’s benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs associated with postretirement benefits. Changes in these assumptions can impact the Company’s earnings before income taxes. In determining the cost of postretirement benefits, certain assumptions are established annually to reflect market conditions and plan experience to appropriately reflect the expected costs as actuarially determined. These assumptions include medical inflation trend rates, discount rates, employee turnover and mortality rates. The Company predominantly uses liability durations in establishing its discount rates, which are observed from indices of high-grade corporate bond yields in the respective economic regions of the plans. The expected return on plan assets is the weighted average long-term expected return based upon asset allocations and historic average returns for the markets where the assets are invested, principally in foreign locations. The Company reports the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on its consolidated balance sheets as a net liability or asset. Additional information related to the impact of changes in these assumptions is provided in Note 13, Benefit Plans.
Accruals for Self-Insured Losses	Accruals for Self-Insured Losses The Company maintains insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, product liability and vehicle liability, and is self-insured for employee related health care benefits. The Company accrues for the expected costs associated with these risks by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other relevant information. Costs are recognized in the period the claim is incurred, and the financial statement accruals include an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company has stop-loss coverage to limit its exposure to any significant exposure on a per claim basis.
Litigation	Litigation The Company and its subsidiaries are from time to time parties to lawsuits arising out of their respective operations. The Company records liabilities when a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. These estimates are typically in the form of ranges, and the Company records the liabilities at the low point of the ranges, when no other point within the ranges are a better estimate of the probable loss. The ranges established by management are based on analysis made by internal and external legal counsel who considers information known at the time. If the Company determines a liability to be only reasonably possible, it considers the same information to estimate the possible exposure and discloses any material potential liability. These loss contingencies are monitored regularly for a change in fact or circumstance that would require an accrual adjustment. The Company believes it has estimated liabilities for probable losses appropriately in the past; however, the unpredictability of litigation and court decisions could cause a liability to be incurred in excess of estimates. Legal costs related to these lawsuits are expensed as incurred.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI includes foreign currency translation adjustments related to the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, net of the related changes in certain financial instruments hedging these foreign currency investments. In addition, changes in the Company’s fair value of certain derivative financial instruments, net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities and pension liability adjustments and prior service costs, net are recorded in AOCI. These changes are recorded in AOCI net of any related tax adjustments. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, these tax adjustments were $167.5 million, $158.7 million and $143.0 million, respectively, primarily related to foreign currency translation adjustments.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency for foreign operations, except for those in highly inflationary economies, has been determined to be the local currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at foreign exchange rates on the balance sheet date; revenue and expenses are translated at the average year-to-date foreign exchange rates. The effects of these translation adjustments are reported in Equity within AOCI of the consolidated balance sheets. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company had losses of $9.6 million on its loans designated as hedges of net investments and translation losses of $200.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company had losses of $16.3 million on its loans designated as hedges of net investments and translation losses of $33.2 million. Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity involved and remeasurement adjustments in countries with highly inflationary economies are included in income. Net foreign exchange transaction losses of $2.9 million, $3.3 million and $0.3 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, are included in “Other expense (income), net” on the consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue, net of related discounts and allowances, is recognized when the earnings process is complete. This occurs when products are shipped to or received by the customer in accordance with the terms of the agreement, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. Net sales include shipping and handling costs collected from customers in connection with the sale. Sales taxes, value added taxes and other similar types of taxes collected from customers in connection with the sale are recorded by the Company on a net basis and are not included in the statement of operations. Certain of the Company's customers are offered cash rebates based on targeted sales increases. Estimates of rebates are based on the forecasted performance of the customer and their expected level of achievement within the rebate programs. In accounting for these rebate programs, the Company records an accrual as a reduction of net sales as sales take place over the period the rebate is earned. The Company revises the accruals for these rebate programs as actual results and revised forecasts impact the estimated achievement for customers within the rebate programs. A portion of the Company’s net sales is comprised of sales of precious metals generated through its precious metal dental alloy product offerings. As the precious metal content of the Company’s sales is largely a pass-through to customers, the Company uses its cost of precious metal purchased as a proxy for the precious metal content of sales, as the precious metal content of sales is not separately tracked and invoiced to customers. The Company believes that it is reasonable to use the cost of precious metal content purchased in this manner since precious metal alloy sale prices are typically adjusted when the prices of underlying precious metals change. The precious metals content of sales was $205.1 million, $189.2 million and $168.7 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Cost of Products Sold	Cost of Products Sold Cost of products sold represents costs directly related to the manufacture and distribution of the Company’s products. Primary costs include raw materials, packaging, direct labor, overhead, shipping and handling, warehousing and the depreciation of manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities. Overhead and related expenses include salaries, wages, employee benefits, utilities, lease costs, maintenance and property taxes.
Warranties	Warranties The Company provides warranties on certain equipment products. Estimated warranty costs are accrued when sales are made to customers. Estimates for warranty costs are based primarily on historical warranty claim experience. Warranty costs are included in “Cost of products sold.”
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses represent costs incurred in generating revenues and in managing the business of the Company. Such costs include advertising and other marketing expenses, salaries, employee benefits, incentive compensation, research and development, travel, office expenses, lease costs, amortization of capitalized software and depreciation of administrative facilities.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs Research and development (“R&D”) costs relate primarily to internal costs for salaries and direct overhead expenses. In addition, the Company contracts with outside vendors to conduct R&D activities. All such R&D costs are charged to expense when incurred. The Company capitalizes the costs of equipment that have general R&D uses and expenses such equipment that is solely for specific R&D projects.
Stock Compensation	Stock Compensation The Company recognizes the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions in the financial statements. The cost of share-based payment transactions is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity awards). The compensation cost is only recognized for the portion of the awards that are expected to vest.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company’s tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes plus the provision for U.S. taxes on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries not deemed to be permanently invested. Tax credits and other incentives reduce tax expense in the year the credits are claimed. Certain items of income and expense are not reported in tax returns and financial statements in the same year. The tax effect of such temporary differences is reported as deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not that the assets will be realized in future years. The Company establishes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for which realization is not likely. The Company applies a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company recognizes in the financial statements, the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period, adjusted for the effect of an assumed exercise of all dilutive options outstanding at the end of the period.
Business Acquisitions	Business Acquisitions The Company acquires businesses as well as partial interests in businesses. Acquired businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires the Company to record assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values with the excess of the purchase price over estimated fair values recorded as goodwill. The assumptions made in determining the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities as well as asset lives can materially impact the results of operations. The Company obtains information during due diligence and through other sources to establish respective fair values. Examples of factors and information that the Company uses to determine the fair values include: tangible and intangible asset evaluations and appraisals; evaluations of existing contingencies and liabilities and product line integration information. If the initial valuation for an acquisition is incomplete by the end of the quarter in which the acquisition occurred, the Company will record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. The provisional estimate will be finalized as soon as information becomes available but will only occur up to one year from the acquisition date.
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments Investments in partnerships, joint ventures and less-than-majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company has significant influence are accounted for under the equity method. Equity investments are carried at original cost adjusted for the proportionate share of the investees’ income, losses and distributions. The Company assesses the carrying value of its equity investments when an indicator of a loss in value is present and record a loss in value of the investment when the assessment indicates that an other-than-temporary decline in the investment exists. The Company classifies its equity in net earnings of unconsolidated affiliates in the consolidated statements of operations under the title of “Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliated company”.
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests The Company reports noncontrolling interest (“NCI”) in a subsidiary as a separate component of Equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company reports the portion of net income and comprehensive income (loss) attributed to the Company and NCI separately in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also includes a separate column for NCI in the consolidated statements of changes in equity and comprehensive income.
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities The Company follows US GAAP accounting guidance for variable interest entities (“VIE”). The guidance includes: (1) the elimination of the exemption from consolidation for qualifying special purpose entities, (2) a new approach for determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE, which requires that the primary beneficiary have both (i) the power to control the most significant activities of the VIE and (ii) either the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE, and (3) the requirement to continually reassess who should consolidate a VIE. The Company consolidates all VIE where the Company has determined that it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and shares in either the significant risks or rewards of the VIE. The Company continually reassesses VIE to determine if consolidation is appropriate. The Company continues to believe that it is the primary beneficiary of one entity under the accounting guidance.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting The Company has numerous operating businesses covering a wide range of products and geographic regions, primarily serving the professional dental market. Professional dental products represented approximately 93% of sales in 2011, and 97% in both 2010 and 2009. The Company has four reportable segments and a description of the activities of these segments is included in Note 4, Segment and Geographic Information.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement Recurring Basis The Company records certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the accounting guidance, which defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The accounting guidance establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. The three broad levels defined by the fair value hierarchy are as follows: Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date. Level 2 - Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The nature of these financial instruments include, derivative instruments whose fair value have been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 - Instruments that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date. These financial instruments do not have two-way markets and are measured using management's best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Pricing observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument. Financial assets and liabilities with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of pricing observability and a lesser degree of judgment utilized in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial assets and liabilities rarely traded or not quoted will generally have less, or no pricing observability and a higher degree of judgment utilized in measuring fair value. The Company primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavors to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Additionally, the Company considers its credit risks and its counterparties' credit risks when determining the fair values of its financial assets and liabilities. The Company has presented the required disclosures in Note 16, Fair Value Measurement. Non-Recurring Basis When events or circumstances require an asset or liability to be fair valued that otherwise is generally recorded based on another valuation method, such as, net realizable value, the Company will utilize the valuation techniques described above.
Reclassification of Prior Year Amounts	Reclassification of Prior Year Amounts Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' data in order to conform to current year presentation.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The balances included in AOCI in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(37,216	)	$	170,597
Net loss on derivative financial instruments	(117,390		)	(126,648		)
Net unrealized holding (loss) gain on available for-sale securities	(516		)	11,029
Pension liability adjustments	(33,986		)	(30,822		)
Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(1,862		)	—
	$	(190,970	)	$	24,156

Schedule of Revision to Statement of Cash Flows

As a result of the incorrect classification, the Company has made reclassifications to the quarterly consolidated statements of cash flows for 2011 and 2010 as follows:



(in thousands)	As Previously
	Reported			Revision			As Revised

Nine months ended September 30, 2011
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	$	252,145		$	2,687		$	254,832
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,084,637			(2,687		)	1,081,950

Six months ended June 30, 2011
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	$	164,964		$	1,545		$	166,509
Net cash used in financing activities	(36,139		)	(1,545		)	(37,684		)

Three months ended March 31, 2011
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	$	44,006		$	723		$	44,729
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,716		)	(723		)	(2,439		)

Twelve months ended December 31, 2010
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	$	362,324		$	15,137		$	377,461
Net cash used in investing activities	(129,490		)	(34,978		)	(164,468		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(101,401		)	(1,635		)	(103,036		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(41,743		)	21,476			(20,267		)

Nine months ended September 30, 2010
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	$	248,890		$	8,448		$	257,338
Net cash used in investing activities	(51,345		)	(18,568		)	(69,913		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(86,923		)	(1,281		)	(88,204		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(26,727		)	11,401			(15,326		)

Six months ended June 30, 2010
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	$	150,468		$	8,199		$	158,667
Net cash used in investing activities	(27,182		)	(18,568		)	(45,750		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(157,205		)	(1,032		)	(158,237		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(76,082		)	11,401			(64,681		)

Three months ended March 31, 2010
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	$	36,544		$	7,731		$	44,275
Net cash used in investing activities	(15,711		)	(18,568		)	(34,279		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(29,036		)	(564		)	(29,600		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(37,128		)	11,401			(25,727		)

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share:



(in thousands, except for share amounts)	Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International		Shares	Earnings per common share
Year Ended December 31, 2011
Basic	$	244,520	141,386	$	1.73
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options	—		2,167

Diluted	$	244,520	143,553	$	1.70

Year Ended December 31, 2010
Basic	$	265,708	143,980	$	1.85
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options	—		2,005

Diluted	$	265,708	145,985	$	1.82

Year Ended December 31, 2009
Basic	$	274,258	148,319	$	1.85
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options	—		1,783

Diluted	$	274,258	150,102	$	1.83

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Preliminary Fair Values Of Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Related To Acquisition

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of the Astra Tech acquisition:



(in thousands)

Inventory	$	85,181
Other current assets	140,400
Property, plant, and equipment	178,495
Identifiable intangible assets	793,000
Goodwill	969,550
Other long-term assets	13,301
Total assets	2,179,927
Current liabilities	106,983
Long-term liabilities	282,154
Total liabilities	389,137
Net assets	$	1,790,790

Intangible Assets Acquired

Intangible assets acquired consist of the following:



(in thousands, except for useful life)			Useful Life
	Amount		(in years)
Customer relationships	$	435,100	15
Developed technology and patents	116,500		10
Tradenames	229,100		Indefinite
In-process R&D	12,300		—
Total	$	793,000

Pro forma Unaudited Financial Information



	Year Ended
(in thousands, except per share data)	December 31,
	2011		2010
Net Sales	$	2,923,011	$	2,755,300
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY	240,791		275,360
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.68	$	1.89

Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate.

Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Net Sales

The following table sets forth information about the Company’s operating groups for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Third Party Net Sales



(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	566,535		$	526,781		$	526,668

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	538,449			482,146			471,232

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	861,273			665,032			621,256

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	576,491			550,359			543,637

All Other (a)	(5,030		)	(3,304		)	(3,415		)
Total net sales	$	2,537,718		$	2,221,014		$	2,159,378


(a)	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters

Third Party Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content



(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	566,535		$	526,781		$	526,668

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	496,722			445,627			436,790

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	858,360			662,556			618,414

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	416,002			400,097			412,209

All Other (b)	(5,030		)	(3,304		)	(3,415		)
Total net sales, excluding precious metal content	$	2,332,589		$	2,031,757		$	1,990,666
Precious metal content of sales	205,129			189,257			168,712
Total net sales, including precious metal content	$	2,537,718		$	2,221,014		$	2,159,378


(b)	Includes results of Corporate headquarters and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

Intersegment Net Sales



(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	116,228		$	116,440		$	104,328

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	21,048			17,103			13,202

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	139,142			115,158			103,329

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	113,298			112,285			114,591

All Other (c)	211,658			179,780			176,539
Eliminations	(601,374		)	(540,766		)	(511,989		)
Total	$	—		$	—		$	—


(c)	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.

