SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Revenue by Major Product Category) (Details) (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
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 214,432	$ 210,084	$ 210,170	$ 196,185	$ 203,523	$ 202,185	$ 193,329	$ 181,041	$ 830,871	$ 780,078	$ 732,068
Orthopedics
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Revenues									369,312	328,933	290,274
Neurosurgery
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Revenues									277,527	272,538	263,147
Instruments
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Revenues									$ 184,032	$ 178,607	$ 178,647