Forest Laboratories (FRX) 10-Q 6 Feb 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 05, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FOREST LABORATORIES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000038074	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--03-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	270,960,901
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash (including cash equivalent investments of $1,731,817 at December 31, 2013 and $867,112 at March 31, 2013)	$2,322,433	$935,675
Marketable securities	701,671	739,198
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,040 at December 31, 2013 and $2,003 at March 31, 2013	369,881	478,032
Inventories, net	438,002	393,901
Deferred income taxes	274,980	266,455
Prepaid and other current assets	186,151	134,525
Total current assets	4,293,118	2,947,786
Non-current assets:	'	'
Marketable securities and investments	1,463,818	1,349,424
Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation of $388,901 at December 31, 2013 and $362,742 at March 31, 2013	395,573	376,960
Goodwill	713,091	713,091
License agreements, product rights and other intangibles, less accumulated amortization of $425,740 at December 31, 2013 and $322,689 at March 31, 2013	2,072,079	2,127,639
Other assets	121,063	114,682
Total assets	9,058,742	7,629,582
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	77,467	157,349
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	962,563	840,342
Total current liabilities	1,040,030	997,691
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	1,200,000	0
Income tax liabilities	528,447	567,311
Deferred tax liabilities	257,031	283,245
Other long-term liabilities	39,903	36,080
Total liabilities	3,065,411	1,884,327
Contingencies (Note 11)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $1.00 par; shares authorized 1,000; no shares issued or outstanding	'	'
Common stock, $.10 par; shares authorized 1,000,000; 433,995 and 430,385 shares issued at December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively	43,400	43,039
Additional paid-in capital	1,951,124	1,799,071
Retained earnings	9,166,570	9,055,344
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,887	10,116
Treasury stock, at cost (164,044 shares at December 31, 2013 and 163,886 shares at March 31, 2013)	-5,171,650	-5,162,315
Total stockholders' equity	5,993,331	5,745,255
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$9,058,742	$7,629,582

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash equivalent investments	$1,731,817	$867,112
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	2,040	2,003
Non-current assets [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	388,901	362,742
Accumulated amortization	$425,740	$322,689
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000	1,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	433,995	430,385
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	164,044	163,886

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$846,784	$677,967	$2,455,066	$2,121,750
Contract revenue	31,612	38,314	99,555	158,426
Total revenue	878,396	716,281	2,554,621	2,280,176
Cost of goods sold	182,270	153,311	511,355	471,257
Gross profit	696,126	562,970	2,043,266	1,808,919
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	454,981	428,380	1,307,408	1,185,578
Research and development	219,506	325,290	596,288	723,295
Total operating expenses	674,487	753,670	1,903,696	1,908,873
Operating income (loss)	21,639	-190,700	139,570	-99,954
Interest and other income (expense), net	683	6,409	12,648	24,278
Income (loss) before income taxes	22,322	-184,291	152,218	-75,676
Income tax expense (benefit)	4,361	-30,683	40,992	1,870
Net income (loss)	$17,961	($153,608)	$111,226	($77,546)
Net income (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.07	($0.58)	$0.41	($0.29)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.07	($0.58)	$0.41	($0.29)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	269,481	266,018	268,385	266,967
Diluted (in shares)	272,901	266,018	270,832	266,967

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$17,961	($153,608)	$111,226	($77,546)
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	2,946	2,933	8,997	-3,569
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax	0	108	-1,444	3,468
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, net of tax	269	3,937	-13,782	4,732
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,215	6,978	-6,229	4,631
Comprehensive income (loss)	$21,176	($146,630)	$104,997	($72,915)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$111,226	($77,546)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	41,908	34,496
Amortization	100,758	73,695
Stock-based compensation expense	58,614	53,259
Deferred income tax benefit	-34,739	-39,260
Decrease (increase) in:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	108,151	73,875
Inventories, net	-44,101	-83,728
Prepaid and other current assets	-49,322	33,546
Increase (decrease) in:	'	'
Accounts payable	-79,882	-84,992
Accrued expenses	122,221	101,673
Income tax liabilities	-38,864	3,517
Other liabilities	12,287	0
Other	22,615	1,766
Net cash provided by operating activities	330,872	90,301
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-75,932	-50,557
Sale of property, plant, and equipment	13,750	0
Purchase of marketable securities	-911,986	-2,982,108
Redemption of marketable securities	851,202	2,526,325
Purchase of trademarks	-44,500	-125,000
Other investing activities	-49,231	-108,077
Net cash used in investing activities	-216,697	-739,417
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	1,200,000	0
Net proceeds from common stock options exercised by employees under stock option plans	86,096	19,729
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation	7,704	1,867
Treasury stock transactions	-9,335	-10,841
Other financing activities	-18,468	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,265,997	10,755
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	6,586	7,749
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,386,758	-630,612
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	935,675	1,579,515
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$2,322,433	$948,903

Basis_of_presentation

Basis of presentation	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Basis of presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of presentation	'
	1.   Basis of presentation:
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information, Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 270-10 and with the instructions to Form 10-Q.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In management’s opinion, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the interim periods presented and all adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date of this filing.  Operating results for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.  When used in these notes, the terms “Forest” or “the Company” mean Forest Laboratories, Inc. and subsidiaries.  The March 31, 2013 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.  You should read these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes hereto incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form  10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.
	For the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company modified the presentation of its Consolidated Statements of Operations effective for all periods presented, whereby Interest income, interest expense and other miscellaneous income/expense is presented in the ‘Interest and other income (expense)’ caption below Operating income (loss).  The modified presentation is consistent with industry practice and conforms with the requirements of Regulation S-X 5.03.  There were no changes in the Company’s accounting policies, methodology for estimates or the activity included in the respective captions in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Accounts_receivable

Accounts receivable	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts receivable [Abstract]	'
Accounts receivable	'
	2.   Accounts receivable:
	Accounts receivable, net, consist of the following:
	(In thousands)
		31-Dec-13		31-Mar-13
	Trade	$	312,008	$	403,331
	Other		57,873		74,701
		$	369,881	$	478,032

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	3. Inventories:
	Inventories, net of reserves for obsolescence, consist of the following:
	(In thousands)
		31-Dec-13		31-Mar-13
	Raw materials	$	158,641	$	127,508
	Work in process		1,028		1,333
	Finished goods		278,333		265,060
		$	438,002	$	393,901

