Segment Information (Schedule Of Financial Data For Two Business Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Total revenues	$ 224,188	$ 255,474	$ 457,140	$ 547,406
Total gross margin	99,026	91,459	208,679	174,969
Total operating income (loss)	17,807	24,148	(120,755)	67,484
Interest income	382	273	805	601
Interest expense	(150)	(918)	(301)	(1,826)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	8,859	5,468	(20,587)	21,798
Income (loss) from continuing operations	9,180	18,035	(99,664)	44,461
Par Pharmaceutical [Member]
Total revenues	202,449	231,938	412,193	503,977
Total gross margin	83,994	73,621	176,554	142,064
Total operating income (loss)	51,845	34,896	(80,901)	80,918
Strativa [Member]
Total revenues	21,739	23,536	44,947	43,429
Total gross margin	15,032	17,838	32,125	32,905
Total operating income (loss)	$ (34,038)	$ (10,748)	$ (39,854)	$ (13,434)