Schedule 1- Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Orthofix International N.V. - Condensed Balance Sheets (unaudited) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,055	$ 33,207	$ 13,561	$ 13,328
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,056	26,069
Total current assets	340,444	549,620
Other long term assets	11,303	11,570
Total assets	504,281	704,472
Liabilities and shareholder's equity
Current liabilities	68,797	185,809
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock	1,934	1,846
Additional paid in capital	246,111	214,310
Accumulated earnings	148,549	97,254
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,504	1,761
Total shareholders' equity	399,098	315,171
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	504,281	704,472
Orthofix International N V [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	7,392	19,433	2,882	403
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	534	487
Total current assets	7,926	19,920
Other long term assets	15	61
Investments in and amounts due from subsidiaries and affiliates	400,471	307,202
Total assets	408,412	327,183
Liabilities and shareholder's equity
Current liabilities	1,203	3,900
Long-term liabilities	8,111	8,112
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock	1,934	1,846
Additional paid in capital	246,111	214,310
Accumulated earnings	148,549	97,254
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,504	1,761
Total shareholders' equity	399,098	315,171
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	$ 408,412	$ 327,183