Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) 10-Q 2 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 28, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	ALEXION PHARMACEUTICALS INC
Entity Central Index Key	899,866
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		225,324,303

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,163,281	$ 943,999
Marketable securities	295,211	1,017,567
Trade accounts receivable, net	512,253	432,888
Inventories	236,542	176,441
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	272,932	225,134
Total current assets	2,480,219	2,796,029
Property, plant and equipment, net	618,733	392,248
Intangible assets, net	4,787,901	587,046
Goodwill	5,015,519	254,073
Other assets	250,643	172,566
Total assets	13,153,015	4,201,962
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accounts payable	46,974	44,016
Accrued expenses	357,987	395,232
Deferred revenue	49,944	58,837
Current portion of long-term debt	175,000	48,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current	132,619	12,476
Other current liabilities	4,336	48,179
Total current liabilities	766,860	606,740
Long-term debt, less current portioon	3,325,000	9,500
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	417,319	7,046
Contingent consideration	158,678	116,425
Facility lease obligation	149,604	107,099
Other liabilities	82,685	53,134
Total liabilities	$ 4,900,146	$ 899,944
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
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; 229,895 and 201,944 shares issued at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	23	20
Additional paid-in capital	7,642,974	2,592,167
Treasury stock, at cost, 3,910 and 2,888 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	(558,347)	(382,964)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	54,428	56,785
Retained earnings	1,113,791	1,036,010
Total stockholders' equity	8,252,869	3,302,018
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 13,153,015	$ 4,201,962

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000	5,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	290,000	290,000
Common stock, shares issued	229,895	201,944
Treasury Stock, Shares	3,910	2,888

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net product sales	$ 665,791	$ 555,146	$ 1,902,107	$ 1,634,257
Other revenue	846	0	1,073	0
Total revenues	666,637	555,146	1,903,180	1,634,257
Cost of sales	54,057	51,858	175,463	124,423
Operating expenses:
Research and development	165,664	100,661	518,437	384,672
Selling, general and administrative	212,520	157,665	621,019	446,433
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	36,608	0	36,608	0
Acquisition-related costs	35,759	8,303	81,559	10,254
Restructuring expenses	7,461	0	30,737	0
Impairment of Intangible Asset	0	0	0	3,464
Total operating expenses	458,012	266,629	1,288,360	844,823
Operating income	154,568	236,659	439,357	665,011
Other income and expense:
Investment income	1,967	2,250	7,077	6,177
Interest expense	(19,971)	(655)	(24,593)	(2,433)
Foreign currency gain (loss)	2,795	(2,045)	1,755	(1,989)
Income before income taxes	139,359	236,209	423,596	666,766
Income tax provision	323,116	58,478	345,815	163,186
Net income (loss)	$ (183,757)	$ 177,731	$ 77,781	$ 503,580
Earnings (loss) per common share
Basic	$ (0.81)	$ 0.90	$ 0.37	$ 2.54
Diluted	$ (0.81)	$ 0.88	$ 0.37	$ 2.50
Shares used in computing earnings per common share
Basic	226,228	198,052	209,373	197,910
Diluted	226,228	201,313	211,808	201,528

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net income (loss)	$ (183,757)	$ 177,731	$ 77,781	$ 503,580
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation	(1,847)	(2,996)	(6,065)	(2,444)
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	135	(776)	389	334
Unrealized gain (loss) on pension obligation	8,932	(570)	1,487	(3,255)
Unrealized (loss) gain on hedging activities, net of tax of $(8,011), $12,194, $2,998 and $10,423, respectively	(15,308)	85,292	1,832	76,722
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(8,088)	80,950	(2,357)	71,357
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (191,845)	$ 258,681	$ 75,424	$ 574,937

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging activities - tax effect	$ (8,011)	$ 12,194	$ 2,998	$ 10,423

