| Cover | Oct. 31, 2019 |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 31, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 001-34912 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CELGENE CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000816284 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 22-2711928 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 86 Morris Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Summit |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 07901 |
| City Area Code | 908 |
| Local Phone Number | 673-9000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CELG |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Contingent Value Rights [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Contingent Value Rights |
| Trading Symbol | CELGZ |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