Fair_value_measurements

Fair value measurements	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair value measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair value measurements	'
	4. Fair value measurements:
	The following table presents the levels within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company’s financial assets are carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis:
	(In thousands)
	Description	Fair value at		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets		Significant other observable market inputs		Unobservable market inputs
		31-Dec-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Money market accounts	$	1,329,814	$	1,329,814	$	–	$	–
	Municipal bonds and notes		12,484		–		12,484		–
	Commercial paper		483,082		2,850		480,232		–
	Variable rate demand notes		33,970		–		33,970		–
	Auction rate securities		3,198		–		–		3,198
	Certificates of deposit		73,443		–		73,443		–
	Corporate bonds		1,661,037		–		1,661,037		–
	Government agency bonds		246,091		–		246,091		–
	Description	Fair value at		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets		Significant other observable market inputs		Unobservable market inputs
		31-Mar-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Money market accounts	$	818,474	$	818,474	$	–	$	–
	Municipal bonds and notes		46,877		–		46,877		–
	Commercial paper		168,639		31,815		136,824		–
	Variable rate demand notes		1,500		–		1,500		–
	Auction rate securities		3,198		–		–		3,198
	Certificates of deposit		90,268		5,981		84,287		–
	Corporate bonds		1,509,870		–		1,509,870		–
	Government agency bonds		278,804		–		278,804		–
	The Company determines fair value based on a market approach using quoted market values, significant other observable inputs for identical or comparable assets or liabilities, or discounted cash flow analyses. The Company determines the value of its auction rate securities portfolio based upon a discounted cash flow model.  The assumptions used in the valuation model include estimates for interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, and expected holding periods for the auction rate securities.
	There were no purchases or sales of Level 3 investments during the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2013.
	The Company also issued long-term debt with a carrying value of $1.2 billion during the three months ended December 31, 2013.  See Note 12 for further information.
	The majority of the Company’s non-financial assets and liabilities are not required to be carried at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, the Company is required on a non-recurring basis to use fair value measurements when assessing asset impairment as it relates to goodwill, license agreements, product rights, other intangible assets and other long-lived assets.  The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable and other short-term financial instruments approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature.

Marketable_securities

Marketable securities	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Marketable securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable securities	'
	5. Marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale debt securities consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-13
		Estimated fair value		Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income		Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income
	Current:
	Municipal bonds and notes	$	7,146	$	11	$	–
	Government agency bonds		90,746		141		(1	)
	Commercial paper		104,363		–		–
	Certificates of deposit		43,453		5		(8	)
	Corporate bonds		455,963		709		(62	)
	Total current securities		701,671		866		(71	)
	Non-current:
	Municipal bonds and notes		5,338		22		–
	Government agency bonds		155,345		172		(267	)
	Commercial paper		5,834		–		–
	Certificates of deposit		3,000		–		–
	Corporate bonds		1,202,946		3,678		(5,358	)
	Auction rate securities		3,198		–		(752	)
	Variable rate demand notes		33,970		–		–
	Total non-current securities		1,409,631		3,872		(6,377	)
	Total available-for-sale debt securities	$	2,111,302	$	4,738	$	(6,448	)
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-13
		Estimated fair value		Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income		Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income
	Current:
	Municipal bonds and notes	$	34,025	$	34	$	–
	Government agency bonds		87,227		125		(10	)
	Commercial paper		144,293		–		–
	Certificates of deposit		47,977		–		(2	)
	Corporate bonds		425,676		1,286		(33	)
	Total current securities		739,198		1,445		(45	)
	Non-current:
	Municipal bonds and notes		12,852		37		–
	Government agency bonds		186,577		434		(19	)
	Certificates of deposit		22,999		–		–
	Corporate bonds		1,084,194		5,290		(2,150	)
	Auction rate securities		3,198		–		(752	)
	Variable rate demand notes		1,500		–		–
	Total non-current securities		1,311,320		5,761		(2,921	)
	Total available-for-sale debt securities	$	2,050,518	$	7,206	$	(2,966	)
	Proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale debt securities were $851.2 million and $2.5 billion for the nine months ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Gross realized gains on those sales were $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively.  In order to determine gross realized gains and losses, the Company uses average cost.  The Company records holding gains and losses on available for sale securities in the ‘Accumulated other comprehensive income’ caption in the condensed consolidated Balance Sheet.  The Company had a net unrealized holding loss of $1.7 million at December 31, 2013 and a net unrealized holding gain of $4.2 million at March 31, 2013.  The preceding tables do not include the Company’s equity securities for Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Ironwood) and Trevena, Inc. (Trevena).  The carrying value of the Company’s equity securities in Ironwood, which were measured at fair market value based on quoted market prices for the related security, was $24.2 million and $38.1 million at December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013, respectively.  The Company purchased $30 million of Trevena preferred stock during the first quarter of fiscal 2014.  Refer to Note 6 for additional information.
	Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)
		Estimated FV
	Within one year	$	701,671
	1-5 years		1,367,236
	5-10 years		2,400
	After 10 years		39,995
		$	2,111,302
	Actual maturities may differ from stated maturities because some borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call penalties.
	The Company invests funds in variable rate demand notes that have major bank liquidity agreements, municipal bonds and notes, government agency bonds, commercial paper, corporate bonds, certificates of deposit, and auction rate securities.  Certain securities are subject to a hard-put option(s) where the principal amount is contractually assured by the issuer and any resistance to the exercise of these options would be deemed as a default by the issuer.  Such a potential default would be reflected in the issuer’s respective credit rating, for which the Company maintains investment grade requirements pursuant to its corporate investment guidelines.  While the Company believes its investments that have net unrealized losses are temporary, declines in the value of these investments may be deemed other-than-temporary if the credit and capital markets were to deteriorate in future periods.  The Company has the ability and intends to hold its investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be at maturity.  The Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired and will continue to monitor global market conditions to minimize the risk of impairments in future periods.

License_and_collaboration_agre

License and collaboration agreements

9 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

License and collaboration agreements [Abstract]

'

License and collaboration agreements

'

6.  License and collaboration agreements:

Saphris license

On November 29, 2013, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) with Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck) pursuant to which the Company purchased exclusive rights in the United States (U.S.) for Saphris® (asenapine) sublingual tablets, a treatment for adult patients with schizophrenia and, as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.  Upon the closing of the transaction on January 10, 2014, the Company paid Merck $155 million and entered into a supply agreement pursuant to which it will purchase the product from Merck at an agreed purchase price.

In addition, the Company is obligated to pay up to an additional $85 million to Merck for costs and expenses incurred in connection with post-marketing clinical trials conducted for Saphris during calendar 2013 which is expected to be paid during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.  The agreement also includes certain sales milestone payments to Merck upon the achievement of certain net sales thresholds.

Saphris is an atypical antipsychotic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and launched in 2009.

