SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (Revenue by Major Product Category) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 196,652	$ 196,185
Orthopedics
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Revenues	90,260	86,152
Neurosurgery
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Revenues	63,185	66,057
Instruments
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Total Revenues	$ 43,207	$ 43,976