Depreciation and Amortization



(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	16,120	$	16,315	$	14,945

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	3,560		3,939		3,884

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	37,492		18,419		16,978

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	25,266		20,479		21,461

All Other (d)	10,620		7,188		7,907
Total	$	93,058	$	66,340	$	65,175


(d)	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters

Segment Operating Income



(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	185,429		$	176,128		$	158,389

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	12,192			17,187			19,737

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	161,739			195,817			185,772

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	79,876			83,428			92,554

All Other (e)	(102,643		)	(81,303		)	(68,319		)
Segment Operating Income	$	336,593		$	391,257		$	388,133

Reconciling Items:
Restructuring and other costs	35,865			10,984			6,890
Interest expense	43,814			25,089			21,896
Interest income	(9,456		)	(4,254		)	(5,032		)
Other expense (income), net	10,259			1,782			1,023
Income before income taxes	$	256,111		$	357,656		$	363,356


(e)	Includes results of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments. Amount recorded in 2011 includes $31.9 million of Astra Tech acquisition costs.

Capital Expenditures



(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	11,681	$	9,267	$	8,333

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	3,179		2,978		2,506

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	29,334		17,078		14,434

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	17,701		11,397		25,546

All Other (f)	9,291		3,516		5,662
Total	$	71,186	$	44,236	$	56,481


(f)	Includes capital expenditures of Corporate headquarters

Company's Operations in Different Geographic Areas



Assets
(in thousands)	2011			2010

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	572,295		$	578,770

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	403,107			390,572

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	2,803,638			932,126

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	2,622,227			995,090

All Other (g)	(1,645,869		)	361,393
Total	$	4,755,398		$	3,257,951


(g)	Includes assets of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments



(in thousands)	United States		Germany		Sweden		Other Foreign		Consolidated

2011
Net sales	$	870,732	$	514,739	$	20,203	$	1,132,044	$	2,537,718
Long-lived assets	137,795		118,173		147,079		188,398		591,445

2010
Net sales	$	841,232	$	469,796	$	—	$	909,986	$	2,221,014
Long-lived assets	119,533		116,916		—		186,656		423,105

2009
Net sales	$	843,349	$	482,130	$	—	$	833,899	$	2,159,378
Long-lived assets	124,129		132,348		—		183,143		439,620

Schedule of Sales by Product Category

The following table presents net sales information by product category:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Dental consumables products	$	766,385	$	717,718	$	708,713
Dental laboratory products	525,008		511,061		504,526
Dental specialty products	1,078,034		925,317		892,421
Consumable medical device products	168,291		66,918		53,718
Total net sales	$	2,537,718	$	2,221,014	$	2,159,378

OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other expense (income), net

Other expense (income), net, consists of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010			2009

Foreign exchange transaction losses	$	2,932	$	3,331		$	336
Other expense (income), net	7,327		(1,549		)	687
Total other expense (income), net	$	10,259	$	1,782		$	1,023

INVENTORIES, NET (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Inventories, net

Inventories, net, consist of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

Finished goods	$	218,814	$	189,343
Work-in-process	66,952		57,272
Raw materials and supplies	75,996		62,123
Inventories, net	$	361,762	$	308,738

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net, consist of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Assets, at cost:
Land	$	45,840	$	40,032
Buildings and improvements	372,156		304,341
Machinery and equipment	680,240		576,704
Construction in progress	42,648		20,639
	1,140,884		941,716
Less: Accumulated depreciation	549,439		518,611
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	591,445	$	423,105

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Changes In Goodwill Table Text Block

A reconciliation of changes in the Company’s goodwill is as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

Balance, beginning of the year	$	1,303,055		$	1,312,596
Acquisition activity	978,191			20,382
Additional consideration for post closing adjustments	2,833			—
Effect of exchange rate changes	(94,016		)	(29,923		)
Balance, end of the year	$	2,190,063		$	1,303,055

Reconciliation of Changes in the Company's Goodwill

Goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

U.S., Germany and Certain Other
European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	247,119	$	249,522

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other
European Countries, CIS, Middle East,
Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	170,379		167,258

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/
Orthodontics/Astra Tech	1,178,547		282,321

Dental Laboratory Business/
Implants/Non-Dental	594,018		603,954

Total	$	2,190,063	$	1,303,055

Identifiable Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

Identifiable definite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of the following:



	December 31, 2011							December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount

Patents	$	131,252	$	(17,393	)	$	113,859	$	21,956	$	(12,108	)	$	9,848
Trademarks	73,413		(23,885		)	49,528		68,344		(20,835		)	47,509
Licensing agreements	30,444		(17,277		)	13,167		28,509		(15,709		)	12,800
Customer relationships	411,626		(19,066		)	392,560		16,994		(8,408		)	8,586
Total definite-lived	$	646,735	$	(77,621	)	$	569,114	$	135,803	$	(57,060	)	$	78,743

Trademarks	$	210,675	$	—		$	210,675	$	—	$	—		$	—
In-process R&D	11,311		—			11,311		—		—			—
Total indefinite-lived	$	221,986	$	—		$	221,986	$	—	$	—		$	—

Total identifiable intangible assets	$	868,721	$	(77,621	)	$	791,100	$	135,803	$	(57,060	)	$	78,743

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

A reconciliation of Changes in the Company's Warranty liability

ACCRUED LIABILITIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

Payroll, commissions, bonuses, other cash compensation and employee benefits	$	85,855	$	61,334
General insurance	12,164		12,118
Sales and marketing programs	34,528		31,070
Professional and legal costs	10,269		10,844
Restructuring costs	4,787		9,191
Warranty liabilities	3,765		4,253
Deferred income	6,304		5,656
Accrued vacation and holidays	28,169		12,528
Third party royalties	10,174		9,184
Current portion of derivatives	18,143		27,668
Other	75,043		40,899
	$	289,201	$	224,745

A reconciliation of changes in the Company's warranty liability for 2011, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Balance, beginning of the year	$	4,253		$	4,141		$	4,260
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	845			1,581			1,129
Accruals related to pre-existing warranties	153			103			—
Warranty settlements made during the year	(1,441		)	(1,494		)	(1,295		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	(45		)	(78		)	47
Balance, end of the year	$	3,765		$	4,253		$	4,141

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Short-Term Borrowings

Short-Term Debt

Short-term debt consisted of the following:



	December 31,
	2011					2010
	Principal			Interest		Principal			Interest
(in thousands)	Balance			Rate		Balance			Rate

U. S. Dollar revolving credit agreement expiring August 2012	$	—				$	—
Bank overdrafts	192					247
U. S. dollar corporate commercial paper facility rated A/2-P/2	266,828			0.5	%	—
European short-term loan	2,438			3.4	%	4,129			2.5	%
Brazil short-term loan	5,834			12.9	%	900			2.3	%
Add: Current portion of long-term debt	1,409					2,478
Total short-term debt	$	276,701				$	7,754

	2011					2010
Maximum month-end outstanding during the year	$	355,304				$	30,818
Average amount outstanding during the year	$	225,498				$	11,197
Weighted-average interest rate at year-end	0.8		%			2.3		%

Long-Term Borrowings

Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



	December 31,
	2011				2010
	Principal		Interest		Principal		Interest
(in thousands)	Balance		Rate		Balance		Rate

Multi-currency revolving credit agreement expiring July 2016
U. S. dollar denominated	$	—			$	2,123
U. S. dollar corporate commercial paper facility rated A/2-P/2	—				119,500		0.4	%
Floating rate senior notes $250 million due August 2013	250,000		2.0	%	—
Term loan Japanese yen denominated expiring September 2014	162,956		1.1	%	154,626		0.9	%
Private placement notes $250 million expiring March 2016	254,512		4.1	%	250,000		4.1	%
Fixed rate senior notes $300 million due August 2016	299,603		2.8	%	—
Term loan Swiss francs denominated expiring September 2016	69,197		1.2	%	69,560		1.7	%
Fixed rate senior notes $450 million due August 2021	448,497		4.1	%	—
Other borrowings, various currencies and rates	6,654				10,684
	$	1,491,419			$	606,493
Less: Current portion
(included in notes payable and current portion of long-term debt)	1,409				2,478
Long-term portion	$	1,490,010			$	604,015

Contractual Maturity Dates of Various Borrowings

The table below reflects the contractual maturity dates of the various borrowings at December 31, 2011:



(in thousands)

2012	$	1,409
2013	251,416
2014	239,884
2015	102,175
2016	447,241
2016 and Beyond	449,294
	$	1,491,419

EQUITY (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Total Outstanding Shares

The following table represents total outstanding shares for the years ended December 31:



(in thousands)	Common Shares	Treasury Shares		Outstanding Shares

Balance at December 31, 2008	162,776	(14,248	)	148,528
Shares Issued	—	886		886
Repurchase of common stock at cost	—	(2,453	)	(2,453	)

Balance at December 31, 2009	162,776	(15,815	)	146,961
Shares Issued	—	1,489		1,489
Repurchase of common stock at cost	—	(6,715	)	(6,715	)

Balance at December 31, 2010	162,776	(21,041	)	141,735
Shares Issued	—	2,084		2,084
Repurchase of common stock at cost	—	(2,187	)	(2,187	)

Balance at December 31, 2011	162,776	(21,144	)	141,632

Total Stock Based Compensation Expense and the Tax Related Benefit

The following table represents total stock based compensation expense and the tax related benefit for the years ended:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

Stock option expense	$	10,369	$	10,420	$	8,705
RSU expense	9,243		7,227		6,408
Total stock based compensation expense	$	19,612	$	17,647	$	15,113

Related deferred income tax benefit	$	5,021	$	4,886	$	3,591

Assumptions Used to Determine Compensation Cost for the Company's Non-qualified Stock Options Issued



	December 31,
	2011			2010 (a)			2009
Weighted average fair value per share	$	8.86		$	9.06		$	7.31
Expected dividend yield	0.55		%	0.58		%	0.60		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.35		%	2.55		%	2.14		%
Expected volatility	24		%	22		%	22		%
Expected life (years)	5.07			6.42			4.84

(a)

Summary of the Non-qualified Stock Option Transactions

The following table summarizes the non-qualified stock option transactions for the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Outstanding						Exercisable
(in thousands, except share amounts)	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Shares	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
December 31, 2010	10,636		$	29.07	$	66,722	8,815	$	28.58	$	61,450
Granted	1,496		36.70
Exercised	(1,864	)	22.68
Cancelled	(32	)	37.78
Forfeited	(88	)	32.52

December 31, 2011	10,148		$	31.23	$	51,402	8,049	$	30.06	$	50,365

Summary of Information about Non-qualified Stock Options Outstanding

The following table summarizes information about non-qualified stock options outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2011:



			Outstanding				Exercisable
(in thousands, except share amounts and life)			Number Outstanding at December 31,	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable at December 31,	Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of			Number Outstanding at December 31,				Number Exercisable at December 31,
Exercise Prices			2011				2011
10.01	-	20.00	405	0.9	$	18.46	405	$	18.46
20.01	-	30.00	4,381	4.4	26.11		4,331	26.08
30.01	-	40.00	4,328	7.6	34.32		2,279	32.88
40.01	-	50.00	1,034	5.9	45.00		1,034	45.00

			10,148	5.8	$	31.23	8,049	$	30.06

Summary of the Unvested RSU Transactions

The following table summarizes the unvested RSU transactions for the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Unvested Restricted Stock Units
	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
(in thousands, except share amounts)

Unvested at December 31, 2010	744		$	32.43
Granted	362		36.61
Vested	(180	)	40.74
Forfeited	(29	)	30.85

Unvested at December 31, 2011	897		$	32.50

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Components of Income Before Income Taxes from Operations

The components of income before income taxes from operations are as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009

United States	$	7,041	$	104,424	$	99,009
Foreign	249,070		253,232		264,347
	$	256,111	$	357,656	$	363,356

Components of the Provision for Income Taxes from Operations

The components of the provision for income taxes from operations are as follows:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Current:
U.S. federal	$	34,870		$	21,848		$	30,851
U.S. state	5,151			3,795			5,886
Foreign	59,397			62,196			52,012
Total	$	99,418		$	87,839		$	88,749

Deferred:
U.S. federal	$	(29,664	)	$	3,067		$	(8,046	)
U.S. state	(4,089		)	1,062			(476		)
Foreign	(54,649		)	(2,743		)	8,717
Total	$	(88,402	)	$	1,386		$	195

	$	11,016		$	89,225		$	88,944

Reconciliation of the U.S. Federal Statutory Tax Rate to the Effective Rate

The reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the effective rate for the years ended is as follows:



	December 31,
	2011		2010		2009

Statutory U. S. federal income tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
Effect of:
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	0.3		0.9		1.0
Federal benefit of R&D and foreign tax credits	(8.6	)	(6.9	)	(11.3	)
Tax effect of international operations	(7.9	)	(3.7	)	0.7
Net effect of tax audit activity	2.1		1.0		(1.3	)
Tax effect of enacted statutory rate changes	0.2		—		—
Federal tax on unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries	0.1		0.2		0.1
Valuation allowance adjustments	(18.1	)	(1.0	)	—
Other	1.2		(0.5	)	0.3

Effective income tax rate on operations	4.3	%	25.0	%	24.5	%

Tax Effect of Significant Temporary Differences Giving Rise to Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The tax effect of significant temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



	December 31, 2011					December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Deferred Tax Asset			Deferred Tax Liability		Deferred Tax Asset			Deferred Tax Liability

Commission and bonus accrual	$	2,812		$	—	$	1,201		$	—
Employee benefit accruals	38,061			—		33,139			—
Inventory	19,972			—		17,497			—
Identifiable intangible assets	—			336,822		—			138,621
Insurance premium accruals	4,533			—		4,610			—
Miscellaneous accruals	12,273			—		7,088			—
Other	13,166			—		13,820			—
Unrealized losses included in other
comprehensive income	28,424			—		59,618			—
Property, plant and equipment	—			52,251		—			36,881
Product warranty accruals	907			—		901			—
R&D and foreign tax credit carryforward	49,552			—		34,844			—
Restructuring and other cost accruals	1,439			—		1,011			—
Sales and marketing accrual	4,874			—		4,545			—
Taxes on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	—			2,273		—			2,083
Tax loss carryforwards and other tax attributes	152,999			—		111,948			—
Valuation allowance	(71,758		)	—		(93,054		)	—
	$	257,254		$	391,346	$	197,168		$	177,585

