Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 21, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	XRAY
Entity Registrant Name	DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000818479
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		142,040,786
Entity Public Float			$ 5,613,249,611

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net sales	$ 2,537,718	$ 2,221,014	$ 2,159,378
Cost of products sold	1,264,278	1,090,856	1,053,015
Gross profit	1,273,440	1,130,158	1,106,363
Selling, general and administrative expenses	936,847	738,901	718,230
Restructuring and other costs	35,865	10,984	6,890
Operating income	300,728	380,273	381,243
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense	43,814	25,089	21,896
Interest income	(9,456)	(4,254)	(5,032)
Other expense (income), net	10,259	1,782	1,023
Income before income taxes	256,111	357,656	363,356
Provision for income taxes	11,016	89,225	88,944
Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated affilated company	2,351	(1,096)	0
Net income	247,446	267,335	274,412
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,926	1,627	154
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$ 244,520	$ 265,708	$ 274,258
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$ 1.73	$ 1.85	$ 1.85
Diluted	$ 1.70	$ 1.82	$ 1.83
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	141,386	143,980	148,319
Diluted	143,553	145,985	150,102

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 77,128	$ 540,038
Accounts and notes receivable-trade, net	427,709	344,796
Inventories, net	361,762	308,738
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	146,304	121,473
Total Current Assets	1,012,903	1,315,045
Property, plant and equipment, net	591,445	423,105
Identifiable intangible assets, net	791,100	78,743
Goodwill, net	2,190,063	1,303,055
Other noncurrent assets, net	169,887	138,003
Total Assets	4,755,398	3,257,951
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	149,117	114,479
Accrued liabilities	289,201	224,745
Income taxes payable	9,054	13,113
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	276,701	7,754
Total Current Liabilities	724,073	360,091
Long-term debt	1,490,010	604,015
Deferred income taxes	249,822	72,489
Other noncurrent liabilities	407,342	311,444
Total Liabilities	2,871,247	1,348,039
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; .25 million shares authorized; no shares issued	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value; 200.0 million shares authorized; 162.8 million shares issued at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	1,628	1,628
Capital in excess of par value	229,687	204,902
Retained earnings	2,535,709	2,320,350
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(190,970)	24,156
Treasury stock, at cost, 21.1 million shares at December 31, 2011 and 21.0 million shares at December 31, 2010	(727,977)	(711,650)
Total DENTSPLY International Equity	1,848,077	1,839,386
Noncontrolling Interests	36,074	70,526
Total Equity	1,884,151	1,909,912
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 4,755,398	$ 3,257,951

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	250,000	250,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	162,800,000	162,800,000
Treasury stock, shares	21,100,000	21,000,000

- Definition

Face amount or stated value per share of nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer); generally not indicative of the fair market value per share.

