GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Reporting unit goodwill impairment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013 U.S. Spine And Other	Sep. 30, 2013 U.S. Spine And Other	Sep. 30, 2013 U.S. Spine
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 0	$ 46,738	$ 0	$ 46,738	$ 46,738
Goodwill Tax Deductible Amount						$ 5,493