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the following consolidated balance sheet line items:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	67,159	$	55,747
Income taxes payable	2,678		3,004
Other noncurrent assets	51,250		39,329
Deferred income taxes	249,822		72,489

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The Company had the following activity recorded for unrecognized tax benefits:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009

Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period	$	13,143		$	12,864		$	17,285
Gross change for prior period positions	1,425			47			(5,120		)
Gross change for current year positions	640			1,036			1,630
Decrease due to settlements and payments	—			—			(255		)
Decrease due to statute expirations	(123		)	(424		)	(1,026		)
Increase due to effect of foreign currency translation	—			—			350
Decrease due to effect from foreign currency translation	(129		)	(380		)	—

Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period	$	14,956		$	13,143		$	12,864

BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Reconciliations of Changes in the Defined Benefit and Postretirement Healthcare Plans' Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Assets and Statement of Funded Status

Reconciliations of changes in the defined benefit and postretirement healthcare plans’ benefit obligations, fair value of assets and statement of funded status are as follows:



							Other Postretirement
	Pension Benefits						Benefits
	December 31,						December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	211,504		$	191,976		$	11,607		$	11,666
Service cost	10,950			8,108			61			58
Interest cost	9,633			8,415			553			605
Participant contributions	3,562			2,886			583			616
Actuarial losses (gains)	2,991			7,976			537			(548		)
Amendments	(3,034		)	—			—			—
Acquisitions/Divestitures	52,282			291			—			—
Effect of exchange rate changes	(8,355		)	3,474			—			—
Benefits paid	(8,926		)	(11,622		)	(1,124		)	(790		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	270,607		$	211,504		$	12,217		$	11,607

Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	99,546		$	88,866		$	—		$	—
Actual return on assets	(889		)	1,883			—			—
Acquisitions/Divestitures	7,006			—			—			—
Effect of exchange rate changes	(1,238		)	8,374			—			—
Employer contributions	9,647			9,159			541			174
Participant contributions	3,562			2,886			583			616
Benefits paid	(8,926		)	(11,622		)	(1,124		)	(790		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	108,708		$	99,546		$	—		$	—

Funded status at end of year	$	(161,899	)	$	(111,958	)	$	(12,217	)	$	(11,607	)

Amounts Recognized in the Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, Net of Tax Effects

The amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, net of tax effects, are as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	December 31,						December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Other noncurrent assets	$	355		$	—		$	—		$	—
Deferred tax asset	10,972			9,834			1,247			1,113
Total assets	$	11,327		$	9,834		$	1,247		$	1,113

Current liabilities	(4,411		)	(3,462		)	(978		)	(1,099		)
Long-term liabilities	(157,843		)	(108,496		)	(11,240		)	(10,508		)
Deferred tax liability	(269		)	(22		)	—			—
Total liabilities	$	(162,523	)	$	(111,980	)	$	(12,218	)	$	(11,607	)

Accumulated other comprehensive income	32,002			29,050			1,984			1,772
Net amount recognized	$	(119,194	)	$	(73,096	)	$	(8,987	)	$	(8,722	)

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Amounts recognized in AOCI consist of:



						Other Postretirement
	Pension Benefits					Benefits
	December 31,					December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010		2011		2010

Net actuarial loss	$	45,462		$	38,694	$	3,232	$	2,884
Net prior service cost	(2,757		)	168		—		—
Pretax AOCI	$	42,705		$	38,862	$	3,232	$	2,884
Less deferred taxes	10,703			9,812		1,248		1,112
Post tax AOCI	$	32,002		$	29,050	$	1,984	$	1,772

Information for Pension Plans with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011		2010

Projected benefit obligation	$	268,391	$	211,504
Accumulated benefit obligation	246,515		200,574
Fair value of plan assets	106,137		99,546

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Components of net periodic benefit cost:



	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009			2011		2010		2009

Service cost	$	10,950		$	8,108		$	8,375		$	61	$	58	$	50
Interest cost	9,633			8,415			8,003			553		605		676
Expected return on assets	(5,184		)	(4,662		)	(3,991		)	—		—		—
Amortization of actuarial losses	—			124			240			—		—		—
Amortization of prior service	80			86			138			—		—		—
Amortization of net loss	1,584			1,002			1,652			189		265		281
Settlement gains	4			—			(1,148		)	—		—		—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	17,067		$	13,073		$	13,269		$	803	$	928	$	1,007

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in AOCI

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in AOCI:



	Pension Benefits									Other Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009			2011			2010			2009

Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	8,352		$	12,640		$	(7,994	)	$	537		$	(548	)	$	1,020
Net prior service (credit)	(2,845		)	(8		)	(37		)	—			—			—
Net transition obligation	—			(1		)	1			—			—			—
Amortization	(1,664		)	(1,212		)	(2,030		)	(189		)	(265		)	(281		)
Total recognized in AOCI	$	3,843		$	11,419		$	(10,060	)	$	348		$	(813	)	$	739
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and AOCI	$	20,910		$	24,492		$	3,209		$	1,151		$	115		$	1,746

Amounts in AOCI that are Expected to be Amortized as Net Expense (Income) During Next Fiscal Year

The amounts in AOCI that are expected to be amortized as net expense (income) during fiscal year 2012 are as follows:



(in thousands)	Pension Benefits			Other Postretirement Benefits

Amount of net prior service cost	$	(124	)	$	—
Amount of net loss	1,962			230

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations, Principally in Foreign Locations

The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the Company's plans, principally in foreign locations, at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:



	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009
Discount rate	4.0	%	4.1	%	4.7	%	4.0	%	5.0	%	5.5	%
Rate of compensation increase	2.8	%	2.6	%	2.7	%	n/a		n/a		n/a
Health care cost trend	n/a		n/a		n/a		7.5	%	8.0	%	8.5	%
Ultimate health care cost trend	n/a		n/a		n/a		5.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%
Years until ultimate trend is reached	n/a		n/a		n/a		6.0		7.0		8.0

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost



	Pension Benefits						Other Postretirement Benefits
	2011		2010		2009		2011		2010		2009
Discount rate	4.1	%	4.7	%	4.5	%	5.0	%	5.5	%	6.3	%
Expected return on plan assets	4.8	%	5.2	%	5.2	%	n/a		n/a		n/a
Rate of compensation increase	2.6	%	2.7	%	2.7	%	n/a		n/a		n/a
Health care cost trend	n/a		n/a		n/a		7.5	%	8.0	%	8.5	%
Ultimate health care cost trend	n/a		n/a		n/a		5.0	%	5.0	%	5.0	%
Years until ultimate trend is reached	n/a		n/a		n/a		6.0		7.0		8.0

Measurement Date	12/31/2011		12/31/2010		12/31/2009		12/31/2011		12/31/2010		12/31/2009

Effect of One Percentage Point in Assumed Healthcare Cost Trend Rates



	Other Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)	1% Increase		1% Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$	62	$	(52	)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	1,289		(1,078		)

Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets



	December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets Category
Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,165	$	5,001	$	164	$	—
Equity securities:
U. S.	2,036		2,036		—		—
International	27,982		27,982		—		—
Fixed income securities:
Fixed rate bonds (a)	44,499		44,499		—		—
Other types of investments:
Mutual funds (b)	8,065		—		8,065		—
Common trusts (c)	2,083		—		—		2,083
Insurance contracts	9,323		—		3,503		5,820
Hedge funds	891		—		—		891
Real estate	8,664		8,307		—		357
Total	$	108,708	$	87,825	$	11,732	$	9,151



	December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets Category
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,028	$	2,775	$	253	$	—
Equity securities:
U. S.	1,103		1,103		—		—
International	29,944		29,944		—		—
Fixed income securities:
Fixed rate bonds (a)	41,215		41,215		—		—
Other types of investments:
Mutual funds (b)	8,857		417		8,440		—
Common trusts (c)	1,648		—		—		1,648
Insurance contracts	4,858		—		3,034		1,824
Hedge funds	1,334		—		—		1,334
Real estate	7,559		7,199		—		360
Total	$	99,546	$	82,653	$	11,727	$	5,166


(a)	This category includes fixed income securities invested primarily in Swiss bonds, foreign bonds in Swiss currency, foreign currency bonds, mortgage notes and pledged letters.


(b)	This category includes mutual funds balanced between moderate-income generation and moderate capital appreciation with investment allocations of approximately 50% equities and 50% fixed income investments.


(c)	This category includes common/collective funds with investments in approximately 65% equities and 35% in fixed income investments.

Reconciliation for the Plans Assets Categorized as Level 3

The following table provides a reconciliation from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011 for the plans assets categorized as Level 3.



	Changes within Level 3 Category for
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Common Trust		Insurance Contracts			Hedge Funds			Real Estate			Total
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	1,648	$	1,824		$	1,334		$	360		$	5,166
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	5		(1,355		)	(80		)	—			(1,430		)
Relating to assets sold during the period	5		—			—			—			5
Acquisitions/Divestitures	—		6,738			—			—			6,738
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	7		(1,144		)	(384		)	—			(1,521		)
Transfers in and/or out	418		—			—			—			418
Effect of exchange rate changes	—		(243		)	20			(2		)	(225		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	2,083	$	5,820		$	890		$	358		$	9,151



	Changes within Level 3 Category for
	Year Ended December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Common Trust			Insurance Contracts			Hedge Funds			Real Estate		Total
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	1,842		$	1,742		$	1,672		$	325	$	5,581
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	116			29			37			—		182
Relating to assets sold during the period	46			—			—			—		46
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(356		)	109			(541		)	—		(788		)
Effect of exchange rate changes	—			(56		)	166			35		145
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	1,648		$	1,824		$	1,334		$	360	$	5,166

Estimated Future Benefit Payments



(in thousands)	Pension Benefits		Other Postretirement Benefits
2012	$	8,863	$	978
2013	10,134		967
2014	10,799		948
2015	10,620		904
2016	11,341		902
2017-2019	67,976		3,888

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER COSTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Restructuring Accruals

At December 31, 2011, the Company’s restructuring accruals were as follows:



	Severances
(in thousands)	2009 and Prior Plans			2010 Plans			2011 Plan			Total

Balance at December 31, 2010	$	2,878		$	5,260		$	—		$	8,138
Provisions and adjustments	(442		)	(289		)	3,645			2,914
Amounts applied	(1,003		)	(2,961		)	(3,010		)	(6,974		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,433		$	2,010		$	635		$	4,078



	Lease/Contract Terminations
(in thousands)	2009 and Prior Plans			2010 Plans			Total

Balance at December 31, 2010	$	996		$	—		$	996
Provisions and adjustments	1			(114		)	(113		)
Amounts applied	(328		)	114			(214		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	669		$	—		$	669



	Other Restructuring Costs
(in thousands)	2009 and Prior Plans			2010 Plans			2011 Plans			Total

Balance at December 31, 2010	$	57		$	—		$	—		$	57
Provisions and adjustments	174			70			60			304
Amounts applied	(191		)	(70		)	(60		)	(321		)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	40		$	—		$	—		$	40

Cumulative Amounts for the Provisions and Adjustments and Amounts Applied for All the Plans by Segment

The following table provides the cumulative amounts for the provisions and adjustments and amounts applied for all the plans by segment:



(in thousands)	December 31, 2010		Provisions and Adjustments			Amounts Applied			December 31, 2011

U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses	$	1,031	$	—		$	(328	)	$	703

France, U.K., Italy and Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses	193		(49		)	(144		)	—

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/ Orthodontics/Astra Tech	400		2,926			(2,633		)	693

Dental Laboratory Business/ Implants/Non-Dental	7,567		228			(4,404		)	3,391
Total	$	9,191	$	3,105		$	(7,509	)	$	4,787

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value and Consolidated Balance Sheet Location of the Company's Derivatives

The following tables summarize the fair value and consolidated balance sheet location of the Company's derivatives at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:



	December 31, 2011
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Other Noncurrent Assets, Net		Accrued Liabilities		Other Noncurrent Liabilities
(in thousands)

Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	5,464	$	896	$	641	$	107
Commodity contracts	—		15		257		2
Interest rate swaps	2,539		3,160		—		1,050
Cross currency basis swaps	—		19,838		13,790		117,974
Total	$	8,003	$	23,909	$	14,688	$	119,133
Not Designated as Hedges
Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	1,943	$	—	$	3,150	$	—
DIO equity option contracts	—		—		—		419
Interest rate swaps	—		—		105		476
Cross currency basis swaps	—		—		$	—	$	67,690
Total	$	1,943	$	—	$	3,255	$	68,585



	December 31, 2010
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets		Other Noncurrent Assets, Net		Accrued Liabilities		Other Noncurrent Liabilities
(in thousands)

Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,455	$	21	$	1,139	$	135
Commodity contracts	88		—		—		—
Interest rate swaps	—		—		4,213		871
Cross currency basis swaps	—		—		21,516		147,589
Total	$	2,543	$	21	$	26,868	$	148,595
Not Designated as Hedges
Not Designated as Hedges
Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	821	$	—	$	600	$	—
Interest rate swaps	—		—		104		556
Total	$	821	$	—	$	704	$	556

Amounts Recorded in AOCI, Net of Tax, Related to Cash Flow Hedging Instruments

Amounts recorded in AOCI related to cash flow hedging instruments at:



	December 31,
(in thousands, net of tax)	2011			2010

Beginning balance	$	(1,468	)	$	(4,799	)
Changes in fair value of derivatives	(14,357		)	1,248
Reclassifications to earnings from equity	3,088			2,083
Total activity	(11,269		)	3,331
Ending balance	$	(12,737	)	$	(1,468	)

Amounts Recorded in AOCI, Net of Tax, Related to Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations

Amounts recorded in AOCI related to hedges of net investments in foreign operations at:



	December 31,
(in thousands, net of tax)	2011			2010

Beginning balance	$	45,417		$	111,115
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(200,121		)	(33,208		)
Changes in fair value of:
foreign currency debt	(9,553		)	(16,311		)
derivative hedge instruments	20,527			(16,179		)
Total activity	(189,147		)	(65,698		)
Ending balance	$	(143,730	)	$	45,417

