Quarterly Data (unaudited) (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
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue, Net	$ 190,815	$ 169,156	$ 165,698	[1]	$ 159,504	$ 165,754	[2]	$ 148,391	$ 154,419	$ 151,691	$ 685,173	$ 620,255	$ 540,506
Goodwill, Impairment Loss											0	8,300	0
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Gross profit	141,462	125,865	116,954	[1]	120,408	123,558	[2]	110,645	117,885	114,758	504,689	466,846	428,395
Consolidated net (loss) income	5,837	7,280	(6,728)	[1]	596	(2,776)	[2]	2,139	2,610	469	6,985	2,442	(71,021)
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)
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)

[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.