Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic-weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Effect of dilutive potential securities Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted-weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic EPS (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted EPS (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Shares excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] U.S. income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Foreign income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of property plant and equipment useful life Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Life [Table Text Block] Schedule of calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Acquisition, Restructuring Expenses and Other Operating Expenses [Abstract] Acquisition, Restructuring Expenses and Other Operating Expenses [Abstract] Restructuring accrual Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring accrual, beginning balance Restructuring Reserve Expenses incurred Restructuring Charges Payments made Payments for Restructuring Restructuring accrual, ending balance Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost on projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net periodic pension (income) cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Employee Plan [Member] Employee Plan [Member] Employee Plan [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Employee Stock [Member] Employee Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number of shares reserved for share-based compensation plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Minimum percent of salary employees can invest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Minimum Employee Subscription Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Minimum Employee Subscription Rate Maximum percent of salary employees can invest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Rate Purchase prices percent of fair market value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Number of shares issued under Plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Unrecognized compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Guarantees [Abstract] Standard warranty period (in years) Product Warranty Accrual Term Product Warranty Accrual Term Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual Provision for warranties Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued Claims made Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments Ending balance Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Interest cost Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Actual gain on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Benefits paid Fair value of plan assets at end of year Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Estimated Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Acquisition Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Letters of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Loans Payable [Member] Mortgages Notes [Member] Mortgages [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Amended and Restated Senior Credit Agreement [Member] Amended and Restated Senior Credit Agreement [Member] Amended and Restated Senior Credit Agreement [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurodollar [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Loss on early extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Long-term debt outstanding Long-term Debt Line of credit facility, available borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Basis spread on variable rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rate at period end (percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debt Instrument, Financing Costs Expensed Debt Related Commitment Fees and Debt Issuance Costs Debt interest rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Discount rate (percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Effective rate for interest on benefit obligation (percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Effective Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Effective Rate Expected return on plan assets (percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurement Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block] Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Share Units (PSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units and Performance Share Units [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Share Units (PSUs) [Member] Grant date fair value of Stock options & SARs (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Expected stock price volatility (percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate (percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected annual dividend yield (percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected term of option & SARs (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2015 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Number of shares, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Number of shares, Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Number of shares, Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Number of shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2016 Number of shares, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Number of shares, Stock options & SARs expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at December 31, 2016 (in dollars per share) Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock options & SARs expected to vest, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual term, options outstanding (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual term, options exercisable (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Number of shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2015 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Number of shares, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Number of shares, Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Number of shares, Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Number of shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2016 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at December 31, 2016 (in dollars per share) Total fair value of shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Weighted average period costs expected to be recognized (in years) Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Scheduled maturities of long-term debt outstanding [Abstract] Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventory Inventory, Net Schedule of property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of aggregate future minimum lease commitments for operating leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Expense and Other Operating Expense Schedule of Restructuring Expense and Other Operating Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Expense and Other Operating Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Accrual Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating acitivites: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation Depreciation Amortization Amortization Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Gain on sale of facility Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties Income tax benefit of stock option exercises Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Increase (decrease) in cash flows from changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquired assets Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accrued compensation and benefits Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Total operating Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Payments related to business acquisitions and asset acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments related to business acquisitions and distribution agreement The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase and the cash outflow associated with a distribution agreement. Proceeds from sale of a facility Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Payments on term loan Repayments of Long-term Debt Proceeds from term loan Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments on revolving line of credit Repayments of Lines of Credit Proceeds from revolving line of credit Proceeds from Lines of Credit Payments related to distribution agreement Payments for Contingent Payments Payments for Contingent Payments Payments on mortgage notes Repayments of Secured Debt Payments related to debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Dividends paid on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Non-cash investing and financing activities: Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Contractual obligations for acquisition of a business Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Dividends payable Dividends Payable Cash paid during the year for: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest Interest Paid Income taxes Income Taxes Paid Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Percentage of pension plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Target allocation (percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Number of CONMED shares in Plan Defined Benefit Plan, Number of Shares of Equity Securities Issued by Employer and Related Parties Included in Plan Assets Fair value of CONMED shares in Plan Defined Benefit Plan, Amount of Employer and Related Party Securities Included in Plan Assets Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Federal [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] New York [Member] NEW YORK Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Research and Development Credit [Member] Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax credit carryforward Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Foreign earnings repatriated Foreign Earnings Repatriated Tax impact of repatriated foreign earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Building and improvements [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Estimated useful life, average (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Guarantees Guarantees [Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,031 in 2016 and $1,336 in 2015 Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets Other Assets Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized 500,000 shares, none issued or outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 authorized; 31,299,194 issued in 2016 and 2015, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Less: Treasury stock, at cost; 3,471,121 and 3,590,409 shares in 2016 and 2015, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance as of January 1 Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases for positions taken in prior periods Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Increases for positions taken in current periods Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Decreases in unrecorded tax positions related to settlement with the taxing authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Decreases in unrecorded tax positions related to lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Balance as of December 31 Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Product Lines by Type [Axis] Product Lines by Type [Axis] Product Lines [Axis] Product Lines by Type [Domain] Product Lines by Type [Domain] Product Lines by Type [Domain] Orthopedic Surgery [Member] Orthopedic Surgery [Member] Orthopedic Surgery [Member] General Surgery [Member] General Surgery [Member] General Surgery [Member] Surgical Visualization [Member] Surgical Visualization [Member] Surgical Visualization [Member] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Americas (excluding the United States) [Member] Americas (excluding the United States) [Member] Americas (excluding the United States) [Member] EMEA [Member] EMEA [Member] Asia Pacific [Member] Asia Pacific [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales Revenue, Net Number of customer representing over 10% of consolidated net sales Number of Customer Representing over Ten Percent of Consolidated Net Sales Number of Customer Representing over Ten Percent of Consolidated Net Sales Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income before Income Tax Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Rollforward Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Bad Debts [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Sales Returns and Allowance [Member] Allowance for Sales Returns [Member] Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance [Member] Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Charged to costs and expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Balance at end of period Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] SurgiQuestInc [Member] SurgiQuestInc [Member] SurgiQuest, Inc. [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Expense [Member] Expense [Member] Expense [Member] Reduction of Revenue [Member] Reduction of Revenue [Member] Reduction of Revenue [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Promotional, Marketing and Distribution Rights [Member] Promotional, Marketing and Distribution Rights [Member] Promotional, Marketing and Distribution Rights [Member] Patents and Other Intangible Assets [Member] Patents and Other Intangible Assets [Member] Patents and Other Intangible Assets [Member] Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trademarks and Tradenames [Member] Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets [Line Items] Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Amortized intangible assets, gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Unamortized intangible assets, gross carrying amount Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, gross carrying amount Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Weighted average amortization period (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Future amortization expense [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Net operating losses Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Capitalized research and development Deferred Tax Assets, Capitalized Research and Development Deferred Tax Assets, Capitalized Research and Development Deferred compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation Accounts receivable Deferred Tax Assets, sales returns, rebates and allowances, and allowance for doubtful accounts The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from estimated losses reflected in the sales returns, rebates and allowances and allowance for doubtful accounts, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when actual return occurs, rebates occur, allowances are granted and bad debts are known, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. 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(loss) on cash flow hedges in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized in next fiscal year Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments net realized gains (losses) Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gains (losses) on intercompany receivables Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract] Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Fair value, assets (liabilities), net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table] 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Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Pension liability, income tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Cash flow hedging gain (loss), income tax expense 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stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Accumulated other comprehensive loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Cash Flow Hedging Gain (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Pension Liability [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning of the period Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) before tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Income tax provision (benefit) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), end of the period Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Tax provision at statutory rate based on income before income taxes (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Impact of repatriation of foreign earnings (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Percent New York State corporate tax reform (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Stock-based compensation (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Percent Foreign income taxes (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Federal research credit (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Percent Settlement of taxing authority examinations (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Percent European permanent deduction (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, European Permanent Deduction, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, European Permanent Deduction, Percent Non deductible/non-taxable items (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Percent Other, net (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective income tax rate, continuing operations (percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Linvatec Corporation [Member] Linvatec Corporation [Member] Linvatec Corporation [Member] Other Acquisitions Excluding Linvatec Corporation[Member] Other Acquisitions Excluding ConMed Linvatec [Member] Other Acquisitions Excluding ConMed Linvatec [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment [Abstract] Acquired Intangible Assets [Abstract] Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Annual attrition rate used to evaluate acquired finite-lived intangible assets useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life Evaluation, Assumptions Used, Annual Attrition Rate Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life Evaluation, Assumptions Used, Annual Attrition Rate Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Net Commission Service Fee Revenue Net Commission Service Fee Revenue The percentage of net commission service fees earned under our contractual agreement with Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation. 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