CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (863,669)	$ (116,025)	$ 159,559
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(50,433)	161,011	(381,633)
Unrealized holding gain on auction rate securities:
Arising in period	0	1	0
Reclassification to net (loss) income	(1)	0	0
Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale equity securities:
Arising in period	3,584	379	22,780
Reclassification to net (loss) income	(3,963)	(1,634)	(21,146)
Net unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale debt securities:
Arising in period	0	7	(114)
Reclassification to net (loss) income	0	197	0
Acquisition of noncontrolling interest	0	0	2,206
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(50,813)	159,961	(377,907)
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments:
Newly established prior service credit	27,944	0	0
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year	24,492	(468)	(1,046)
Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss	519	754	448
Income tax expense	(15,405)	0	0
Currency impact	210	(27)	53
Total pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments	37,760	259	(545)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(13,053)	160,220	(378,452)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(876,722)	44,195	(218,893)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	2,804	0	0
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.	$ (879,526)	$ 44,195	$ (218,893)