Pensions and deferred compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Orthofix Inc 401(k) Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
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 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Expenses incurred for contribution plans	$ 2.5		$ 2.8
Defined Contribution pension plans for other International employees [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Expenses incurred for contribution plans	0.7	0.8	0.7
Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Annual deferred compensation provision for leaving indemnity, as a percentage of total commissions earned	3.50%
Expense for deferred compensation	0.4	0.1	0.1
Deferred compensation payments	0.8		0.2
Amount of deferred compensation payable	$ 2.3	$ 1.5