Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A Common Common Class A [Member] Class B Common Common Class B [Member] Class of Stock Class of Stock [Line Items] Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net of Tax Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Options [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Options [Axis] Information by type of interest rate option. Line of Credit, Interest Rate Options [Domain] Line of Credit, Interest Rate Options [Domain] Type of interest rate option, as determined by the Company based on the terms of the credit agreement. Fluctuating Rate Per Annum Line of Credit, Variable Rate Per Annum [Member] Fluctuating interest rate, as determined by the terms of the credit agreement. Fixed Rate Line of Credit, Fixed Rate [Member] Fixed interest rate, as determined by the terms of the credit agreement. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Debt Instrument Debt Instrument [Line Items] Credit facility, current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Credit facility, variable rate Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Credit facility, period of variable rate Line of Credit, Period of Variable Rate The period over which the applicable interest rate option is applied for the debt instrument. Credit facility, basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Credit facility, outstanding borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Credit facility, termination period without penalty Line of Credit, Termination Period Without Penalty Minimum notice period of intent to terminate line of credt agreement without premium or penalty. Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Marketable Securities, Net of Tax Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Schedule of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Compensation and other employee-related costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current Legal and other settlements and expenses Accrued Liabilities, Legal and Other Settlements and Expenses Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for legal and other settlements. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accrued non-income taxes Sales and Excise Tax Payable, Current Royalties Accrued Royalties, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Weighted average grant date per share fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract] BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Innovative Fusion Innovative Fusion [Member] Innovative Fusion [Member] Disruptive Technology Disruptive Technology [Member] Disruptive Technology [Member] Revenue from External Customer Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Total sales Revenue, Net Textuals [Abstract] Textuals [Abstract] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Number of product categories Number of product categories Number of product categories. DEI [Abstract] DEI [Abstract] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document Information, Document [Axis] Document [Domain] Document [Domain] Document Information Document Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Assets Disclosure Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] In-Process Research & Development In Process Research and Development [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Supplier Network Supplier Network [Member] Supplier Network Customer Relationships & Other Intangibles Other Intangible Assets [Member] Patents Patents [Member] Acquired Intangible Assets Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Intangible Assets [Line Items] Weighted average amortization period Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Indefinite-lived intangible assets Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Intangible assets, gross Intangible Assets, Gross Sum of the gross carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date. Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Finite-lived intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Segment And Geographic Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination Disclosure Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization of premium on marketable securities Investment Income, Amortization of Premium Write-down for excess and obsolete inventories Inventory Write-down Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefit related to nonqualified stock options Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Allowance for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Change in deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits (Increase)/decrease in: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets [Abstract] Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Increase/(decrease) in: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities [Abstract] Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable to related-party Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Related Parties Accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities and Other Operating Liabilities Income taxes payable/receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Investments Maturities of marketable securities Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Sales of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Payment of business acquisition liabilities Payment of Business Acquisition Liabilities The cash outflow during the reporting period for obligations arising from the acquisition of a business, including but not limited to contractual milestone payments and contingent performance payments. Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Excess tax benefit related to nonqualified stock options Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Intangible Assets Disclosure Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Marketable Securities [Abstract] Schedule of Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Short-term Marketable Securities Short-term Investments [Member] Long-term Marketable Securities Other Long-term Investments [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Municipal Bonds Municipal Bonds [Member] Corporate Debt Securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Asset-backed Securities Asset-backed Securities [Member] Securities of U.S. government-sponsored agencies US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member] Schedule of Marketable Securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Contractual Maturity Available For Sale Securities Contractual Maturity Contractual maturity (in years) of available for sale securities. Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective income tax rate Effective income tax rate [Table Text Block] Effective income tax rate [Table Text Block] Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block] Summary of Stock Option Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Stock Option Compensation Expense and Intrinsic Value Schedule Stock Option Compensation Expense and Intrinsic Value Schedule [Table Text Block] Tabluar disclosure of the compensation expense related to stock options and the intrinsic value of stock options exercised. Accrued Expenses Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for accrued liabilities at the end of the reporting period. Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related-Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Accounts payable to related-party Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Purchases from related-party supplier Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Schedule of Issued and Outstanding Shares by Class Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stockholders Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Raw Materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Gross Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Gross Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventories Inventory, Net Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income/(loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized gain/(loss) on marketable securities, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation gain/(loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Total other comprehensive income/(loss) Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of shares outstanding beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Number of shares granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Number of shares exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Number of shares forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Number of shares outstanding ending balance Number of shares exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Number of shares expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted average exercise price per share outstanding beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price per share granted Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price per share exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price per share forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price per share outstanding ending balance Weighted average exercise price per share exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price per share expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual life outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual life exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average remaining contractual life expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Schedule of Revenue from External Customers by Geographical Area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers By Geographical Area International and Domestic [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of information concerning the amount of revenue from external customers attributed to that geographic region from which revenue is material. An entity may also provide subtotals of geographic information about groups of countries. Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Total equity, beginning of period Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefit of nonqualified stock options Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Other comprehensive loss Total equity, end of period Schedule of Related-Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Sales Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Provision for litigation - cost of goods sold Provision for litigation loss - cost of goods sold Total costs of inventory written off related to a litigation loss during the period. Gross profit Gross Profit Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Research and development Research and Development Expense Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Provision for litigation Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Foreign currency transaction gain/(loss) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Other income Other Nonoperating Income Total other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax provision Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Anti-dilutive stock equivalents excluded from weighted average calculation Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Compensation expense related to stock options Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Acquisition 2015 Acquisitions 2015 [Member] Acquisitions 2015 Net sales Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Marketable Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Short-term marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities, Current Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,211 and $1,647, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Income taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $129,105 and $118,544, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Long-term marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent Goodwill Goodwill Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Business acquisition liabilities, current Business Acquisition Liabilities, Current Current portion, as of the balance sheet date, of carrying value of the obligations incurred and payable pertaining to business acquisitions, including but not limited to contractual milestone payments and contingent performance payments. Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Business acquisition liabilities, net of current portion Business Acquisition Liabilities, Noncurrent Noncurrent portion, as of the balance sheet date, of carrying value of the obligations incurred and payable pertaining to business acquisitions, including but not limited to contractual milestone payments and contingent performance payments. Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Synthes USA, LLC, Synthes USA Products, LLC, and Synthes USA Sales, LLC Litigation Synthes USA, LLC, Synthes USA Products, LLC, and Synthes USA Sales, LLC Litigation [Member] Synthes USA, LLC, Synthes USA Products, LLC, and Synthes USA Sales, LLC Litigation [Member] NuVasive, Inc. Litigation NuVasive, Inc [Member] NuVasive, Inc [Member] Bianco Litigation Bianco [Member] Bianco Altus Partners, LLC Litigation Altus Partners LLC [Member] Altus Partners, LLC [Member] N-Spine and Synthes Litigation N-Spine and Synthes Litigation [Member] N-Spine and Synthes Litigation Bonutti Skeletal Innovations LLC Litigation Bonutti Skeletal Innovations LLCLitigation [Member] Bonutti Skeletal Innovations LLC litigation Flexuspine Inc. Litigation Flexuspine Inc. Litigation [Member] Flexuspine Inc. Litigation Loss Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Damages awarded Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Combined litigation loss Combined litigation loss Combined litigation loss. Royalty Rate Royalty Rate Royalty rate for the use of technology or intellectual property incurred and directly related to certain goods sold during the reporting period. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Number of Products Launched Since Inception Number of Products Launched Since Inception Number of products launched since inception. Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Cash equivalents Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of cash equivalents as of the balance sheet date. Marketable Securities Contingent consideration Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers [Table] Schedule of Sales By Geographic Area [Table] Tabular disclosure of information concerning the amount of revenue from external customers attributed to that geographic region from which revenue is material. An entity may also provide subtotals of geographic information about groups of countries. Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES International International [Member] Group of countries excluding the United States and its territories/protectorates. Revenues from External Customers Schedule of Sales By Geographic Area [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Class C Common Common Class C [Member] Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the major classes of acquired intangible assets showing the amount, any significant residual value, weighted average amortization period (if any), and other characteristics. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by nature or by their use in the operations of the company. Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares outstanding Marketable Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2012 Equity Incentive Plan 2012 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number of stock plans Share-based Compensation, Number of Stock Plans Share-based Compensation, Number of Stock Plans Number of shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Maximum contractual term Share Based Compensation By Share Based Payment Maximum Contractual Term Maximum term of stock options under the plan (years). Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Base number of shares that may be issuable under stock plan Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Base Number Of Shares Issuable Base number of aggregate shares that may be issued subject to options and other awards. Annual percentage limit for incremental shares that may be issued Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Annual Percentage Increase In Shares Available For Issuance Annual percentage limit, based on the previous year end outstanding shares, of the annual increase in shares that may be issued subject to options and other awards. Unrecognized compensation expense, unvested stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted average period of recognition, unvested stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Accrued Expenses Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Acquisition 2014 Acquisition 2014 [Member] Acquisition 2014 Business Acquisition Business Acquisition [Line Items] Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Deferred consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Estimated closing adjustments payable Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Related party ownership percentage Related party ownership percentage Related party ownership percentage at period end Cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accounts payable and accrued expenses Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Deferred tax liability, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Range of undiscounted aggregate contingent consideration from acquisitions, maximum Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Total identifiable net assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Total allocated purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net