Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) 10-Q 24 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 22, 2014
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000899866	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	198,286,879

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$752,164	$529,857
Marketable securities	1,029,543	984,994
Trade accounts receivable, net	436,467	421,752
Inventories	140,044	102,602
Deferred tax assets	54,381	41,432
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	147,279	106,220
Total current assets	2,559,878	2,186,857
Property, plant and equipment, net	328,476	201,109
Intangible assets, net	597,260	609,719
Goodwill	254,073	254,073
Deferred tax assets	49,620	3,394
Other assets	101,580	62,544
Total assets	3,890,887	3,317,696
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Accounts payable	23,175	21,596
Accrued expenses	278,265	402,344
Deferred revenue	98,811	53,801
Current portion of long-term debt	48,000	48,000
Other current liabilities	54,286	56,688
Total current liabilities	502,537	582,429
Long-term debt, less current portion	21,500	65,000
Contingent consideration	107,073	106,744
Facility lease obligation	87,030	32,230
Deferred tax liabilities	4,971	101,241
Other liabilities	44,737	47,973
Total liabilities	767,848	935,617
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 290,000 shares authorized; 201,074 and 197,941 shares issued at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	20	20
Additional paid-in capital	2,555,354	2,106,183
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,774 and 985 shares at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-363,513	-80,365
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	48,500	-22,857
Retained earnings	882,678	379,098
Total stockholders' equity	3,123,039	2,382,079
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,890,887	$3,317,696

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	290,000	290,000
Common stock, shares issued	201,074	197,941
Treasury Stock, Shares	2,774	985

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net product sales	$555,146	$400,405	$1,634,257	$1,109,437
Cost of Revenue [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales	51,858	42,177	124,423	116,823
Change in contingent liability from intellectual property settlement	0	9,181	0	9,181
Total cost of sales	51,858	51,358	124,423	126,004
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Research and development	100,661	88,209	384,672	231,308
Selling, general and administrative	157,665	122,886	446,433	354,901
Impairment of Intangible Asset	0	0	3,464	0
Acquisition-related costs	8,303	2,573	10,254	6,974
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	0	104	0	312
Total operating expenses	266,629	213,772	844,823	593,495
Operating income	236,659	135,275	665,011	389,938
Other income and expense:	'	'	'	'
Investment income	2,250	638	6,177	1,793
Interest expense	-655	-1,078	-2,433	-3,305
Foreign currency gain (loss)	-2,045	-547	-1,989	-134
Income before income taxes	236,209	134,288	666,766	388,292
Income tax provision	58,478	40,503	163,186	116,405
Net income	$177,731	$93,785	$503,580	$271,887
Earnings per common share	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.90	$0.48	$2.54	$1.40
Diluted	$0.88	$0.47	$2.50	$1.37
Shares used in computing earnings per common share	'	'	'	'
Basic	198,052	195,662	197,910	194,520
Diluted	201,313	199,711	201,528	198,655

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net income	$177,731	$93,785	$503,580	$271,887
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-2,996	986	-2,444	-543
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities	-776	210	334	-17
Unrealized losses on pension obligation	-570	0	-3,255	-2,682
Unrealized (losses) gains on hedging activities, net of tax of $12,194, $(2,982), $10,423 and $(1,059), respectively	85,292	-32,945	76,722	-15,616
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	80,950	-31,749	71,357	-18,858
Comprehensive income	$258,681	$62,036	$574,937	$253,029

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging activities - tax effect	$12,194	($2,982)	$10,423	($1,059)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$503,580	$271,887
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	28,395	20,239
Impairment of Intangible Asset	3,464	0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	10,254	5,951
Share-based compensation expense	80,620	56,409
Premium amortization of available-for-sale securities	12,114	579
Deferred taxes	-160,456	17,036
Unrealized foreign currency loss (gain)	9,253	-3,426
Unrealized loss (gain) on forward contracts	-1,335	-1,571
Excess tax benefit from stock options	-286,325	-95,832
Other	253	177
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	'	'
Accounts receivable	-22,731	-98,432
Inventories	-26,217	-4,992
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-6,241	-3,629
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	166,545	99,784
Deferred revenue	45,443	24,288
Net cash provided by operating activities	356,616	288,468
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	-451,842	-420,515
Proceeds from maturity or sale of available-for-sale securities	398,071	27,951
Purchases of trading securities	-2,412	-473
Purchases of other investments	-25,000	0
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-83,879	-20,628
Other	628	205
Net cash used in investing activities	-165,690	-413,870
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payments on term loan	-43,500	-24,000
Excess tax benefit from stock options	286,325	95,832
Repurchase of common stock	-283,148	-66,136
Net proceeds from the exercise of stock options	77,680	44,560
Payment for Contingent Consideration	0	-3,000
Other	-119	-133
Net cash provided by financing activities	37,238	47,123
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-5,857	-811
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	222,307	-79,090
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	529,857	989,501
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	752,164	910,411
Supplemental cash flow disclosures from investing and financing activities:	'	'
Construction in process related to facility lease obligation	54,799	12,251
Accrual for purchases of property, plant and equipment	$14,293	$0

Business

Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business [Abstract]	'
Business	'
	Business
	Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Alexion, the Company, we, our or us) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on serving patients with severe and ultra-rare disorders through the innovation, development and commercialization of life-transforming therapeutic products. Our marketed product Soliris is the first and only therapeutic approved for patients with either of two severe and ultra-rare disorders resulting from chronic uncontrolled activation of the complement component of the immune system: paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a life-threatening and ultra-rare genetic blood disorder, and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), a life-threatening and ultra-rare genetic disease. We are also evaluating additional potential indications for Soliris in other severe and devastating diseases in which uncontrolled complement activation is the underlying mechanism, and we are progressing in various stages of development with additional product candidates as potential treatments for patients with severe and life-threatening ultra-rare disorders.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Prin

Basis of Presentation and Principles Of Consolidation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. These accounting principles were applied on a basis consistent with those of the consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of our financial statements for interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The condensed consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013 was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	The financial statements of our subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities, historical exchange rates for stockholders' equity and weighted average exchange rates for operating results. Translation gains and losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in stockholders' equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the results of operations in other income and expense.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alexion and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a comprehensive new standard which amends revenue recognition principles and provides a single set of criteria for revenue recognition among all industries. The new standard provides a five step framework whereby revenue is recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also requires enhanced disclosures pertaining to revenue recognition in both interim and annual periods. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and allows for adoption using a full retrospective method, or a modified retrospective method. We are currently assessing the method of adoption and the expected impact the new standard has on our financial position and results of operations.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value. We determine the cost of inventory using the weighted-average cost method.
	The components of inventory are as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	13,902	$	12,170
	Work-in-process	65,213		62,192
	Finished goods	60,929		28,240
		$	140,044	$	102,602
	As of September 30, 2014, we capitalized $9,876 of inventory produced for commercial sale for products awaiting regulatory approval. At December 31, 2013, we did not capitalize any inventory associated with such products.