+ References+ Details

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Total DENTSPLY International Equity	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 1,659,413	$ 1,628	$ 187,154	$ 1,838,958	$ 39,612	$ (479,630)	$ 1,587,722	$ 71,691
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	274,412			274,258			274,258	154
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	53,574				50,566		50,566	3,008
Net loss on derivative financial instruments	(13,960)				(13,960)		(13,960)
Pension liability adjustments	7,324				7,324		7,324
Comprehensive Income	321,350						318,188	3,162
Exercise of stock options	13,406		(11,515)			24,921	13,406
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	3,505		3,505				3,505
Share based compensation expense	16,276		16,276				16,276
Funding of Employee Stock Option Plan	1,345		(63)			1,408	1,345
Treasury shares purchased	(78,718)					(78,718)	(78,718)
RSU dividends			138	(138)
Cash dividends ($0.205 in 2011,$0.200 in 2010 and $0.200 in 2009 per share)	(29,619)			(29,619)			(29,619)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	1,906,958	1,628	195,495	2,083,459	83,542	(532,019)	1,832,105	74,853
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	267,335			265,708			265,708	1,627
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(54,111)				(49,519)		(49,519)	(4,592)
Net loss on derivative financial instruments	(12,848)				(12,848)		(12,848)
Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments	11,029				11,029		11,029
Pension liability adjustments	(8,048)				(8,048)		(8,048)
Comprehensive Income	203,357						206,322	(2,965)
Exercise of stock options	30,189		(10,107)			40,296	30,189
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	4,663		4,663				4,663
Share based compensation expense	18,803		18,803				18,803
Funding of Employee Stock Option Plan	1,340		208			1,132	1,340
Treasury shares purchased	(223,993)					(223,993)	(223,993)
Dividends from noncontrolling interests	(1,362)							(1,362)
RSU distributions	(1,379)		(4,313)			2,934	(1,379)
RSU dividends	0		153	(153)		0	0
Cash dividends ($0.205 in 2011,$0.200 in 2010 and $0.200 in 2009 per share)	(28,664)			(28,664)			(28,664)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	1,909,912	1,628	204,902	2,320,350	24,156	(711,650)	1,839,386	70,526
Comprehensive Income:
Net income	247,446			244,520			244,520	2,926
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(208,009)				(207,813)		(207,813)	(196)
Net loss on derivative financial instruments	9,258				9,258		9,258
Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale investments	(11,545)				(11,545)		(11,545)
Pension liability adjustments	(3,164)				(3,164)		(3,164)
Comprehensive Income	33,986						31,256	2,730
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	(16,088)		22,782		(1,862)		20,920	(37,008)
Exercise of stock options	42,275		(14,677)			56,952	42,275
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	1,039		1,039				1,039
Share based compensation expense	20,947		20,947				20,947
Funding of Employee Stock Option Plan	2,974		379			2,595	2,974
Treasury shares purchased	(79,500)					(79,500)	(79,500)
Dividends from noncontrolling interests	(174)							(174)
RSU distributions	(2,246)		(5,872)			3,626	(2,246)
RSU dividends	0		187	(187)		0	0
Cash dividends ($0.205 in 2011,$0.200 in 2010 and $0.200 in 2009 per share)	(28,974)			(28,974)			(28,974)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 1,884,151	$ 1,628	$ 229,687	$ 2,535,709	$ (190,970)	$ (727,977)	$ 1,848,077	$ 36,074

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 247,446	$ 267,335	$ 274,412
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	64,039	56,868	54,087
Amortization of intangible and other assets	20,996	9,044	10,643
Amortization of deferred financing costs	8,023	428	445
Deferred income taxes	(88,402)	15,119	195
Share based compensation expense	20,947	18,803	16,276
Restructuring and other costs - non-cash	2,460	379	369
Stock option income tax benefit	(1,039)	(4,663)	(3,505)
Net interest expense on derivatives with an other than insignificant financing element	3,853	1,635	0
Other non-cash expense (income)	18,587	7,249	(8,650)
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment	570	113	(1,997)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts and notes receivable-trade, net	1,469	5,115	(16,942)
Inventories, net	21,503	(9,309)	27,710
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(933)	(3,705)	6,996
Other noncurrent assets	(1,560)	(1,154)	(192)
Accounts payable	10,816	2,165	(4,947)
Accrued liabilities	38,365	9,004	(1,708)
Income taxes	26,139	2,786	8,104
Other noncurrent liabilities	190	249	1,193
Net cash provided by operating activities	393,469	377,461	362,489
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses and equity investments	(1,787,516)	(35,556)	(2,986)
Capital expenditures	(71,186)	(44,236)	(56,481)
Purchase of convertible debt issued by affiliate	0	(49,654)	0
Purchase of company owned life insurance policies	0	(2,000)	0
Payments on settlement of net investment hedges	(25,575)	(34,978)	0
Expenditures for identifiable intangible assets	(3,068)	(1,606)	(14)
Liquidations of short-term investments	6	0	222
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	497	3,562	5,860
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,886,842)	(164,468)	(53,399)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of deferred financing costs	1,106,514	368,611	86,091
Payments on long-term borrowings	(251,932)	(242,137)	(58,403)
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings	270,209	(9,657)	(7,465)
Payments on terminated derivative instruments	(34,628)	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	42,275	30,189	13,406
Excess tax benefits from share based compensation	1,039	4,663	3,505
Cash paid for contingent consideration on prior acquisitions	(3,023)	0	0
Cash paid for acquisition of noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries	(16,088)	0	0
Cash paid for treasury stock	(79,500)	(223,993)	(78,718)
Cash dividends paid	(28,632)	(29,077)	(29,836)
Net interest payments on derivatives with an other-than-insignificant financing element	(3,853)	(1,635)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,002,381	(103,036)	(71,420)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	28,082	(20,267)	8,687
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(462,910)	89,690	246,357
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	540,038	450,348	203,991
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	77,128	540,038	450,348
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	34,048	21,856	23,231
Income taxes paid	$ 58,646	$ 64,787	$ 76,207

