Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Entity Registrant Name	NU SKIN ENTERPRISES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001021561
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$ 753,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	62,285,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2011