Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Interest rate swap expiration date Derivative, Description of Terms Pretax losses expected to be reclassified from AOCI in next 12 months Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred Inventory, Net [Abstract] Schedule Of Inventory, Net Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] NET INCOME PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] INVENTORIES Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Change in unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Pension liability adjustment, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Work-in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials and Purchased Parts, Net of Reserves Inventories, net Inventory, Net Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] U.S. Spine U S Spine [Member] U.S. Spine [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Technology Technology [Member] Technology. Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Number of operating segments, subject to qualitative goodwill assessment Operating Segments Subject to Qualitative Goodwill Assessment Operating Segments Subject to Qualitative Goodwill Assessment Goodwill, gross Goodwill, Gross Goodwill warning - percentage by which fair value exceeds carrying value Goodwill Warning Amount by which the fair value of U.S. Spine business exceeds its carrying value. Impairment charges Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Annual amortization expense expected to approximate in 2012 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Annual amortization expense expected to approximate in 2013 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Annual amortization expense expected to approximate in 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Annual amortization expense expected to approximate in 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Annual amortization expense expected to approximate in 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] United States UNITED STATES Europe Europe [Member] Revenues from Europe. Rest of World Rest Of World [Member] Revenues from rest of the world. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total Revenues Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Compensation Plan Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Impact of participating securities on rounding of earning or loss per share (in dollars per share) Impact Of Participating Securities On Rounding Of Earning Or Loss Per Share The participating securities had an insignificant impact on the calculation of EPS. Stock options, shares outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Shares excluded from computation as their effect would be anti-dilutive Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule Of Intangible Assets By Major Class [Table] Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule Of Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets [Axis] Schedule Of Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets [Axis] Schedule Of Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets [Axis] Schedule Of Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets [Domain] Schedule Of Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets [Domain] Schedule Of Companys Identifiable Intangible Assets [Domain] In-Process Research And Development In Process Research And Development [Member] In-Process Research And Development [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite lived in-process research and development Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Schedule Of Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Components Of Company's Identifiable Intangible Assets Schedule Of Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Treasury Stock Transactions, Excluding Value of Shares Reissued [Abstract] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Table] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Table] Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method [Axis] 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] 2010 Authorization Two Thousand Ten Authorization [Member] Two Thousand Ten Authorization [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Financing [Axis] Financing [Axis] Financing [Domain] Financing [Domain] Repurchase of Equity Repurchase of Equity [Member] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items] Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items] Shares repurchased, authorization date Shares Repurchased Authorization Date The date the 2010 repurchase program was approved by the Board. Stock repurchase program, authorized amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Amount available for share repurchase under this latest authorization Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount 2012 Share Repurchase Date 2012 Share Repurchase Date The date the 2012 share repurchase program was approved by the Company's Board of Directors Net Periodic Benefit Costs For Defined Benefit Pension Plans Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Summary Of Fair Value In Balance Sheet For Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Effect Of Derivative Instruments Designated As Cash Flow Hedges On Statements Of Operations Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Ascension Orthopedics, Inc. Ascension [Member] Ascension [Member] SeaSpine, Inc. Sea Spine [Member] Sea Spine [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Share Repurchases [Table] Share Repurchases [Table] Share Repurchases [Table] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Axis] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Share Repurchase Program [Domain] Board approvied buyback program 2016 Convertible Senior Notes Two Thousand Sixteen Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Two Thousand Sixteen Senior Convertible Notes [Member] Share Repurchases [Line Items] Share Repurchases [Line Items] Share Repurchases [Line Items] Shares repurchased, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Shares repurchased, value Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Basic And Diluted Net Income Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Trade accounts receivable, allowances Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, No Par Value Preferred Stock, authorized shares (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred income tax provision (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Financing Costs Non-cash interest expense Accretion Expense Payment of accreted interest Payment Of Accreted Interest Cash Flow The accreted interest component paid related to repurchases of convertible debt and thus is deducted when calculating net cash flows from operating activities using the indirect cash flow method. Loss on disposal of property and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Changes in assets and liabilities, net of business acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other non-current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Other non-current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Cash used in business acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchases of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Maturities of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings under senior credit facility Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Repayments under senior credit facility Repayments of Secured Debt Proceeds from liability component of convertible notes Proceeds from Convertible Debt Proceeds from equity component of convertible notes Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Proceeds from sale of stock purchase warrants Proceeds from Issuance of Warrants Payment of liability component of convertible notes Repayments of Convertible Debt Purchase of option hedge on convertible notes Payments for Hedge, Financing