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, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ (29,614)	$ 19,736	$ (21,680)	$ 55,224
Revenues	213,246	210,084	615,445	616,439
Intangible asset amortization	3,036	4,618	9,660	13,985
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	33,560	79,329	167,198	225,213
Consolidation Items [Domain] | U.S. Neurosurgery
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	23,080	23,201	59,770	66,247
Revenues	45,114	43,269	125,877	125,776
Operating Segments [Member] | U.S. Instruments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	12,654	11,811	33,172	33,860
Revenues	41,798	41,469	118,737	120,732
Operating Segments [Member] | U.S. Extremities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	14,570	14,996	38,529	37,484
Revenues	33,541	32,961	98,440	91,596
Operating Segments [Member] | U.S. Spine And Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	(31,437)	14,771	(5,970)	42,166
Revenues	46,904	49,188	133,414	142,821
Operating Segments [Member] | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	14,693	14,550	41,697	45,456
Revenues	45,889	43,197	138,977	135,514
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 60,138	$ 54,975	$ 179,218	$ 156,004