Schedule 1-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Orthofix International N.V. (Details 4) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Restricted net assets of subsidiary of the reporting entity	$ 186.0	$ 178.5
Orthofix International N.V.
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Percent of restricted net assets of a subsidiary to consolidated net assets of the Company where condensed parent company financial statements are required	25.00%
Cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries	5.9	21.6	13.2
Orthofix Holdings, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Restricted net assets of subsidiary of the reporting entity	$ 186.0	$ 178.5