Fetzima approval

In July 2013, the Company received FDA approval for FetzimaTM (levomilnacipran extended-release capsules), a once-daily serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adults.  The product was launched in December 2013 and recorded sales of $8.0 million of initial trade stocking for the three months ended December 31, 2013.  The Company licensed the rights to levomilnacipran in the U.S. and Canada from Pierre Fabre Laboratories, and was obligated to pay a milestone payment of $30 million upon FDA approval.  Such milestone payment was capitalized as an intangible asset and is currently being amortized over the life of the patent for Fetzima.

Trevena

On May 9, 2013, the Company entered into a collaborative licensing option agreement with Trevena for the development of TRV027, a novel beta-arrestin biased ligand of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure.  Pursuant to the agreement, the Company purchased $30 million of Trevena preferred stock in a round of private placement financing which is recorded in the non-current ‘Marketable securities and investments’ caption in the condensed consolidated Balance Sheet.  This investment is accounted for using the cost method and will be reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if a triggering event is deemed to have occurred.

Ironwood collaboration

In September 2007, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with Ironwood to jointly develop and commercialize Linzess® (linaclotide) for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).  Under the terms of the agreement, the Company shares equally with Ironwood all profits and losses from the development and commercialization of Linzess in the U.S.  In addition, Forest obtained exclusive rights to the linaclotide license in Canada and Mexico, for which the Company will pay royalties to Ironwood based on net sales in those territories, subject to receiving regulatory approval.

The agreement included contingent milestone payments as well as a contingent equity investment based on the achievement of specific clinical and commercial milestones.  As of December 31, 2013, payments totaling $230 million relating to development and approval milestones have been made.  The Company may be obligated to pay up to an additional $100 million if certain sales milestones are achieved.

Linzess received FDA approval as a once-daily treatment for adult men and women suffering from    IBS-C and CIC in August 2012.  For the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2013, Linzess sales in the U.S. totaled $51.0 million and $114.3 million, respectively.

Based on the nature of the arrangement (including its contractual terms), the nature of the payments and applicable guidance, the Company records receipts from and payments to Ironwood in two pools: the Development pool, which consists of research and development (R&D) expenses, and the Commercialization pool, which consists of revenue, cost of sales and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense.  The net payment to or receipt from Ironwood for the Development pool is recorded in R&D expense and the net payment to or receipt from Ironwood for the Commercialization pool is recorded in SG&A expense.

The following illustrates activity related to the Ironwood collaboration agreement for the periods presented:

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

December 31,

December 31,

2013

2012

2013

2012

Revenue

Net Sales attributed to the Ironwood

collaboration agreement

$

51,044

$

19,227

$

114,251

$

19,227

Cost of sales

Cost of sales attributed to the

Ironwood collaboration agreement

2,133

770

5,539

770

Selling, general and administrative

Payment to/ (receipt from) Ironwood

for the Commercialization pool

3,968

(8,369

)

(13,799

)

(13,884

)

Research and development

Payment to/ (receipt from) Ironwood

for the Development pool

595

(949

)

1,602

(2,350

)

moksha8

On October 22, 2012, the Company announced an agreement with moksha8, a privately-held pharmaceutical company which markets products in Latin America.  The agreement included an exclusive license from Forest to moksha8 to commercialize Viibryd, and potentially other Forest products, in Latin America.  In addition, the Company agreed to provide up to $125 million in debt financing to moksha8 in several tranches over a two-year period, conditioned upon moksha8 achieving certain business goals.  The agreement also included an option for Forest to acquire moksha8 at a fixed price of $157 million at the end of the two year period, subsequent to which the shareholders of moksha8 had an option to put to Forest all interests of moksha8 at a fixed price of $144 million.

As of December 31, 2013, a total of $101.9 million has been funded of which $19.2 million was funded during the nine months ended December 31, 2013.  The loan, which has a term of 6 years from the date of initial funding, is collateralized by the assets of moksha8.  The Company has recorded a loan receivable as a long term asset in the Company’s condensed consolidated Balance Sheet which is included in the ‘Other assets’ caption.

The Company accounts for the loan using the cost method and performed an impairment analysis during the third quarter of fiscal 2014 with the fair value of the loan being determined based on the fair value of the collateral.  The loan is a level 3 financial instrument and the fair value was determined using a discounted cash flow model with the key inputs including revenue projections, weighted average cost of capital and discount rates.  Based on the analysis performed, the value of the loan was deemed to be appropriate.

In January 2014, the Company and moksha8 amended the terms the original agreement which terminated Forest’s obligation to provide additional funding to moksha8. The amendment also terminated Forest’s option to acquire moksha8 as well as the shareholders of moksha8’s option to put to Forest all interests of moksha8.  moksha8 retains the exclusive license to commercialize Viibryd and continues to work with the Company to obtain licenses to additional products in Latin America.

Net_income_loss_per_share

Net income (loss) per share	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income (loss) per share [Abstract]	'
Net income per share	'
	7. Net income (loss) per share:
	A reconciliation of shares used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share follows:
	(In thousands)
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		December 31,				December 31,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Basic		269,481		266,018		268,385		266,967
	Incremental shares attributable to share
	based compensation plans		3,420		–		2,447		–
	Diluted		272,901		266,018		270,832		266,967
	Options to purchase approximately 1.8 million shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $42.61 to $59.05 per share and options to purchase approximately 5.0 million shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $35.63 to $59.05 per share were not included in the computation of diluted shares for three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2013, respectively, because their effect would be anti-dilutive.  These options expire through 2023.  Options to purchase approximately 16.6 million shares at exercise prices ranging from $20.55 to $59.05 per share were not included in the computation of diluted shares for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2012, respectively, because their effect would be anti-dilutive.  The weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding is reduced by the treasury stock method which, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718-10 Compensation–Stock Compensation, takes into consideration the compensation cost attributed to future services not yet recognized.
	On November 26, 2013, the Board terminated the previously outstanding 50 million share repurchase authorization and authorized the repurchase of up to $1 billion of shares of common stock based on prevailing prices from time to time. The new authorization became effective immediately and has no set expiration date.

Stockholders_equity

Stockholders' equity	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' equity	'
	8. Stockholders’ equity:
	Stock based compensation: In August 2013, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan) whereby an additional 28 million shares were authorized to be issued to employees of the Company.  Under the 2007 Plan, as amended, a total of 57 million shares have been authorized to be issued.  The 2007 Plan provides for the granting of incentive and nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and stock equivalent units.  These awards generally vest in three to five years.  Stock options, granted at prices not less than the fair market value of the common stock at the date of the grant, may be exercisable for up to ten years from the date of issuance.  As of December 31, 2013, 30.3 million shares were available for grant under the amended 2007 Plan.  Stock based compensation expense of $24.1 million ($16.3 million net of tax) and $58.6 million ($39.5 million net of tax) was recorded for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2013, respectively.  For the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2012, compensation expense of $24.8 million ($17.5 million net of tax) and $53.3 million ($37.9 million net of tax) respectively, was recorded.  This expense is charged to Cost of sales, SG&A expense and R&D expense, as appropriate.