Activities Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Purchases of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from exercised stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Debt Disclosure [Abstract] DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Company acquired in cash Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Business acquisition, amount paid for working capital adjustments Business Acquisition Working Capital Adjustments Business Acquisition Working Capital Adjustments Business acquisition, amount paid for working capital adjustments Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Working Capital Adjustment Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Working Capital Adjustment Business acquisition, amount received from escrow Business Acquisition, Preacquisition Contingency, Amount of Settlement Business acquisition, indemnification holdback Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Indemnification Holdbacks Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Indemnification Holdbacks Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] 2012 Senior Convertible Notes Two Thousand Twelve Senior Convertible Notes [Member] 2012 Senior Convertible Notes. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Amortization of the discount on the liability component Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Cash interest related to the contractual interest coupon Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Total Interest Expense, Debt Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Orthopedics Orthopedics [Member] Orthopedics. Neurosurgery Neurosurgery [Member] Neurosurgery. Instruments Instruments [Member] Instruments. Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Schedule Of Net Sales And Operating Income By Reportable Segment 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] Revenues By Market Category Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Total Revenue By Major Geographic Area Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] TREASURY STOCK Treasury Stock [Text Block] Components Of Interest Expense Components Of Interest Expense Table [Text Block] Components Of Interest Expense [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of Goods Sold Cost Of Goods Sold [Member] Cost of Goods Sold [Member]. Interest (expense) Interest Expense [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member] Foreign Currency Forward Contract [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Balance in AOCI Beginning of Period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cumulative Changes In Net Gain Loss From Cash Flow Hedge Effect Before Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cumulative Changes in Net Gain Loss from Cash Flow Hedge Effect Before Tax Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI- Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings-Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Balance in AOCI End of Period Income Statement [Abstract] Total Revenue Costs and Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Research and development Research and Development Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Intangible asset amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense Interest Expense Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding (See Note 12): Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Comprehensive income (loss) (See Note 13) Basic net income per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Diluted net income per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income Effect of dilutive securities: Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Stock options and restricted stock (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share (in shares) U.S. Neurosurgery U S Neurosurgery [Member] U S Neurosurgery [Member] U.S. Instruments U S Instruments [Member] U S Instruments [Member] U.S. Extremities U S Extremities [Member] U S Extremities [Member] U.S. Spine And Other U S Spine And Other [Member] U S Spine and Other [Member] International International [Member] International [Member] Segment Net Sales Segment Profit Segment Profit Loss Segment Profit (Loss) Amortization Corporate and other Other General Expense Reduction in projected benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Total contributions made by the Company Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Schedule Of Treasury Stock Activity Schedule of Treasury Stock by Class [Table Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6,695 and $6,978 Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories, net Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill Goodwill Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable, trade Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term borrowings under senior credit facility Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Long-term convertible securities Convertible Debt, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred Stock; no par value; 15,000 authorized shares; none outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock; $0.01 par value; 60,000 authorized shares 35,905 and 35,734 issued at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Treasury stock, at cost; 8,903 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated other comprehensive (loss): Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Total Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income per share Basic (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] 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. Other liabilities Other Liabilities [Member] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative fair value of derivative liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives Notional Amount of Foreign Currency Derivative Purchase Contracts Senior Credit Facility Senior Credit Facility [Member] Senior Credit Facility. Senior Credit Facility [Axis] Senior Credit Facility [Axis] Senior Credit Facility [Axis] Senior Credit Facility [Domain] Senior Credit Facility [Domain] Senior Credit Facility [Domain] August 2010 Amendment August Two Thousand Ten Amendment [Member] August Two Thousand Ten Amendment [Member] June 2011 Amendment [Member] June Two Thousand Eleven Amendment [Member] June Two Thousand Eleven Amendment [Member] May 2012 Amendment Third Amendment [Member] Third Amendment [Member] Option Under Senior Credit Facility [Axis] 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 i Option I [Member] Option I [Member] Option ii Option Ii [Member] Option ii [Member] Option X Option X [Member] Option X [Member] Option Y Option Y [Member] Option Y [Member] Option Z Option Z [Member] Option Z [Member] Senior credit facility size increased to Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Reallocated term loan Reallocated Term Loan Amount of term loan reallocated to revolving credit facility in connection with the second amendment to the agreement. Additional commitments Additional Commitments The potential increase in the total borrowing capacity with further commitments from the lending syndicate. Line of credit facility, expiration date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Maximum consolidated total leverage ratio (net debt to consolidated EBITDA) Leverage Ratio Excess cash which is used in the consolidated total leverage ratio, that is not subject to any restriction on the use or investment. Interest rates available to the Company at its option Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Cash balance threshold above which excess amount is not subject to any restriction of use or investment Cash Balance Threshold Above Which Excess Cash Is Not Subject To Restriction Of Use Cash Balance Threshold Above Which Excess Cash Is Not Subject to Restriction of Use Line of credit, commitment fee percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of