Schedule 1-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Orthofix International N.V. (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 33,207	$ 13,561	$ 13,328	$ 14,594
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,089	24,123
Total current assets	404,590	311,760
Other long-term assets	12,287	12,565
Total assets	695,551	603,989
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities	175,412	83,526
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock	1,846	1,772
Additional paid-in capital	214,310	195,402
Accumulated earnings	97,254	98,327
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,761	5,390
Total shareholders' equity	315,171	300,891	240,269	202,061
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	695,551	603,989
Orthofix International N.V.
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	19,433	2,882	403	623
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	487	489
Total current assets	19,920	3,371
Other long-term assets	61	113
Investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries and affiliates	312,531	307,397
Total assets	332,512	310,881
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities	3,900	1,879
Long-term liabilities	8,112	8,111
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock	1,846	1,772
Additional paid-in capital	219,639	195,402
Accumulated earnings	97,254	98,327
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,761	5,390
Total shareholders' equity	320,500	300,891
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 332,512	$ 310,881