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

DENTSPLY International Inc. (“DENTSPLY” or the “Company”), designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of professional dental products. The Company believes that it is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of dental prosthetics, endodontic instruments and materials, and ultrasonic scalers; the leading United States manufacturer and distributor of denture teeth, dental handpieces, dental x-ray film holders, film mounts and prophylaxis paste; and a leading worldwide manufacturer or distributor of dental injectable anesthetics, impression materials, orthodontic appliances, dental cutting instruments, dental implants and restorative dental materials, dental sealants, and crown and bridge materials. The Company most recently expanded into consumable medical devices products consisting mainly of urological catheters and certain surgical products. The Company distributes its products in over 120 countries under some of the most well established brand names in the industry.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company. The Company also consolidates all variable interest entities (“VIE”) where the Company has determined that it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and shares in either the significant risks or rewards of the VIE. The Company continually reassesses its VIE to determine if consolidation is appropriate. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships as well as less than 20 percent ownership positions where the Company maintains significant influence over the subsidiary) are accounted for using the equity method.

The accompanying audited consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 include the results of operations for Astra Tech AB (“Astra Tech”) for the period September 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. The accompanying audited consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011 includes Astra Tech's acquired assets and assumed liabilities. (See Note 3 - Business Acquisitions and Investments in Affiliates).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include deposits with banks as well as highly liquid time deposits with maturities at the date of purchase of ninety days or less.

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments are highly liquid time deposits with original maturities at the date of purchase greater than ninety days and with remaining maturities of one year or less.

Accounts and Notes Receivable-Trade

The Company sells dental and certain healthcare products through a worldwide network of distributors and directly to end users. For customers on credit terms, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluation of those customers' financial condition and generally does not require collateral from them. The Company establishes allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company records a provision for doubtful accounts, which is included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses.”

Accounts receivable – trade is stated net of these allowances that were $15.0 million and $8.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The 2011 amount includes $7.4 million related to Astra Tech. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company wrote-off $1.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, of accounts receivable that were previously reserved. The Company increased the provision for doubtful accounts by $0.5 million during 2011. In 2010, the Company reduced the provision for doubtful accounts by $0.2 million.

Additionally, notes receivable – trade is stated net of these allowances that were $0.9 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts on notes receivable – trade of $1.0 million for 2011 and $0.7 million for 2010. Additionally, the Company wrote-off $0.9 million in 2011.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the cost of $7.1 million, or 2.0%, and $6.9 million, or 2.2%, respectively, of inventories was determined by the last in, first-out (“LIFO”) method. The cost of other inventories was determined by the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods. The Company establishes reserves for inventory estimated to be obsolete or unmarketable equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.

If the FIFO method had been used to determine the cost of LIFO inventories, the amounts at which net inventories are stated would be higher than reported at December 31, 2011 and 2010 by $5.6 million and $4.9 million, respectively.

Valuation of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets

Assessment of the potential impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets is an integral part of the Company's normal ongoing review of operations. Testing for potential impairment of these assets is significantly dependent on assumptions and reflects management's best estimates at a particular point in time. The dynamic economic environments in which the Company's businesses operate and key economic and business assumptions with respect to projected selling prices, increased competition and introductions of new technologies can significantly affect the outcome of impairment tests. Estimates based on these assumptions may differ significantly from actual results. Changes in factors and assumptions used in assessing potential impairments can have a significant impact on the existence and magnitude of impairments, as well as the time at which such impairments are recognized. If there are unfavorable changes in these assumptions, future cash flows, a key variable in assessing the impairment of these assets, may decrease and as a result the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges. Future changes in the environment and the economic outlook for the assets being evaluated could also result in additional impairment charges being recognized. The following information outlines the Company's significant accounting policies on long-lived assets by type.

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, during the Company's second quarter, or when indications of potential impairment exist. The Company monitors for the existence of potential impairment throughout the year. This impairment assessment includes an evaluation of various reporting units, which is an operating segment or one reporting level below the operating segment. The Company performs impairment tests using a fair value approach. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential goodwill impairment. If impairment is identified on goodwill, the resulting charge is determined by recalculating goodwill through a hypothetical purchase price allocation of the fair value and reducing the current carrying value to the extent it exceeds the recalculated goodwill.

