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 Costs associated with legal arbitration Legal Fees Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 of debt discount Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization, all other Amortization Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Increase (decrease) in cash flows from changes in assets and liabilities: 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 payable 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] Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Payments related to business acquisitions and distribution agreement 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. 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 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 Dividends paid on common stock Payments of 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 financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Schedule of Comprehensive Income Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Fair Value for Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Statement of Financial Position [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of net benefit cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Other Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Other Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Other Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets and Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets and Other Assets Disclosure Guarantees [Abstract] Guarantees Guarantees [Text Block] Standard warranty period 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 Product Warranty Accrual Provision for warranties Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued Claims made Product Warranty Accrual, Payments Ending balance Interim financial information [Abstract] Interim financial information [Abstract] Interim financial information Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Employeer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Pension contributions and estimated employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions and Estimated Future Employer Contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions and Estimated Future Employer Contributions Estimated employeer contribution Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract] 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 Net amortization and deferral Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Changes in the carrying amount of service and product warranties Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of restructuring costs Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] 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 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] 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] Patents and Other Intangible Assets [Member] Patents and Other Intangible Assets [Member] Patents and Other Intangible Assets [Member] 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] 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 Weighted average amortization period (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Future amortization expense [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] 2012 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year One 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three 2016 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four 2017 Future Amortization Expense, Year Five Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales Revenue, Net 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 Other expense Other Nonrecurring Expense Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest Expense Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Per share data: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends per share of common stock (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Weighted average common shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted 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] Fair value of the Notes Long-term Debt, Fair Value Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] CONMED Linvatec [Member] CONMED Linvatec [Member] CONMED Linvatec [Member] CONMED Electrosurgery [Member] CONMED Electrosurgery [Member] CONMED Electrosurgery [Member] CONMED Endosurgery [Member] CONMED Endosurgery [Member] CONMED Endosurgery [Member] CONMED Linvatec, Electrosurgery, and Endosurgery [Member] CONMED Linvatec, Electrosurgery, and Endosurgery [Member] CONMED Linvatec, Electrosurgery, and Endosurgery [Member] CONMED Patient Care [Member] CONMED Patient Care [Member] CONMED Patient Care [Member] CONMED Endoscopic Technologies [Member] CONMED Endoscopic Technologies [Member] CONMED Endoscopic Technologies [Member] Corporate [Member] Unallocated Amount to Segment [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] Powered Surgical Instruments [Member] Powered Surgical Instruments [Member] Powered Surgical Instruments [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 from operations Income before income taxes 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 taxe Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Earnings and Dividends Per Share [Abstract] Earnings and Dividends Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Net income Basic-weighted average shares outstanding Effect of dilutive potential securities Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Diluted- weighted average shares outstanding Shares excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Dividends declared (dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Schedule of Other Assets [Table] Schedule of Other Assets [Table] Schedule of Other Assets [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Sports Medicine Allograft Product Line [Member] Sports Medicine Allograft Product Line [Member] Sports Medicine Allograft Product Line [Member] PRP Products [Member] Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Products [Member] Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Products [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] Other Assets [Line Items] Other Assets [Line Items] Other Assets [Line Items] Agreement term Joint Development and Distribution Agreement Term Joint Development and Distribution Agreement Term Number of new employees joining company Number of Employees Joining Company Number of Employees Joining Company 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 Percentage of revenue to be received as compensation for marketing efforts Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Compensation Percentage Joint Development and Distribution Agreement, Compensation Percentage 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 Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] 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 income (loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Roll Forward] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Pension liability, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Cash flow hedging loss, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Foreign currency transaction adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Fair Value of Financial Instruments Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current 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 income taxes 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 Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, 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, 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 outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 authorized; 31,299,203 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 Less: 3,358,078 and 2,888,975 shares of common stock in treasury, at cost in 2011 and 2012, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Legal Proceedings Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Pension Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segments and Geographic Areas Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Preferred stock, par value (dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (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, Number of Shares Held 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] Information by location on balance sheet. 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] 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 revenue or cost of sales The amount of net gains or losses on a cash flow hedge reclassified to revenues or cost of sales from accumulated other comprehensive income. Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 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 Other Expense [Abstract] Other Expense [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] Information by location in the income statement Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Location in the income statement. Other Expense [Member] Other Expense [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Administrative consolidation costs [Member] Administrative Consolidation Costs [Member] Administrative Consolidation Costs [Member] Facilities [Axis] Facilities [Axis] Facilities [Axis] Facilities [Domain] Facilities [Domain] Facilities [Domain] Facility - Utica, New York [Member] Facility - Utica, New York [Member] Facility - Utica, New York [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 of a distributor Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Other expense 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] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Facility Consolidation Costs [Member] Facility Consolidation Costs [Member] Facility Consolidation Costs [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Earnings and Dividends Per Share Earnings and Dividends Per Share [Text Block] Earnings and Dividends Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Other Expense Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] 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 Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill beginning balance Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill ending balance Goodwill accumulated impairment loss [Abstract] Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract] Total accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Cash flow hedging gain (loss), net of income tax Comprehensive income Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [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 Other Expense Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]