INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 segment	Mar. 31, 2012 U.S. Dermatology	Mar. 31, 2012 U.S. Neurology and Other	Dec. 31, 2011 U.S. Neurology and Other	Mar. 31, 2012 Canada and Australia	Mar. 31, 2012 Emerging Markets
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 3,598,786	$ 491,651	$ 1,542,203	$ 1,542,203	$ 498,198	$ 1,066,734
Additions	56,322	1,479				54,843
Adjustments	13,209				13,209
Foreign exchange and other	61,962				9,708	52,254
Balance at the end of the period	$ 3,730,279	$ 493,130	$ 1,542,203	$ 1,542,203	$ 521,115	$ 1,173,831
Number of reportable segments	4