Business_segment_information

Business segment information	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business segment information [Abstract]	'
Business segment information	'
	9. Business segment information:
	The Company operates in only one segment.  Net sales by therapeutic class is as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	December 31,				December 31,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Central nervous system	$	512,806	$	441,871	$	1,538,579	$	1,479,574
	Cardiovascular		136,202		116,429		404,954		345,661
	Gastrointestinal		51,044		19,227		114,251		19,227
	Respiratory		56,698		29,647		145,085		66,961
	Other		90,034		70,793		252,197		210,327
		$	846,784	$	677,967	$	2,455,066	$	2,121,750

Income_taxes

Income taxes	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income taxes [Abstract]	'
Income taxes	'
	10.  Income taxes:
	The Company’s income tax returns for fiscal years prior to 2003 in most jurisdictions and prior to 2008 in Ireland are no longer subject to review as such fiscal years are generally closed.  Tax authorities in various jurisdictions are in the process of reviewing the Company’s income tax returns for various post-2002 fiscal years, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which has recently concluded its examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for fiscal years 2004, 2005 and 2006.
	In connection with that examination, the Company agreed to an assessment related to intercompany transfer pricing.  Such assessment resulted in additional U.S. federal and state corporation tax within previously established tax reserves and did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.
	Fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 are currently under review by the IRS.  It is unlikely that the outcome will be determined within the next 12 months.  Potential claims for years under review could be material.
	The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize net interest related to income tax matters in income tax expense.  For the nine months ended December 31, 2013, the Company accrued an additional $13.2 million in interest for a total of $63.5 million related to the resolution of various income tax matters.
	Our effective tax rate was 19.5% and 26.9% for the three and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2013, respectively, as compared to 16.6% and (2.5%) for the same periods last year.  The increase in the current three and nine-month periods compared to last year was primarily due to a change in the mix of earnings by jurisdiction, the expiration of the U.S. Research & Experimentation Tax Credit as of December 31, 2013, the write-off of a note receivable related to the termination of the Nabriva development program, partially offset by the impact of Project Rejuvenate.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	11. Contingencies:
	The Company is a defendant in three federal actions filed on behalf of individuals who purchased Celexa and/or Lexapro for pediatric use, all of which have been consolidated for pretrial purposes in a MDL proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts under the caption “In re Celexa and Lexapro Marketing and Sales Practices Litigation.”  These actions, two of which were originally filed as putative nationwide class actions, and one of which is a putative California-wide class action, allege that the Company marketed Celexa and/or Lexapro for off-label pediatric use and paid illegal kickbacks to physicians to induce prescriptions of Celexa and Lexapro.  The complaints assert various similar claims, including claims under the Missouri and California consumer protection statutes, respectively, and state common laws.  On February 5, 2013, the district judge overseeing the MDL denied all plaintiffs’ motions for class certification.  On February 18, 2013, the plaintiff in the California action filed a petition seeking leave to appeal this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.  On April 16, 2013, the First Circuit denied the petition.  On April 30, 2013, plaintiffs in the other two actions filed an amended complaint seeking to certify state-wide class actions in Illinois, Missouri, and New York under those states’ consumer protection statutes.  Plaintiffs moved for class certification in all these three states on June 28, 2013.  On January 13, 2014, the district judge denied plaintiffs’ motion with respect to the proposed Illinois and New York classes and allowed it with respect to the proposed Missouri class.  Forest filed a petition seeking leave to appeal this decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit on January 27, 2014.
	On May 3, 2013, an action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of individuals who purchased Lexapro for adolescent use, seeking to certify a state-wide class action in California and alleging that our promotion of Lexapro for adolescent depression has been deceptive.  This action was transferred to the MDL mentioned in the preceding paragraph and, on July 29, 2013, the Company moved to dismiss the complaint.  The motion was argued before the Court on September 20, 2013, and a decision is pending.
	On November 13, 2013, an action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota seeking to certify a nationwide class of third-party payor entities that purchased Celexa and Lexapro for pediatric use.  The complaint asserts claims under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, alleging that Forest engaged in an off-label marketing scheme and paid illegal kickbacks to physicians to induce prescriptions of Celexa and Lexapro.  This action was transferred to the MDL mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, and the Company filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on January 15, 2014.
	The Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against these cases.  At this time, the Company believes an unfavorable outcome is less than probable and are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
	The Company is also named as defendants in two actions filed on behalf of entities or individuals who purchased or reimbursed certain purchases of Celexa or Lexapro for pediatric use pending in the Missouri Circuit Court, Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit, and arising from similar allegations as those contained in the federal actions described in the preceding paragraphs.  The first action, filed on November 6, 2009 under the caption “St. Louis Labor Healthcare Network et al. v. Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Forest Laboratories, Inc.,” is brought by two entities that purchased or reimbursed certain purchases of Celexa and/or Lexapro.  The complaint asserts claims under the Missouri consumer protection statute and Missouri common law, and seeks unspecified damages and attorneys’ fees.  The Company has reached an agreement with the plaintiffs to resolve this action for payments that are not material to our financial condition or results of operations.  The second action, filed on July 22, 2009 under the caption “Crawford v. Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,” and now known as “Luster v. Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,” is a putative class action on behalf of a class of Missouri citizens who purchased Celexa for pediatric use.  Only Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is headquartered in Missouri, is named as a defendant.  The complaint asserts claims under the Missouri consumer protection statute and Missouri common law, and seeks unspecified damages and attorneys’ fees.  In October 2010, the court certified a class of Missouri domiciliary citizens who purchased Celexa for pediatric use at any time prior to the date of the class certification order, but who do not have a claim for personal injury.  Discovery is currently ongoing and a trial date has been set in March 2014.  On December 9, 2013, the Company filed a motion for summary judgment, which was argued on January 8, 2014.  A decision on this motion is pending.  The Company intends to continue to vigorously defend against this action.  At this time, the Company believes an unfavorable outcome is less than probable and are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
	Forest is currently defending approximately 195 product liability lawsuits.  Thirteen of the lawsuits allege that Celexa or Lexapro caused or contributed to individuals committing or attempting suicide.  The remainder of the lawsuits allege that Celexa or Lexapro caused various birth defects.  Each lawsuit seeks substantial compensatory and punitive damages.  The Company is vigorously defending these suits.
	An MDL was established for the majority of the suicidality-related litigation, with the federal court cases being transferred to Judge Rodney Sippel in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.  The MDL has concluded and the remaining twelve cases have been remanded to the federal district courts in which they were filed originally.  Several trials involving completed suicides have been scheduled in those federal district courts in 2014 and 2015 and Forest expects more trial dates to be established.  A state court case involving a young woman who allegedly attempted suicide is set for trial in February 2014 in Montgomery, Alabama.
	The majority of the birth defect cases are consolidated for pretrial purposes in Cole County Circuit Court in Missouri.  Two cases are set for trial in Cole County in May 2014 and September 2014.  Nineteen cases are pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.  Fact discovery closes in March 2014.  One case is pending in Orange County, California and is set for trial in June 2014.  The Company expects that the state court consolidation will ease the burden of defending these cases.  The Company believes that the consolidated proceedings will promote the economical and efficient resolution of these lawsuits and provides the Company with a meaningful opportunity to vindicate our products.  However, litigation is inherently subject to uncertainty and the Company cannot predict or determine the outcome of this litigation.  Forest generally maintains $140 million of product liability coverage (annually, per “occurrence” on a claims-made basis, and in the aggregate).
	In December 2013, the Company was named as a defendant in an action brought by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware under the caption “Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd. v. Forest Laboratories, Inc.”  The complaint alleges that Forest infringes U.S. Patent No. 6,194,000 by making, using, selling, offering to sell, and importing Namenda XR.  The relief requested includes preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, and damages.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against this action.  At this time, the Company believes an unfavorable outcome is less than probable and are unable to estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of possible loss, but do not believe losses, if any, would have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position taken as a whole.
	In January 2014, Forest and its licensors for Namenda XR, Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KgaA (Merz) and Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Adamas), brought actions for infringement of certain patents in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Wockhardt USA LLC (Wockhardt), Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (Teva), Sun Pharma Global FZE (Sun), and related subsidiaries and affiliates thereof.  These companies have notified Forest that they have filed ANDAs with the FDA seeking to obtain approval to market generic versions of Namenda XR before these certain patents expire.  Specifically, the lawsuits allege that Wockhardt’s, Teva’s, and Sun’s ANDA submissions infringe some or all of U.S. Patent No. 5,061,703 (the ‘703 patent), U.S. Patent No. 8,168,209 (the ‘209 patent), U.S. Patent No. 8,173,708 (the ‘708 patent), U.S. Patent No. 8,283,379 (the ‘379 patent), U.S. Patent No. 8,329,752 (the ‘752 patent), U.S. Patent No. 8,362,085 (the ‘085 patent), and U.S. Patent No. 8,598,233 (the ‘233 patent).  (The ‘703 patent expires in April 2015, the ‘009 patent expires in March 2029, and the ‘209, ‘708, ‘379, ‘752, ‘085, and ‘233 patents expire in November 2025.)  This lawsuit triggered an automatic stay of approval of the applicable ANDAs that expires no earlier than June 2016 (unless a court issues a decision adverse to the Company, Merz, and Adamas sooner).
	The Company is also subject to various legal proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business.  Litigation is subject to many factors which are difficult to predict and there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur material costs in the resolution of these matters.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	12. Debt:
	On December 10, 2013 the Company issued $1.2 billion of 5.00% Senior Notes (the 5.00% Senior Notes), which mature on December 15, 2021.  The 5.00% Senior Notes accrue interest per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15, commencing on June 15, 2014.  The Company incurred $18.5 million in deferred financing costs associated with the 5.00% Senior Notes which will be amortized over the term of the notes.   For the three months ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded $3.5 million of interest expense and $0.1 million of  amortization of deferred financing fees related to the 5.00% Senior Notes.  The 5.00% Senior Notes have a fair value of $1.2 billion which is based on a market approach using Level 2 inputs.