The Company's fair value approach involves using a discounted cash flow model with market-based support as its valuation technique to measure the fair value for its reporting units. The discounted cash flow model uses five-year forecasted cash flows plus a terminal value based on a multiple of earnings. In addition, the Company applies gross profit and operating expense assumptions consistent with its historical trends. The total cash flows were discounted based on market participant data, which included the Company's weighted-average cost of capital. The Company considered the current market conditions when determining its assumptions. Lastly, the Company reconciled the aggregate fair values of its reporting units to its market capitalization, which included a reasonable control premium based on market conditions. Additional information related to the testing for goodwill impairment is provided in Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets.

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of tradenames and are not subject to amortization. Valuations of identifiable intangibles assets acquired are based on information and assumptions available at the time of acquisition, using income and market model approaches to determine fair value. In-process research and development assets are not subject to amortization until the product associated with the research and development is substantially complete and is a viable product. At that time, the useful life to amortize the intangible asset is determined by identifying the period in which substantially all the cash flows are expected to be generated and the asset is moved to definite-lived.

These assets are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company uses an income approach, more specifically a relief from royalty method. Significant management judgment is necessary to determine key assumptions, including projected revenue, royalty rates and appropriate discount rates. Royalty rates used are consistent with those assumed for the original purchase accounting valuation. Other assumptions are consistent with those applied to goodwill impairment testing. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, an impairment loss in the amount equal to the excess is recognized.

Identifiable Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

Identifiable definite-lived intangible assets, which primarily consist of patents, trademarks, brand names, non-compete agreements and licensing agreements, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Valuations of identifiable intangibles assets acquired are based on information and assumptions available at the time of acquisition, using income and market model approaches to determine fair value.

These assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company closely monitors certain intangible assets related to new and existing technologies for indicators of impairment as these assets have more risk of becoming impaired. Impairment is based upon an initial evaluation of the identifiable undiscounted cash flows. If the initial evaluation identifies a potential impairment, a fair value is determined by using a discounted cash flows valuation. If impaired, the resulting charge reflects the excess of the asset’s carrying cost over its fair value.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Except for leasehold improvements, depreciation for financial reporting purposes is computed by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: buildings - generally 40 years and machinery and equipment - 4 to 15 years. The cost of leasehold improvements is amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the term of the lease. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred to the statement of operations; replacements and major improvements are capitalized. These assets groups are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the asset group may not be recoverable. Impairment is based upon an evaluation of the identifiable undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the resulting charge reflects the excess of the asset group’s carrying cost over its fair value.

Marketable Securities

The Company's marketable securities consist of debt instruments that are classified as available-for-sale in “Other noncurrent assets, net” on the consolidated balance sheets as the instruments mature in December 2015. The Company determined the appropriate classification at the time of purchase and will re-evaluate such designation as of each balance sheet date. In addition, the Company reviews the securities each quarter for indications of possible impairment. Once identified, the determination of whether the impairment is temporary or other-than-temporary requires significant judgment. The primary factors that the Company considers in classifying the impairment include the extent and time the fair value of each investment has been below cost and the existence of a credit loss. If a decline in fair value is judged other-than-temporary, the basis of the securities is written down to fair value and the amount of the write-down is included as a realized loss.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company records all derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recorded each period in the consolidated statements of operations or accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).

The Company employs derivative financial instruments to hedge certain anticipated transactions, firm commitments, and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. Additionally, the Company utilizes interest rate swaps to convert floating rate debt to fixed rate, fixed rate debt to floating rate, cross currency basis swaps to convert debt denominated in one currency to another currency, and commodity swaps to fix its variable raw materials costs.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

Some of the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are covered by government or Company-sponsored defined benefit plans. Many of the employees have available to them defined contribution plans. Additionally, certain union and salaried employee groups in the United States are covered by postretirement healthcare plans. Costs for Company-sponsored defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans are based on expected return on plan assets, discount rates, employee compensation increase rates and health care cost trends. Expected return on plan assets, discount rates and health care cost trend assumptions are particularly important when determining the Company’s benefit obligations and net periodic benefit costs associated with postretirement benefits. Changes in these assumptions can impact the Company’s earnings before income taxes. In determining the cost of postretirement benefits, certain assumptions are established annually to reflect market conditions and plan experience to appropriately reflect the expected costs as actuarially determined. These assumptions include medical inflation trend rates, discount rates, employee turnover and mortality rates. The Company predominantly uses liability durations in establishing its discount rates, which are observed from indices of high-grade corporate bond yields in the respective economic regions of the plans. The expected return on plan assets is the weighted average long-term expected return based upon asset allocations and historic average returns for the markets where the assets are invested, principally in foreign locations. The Company reports the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans on its consolidated balance sheets as a net liability or asset. Additional information related to the impact of changes in these assumptions is provided in Note 13, Benefit Plans.

