| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001466301 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Clovis Oncology, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35347 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 90-0475355 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 5500 Flatiron Parkway |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boulder |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80301 |
| City Area Code | (303) |
| Local Phone Number | 625-5000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock par Value $0.001 per Share |
| Trading Symbol | CLVS |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
