Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Other Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Other Assets [Abstract] Schedule of Other Assets [Table] Schedule of Other Assets [Table] Schedule of Other Assets [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] 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] Arthroscopy [Member] Arthroscopy [Member] Arthroscopy [Member] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] CONMED Linvatec [Member] CONMED Linvatec [Member] CONMED Linvatec [Member] Supply Target [Axis] Supply Target [Axis] Supply Target [Axis] Supply Target [Domain] Supply Target [Domain] Supply Target [Domain] After 1 Year of Meeting Supply Target [Member] After One Year of Meeting Supply Target [Member] After One Year of Meeting Supply Target [Member] After Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 of Meeting Supply Target [Member] After Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 of Meeting Supply Target [Member] After Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 of Meeting Supply Target [Member] Other Assets [Line Items] Other Assets [Line Items] Other Assets [Line Items] Up-front payment Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Up-front Payment The cash outflow related to the up front payment for the rights and certain assets under the joint development and distribution agreement. Additional contingent cash payment Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Conditional Payment Amount Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Conditional Payment Amount Contingent payment period Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Conditional Payment Period Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Conditional Payment Period Conditional payment, amount paid Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Conditional Payment, Amount Paid Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Conditional Payment, Amount Paid Gross carrying amount Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Gross Carrying Amount Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated amortization Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Accumulated Amortization Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Accumulated Amortization Agreement term Joint Development and Distribution Agreement Term Joint Development and Distribution Agreement Term Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member] Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, par value (per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Share authorized under repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Total stock repurchased under plan, shares Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Repurchased to Date, Shares Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Repurchased to Date, Shares Total stock repurchased under plan, value Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Repurchased to Date, Value Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Repurchased to Date, Value Remaining authorized repurchase amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Number of share repurchased Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Repurchase of treasury stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Number of shares reserved for share-based compensation plans Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Number of share-based compensation plans Number of Share-based Compensation Plans Number of Share-based Compensation Plans Number of shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Vesting term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Expiration from date of grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Tax benefit from stock-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Fair Value Disclosures [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] Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member] Convertible Subordinated Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Fair value of the Notes Long-term Debt, Fair Value Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Product liability insurance, amount per incident Product Liability Contingency, Insurance, Amount per Incident Product Liability Contingency, Insurance, Amount per Incident Product liability insurance, aggregate annual amount Product Liability Contingency, Insurance, Aggregate Annual Amount Product Liability Contingency, Insurance, Aggregate Annual Amount Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Table] CONMED Patient Care [Member] CONMED Patient Care [Member] CONMED Patient Care [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] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Linvatec Corporation [Member] Linvatec Corporation [Member] Linvatec Corporation [Member] Other Acquisitions Excluding ConMed Linvatec [Member] Other Acquisitions Excluding ConMed Linvatec [Member] Other Acquisitions Excluding ConMed Linvatec [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] Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Percent of fair values exceeding carrying values, minimum Goodwill Impairment Test, Percent of Fair Values Exceeding Carrying Values, Minimum Goodwill Impairment Test, Percent of Fair Values Exceeding Carrying Values, Minimum Percent of fair values exceeding carrying values, maximum Goodwill Impairment Test, Percent of Fair Values Exceeding Carrying Values, Maximum Goodwill Impairment Test, Percent of Fair Values Exceeding Carrying Values, Maximum Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Acquired Intangible Assets [Abstract] Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Number of years of historical revenue attrition used to evaluate acquired finite-lived intangible assets useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life Evaluation, Assumptions Used, Number of Years of Historical Revenue Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life Evaluation, Assumptions Used, Number of Years of Historical Revenue 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 Weighted average amortization period (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Fair Value of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Debt Instruments [Abstract] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Shipping and handling costs Shipping, Handling and Transportation Costs Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Current year actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Amortization of actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Total recognized in other comprehensive loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Estimated portion of net actuarial loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Rental expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Building and improvements [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Construction in progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Total property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Future minimum lease commitments for operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] 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] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] 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] Tax credit carryforward Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Repatriated foreign earnings Repatriation of Foreign Earnings Repatriation of Foreign Earnings Net tax benefit from tax liabilities and credits related to foreign earnings remittances Net tax benefit from tax liabilities and credits related to foreign earnings remittances Net tax benefit from tax liabilities and credits related to foreign earnings remittances Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Other Cost and Expense Disclosure, Operating [Abstract] Component of Other Operating Cost and Expense [Table] Component of Other Operating Cost and Expense [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Expense [Member] Other Expense [Member] Acquisition by Type [Axis] Acquisition by Type [Axis] Acquisition by Type [Axis] Acquisition by Type [Domain] Acquisition by Type [Domain] Acquisition by Type [Domain] Distributor [Member] Distributor [Member] Distributor [Member] Business [Member] Business [Member] Business [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Facility Consolidation Costs [Member] Facility Consolidation Costs [Member] Facility Consolidation Costs [Member] Administrative consolidation costs [Member] Administrative Consolidation Costs [Member] Administrative Consolidation Costs [Member] Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items] Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items] Restructuing charges Restructuring Charges Costs associated with purchase Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Costs associated with legal arbitration Legal Fees Other expense Other Cost and Expense, Operating Lease impairment charge Impairment of Leasehold Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost 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 cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] CONMED Endoscopic Technologies [Member] CONMED Endoscopic Technologies [Member] Termination of a product offering [Member] Termination of Product Offering [Member] Termination of Product Offering [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring accrual Restructuring Reserve Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Percentage of retirement convertible notes 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 (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Notional amount of cash flow hedges Notional Amount of Cash Flow Hedge Instruments Cash flow hedges realized gains (losses) Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss Reclassified To Net Sales Or Cost Of Sales Net Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss Reclassified To Net Sales Or Cost Of Sales Net Unrealized gain (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 Notional amount of forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments 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] Fair value, assets Derivative Assets Fair value, liabilities Derivative Liabilities Fair value, assets (liabilities), net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Revolving Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Financing [Axis] Financing [Axis] Financing [Domain] Financing [Domain] Amended and Restated Amount of Debt [Member] Amended and Restated Amount of Debt [Member] Amended and Restated Amount of Debt [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Guarantees [Abstract] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Standard warranty period Product Warranty Accrual Term Product Warranty Accrual Term Beginning balance Product Warranty Accrual Provision for warranties Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued Claims made Product Warranty Accrual, Payments Ending balance 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 Other Expense Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] 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 Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of net sales information by product line and reportable segment Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Reconciliation between segment operating income (loss) and income before income taxes Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of net sales information for geographic areas Schedule of Revenue, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Selected Quarterly Financial Data Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] 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, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Increases for positions taken in current periods Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Decreases in unrecorded tax positions related to settlement with the taxing authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Decreases in unrecorded tax positions related to lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Balance as of December 31 Unrecognized tax benefits, estimated range of change, lower bound Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Lower Bound Unrecognized tax benefits, estimated range of change, upper bound Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound Schedule of reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status of the pension plan Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of actuarial assumptions used Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of net benefit cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of allocation of plan assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of expected benefit payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Patents [Member] Patents [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets Patents purchased Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount Deferred income tax liabilities Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Deferred Tax Liabilities Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Deferred Tax Liabilities Business Combinations [Abstract] Viking Systems, Inc. [Member] Viking Systems, Inc. [Member] Viking Systems, Inc. [Member] Fair Value by Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, by Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value by Asset Class [Domain] Cash [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Fair Value by Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value, Liabilities, Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Accounts Payable [Member] Accounts Payable [Member] Deferred Income Taxes [Member] Deferred Income Taxes [Member] Deferred Income Taxes [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Cash paid for acqusition Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Assets Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Property, plant, & equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangibles Liabilities acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Net sales Revenue, Net Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Net sales Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Income Statement [Abstract] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Gross profit Gross Profit Selling and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Research and development expense Research and Development Expense Impairment of goodwill Other expense Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Loss on early extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Amortization of debt discount Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Interest expense Interest Expense Income (loss) before income taxes Provision (benefit) for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends per share of common stock Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Pension liability Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Cash flow hedging gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Provision (benefit) for income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of fair value for forward foreign exchange contracts Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Statement of Financial Position [Table Text Block] Net income 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 (per share) Diluted EPS (per share) Shares excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Dividends payable Dividends Payable 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] Patents and Other Intangible Assets [Member] Patents and Other Intangible Assets [Member] Patents and Other Intangible Assets [Member] Trademarks and Tradenames [Member] Trademarks and Tradenames [Member] Trademarks and Tradenames [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] 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, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Future amortization expense [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2012 Amortization of Intangible Assets 2013 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Letters of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Mortgages Notes [Member] Mortgages [Member] Variable Rate Basis [Axis] Variable Rate Basis [Axis] Variable Rate Basis [Axis] Variable Rate Basis [Domain] Variable Rate Basis [Domain] Variable Rate Basis [Domain] Alternate Base Rate [Member] Alternate Base Rate [Member] Alternate Base Rate [Member] LIBOR Rate [Member] LIBOR Rate [Member] LIBOR Rate [Member] 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 Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rate at period end Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End Schedule of Long-term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] CONMED Electrosurgery [Member] CONMED Electrosurgery [Member] CONMED Endosurgery [Member] CONMED Endosurgery [Member] CONMED Linvatec, Electrosurgery, and Endosurgery [Member] CONMED Linvatec, Electrosurgery, and Endosurgery [Member] Corporate [Member] Unallocated Amount to Segment [Member] Powered Surgical Instruments [Member] Powered Surgical Instruments [Member] Powered Surgical Instruments [Member] Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Canada CANADA United Kingdom UNITED KINGDOM Japan JAPAN Australia AUSTRALIA All other countires Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group One [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of principal operating segments Number of principal operating segments Number of principal operating segments Income (loss) from operations 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 Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Legal Matters Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Tax provision (benefit) at statutory rate based on income before income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes Stock-based compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost Foreign income taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential Impact of repatriation of foreign earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings Research & development credit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Research Settlement of taxing authority examinations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlements Non deductible/non-taxable items Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Effective income tax rate, continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations 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] Schedule of Estimated Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Principles of consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and