Cash Flow Hedging

Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value of the Company's Hedges

The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company's cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives at December 31, 2011:



Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts	Notional Amount Maturing in the Year						Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2012			2013			December 31, 2011
Forward sale, 13.2 million Australian dollars	$	11,895		$	1,076		$	(736	)
Forward purchase, 6.9 million British pounds	(10,456		)	(190		)	554
Forward sale, 35.0 million Canadian dollars	26,709			8,226			1,061
Forward purchase, 14.9 million Danish kroner	(2,597		)	—			4
Forward sale, 97.5 million euros	83,981			43,167			2,188
Forward sale, 0.5 billion Japanese yen	9,998			(3,105		)	(803		)
Forward sale, 159.3 million Mexican pesos	11,391			—			45
Forward purchase, 11.8 million Norwegian kroner	(1,974		)	—			72
Forward sale, 5.4 million Polish zlotys	1,568			—			(6		)
Forward sale, 2.5 million Singapore dollars	1,924			—			(14		)
Forward sale, 5.7 billion South Korean won	4,940			—			(31		)
Forward purchase, 1.2 billion Swedish kronor	(139,982		)	(27,873		)	1,347
Forward sale, 25.3 million Swiss francs	20,202			7,637			770
Forward sale, 47.0 million Taiwanese dollars	1,553			—			(46		)

Total foreign exchange forward contracts	$	19,152		$	28,938		$	4,405



Interest Rate Swaps	Notional Amount Maturing in the Year										Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2012		2013		2014		2015		2016 and Beyond		December 31, 2011
Euro	$	1,221	$	1,221	$	934	$	934	$	2,101	$	(581	)
Japanese yen	—		—		162,956		—		—		739
Swiss francs	—		—		—		—		69,197		(553		)
Total interest rate swaps	$	1,221	$	1,221	$	163,890	$	934	$	71,298	$	(395	)



Commodity Contracts	Notional Amount Maturing in the Year				Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2012		2013		December 31, 2011
Silver swap - U.S. dollar	$	3,216	$	327	$	(62	)
Platinum swap - U.S. dollar	1,452		84		(182		)
Total commodity contracts	$	4,668	$	411	$	(244	)



	Notional
	Amounts
	Maturing in the		Fair Value Net
Cross Currency Basis Swaps	Year		Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2014		December 31, 2011
Euro 449.8 million @ $1.45 rec. EUR 3 mth. EURIBOR pay USD 3 mth. LIBOR	$	581,568	$	(67,690	)
Total cross currency basis swaps	$	581,568	$	(67,690	)

Fair Value and Consolidated Balance Sheet Location of the Company's Derivatives

The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:



December 31, 2011
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging	Gain (Loss) in AOCI			Classification of Gains (Losses)	Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income

(in thousands)
Interest rate contracts	$	(30,008	)	Interest expense	$	(4,903	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	6,858			Cost of products sold	1,503
Foreign exchange forward contracts	377			SG&A expenses	39
Commodity contracts	(191		)	Cost of products sold	273
Total	$	(22,964	)		$	(3,088	)



Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging	Classification of Gains (Losses)	Ineffective portion Recognized in Income

(in thousands)
Interest rate contracts	Other expense, net	$	(6,151	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Interest expense	(403		)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Interest expense	(1,307		)
Commodity contracts	Interest expense	2
Total		$	(7,859	)



December 31, 2010

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging	Gain (Loss) in AOCI			Classification of Gains (Losses)	Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income

(in thousands)
Interest rate contracts	$	(1,978	)	Interest expense	$	(5,636	)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	2,314			Cost of products sold	665
Foreign exchange forward contracts	670			SG&A expenses	630
Commodity contracts	324			Cost of products sold	662
Total	$	1,330			$	(3,679	)



Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging	Classification of Gains (Losses)	Ineffective portion Recognized in Income

(in thousands)
Interest rate contracts	Other expense, net	$	232
Foreign exchange forward contracts	Interest expense	(672		)
Commodity contracts	Interest expense	(14		)
Total		$	(454	)

Net Investment Hedging

Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value of the Company's Hedges



Cross Currency Basis Swaps	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year						Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2012		2013		2014		December 31, 2011
Swiss franc 592.5 million @ 1.12 pay CHF 3 mth. LIBOR rec. USD 3 mth. LIBOR	$	60,254	$	484,910	$	85,591	$	(99,917	)
Euro 618.0 million @ $1.27 pay EUR 3 mth. EURIBOR rec. USD 3 mth. LIBOR	—		799,105		—		(12,009		)
Total cross currency basis swaps	$	60,254	$	1,284,015	$	85,591	$	(111,926	)

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in the Consolidated Statement of Operatoins

The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges of net investments for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:



December 31, 2011

Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging	Gain (Loss) in AOCI			Classification of Gains (Losses)	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income

(in thousands)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	$	3,308		Interest income	$	1,085
				Interest expense	(108		)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	30,125			Interest expense	(5,675		)
Foreign exchange forward contracts	(2,462		)	Interest expense	—
Total	$	30,971			$	(4,698	)



December 31, 2010

Derivatives in Net Investment Hedging	Gain (Loss) in AOCI			Classification of Gains (Losses)	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income

(in thousands)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	$	(61,211	)	Interest income	$	869
				Interest expense	(105		)
Cross currency interest rate swaps	34,862			Interest expense	(2,508		)
Total	$	(26,349	)		$	(1,744	)

Fair Value Hedging

Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value of the Company's Hedges

The following tables summarize the notional amounts and fair value of the Company's fair value hedges at December 31, 2011:



							Fair Value Net
Interest Rate Contracts	Notional Amounts Maturing in the Year						Asset (Liability)
(in thousands)	2014		2015		2016 and Beyond		December 31, 2011
U. S. dollar	45,000		60,000		45,000		4,463
Total interest rate contracts	$	45,000	$	60,000	$	45,000	$	4,463

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in the Consolidated Statement of Operatoins

The following tables summarize the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges of fair value for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:



December 31, 2011

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging
	Classification of Gains (Losses)	December 31,
(in thousands)	Classification of Gains (Losses)	2011		2010
Interest rate contracts	Interest expense	$	6,328	$	—
Total		$	6,328	$	—

Not Designated as Hedging Instrument

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives in the Consolidated Statement of Operatoins

The following table summarizes the statements of operations impact of the Company’s hedges not designated as hedging for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:



Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging
	Classification of Gains (Losses)	December 31,
(in thousands)	Classification of Gains (Losses)	2011			2010
Foreign exchange forward contracts (a)	Other expense, net	$	(2,921	)	$	1,181
DIO equity option contracts	Other expense, net	383			—
Interest rate contracts	Interest expense	(186		)	(155		)
Cross currency interest rate contracts (a)	Other expense, net	(68,432		)	—
Cross currency interest rate contracts	Interest income	1,219			—
Total		$	(69,937	)	$	1,026

Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

Tabular disclosure of pertinent information about a derivative or group of derivatives on a disaggregated basis, such as for individual instruments, or small groups of similar instruments. May include a combination of the type of instrument, risks being hedged, notional amount, hedge designation, related hedged item, inception date, maturity date, or other relevant item.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41678-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Financial Assets and Liabilities that are Recorded at Fair Value and Classified Based on the Lowest Level of Input

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011



	December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Assets
Money market funds	$	10,516	$	10,516	$	—	$	—
Interest rate swaps	5,699		—		5,699		—
Commodity forward purchase contracts	15		—		15		—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	19,838		—		19,838		—
Foreign exchange forward contracts	8,303		—		8,303		—
Corporate convertible bonds	47,850		—		—		47,850
Total assets	$	92,221	$	10,516	$	33,855	$	47,850

Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	1,631	$	—	$	1,631	$	—
Commodity forward purchase contracts	259		—		259		—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	199,454		—		199,454		—
Foreign exchange forward contracts	3,898		—		3,898		—
Long term debt	154,512		—		154,512		—
Contingent considerations on acquisitions	2,917		—		—		2,917
DIO equity option contracts	419		—		—		419
Total liabilities	$	363,090	$	—	$	359,754	$	3,336



	December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Assets
Money market funds	$	380,593	$	380,593	$	—	$	—
Commodity forward purchase contracts	88		—		88
Foreign exchange forward contracts	3,297		—		3,297		—
Corporate convertible bonds	66,024		—		—		66,024
Total assets	$	450,002	$	380,593	$	3,385	$	66,024

Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	5,744	$	—	$	5,744	$	—
Cross currency interest rate swaps	169,105		—		169,105		—
Foreign Exchange forward contracts	1,874		—		1,874		—
Contingent considerations on acquisitions	5,887		—		—		5,887
Total liabilities	$	182,610	$	—	$	176,723	$	5,887

Reconciliation of the Company's Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Unobservable Inputs (Level 3):

The following table presents a reconciliation of the Company's Level 3 holdings measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs:



	Corporate			DIO Equity
(in thousands)	Convertible			Options			Contingent
	Bonds			Contracts			Considerations
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	66,024		$	—		$	5,887
Additions/purchases, gross	—			786			—
Payments/sales, gross	—			—			(2,989		)
Unrealized loss:
Reported in AOCI	(16,577		)	—			—
Unrealized gain:
Reported in other expense (income), net	—			(388		)	—
Effect of exchange rate changes	(1,597		)	21			19
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	47,850		$	419		$	2,917

Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) and gains or losses recognized in other comprehensive income, and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (each type disclosed separately); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs), by class of asset.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Rental commitments

Rental commitments, principally for real estate (exclusive of taxes, insurance and maintenance), automobiles and office equipment are as follows:



(in thousands)

2012	$	38,946
2013	26,918
2014	19,712
2015	15,512
2016	13,755
2017 and thereafter	27,416
	$	142,259

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Country	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Countries in which Entity Operates \| Country	120
Cost of inventories determined by LIFO method	$ 7,100	$ 6,900
Cost of inventories determined by LIFO method, percentage of total inventories	2.00%	2.20%
Cost of inventories determined by LIFO method, amount of increase if FIFO method was used	$ 5,600	$ 4,900
Foreign currency translation adjustments recorded in AOCI net of tax effects	(208,009)	(54,111)	$ 53,574
Foreign currency translation adjustments, gains	96,300	294,600
Foreign currency translation adjustments, losses	133,500	124,000
Net exchange gains(losses)	(2,900)	(3,300)	300
Precious metal content of sales	205,129	189,257	168,712
R&D costs included in selling, general and administrative expenses	66,700	49,400	50,300
Accumulated Translation Adjustment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustments recorded in AOCI net of tax effects	(9,600)	(16,300)
Foreign currency translation adjustments recorded in AOCI net of tax effects	167,500	158,700	143,000
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustments recorded in AOCI net of tax effects	(200,100)	(33,200)
Precious Metal Content
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Precious metal content of sales	$ 205,100	189,200	$ 168,700
Dental Products
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of sales, professional dental products	93.00%		97.00%
Building
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years)	40
Machinery and equipment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, minimum (in years)	4
Estimated useful life, maximum (in years)	15
Trade Accounts Receivable
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 15,000	8,800
Write-off of Provision for doubtful accounts	1,400	2,600
Provision for doubtful accounts	(500)	200
Trade Accounts Receivable Astra [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	7,400
Notes Receivable
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Write-off of Provision for doubtful accounts	900
Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current	900	800
Provision for doubtful accounts	$ 1,000	$ 700

Balances included in AOCI in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (37,216)	$ 170,597
Net loss on derivative financial instruments	(117,390)	(126,648)
Net unrealized holding (loss) gain on available for-sale securities	(516)	11,029
Pension liability adjustments	(33,986)	(30,822)
Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(1,862)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total	$ (190,970)	$ 24,156

The total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph i
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e653-108580

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

Significant Accounting Policies - Revision to Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] \| Net cash flows provided by operating activities
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year	$ 44,006	$ 36,544	$ 164,964	$ 150,468	$ 252,145	$ 248,890	$ 362,324
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] \| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year	(1,716)	(29,036)	(36,139)	(157,205)	1,084,637	(86,923)	(101,401)
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] \| Net cash used in investing activities [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year		(15,711)		(27,182)		(51,345)	(129,490)
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] \| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year		(37,128)		(76,082)		(26,727)	(41,743)
Restatement Adjustment [Member] \| Net cash flows provided by operating activities
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year	723	7,731	1,545	8,199	2,687	8,448	15,137
Restatement Adjustment [Member] \| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year	(723)	(564)	(1,545)	(1,032)	(2,687)	(1,281)	(1,635)
Restatement Adjustment [Member] \| Net cash used in investing activities [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year		(18,568)		(18,568)		(18,568)	(34,978)
Restatement Adjustment [Member] \| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year		11,401		11,401		11,401	21,476
Scenario, Actual [Member] \| Net cash flows provided by operating activities
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year	44,729	44,275	166,509	158,667	254,832	257,338	377,461
Scenario, Actual [Member] \| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year	$ (2,439)	(29,600)	$ (37,684)	(158,237)	$ 1,081,950	(88,204)	(103,036)
Scenario, Actual [Member] \| Net cash used in investing activities [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year		(34,279)		(45,750)		(69,913)	(164,468)
Scenario, Actual [Member] \| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments, Interim Periods of Fiscal Year		$ (25,727)		$ (64,681)		$ (15,326)	$ (20,267)

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net Income attributable to Dentsply International
Basic	$ 244,520	$ 265,708	$ 274,258
Diluted	$ 244,520	$ 265,708	$ 274,258
Shares
Basic	141,386	143,980	148,319
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options	2,167	2,005	1,783
Diluted	143,553	145,985	150,102
Earnings per common share
Basic	$ 1.73	$ 1.85	$ 1.85
Diluted	$ 1.70	$ 1.82	$ 1.83

Earnings per Common Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive common stock options not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share	3.2	3.1	2.9