Accruals for Self-Insured Losses

The Company maintains insurance for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, general liability, product liability and vehicle liability, and is self-insured for employee related health care benefits. The Company accrues for the expected costs associated with these risks by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other relevant information. Costs are recognized in the period the claim is incurred, and the financial statement accruals include an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company has stop-loss coverage to limit its exposure to any significant exposure on a per claim basis.

Litigation

The Company and its subsidiaries are from time to time parties to lawsuits arising out of their respective operations. The Company records liabilities when a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. These estimates are typically in the form of ranges, and the Company records the liabilities at the low point of the ranges, when no other point within the ranges are a better estimate of the probable loss. The ranges established by management are based on analysis made by internal and external legal counsel who considers information known at the time. If the Company determines a liability to be only reasonably possible, it considers the same information to estimate the possible exposure and discloses any material potential liability. These loss contingencies are monitored regularly for a change in fact or circumstance that would require an accrual adjustment. The Company believes it has estimated liabilities for probable losses appropriately in the past; however, the unpredictability of litigation and court decisions could cause a liability to be incurred in excess of estimates. Legal costs related to these lawsuits are expensed as incurred.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

AOCI includes foreign currency translation adjustments related to the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, net of the related changes in certain financial instruments hedging these foreign currency investments. In addition, changes in the Company’s fair value of certain derivative financial instruments, net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities and pension liability adjustments and prior service costs, net are recorded in AOCI. These changes are recorded in AOCI net of any related tax adjustments. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, these tax adjustments were $167.5 million, $158.7 million and $143.0 million, respectively, primarily related to foreign currency translation adjustments.

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



	December 31,
(in thousands)	2011			2010

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

The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments included translation gains of $96.3 million and $294.6 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, offset by losses of $133.5 million and $124.0 million, respectively, on loans designated as hedges of net investments.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency for foreign operations, except for those in highly inflationary economies, has been determined to be the local currency.

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at foreign exchange rates on the balance sheet date; revenue and expenses are translated at the average year-to-date foreign exchange rates. The effects of these translation adjustments are reported in Equity within AOCI of the consolidated balance sheets. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company had losses of $9.6 million on its loans designated as hedges of net investments and translation losses of $200.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company had losses of $16.3 million on its loans designated as hedges of net investments and translation losses of $33.2 million.

Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity involved and remeasurement adjustments in countries with highly inflationary economies are included in income. Net foreign exchange transaction losses of $2.9 million, $3.3 million and $0.3 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, are included in “Other expense (income), net” on the consolidated statements of operations.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue, net of related discounts and allowances, is recognized when the earnings process is complete. This occurs when products are shipped to or received by the customer in accordance with the terms of the agreement, title and risk of loss have been transferred, collectability is reasonably assured and pricing is fixed or determinable. Net sales include shipping and handling costs collected from customers in connection with the sale. Sales taxes, value added taxes and other similar types of taxes collected from customers in connection with the sale are recorded by the Company on a net basis and are not included in the statement of operations.

Certain of the Company's customers are offered cash rebates based on targeted sales increases. Estimates of rebates are based on the forecasted performance of the customer and their expected level of achievement within the rebate programs. In accounting for these rebate programs, the Company records an accrual as a reduction of net sales as sales take place over the period the rebate is earned. The Company revises the accruals for these rebate programs as actual results and revised forecasts impact the estimated achievement for customers within the rebate programs.

A portion of the Company’s net sales is comprised of sales of precious metals generated through its precious metal dental alloy product offerings. As the precious metal content of the Company’s sales is largely a pass-through to customers, the Company uses its cost of precious metal purchased as a proxy for the precious metal content of sales, as the precious metal content of sales is not separately tracked and invoiced to customers. The Company believes that it is reasonable to use the cost of precious metal content purchased in this manner since precious metal alloy sale prices are typically adjusted when the prices of underlying precious metals change. The precious metals content of sales was $205.1 million, $189.2 million and $168.7 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold represents costs directly related to the manufacture and distribution of the Company’s products. Primary costs include raw materials, packaging, direct labor, overhead, shipping and handling, warehousing and the depreciation of manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities. Overhead and related expenses include salaries, wages, employee benefits, utilities, lease costs, maintenance and property taxes.

