Schedule 1 - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Orthofix International NV - Condensed Statements of Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	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, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
(Expenses) income:
General and administrative									$ (53,391)	$ (64,481)	$ (73,010)
Income (loss) before income taxes									70,188	(2,053)	55,028
Income tax (expense) benefit									(25,138)	(14,165)	(24,031)
Net income (loss)	21,161	5,016	7,254	9,407	7,887	10,075	5,395	(41,467)	42,838	(18,110)	44,296
Orthofix International N V [Member]
(Expenses) income:
General and administrative									(7,700)	(11,134)	(13,146)
Equity in earnings of investments in subsidiaries and affiliates									50,317	(6,296)	59,517
Other, net									24	7	(199)
Income (loss) before income taxes									42,641	(17,423)	46,172
Income tax (expense) benefit									197	(687)	(1,876)
Net income (loss)									$ 42,838	$ (18,110)	$ 44,296