SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Net Sales and Profit by Reportable Segment) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	$ 205,547	$ 196,652	$ 210,170	$ 196,185	$ 402,199	$ 406,355
Segment Profit	70,851	62,787	74,480	71,404	133,638	145,884
Amortization	(3,073)	(3,551)	(4,647)	(4,720)	(6,624)	(9,367)
Corporate and other	(59,800)	(59,280)	(51,812)	(49,217)	(119,080)	(101,029)
Operating income	7,978	(44)	18,021	17,467	7,934	35,488
U.S. Neurosurgery
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	41,767	38,996	42,324	40,183	80,763	82,507
Segment Profit	19,786	16,904	21,890	21,156	36,690	43,046
U.S. Instruments
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	39,991	36,948	41,269	37,994	76,939	79,263
Segment Profit	11,206	9,312	11,982	10,067	20,518	22,049
U.S. Extremities
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	33,538	31,361	32,048	26,587	64,899	58,635
Segment Profit	13,225	10,734	13,305	9,183	23,959	22,488
U.S. Spine And Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	42,962	43,548	48,823	44,810	86,510	93,633
Segment Profit	12,284	13,183	13,862	13,533	25,467	27,395
International
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Segment Net Sales	47,289	45,799	45,706	46,611	93,088	92,317
Segment Profit	$ 14,350	$ 12,654	$ 13,441	$ 17,465	$ 27,004	$ 30,906