| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 180 - Disclosure - Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (http://www.watson.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesScheduleOfReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefits) |
| Table | Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table] |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000884629 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Legal Entity [Axis] | Entity [Domain] |
| Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] | Period [Axis] | ||
|---|---|---|---|
2012-01-01 - 2012-12-31 | 2011-01-01 - 2011-12-31 | 2010-01-01 - 2010-12-31 | |
Balance at the beginning of the year | 71,200,000 | 68,000,000 | 72,200,000 |
Increases for current year tax positions | 4,300,000 | 8,500,000 | 5,900,000 |
Increases for prior year tax positions | 6,700,000 | 11,000,000 | 20,100,000 |
Increases due to acquisitions | 41,900,000 | ||
Decreases for prior year tax positions | (10,400,000) | (14,900,000) | (27,500,000) |
Settlements | (9,300,000) | (1,200,000) | (2,300,000) |
Lapse of applicable statue of limitations | (1,300,000) | (200,000) | (400,000) |
Foreign Exchange | 600,000 | ||
Balance at the end of the year | 103,700,000 | 71,200,000 | 68,000,000 |