credit facility outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Weighted average interest rate on debt Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Available borrowings under senior secured revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Fair value of outstanding borrowings Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Principal amount outstanding Debt Instrument, Face Amount Interest rate on debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Portion of the debt proceeds that was classified as equity at the time of the offering Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Effective interest rate implicit in the liability component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Effective Interest Rate Carrying amount of liability Unamortized discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Common stock based on initial conversion rate ratio (in shares) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Principal amount to be considered for conversion purpose Principal Amount To Be Considered For Conversion Purpose Principal amount of notes for each initial conversion into common shares. Initial conversion price, per share Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Maximum selling price of company's common stock Maximum Selling Price Of Companys Common Stock 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. Principal amount of notes per average trading price Principal Amount Of Notes Per Average Trading Price Principal amount of notes for determining if the average trading price is in excess of this percentage of the conversion value. Maximum average conversion value of the Notes Maximum Average Conversion Value Of Notes 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. Earliest conversion date Earliest Conversion Date The earliest conversion date if none of the other conversion criteria are met Strike price of the call transaction (in dollars per share) Derivative Price Of Call Transaction Strike Price Derivative price of the call transaction, strike price. Strike price of warrant transactions (in dollars per share) Strike Price Of Warrant Transactions Strike price of the warrant transactions entered into with affiliates of the initial purchasers of the Notes. Debt instrument, call and warrant transactions descriptions Debt Instrument, Convertible, Associated Derivative Transactions, Description Termination of bond hedge contracts commencing 90 days after maturity of the Note (in days) Number Of Trading Days Number of Trading Days Schedule Of Comprehensive Income Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Completed technology Completed Technology [Member] Completed technology. Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Trademarks/brand names Trademarks Brand Names [Member] Trademarks Brand Names. Trademarks/brand names indefinite Trademarks Brand Names Indefinite [Member] Trademarks/brand names indefinite. Supplier relationships Supplier Relation Ships [Member] Supplier Relation Ships [Member] All other All Other [Member] All Other [Member] Weighted Average Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Cost Cost Of Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Excluding Goodwill Cost Of Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Excluding Goodwill. Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Notional amount of interest rate derivatives Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Reduction in notional amount of interest rate derivatives in next twelve months Reduction In Notional Amount Of Interest Rate Derivatives In Next Twelve Months Reduction in Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives in the next twelve months. Short-term Investments [Abstract] SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments [Text Block] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Stock Options Stock Options [Member] Restricted stock awards/stock units Restricted Stock Awards And Units [Member] Restricted Stock Awards And Units [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock options exercisable for employees, expiration period, in 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 directors, expiration 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 employees, vesting 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 granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Total unrecognized compensation costs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average period for cost recognition, in years Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Proceeds from stock options exercises Requisite service periods of performance stock, restricted stock and contract stock awards, years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] U.S. Neurosurgery Neurosurgery Us [Member] Neurosurgery-US [Member] U.S. Instruments Instruments Us [Member] Instruments-US [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning period, December 31, 2011 Working capital adjustment Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Ending period, September 30, 2012 Schedule of Effective Tax Rate [Table] Schedule of Effective Tax Rate [Table] Schedule of Effective Tax Rate [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Deferred Income Tax Charges [Member] Deferred Income Tax Charges [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Schedule of Effective Tax Rate [Line Items] Schedule of Effective Tax Rate [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Effective Tax Rate [Table] Reported tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective tax rate estimate Effective Tax Rate Estimate Integra's expectation of what the full year effective income tax rate will be. U.S. statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Income tax expense, tax benefit due to release of tax contingency reserves Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Income tax expense, tax benefit due to change in state tax law Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense, tax contingency settlement Uncertain Taxes Change in accrual for uncertain tax positions in connection with ongoing audits. Income tax expense, correction to deferred tax asset in current period relating to 2009 Deferred Tax Expense Benefit Corrections Recorded In Current Period Relating To Prior Periods The amount of deferred tax expense / benefit recorded in the current period that relates to prior periods, and is not material to either period. Income tax expense, state tax law change Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Net period benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Non-compete agreements Noncompete Agreements [Member] Supplier relationship Supplier Agreement [Member] Supplier Agreement [Member] Trade names Trade Names [Member] Cash Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Cash and Cash Equivalents Inventory Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Inventory Accounts receivable Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Receivables Other current assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Property, plant and equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Other long-term assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Noncurrent Assets Deferred tax asset - long term Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Deferred Taxes Asset (Liability), Net, Noncurrent Intangible assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets In-process research and development Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets Not Amortizable Goodwill Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount Total assets acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired Accounts payable and other liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities Net assets acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Weighted average useful life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life