DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMAITON (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 10, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Entity [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0000818479
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Trading Symbol	XRAY
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		140,351,339
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 6,713,171,065

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,922,620	$ 2,950,770	$ 2,928,429
Cost of products sold	1,322,831	1,373,358	1,372,042
Gross profit	1,599,789	1,577,412	1,556,387
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,143,106	1,144,890	1,148,731
Restructuring and other costs	11,083	13,356	25,717
Operating income	445,600	419,166	381,939
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense	46,910	49,625	56,851
Interest income	(5,592)	(8,123)	(8,760)
Other expense (income), net	(91)	8,329	3,169
Income before income taxes	404,373	369,335	330,679
Provision for income taxes	81,120	52,150	8,920
Equity in net (loss) income of unconsolidated affiliated company	(340)	976	(3,270)
Net income	322,913	318,161	318,489
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	59	4,969	4,276
Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$ 322,854	$ 313,192	$ 314,213
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$ 2.28	$ 2.20	$ 2.22
Diluted	$ 2.24	$ 2.16	$ 2.18
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	141,714	142,663	141,850
Diluted	144,219	144,965	143,945

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 151,639	$ 74,954
Accounts and notes receivable-trade, net	426,606	472,802
Inventories, net	387,095	438,559
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	241,630	157,487
Total Current Assets	1,206,970	1,143,802
Property, plant and equipment, net	588,845	637,172
Identifiable intangible assets, net	670,840	795,323
Goodwill, net	2,089,339	2,281,596
Other noncurrent assets, net	94,271	220,154
Total Assets	4,650,265	5,078,047
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	132,611	132,789
Accrued liabilities	379,202	339,308
Income taxes payable	28,948	14,446
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt	112,831	309,862
Total Current Liabilities	653,592	796,405
Long-term debt	1,152,882	1,166,178
Deferred income taxes	165,551	238,394
Other noncurrent liabilities	356,042	299,096
Total Liabilities	2,328,067	2,500,073
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, 2014 and 2013	1,628	1,628
Capital in excess of par value	221,669	255,272
Retained earnings	3,380,748	3,095,721
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(441,136)	(69,062)
Treasury stock, at cost, 21.9 million and 20.5 million shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.	(841,630)	(748,506)
Total DENTSPLY International Equity	2,321,279	2,535,053
Noncontrolling Interests	919	42,921
Total Equity	2,322,198	2,577,974
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 4,650,265	$ 5,078,047

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	250,000.00	250,000.00
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	200,000,000.0	200,000,000.0
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	162,800,000	162,800,000
Treasury Stock, Shares	21,932,000,000	20,535,000,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income	$ 322,913	$ 318,161	$ 318,489
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	81,163	81,639	79,456
Amortization of intangible and other assets	47,914	46,264	49,743
Amortization of deferred financing costs	4,607	4,984	7,045
Deferred income taxes	17,484	(29,156)	(65,527)
Share based compensation expense	25,428	25,099	22,187
Restructuring and other costs - non-cash	5,818	14,008	20,229
Stock option income tax benefit	(2,093)	(2,406)	(13,009)
Equity in earnings (loss) from unconsolidated affiliates	340	(976)	3,270
Other non-cash expense (income)	9,850	19,760	(15,564)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	492	685	808
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts and notes receivable-trade, net	7,196	(32,532)	(12,591)
Inventories, net	21,032	(25,367)	(36,792)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(16,101)	26,929	(15,126)
Other noncurrent assets	4,882	(1,065)	853
Accounts payable	10,043	(36,728)	12,843
Accrued liabilities	(12,218)	(4,187)	(976)
Income taxes	22,441	(458)	22,105
Other noncurrent liabilities	9,210	13,192	(7,758)
Net cash provided by operating activities	560,401	417,846	369,685
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash paid for acquisitions of businesses and equity investments	(8,566)	(66,247)	(4,861)
Proceeds from the sale of businesses	6,525
Purchases of short term time deposits	(2,271)
Liquidation of short term time deposits	1,136
Capital expenditures	(99,578)	(100,345)	(92,072)
Purchase of company owned life insurance policies	(900)	(1,500)	(1,577)
Cash received on derivative contracts	67,207	10,784
Cash paid on derivative contracts	(96,472)	(104,880)	(14,221)
Expenditures for identifiable intangible assets	(6,189)	(1,076)	(3,329)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	415	3,033	1,039
Net cash used in investing activities	(138,693)	(260,231)	(115,021)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of deferred financing costs	114,342	174,628
Payments on long-term borrowings	(199,180)	(251,383)
(Decrease) increase in short-term borrowings	(101,850)	57,261	(228,912)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	49,024	66,913	34,183
Excess tax benefits from share based compensation	2,093	2,406	13,009
Cash paid for contingent consideration on prior acquisitions			(2,519)
Cash paid for acquisition of noncontrolling interests of consolidated subsidiaries	(33)	(8,960)
Cash paid for treasury stock	(163,192)	(118,024)	(38,837)
Cash dividends paid	(37,387)	(34,874)	(31,425)
Cash received on derivative contracts		7
Cash paid on derivative contracts		(49,659)	(1,108)
Net cash used in financing activities	(336,183)	(161,685)	(255,609)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(8,840)	(1,108)	3,949
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	76,685	(5,178)	3,004
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	74,954	80,132	77,128
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	151,639	74,954	80,132
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	47,821	50,469	60,166
Income taxes paid	$ 48,675	$ 49,832	$ 109,544

Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income Statement (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 322,913	$ 318,161	$ 318,489
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(354,138)	88,931	93,775
Net gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments	49,314	(29,725)	(25,752)
Net unrealized holding (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities	(4,248)	(5,093)	18,338
Pension liability adjustments	(63,658)	23,266	(39,196)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(372,730)	77,379	47,165
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(49,817)	395,540	365,654
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(597)	7,210	4,671
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to DENTSPLY International	$ (49,220)	$ 388,330	$ 360,983

Consolidated Statements of Equity Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Parent	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders' Equity Balance at the Beginning of Period at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 1,884,151	$ 1,848,077	$ 1,628	$ 229,687	$ 2,535,709	$ (190,970)	$ (727,977)	$ 36,074
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	318,489	314,213			314,213			4,276
Foreign currency translation adjustments	47,165	46,770				46,770		395
Exercise of stock options	34,183	34,183		(10,482)			44,665
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	13,009	13,009		13,009
Share based compensation expense	22,187	22,187		22,187
Funding of Employee Stock Ownership Plan	3,641	3,641		370			3,271
Treasury shares purchased	(38,837)	(38,837)					(38,837)
RSU distributions	(3,314)	(3,314)		(8,453)			5,139
RSU dividends				230	(230)
Cash dividends	(31,231)	(31,231)			(31,231)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.220
Stockholders' Equity Balance at the End of Period at Dec. 31, 2012	2,249,443	2,208,698	1,628	246,548	2,818,461	(144,200)	(713,739)	40,745
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	318,161	313,192			313,192			4,969
Foreign currency translation adjustments	77,379	75,138				75,138		2,241
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	(8,960)	(3,926)		(3,926)				(5,034)
Exercise of stock options	66,913	66,913		(7,317)			74,230
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	2,406	2,406		2,406
Share based compensation expense	25,099	25,099		25,099
Funding of Employee Stock Ownership Plan	4,657	4,657		959			3,698
Treasury shares purchased	(118,024)	(118,024)					(118,024)
RSU distributions	(3,466)	(3,466)		(8,795)			5,329
RSU dividends				298	(298)
Cash dividends	(35,634)	(35,634)			(35,634)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.250
Stockholders' Equity Balance at the End of Period at Dec. 31, 2013	2,577,974	2,535,053	1,628	255,272	3,095,721	(69,062)	(748,506)	42,921
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	322,913	322,854			322,854			59
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(367,200)	(366,544)				(366,544)		(656)
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests	(88,947)	(47,542)		(42,012)		(5,530)		(41,405)
Exercise of stock options	49,024	49,024		(9,654)			58,678
Tax benefit from stock options exercised	2,093	2,093		2,093
Share based compensation expense	25,428	25,428		25,428
Funding of Employee Stock Ownership Plan	5,953	5,953		1,535			4,418
Treasury shares purchased	(163,192)	(163,192)					(163,192)
RSU distributions	(4,343)	(4,343)		(11,315)			6,972
RSU dividends				322	(322)
Cash dividends	(37,505)	(37,505)			(37,505)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid	$ 0.265
Stockholders' Equity Balance at the End of Period at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 2,322,198	$ 2,321,279	$ 1,628	$ 221,669	$ 3,380,748	$ (441,136)	$ (841,630)	$ 919