Restructuring_initiative

Restructuring initiative	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring initiative [Abstract]	'
Restructuring initiative	'
	13. Restructuring initiative:
	During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company announced Project Rejuvenate, a $500 million cost savings initiative with a goal of streamlining operations and reducing the Company’s operating cost base.  Project Rejuvenate is focused on three areas: flattening and broadening the organization to reduce layers and increase spans of control, increase the Company’s productivity and profitability by decreasing costs and streamlining work to reduce low value activities.
	The Company expects annualized savings of approximately $270 million associated with the streamlining and realigning the R&D organization, $150 million in savings associated with the reduction of marketing expenses and $80 million in cost savings from a reduction in general and administrative expenses.  Forest currently estimates that approximately $110 million of the cost savings will result from a reduction in headcount.  The Company expects to achieve 65%-75% of the cost savings from Project Rejuvenate by the end of fiscal 2015 and the remainder by the end of fiscal 2016.
	The Company expects the total cost to implement Project Rejuvenate to be in the range of $150 million to $200 million.  During the three months ended December 31, 2013, Forest recorded $45 million in pre-tax restructuring expenses relating to post-employment benefits.  These expenses were recorded in R&D expense and SG&A expense, as appropriate.
	The liability balance for the cost savings initiative as of December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands)
		31-Dec-13
	Beginning Balance as of October 1, 2013	$	–
	Charges		45,000
	Adjustments		–
	Cash Payments		–
	Balance	$	45,000

Subsequent_events

Subsequent events	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent events	'
	14. Subsequent events:
	Aptalis acquisition
	On January 7, 2014, Forest Laboratories, Inc. (FLI), FRX Churchill Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FLI (Holdings), FRX Churchill Sub, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings (Merger Sub), and Aptalis Holdings, Inc. (Aptalis), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company would acquire Aptalis for $2.9 billion minus Aptalis’ existing indebtedness and related fees and costs, minus certain of Aptalis’ expenses, plus the aggregate exercise price applicable to Aptalis’ outstanding options immediately prior to the effective time of the Aptalis Acquisition (the “Effective Time”) and plus certain cash amounts, all as further described in the Merger Agreement.  On January 31, 2014, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Aptalis, with Aptalis continuing as the surviving corporation and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings (the “Merger”).  The Company funded the Merger using $1.2 billion of cash on hand, including $650.0 million in cash from a foreign subsidiary, and the proceeds from the issuance of aggregate principal $1.8 billion of Senior Notes on January 31, 2014.
	Upon the effectiveness of the Merger, each share of Aptalis common stock, par value $0.001 per share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than any dissenting shares and any shares held by Aptalis, Holdings or any of their respective subsidiaries, was converted into the right to receive its pro rata share (the “Per Share Merger Consideration”), without interest and less applicable income or employment tax withholding, of an aggregate purchase price equal to $2.9 billion, minus Aptalis’ existing indebtedness and related fees and costs, minus certain of Aptalis’ expenses, plus the aggregate exercise price applicable to Aptalis’ outstanding options immediately prior to the Effective Time and plus certain cash amounts, all as further described in the Merger Agreement.
	Aptalis is an international, specialty pharmaceutical company that focuses on developing, manufacturing, licensing and marketing therapies for certain cystic fibrosis- and gastrointestinal -related disorders.  Aptalis’ business focuses on therapeutic areas that are currently underserved by large pharmaceutical companies and are characterized by products used for chronic conditions. Aptalis has manufacturing and commercial operations in the U.S., Europe and Canada, and its products include Zenpep®, Canasa®, Carafate®, Pylera®, Rectiv®, Viokace®, Ultresa®, Lacteol®, Delursan®, Panzytrat® and Salofalk®.  Aptalis also formulates and develops enhanced pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products through the use of its proprietary technology platforms.
	With this acquisition, the Company gained numerous strategic benefits, including an increased presence both domestically and internationally, expansion of its key therapeutic areas and customer base, a positive impact on its financial condition in the current period and moving forward and an opportunity to realize greater efficiencies in its operations.
	The acquisition of Aptalis had no impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the periods ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.  The preparation of the closing balance sheet for Aptalis is currently underway and the Company will perform valuation procedures to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed upon completion of the closing balance sheet. As such, the information necessary to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is not yet available.
	$1.8 billion aggregate principal senior unsecured notes
	In conjunction with the acquisition of Aptalis, the Company issued a private placement offering of $1.8 billion aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes on January 31, 2014 to fund the acquisition.  This comprised of $1.05 billion aggregate principal amount of its 4.375% senior unsecured notes due 2019 and $750 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021.

