CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (2,408)	$ (288)	$ 880
Other comprehensive loss
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(548)	(647)	(718)
Unrealized gain on equity method investment, net of tax:
Arising during the year	0	0	51
Reclassified to net income	0	0	(51)
Net unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale equity securities:
Arising during the year	0	0	2
Reclassified to net income	0	0	(2)
Other comprehensive loss	(548)	(647)	(718)
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments:
Newly established prior service credit	6	0	29
Net actuarial (loss) gain arising during the year	(32)	21	(127)
Amortization of prior service credit	(3)	(3)	(3)
Amortization or settlement recognition of net gain	1	3	1
Income tax benefit (expense)	4	(3)	28
Currency impact	1	(1)	5
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments	(23)	17	(67)
Other comprehensive loss	(571)	(630)	(785)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,979)	(918)	95
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(4)	0	(3)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.	$ (2,975)	$ (918)	$ 98