SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Net Sales and Profit by Reportable Segment) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	$ 196,652	$ 196,185
Segment Profit	64,734	71,404
Amortization	(3,551)	(4,720)
Corporate and other	(61,227)	(49,217)
Operating (loss) income	(44)	17,467
U.S. Neurosurgery
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	38,996	40,183
Segment Profit	17,768	21,156
U.S. Instruments
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	36,948	37,994
Segment Profit	10,084	10,067
U.S. Extremities
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	31,361	26,587
Segment Profit	10,791	9,183
U.S. Spine And Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	43,548	44,810
Segment Profit	13,213	13,533
International
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	45,799	46,611
Segment Profit	$ 12,878	$ 17,465