PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 2,624,168	$ 2,543,289
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,868,337)	(1,743,518)
Property, plant and equipment, net	755,831	799,771
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	28,510	35,786
Building and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	352,638	372,195
Laboratory Equipment, Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,211,646	1,203,821
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	436,286	423,126
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	520,835	464,578
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 74,253	$ 43,783