Accounts_receivable_Tables

Accounts receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts receivable [Abstract]	'
Accounts receivable	'
	Accounts receivable, net, consist of the following:
	(In thousands)
		31-Dec-13		31-Mar-13
	Trade	$	312,008	$	403,331
	Other		57,873		74,701
		$	369,881	$	478,032

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories, net of reserves for obsolescence	'
	Inventories, net of reserves for obsolescence, consist of the following:
	(In thousands)
		31-Dec-13		31-Mar-13
	Raw materials	$	158,641	$	127,508
	Work in process		1,028		1,333
	Finished goods		278,333		265,060
		$	438,002	$	393,901

Fair_value_measurements_Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair value measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair value hierarchy of financial assets	'
	The following table presents the levels within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company’s financial assets are carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis:
	(In thousands)
	Description	Fair value at		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets		Significant other observable market inputs		Unobservable market inputs
		31-Dec-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Money market accounts	$	1,329,814	$	1,329,814	$	–	$	–
	Municipal bonds and notes		12,484		–		12,484		–
	Commercial paper		483,082		2,850		480,232		–
	Variable rate demand notes		33,970		–		33,970		–
	Auction rate securities		3,198		–		–		3,198
	Certificates of deposit		73,443		–		73,443		–
	Corporate bonds		1,661,037		–		1,661,037		–
	Government agency bonds		246,091		–		246,091		–
	Description	Fair value at		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets		Significant other observable market inputs		Unobservable market inputs
		31-Mar-13		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Money market accounts	$	818,474	$	818,474	$	–	$	–
	Municipal bonds and notes		46,877		–		46,877		–
	Commercial paper		168,639		31,815		136,824		–
	Variable rate demand notes		1,500		–		1,500		–
	Auction rate securities		3,198		–		–		3,198
	Certificates of deposit		90,268		5,981		84,287		–
	Corporate bonds		1,509,870		–		1,509,870		–
	Government agency bonds		278,804		–		278,804		–

Marketable_securities_Tables

Marketable securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Marketable securities [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale debt securities	'
	Available-for-sale debt securities consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-13
		Estimated fair value		Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income		Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income
	Current:
	Municipal bonds and notes	$	7,146	$	11	$	–
	Government agency bonds		90,746		141		(1	)
	Commercial paper		104,363		–		–
	Certificates of deposit		43,453		5		(8	)
	Corporate bonds		455,963		709		(62	)
	Total current securities		701,671		866		(71	)
	Non-current:
	Municipal bonds and notes		5,338		22		–
	Government agency bonds		155,345		172		(267	)
	Commercial paper		5,834		–		–
	Certificates of deposit		3,000		–		–
	Corporate bonds		1,202,946		3,678		(5,358	)
	Auction rate securities		3,198		–		(752	)
	Variable rate demand notes		33,970		–		–
	Total non-current securities		1,409,631		3,872		(6,377	)
	Total available-for-sale debt securities	$	2,111,302	$	4,738	$	(6,448	)
	(In thousands)	31-Mar-13
		Estimated fair value		Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income		Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income
	Current:
	Municipal bonds and notes	$	34,025	$	34	$	–
	Government agency bonds		87,227		125		(10	)
	Commercial paper		144,293		–		–
	Certificates of deposit		47,977		–		(2	)
	Corporate bonds		425,676		1,286		(33	)
	Total current securities		739,198		1,445		(45	)
	Non-current:
	Municipal bonds and notes		12,852		37		–
	Government agency bonds		186,577		434		(19	)
	Certificates of deposit		22,999		–		–
	Corporate bonds		1,084,194		5,290		(2,150	)
	Auction rate securities		3,198		–		(752	)
	Variable rate demand notes		1,500		–		–
	Total non-current securities		1,311,320		5,761		(2,921	)
	Total available-for-sale debt securities	$	2,050,518	$	7,206	$	(2,966	)
Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities	'
	Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
	(In thousands)
		Estimated FV
	Within one year	$	701,671
	1-5 years		1,367,236
	5-10 years		2,400
	After 10 years		39,995
		$	2,111,302

License_and_collaboration_agre1

License and collaboration agreements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
License and collaboration agreements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of activity related to collaborative arrangement	'
	The following illustrates activity related to the Ironwood collaboration agreement for the periods presented:
	(In thousands)
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		December 31,					December 31,
		2013		2012			2013			2012
	Revenue
	Net Sales attributed to the Ironwood
	collaboration agreement	$	51,044	$	19,227		$	114,251		$	19,227
	Cost of sales
	Cost of sales attributed to the
	Ironwood collaboration agreement		2,133		770			5,539			770
	Selling, general and administrative
	Payment to/ (receipt from) Ironwood
	for the Commercialization pool		3,968		(8,369	)		(13,799	)		(13,884	)
	Research and development
	Payment to/ (receipt from) Ironwood
	for the Development pool		595		(949	)		1,602			(2,350	)

Net_income_loss_per_share_Tabl

Net income (loss) per share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income (loss) per share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of shares used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share	'
	A reconciliation of shares used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share follows:
	(In thousands)
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		December 31,				December 31,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Basic		269,481		266,018		268,385		266,967
	Incremental shares attributable to share
	based compensation plans		3,420		–		2,447		–
	Diluted		272,901		266,018		270,832		266,967