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Business Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Year Entity	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 09, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related activity, net of cash acquired				$ 1,787,516	$ 35,556	$ 2,986
Cash acquired from acquisitions completed during 2011				$ 23,400
Number of acquisitions in period \| Entity				6
Number of earn-out payments in period				2
Trade accounts receivable			$ 101,200	$ 101,200
Accrued and other current liabilities			80,000	80,000
Trade accounts payable			27,000	27,000
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities			232,800	232,800
Pension obligaitons			49,300	49,300
Goodwill acquired during period				978,191	20,382
Net sales				2,537,718	2,221,014	2,159,378
Operating loss				300,728	380,273	381,243
Business acquisitions related costs				44,200
Purchase of convertible debt issued by affiliate		$ 49,700		0	49,654	0
Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments				11,545	(11,029)
U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales				566,535	526,781	526,668
Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired during period				969,600
Net sales				861,273	665,032	621,256
Goodwill increase				9,700
Dental Laboratory Business/ Implants/ Non Dental
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales				576,491	550,359	$ 543,637
Astra Tech [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interests acquired, common shares	100.00%
Inventory fair value adjustment	$ 32,800
Inventory fair value adjustment expense				33,800
Property, plant and equipment fair value adjustment			28,700	28,700
Business acquisitions related costs				31,900
Astra Tech [Member] \| Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales			207,100
Operating loss			18,500
DIO Corporation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Initial ownership interest							16.00%
Noncurrent Assets
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value of DIO bond		66,000	47,800	47,800	66,000
Available-for-sale securities, amortized cost of DIO bond		$ 49,700	$ 49,700	$ 49,700	$ 49,700
Corporate Bond Securities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Contractual maturity date				Dec. 31, 2015
Building \| Astra Tech [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Depreciable lives \| Year				40
Machinery and equipment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Depreciable lives range, minimum				4
Depreciable lives range, maximum				15
Machinery and equipment \| Astra Tech [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Depreciable lives range, minimum \| Year				5
Depreciable lives range, maximum \| Year				15

Aggregate Purchase Price Allocation for Acquisitions Based on Final Estimates of Fair Value (Detail) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventory	$ 85,181
Other current assets	140,400
Property, plant and equipment	178,495
Identifiable intangible assets	793,000
Goodwill	969,550
Other long-term assets	13,301
Total assets	2,179,927
Current liabilities	106,983
Long-term liabilities	282,154
Total liabilities	389,137
Net assets	$ 1,790,790

Intangible Asset Acquired (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Intangible Asset Acquired (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Year
Acquired Finite and Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired finite and infinite-lived intangible assets	$ 793,000
Tradenames and Trademarks [Member]
Acquired Finite and Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Infinite-lived intangible asset acquired	229,100
In-process research and development
Acquired Finite and Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Infinite-lived intangible asset acquired	12,300
Customer Relationships
Acquired Finite and Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset acquired	$ 435,100
Useful Life (in years) \| Year	15
Patents and developed technology
Acquired Finite and Infinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset acquired	$ 116,500
Useful Life (in years) \| Year	10

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES Unaudited Financial Information had the Astra Tech Acquisition Occurred (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 2,923,011	$ 2,755,300
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY	$ 240,791	$ 275,360
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 1.68	$ 1.89

Net Sales (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses

$ 2,537,718

$ 2,221,014

$ 2,159,378

France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses

566,535

526,781

526,668

Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech

538,449

482,146

471,232

861,273

665,032

621,256

576,491

550,359

543,637

^[1]

$ (5,030)

$ (3,304)

$ (3,415)

[1]	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.

Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Precious metal content of sales

$ 2,332,589

$ 2,031,757

$ 1,990,666

205,129

189,257

168,712

U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses

2,537,718

2,221,014

2,159,378

566,535

526,781

526,668

France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses

566,535

526,781

526,668

496,722

445,627

436,790

Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech

538,449

482,146

471,232

858,360

662,556

618,414

861,273

665,032

621,256

416,002

400,097

412,209

576,491

550,359

543,637

^[1]

(5,030)

(3,304)

(3,415)

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

^[2]

$ (5,030)

$ (3,304)

$ (3,415)

[1]	Includes results of Corporate headquarters and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.
[2]	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.

Intersegment Net Sales (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Eliminations

$ (601,374)

$ (540,766)

$ (511,989)

Total

U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses

116,228

116,440

104,328

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech

21,048

17,103

13,202

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

139,142

115,158

103,329

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

113,298

112,285

114,591

Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]

Reconciliation of Depreciation by Segment [Line Items]

^[1]

$ 211,658

$ 179,780

$ 176,539

[1]	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.

Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses

$ 93,058

$ 66,340

$ 65,175

Reconciliation of Depreciation by Segment [Line Items]

France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses

16,120

16,315

14,945

Reconciliation of Depreciation by Segment [Line Items]

Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech

3,560

3,939

3,884

Reconciliation of Depreciation by Segment [Line Items]

37,492

18,419

16,978

Reconciliation of Depreciation by Segment [Line Items]

25,266

20,479

21,461

Reconciliation of Depreciation by Segment [Line Items]

^[1]

$ 10,620

$ 7,188

$ 7,907

[1]	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.

The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production.

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

Segment Operating Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Restructuring and other costs

$ 300,728

$ 380,273

$ 381,243

35,865

10,984

6,890

Interest expense

43,814

25,089

21,896

Interest income

(9,456)

(4,254)

(5,032)

Other expense (income), net

10,259

1,782

1,023

Income before income taxes

256,111

357,656

363,356

Business acquisitions related costs

44,200

Operating Segments [Member] | U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

Operating Segments [Member] | France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses

185,429

176,128

158,389

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

Operating Segments [Member] | Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech

12,192

17,187

19,737

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

Operating Segments [Member] | Dental Laboratory Business/ Implants/ Non Dental

161,739

195,817

185,772

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

Operating Segments [Member] | All Other

79,876

83,428

92,554

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

Operating Segments, Corporate and Eliminations [Member]

^[1]

(102,643)

(81,303)

(68,319)

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]

336,593

$ 391,257

$ 388,133

Astra Tech [Member]

Business acquisitions related costs

$ 31,900

[1]	Includes results of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments. Amount recorded in 2011 includes $31.9 million of Astra Tech acquisition costs.

Capital Expenditures (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses

$ 71,186

$ 44,236

$ 56,481

France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses

11,681

9,267

8,333

Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech

3,179

2,978

2,506

29,334

17,078

14,434

17,701

11,397

25,546

Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]

^[1]

$ 9,291

$ 3,516

$ 5,662

[1]	Includes capital expenditures of Corporate headquarters.

Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses

$ 4,755,398

$ 3,257,951

Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]

France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses

572,295

578,770

Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]

Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech

403,107

390,572

Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]

2,803,638

932,126

Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]

2,622,227

995,090

Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]

^[1]

$ (1,645,869)

$ 361,393

[1]	Includes assets of Corporate headquarters, inter-segment eliminations and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.

Information about the Company's Operations in different Geographic Areas (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net sales	$ 2,537,718	$ 2,221,014	$ 2,159,378
Long-lived assets	591,445	423,105	439,620
United States [Member]
Net sales	870,732	841,232	843,349
Long-lived assets	137,795	119,533	124,129
Germany [Member]
Net sales	514,739	469,796	482,130
Long-lived assets	118,173	116,916	132,348
Sweden [Member]
Net sales	20,203	0	0
Long-lived assets	147,079	0	0
Other Foreign [Member]
Net sales	1,132,044	909,986	833,899
Long-lived assets	$ 188,398	$ 186,656	$ 183,143

Schedule of Sales by Product Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 2,537,718	$ 2,221,014	$ 2,159,378
Dental consumables products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	766,385	717,718	708,713
Dental laboratory products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	525,008	511,061	504,526
Dental speciality products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	1,078,034	925,317	892,421
Consumable medical device products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 168,291	$ 66,918	$ 53,718

Segment and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of sales accounting for more than ten percent of consolidated net sales	11.00%	11.00%	11.00%

Other Expense (Income), Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Foreign exchange transaction losses	$ 2,932	$ 3,331	$ 336
Other (income) expense, net	7,327	(1,549)	687
Total other expense (income), net	10,259	$ 1,782	$ 1,023
Interest Rate Swap
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	2,900
Treasury Rate Lock
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 3,800

The aggregate foreign currency transaction gain (loss) (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains (losses) may be disclosed as dealer gains (losses).

Inventories, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves	$ 218,814	$ 189,343
Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves	66,952	57,272
Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves	75,996	62,123
Inventory, Net	$ 361,762	$ 308,738

Inventories, Net - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Inventory valuation reserve	$ 35.1	$ 35.5

The amount of the valuation account as of the balance sheet date which reduces the carrying amount of inventory to net realizable value; takes into consideration such factors as market value, excessive quantities based on expected sales, technological obsolescence, and shrinkage. May also provide for estimated product returns or price concessions pertaining to product cost.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 3
-Section A
-Paragraph 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 4
-Paragraph 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 4
-Paragraph 8, 9, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 09
-Article 12

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 330
-SubTopic 10
-Section 35
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6386567&loc=d3e3927-108312

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 330
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.BB)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6386940&loc=d3e100047-122729

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-09)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e24092-122690

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	$ 1,140,884	$ 941,716
Less: Accumulated depreciation	549,439	518,611
Property, plant and equipment, net	591,445	423,105	$ 439,620
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	45,840	40,032
Building and building improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	372,156	304,341
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	680,240	576,704
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	$ 42,648	$ 20,639

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of reporting units	7
Cash flows discounted range lower limit	7.00%
Cash flows discounted range upper limit	10.00%
Impairments of finite-lived identifiable intangible assets	$ 1.5	$ 0.4	$ 0.3
Amortization of intangible assets	21.0	$ 9.0	$ 10.6
Estimated future amortizatiof expense of intangible assets for 2012	45.0
Estimated future amortizatiof expense of intangible assets for 2013	43.7
Estimated future amortizatiof expense of intangible assets for 2014	43.0
Estimated future amortizatiof expense of intangible assets for 2015	42.9
Estimated future amortizatiof expense of intangible assets for 2016	$ 42.5

Net Carrying Values of Goodwill and Finite-Lived Identifiable intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,190,063	$ 1,303,055	$ 1,312,596
Identifiable definite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 569,114	$ 78,743

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reconciliation of Changes in Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	$ 1,303,055	$ 1,312,596
Acquisition activity	978,191	20,382
Changes to purchase price allocations	2,833	0
Effects of exchange rate changes	(94,016)	(29,923)
Balance, end of the year	$ 2,190,063	$ 1,303,055

Goodwill by Reportable Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,190,063	$ 1,303,055	$ 1,312,596
U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill	247,119	249,522
France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill	170,379	167,258
Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,178,547	282,321
Dental Laboratory Business/ Implants/ Non Dental
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 594,018	$ 603,954

Identifiable Definite-Lived Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 646,735	$ 135,803
Accumulated Amortization	(77,621)	(57,060)
Net Carrying Amount	569,114	78,743
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	221,986	0
Identifiable Intangible Assets Gross	868,721	135,803
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	791,100	78,743
Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	131,252	21,956
Accumulated Amortization	(17,393)	(12,108)
Net Carrying Amount	113,859	9,848
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	73,413	68,344
Accumulated Amortization	(23,885)	(20,835)
Net Carrying Amount	49,528	47,509
Licensing Agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	30,444	28,509
Accumulated Amortization	(17,277)	(15,709)
Net Carrying Amount	13,167	12,800
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	411,626	16,994
Accumulated Amortization	(19,066)	(8,408)
Net Carrying Amount	392,560	8,586
In-process research and development
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	11,311	0
Trademarks
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 210,675	$ 0

Accrued Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Other Liabilities [Line Items]
Payroll, commissions, bonuses, other cash compensation and employee benefits	$ 85,855	$ 61,334
General insurance	12,164	12,118
Sales and marketing programs	34,528	31,070
Professional and legal costs	10,269	10,844
Restructuring costs	4,787	9,191
Warranty liabilities	3,765	4,253	$ 4,141	$ 4,260
Deferred income	6,304	5,656
Accrued vacation and holidays	28,169	12,528
Third party royalties	10,174	9,184
Current portion of derivatives	18,143	27,668
Other	75,043	40,899
Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total	$ 289,201	$ 224,745

Reconciliation of Changes in Warranty Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Product Warranty [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of the year	$ 4,253	$ 4,141	$ 4,260
Accruals for warranties issued during the year	845	1,581	1,129
Accruals related to pre-existing warranties	153	103	0
Warranty settlements made during the year	(1,441)	(1,494)	1,295
Effects of exchange rate changes	(45)	(78)	47
Balance, end of the year	$ 3,765	$ 4,253	$ 4,141

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for estimated claims under standard and extended warranty protection rights granted to customers. For classified balance sheets, represents the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

Financing Arrangements- Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands, ¥ in Billions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 JPY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of revolving credit facilities		2
Short-term debt, average outstanding amount		$ 225,498	$ 11,197
Short term debt, weighted average interest rates			2.30%	0.80%	0.80%
Number of participating banks for revolving credit agreement				16	16
Total unused lines of credit					$ 548,200
Floating rate senior term loan			$ 606,493		$ 1,491,419
Revolving credit agreement expiry date		July 2016
Debt Instrument Utilization Fee Description		"The Company pays a facility fee of 0.15% per annum on the amount of the commitment under both revolving credit facilities."
Annual Credit facility, commitment fee				0.15%	0.15%
Underwriting fees and discounts		$ 7,600
Net proceeds from issuance of debt		$ 992,400
Unsecured Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument issued					$ 1,000,000
Five Year Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity					$ 500,000
Maturity term of the facility		P5Y
Private Placement Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Available amount under new note	$ 250,000
Debt, average maturity years	5 years
Debt, final maturity years	P6Y
Debt, fixed rate	4.10%
Debt instrument issued	$ 250,000
Term Loan Agreement \| Japanese Yen Denominated Borrowing Expiring March 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity term of the facility		P3Y
Number of Investors		5
Spread added to variable interest rates of 3 month LIBOR				0.90%	0.90%
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis		LIBOR
Maturity date		Sep. 30, 2014
Floating rate senior term loan \| ¥				¥ 12.5
Term Loan Agreement \| Swiss Francs Denominated Borrowing Expiring September 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity term of the facility		P5Y
Spread added to variable interest rates of 3 month LIBOR				1.125%	1.125%
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis		LIBOR
Maturity date		Sep. 30, 2016
Floating rate senior term loan					$ 65,000
Tranche A \| Unsecured Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity term of the facility		P2Y
Spread added to variable interest rates of 3 month LIBOR				1.50%	1.50%
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis		LIBOR
Interest rate terms		"Two-year floating rate notes at a variable rate of three-month USD LIBOR plus 1.5%"
Debt instrument issued					$ 250,000
Tranche B \| Unsecured Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity term of the facility		P5Y
Debt, fixed rate				2.75%	2.75%
Interest rate terms		"Five-year fixed rate notes with a semi-annual coupon of 2.75%"
Debt instrument issued					$ 300,000
Tranche C \| Unsecured Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity term of the facility		P10Y
Debt, fixed rate				4.125%	4.125%
Debt instrument issued					$ 450,000
Line of Credit Facility, Lender A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity					250,000
Short Term Debt Maturities Repayment Term		364 days
Commercial Paper [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facilities, maximum borrowing capacity					500,000
Facility, utilization, dealer and annual appraisal fees annually average cost		0.15%
Short-term debt			119,500		266,800
Short-term debt, average outstanding amount			$ 218,200
Short term debt, weighted average interest rates			0.40%
Other Short Term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt			$ 5,300		$ 8,500
Short term debt, weighted average interest rates			2.30%	9.90%	9.90%
Revolving Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt					$ 750,000
Short-term Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total unused lines of credit			$ 72,100		$ 65,100

