Document And Entity information. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement Line Items CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Total revenue, net Sales Revenue, Goods, Net, Total Total Revenue Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Cost of Goods Sold Cost of Goods Sold, Total Cost of goods sold Research and Development Expense Research and Development Expense, Total Research and development Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total Selling, general and administrative Amortization of Intangible Assets Intangible asset amortization Intangible asset amortization Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Operating income Operating income Investment Income, Interest Interest income Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Interest expense Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense), net Other income (expense), net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Cumulative Effects of Changes in Accounting Principles, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense (benefit) Provision for income taxes Income tax expense Provision for income taxes Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income loss (gain) Net income (loss) Net income Net income Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Basic net income per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted net income per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total Diluted net income per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding (See Note 13): Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] Current Assets: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash and cash equivalents Other Short-term Investments Short-term investments Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,691 and $6,978 Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $7,322 and $11,216 Inventory, Net Inventories, net Inventories, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Current deferred tax assets after valuation allowance Deferred tax assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current, Total Prepaid expenses and other current assets Assets, Current Total current assets Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Property, plant, and equipment, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total Intangible assets, net Goodwill Balance, March 31, 2012 Goodwill at December 31, 2011 Goodwill, Total Goodwill Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax asset-long term Non-current deferred tax assets after valuation allowance Deferred tax assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other assets Assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Accounts payable, trade Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Deferred revenue Employee-related Liabilities, Current Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued compensation Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term borrowings under senior credit facility Amount of long-term loan in total term loan Long-term borrowings under senior credit facility Convertible Debt, Noncurrent Carrying amount of liability Carrying amount of liability Long-term convertible securities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non current deferred tax liabilities Total non current deferred tax liabilities Total non current deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and Contingenciess Commitments and contingencies Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity: Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock; no par value; 15,000 authorized shares; none outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Preferred Stock; no par value; 15,000 authorized shares; none outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock; $0.01 par value; 60,000 authorized shares; 35,749 and 35,734 issued Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock; $.01 par value; 60,000 authorized shares; 35,745 and 34,958 issued Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock, Beginning Balance Additional paid-in capital Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost; 8,903 and 8,903 shares Treasury stock, at cost;[8,425] shares and 7,212 shares at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury stock, at cost; [9,000] and 8,903 shares Treasury stock, at cost; 7,212 shares at September 30, 2010 and 6,354 shares at December 31, 2009 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Foreign currency translation adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax Pension liability adjustment, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Total Pension liability adjustment, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained earnings Retained earnings Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Balance, value Total stockholders' equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Ending Balance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current, Beginning Balance Trade accounts receivable, allowances Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, par value Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, outstanding Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, shares, issued Common stock, shares issued Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Treasury stock, shares Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total Depreciation and amortization Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income tax provision (benefit) Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of debt issuance costs Non-cash interest expense related to convertible debt instruments that does not result in cash outflows in the period in which they occur, but affect net income and thus is added back when calculating net cash flow from operating activities using the indirect cash flow method. Non Cash Interest Expense Cash Flow Non-cash interest expense Share-based Compensation Restricted stock awards related expenses Share-based Compensation, Total Share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other, net Other, net Other Noncash Income (Expense), Total Other Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets, Total Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other non-current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets, Total Other non-current assets Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Total Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other non-current liabilities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Purchases of property and equipment Purchases of property and equipment Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Cash used in business acquisitions Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, Total Cash used in business acquisition Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Purchases of short-term investments Purchases of short-term investments Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] FINANCING ACTIVITIES: RepaymentsOfSecuredDebt Repayments under senior credit facility Repayments under senior credit facility Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Purchases of treasury stock Repurchase of common stock Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from stock options exercises Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Net change in cash and cash equivalents Basis Of Presentation [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Basis Of Presentation Business And Asset Acquisitions [Abstract] Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business And Asset Acquisitions Short-Term