| Document and Entity Information Document | Apr. 29, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-26727 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 68-0397820 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 770 Lindaro Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Rafael |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94901 |
| City Area Code | 415 |
| Local Phone Number | 505-6700 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 |
| Trading Symbol | BMRN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001048477 |