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets and Goodwill	'
	Intangible Assets and Goodwill
	The following table summarizes the carrying amount of our intangible assets and goodwill, net of accumulated amortization:
		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Licenses, patents and purchased technology, net	$	2,210	$	11,205
	Acquired in-process research and development	595,050		598,514
	Intangible assets	$	597,260	$	609,719
	Goodwill	$	254,073	$	254,073
	During first quarter of 2014, we reviewed for impairment the value of an early stage, Phase I indefinite-lived intangible asset related to our acquisition of Taligen Therapeutics, Inc. We initiated such review based on a reassessment of scientific findings associated with this acquired asset. As a result, during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized an impairment of $3,464 to adjust this asset to fair value, which was determined to be de minimis.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	On February 7, 2012, we entered into a Credit Agreement with a syndicate of banks that provides for a $240,000 senior secured term loan facility payable in equal quarterly installments of $12,000 starting June 30, 2012 and a $200,000 senior secured revolving credit facility through February 7, 2017. In addition to borrowings upon prior notice, the revolving credit facility includes borrowing capacity in the form of letters of credit up to $60,000 and borrowings on same-day notice, referred to as swingline loans, of up to $10,000. Borrowings can be used for working capital requirements, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes. With the consent of the lenders and the administrative agent and subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, we may increase the term loan facility and/or the revolving credit facility by an aggregate amount not to exceed $150,000.
	As of September 30, 2014, we had $69,500 outstanding on the term loan. As of September 30, 2014, we had open letters of credit of $11,621, and our borrowing availability under the revolving facility was $188,379.
	The fair value of our long term debt, which is measured using Level 2 inputs, approximates book value.

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. For purposes of calculating diluted EPS, the denominator reflects the potential dilution that could occur if stock options, unvested restricted stock, unvested restricted stock units or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, using the treasury stock method.
	The following table summarizes the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income used for basic and diluted calculation	$	177,731	$	93,785	$	503,580	$	271,887
	Shares used in computing earnings per common share—basic	198,052		195,662		197,910		194,520
	Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock awards	3,261		4,049		3,618		4,135
	Dilutive potential common shares	3,261		4,049		3,618		4,135
	Shares used in computing earnings per common share—diluted	201,313		199,711		201,528		198,655
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.9	$	0.48	$	2.54	$	1.4
	Diluted	$	0.88	$	0.47	$	2.5	$	1.37
	We exclude from EPS the weighted-average number of securities whose effect is anti-dilutive. Excluded from the calculation of EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were 1,346 and 1,005 shares of common stock, respectively, because their effect is anti-dilutive. Similarly, we excluded 2,015 and 2,300 shares from the calculation of EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, because their effect was anti-dilutive.

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable securities	'
	Marketable Securities
	The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and estimated fair value of available-for-sale investments by type of security at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
			30-Sep-14
			Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Estimated Fair Value
	Commercial paper		$	41,471			$	—	$	—		$	41,471
	Corporate bonds		524,942				555		(389		)	525,108
	Municipal bonds		205,559				212		(3		)	205,768
	Other government-related obligations:
	U.S.		71,966				21		(85		)	71,902
	Foreign		166,593				111		(113		)	166,591
	Bank certificates of deposit		21,000				—		—			21,000
			$	1,031,531			$	899	$	(590	)	$	1,031,840
			December 31, 2013
			Amortized Cost Basis				Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Aggregate Fair Value
	Commercial paper		$	112,679			$	—	$	—		$	112,679
	Corporate bonds		476,459				487		(588		)	476,358
	Municipal bonds		202,396				47		(40		)	202,403
	Other government-related obligations:
	U.S.		46,466				30		(7		)	46,489
	Foreign		156,974				54		(204		)	156,824
	Bank certificates of deposit		33,004				—		—			33,004
			$	1,027,978			$	618	$	(839	)	$	1,027,757
	The aggregate fair value of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $426,839 and $461,634, respectively. Investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 months are not material. As of September 30, 2014, we believe that the cost basis of our available-for-sale investments is recoverable.
	The fair values of available-for-sale securities by classification in the condensed consolidated balance sheet were as follows:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,698		$	43,780
	Marketable securities	1,026,142			983,977
		$	1,031,840		$	1,027,757
	The fair values of available-for-sale debt securities at September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, are summarized as follows:
		September 30, 2014
	Due in one year or less	$	443,038
	Due after one year through three years	588,802
	Due after three years through five years	—
		$	1,031,840
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of our trading securities was $3,401 and $1,017, respectively.
	We utilize the specific identification method in computing realized gains and losses. Realized gains and losses on our trading securities and available-for-sale investments were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	We operate internationally and, in the normal course of business, are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The exposures result from portions of our revenues, as well as the related receivables, and expenses that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the Euro, Japanese Yen, and British Pound. We manage our foreign currency transaction risk within specified guidelines through the use of derivatives. All of our derivative instruments are utilized for risk management purposes, and we do not use derivatives for speculative trading purposes.
	We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts, with durations of up to 36 months, to hedge exposures resulting from portions of our forecasted revenues, including intercompany revenues that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The purpose of the hedges of revenue is to reduce the volatility of exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results and to increase the visibility of the foreign exchange impact on forecasted revenues. These hedges are designated as cash flow hedges upon contract inception. At September 30, 2014, we held open contracts with notional amounts totaling $1,425,927 that qualified for hedge accounting.
	The impact on accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and earnings from foreign exchange contracts that qualified as cash flow hedges, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three months ended							Nine months ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014				2013			2014				2013
	Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax	$	89,959			$	(28,523	)	$	81,896			$	1,011
	Gain reclassified from AOCI to net product sales (effective portion), net of tax	$	2,873			$	5,225		$	3,372			$	16,803
	Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to other income and expense (ineffective portion), net of tax	$	1,794			$	(803	)	$	1,802			$	(176	)
	Assuming no change in foreign exchange rates from market rates at September 30, 2014, $45,679 of gains recognized in AOCI will be reclassified to revenue over the next 12 months.
	We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts, with durations of approximately 30 days, designed to limit the balance sheet exposure of monetary assets and liabilities. We enter into these hedges to reduce the impact of fluctuating exchange rates on our operating results. Hedge accounting is not applied to these derivative instruments as gains and losses on these hedge transactions are designed to offset gains and losses on underlying balance sheet exposures. As of September 30, 2014, the notional amount of foreign exchange contracts where hedge accounting is not applied was $211,754.
	We recognized a gain (loss) of $12,491 and $(2,640), in other income and expense, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $13,140 and $6,146, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, associated with the foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments. These amounts were largely offset by gains or losses in monetary assets and liabilities.
	The following tables summarize the fair value of outstanding derivatives at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		September 30, 2014
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet		Fair				Balance Sheet	Fair
		Location		Value				Location	Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other current assets		$	49,578			Other current liabilities	$	2,175
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other non-current assets		38,300				Other non-current liabilities	661
	Total fair value of derivative instruments			$	87,878				$	2,836
		December 31, 2013
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet		Fair				Balance Sheet	Fair
		Location		Value				Location	Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other current assets		$	21,815			Other current liabilities	$	20,228
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other non-current assets		9,839				Other non-current liabilities	14,864
	Total fair value of derivative instruments			$	31,654				$	35,092
	The fair value of our foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments was zero as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	Although we do not offset derivative assets and liabilities within our condensed consolidated balance sheets, our International Swap and Derivatives Association (ISDA) agreements provide for net settlement of transactions that are due to or from the same counterparty upon early termination of the agreement due to an event of default or other termination event. The following table summarizes the potential effect on our condensed consolidated balance sheets of offsetting our foreign exchange forward contracts subject to such provisions:
			30-Sep-14
														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Description		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet			Amounts of Assets/Liabilities Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet				Derivative Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Received (Pledged)		Net Amount
	Derivative assets		$	87,878			$	—		$	87,878			$	(2,836	)	$	—	$	85,042
	Derivative liabilities		(2,836		)		—			(2,836		)		2,836			—		—
			December 31, 2013
														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Description		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet			Amounts of Assets/Liabilities Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet				Derivative Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Received (Pledged)		Net Amount
	Derivative assets		$	31,654			$	—		$	31,654			$	(27,256	)	$	—	$	4,398
	Derivative liabilities		(35,092		)		—			(35,092		)		27,256			—		(7,836		)