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Description of Business DENTSPLY International Inc. (“DENTSPLY” or the “Company”), designs, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of consumable dental products for the professional dental market. The Company also manufactures and markets consumable medical device products consisting mainly of urological catheters and certain surgical products. The Company’s principal product categories are dental consumable products, dental laboratory products, dental specialty products and consumable medical device 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 accounting principles generally accepted 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 non-consolidated 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. 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 medical 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” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accounts receivable – trade is stated net of these allowances that were $8.8 million and $14.2 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company wrote-off $2.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively, of accounts receivable that were previously reserved. The Company reduced the provision for doubtful accounts by $1.7 million and increased the provision by $2.9 million during 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remaining change in the allowance is related to foreign currency translation. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the cost of $6.3 million and $6.5 million, 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, 2014 and 2013 by $6.1 million and $5.9 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 9, 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 asset 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 “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” or “other noncurrent assets, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on instrument maturity. 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 classifies derivative assets and liabilities as current when the remaining term of the derivative contract is one year or less. The Company has elected to classify the cash flow from derivative instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the items being hedged. Should the Company enter into a derivative instrument that included an other-than-insignificant financing element then all cash flows will be classified as financing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as required by US GAAP. 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 Postemployment 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 postemployment healthcare plans. Costs for Company-sponsored defined benefit and postemployment 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 postemployment benefits. Changes in these assumptions can impact the Company’s earnings before income taxes. In determining the cost of postemployment 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 postemployment 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 15, 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 healthcare 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. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency for foreign operations, except for those in highly inflationary economies, generally 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, 2014, the Company had gains of $13.5 million on its loans designated as hedges of net investments and translation losses of $366.9 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company had gains of $14.5 million on its loans designated as hedges of net investments and translation gains of $72.2 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 $1.3 million, $9.0 million and $2.7 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 consolidated 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 updates the accruals for these rebate programs as actual results and updated 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 $129.9 million, $179.1 million and $213.7 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and amounted to $80.8 million, $85.1 million and $85.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 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 records 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 (loss) income 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. Variable Interest Entities 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. Segment Reporting The Company has numerous operating businesses covering a wide range of products and geographic regions, primarily serving the professional dental market and to a lesser extent the consumable medical device market. Professional dental products represented approximately 88%, 88% and 89% of sales for each of the years ended 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company has three reportable segments and a description of the activities within these segments is included in Note 5, Segment and Geographic Information. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company realigned reporting responsibilities for multiple locations as a result of changes to the management structure. The segment information reflects the revised structure for all periods shown. 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 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 18, 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. New Accounting Pronouncements In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.” This newly issued accounting standard requires a cumulative translation adjustment (“CTA”) attached to the parent’s investment in a foreign entity should be released in a manner consistent with the derecognition guidance on investment entities. Thus the entire amount of CTA associated with the foreign entity would be released when there has been a sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within a foreign entity and the sale represents a complete liquidation of the investment in the foreign entity, a loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity, or step acquisition for a foreign entity. The Company adopted this accounting standard for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. The adoption of this standard did not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” The newly issued accounting standard requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. Under the new standard, unrecognized tax benefits will be netted against all available same-jurisdiction losses or other tax carryforwards that would be utilized, rather than only against carryforwards that are created by the unrecognized tax benefit. The Company adopted this accounting standard for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This newly issued accounting standard changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. This standard will have the impact of reducing the frequency of disposals reported as discontinued operations, by requiring such a disposal to represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on entity’s operations and financial results. Additionally, existing provisions that prohibit an entity from reporting a discontinued operation if it has certain continuing cash flows or involvement with the component after a disposal are eliminated by this standard. The ASU also expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually significant disposals that do not qualify as discontinued operations. This standard allows for early adoption and the Company expects to adopt this accounting standard no later than the quarter ended March 31, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to materially impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” that seeks to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers that improve comparability within industries, across industries and across capital markets. Under this standard, an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. Enhanced disclosure requirements regarding the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and related cash flows exist. To assist entities in applying the standard, a five step model for recognizing and measuring revenue from contracts with customers has been introduced. Entities have the option to apply the new guidance retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (full retrospective approach) or retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for initial application of the guidance at the date of initial adoption (modified retrospective method). The Company expects to adopt this accounting standard for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that ASU No. 2014-09 may have on their financial positions, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures, as well as, the transition method they will use to adopt the guidance.

