SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Net Sales and Profit by Reportable Segment) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	$ 210,084	$ 202,185	$ 616,439	$ 576,555
Segment Profit	76,811	69,171	217,612	199,697
Amortization	(4,618)	(4,548)	(13,985)	(11,609)
Corporate and other	(52,457)	(46,332)	(148,403)	(140,925)
Operating income	19,736	18,291	55,224	47,163
U.S. Neurosurgery
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	43,269	42,800	125,776	122,246
Segment Profit	23,201	22,624	66,247	62,489
U.S. Instruments
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	41,469	41,543	120,732	116,932
Segment Profit	9,293	8,779	26,259	22,029
U.S. Extremities
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	32,961	24,825	91,596	69,341
Segment Profit	14,996	9,657	37,484	27,692
U.S. Spine And Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	49,188	48,293	142,821	128,885
Segment Profit	14,771	13,390	42,166	38,576
International
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	43,197	44,724	135,514	139,151
Segment Profit	$ 14,550	$ 14,721	$ 45,456	$ 48,911