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	In November 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $400,000 of our common stock. This repurchase program does not have an expiration date, and we are not obligated to acquire a particular number of shares. The program may be discontinued at any time at the Company's discretion. Under the program, we repurchased 640 shares of our common stock at a cost of $104,633 during the three months ended September 30, 2014. There was no common stock repurchase activity during the third quarter of 2013. Under the program, we repurchased 1,789 and 758 shares of our common stock at a cost of $283,148 and $66,136 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, there is a total of $39,163 remaining for repurchases under the program.
	Subsequent to September 30, 2014, we repurchased 100 shares of our common stock under our repurchase program at a cost of $16,890.

Other_Comprehensive_Income_and

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following tables summarize the changes in AOCI, by component, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans				Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Marketable Securities			Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Hedging Activities				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balances, December 31, 2013	$	(11,502	)		$	(146	)	$	(3,827	)		$	(7,382	)		$	(22,857	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(3,714		)		344			81,896				(2,444		)		76,082
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	459				(10		)	(5,174		)		—				(4,725		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,255		)		334			76,722				(2,444		)		71,357
	Balances, September 30, 2014	$	(14,757	)		$	188		$	72,895			$	(9,826	)		$	48,500
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans				Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Marketable Securities			Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Hedging Activities				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balances, December 31, 2012	$	(5,712	)		$	—		$	15,156			$	(2,809	)		$	6,635
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(2,967		)		(76		)	1,011				(543		)		(2,575		)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	285				59			(16,627		)		—				(16,283		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,682		)		(17		)	(15,616		)		(543		)		(18,858		)
	Balances, September 30, 2013	$	(8,394	)		$	(17	)	$	(460	)		$	(3,352	)		$	(12,223	)
	The table below provides details regarding significant reclassifications from AOCI during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components		Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income during the three months ended September 30,						Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income during the nine months ended September 30,							Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Hedging Activity
	Effective portion of foreign exchange contracts		$	3,283		$	5,710		$	3,854		$	18,364			Net product sales
	Ineffective portion of foreign exchange contracts		2,051			(878		)	2,059			(192		)		Foreign currency gain (loss)
			5,334			4,832			5,913			18,172
			(667		)	(410		)	(739		)	(1,545		)		Income tax provision
			$	4,667		$	4,422		$	5,174		$	16,627
	Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Marketable Securities
	Realized gains (losses) on sale of securities		$	14		$	(96	)	$	16		$	(94	)		Investment income
			14			(96		)	16			(94		)
			(5		)	36			(6		)	35				Income tax provision
			$	9		$	(60	)	$	10		$	(59	)
	Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses		$	(213	)	$	(104	)	$	(651	)	$	(311	)		(a)
			(213		)	(104		)	(651		)	(311		)
			63			9			192			26				Income tax provision
			$	(150	)	$	(95	)	$	(459	)	$	(285	)
	(a) This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension benefit cost (see Note 13 for additional details).

