CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 912.2	$ (863.6)	$ (116.0)
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(717.8)	(50.5)	161.0
Unrealized gain on equity method investment, net of tax:
Arising in period	51.3	0	0
Reclassification to net income (loss)	(51.3)	0	0
Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale equity securities:
Arising in period	1.8	3.6	0.4
Reclassification to net income (loss)	(1.8)	(4.0)	(1.6)
Net unrealized holding loss on available-for-sale debt securities:
Reclassification to net income (loss)	0	0	0.2
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(717.8)	(50.9)	160.0
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments:
Newly established prior service credit	29.4	27.9	0
Net actuarial (loss) gain arising during the year	(127.3)	24.5	(0.5)
Amortization of prior service credit	(2.5)	0	0
Amortization or settlement recognition of net loss	0.9	0.6	0.7
Income tax benefit (expense)	27.4	(15.4)	0
Currency impact	5.2	0.2	0
Total pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments	(66.9)	37.8	0.2
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(784.7)	(13.1)	160.2
Comprehensive income (loss)	127.5	(876.7)	44.2
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2.9)	2.8	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.	$ 130.4	$ (879.5)	$ 44.2