- Definition

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

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EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

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



(in thousands, except for per share amounts)	Net income attributable to DENTSPLY International		Shares	Earnings per common share

Year Ended December 31, 2014
Basic	$	322,854	141,714	$	2.28
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options			2,505

Diluted	$	322,854	144,219	$	2.24

Year Ended December 31, 2013
Basic	$	313,192	142,663	$	2.20
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options			2,302

Diluted	$	313,192	144,965	$	2.16

Year Ended December 31, 2012
Basic	$	314,213	141,850	$	2.22
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options			2,095

Diluted	$	314,213	143,945	$	2.18

Options to purchase 1.0 million, 2.3 million and 4.1 million shares of common stock that were outstanding during the years ended 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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.

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COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income

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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, these tax adjustments were $195.4 million, $205.1 million and $185.6 million, respectively, primarily related to foreign currency translation adjustments.

The cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments included translation losses of $117.1 million and translation gains of $249.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and were offset by losses of $95.4 million and $108.9 million, respectively, on loans designated as hedges of net investments.

Changes in AOCI, net of tax, by component for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:



(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges			Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments			Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Pension Liability Adjustments			Total

Balance At December 31, 2013	$	140,992		$	(21,753	)	$	(151,114	)	$	12,729		$	(49,916	)	$	(69,062	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(347,952		)	3,988			38,386			(4,248		)	(65,485		)	(375,311		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			6,940			—			—			1,827			8,767
Net (decrease) increase in other comprehensive income	(347,952		)	10,928			38,386			(4,248		)	(63,658		)	(366,544		)
Foreign currency translation related to acquisition of noncontrolling interest	(5,530		)	—			—			—			—			(5,530		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(212,490	)	$	(10,825	)	$	(112,728	)	$	8,481		$	(113,574	)	$	(441,136	)



(in thousands)	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments		Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges			Gain and (Loss) on Derivative Financial Instruments			Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Available-for-Sale Securities			Pension Liability Adjustments			Total

Balance At December 31, 2012	$	54,302	$	(17,481	)	$	(125,661	)	$	17,822		$	(73,182	)	$	(144,200	)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	86,690		(6,234		)	(25,453		)	(5,093		)	19,478			69,388
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—		1,962			—			—			3,788			5,750
Net increase (decrease) in other comprehensive income	86,690		(4,272		)	(25,453		)	(5,093		)	23,266			75,138
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	140,992	$	(21,753	)	$	(151,114	)	$	12,729		$	(49,916	)	$	(69,062	)

Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:



(in thousands)
Details about AOCI Components	Amounts Reclassified from AOCI									Affected Line Item in the Statements of Operations
	Year Ended December, 31
	2014			2013			2012

Gains and (loss) on derivative financial instruments:
Interest rate swaps	$	(3,704	)	$	(3,681	)	$	(3,611	)	Interest expense
Foreign exchange forward contracts	(6,362		)	1,184			8,029			Cost of products sold
Foreign exchange forward contracts	(95		)	(147		)	779			SG&A expenses
Commodity contracts	(526		)	(288		)	136			Cost of products sold
	(10,687		)	(2,932		)	5,333			Net (loss) gain before tax
	3,747			970			(484		)	Tax benefit (expense)
	$	(6,940	)	$	(1,962	)	$	4,849		Net of tax

Amortization of defined benefit pension and other postemployment benefit items:
Amortization of prior service benefits	$	124		$	141		$	138		(a)
Amortization of net actuarial losses	(2,774		)	(5,532		)	(1,956		)	(a)
	(2,650		)	(5,391		)	(1,818		)	Net loss before tax
	823			1,603			540			Tax benefit
	$	(1,827	)	$	(3,788	)	$	(1,278	)	Net of tax

Total reclassifications for the period	$	(8,767	)	$	(5,750	)	$	3,571

(a) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively (see Note 15, Benefit Plans, for additional details).

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

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+ Details

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES	12 Months Ended
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATES	BUSINESS COMBINATIONS Business Combinations 2014 Transactions Effective January 1, 2014, the Company recorded a liability for the contractual purchase of the remaining shares of one noncontrolling interest. The amount is preliminary and is based on the Company’s best estimate of this obligation, which is subject to contractual adjustments. As a result, the Company recorded a reduction to additional paid in capital for the excess of the purchase price above the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest. The Company anticipates the cash outflow for this purchase to be in 2015. In addition during 2014 the Company had one acquisition and divestitures of two non-core product lines. These transactions were immaterial to the Company’s net sales and net income attributable to DENTSPLY. 2013 Transactions In November 2013, the Company purchased a Hong Kong-based direct dental selling organization and certain assets of a professional dental consumable New Zealand-based manufacturer. Total purchase price related to these two acquisitions was $61.5 million. The Company recorded $51.4 million in goodwill related to the difference between the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the consideration given for the acquisitions. The results of operations for these business have been included in the accompanying financial statements as of the effective date of the respective transactions. These transactions were immaterial to the Company’s net sales and net income attributable to DENTSPLY. Additionally during the year, the Company paid $9.0 million to purchase the remaining outstanding shares of a consolidated subsidiary. As a result of the transaction, the Company recorded a decrease in noncontrolling interest of $5.0 million and a reduction to additional paid in capital of $3.9 million for the excess of the purchase price above the carrying value of the noncontrolling interest. 2012 Transactions The acquisition related activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $7.4 million, which was related to one acquisition and one earn-out payment for a prior period acquisition. The results of operations for this acquisition have been included in the accompanying financial statements as of the effective date of the respective transactions. This transaction was immaterial to the Company’s net sales and net income attributable to DENTSPLY. Investment in Affiliates On December 9, 2010, the Company purchased an initial ownership interest of 17% of the outstanding shares of DIO Corporation (“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 contractual maturity of the bonds are in December 2015. The bonds are designated by the Company as available-for-sale securities which are reported in, “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the changes in fair value are reported in AOCI. At December 31, 2013, this investment was reported in “Other noncurrent assets, net,” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The convertible feature of the bonds has not been bifurcated from the underlying bonds 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 bonds. The cash paid by the Company was equal to the face value of the bonds issued by DIO, and therefore, the Company had not recorded any bond premium or discount on acquiring the bonds. The fair value of the DIO bonds was $57.7 million and $70.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014, a cumulative unrealized holding gain of $8.5 million on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, had been recorded in AOCI. For the year ended December 31, 2013, a cumulative unrealized holding gain of $12.7 million was recorded on available-for-sale securities, net of tax in AOCI. For the year ended December 31, 2012 a cumulative unrealized holding gain of $17.8 million was recorded on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, in AOCI. As this investment is held by a euro-denominated subsidiary of the Company, the investment’s value is also impacted by changing foreign currency rates which accounts for the remaining difference between the period end values and the change in cumulative gain year over year.

- 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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+ Details

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The operating businesses are combined into operating groups, which generally 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 in the Company’s most recently filed Form 10-K in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance of the segments based on the groups’ net third party sales, excluding precious metal content, and segment income. The Company defines net third party sales excluding precious metal content as the Company’s net sales excluding the precious metal cost within the products sold, and this is considered a non-US GAAP measure. The Company’s exclusion of precious metal content in the measurement of net third party sales enhances comparability of performance between periods as it excludes the fluctuating market prices of the precious metal content. The Company defines segment income as net operating income before restructuring and other costs, interest expense, interest income, other expense (income), net and provision for income taxes. A description of the products and services provided within each of the Company’s three reportable segments is provided below.

Significant interdependencies exist among the Company’s operations in certain geographic areas. Inter-segment 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 and general and administrative costs.

During the first quarter of 2014, the Company realigned reporting responsibilities for multiple locations as a result of changes to the management structure. The segment information below reflects the revised structure for all periods shown.

Dental Consumable and Certain International Businesses

This segment includes responsibility for the design and manufacture of the Company’s chairside consumable products. It also has responsibilities for sales and distribution of certain small equipment and chairside consumable products in the United States, Germany and certain other European regions as well as responsibility for the sales and distribution of certain endodontic products in Germany and certain other European regions. In addition, this segment has responsibilities for sales and distribution of chairside consumable, endodontic and dental laboratory products in Australia.

Dental Specialty and Laboratory and Certain Global Distribution Businesses

This segment includes responsibility for the design, manufacture, sales and distribution of most of the Company’s dental specialty products, including endodontic, orthodontic and implant products, in most regions of the world. In addition, this segment is responsible for the design, manufacture, sales and distribution of most of the Company’s dental laboratory products. This segment is also responsible for the sales and distribution of most of the Company’s other dental products, including most dental consumables, within certain European regions as well as Japan, Canada and Mexico, and the design, manufacture, worldwide distribution and sales of certain non-dental products, excluding urological and surgery-related products.

Healthcare and Emerging Markets Businesses

This segment is responsible for the worldwide design, manufacture, sales and distribution of the Company’s healthcare products, primarily urological and surgery-related products, throughout most of the world. This segment also includes the responsibility for the sales and distribution of most of the Company’s dental products, including most dental consumables, sold in Eastern Europe, Middle East, South America, Latin America, Asia (excluding Japan) and Africa.

The following table sets forth information about the Company’s segments for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.



Third Party Net Sales
(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012

Dental Consumable and Certain International Businesses	$	689,799		$	656,564		$	633,847
Dental Specialty and Laboratory and Certain Global Distribution Businesses	1,685,104			1,764,752			1,781,807
Healthcare and Emerging Markets Businesses	551,775			533,639			516,446
All Other (a)	(4,058		)	(4,185		)	(3,671		)
Total net sales	$	2,922,620		$	2,950,770		$	2,928,429


(a)	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.



Third Party Net Sales, Excluding Precious Metal Content
(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012

Dental Consumable and Certain International Businesses	$	689,478		$	656,206		$	633,387
Dental Specialty and Laboratory and Certain Global Distribution Businesses	1,556,143			1,586,979			1,569,963
Healthcare and Emerging Markets Businesses	551,114			532,728			515,019
All Other (b)	(4,058		)	(4,185		)	(3,671		)
Total net sales, excluding precious metal content	$	2,792,677		$	2,771,728		$	2,714,698
Precious metal content of sales	129,943			179,042			213,731
Total net sales, including precious metal content	$	2,922,620		$	2,950,770		$	2,928,429


(b)	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters.



Intersegment Net Sales
(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012

Dental Consumable and Certain International Businesses	$	119,248		$	122,975		$	122,459
Dental Specialty and Laboratory and Certain Global Distribution Businesses	184,105			188,501			179,819
Healthcare and Emerging Markets Businesses	12,893			13,584			14,150
All Other (c)	239,200			243,127			221,867
Eliminations	(555,446		)	(568,187		)	(538,295		)
Total	$	—		$	—		$	—


(c)	Includes amounts recorded at Corporate headquarters and one distribution warehouse not managed by named segments.



Depreciation and Amortization