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement	'
	Fair Value Measurement
	Authoritative guidance establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to the valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value.
	The following tables present information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value.
			Fair Value Measurement at
			30-Sep-14
	Balance Sheet	Type of Instrument	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Classification
	Cash equivalents	Institutional money market funds	$	217,354	$	—	$	217,354	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Commercial paper	$	2,000	$	—	$	2,000	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Municipal bonds	$	3,000	$	—	$	3,000	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Corporate Bonds	$	698	$	—	$	698	$	—
	Marketable securities	Mutual funds	$	3,401	$	3,401	$	—	$	—
	Marketable securities	Commercial paper	$	39,471	$	—	$	39,471	$	—
	Marketable securities	Corporate bonds	$	524,410	$	—	$	524,410	$	—
	Marketable securities	Municipal bonds	$	202,768	$	—	$	202,768	$	—
	Marketable securities	Other government-related obligations	$	238,493	$	—	$	238,493	$	—
	Marketable securities	Bank certificates of deposit	$	21,000	$	—	$	21,000	$	—
	Other current assets	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	49,578	$	—	$	49,578	$	—
	Other assets	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	38,300	$	—	$	38,300	$	—
	Other current liabilities	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,175	$	—	$	2,175	$	—
	Other liabilities	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	661	$	—	$	661	$	—
	Other current liabilities	Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	45,857	$	—	$	—	$	45,857
	Contingent consideration	Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	107,073	$	—	$	—	$	107,073
			Fair Value Measurement at
			31-Dec-13
	Balance Sheet	Type of Instrument	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Classification
	Cash equivalents	Institutional money market funds	$	234,212	$	—	$	234,212	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Commercial paper	$	6,298	$	—	$	6,298	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Corporate bonds	$	15,255	$	—	$	15,255	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Municipal bonds	$	2,225	$	—	$	2,225	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Bank certificates of deposit	$	20,003	$	—	$	20,003	$	—
	Marketable securities	Mutual funds	$	1,017	$	1,017	$	—	$	—
	Marketable securities	Commercial paper	$	106,381	$	—	$	106,381	$	—
	Marketable securities	Corporate bonds	$	461,103	$	—	$	461,103	$	—
	Marketable securities	Municipal bonds	$	200,178	$	—	$	200,178	$	—
	Marketable securities	Other government-related obligations	$	203,313	$	—	$	203,313	$	—
	Marketable securities	Bank certificates of deposit	$	13,001	$	—	$	13,001	$	—
	Other current assets	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	21,815	$	—	$	21,815	$	—
	Other assets	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	9,839	$	—	$	9,839	$	—
	Other current liabilities	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	20,228	$	—	$	20,228	$	—
	Other liabilities	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	14,864	$	—	$	14,864	$	—
	Other current liabilities	Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	35,932	$	—	$	—	$	35,932
	Contingent consideration	Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	106,744	$	—	$	—	$	106,744
	There were no securities transferred between Level 1, 2 and 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	Valuation Techniques
	We classify mutual fund investments, which are valued based on quoted market prices in active markets with no valuation adjustment, as Level 1 assets within the fair value hierarchy.
	Cash equivalents and marketable securities classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy consist of institutional money market funds, commercial paper, municipal bonds, U.S. and foreign government-related debt, corporate debt securities and certificates of deposit. We estimate the fair values of these marketable securities by taking into consideration valuations obtained from third-party pricing sources. These pricing sources utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market-based approaches, for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, to estimate fair value. These inputs include market pricing based on real-time trade data for the same or similar securities, issuer credit spreads, benchmark yields, and other observable inputs. We validate the prices provided by our third-party pricing sources by understanding the models used, obtaining market values from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.
	Our derivative assets and liabilities include foreign exchange derivatives that are measured at fair value using observable market inputs such as forward rates, interest rates, our own credit risk, as well as an evaluation of our counterparties’ credit risks. Based on these inputs, the derivative assets and liabilities are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
	Contingent consideration liabilities related to acquisitions are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy and are valued based on various estimates, including probability of success, discount rates and amount of time until the conditions of the milestone payments are met.
	As of September 30, 2014, there has not been any impact to the fair value of our derivative liabilities due to our own credit risk. Similarly, there has not been any significant adverse impact to our derivative assets based on our evaluation of our counterparties’ credit risks.
	Contingent Consideration
	In connection with prior acquisitions, we may be required to pay future consideration that is contingent upon the achievement of specified development, regulatory approval or sales-based milestone events. We determine the fair value of these obligations on the acquisition date using various estimates that are not observable in the market and represent a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy. The resulting probability-weighted cash flows were discounted using a cost of debt ranging from 5.3% to 6.2% for developmental milestones and a weighted average cost of capital ranging from 14% to 21% for sales-based milestones.
	Each reporting period, we adjust the contingent consideration to fair value with changes in fair value recognized in operating earnings. Changes in fair values reflect new information about the probability and timing of meeting the conditions of the milestone payments. In the absence of new information, changes in fair value will only reflect the interest component of contingent consideration related to the passage of time as development work progresses towards the achievement of the milestones.
	Estimated future contingent milestone payments related to prior business combinations range from zero if no milestone events are achieved, to a maximum of $876,000 if all development, regulatory and sales-based milestones are reached. As of September 30, 2014, the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration was $152,930. The following table represents a roll-forward of our acquisition-related contingent consideration:
		Nine months ended
		30-Sep-14
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(142,676	)
	Changes in fair value	(10,254		)
	Balance at end of period	$	(152,930	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The following table provides a comparative summary of our income tax provision and effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Provision for income taxes	58,478		40,503		163,186		116,405
	Effective tax rate	24.8	%	30.2	%	24.5	%	30	%
	The tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 is attributable to the U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes on our operations. Additionally, included in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 is $2,148 of tax attributable to our agreement with the French government that provided reimbursement for shipments of Soliris made prior to January 1, 2014. The tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 is attributable to the U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes on our operations. Additionally, included in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is a benefit of $2,854 attributable to the 2012 U.S. Federal tax credit for research and experimentation. The reduction in the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same periods in the prior year is primarily attributable to the centralization of our global supply chain and technical operations in Ireland.
	The U.S. Federal tax credit for research and experimentation expenses expired December 31, 2011.  In connection with this expiration, our 2012 tax expense did not include any benefit from the U.S. Federal tax credit for research and experimentation.  In January 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which retroactively extended the tax credit for research and experimentation back to January 1, 2012 through the end of 2013, was signed into law.  The effects of a change in tax law is recognized in the period that includes the date of enactment and, therefore, our tax benefit attributable to the 2012 U.S. Federal tax credit for research and experimentation was recorded in the first quarter of 2013.
	The U.S. Federal tax credit for research and experimentation expenses expired again on December 31, 2013. In connection with this expiration, our 2014 tax provision does not include any benefit from the U.S. Federal tax credit for research and experimentation.
	We continue to maintain a valuation allowance against certain other deferred tax assets where realization is not certain.

Defined_Benefit_Plans

Defined Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plans	'
	Defined Benefit Plans
	We maintain defined benefit plans for employees in certain countries outside the United States, including retirement benefit plans required by applicable local law. The plans are valued by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The liabilities correspond to the projected benefit obligations of which the discounted net present value is calculated based on years of employment, expected salary increases, and pension adjustments.
	The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	2,040		$	1,376		$	6,225		$	4,087
	Interest cost	195			127			595			376
	Expected return on plan assets	(225		)	(157		)	(688		)	(471		)
	Employee contributions	(427		)	(358		)	(1,304		)	(1,071		)
	Amortization	213			104			651			311
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	1,796		$	1,092		$	5,479		$	3,232

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases	'
	Leases
	In November 2012, we entered into a lease agreement for office and laboratory space to be constructed in New Haven, Connecticut. Although we will not legally own the premises, we are deemed to be the owner of the building during the construction period based on applicable accounting guidance for build-to-suit leases due to our involvement during the construction period. Accordingly, the landlord's costs of constructing the facility are required to be capitalized, as a non-cash transaction, offset by a corresponding facility lease obligation in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	Construction of the new facility began in June 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2015. As of September 30, 2014, we recorded a construction-in-process asset of $91,759, inclusive of the landlord's costs as well as costs incurred by Alexion, and an offsetting facility lease obligation of $87,030 associated with the new facility.

