Pensions and deferred compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Deferred Compensation Plan
Pension and deferred compensation
Annual deferred compensation provision for leaving indemnity, as a percentage of total commissions earned	3.50%
Expense for deferred compensation	$ 100,000	$ 100,000	$ 600,000
Deferred compensation payments		200,000	600,000
Amount of deferred compensation payable	1,500,000	1,500,000
Orthofix Inc 401(k) Plan
Pension and deferred compensation
Employee contribution limit per calendar year (as a percent of compensation)	15.00%
Employer match of employee contributions of first level of eligible compensation (as a percent)	100.00%
Percentage of eligible compensation, matched by employer, level one	2.00%
Employer match of employee contributions of second level of eligible compensation (as a percent)	50.00%
Percentage of eligible compensation matched by employer, level two	4.00%
401 (k) Plans
Pension and deferred compensation
Expenses incurred for contribution plans	2,600,000	2,800,000	1,900,000
Defined contribution pension plans for other International employees
Pension and deferred compensation
Expenses incurred for contribution plans	800,000	700,000	1,000,000
Breg | Breg 401(k) Plan
Pension and deferred compensation
Employee contribution limit per calendar year (as a percent of compensation)	100.00%
Employer match of employee contributions of first level of eligible compensation (as a percent)	100.00%
Amount of employee contributions which were matched by the employer, level one	$ 1,000
Blackstone | Blackstone 401(k) Plan
Pension and deferred compensation
Employee contribution limit per calendar year (as a percent of compensation)			75.00%
Employer match of employee contributions of first level of eligible compensation (as a percent)			50.00%
Percentage of eligible compensation, matched by employer, level one			6.00%