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	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 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	34,079				21,999
Total current assets	310,583				531,133
Other long term assets	7,920				9,429
Total assets	472,897	539,566	530,395	694,106	685,380	639,868	632,860	618,938
Liabilities and shareholder's equity
Current liabilities	62,185				183,699
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock	1,934				1,846
Additional paid in capital	246,306				214,505
Accumulated earnings	114,847				72,009
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,745				3,714
Total shareholders' equity	367,832	345,967	325,199	312,372	292,074	292,091	279,976	263,989
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	472,897	539,566	530,395	694,106	685,380	639,868	632,860	618,938
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	369,204				284,105
Total assets	377,145				304,086
Liabilities and shareholder's equity
Current liabilities	1,202				3,900
Long-term liabilities	8,111				8,111
Shareholder's equity:
Common stock	1,934				1,846
Additional paid in capital	246,306				214,505
Accumulated earnings	114,847				72,009
Accumulated other comprehensive income	4,745				3,715
Total shareholders' equity	367,832				292,075
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity	$ 377,145				$ 304,086