other intangible assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other long-lived assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Translation of foreign currency financial statements Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign exchange and hedging activity Derivatives, Methods of Accounting, Hedging Derivatives [Policy Text Block] Income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Changes in the carrying amount of service and product warranties Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of restructuring costs Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] 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] Schedule of stock option and SAR activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of RSU and PSU activity Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Valuation Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity 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[Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Actual gain (loss) on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Benefits paid Fair value of plan assets at end of year Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Schedule of Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Schedule of Defined Contribution Plan [Table] 401K [Member] Defined Contribution Pension [Member] Schedule of Defined Contribution Plan [Line Items] Schedule of Defined Contribution Plan [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Employer contributions Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Guarantees Guarantees [Text Block] Accrued long-term pension liability 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 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 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 Payments on senior subordinated notes Repayments of Convertible Debt Extinguishment of debt Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Effective interest rate of nonconvertible debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Equity component at issuance Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component at Issuance Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component at Issuance Principal value at issuance Debt Instrument, Convertible, Face Amount at Issuance Debt Instrument, Convertible, Face Amount at Issuance Equity component at issuance, net of tax Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component at Issuance, Net of Tax Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component at Issuance, Net of Tax Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] CONMED Patient Care and Endoscopic Technologies [Member] CONMED Patient Care and Endoscopic Technologies [Member] CONMED Patient Care and Endoscopic Technologies [Member] Goodwill [Line 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Fixed Income Funds [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets by Measurement [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair value of plan assets Estimated employer contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,183 in 2011 and $1,203 in 2012 Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Inventory, Net Income taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current 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; 31,299,203 and 31,299,194 issued in 2011 and 2012, 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; 3,358,078 and 2,925,801 shares in 2011 and 2012, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total shareholders' equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Employee Stock [Member] Employee Stock [Member] 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, Discounted Price as Percentage of Market Price, Exercise Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discounted Price as Percentage of Market Price, Exercise Date 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, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized 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, Charged to Cost and Expense Charged to other accounts Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Balance at end of period Weighted average period costs expected to be recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Total fair value of shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Weighted average fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, 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Instruments, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual term, options exercisable (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value, options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Intrinsic value Aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercisable, Intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercisable, Intrinsic value Aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value 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 Dec. 31, 2011 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, 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Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures 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, Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercises in Period Number of shares, Outstanding at Dec. 31, 2012 Number of shares, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercisable, Number Number of shares, Outstanding at December 31, 2012 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 [Roll Forward] Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at December 31, 2011 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at December 31, 2011 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average exercise price, Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Granted 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 exercise price, Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted average exercise price, Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Vested 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 exercise price, Outstanding at December 31, 2012 Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable at December 31, 2012 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options and Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding at December 31, 2012 Fair Value Measurement Derivatives and Fair Value [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, all other Amortization Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes Sale of accounts receivable to (collections on behalf of) purchaser Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable from Securitization Income tax benefit of stock option exercises Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Loss on extinguishment of debt Increase (decrease) in cash flows from changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: 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 distribution agreements, 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 property 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] Net proceeds from common stock issued under employee plans Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Including Stock Options Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Payments on senior credit agreement Repayments of Senior Debt Proceeds of senior credit agreement Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Payments on mortgage notes Repayments of Secured Debt Payments on senior subordinated notes Payments related to issuance of debt 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 end of year Non-cash financing activities: Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Cash paid during the year for: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest Interest Paid Income taxes Income Taxes Paid Business Segments and Geographic Areas Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Operations and Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Other Expense Other Operating Income And Expense [Text Block] The entire disclosure for other operating income and other operating expense items. Costs associated with legal arbitration Scheduled maturities of long-term debt outstanding [Abstract] Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] 2013 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Cash Flow Hedging Gain (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Pension Liability [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Cumulative Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of the period Pension liability, net of income tax Cash flow hedging gain (loss), net of income tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of the period 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 Gross profit Net income (loss) EPS: Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2018-2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter 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] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Domestic Country [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] 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, Extraordinary Items, 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 Discount rate, projected benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Discount rate, net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate