Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator
Net income (loss) attributable to NuVasive, Inc	$ 6,009	$ 7,511	$ (6,469)	[1]	$ 851	$ (2,746)	[2]	$ 2,354	$ 2,863	$ 673	$ 7,902	$ 3,144	$ (69,849)
Denominator for basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic											44,461	43,328	40,372
Dilutive potential common stock outstanding:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted											46,786	44,272	40,372
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to NuVasive, Inc	$ 0.13	$ 0.17	$ (0.15)	[1]	$ 0.02	$ (0.06)	[2]	$ 0.05	$ 0.07	$ 0.02	$ 0.18	$ 0.07	$ (1.73)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share attributable to NuVasive, Inc	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ (0.15)	[1]	$ 0.02	$ (0.06)	[2]	$ 0.05	$ 0.06	$ 0.02	$ 0.17	$ 0.07	$ (1.73)
Stock Options and ESPP [Member]
Dilutive potential common stock outstanding:
Stock options and ESPP											416	177	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Dilutive potential common stock outstanding:
Stock options and ESPP											1,909	767	0

[1] Consolidated financial results include a one-time royalty expense charge of $7.9 million, accounting for the difference in using the Medtronic royalty rates stated in the September 2011 verdict and those in the June 2013 ruling on sales through March 31, 2013.

[2] Consolidated financial results include impairment charges of $8.3 million for Impulse Monitoring's goodwill and $1.4 million related to certain intangible assets.