License_Agreements_Notes

License Agreements (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Research and Development [Abstract]	'
License Agreements	'
	License Agreements
	In January 2014, we entered into an agreement with Moderna Therapeutics, Inc. (Moderna) that allows us to purchase ten product options to develop and commercialize treatments for rare diseases with Moderna's messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics platform. Alexion will lead the discovery, development and commercialization of the treatments produced through this broad, long-term strategic agreement, while Moderna will retain responsibility for the design and manufacture of the messenger RNA against selected targets. Due to the early stage of these assets, we recorded expense for an upfront payment of $100,000.  We will also be responsible for funding research activities under the program.  In addition, for each drug target, up to a maximum of ten targets, we could be required to make an option exercise payment of $15,000 and to pay up to an additional $120,000 with respect to a rare disease product and $400,000 with respect to a non-rare disease product in development and sales milestones if the specific milestones are met over time as well as royalties on commercial sales.
	In addition to the option agreement, we purchased $25,000 of non-voting preferred equity of Moderna LLC, Moderna's parent company. We recorded this investment at cost within other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We regularly monitor the investment to evaluate whether there has been an other-than-temporary decline in its fair value, based on the implied value of recent company financings, public market prices of comparable companies, and general market conditions. The carrying value of this investment was not impaired as of September 30, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Commitments
	Lonza Agreement
	We have supply agreements with Lonza Group AG and its affiliates (Lonza), a third party manufacturer, relating to the manufacture of Soliris and asfotase alfa. We have various agreements with Lonza, with remaining total commitments of approximately $111,500 through 2018. Such commitments may be canceled only in limited circumstances. If we terminate certain supply agreements with Lonza without cause, we will be required to pay for product scheduled for manufacture under our arrangement. Under an existing arrangement with Lonza, we also pay Lonza a royalty on sales of Soliris manufactured at Alexion Rhode Island Manufacturing Facility (ARIMF).
	Contingent Liabilities
	We are currently involved in various claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings. On a quarterly basis, we review the status of each significant matter and assess its potential financial exposure. If the potential loss from any claim, asserted or unasserted, or legal proceeding is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the estimated loss. Because of uncertainties related to claims and litigation, accruals are based on our best estimates based on available information. On a periodic basis, as additional information becomes available, or based on specific events such as the outcome of litigation or settlement of claims, we may reassess the potential liability related to these matters and may revise these estimates, which could result in a material adverse adjustment to our operating results.
	In March 2013, we received a Warning Letter (Warning Letter) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices at ARIMF. The Warning Letter followed an FDA inspection which concluded in August 2012. At the conclusion of that inspection, the FDA issued a Form 483 Inspectional Observations, to which we responded in August 2012 and provided additional information to the FDA in September and December 2012. The observations relate to commercial and clinical manufacture of Soliris at ARIMF. We responded to the Warning Letter in a letter to the FDA in April 2013. At the conclusion of another inspection of ARIMF in August 2014, the FDA issued a Form 483 with three inspectional observations, none of which was designated as a repeat observation to the Warning Letter. The observations are inspectional and do not represent a final FDA determination of compliance. We continue to manufacture products, including Soliris, at ARIMF. While the resolution of the issues raised in the Warning Letter is difficult to predict, we do not currently believe a loss related to this matter is probable or that the potential magnitude of such loss or range of loss, if any, can be reasonably estimated. To the extent that circumstances related to this matter change, the impact could have a material adverse effect on our financial operations.
	Independent of the Warning Letter, we initiated voluntary recalls and replacements of certain lots of Soliris in 2013 and 2014 due to the presence of visible particles detected in a limited number of vials in these lots. These recalls did not interrupt the supply of Soliris to patients. Following investigation, we believe that we have identified the filling process step at our third party fill/finish provider that resulted in the presence of the visible particles and we have implemented the changes necessary to modify the process step. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded expense of $14,277 in cost of sales resulting from the expected disposal of inventory in 2014, and we do not expect a material impact from these recalls in 2014.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current	'
	The components of inventory are as follows:
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Raw materials	$	13,902	$	12,170
	Work-in-process	65,213		62,192
	Finished goods	60,929		28,240
		$	140,044	$	102,602

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill1

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	'
	The following table summarizes the carrying amount of our intangible assets and goodwill, net of accumulated amortization:
		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Licenses, patents and purchased technology, net	$	2,210	$	11,205
	Acquired in-process research and development	595,050		598,514
	Intangible assets	$	597,260	$	609,719
	Goodwill	$	254,073	$	254,073

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table summarizes the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income used for basic and diluted calculation	$	177,731	$	93,785	$	503,580	$	271,887
	Shares used in computing earnings per common share—basic	198,052		195,662		197,910		194,520
	Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock awards	3,261		4,049		3,618		4,135
	Dilutive potential common shares	3,261		4,049		3,618		4,135
	Shares used in computing earnings per common share—diluted	201,313		199,711		201,528		198,655
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.9	$	0.48	$	2.54	$	1.4
	Diluted	$	0.88	$	0.47	$	2.5	$	1.37

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses and estimated fair value of available-for-sale investments by type of security at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
			30-Sep-14
			Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Estimated Fair Value
	Commercial paper		$	41,471			$	—	$	—		$	41,471
	Corporate bonds		524,942				555		(389		)	525,108
	Municipal bonds		205,559				212		(3		)	205,768
	Other government-related obligations:
	U.S.		71,966				21		(85		)	71,902
	Foreign		166,593				111		(113		)	166,591
	Bank certificates of deposit		21,000				—		—			21,000
			$	1,031,531			$	899	$	(590	)	$	1,031,840
			December 31, 2013
			Amortized Cost Basis				Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Aggregate Fair Value
	Commercial paper		$	112,679			$	—	$	—		$	112,679
	Corporate bonds		476,459				487		(588		)	476,358
	Municipal bonds		202,396				47		(40		)	202,403
	Other government-related obligations:
	U.S.		46,466				30		(7		)	46,489
	Foreign		156,974				54		(204		)	156,824
	Bank certificates of deposit		33,004				—		—			33,004
			$	1,027,978			$	618	$	(839	)	$	1,027,757
Available-for-sale Securities by Balance Sheet Location Classification [Table Text Block]	'
	The fair values of available-for-sale securities by classification in the condensed consolidated balance sheet were as follows:
		September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	5,698		$	43,780
	Marketable securities	1,026,142			983,977
		$	1,031,840		$	1,027,757
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	'
	The fair values of available-for-sale debt securities at September 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, are summarized as follows:
		September 30, 2014
	Due in one year or less	$	443,038
	Due after one year through three years	588,802
	Due after three years through five years	—
		$	1,031,840