Long-Term Borrowings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Feb. 28, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,491,419	$ 606,493
Less: Current portion (included in notes payable and current portion of long-term debt)	1,409	2,478
Long-term portion	1,490,010	604,015
Fixed rate senior notes $450 million due August 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 448,497
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	4.10%
Multi Currency Revolving Credit Agreement Expiring July Twenty Sixteen Member \| U.S. Dollar Denominated Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		2,123
U.S. Dollar Commercial Paper \| Facility Rated A/2 P/2 US Dollar Borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 119,500
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate		0.40%
Floating Rate Senior Notes \| U.S. Dollar Denominated Due August 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 250,000	$ 0
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	2.00%
Term Loan Agreement \| Japanese Yen Denominated Expiring September 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 162,956	$ 154,626
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	1.10%	0.90%
Term Loan Agreement \| Swiss francs denominated expiring September 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 69,197	$ 69,560
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	1.20%	1.70%
Private Placement Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate			4.10%
Private Placement Notes \| U.S. Dollar Denominated Expiring March 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 254,512	$ 250,000
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	4.10%	4.10%
Fixed Rate Senior Notes \| U.S. Dollar Denominated Due August 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 299,603
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	2.80%
Other Borrowings Various Currencies And Rates
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 6,654	$ 10,684

Contractual Maturity Dates of the Various Borrowings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2012	$ 1,409
2013	251,416
2014	239,884
2015	102,175
2016	447,241
2016 and beyond	449,294
Floating rate senior term loan	$ 1,491,419	$ 606,493

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS Short-Term Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt, Current	$ 276,701	$ 7,754
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	1,409	2,478
Short-term Debt, Maximum Month-end Outstanding Amount	355,304	30,818
Short-term debt, average outstanding amount	$ 225,498	$ 11,197
Short term debt, weighted average interest rates	0.80%	2.30%
Bank Overdrafts [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt, Current	$ 192	$ 247
Commercial Paper [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt, Current	$ 266,828
Short-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest Rate	0.50%
Short-term debt, average outstanding amount		$ 218,200
Short term debt, weighted average interest rates		0.40%
European Short Term Loan [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt, Current	$ 2,438	$ 4,129
Short-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest Rate	3.40%	2.50%
Brazil Short Term Loan [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt, Current	$ 5,834	$ 900
Short-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest Rate	12.90%	2.30%

Equity - Additional Information (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized shares to repurchase	34,000,000
Stock repurchased under the repurchase program	(2,187,382)	(6,714,508)	(2,453,000)
Stock repurchased under the repurchase program, average price \| $ / shares	$ 36.34	$ 33.36
Treasury stock, shares held	21,100,000	21,000,000
Treasury stock repurchased \| $	$ 79,500	$ 223,993	$ 78,718
Proceeds from exercise of stock option \| $	$ 42,275	$ 30,189	13,406
Number of stock option exercised	2,100,000	1,500,000
Tax benefit realized for the options exercised \| $	$ 9,200	$ 5,400
Intrinsic value of options exercised \| $	$ 27,000	$ 16,500	$ 12,300
Weighted average remaining contractual term of all outstanding options (in years)	5.8
Weighted average remaining contractual term of exercisable options (in years)	5.0
Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration term (in years)	10 years
RSU exercisable period after the grant date	3 years
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSU exercisable period after the grant date	3 years
Period grantees required to remain employed by the company following the date of grant	3 years
Vesting percentage	100.00%
Unamortized compensation costs \| $	$ 10,900
Weighted average remaining contractual term of all outstanding options (in years)	1.2
Nonqualified Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock option exercised	1,864,000
Number of unvested stock options	2,100,000
Unamortized compensation costs \| $	$ 11,900
Weighted average remaining contractual term of all outstanding options (in years)	1.7
Equity Incentive Plan 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Authorized grants under the plan	13,000,000
Percentage threshold of outstanding stock for determining availability of grants under Company Plan	7.00%
Number of shares available for grant	12,100,000
Equity Incentive Plan 2010 \| Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cap on restricted stock or RSU	2,500,000
Equity Incentive Plan 2010 \| Key Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cap on restricted stock or RSU	200,000

Total Outstanding Shares (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
Total Outstanding Shares (Detail) - shares	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	141,735,000	146,961,000	148,528,000
Shares Issued	2,084,000	1,489,000	886,000
Repurchase of common stock at cost	(2,187,382)	(6,714,508)	(2,453,000)
Ending Balance	141,632,000	141,735,000	146,961,000
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	162,776,000	162,776,000	162,776,000
Shares Issued	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock at cost	0	0	0
Ending Balance	162,776,000	162,776,000	162,776,000
Treasury Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(21,041,000)	(15,815,000)	(14,248,000)
Shares Issued	2,084,000	1,489,000	886,000
Repurchase of common stock at cost	(2,187,000)	(6,715,000)	(2,453,000)
Ending Balance	(21,144,000)	(21,041,000)	(15,815,000)

Total Stock Based Compensation Expense and the Tax Related Benefit (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock option expense	$ 10,369	$ 10,420	$ 8,705
RSU expense	9,243	7,227	6,408
Total stock based compensation expense	19,612	17,647	15,113
Related deferred income tax benefit	$ 5,021	$ 4,886	$ 3,591

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Assumptions Used to Determine Compensation Cost for the Company's Non-Qualified Stock Options Issued (Detail) - $ / shares

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

^[1]

Dec. 31, 2009

Weighted average fair value per share

$ 8.86

$ 9.06

$ 7.31

Expected dividend yield

0.55%

0.58%

0.60%

Risk-free interest rate

2.35%

2.55%

2.14%

Expected volatility

24.00%

22.00%

Expected life (years)

5.07

6.42

4.84

[1]

Non-Qualified Stock Option Transactions (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding Shares, Exercised	(2,100)	(1,500)
Outstanding Shares, Cancelled	(32)
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Cancelled	$ 37.78
Exercisable Shares at Year End	8,049	8,815
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price at Year-End	$ 30.06	$ 28.58
Exercisable Aggregate Intrinsic Value at Year End	$ 50,365	$ 61,450
Nonqualified Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding Shares, Beginning Balance	10,636
Outstanding Shares, Granted	1,496
Outstanding Shares, Exercised	(1,864)
Outstanding Shares, Forfeited	(88)
Outstanding Shares, Ending Balance	10,148	10,636
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 29.07
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	36.70
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	22.68
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	32.52
Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance	$ 31.23	$ 29.07
Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Balance at Year End	$ 51,402	$ 66,722
Exercisable Shares at Year End	8,049
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price at Year-End	$ 30.06

Information About Non-Qualified Stock Options Outstanding (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5.8
Number Exercisable at Year-End \| shares	8,049	8,815
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price at Year-End	$ 30.06	$ 28.58
Nonqualified Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number Outstanding at Year-End \| shares	10,148	10,636
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1.7
Outstanding Weighted Price Average Exercise at Year-End	$ 31.23	$ 29.07
Number Exercisable at Year-End \| shares	8,049
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price at Year-End	$ 30.06
Nonqualified Stock Options \| Range 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental Changes in Stock Price Lower Range Limit	10.01
Incremental Changes in Stock Price Upper Range Limit	$ 20.00
Number Outstanding at Year-End \| shares	405
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	0.9
Outstanding Weighted Price Average Exercise at Year-End	$ 18.46
Number Exercisable at Year-End \| shares	405
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price at Year-End	$ 18.46
Nonqualified Stock Options \| Range 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental Changes in Stock Price Lower Range Limit	20.01
Incremental Changes in Stock Price Upper Range Limit	$ 30.00
Number Outstanding at Year-End \| shares	4,381
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4.4
Outstanding Weighted Price Average Exercise at Year-End	$ 26.11
Number Exercisable at Year-End \| shares	4,331
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price at Year-End	$ 26.08
Nonqualified Stock Options \| Range 3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental Changes in Stock Price Lower Range Limit	30.01
Incremental Changes in Stock Price Upper Range Limit	$ 40.00
Number Outstanding at Year-End \| shares	4,328
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	7.6
Outstanding Weighted Price Average Exercise at Year-End	$ 34.32
Number Exercisable at Year-End \| shares	2,279
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price at Year-End	$ 32.88
Nonqualified Stock Options \| Range 4
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental Changes in Stock Price Lower Range Limit	40.01
Incremental Changes in Stock Price Upper Range Limit	$ 50.00
Number Outstanding at Year-End \| shares	1,034
Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5.9
Outstanding Weighted Price Average Exercise at Year-End	$ 45.00
Number Exercisable at Year-End \| shares	1,034
Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price at Year-End	$ 45.00

Unvested RSU Transactions (Detail) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Unvested RSU Transactions (Detail) shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 $ / shares shares
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested Beginning Balance \| $ / shares	$ 32.43
Granted \| $ / shares	36.61
Vested \| $ / shares	40.74
Forfeited \| $ / shares	30.85
Unvested Ending Balance \| $ / shares	$ 32.50
Number of Shares
Unvested at December 31, 2010 \| shares	744
Granted \| shares	362
Vested \| shares	(180)
Forfeited \| shares	(29)
Unvested at December 31, 2011 \| shares	897

Components of Income Before Income Taxes From Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Line Items]
United States	$ 7,041	$ 104,424	$ 99,009
Foreign	249,070	253,232	264,347
Income before income taxes	$ 256,111	$ 357,656	$ 363,356

Components of the Provision for Income Taxes from Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Current:
U.S. federal	$ 34,870	$ 21,848	$ 30,851
U.S. state	5,151	3,795	5,886
Foreign	59,397	62,196	52,012
Total	99,418	87,839	88,749
Deferred:
U.S. federal	(29,664)	3,067	(8,046)
U.S. state	(4,089)	1,062	(476)
Foreign	(54,649)	(2,743)	8,717
Total	(88,402)	1,386	195
Provision for income taxes	$ 11,016	$ 89,225	$ 88,944

The Reconciliation of the U.S. Federal Statutory Tax Rate to the Effective Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Tax Rate [Line Items]
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	0.30%	0.90%	1.00%
Federal benefit of R&D and foreign tax credits	(8.60%)	(6.90%)	(11.30%)
Tax effect of international operations	(7.90%)	(3.70%)	0.70%
Net effect of tax audit activity	2.10%	1.00%	(1.30%)
Tax effect of enacted statutory rate changes	0.20%	0.00%	0.00%
Federal tax on unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries	0.10%	0.20%	0.10%
Valuation allowance adjustments	(18.10%)	(1.00%)	0.00%
Other	1.20%	(0.50%)	0.30%
Effective income tax rate on operations	4.30%	25.00%	24.50%

The Tax Effect of Significant Temporary Differences Giving Rise to Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized [Line Items]
Commission and bonus accrual	$ 0	$ 0
Employee benefit accruals	0	0
Inventory	0	0
Identifiable intangible assets	336,822	138,621
Insurance premium accruals	0	0
Miscellaneous accruals	0	0
Other	0	0
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income	0	0
Property, plant and equipment	52,251	36,881
Product warranty accruals	0	0
R&D and foreign tax credit carryforward	0	0
Restructuring and other cost accruals	0	0
Sales and marketing accrual	0	0
Taxes on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	2,273	2,083
Tax loss carryforwards and other tax attributes	0	0
Valuation allowance	0	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Total	391,346	177,585
Commission and bonus accrual	2,812	1,201
Employee benefit accruals	38,061	33,139
Inventory	19,972	17,497
Identifiable intangible assets	0	0
Insurance premium accruals	4,533	4,610
Miscellaneous accruals	12,273	7,088
Other	13,166	13,820
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income	28,424	59,618
Property, plant and equipment	0	0
Product warranty accruals	907	901
R&D and foreign tax credit carryforward	49,552	34,844
Restructuring and other cost accruals	1,439	1,011
Sales and marketing accrual	4,874	4,545
Taxes on unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries	0	0
Tax loss carryforwards and other tax attributes	152,999	111,948
Valuation allowance	(71,758)	(93,054)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Total	$ 257,254	$ 197,168

The Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 67,159	$ 55,747
Income taxes payable	2,678	3,004
Other noncurrent assets	51,250	39,329
Deferred income taxes	$ 249,822	$ 72,489

The current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. An unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward is presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset.

The noncurrent portion as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate carrying amount of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, is classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference.

Represents the current portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A current taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a current asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise separates deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, is classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference.

Represents the noncurrent portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A noncurrent taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a noncurrent asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise separates deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference.