Investments [Abstract] Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Text Block] Short-Term Investments Inventories [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories INVENTORIES Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Debt [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock Purchase And Award Plans Stock-Based Compensation Treasury Stock [Abstract] Treasury Stock [Text Block] Treasury Stock Retirement Benefit Plans [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Benefit Plans RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes INCOME TAXES Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Net Income Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Net Income Per Share NET INCOME PER SHARE Segment and Geographic Information. Segment And Geographic Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment And Geographic Information Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Schedule Of Business Acquisitions By Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition Acquiree [Domain] Ascension [Member] Ascension [Member] Ascension Orthopedics, Inc. [Member] Sea Spine [Member] Sea Spine [Member] SeaSpine, Inc. [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisitions [Line Items] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Purchase Price Allocation Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Pro Forma Financial Information Summarizing The Results Of Operations Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Inventory, Net Schedule Of Inventories, Net Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Schedule Of Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill Schedule Of Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Components Of Company's Identifiable Intangible Assets Components Of Interest Expense [Table Text Block] Components Of Interest Expense [Table Text Block] Components Of Interest Expense Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Text Block] Summary Of Fair Value In Balance Sheet For Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Text Block] Effect Of Derivative Instruments Designated As Cash Flow Hedges On Statements Of Operations [ScheduleOfTreasuryStockByClassTextBlock] Schedule Of Treasury Stock Activity TREASURY STOCK Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Net Periodic Benefit Costs For Defined Benefit Pension Plans Summary of company's effective tax rate table. Summary of Company's Effective Tax Rate [Table Text Block] Summary Of The Company's Effective Tax Rate Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Comprehensive Income Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Basic And Diluted Net Income Per Share Schedule Of Net Sales And Operating Income By Reportable Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Net Sales And Operating Income By Reportable Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Net Sales And Operating Income By Reportable Segment Schedule Of Entity Wide Information Revenue From External Customers By Products And Services [Text Block] Revenues By Market Category Revenues by market category Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Total Revenue By Major Geographic Area Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Company acquired in cash The portion of the selling price that has not yet been paid to the seller pending the final working capital allocation and certain indemnifications being resolved. Holdback And Working Capital Working capital and indemnification holdbacks Working capital adjustment reduced the purchase price Working Capital Adjustment Reduced The Purchase Price Working capital adjustment reduced the purchase price Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Technology. Technology [Member] Technology [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Non-Compete Agreements [Member] Supplier Agreement [Member] Supplier Agreement [Member] Supplier Relationship [Member] Trade Names [Member] Trade Name [Member] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Assets Inventory Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Inventory, Total Inventory Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Current Assets Receivables Accounts receivable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other current assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Property Plant And Equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Total Property, plant and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Other long-term assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Income Taxes, Asset (Liability), Net Deferred tax asset - long term Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Amortizable Intangible Assets Intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets Not Amortizable In-process research and development Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets Not Amortizable, Total Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Goodwill Amount Goodwill Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired Total assets acquired Total assets acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Total Accounts payable and other liabilities Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life Weighted Average Life in years Wtd. Avg. Life, years Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Total net assets acquired Total net assets acquired Net assets acquired Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Total Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income per share, Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net income per share, Diluted Inventory, Finished Goods Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Total Finished goods Inventory, Work in Process Work-in process Work-in process Inventory, Raw Materials Raw materials Raw materials Raw materials Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Brand Name [Member] Brand Name [Member] Brand Name [Member] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amount by which the fair value of U.S. Spine business exceeds its carrying value. Goodwill Warning Goodwill warning Goodwill, Gross Goodwill, gross Impairment Of Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill Impairment charges Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Total Impairment charge related to several brand names Future Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Annual amortization expense expected to approximate in 2012 Future Amortization Expense Year One Annual amortization expense expected to approximate in 2013 Future Amortization Expense Year Two Annual amortization expense expected to approximate in 2014 Future Amortization Expense Year Three Annual amortization expense expected to approximate in 2015 Future Amortization Expense Year Four Annual amortization expense expected to approximate in 2016 Product Or Service [Axis] Products And Services [Domain] Product Or Service Name [Domain] Neurosurgery-US [Member] Neurosurgery Us [Member] U.S. Neurosurgery [Member] Instruments-US [Member] Instruments Us [Member] U.S. Instruments [Member] International [Member] International [Member] International [Member] Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill acquired during the period Welch Allyn, Inc. acquisition Working capital adjustment Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Foreign currency translation Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets. Schedule Of Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets [Table] Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets. Schedule Of Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets [Axis] Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets. Schedule Of Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets [Domain] Schedule Of Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets [Domain] Completed technology. Completed Technology [Member] Completed Technology [Member] Trademarks Brand Names. Trademarks Brand Names [Member] Trademarks/Brand Names [Member] Trademarks/brand names indefinite. Trademarks Brand Names Indefinite [Member] Trademarks/Brand Names Indefinite [Member] Supplier Relationships - Identifiable Intangible Assets [Member] Supplier Relationships Identifiable Intangible Assets [Member] Supplier Relationships [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] All Other [Member] In-Process Research And Development [Member] In Process Research And Development [Member] In-Process Research And Development [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life Weighted Average Life, Years Cost Of Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Excluding Goodwill. Cost Of Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Excluding Goodwill Cost Cost Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill. Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Net Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset, Amount Capitalized research and development costs Indefinite lived in-process research and development Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Senior Credit Facility [Axis] Senior Credit Facility [Axis] Senior Credit Facility [Domain] Senior Credit Facility [Domain] Senior Credit Facility [Domain] Option ii [Member] Option Ii [Member] Option ii [Member] August Two Thousand Ten Amendment [Member] August Two Thousand Ten Amendment [Member] August 2010 Amendment [Member] June Two Thousand Eleven Amendment [Member] June Two Thousand Eleven Amendment [Member] June 2011 Amendment [Member] Option Under Senior Credit Facility [Axis] Option Under Senior Credit Facility [Axis] Option Under Senior Credit Facility [Domain] Option Under Senior Credit Facility [Domain] Option Under Senior Credit Facility [Domain] Option X [Member] Option X [Member] Option X [Member] Option Y [Member] Option Y [Member] Option Y [Member] Option Z [Member] Option Z [Member] Option Z [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Credit Facility. Senior Credit Facility [Member] Senior Credit Facility [Member] 2010 Senior Convertible Notes. Two Thousand Ten Senior Convertible Notes [Member] 2010 Senior Convertible Notes [Member] 2010 Senior Convertible Notes [Member] 2012 Senior Convertible Notes. Two Thousand Twelve Senior Convertible Notes [Member] 2012 Senior Convertible Notes [Member] 2012 Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Two Thousand Sixteen Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Two Thousand Sixteen Senior Convertible Notes [Member] 2016 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] 2016 Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Revolving Credit Component [Member] Revolving Credit Component [Member] Revolving Credit Component [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Borrowed under revolving credit facility Senior credit facility size increased to Amount of term loan reallocated to revolving credit facility in connection with the second amendment to the agreement. Reallocated Term Loan Reallocated term loan The potential increase in the total borrowing capacity with further commitments from the lending syndicate. Additional Commitments Additional commitments Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Line of credit facility, expiration date Senior Credit Facility's maturity Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Interest rates available to the Company at its option Excess cash which is used in the consolidated total leverage ratio, that is not subject to any restriction on the use or investment. Leverage Ratio Consolidated funded indebtedness Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of credit, commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Line of credit facility outstanding Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate on debt Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Available borrowings under senior secured revolving credit facility Debt Instrument, Fair Value Senior note fair value Fair value of outstanding borrowings Debt Instrument, Face Amount Principal amount outstanding Convertible notes issued Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate on debt Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Portion of the debt proceeds that was classified as equity at the time of the offering Repurchase of equity component of convertible debt Debt Instrument, Convertible, Effective Interest Rate Effective interest rate implicit in the liability component Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Common stock based on initial conversion rate ratio Principal amount of notes for each initial conversion into common shares. Principal amount to be considered for conversion purpose Principal amount to be considered for conversion purpose Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Price Initial conversion price, per share The notes are convertible if the closing price of the Company's stock price exceeds this percentage of the conversion price during a period as defined in the indenture. Maximum selling price of companys common stock Maximum selling price of company's common stock Principal amount of notes for determining if the average trading price is in excess of this percentage of the conversion value. Principal Amount Of Notes Per Average Trading Price Principal amount of notes per average trading price The notes are convertible if the average trading price per $1000 principal amount of notes is less than or equal to this percentage of the average conversion value of the notes during a period as defined in the indenture. Maximum average conversion value of the Notes Maximum average conversion value of the Notes The earliest conversion date if none of the other conversion criteria are met Earliest Conversion Date Earliest conversion date Derivative price of the call transaction, strike price. Derivative Price Of Call Transaction Strike Price Strike price of the call transaction Strike price of the warrant transactions entered into with affiliates of the initial purchasers of the Notes. Strike Price Of The Warrant Transactions Strike price of the warrant transactions Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt instrument, maturity date The cost of the call transactions entered into in connection with the convertible debt. Cost Of Call Transactions Cost of call transactions The proceeds received from the warrant transactions entered into in connection with the convertible debt. Proceeds From Warrant Transactions Proceeds from warrant transactions Interest rates descriptions Interest Rates Descriptions Interest rates descriptions Line of Credit Facility, Collateral Line of credit, collateral Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms Line of credit, covenant terms Debt Instrument, Convertible, Associated Derivative Transactions, Description Debt instrument, description Debt instrument, call and warrant transactions descriptions Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Non-cash interest Amortization of the discount on the liability component Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Cash Interest Cash interest related to the contractual interest coupon Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt, Total Derivative [Table] Derivative By Nature [Axis] Derivative Name [Domain] Derivative Name [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets, Major Types of Trading Securities and Assets [Axis] Major Types Of Trading Securities And Assets [Domain] Major Types of Trading Securities and Assets [Domain] Forward Contracts [Member] Forward Contracts [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred Net pre-tax losses recorded in AOCI Derivative, Description of Terms Interest rate swap expiration date Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gross notional amount of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, outstanding Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net Fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value, Net, Total Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Gains/ (losses) of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net, Total Derivative instruments. Derivative Instruments [Table] Derivatives Fair Value By Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member] Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Assets [Member] Prepaid Expenses And Other Current Assets [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset Derivative Assets, Fair Value Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional amount of interest rate derivatives Notional amount related to the interest rate swap Reduction in Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives in the next twelve months. Reduction In Notional Amount Of Interest Rate Derivatives In the next twelve months Reduction in notional amount of interest rate derivatives in next twelve months Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement And Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Cost of Goods Sold [Member]. Cost Of Goods Sold [Member] Cost Of Goods Sold [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Interest (Expense) [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Effective Portion, Net, Total Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI-Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net, Total Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI Into Earnings-Effective Portion Schedule of Share-Based Compensation, Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards Total unrecognized compensation costs Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Requisite Service Period Requisite service periods of performance stock, restricted stock and contract stock awards, years Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Unrecognized Compensation Costs on Nonvested Awards, Weighted Average Period of Recognition Weighted-average period for cost recognition, years Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Period Employees Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Period Employees Stock options exercisable for employees, expiration period, in years Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Vesting Period Employees Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Vesting Period Employees Stock options exercisable for employees, vesting period, in years Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Period Directors Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Expiration Period Directors Stock options exercisable for directors, expiration period, in years Schedule Of Share Repurchase Program [Table] Schedule Of Share Repurchase Program [Table] Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method [Axis] Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method [Axis] Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method [Domain] Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method [Domain] Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method [Domain] Two Thousand Ten Authorization [Member] Two Thousand Ten Authorization [Member] 2010 Authorization [Member] Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] The date the 2010 repurchase program was approved by the Board. Shares repurchased, authorization date Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Amount available for share repurchase under this latest authorization Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method Shares repurchased in the open market in connection with the Board approved buyback program authorized on October 29, 2010, value Treasury Stock Shares Acquired Shares repurchased in the open market in connection with the Board approved buyback program authorized on October 29, 2010, number of shares Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Reduction in projected benefit obligations Reduction in projected benefit obligations Curtailment gain Defined Benefit Plan Contributions By Employer Total contributions made by the Company Contributions to defined benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Gains Losses Recognized net actuarial loss Recognized net actuarial loss Recognized net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Effective Tax Rate Reported tax rate Change in accrual for uncertain tax positions in connection with ongoing audits. Uncertain Taxes Accrual for tax contingencies Integra's expectation of what the full year effective income tax rate will be. Effective Tax Rate Estimate Effective tax rate estimate Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Total Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income, Minimum Pension Liability Net Adjustment, Net of Tax Pension liability adjustments, net of tax Pension liability adjustment, net of tax Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] The participating securities had an insignificant impact on the calculation of EPS. Impact of participating securities on rounding of earning or loss per share Impact of participating securities on rounding of earning or loss per share Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Shares, Outstanding at end of year Share, Outstanding at beginning of year Stock options, shares outstanding Share, Outstanding at beginning of year Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Shares excluded from computation as their effect would be anti-dilutive Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total Stock options and restricted stock Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Individual Foreign Countries [Table] U S Neurosurgery [Member] U S Neurosurgery [Member] U S Neurosurgery [Member] U S Instruments [Member] U S Instruments [Member] U S Instruments [Member] U S Extremities [Member] U S Extremities [Member] U.S. Extremities [Member] U S Spine and Other [Member] U S Spine And Other [Member] U.S. Spine And Other [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment operating profit loss. Segment Operating Profit Loss Segment operating profit Amortization Amortization, Total Other General Expense Corporate and other Schedule Of Entity Wide Information Revenue From External Customers By Products And Services [Table] Orthopedics. Orthopedics [Member] Orthopedics [Member] Neurosurgery. Neurosurgery [Member] Neurosurgery [Member] Instruments. Instruments [Member] Instruments [Member] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Revenues from rest of the world. Rest Of World [Member] Rest Of The World [Member] U.S. Spine [Member] U S Spine [Member] U.S. Spine [Member] Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Axis] Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Award Type And Plan Name [Domain] Share-Based Compensation Arrangements by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Type and Plan Name [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Stock Options [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] U [S] United States [member] Revenues from Europe. Europe [Member] Europe [Member]