Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Consolidated net income	$ 29,790	$ 10,040	$ 25,965	$ 41,437
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities, net of tax	(6)	11	342	144
Translation adjustments, net of tax	2,734	741	5,419	(1,444)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,728	752	5,761	(1,300)
Total consolidated comprehensive income	32,518	10,792	31,726	40,137
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests	(423)	(228)	(880)	(391)
Comprehensive income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.	$ 32,941	$ 11,020	$ 32,606	$ 40,528