Business_segment_information_T

Business segment information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business segment information [Abstract]	'
Net sales by therapeutic class	'
	Net sales by therapeutic class is as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	December 31,				December 31,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Central nervous system	$	512,806	$	441,871	$	1,538,579	$	1,479,574
	Cardiovascular		136,202		116,429		404,954		345,661
	Gastrointestinal		51,044		19,227		114,251		19,227
	Respiratory		56,698		29,647		145,085		66,961
	Other		90,034		70,793		252,197		210,327
		$	846,784	$	677,967	$	2,455,066	$	2,121,750

Restructuring_initiative_Table

Restructuring initiative (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring initiative [Abstract]	'
Liability balance for the cost savings initiative	'
	The liability balance for the cost savings initiative as of December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands)
		31-Dec-13
	Beginning Balance as of October 1, 2013	$	–
	Charges		45,000
	Adjustments		–
	Cash Payments		–
	Balance	$	45,000

Accounts_receivable_Details

Accounts receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	$369,881	$478,032
Trade [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	312,008	403,331
Other [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	$57,873	$74,701

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$158,641	$127,508
Work in process	1,028	1,333
Finished goods	278,333	265,060
Inventories, net	$438,002	$393,901

Fair_value_measurements_Detail

Fair value measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Money market accounts	$1,329,814,000	$1,329,814,000	$818,474,000
Municipal bonds and notes	12,484,000	12,484,000	46,877,000
Commercial paper	483,082,000	483,082,000	168,639,000
Variable rate demand notes	33,970,000	33,970,000	1,500,000
Auction rate securities	3,198,000	3,198,000	3,198,000
Certificates of deposit	73,443,000	73,443,000	90,268,000
Corporate bonds	1,661,037,000	1,661,037,000	1,509,870,000
Government agency bonds	246,091,000	246,091,000	278,804,000
Purchases or sales of level 3 investments	0	0	'
Long-term debt carrying value	1,200,000,000	1,200,000,000	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Money market accounts	1,329,814,000	1,329,814,000	818,474,000
Municipal bonds and notes	0	0	0
Commercial paper	2,850,000	2,850,000	31,815,000
Variable rate demand notes	0	0	0
Auction rate securities	0	0	0
Certificates of deposit	0	0	5,981,000
Corporate bonds	0	0	0
Government agency bonds	0	0	0
Significant Other Observable Market Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Money market accounts	0	0	0
Municipal bonds and notes	12,484,000	12,484,000	46,877,000
Commercial paper	480,232,000	480,232,000	136,824,000
Variable rate demand notes	33,970,000	33,970,000	1,500,000
Auction rate securities	0	0	0
Certificates of deposit	73,443,000	73,443,000	84,287,000
Corporate bonds	1,661,037,000	1,661,037,000	1,509,870,000
Government agency bonds	246,091,000	246,091,000	278,804,000
Unobservable Market Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Money market accounts	0	0	0
Municipal bonds and notes	0	0	0
Commercial paper	0	0	0
Variable rate demand notes	0	0	0
Auction rate securities	3,198,000	3,198,000	3,198,000
Certificates of deposit	0	0	0
Corporate bonds	0	0	0
Government agency bonds	$0	$0	$0

Marketable_securities_Details

Marketable securities (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities: Estimated fair value	$2,111,302,000	'	$2,050,518,000	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities: Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	4,738,000	'	7,206,000	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities: Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	-6,448,000	'	-2,966,000	'
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale debt securities	851,200,000	2,500,000,000	'	'
Gross realized gains on sales of available-for-sale debt securities	500,000	1,100,000	'	'
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities	-1,700,000	'	4,200,000	'
Investment in Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.	24,200,000	'	38,100,000	'
Investment in Trevena, Inc.	'	'	'	30,000,000
Contractual maturities of available-for-sale debt securities, fair value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Within one year	701,671,000	'	'	'
1-5 years	1,367,236,000	'	'	'
5-10 years	2,400,000	'	'	'
After 10 years	39,995,000	'	'	'
Total available-for-sale debt securities: Estimated fair value	2,111,302,000	'	2,050,518,000	'
Current [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, current	701,671,000	'	739,198,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	866,000	'	1,445,000	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	-71,000	'	-45,000	'
Noncurrent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, non-current	1,409,631,000	'	1,311,320,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	3,872,000	'	5,761,000	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	-6,377,000	'	-2,921,000	'
Municipal Bonds and Notes [Member] | Current [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, current	7,146,000	'	34,025,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	11,000	'	34,000	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	0	'
Municipal Bonds and Notes [Member] | Noncurrent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, non-current	5,338,000	'	12,852,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	22,000	'	37,000	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	0	'
Government Agency Bonds [Member} | Current [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, current	90,746,000	'	87,227,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	141,000	'	125,000	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	-1,000	'	-10,000	'
Government Agency Bonds [Member} | Noncurrent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, non-current	155,345,000	'	186,577,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	172,000	'	434,000	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	-267,000	'	-19,000	'
Commercial Paper [Member] | Current [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, current	104,363,000	'	144,293,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	0	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	0	'
Commercial Paper [Member] | Noncurrent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, non-current	5,834,000	'	'	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	'	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	'	'
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Current [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, current	43,453,000	'	47,977,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	5,000	'	0	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	-8,000	'	-2,000	'
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Noncurrent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, non-current	3,000,000	'	22,999,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	0	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	0	'
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Current [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, current	455,963,000	'	425,676,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	709,000	'	1,286,000	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	-62,000	'	-33,000	'
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Noncurrent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, non-current	1,202,946,000	'	1,084,194,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	3,678,000	'	5,290,000	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	-5,358,000	'	-2,150,000	'
Auction Rate Securities [Member] | Noncurrent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, non-current	3,198,000	'	3,198,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	0	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	-752,000	'	-752,000	'
Variable Rate Demand Note [Member] | Noncurrent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, non-current	33,970,000	'	1,500,000	'
Gains in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	'	0	'
Losses in accumulated other comprehensive income	$0	'	$0	'

License_and_collaboration_agre2

License and collaboration agreements (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

Saphris [Member]

Saphris [Member]

Fetzima [Member]

Trevena [Member]

Ironwood [Member]

Ironwood [Member]

Ironwood [Member]

Ironwood [Member]

moksha8 [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Saphris [Member]

Saphris [Member]

Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Agreement to purchase exclusive rights

'

'

'

'

'

$240,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$85,000,000

$155,000,000

Marketable securities and investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Milestone payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000,000

'

230,000,000

'

230,000,000

'

'

'

'

Potential future milestone payment under collaboration agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

Funding amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,200,000

'

'

Cumulative funding amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101,900,000

'

'

Revenue [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net sales

846,784,000

677,967,000

2,455,066,000

2,121,750,000

150,000,000

'