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income and Earnings from Foreign Exchange Contracts	'
	The impact on accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and earnings from foreign exchange contracts that qualified as cash flow hedges, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Three months ended							Nine months ended
		September 30,							September 30,
		2014				2013			2014				2013
	Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax	$	89,959			$	(28,523	)	$	81,896			$	1,011
	Gain reclassified from AOCI to net product sales (effective portion), net of tax	$	2,873			$	5,225		$	3,372			$	16,803
	Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to other income and expense (ineffective portion), net of tax	$	1,794			$	(803	)	$	1,802			$	(176	)
Schedule of Fair Value of Outstanding Derivatives	'
	The following tables summarize the fair value of outstanding derivatives at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		September 30, 2014
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet		Fair				Balance Sheet	Fair
		Location		Value				Location	Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other current assets		$	49,578			Other current liabilities	$	2,175
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other non-current assets		38,300				Other non-current liabilities	661
	Total fair value of derivative instruments			$	87,878				$	2,836
		December 31, 2013
		Asset Derivatives						Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet		Fair				Balance Sheet	Fair
		Location		Value				Location	Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other current assets		$	21,815			Other current liabilities	$	20,228
	Foreign exchange forward contracts	Other non-current assets		9,839				Other non-current liabilities	14,864
	Total fair value of derivative instruments			$	31,654				$	35,092
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	'
	The following table summarizes the potential effect on our condensed consolidated balance sheets of offsetting our foreign exchange forward contracts subject to such provisions:
			30-Sep-14
														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Description		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet			Amounts of Assets/Liabilities Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet				Derivative Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Received (Pledged)		Net Amount
	Derivative assets		$	87,878			$	—		$	87,878			$	(2,836	)	$	—	$	85,042
	Derivative liabilities		(2,836		)		—			(2,836		)		2,836			—		—
			December 31, 2013
														Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Description		Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities				Gross Amounts Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet			Amounts of Assets/Liabilities Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet				Derivative Financial Instruments			Cash Collateral Received (Pledged)		Net Amount
	Derivative assets		$	31,654			$	—		$	31,654			$	(27,256	)	$	—	$	4,398
	Derivative liabilities		(35,092		)		—			(35,092		)		27,256			—		(7,836		)

Other_Comprehensive_Income_and1

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following tables summarize the changes in AOCI, by component, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans				Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Marketable Securities			Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Hedging Activities				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balances, December 31, 2013	$	(11,502	)		$	(146	)	$	(3,827	)		$	(7,382	)		$	(22,857	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(3,714		)		344			81,896				(2,444		)		76,082
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	459				(10		)	(5,174		)		—				(4,725		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,255		)		334			76,722				(2,444		)		71,357
	Balances, September 30, 2014	$	(14,757	)		$	188		$	72,895			$	(9,826	)		$	48,500
		Defined Benefit Pension Plans				Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Marketable Securities			Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Hedging Activities				Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment				Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Balances, December 31, 2012	$	(5,712	)		$	—		$	15,156			$	(2,809	)		$	6,635
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(2,967		)		(76		)	1,011				(543		)		(2,575		)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	285				59			(16,627		)		—				(16,283		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,682		)		(17		)	(15,616		)		(543		)		(18,858		)
	Balances, September 30, 2013	$	(8,394	)		$	(17	)	$	(460	)		$	(3,352	)		$	(12,223	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The table below provides details regarding significant reclassifications from AOCI during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components		Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income during the three months ended September 30,						Amount Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income during the nine months ended September 30,							Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Hedging Activity
	Effective portion of foreign exchange contracts		$	3,283		$	5,710		$	3,854		$	18,364			Net product sales
	Ineffective portion of foreign exchange contracts		2,051			(878		)	2,059			(192		)		Foreign currency gain (loss)
			5,334			4,832			5,913			18,172
			(667		)	(410		)	(739		)	(1,545		)		Income tax provision
			$	4,667		$	4,422		$	5,174		$	16,627
	Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Marketable Securities
	Realized gains (losses) on sale of securities		$	14		$	(96	)	$	16		$	(94	)		Investment income
			14			(96		)	16			(94		)
			(5		)	36			(6		)	35				Income tax provision
			$	9		$	(60	)	$	10		$	(59	)
	Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses		$	(213	)	$	(104	)	$	(651	)	$	(311	)		(a)
			(213		)	(104		)	(651		)	(311		)
			63			9			192			26				Income tax provision
			$	(150	)	$	(95	)	$	(459	)	$	(285	)
	(a) This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension benefit cost (see Note 13 for additional details).