Warranties

The Company provides warranties on certain equipment products. Estimated warranty costs are accrued when sales are made to customers. Estimates for warranty costs are based primarily on historical warranty claim experience. Warranty costs are included in “Cost of products sold.”

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses represent costs incurred in generating revenues and in managing the business of the Company. Such costs include advertising and other marketing expenses, salaries, employee benefits, incentive compensation, research and development, travel, office expenses, lease costs, amortization of capitalized software and depreciation of administrative facilities.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development (“R&D”) costs relate primarily to internal costs for salaries and direct overhead expenses. In addition, the Company contracts with outside vendors to conduct R&D activities. All such R&D costs are charged to expense when incurred. The Company capitalizes the costs of equipment that have general R&D uses and expenses such equipment that is solely for specific R&D projects. The depreciation expense related to this capitalized equipment is included in the Company’s R&D costs. R&D costs are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” and amounted to $66.7 million, $49.4 million and $50.3 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Stock Compensation

The Company recognizes the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions in the financial statements. The cost of share-based payment transactions is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity awards). The compensation cost is only recognized for the portion of the awards that are expected to vest.

Income Taxes

The Company’s tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes plus the provision for U.S. taxes on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries not deemed to be permanently invested. Tax credits and other incentives reduce tax expense in the year the credits are claimed. Certain items of income and expense are not reported in tax returns and financial statements in the same year. The tax effect of such temporary differences is reported as deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not that the assets will be realized in future years. The Company establishes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for which realization is not likely.

The Company applies a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Company recognizes in the financial statements, the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period, adjusted for the effect of an assumed exercise of all dilutive options outstanding at the end of the period.

Business Acquisitions

The Company acquires businesses as well as partial interests in businesses. Acquired businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires the Company to record assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair values with the excess of the purchase price over estimated fair values recorded as goodwill. The assumptions made in determining the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities as well as asset lives can materially impact the results of operations.

The Company obtains information during due diligence and through other sources to establish respective fair values. Examples of factors and information that the Company uses to determine the fair values include: tangible and intangible asset evaluations and appraisals; evaluations of existing contingencies and liabilities and product line integration information. If the initial valuation for an acquisition is incomplete by the end of the quarter in which the acquisition occurred, the Company will record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. The provisional estimate will be finalized as soon as information becomes available but will only occur up to one year from the acquisition date.

Equity Method Investments

Investments in partnerships, joint ventures and less-than-majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company has significant influence are accounted for under the equity method.

Equity investments are carried at original cost adjusted for the proportionate share of the investees’ income, losses and distributions. The Company assesses the carrying value of its equity investments when an indicator of a loss in value is present and record a loss in value of the investment when the assessment indicates that an other-than-temporary decline in the investment exists.

The Company classifies its equity in net earnings of unconsolidated affiliates in the consolidated statements of operations under the title of “Equity in net income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliated company”.

Noncontrolling Interests

The Company reports noncontrolling interest (“NCI”) in a subsidiary as a separate component of Equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, the Company reports the portion of net income and comprehensive income (loss) attributed to the Company and NCI separately in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company also includes a separate column for NCI in the consolidated statements of changes in equity and comprehensive income.

Variable Interest Entities

The Company follows US GAAP accounting guidance for variable interest entities (“VIE”). The guidance includes: (1) the elimination of the exemption from consolidation for qualifying special purpose entities, (2) a new approach for determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE, which requires that the primary beneficiary have both (i) the power to control the most significant activities of the VIE and (ii) either the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE, and (3) the requirement to continually reassess who should consolidate a VIE.

The Company consolidates all VIE where the Company has determined that it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and shares in either the significant risks or rewards of the VIE. The Company continually reassesses VIE to determine if consolidation is appropriate. The Company continues to believe that it is the primary beneficiary of one entity under the accounting guidance.

Segment Reporting

The Company has numerous operating businesses covering a wide range of products and geographic regions, primarily serving the professional dental market. Professional dental products represented approximately 93% of sales in 2011, and 97% in both 2010 and 2009. The Company has four reportable segments and a description of the activities of these segments is included in Note 4, Segment and Geographic Information.

