INCOME TAXES (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits
Beginning balance	$ 102,290,000	$ 110,857,000	$ 66,200,000
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	3,492,000	2,701,000	10,133,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	19,036,000		15,608,000
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(1,396,000)	(11,268,000)
Lapse of statute of limitations	(2,000,000)
Balance, end of year	127,978,000	102,290,000	110,857,000
Amount of unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would affect effective tax rate	88,800,000	67,300,000
Amounts accrued for the payment of interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	24,300,000	23,000,000
Recognized increase in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions taken in the current year	27,800,000	2,700,000
Recognized decrease in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to tax positions taken in prior years	3,400,000	11,300,000
Amounts recognized in interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	1,300,000	2,500,000
Estimated unrecognized tax benefits realized during the next 12 months	14,400,000
Medicis
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits
Acquisition	6,556,000
Valeant
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits
Acquisition			$ 18,916,000