Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net (loss) income	$ (9,343)	$ 31,397
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax	348	133
Translation adjustments, net of tax	2,685	(2,185)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,033	(2,052)
Total consolidated comprehensive (loss) income	(6,310)	29,345
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	457	163
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.	$ (5,853)	$ 29,508