2.2.0.7 false Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) 0140 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) true false In Thousands false false 1 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ false 2 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 USDEPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 3 Cash flows from operating activities: 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities include all transactions and events that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Cash flows from operating activities are generally the cash effects of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income. false 4 Net income 2 us-gaap_ProfitLoss us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 68271000 68271 false false false 2 true true false false 64057000 64057 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) false 5 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities in continuing operations: 2 us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 6 Income from discontinued operations 3 us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -432000 -432 false false false 2 false true false false -223000 -223 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items and the cumulative effect of accounting changes before deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 13 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 43 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 47 -Subparagraph c false 7 Depreciation and amortization 3 us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 51399000 51399 false false false 2 false true false false 41753000 41753 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 false 8 Provision for losses on accounts receivable and inventory 3 vrx_ProvisionForLossesOnAccountsReceivableAndInventory vrx false debit duration Amount of the current period expense charged against operations (1) for the purpose of reducing receivables to an amount that... false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 191000 191 false false false 2 false true false false 1505000 1505 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Amount of the current period expense charged against operations (1) for the purpose of reducing receivables to an amount that approximates their net realizable value and (2) the charge to cost of goods sold that represents the reduction of the carrying amount of inventory, generally attributable to obsolescence or market conditions. No authoritative reference available. false 9 Stock compensation expense 3 us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 11749000 11749 false false false 2 false true false false 7703000 7703 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 10 Excess tax deduction from stock options exercised 3 us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -3239000 -3239 false false false 2 false true false false -734000 -734 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Reductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified share-based compensation) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from share-based compensation recognized in financial statements. This element reduces net cash provided by operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A96 false 11 Translation and exchange (gains) losses, net 3 vrx_TranslationAndExchangeLossesNet vrx false credit duration The aggregate realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gain or loss (pretax) included in determining net income... false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 774000 774 false false false 2 false true false false -625000 -625 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The aggregate realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gain or loss (pretax) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Represents the aggregate of gains and losses on transactions that are both settled and unsettled as of the balance sheet date, which is therefore an adjustment to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations. No authoritative reference available. false 12 Impairment charges and other non-cash items 3 vrx_ImpairmentChargesAndOtherNonCashItems vrx false debit duration Impairment charges and other non-cash items. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 5040000 5040 false false false 2 false true false false 8320000 8320 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Impairment charges and other non-cash items. No authoritative reference available. false 13 Payments of accreted interest on long-term debt 3 vrx_PaymentsOfAccretedInterestOnLongTermDebt vrx false credit duration Payments of accreted interest on long-term debt. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false -22987000 -22987 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Payments of accreted interest on long-term debt. No authoritative reference available. false 14 Deferred income taxes 3 us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 13043000 13043 false false false 2 false true false false -501000 -501 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The component of income tax expense for the period representing the net change in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section I -Subsection 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 289 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 false 15 Gain on extinguishment of debt 3 vrx_GainLossOnExtinguishmentOfDebt vrx false debit duration Amount represents the difference between the fair value of debt at retirement date and the carrying value of the debt. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false -7376000 -7376 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Amount represents the difference between the fair value of debt at retirement date and the carrying value of the debt. No authoritative reference available. false 16 Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: 3 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 17 Accounts receivable 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 3706000 3706 false false false 2 false true false false 11850000 11850 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 18 Inventories 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -10214000 -10214 false false false 2 false true false false -9662000 -9662 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 19 Prepaid expenses and other assets 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false 3553000 3553 false false false 2 false true false false 4603000 4603 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the value of this group of assets within the working capital section. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 20 Trade payables and accrued liabilities 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -13280000 -13280 false false false 2 false true false false 4965000 4965 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 21 Income taxes 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 5507000 5507 false false false 2 false true false false 2790000 2790 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the period in the amount of cash payments due to taxing authorities for taxes that are based on the reporting entity's earnings. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 false 22 Other liabilities 4 us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -7997000 -7997 false false false 2 false true false false -23155000 -23155 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change during the reporting period in other operating obligations not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 true 23 Cash flow from operating activities in continuing operations 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 128071000 128071 false false false 2 false true false false 82283000 82283 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) the entity's continuing operations. This element specifically EXCLUDES the cash flows derived by the entity from its discontinued operations, if any. This element is only to be used when the entity reports its cash flows attributable to discontinued operations separately from the cash flow provided by or used in operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 -Footnote 10 false 24 Cash flow from operating activities in discontinued operations 2 us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -11000 -11 false false false 2 false true false false -2434000 -2434 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents cash provided by (used in) the operating activities of the entity's discontinued operations during the period. This element should only be used by those entities that separately report cash flows attributable to discontinued operations. If using this element, it is an indication that the cash flows of the entity which are detailed in reconciling to cash provided by or used in operating activities reflect only cash flows attributable to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 25 Net cash provided by operating activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 128060000 128060 false false false 2 false true false false 79849000 79849 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 26 Cash flows from investing activities: 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 27 Capital expenditures 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -8542000 -8542 false false false 2 false true false false -9108000 -9108 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c false 28 Proceeds from sale of assets 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfProductiveAssets us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 417000 417 false false false 2 false true false false 484000 484 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow from the sale of property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph c false 29 Proceeds from sale of businesses 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 3342000 3342 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents the cash inflow during the period from the sale of a component of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 16 false 30 Proceeds from investments 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleMaturityAndCollectionsOfInvestments us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 13588000 13588 false false false 2 false true false false 20408000 20408 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash inflow associated with the sale, maturity and collection of all investments such as debt, security and so forth during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 18 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 false 31 Purchase of investments 2 us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestments us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false -107210000 -107210 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow associated with the purchase of all investments (debt, security, other) during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 17 false 32 Loans and advances (to) from joint ventures 2 vrx_LoansAndAdvancesToFromJointVentures vrx false credit duration Loans and advances (to) from joint ventures. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -628000 -628 false false false 2 false true false false -802000 -802 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Loans and advances (to) from joint ventures. No authoritative reference available. false 33 Acquisition of businesses, license rights and product lines 2 vrx_AcquisitionOfBusinessesLicenseRightsAndProductLines vrx false credit duration Acquisition of businesses, license rights and product lines. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false true false false -466836000 -466836 false false false 2 false true false false -84098000 -84098 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Acquisition of businesses, license rights and product lines. No authoritative reference available. true 34 Cash flow from investing activities in continuing operations 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -462001000 -462001 false false false 2 false true false false -176984000 -176984 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) the entity's investing activities specifically EXCLUDING the cash flows derived by the entity from its discontinued operations, if any. This element is only to be used when the entity reports its cash flows attributable to discontinued operations separately from the cash flow provided by or used in investing activities. Such reporting would necessitate the entity to use the Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations, Total element provided in the taxonomy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 -Footnote 10 false 35 Cash flow from investing activities in discontinued operations 2 us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 801000 801 false false false 2 false true false false -10610000 -10610 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents cash provided by (used in) the investing activities of the entity's discontinued operations during the period. This element should only be used by those entities that separately report cash flows attributable to discontinued operations. If using this element, it is an indication that the cash flows of the entity which are detailed in reconciling to cash provided by or used in investing activities reflect only cash flows attributable to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 36 Net cash used in investing activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -461200000 -461200 false false false 2 false true false false -187594000 -187594 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 37 Cash flows from financing activities: 1 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 38 Payments on long-term debt and notes payable 2 vrx_PaymentsOnLongTermDebtAndNotesPayable vrx false credit duration Payments on long-term debt and notes payable. false false false false false false false false false false true negated false 1 false true false false -8863000 -8863 false false false 2 false true false false -94301000 -94301 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Payments on long-term debt and notes payable. No authoritative reference available. false 39 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt and notes payable 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 427823000 427823 false false false 2 false true false false 349603000 349603 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) associated with security instrument that either represents a creditor or an ownership relationship with the holder of the investment security with a maturity of beyond one year or normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 false 40 Stock option exercises and employee stock purchases 2 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlansIncludingStockOptions us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 26847000 26847 false false false 2 false true false false 31445000 31445 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The total cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders to acquire the entity's shares under incentive and share awards, including stock option exercises. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a false 41 Payments of employee withholding taxes related to equity awards 2 vrx_PaymentsOfEmployeeWithholdingTaxesRelatedToEquityAwards vrx false debit duration Payments of employee withholding taxes related to equity awards. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false -1304000 -1304 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Payments of employee withholding taxes related to equity awards. No authoritative reference available. false 42 Excess tax deduction from stock options exercised 2 us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 3239000 3239 false false false 2 false true false false 734000 734 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Reductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified share-based compensation) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from share-based compensation recognized in financial statements. This element represents the cash inflow reported in the enterprise's financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 00-15 -Paragraph 3 false 43 Purchase of treasury stock 2 us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock us-gaap true credit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false true negatedtotal false 1 false true false false -106587000 -106587 false false false 2 false true false false -25706000 -25706 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a true 44 Cash flow from financing activities in continuing operations 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 341155000 341155 false false false 2 false true false false 261775000 261775 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash from (used in) the entity's financing activities specifically EXCLUDING the cash flows derived by the entity from its discontinued operations, if any. This element is only to be used when the entity reports its cash flows attributable to discontinued operations separately from the cash flow provided by or used in financing activities. Such reporting would necessitate the entity to use the Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Discontinued Operations, Total element provided in the taxonomy. No authoritative reference available. false 45 Cash flow from financing activities in discontinued operations 2 us-gaap_CashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents cash provided by (used in) the financing activities of the entity's discontinued operations during the period. This element should only be used by those entities that separately report cash flows attributable to discontinued operations. If using this element, it is an indication that the cash flows of the entity which are detailed in reconciling to cash provided by or used in financing activities reflect only cash flows attributable to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 46 Net cash provided by financing activities 2 us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false 341155000 341155 false false false 2 false true false false 261775000 261775 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 true 47 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 1 us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents us-gaap true debit duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false totallabel false 1 false true false false -712000 -712 false false false 2 false true false false -7992000 -7992 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 25 true 48 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 7303000 7303 false false false 2 false true false false 146038000 146038 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary The net change between the beginning and ending balance of cash and cash equivalents. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 false 49 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1 us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false true false false periodstartlabel false 1 false true false false 68080000 68080 false false false 2 false true false false 199582000 199582 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. 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It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents. 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