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilites Measured At Fair Value	'
	The following tables present information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value.
			Fair Value Measurement at
			30-Sep-14
	Balance Sheet	Type of Instrument	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Classification
	Cash equivalents	Institutional money market funds	$	217,354	$	—	$	217,354	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Commercial paper	$	2,000	$	—	$	2,000	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Municipal bonds	$	3,000	$	—	$	3,000	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Corporate Bonds	$	698	$	—	$	698	$	—
	Marketable securities	Mutual funds	$	3,401	$	3,401	$	—	$	—
	Marketable securities	Commercial paper	$	39,471	$	—	$	39,471	$	—
	Marketable securities	Corporate bonds	$	524,410	$	—	$	524,410	$	—
	Marketable securities	Municipal bonds	$	202,768	$	—	$	202,768	$	—
	Marketable securities	Other government-related obligations	$	238,493	$	—	$	238,493	$	—
	Marketable securities	Bank certificates of deposit	$	21,000	$	—	$	21,000	$	—
	Other current assets	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	49,578	$	—	$	49,578	$	—
	Other assets	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	38,300	$	—	$	38,300	$	—
	Other current liabilities	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	2,175	$	—	$	2,175	$	—
	Other liabilities	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	661	$	—	$	661	$	—
	Other current liabilities	Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	45,857	$	—	$	—	$	45,857
	Contingent consideration	Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	107,073	$	—	$	—	$	107,073
			Fair Value Measurement at
			31-Dec-13
	Balance Sheet	Type of Instrument	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Classification
	Cash equivalents	Institutional money market funds	$	234,212	$	—	$	234,212	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Commercial paper	$	6,298	$	—	$	6,298	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Corporate bonds	$	15,255	$	—	$	15,255	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Municipal bonds	$	2,225	$	—	$	2,225	$	—
	Cash equivalents	Bank certificates of deposit	$	20,003	$	—	$	20,003	$	—
	Marketable securities	Mutual funds	$	1,017	$	1,017	$	—	$	—
	Marketable securities	Commercial paper	$	106,381	$	—	$	106,381	$	—
	Marketable securities	Corporate bonds	$	461,103	$	—	$	461,103	$	—
	Marketable securities	Municipal bonds	$	200,178	$	—	$	200,178	$	—
	Marketable securities	Other government-related obligations	$	203,313	$	—	$	203,313	$	—
	Marketable securities	Bank certificates of deposit	$	13,001	$	—	$	13,001	$	—
	Other current assets	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	21,815	$	—	$	21,815	$	—
	Other assets	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	9,839	$	—	$	9,839	$	—
	Other current liabilities	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	20,228	$	—	$	20,228	$	—
	Other liabilities	Foreign exchange forward contracts	$	14,864	$	—	$	14,864	$	—
	Other current liabilities	Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	35,932	$	—	$	—	$	35,932
	Contingent consideration	Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	106,744	$	—	$	—	$	106,744
Schedule Of Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration	'
	The following table represents a roll-forward of our acquisition-related contingent consideration:
		Nine months ended
		30-Sep-14
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(142,676	)
	Changes in fair value	(10,254		)
	Balance at end of period	$	(152,930	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income Tax Provision and Effective Tax Rate	'
	The following table provides a comparative summary of our income tax provision and effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Provision for income taxes	58,478		40,503		163,186		116,405
	Effective tax rate	24.8	%	30.2	%	24.5	%	30	%

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Defined Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost were as follows:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	2,040		$	1,376		$	6,225		$	4,087
	Interest cost	195			127			595			376
	Expected return on plan assets	(225		)	(157		)	(688		)	(471		)
	Employee contributions	(427		)	(358		)	(1,304		)	(1,071		)
	Amortization	213			104			651			311
	Total net periodic benefit cost	$	1,796		$	1,092		$	5,479		$	3,232

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Inventory, Raw Materials	$13,902	$12,170
Inventory, Work in Process	65,213	62,192
Inventory, Finished Goods	60,929	28,240
Inventory, Net	140,044	102,602
Capitalized Prelaunch Inventory	'	'
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Inventory, Net	$9,876	'

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill2

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Licenses, patents and purchased technology	$2,210	$11,205
Acquired in-process research and development	595,050	598,514
Intangible assets	597,260	609,719
Goodwill	$254,073	$254,073

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill3

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	$0	$0	$3,464	$0

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (Credit Agreement [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 07, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014
Senior Secured Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, principal amount	$240,000	'
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	12,000	'
Outstanding debt	'	69,500
Line of Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	200,000	'
Possible future increase in credit facility	150,000	'
Letters of credit, amount outstanding	'	11,621
Line of credit facility, borrowing availability	'	188,379
Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Sublimit for letter of credit for working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes	60,000	'
Bridge Loan [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Sublimit for letter of credit for working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes	$10,000	'

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Summ

Earnings Per Common Share (Summary Of Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income used for basic and diluted calculation	$177,731	$93,785	$503,580	$271,887
Shares used in computing earnings per common sharebbasic	198,052	195,662	197,910	194,520
Stock awards	3,261	4,049	3,618	4,135
Dilutive potential common shares	3,261	4,049	3,618	4,135
Shares used in computing earnings per common share-diluted	201,313	199,711	201,528	198,655
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0.90	$0.48	$2.54	$1.40
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0.88	$0.47	$2.50	$1.37

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Narr

Earnings Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,346	2,015	1,005	2,300

Marketable_Securities_Summary_

Marketable Securities (Summary of Securities Held) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$1,031,531	$1,027,978
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	899	618
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-590	-839
Estimated Fair Value	1,031,840	1,027,757
Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	41,471	112,679
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	41,471	112,679
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	524,942	476,459
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	555	487
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-389	-588
Estimated Fair Value	525,108	476,358
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	205,559	202,396
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	212	47
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-3	-40
Estimated Fair Value	205,768	202,403
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	71,966	46,466
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	21	30
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-85	-7
Estimated Fair Value	71,902	46,489
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	166,593	156,974
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	111	54
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	-113	-204
Estimated Fair Value	166,591	156,824
Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	21,000	33,004
Gross Unrealized Holding Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Holding Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	$21,000	$33,004

Marketable_Securities_Availabl

Marketable Securities (Available-for-sale Investments by Classification in Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	$1,031,840	$1,027,757
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	5,698	43,780
Marketable Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Available-for-sale securities	$1,026,142	$983,977

Marketable_Securities_Availabl1

Marketable Securities (Available-for-sale Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Due in one year or less	$443,038	'
Due after one year through three years	588,802	'
Due after three years through five years	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	$1,031,840	$1,027,757

Marketable_Securities_Narrativ

Marketable Securities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Aggregate fair value of investments in continuous unrealized loss position	$426,839	$461,634
Trading securities. fair value	$3,401	$1,017

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
						Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Term	'36 months	'	'	'30 days	'	'	'	'
Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments	'	'	'	'	'	$1,425,927,000	$211,754,000	'
Estimated gains (losses) to be reclassified from other comprehenisve income in next 12 months	45,679,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) in other income and expense	'	12,491,000	-2,640,000	13,140,000	6,146,000	'	'	'
Derivative, fair value, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Schedule Of Other Comprehensive Income And Earnings From Foreign Exchange Contracts) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax	$89,959	($28,523)	$81,896	$1,011
Gain reclassified from AOCI to net product sales (Effective portion), net of tax	2,873	5,225	3,372	16,803
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to other income and expense (Ineffective portion), net of tax	$1,794	($803)	$1,802	($176)

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Outstanding Derivatives) (Details) (Foreign Exchange Forward [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	$87,878	$31,654
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	2,836	35,092
Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	49,578	21,815
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	2,175	20,228
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	38,300	9,839
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$661	$14,864