8,000,000

'

51,044,000

19,227,000

114,251,000

19,227,000

'

'

'

Cost of sales [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of sales

182,270,000

153,311,000

511,355,000

471,257,000

'

'

'

'

2,133,000

770,000

5,539,000

770,000

'

'

'

Selling, general and administrative [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment to/ (receipt from) Ironwood for the Commercialization pool

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,968,000

-8,369,000

-13,799,000

-13,884,000

'

'

'

Research and development [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment to/ (receipt from) Ironwood for the Development pool

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

595,000

-949,000

1,602,000

-2,350,000

'

'

'

Maximum financial financing

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,000,000

'

'

Period to achieve business goal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

Fixed price to acquire moksha8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

157,000,000

'

'

Fixed price at which moksha8 shareholders can put all assets of moksha8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$144,000,000

'

'

Loan term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'

'

Net_income_loss_per_share_Deta

Net income (loss) per share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of shares used in calculating basic and diluted net income per share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	269,481,000	266,018,000	268,385,000	266,967,000
Incremental shares attributable to share based compensation plans (in shares)	3,420,000	0	2,447,000	0
Diluted (in shares)	272,901,000	266,018,000	270,832,000	266,967,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to repurchase under previous plan (in shares)	50,000,000	'	50,000,000	'
Stock repurchase amount authorized	$1	'	'	'
Anti-Dilutive Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive options to purchase common stock outstanding during the period (in shares)	1,800,000	16,600,000	5,000,000	16,600,000
Exercise price range, lower range limit (in dollars per shares)	$42.61	20.55	35.63	20.55
Exercise price range, upper range limit (in dollars per share)	$59.05	59.05	59.05	59.05
Contract Expiration	'	'	31-Dec-23	'

Stockholders_equity_Details

Stockholders' equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares available for grant (in shares)	30.3	'	30.3	'
Compensation expense	$24,100,000	$24,800,000	$58,614,000	$53,259,000
Compensation expense, net of tax	$16,300,000	$17,500,000	$39,500,000	$37,900,000
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based payment awards, award vesting period	'	'	'3 years	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based payment awards, award vesting period	'	'	'5 years	'
Exercisable period for stock option grants from the date of issuance	'	'	'10 years	'
2007 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares authorized to be issued to employees under 2007 Plan (in shares)	'	'	28	'
Amended 2007 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares authorized to be issued to employees under 2007 Plan (in shares)	'	'	57	'

Business_segment_information_D

Business segment information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			Segment
Business segment information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	1	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$846,784	$677,967	$2,455,066	$2,121,750
Central Nervous System [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	512,806	441,871	1,538,579	1,479,574
Cardiovascular [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	136,202	116,429	404,954	345,661
Gastrointestinal [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	51,044	19,227	114,251	19,227
Respiratory [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	56,698	29,647	145,085	66,961
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$90,034	$70,793	$252,197	$210,327

Income_taxes_Details

Income taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Additional interest accrued in period for income tax matters	'	'	$13.20	'
Total accrual for interest related to the resolution of various income tax matters	$63.50	'	$63.50	'
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	19.50%	16.60%	26.90%	-2.50%

Contingencies_Details

Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
	Case
	Lawsuits
	Action
	State
	Entity
Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Number of federal actions filed against the Company on behalf of individuals who purchased Celexa and/or Lexapro for pediatric use	3
Number of federal actions filed as putative nationwide class actions	2
Number of federal actions filed as putative California-wide class action	1
Number of action filed by plaintiffs as an amended complaint	2
Number of states in which plaintiffs moved for class certification	3
Number of actions filed against the company as defendant pending in the Missouri Circuit Court	2
Number of entities that brought action against the company who purchased or reimbursed certain purchases of Celexa or Lexapro	2
Number of product liability lawsuits filed against the Company	195
Number of active product liability lawsuits alleging Celexa or Lexparo caused or contributed to individuals committing or attempting suicide	13
Number of cases remanded to the federal district courts	12
Number of cases set for trial in Cole County Circuit Court in Missouri	2
Number of cases pending in the U.S. District court for the District of New Jersey	19
Number of cases pending in Orange County	1
Product liability coverage	$140

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			5.00% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Issuance date of senior notes	'	'	10-Dec-13
Senior Notes	$1,200,000,000	$0	$1,200,000,000
Interest rate on senior notes (in hundredths)	'	'	5.00%
Maturity date of senior notes	'	'	15-Dec-21
Deferred financing costs	'	'	18,500,000
Interest expense	'	'	3,500,000
Amortization of deferred financing fees	'	'	100,000
Senior notes fair value	'	'	$1,200,000,000

Restructuring_initiative_Detai

Restructuring initiative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Estimates cost savings result from reduction in headcount	'	$110,000,000
Restructuring Reserve	'	'
Beginning Balance as of October 1, 2013	0	'
Charges	45,000,000	'
Adjustments	0	'
Cash Payments	0	'
Balance	45,000,000	45,000,000
Rejuvenate Project [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Cost savings expected to be realized	500,000,000	'
Pre-tax restructuring expenses relating to post-employment benefits	45,000,000	'
Rejuvenate Project [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Expected cost savings to be recognized by the end of fiscal 2015 (in hundredths)	65.00%	'
Estimated implementing cost	150,000,000	'
Rejuvenate Project [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Expected cost savings to be recognized by the end of fiscal 2015 (in hundredths)	75.00%	'
Estimated implementing cost	200,000,000	'
Rejuvenate Project [Member] | R&D Organization [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Cost savings expected to be realized	270,000,000	'
Rejuvenate Project [Member] | Marketing Expenses [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Cost savings expected to be realized	150,000,000	'
Rejuvenate Project [Member] | General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'
Cost savings expected to be realized	$80,000,000	'

Subsequent_events_Details

Subsequent events (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jan. 07, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
			Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
			Aptalis Pharmaceutical [Member]	Aptalis Pharmaceutical [Member]	Aptalis Pharmaceutical [Member]	Aptalis Pharmaceutical [Member]
					4.375% senior unsecured notes due 2019 [Member]	4.875% senior unsecured notes due 2021 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Date of definitive agreement	'	'	7-Jan-14	'	'	'
Acquiring costs	'	'	$2,900,000,000	'	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10	$0.00	'	'	'
Cash on hand	'	'	'	1,200,000,000	'	'
Business acquisition funded through cash from foreign subsidiary	'	'	'	650,000,000	'	'
Issuance of aggregate principal senior unsecured notes	'	'	'	$1,800,000,000	$1,050,000,000	$750,000,000
Stated interest rate of unsecured senior notes (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	4.38%	4.88%
Maturity date of senior notes	'	'	'	'	1-Feb-19	15-Feb-21