| Cover | Aug. 04, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 4, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-12400 |
| Entity Registrant Name | INCYTE CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000879169 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-3136539 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1801 Augustine Cut-Off |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Wilmington |
| Entity Address, State or Province | DE |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 19803 |
| City Area Code | 302 |
| Local Phone Number | 498-6700 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | INCY |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