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed5

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Offsetting Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (Foreign Exchange Forward [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	$87,878	$31,654
Gross Amounts Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Amounts of Assets Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	87,878	31,654
Derivative Financial Instruments	-2,836	-27,256
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	85,042	4,398
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	-2,836	-35,092
Gross Amounts Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	-2,836	-35,092
Derivative Financial Instruments	2,836	27,256
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Net Amount	$0	($7,836)

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014
				Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount	'	'	'	$400,000	'	'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	640	1,789	758	'	'	100
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	104,633	283,148	66,136	'	'	16,890
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	'	'	'	'	$39,163	'

Other_Comprehensive_Income_and2

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Changes in AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	($22,857)	$6,635
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	'	'	76,082	-2,575
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	'	'	-4,725	-16,283
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	80,950	-31,749	71,357	-18,858
Ending balance	48,500	-12,223	48,500	-12,223
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-11,502	-5,712
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	'	'	-3,714	-2,967
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	'	'	459	285
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	-3,255	-2,682
Ending balance	-14,757	-8,394	-14,757	-8,394
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-146	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	'	'	344	-76
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	'	'	-10	59
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	334	-17
Ending balance	188	-17	188	-17
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-3,827	15,156
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	'	'	81,896	1,011
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	'	'	-5,174	-16,627
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	76,722	-15,616
Ending balance	72,895	-460	72,895	-460
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-7,382	-2,809
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications	'	'	-2,444	-543
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	'	'	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	-2,444	-543
Ending balance	($9,826)	($3,352)	($9,826)	($3,352)

Other_Comprehensive_Income_and3

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Significant Reclassifications from AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net product sales	$555,146		$400,405		$1,634,257		$1,109,437
Foreign currency gain (loss)	-2,045		-547		-1,989		-134
Investment income	2,250		638		6,177		1,793
Income before income taxes	236,209		134,288		666,766		388,292
Income tax provision	-58,478		-40,503		-163,186		-116,405
Net income	177,731		93,785		503,580		271,887
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Net product sales	3,283		5,710		3,854		18,364
Foreign currency gain (loss)	2,051		-878		2,059		-192
Income before income taxes	5,334		4,832		5,913		18,172
Income tax provision	-667		-410		-739		-1,545
Net income	4,667		4,422		5,174		16,627
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Investment income	14		-96		16		-94
Income before income taxes	14		-96		16		-94
Income tax provision	-5		36		-6		35
Net income	9		-60		10		-59
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses	-213	[1]	-104	[1]	-651	[1]	-311	[1]
Income before income taxes	-213		-104		-651		-311
Income tax provision	63		9		192		26
Net income	($150)		($95)		($459)		($285)
[1]	This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension benefit cost (see Note 13 for additional details).

Fair_Value_Measurement_Schedul

Fair Value Measurement (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilites Measured At Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration	$107,073	$106,744
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liability	2,175	20,228
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liability	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liability	2,175	20,228
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liability	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liability	661	14,864
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liability	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liability	661	14,864
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liability	0	0
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration	152,930	'
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration	45,857	35,932
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration	0	0
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration	0	0
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration	45,857	35,932
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration	107,073	106,744
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration	0	0
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration	0	0
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent consideration	107,073	106,744
Money Market Funds [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	217,354	234,212
Money Market Funds [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	217,354	234,212
Money Market Funds [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Mutual Funds [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	3,401	1,017
Mutual Funds [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	3,401	1,017
Mutual Funds [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Mutual Funds [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Commercial Paper [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	2,000	6,298
Commercial Paper [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Commercial Paper [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	2,000	6,298
Commercial Paper [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Commercial Paper [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	39,471	106,381
Commercial Paper [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Commercial Paper [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	39,471	106,381
Commercial Paper [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	698	15,255
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	698	15,255
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	524,410	461,103
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	524,410	461,103
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	3,000	2,225
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	3,000	2,225
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	0	0
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	202,768	200,178
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	202,768	200,178
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Other Government Obligations [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	238,493	203,313
Other Government Obligations [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Other Government Obligations [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	238,493	203,313
Other Government Obligations [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	20,003
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	0
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	20,003
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	0
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	21,000	13,001
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	21,000	13,001
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Marketable securities	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, asset	49,578	21,815
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, asset	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, asset	49,578	21,815
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, asset	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, asset	38,300	9,839
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, asset	0	0
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, asset	38,300	9,839
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, asset	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurement_Schedul1

Fair Value Measurement (Schedule Of Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member]	Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member]	Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member]	Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member]
				Level 3 [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
					Level 3 [Member]	Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value Inputs, Cost of Debt	'	'	'	'	5.30%	6.20%
Fair Value Inputs, Weighted Average Cost of Capital	'	'	'	'	14.00%	21.00%
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low	$0	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	876,000	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	107,073	106,744	152,930	'	'	'
Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	'	'	'	-142,676	'	'
Change in fair value	'	'	'	-10,254	'	'
Balance at end of period	'	'	'	($152,930)	'	'

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income Tax Provision and Effective Tax Rate) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	$58,478	$40,503	$163,186	$116,405
Effective tax rate	24.80%	30.20%	24.50%	30.00%

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
		Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	$2,148	'
Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Research	'	$2,854

Defined_Benefit_Plans_Schedule

Defined Benefit Plans (Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$2,040	$1,376	$6,225	$4,087
Interest cost	195	127	595	376
Expected return on plan assets	-225	-157	-688	-471
Employee contributions	-427	-358	-1,304	-1,071
Amortization	213	104	651	311
Total net periodic benefit cost	$1,796	$1,092	$5,479	$3,232

Leases_Details

Leases (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Facility Lease Obligation, Noncurrent	$87,030	$32,230
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Construction-in-process asset	$91,759	'

License_Agreements_Details

License Agreements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
	target
Option to Purchase Drug Product [Member]	'
Schedule of License Agreements [Line Items]	'
Research and Development Arrangement, Number of Targets	10
Research and Development Expense (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost)	$100,000
Research and Development Arrangement, Potential Option Exercise Payment	15,000
Rare Disease Products [Member] | Option to Purchase Drug Product [Member]	'
Schedule of License Agreements [Line Items]	'
Research and Development Arrangement, Potential Payment, Maximum	120,000
Non-Rare Disease Product [Member] | Option to Purchase Drug Product [Member]	'
Schedule of License Agreements [Line Items]	'
Research and Development Arrangement, Potential Payment, Maximum	400,000
Preferred Stock [Member] | Moderna LLC [Member]	'
Schedule of License Agreements [Line Items]	'
Payments to Acquire Investments	$25,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified		Cost of Sales
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'
Remaining total commitments with Lonza	$111,500	'
Inventory recall expense	'	$14,277