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax loss carryforward	$ 809.2
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	71.8	$ 93.1
Cumulative earnings of foreign subsidiaries	960.7
The total gross unrecognized tax benefits	21.9
Unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate	20.4
Unrecognized tax benefits, final settlement and resolution of outstanding tax	10.8
The total amount of accrued interest and penalties	6.9	6.0
Recognized income tax expense (benefits), interest and penalties	0.9	$ 0.6	$ 1.7
Foreign Tax Credits Expiring Future Years
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	49.1
Foreign Tax Credits Expiring in 2015
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	4.2
Foreign Tax Credits Expiring in 2016
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	7.1
Foreign Tax Credits Expiring in 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	9.9
Foreign Tax Credits Expiring in 2019
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	6.9
Expire in 2021
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	21.0
Expire Through 2031
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	563.0
Without Expiry Date
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 246.2

Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period	$ 13,143	$ 12,864	$ 17,285
Gross change for prior period positions	1,425	47	(5,120)
Gross change for current year positions	640	1,036	1,630
Decrease due to settlements and payments	0	0	(255)
Decrease due to statute expirations	(123)	(424)	(1,026)
Increase due to effect of foreign currency translation	0	0	350
Decrease due to effect from foreign currency translation	(129)	(380)	0
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period	$ 14,956	$ 13,143	$ 12,864

Benefits Plan - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined benefit, defined contribution and employee stock ownership costs	$ 31,300	$ 26,200	$ 24,600
Targeted future ESOP allocations for Covered Compensation	3.00%
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amendment to the DENTSPLY to redesign future distribution of allocations of Covered Compensation	3.00%
Contributions to defined contribution benefit plans	$ 3,600	3,000	1,400
Defined Contribution Pension Plan 401k
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amendment to the DENTSPLY to redesign future distribution of allocations of Covered Compensation	3.00%
Contributions to defined contribution benefit plans	$ 4,900	4,600	$ 5,300
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to defined contribution benefit plans	$ 9,647	9,159
Minimum target allocation for plan asset of Equity Securites	30.00%
Maximum target allocation for plan asset of Equity Securities	65.00%
Minimum target allocation for plan asset of Fixed Income Securities	30.00%
Maximum target allocation for plan asset of Fixed Income Securities	65.00%
Minimum target allocation for plan asset of Real Estate	0.00%
Maximum target allocation for plan asset of Real Estate	15.00%
Minimum target allocation for plan asset of all other assets	0.00%
Maximum target allocation for plan asset of all other assets	25.00%
Defined benefit plan narrative description	The objective is to achieve a long-term rate of return in excess of 5% while at the same time mitigating the impact of investment risk associated with investment categories that are expected to yield greater than average returns.
Defined benefit plans that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost	$ 1,800
Percentage of Total Plan Assets Categorized As Level One	80.00%
Expected contributions to defined benefit pension plans in 2012	$ 11,600
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to defined contribution benefit plans	541	$ 174
Defined benefit plans that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost	200
Postretirement Medical Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected contributions to defined benefit pension plans in 2012	$ 1,000

Reconciliations of Changes in the Defined Benefit and Postretirement Healthcare Plans' Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Assets and Funded Status (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 99,546
Ending balance	108,708	$ 99,546
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	211,504	191,976
Service cost	10,950	8,108	$ 8,375
Interest cost	9,633	8,415	8,003
Participant contributions	3,562	2,886
Actuarial losses (gains)	2,991	7,976
Amendments	(3,034)	0
Acquisitions/Divestitures	52,282	291
Effects of exchange rate changes	(8,355)	3,474
Benefits paid	(8,926)	(11,622)
Benefit obligation at end of year	270,607	211,504	191,976
Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	99,546	88,866
Actual return on assets	(889)	1,883
Acquisitions/Divestitures	7,006	0
Effects of exchange rate changes	(1,238)	8,374
Employer contributions	9,647	9,159
Participant contributions	3,562	2,886
Benefits paid	(8,926)	(11,622)
Ending balance	108,708	99,546	88,866
Funded status at end of year	(161,899)	(111,958)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	11,607	11,666
Service cost	61	58	50
Interest cost	553	605	676
Participant contributions	583	616
Actuarial losses (gains)	537	(548)
Amendments	0	0
Acquisitions/Divestitures	0	0
Effects of exchange rate changes	0	0
Benefits paid	(1,124)	(790)
Benefit obligation at end of year	12,217	11,607	11,666
Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	0
Actual return on assets	0	0
Acquisitions/Divestitures	0	0
Effects of exchange rate changes	0	0
Employer contributions	541	174
Participant contributions	583	616
Benefits paid	(1,124)	(790)
Ending balance	0	0	$ 0
Funded status at end of year	$ (12,217)	$ (11,607)

Pension Benefits And Other Postretirement Benefits Recognized In the Accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other noncurrent assets	$ 355	$ 0
Deferred tax asset	10,972	9,834
Total assets	11,327	9,834
Current liabilities	(4,411)	(3,462)
Long-term liabilities	(157,843)	(108,496)
Deferred tax liability	(269)	(22)
Total liabilities	(162,523)	(111,980)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	32,002	29,050
Net amount recognized	(119,194)	(73,096)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Other noncurrent assets	0	0
Deferred tax asset	1,247	1,113
Total assets	1,247	1,113
Current liabilities	(978)	(1,099)
Long-term liabilities	(11,240)	(10,508)
Deferred tax liability	0	0
Total liabilities	(12,218)	(11,607)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,984	1,772
Net amount recognized	$ (8,987)	$ (8,722)

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Benefits Recgonized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ 45,462	$ 38,694
Net prior service cost	(2,757)	168
Pretax AOCI	42,705	38,862
Less deferred taxes	10,703	9,812
Post tax AOCI	32,002	29,050
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Benefits Recgonized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	3,232	2,884
Net prior service cost	0	0
Pretax AOCI	3,232	2,884
Less deferred taxes	1,248	1,112
Post tax AOCI	$ 1,984	$ 1,772

Amount related to the pretax cost of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation, which has not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph i
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (j)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Prior Service Cost
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521920
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Prior Service Cost
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521884
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 30

Pension Plans with an Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 268,391	$ 211,504
Accumulated benefit obligation	246,515	200,574
Fair value of plan assets	$ 106,137	$ 99,546

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Service cost	$ 10,950	$ 8,108	$ 8,375
Interest cost	9,633	8,415	8,003
Expected return on assets	(5,184)	(4,662)	(3,991)
Amortization of actuarial losses	0	124	240
Amortization of prior service	80	86	138
Amortization of net loss	1,584	1,002	1,652
Settlement gains	4	0	(1,148)
Net periodic benefit cost	17,067	13,073	13,269
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Service cost	61	58	50
Interest cost	553	605	676
Expected return on assets	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial losses	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service	0	0	0
Amortization of net loss	189	265	281
Settlement gains	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 803	$ 928	$ 1,007

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in AOCI (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial (gain) loss	$ 8,352	$ 12,640	$ (7,994)
Net prior service (credit)	(2,845)	(8)	(37)
Net transition obligation	0	(1)	1
Amortization	(1,664)	(1,212)	(2,030)
Total recognized in AOCI	3,843	11,419	(10,060)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and AOCI	20,910	24,492	3,209
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial (gain) loss	537	(548)	1,020
Net prior service (credit)	0	0	0
Net transition obligation	0	0	0
Amortization	(189)	(265)	(281)
Total recognized in AOCI	348	(813)	739
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and AOCI	$ 1,151	$ 115	$ 1,746

Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (but not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost), including the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost (credit) arising during the period. Also includes reclassification adjustments out of other comprehensive income as a result of being recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for the period. While for technical reasons this element has no balance attribute, the default assumption is a credit balance consistent with its label.

Pretax change in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from a change in an actuarial assumption, or the consequence of a decision to temporarily deviate from the substantive plan, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph i
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph c, d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 17, 19, 24
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e653-108580

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (h)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

The net transition asset or obligation recognized, before tax, as a reclassification adjustment of other comprehensive income as a result of being recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost for the period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph i
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph c, d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e709-108580

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e716-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e689-108580

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (j)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (j)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

The Amounts in AOCI That are Expected to be Amortized as Net Expense (Income) During Next Fiscal Year (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Benefits Expected Benefit Payments [Line Items]
Amount of net prior service cost	$ (124)
Amount of net loss	1,962
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Benefits Expected Benefit Payments [Line Items]
Amount of net prior service cost	0
Amount of net loss	$ 230

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benfit Obligations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Schedule of Benefit Obligations Weighted Average Assumptions [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.00%	4.10%	4.70%
Rate of compensation increase	2.80%	2.60%	2.70%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Schedule of Benefit Obligations Weighted Average Assumptions [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.00%	5.00%	5.50%
Health care cost trend	7.50%	8.00%	8.50%
Ultimate health care cost trend	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Years until ultimate trend is reached	6.0	7.0	8.0

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs Weighted Average Assumptions [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.10%	4.70%	4.50%
Expected return on plan assets	4.80%	5.20%	5.20%
Rate of compensation increase	2.60%	2.70%	2.70%
Measurement Date	December 31, 2011	December 31, 2010	December 31, 2009
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs Weighted Average Assumptions [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.00%	5.50%	6.30%
Health care cost trend	7.50%	8.00%	8.50%
Ultimate health care cost trend	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Years until ultimate trend is reached	6.0	7.0	8.0
Measurement Date	December 31, 2011	December 31, 2010	December 31, 2009

Effect of One Percentage Point in Assumed Healthcare Cost Trend Rates (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	$ 62
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	1,289
Effect on total of service and interest cost components	(52)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	$ (1,078)

Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2011
Mutual Funds \| Equity
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Benefits Changes in Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of investments	50.00%
Mutual Funds \| Fixed Income Investments
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Benefits Changes in Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of investments	50.00%
Common Collective Trusts \| Equity
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Benefits Changes in Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of investments	65.00%
Common Collective Trusts \| Fixed Income Investments
Schedule of Pension and Other Postretirment Benefits Changes in Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of investments	35.00%

BENEFIT PLANS Reconciliation for the Plans Assets Categorized as Level 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Change in Plan Assets. Level 3 [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 99,546
Ending balance	108,708	$ 99,546
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Change in Plan Assets. Level 3 [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	5,166	5,581
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(1,430)	182
Relating to assets sold during the period	5	46
Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets	6,738
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(1,521)	(788)
Transfers in and/or out	418
Effects of exchange rate changes	(225)	145
Ending balance	9,151	5,166
Common Collective Trusts Member \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Change in Plan Assets. Level 3 [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,648	1,842
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	5	116
Relating to assets sold during the period	5	46
Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets	0
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	7	(356)
Transfers in and/or out	418
Effects of exchange rate changes	0	0
Ending balance	2,083	1,648
Insurance Contracts Member \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Change in Plan Assets. Level 3 [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,824	1,742
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(1,355)	29
Relating to assets sold during the period	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets	6,738
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(1,144)	109
Transfers in and/or out	0
Effects of exchange rate changes	(243)	(56)
Ending balance	5,820	1,824
Hedge Funds [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Change in Plan Assets. Level 3 [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,334	1,672
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(80)	37
Relating to assets sold during the period	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets	0
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	(384)	(541)
Transfers in and/or out	0
Effects of exchange rate changes	20	166
Ending balance	890	1,334
Real Estate [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Change in Plan Assets. Level 3 [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	360	325
Relating to assets still held at the reporting date	0	0
Relating to assets sold during the period	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Business Combinations and Acquisitions, Plan Assets	0
Purchases, sales and settlements, net	0	0
Transfers in and/or out	0
Effects of exchange rate changes	(2)	35
Ending balance	$ 358	$ 360

Estimated Future Benefit Payments on Defined Benefit Plan (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2012	$ 8,863
2013	10,134
2014	10,799
2015	10,620
2016	11,341
2017-2019	67,976
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2012	978
2013	967
2014	948
2015	904
2016	902
2017-2019	$ 3,888

Restructuring Impairments and Other Costs - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	$ 3,100	$ 5,800
Selling, general and administrative expenses	936,847	738,901	$ 718,230
Settlements of legal matters and an impairment of an intangible asset	32,700	5,200
Settlements of legal matters and impairment of long-term assets	12,600	$ 3,700
Restructuring Orthodontic Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	1,700
Selling, general and administrative expenses	3,300
Other Restructuring
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs	1,900
Restructuring Prior Year Plans - 2010 and 2009
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	$ 500

Amount of any reversal and other adjustment made during the period to the amount of a previously accrued liability for a specified type of restructuring cost, excluding adjustments for costs incurred during the period, costs settled during the period, and foreign currency translation adjustments.

Restructuring Accruals (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Restructuring Accruals (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 9,191
Provisions and adjustments	3,105
Amounts applied	(7,509)
Ending Balance	4,787
Employee Severance
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	8,138
Provisions and adjustments	2,914
Amounts applied	(6,974)
Ending Balance	4,078
Employee Severance \| Restructuring Fiscal 2009 and Prior Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,878
Provisions and adjustments	(442)
Amounts applied	(1,003)
Ending Balance	1,433
Employee Severance \| Restructuring - Fiscal 2010 Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,260
Provisions and adjustments	(289)
Amounts applied	(2,961)
Ending Balance	2,010
Employee Severance \| Restructuring - Fiscal 2011 Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Provisions and adjustments	3,645
Amounts applied	(3,010)
Ending Balance	635
Contract Termination
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	996
Provisions and adjustments	(113)
Amounts applied	(214)
Ending Balance	669
Contract Termination \| Restructuring Fiscal 2009 and Prior Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	996
Provisions and adjustments	1
Amounts applied	(328)
Ending Balance	669
Contract Termination \| Restructuring - Fiscal 2010 Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Provisions and adjustments	(114)
Amounts applied	114
Ending Balance	0
Other Restructuring
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	57
Provisions and adjustments	304
Amounts applied	(321)
Ending Balance	40
Other Restructuring \| Restructuring Fiscal 2009 and Prior Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	57
Provisions and adjustments	174
Amounts applied	(191)
Ending Balance	40
Other Restructuring \| Restructuring - Fiscal 2010 Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Provisions and adjustments	70
Amounts applied	(70)
Ending Balance	0
Other Restructuring \| Restructuring - Fiscal 2011 Plans
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0
Provisions and adjustments	60
Amounts applied	(60)
Ending Balance	$ 0

Provisions and Adjustments and Amounts Applied for All Plans by Segment (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 9,191
Provisions and adjustments	3,105
Amounts applied	(7,509)
Ending Balance	4,787
U.S., Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	1,031
Provisions and adjustments	0
Amounts applied	(328)
Ending Balance	703
France, U.K., Italy snd Certain Other European Countries, CIS, Middle East, Africa, Pacific Rim Businesses
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	193
Provisions and adjustments	(49)
Amounts applied	(144)
Ending Balance	0
Canada/ Latin America/ Endodontics/ Orthodontics/ Astra Tech
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	400
Provisions and adjustments	2,926
Amounts applied	(2,633)
Ending Balance	693
Dental Laboratory Business/ Implants/ Non Dental
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	7,567
Provisions and adjustments	228
Amounts applied	(4,404)
Ending Balance	$ 3,391

Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands, € in Millions, SFr in Millions, ¥ in Billions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011 EUR (€)	Jun. 24, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 CHF (SFr)	Sep. 30, 2011 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2011 CHF (SFr)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Entity	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 JPY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Apr. 04, 2011 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum term over which the Company is hedging exposures to variability of cash flows related to all forecasted transactions						18 months
Number of swaps entered into			3	5
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax							$ (126,648)		$ (117,390)
Accumulated translation gains on investments							170,597		(37,216)
Deferred net losses on derivative instruments recorded in AOCI that are expected to be reclassified to current earnings during the next twelve months									3,000
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Ineffective portion Recognized in Income						$ (7,859)	(454)
Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income						$ (3,088)	(3,679)
Net Investment Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax							45,417		(143,730)					$ 111,115
Fair Value Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts												$ 150,000
Description of Interest Rate Derivative Activities						Effective April 4, 2011, the Company entered into a group of U.S. dollar denominated interest rate swaps with an initial total notional value of $150.0 million to effectively convert the underlying fixed interest rate of 4.1% on the Company's $250.0 million PPN to variable rate for a term of five years, ending February 2016. The notional value of the swaps will decline proportionately as portions of the PPN mature.
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate												4.10%
Interest Rate Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net									4,500
International Subsidiaries
Derivative [Line Items]
Accumulated translation gains on investments							45,400		$ 134,200
Interest Rate Swap \| Group 1
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, maturity date						Sep. 30, 2014
Interest Rate Swap \| Group 1 \| Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts \| ¥								¥ 12.6
Average fixed interest rate			0.20%		0.20%			0.20%	0.20%
Average fixed interest rate, term			3 years		3 years			3 years	3 years
Interest Rate Swap \| Group 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Average fixed interest rate, term			5 years		5 years			5 years	5 years
Derivative, maturity date						Sep. 30, 2016
Interest Rate Swap \| Group 2 \| Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts \| SFr			SFr 65.0		SFr 65.0
Average fixed interest rate			0.70%		0.70%			0.70%	0.70%
Interest Rate Swap \| Treasury Rate Lock
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts		$ 500,000
Treasury lock Agreement Number of Years		10 years
Derivative, maturity date		Aug. 19, 2011
Cash Settlements Of Interest Rate Hedge		$ 34,600
Ineffective portion Recognized in Income		3,800
Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income		$ 30,800
Commodity Forward Purchase Contracts \| Cash Flow Hedging \| Platinum Bullion
Derivative [Line Items]
Description of derivative activity						swaps in place to purchase 1,126 troy ounces
Average fixed rate price			1,527		1,527			1,527	1,527
Commodity Forward Purchase Contracts \| Cash Flow Hedging \| Silver Bullion
Derivative [Line Items]
Description of derivative activity						swaps in place to purchase 125,058 troy ounces
Average fixed rate price			28		28			28	28
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts	€ 449.8		SFr 80.4	€ 260.0	SFr 80.4				$ 87,600	$ 350,900	$ 650,000
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis	EURIBOR			EURIBOR	LIBOR
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	45.72%		44.50%	52.75%	44.50%			44.50%	44.50%	52.75%	45.72%
Number of financial institutions \| Entity						5
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax							$ 169,100		$ 111,900
Foreign Exchange Forward \| Net Investment Hedging
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amounts \| €				€ 450.0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Investment Hedge Net Of Tax										$ 1,500
Private Placement Notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount													$ 250,000
Debt Instrument Maturity Period						5 years
Unsecured Senior Notes
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount									1,000,000
Unsecured Senior Notes \| Tranche C
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount									$ 450,000

Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value of the Company's Cash Flow Hedges (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Dec. 31, 2011 - Foreign Exchange Contract - Cash Flow Hedging € in Millions, £ in Millions, zł in Millions, kr in Millions, kr in Millions, SFr in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions, ₩ in Billions, ¥ in Billions, kr in Billions	AUD ($)	CAD ($)	CHF (SFr)	DKK (kr)	EUR (€)	GBP (£)	JPY (¥)	KRW (₩)	MXN ($)	NOK (kr)	PLN (zł)	SEK (kr)	SGD ($)	TWD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Forward sale	$ 13.2	$ 35.0	SFr 25.3		€ 97.5		¥ 0.5	₩ 5.7	$ 159.3		zł 5.4		$ 2.5	$ 47.0
Forward purchase				kr 14.9		£ 6.9				kr 11.8		kr 1.2

Fair Value of Cross Currency Basis Swaps that are Designated as Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	$ (111,926)
Swiss franc 592.5 million @ $1.17 pay CHF 3mo. LIBOR rec. USD 3mo. LIBOR
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	(99,917)
Euros 358.0 Million 1.22 Pay EUR 3 Month EURIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	(12,009)
Cross Currency Basis Swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	(67,690)
Cross Currency Basis Swaps \| Euros 358.0 Million 1.22 Pay EUR 3 Month EURIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Fair Value Net Asset (Liability)	(67,690)
One Year from Balance Sheet Date
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount	60,254
One Year from Balance Sheet Date \| Swiss franc 592.5 million @ $1.17 pay CHF 3mo. LIBOR rec. USD 3mo. LIBOR
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount	60,254
More than One and within Two Years from Balance Sheet Date
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount	1,284,015
More than One and within Two Years from Balance Sheet Date \| Swiss franc 592.5 million @ $1.17 pay CHF 3mo. LIBOR rec. USD 3mo. LIBOR
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount	484,910
More than One and within Two Years from Balance Sheet Date \| Euros 358.0 Million 1.22 Pay EUR 3 Month EURIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount	799,105
More than Two and within Three Years from Balance Sheet Date [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount	85,591
More than Two and within Three Years from Balance Sheet Date [Member] \| Swiss franc 592.5 million @ $1.17 pay CHF 3mo. LIBOR rec. USD 3mo. LIBOR
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount	85,591
More than Two and within Three Years from Balance Sheet Date [Member] \| Euros 358.0 Million 1.22 Pay EUR 3 Month EURIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount	0
More than Two and within Three Years from Balance Sheet Date [Member] \| Cross Currency Basis Swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount	581,568
More than Two and within Three Years from Balance Sheet Date [Member] \| Cross Currency Basis Swaps \| Euros 358.0 Million 1.22 Pay EUR 3 Month EURIBOR Rec USD 3 Month LIBOR
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 581,568

Fair Value of Cross Currency Basis Swaps that are Designated as Hedges of Net Investments in Foreign Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) € in Millions, SFr in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011 CHF (SFr)	Dec. 31, 2011 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Currency, Swiss Franc
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Forward exchange rate to U.S. Dollars	1.12	1.12	1.12
Currency, Euro
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Forward exchange rate to U.S. Dollars	1.27	1.27	1.27
Cross Currency Basis Swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Forward contract amounts	SFr 592.5	€ 618.0	$ 449,800,000.0
Cross Currency Basis Swaps \| Currency, Euro
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Forward exchange rate to U.S. Dollars	1.45	1.45	1.45

Fair Value and Location on the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	$ 8,003	$ 2,543
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	1,943	821
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets \| Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	5,464	2,455
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	1,943	821
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets \| DIO Equity Option Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets \| Commodity Forward Purchase Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	0	88
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets \| Interest Rate Swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	2,539
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets \| Cross Currency Basis Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	0
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0
Other Noncurrent Assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	23,909	21
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0
Other Noncurrent Assets \| Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	896	21
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0
Other Noncurrent Assets \| DIO Equity Option Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0
Other Noncurrent Assets \| Commodity Forward Purchase Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	15
Other Noncurrent Assets \| Interest Rate Swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	3,160
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0
Other Noncurrent Assets \| Cross Currency Basis Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets Designated as Hedges	19,838
Derivative Assets Not Designated as Hedges	0
Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	14,688	26,868
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	3,255	704
Accrued Liabilities \| Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	641	1,139
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	3,150	600
Accrued Liabilities \| DIO Equity Option Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	0
Accrued Liabilities \| Commodity Forward Purchase Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	257
Accrued Liabilities \| Interest Rate Swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	0	4,213
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	105	104
Accrued Liabilities \| Cross Currency Basis Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	13,790	21,516
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	0
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	119,133	148,595
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	68,585	556
Other Noncurrent Liabilities \| Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	107	135
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	0
Other Noncurrent Liabilities \| DIO Equity Option Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	419
Other Noncurrent Liabilities \| Commodity Forward Purchase Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	2
Other Noncurrent Liabilities \| Interest Rate Swap
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	1,050	871
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	476	556
Other Noncurrent Liabilities \| Cross Currency Basis Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities Designated as Hedges	117,974	$ 147,589
Derivative Liabilities Not Designated as Hedges	$ 67,690

Impact of the Company's Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	$ 30,971	$ (26,349)
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income	(3,088)	(3,679)
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	(22,964)	1,330
Ineffective portion Recognized in Income	(7,859)	(454)
Cash Flow Hedging \| Interest Rate Contract \| Interest Rate Contract
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income	(4,903)	(5,636)
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	(30,008)	(1,978)
Cash Flow Hedging \| Interest Rate Contract \| Other Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Ineffective portion Recognized in Income	(6,151)	232
Cash Flow Hedging \| Foreign Exchange Forward \| Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income	1,503	665
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	6,858	2,314
Cash Flow Hedging \| Foreign Exchange Forward \| Selling, General And Administrative Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income	39	630
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	377	670
Cash Flow Hedging \| Foreign Exchange Forward \| Group 1 \| Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Ineffective portion Recognized in Income	(403)	(672)
Cash Flow Hedging \| Foreign Exchange Forward \| Group 2 \| Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Ineffective portion Recognized in Income	(1,307)
Cash Flow Hedging \| Commodity Contract [Member] \| Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Ineffective portion Recognized in Income	2	(14)
Cash Flow Hedging \| Commodity Contract [Member] \| Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Portion Reclassified from AOCI into Income	273	662
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	$ (191)	$ 324

Impact of the Company's Hedges of Net Investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	$ (4,698)	$ (1,744)
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	30,971	(26,349)
Net Investment Hedging \| Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	(5,675)	(105)
Net Investment Hedging \| Group 1 \| Interest Income
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	1,085	869
Net Investment Hedging \| Group 1 \| Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	(108)
Net Investment Hedging \| Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps \| Group 1
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	3,308	(61,211)
Net Investment Hedging \| Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps \| Group 2
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	30,125	34,862
Net Investment Hedging \| Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps \| Group 2 \| Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	0	$ (2,508)
Net Investment Hedging \| Foreign Exchange Forward \| Group 2
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) in AOCI	$ (2,462)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Impact of the Company’s Fair Value Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	$ (4,698)	$ (1,744)
Cash Flow Hedging \| Interest Expense
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	6,328
Interest Rate Contract \| Cash Flow Hedging \| Interest Expense
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net	$ 6,328

The amount of net gains and losses recognized in income during the period on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges, on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges, and on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments.

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Impact of the Company's Hedges Not Designated as Hedging (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	$ (69,937)	$ 1,026
Foreign Exchange Forward \| Other Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	(2,921)	1,181
DIO Corporation \| Other Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	383
Interest Rate Contract \| Other Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	(68,432)
Interest Rate Contract \| Interest Expense
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	(186)	$ (155)
Interest Rate Contract \| Interest Income
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging, Gains (Losses)	$ 1,219

Amounts recorded in AOCI related to cash flow hedging instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ (126,648)
Ending balance	(117,390)	$ (126,648)
Net Investment Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	45,417	111,115
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(200,121)	(33,208)
Changes in fair value of foreign currency debt	(9,553)	(16,311)
Changes in fair value of derivative hedge instruments	20,527	(16,179)
Total activity	(189,147)	(65,698)
Ending balance	(143,730)	45,417
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(1,468)	(4,799)
Changes in fair value of derivatives	(14,357)	1,248
Reclassifications to earnings from equity	3,088	2,083
Total activity	(11,269)	3,331
Ending balance	$ (12,737)	$ (1,468)

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES Summary of Notional Amounts and Fair Value of the Company's Fair Value Hedges (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	$ (111,926)
Interest Rate Contract
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	4,463
Interest Rate Contract \| More than Two and within Three Years from Balance Sheet Date [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	45,000
Interest Rate Contract \| More than Three and within Four Years from Balance Sheet Date
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	60,000
Interest Rate Contract \| More than Five Years from Balance Sheet Date and Thereafter
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	45,000
Us Dollar Denominated [Member] \| Interest Rate Contract
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	4,463
Us Dollar Denominated [Member] \| Interest Rate Contract \| More than Two and within Three Years from Balance Sheet Date [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	45,000
Us Dollar Denominated [Member] \| Interest Rate Contract \| More than Three and within Four Years from Balance Sheet Date
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	60,000
Us Dollar Denominated [Member] \| Interest Rate Contract \| More than Five Years from Balance Sheet Date and Thereafter
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives	$ 45,000

Fair Value Measurement - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Feb. 28, 2010

DIO Corporation's stock volatility factor

$ 1,491,419

$ 606,493

24.00%

22.00%

^[1]

22.00%

Probability-weighted average payout discount using market rate

5.00%

Corporate Bond Securities

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

DIO Corporation's stock volatility factor

40.00%

Discount rate

15.00%

Unsecured Senior Notes

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Fixed rate senior notes $450 million due August 2021

$ 1,000,000

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

$ 448,497

Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure

4.10%

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure

$ 1,512,500

$ 611,200

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Tranche C | Unsecured Senior Notes

1,491,400

606,500

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

$ 450,000

Tranche B | Unsecured Senior Notes

4.125%

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

$ 300,000

Tranche A | Unsecured Senior Notes

2.75%

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

$ 250,000

Private Placement Notes

$ 250,000

Private Placement Notes | U.S. Dollar Denominated Expiring March 2016

4.10%

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

$ 254,512

$ 250,000

Fixed Rate Senior Notes | U.S. Dollar Denominated Due August 2016

4.10%

Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

$ 299,603