Fair Value Measurement

Recurring Basis

The Company records certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the accounting guidance, which defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The accounting guidance establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. The three broad levels defined by the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date.

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The nature of these financial instruments include, derivative instruments whose fair value have been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 - Instruments that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date. These financial instruments do not have two-way markets and are measured using management's best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation.

The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of certain financial assets and liabilities generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Pricing observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument. Financial assets and liabilities with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of pricing observability and a lesser degree of judgment utilized in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial assets and liabilities rarely traded or not quoted will generally have less, or no pricing observability and a higher degree of judgment utilized in measuring fair value.

The Company primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavors to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Additionally, the Company considers its credit risks and its counterparties' credit risks when determining the fair values of its financial assets and liabilities. The Company has presented the required disclosures in Note 16, Fair Value Measurement.

Non-Recurring Basis

When events or circumstances require an asset or liability to be fair valued that otherwise is generally recorded based on another valuation method, such as, net realizable value, the Company will utilize the valuation techniques described above.

Revision to Statement of Cash Flows

The Company revised certain items in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2010, six months ended June 30, 2010, nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2010 and for the three months ended March 31, 2011, six months ended June 30, 2011 and nine months ended September 30, 2011 to correct an error in classification of settlements of certain derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges and interest payments on derivatives containing an other-than-insignificant financing element. The settlement of net investment hedges were made several times during the year ended December 31, 2010 and were reflected incorrectly in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods of three months ended March 31, 2010, six months ended June 30, 2010, nine months ended September 30, 2010, and full year ended December 31, 2010. Derivative instruments containing an other-than-insignificant financing element were entered into during 2009, and the payments of interest were reflected incorrectly in the consolidated statements of cash flows for each period of three months ended March 31, 2010, six months ended June 30, 2010, nine months ended September 30, 2010, full year ended December 31, 2010, three months ended March 31, 2011, six months ended June 30, 2011 and nine months ended September 30, 2011. The revisions of cash flow classifications in the consolidated statements of cash flows had no impact to the Company's consolidated statements of operations or consolidated balance sheets for any of the periods noted above. Additionally, the revisions did not impact the Company's previously issued disclosures about compliance with respect to debt covenant calculations for any of the relevant periods. The Company has concluded that the revisions were not material to previously issued consolidated financial statements. As a result of the incorrect classification, the Company has made reclassifications to the quarterly consolidated statements of cash flows for 2011 and 2010 as follows:



(in thousands)	As Previously
	Reported			Revision			As Revised

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reclassification of Prior Year Amounts

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' data in order to conform to current year presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended its rules regarding the presentation of comprehensive income. The objective of this amendment is to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. Specifically, this amendment requires that all non-owner changes in shareholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new rules will become effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, with the exception of the requirement to present reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to net income on the face of the financial statements, which has been deferred pending further deliberation by the FASB. Because the standard only impacts the presentation of comprehensive income and does not impact what is included in comprehensive income, the standard will not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-08, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (ASU 2011-08). This newly issued accounting standard is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual goodwill impairment test by providing entities an option to perform a "qualitative" assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. Under the revised standard, an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step impairment test. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required; otherwise, no further testing is required. Prior to the issuance of the revised standard, an entity was required to perform step one of the impairment test at least annually by calculating and comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount. Under the revised standard, if an entity determines that step one is necessary and the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then step two of the test will continue to be required to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. These amendments do not change the current guidance for testing other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. This ASU is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this standard will not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

+ References+ Details

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

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



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

Diluted	$	244,520	143,553	$	1.70

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

Diluted	$	265,708	145,985	$	1.82

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

Diluted	$	274,258	150,102	$	1.83

Options to purchase 3.2 million, 3.1 million and 2.9 million shares of common stock that were outstanding during the years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share since the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract]

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES

Business Acquisitions

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

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

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

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

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



(in thousands)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intangible assets acquired consist of the following:



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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Investment in Affiliates

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

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

Variable Interest Entities

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

- Definition

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

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-Publisher FASB

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

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-Number 141R

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+ Details

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

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

United States, Germany and Certain Other European Regions Consumable Businesses

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

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

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

Canada/Latin America/Endodontics/Orthodontics/Astra Tech

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

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

Dental Laboratory Business/Implants/Non-Dental

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

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

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

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

Third Party Net Sales



(in thousands)	2011	2010

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash dividends, per share	$ 0.205	$ 0.200	$ 0.200