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 77,781	$ 503,580
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	72,863	28,395
Impairment of Intangible Asset	0	3,464
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration	45,707	10,254
Share-based compensation expense	160,853	80,620
Premium amortization of available-for-sale securities	6,156	12,114
Deferred taxes	385,915	(160,456)
Change in excess tax benefit from stock options	76,291	(286,325)
Unrealized foreign currency (gain) loss	(8,865)	9,253
Other	1,641	(1,082)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	(90,952)	(22,731)
Inventories	(7,368)	(26,217)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(80,015)	(6,241)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(147,108)	166,545
Deferred revenue	(8,557)	45,443
Net cash provided by operating activities	484,342	356,616
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(372,537)	(451,842)
Proceeds from maturity or sale of available-for-sale securities	1,092,968	398,071
Purchases of trading securities	(12,249)	(2,412)
Proceeds from sale of trading securities	8,287	79
Purchases of other investments	0	(25,000)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(206,224)	(83,879)
Payments for acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired	(3,939,307)	0
Other	5,479	(707)
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,423,583)	(165,690)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Debt issuance costs	(45,492)	0
Proceeds from revolving credit facility	200,000	0
Proceeds from term loan	3,500,000	0
Payments on revolving credit facility	(200,000)	0
Payments on term loan	(57,500)	(43,500)
Equity issuance costs for shares issued in connection with acquisition of business	(4,053)	0
Excess tax benefit from stock options	(76,291)	286,325
Repurchase of common stock	(175,383)	(283,148)
Net proceeds from the exercise of stock options	50,824	77,680
Payments of contingent consideration	(50,000)	0
Proceeds from development-related grants	26,000	0
Other	(1,718)	(119)
Net cash provided by financing activities	3,166,387	37,238
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(7,864)	(5,857)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	219,282	222,307
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	943,999	529,857
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,163,281	752,164
Supplemental cash flow disclosures from investing and financing activities:
Common stock issued in acquisition of business	4,917,810	0
Construction in process related to facility lease obligation	40,185	54,799
Accrued expenses for purchases of property, plant and equipment	$ 25,165	$ 14,293

Business

Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business [Abstract]
Business	Business Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Alexion, the Company, we, our or us) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on serving patients with devastating and rare disorders through the innovation, development and commercialization of life-transforming therapeutic products. In our complement franchise, 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. In our metabolic franchise we market Strensiq™ (asfotase alfa) for the treatment of hypophasphatasia (HPP) and Kanuma™ (sebelipase alfa) for the treatment of lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D). HPP is a genetic ultra-rare disease characterized by defective bone mineralization that can lead to deformity of bones and other skeletal abnormalities. LAL-D is a serious, life threatening ultra-rare disease in which genetic mutations result in decreased activity of the LAL enzyme leading to marked accumulation of lipids in vital organs, blood vessels and other tissues. We initiated sales of these products in the third quarter 2015. We are also evaluating additional potential indications for eculizumab 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 rare disorders.

Basis of Presentation and Princ

Basis of Presentation and Principles Of Consolidation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . 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, 2014 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, 2014 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 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 Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 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, 2014 . New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) 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, 2017 and allows for adoption using a full retrospective method, or a modified retrospective method. Entities may elect to early adopt the standard for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently assessing the method of adoption and the expected impact the new standard has on our financial position and results of operations. In April 2015, the FASB issued a new standard simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new standard aligns the treatment of debt issuance costs with debt discounts and premiums and requires debt issuance costs be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted, and requires a retrospective method of adoption. We will adopt the provisions of the new standard for the balance sheet disclosures of debt issuance costs beginning in the first quarter 2016. In September 2015, the FASB issued a new standard simplifying the accounting for measurement-period adjustments. The new standard eliminates the requirement to restate prior period financial statements for measurement period adjustments. The new standard requires that the cumulative impact of a measurement period adjustment (including the impact on prior periods) be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment is identified.The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Acquisitions (Notes)

Acquisitions (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Acquisitions Acquisition of Synageva BioPharma Corp. On May 6, 2015, we announced that we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Synageva BioPharma Corp. (Synageva), a publicly-held clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts for per share consideration of $115 in cash and 0.6581 shares of Alexion stock. At this date, the announced purchase consideration was estimated at approximately $8,400,000 , net of Synageva cash, based on the closing price of Alexion stock on May 5, 2015 of $168.55 . On June 22, 2015, we completed the acquisition of Synageva, in a transaction accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Synageva were recorded as of the acquisition date at their respective fair values. Synageva's results of operations are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The acquisition was intended to further our objective to develop and commercialize life-transforming therapies to an increasing number of patients with devastating and rare diseases. Synageva's lead product candidate, Kanuma (sebelipase alfa), is an enzyme replacement therapy for patients suffering with LAL-D, a life-threatening, ultra-rare disease for which there are no approved treatments. We acquired all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Synageva for $4,565,524 in cash and 26,125 shares of common stock. At closing of the business combination on June 22, 2015, the purchase consideration was approximately $8,860,000 , net of Synageva cash, based on Alexion's closing share price on the date of acquisition of $188.24 . We financed the cash consideration with existing cash and proceeds from our new credit facility described further in Note 6. The aggregate consideration to acquire Synageva consisted of: Stock consideration $ 4,917,810 Cash consideration 4,565,524 Total purchase price $ 9,483,334 The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Cash $ 626,217 Inventory 51,068 In-process research and development (IPR&D) 4,236,000 Deferred tax liabilities, net (175,431 ) Other assets and liabilities (15,966 ) Net assets acquired 4,721,888 Goodwill 4,761,446 Total purchase price $ 9,483,334 Our accounting for this acquisition is preliminary. The fair value estimates for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were based upon preliminary calculations, and our estimates and assumptions are subject to change as we obtain additional information for our estimates during the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). The primary areas of these preliminary estimates that are not yet finalized relate to inventory, identifiable intangible assets and tax-related items. During the third quarter 2015, we recorded approximately $8,400 of adjustments to the amounts initially recorded for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. These adjustments related primarily to the valuation of acquired inventory. We acquired $51,068 of Kanuma (sebelipase alfa) inventory. The estimated fair value of work-in-process and finished goods inventory was determined utilizing the comparative sales method, based on the expected selling price of the inventory, adjusted for incremental costs to complete the manufacturing process and for direct selling efforts, as well as for a reasonable profit allowance. The estimated fair value of raw material inventory was valued at replacement cost, which is equal to the value a market participant would pay to acquire the inventory. Intangible assets associated with IPR&D projects primarily relate to Synageva's lead product candidate, Kanuma (sebelipase alfa). The estimated fair value of IPR&D assets of $4,236,000 was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method, a variation of the income approach. The multi-period excess earnings method estimates the value of an intangible asset equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows attributable to that intangible asset. The fair value using the multi-period excess earnings method was dependent on an estimated weighted average cost of capital for Synageva of 10.0% , which represents a rate of return that a market participant would expect for these assets. The excess of purchase price over the fair value amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed represents the goodwill amount resulting from the acquisition. The goodwill, which is not tax-deductible, has been recorded as a noncurrent asset and is not amortized, but is subject to an annual review for impairment. The goodwill represents future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized and expected synergies that are specific to our business and not available to market participants, including our unique ability to commercialize therapies for rare diseases, our existing relationships with specialty physicians who can identify patients with LAL-D, a global distribution network to facilitate drug delivery and other benefits that we believe will result from combining the operations of Synageva within our operations. We recorded a net deferred tax liability of $175,431 . This amount was primarily comprised of $588,559 and $18,593 , of deferred tax liabilities related to the IPR&D and inventory acquired, respectively, offset by $232,182 , $177,128 , and $22,411 of deferred tax assets related to NOLs, tax credits, and other temporary differences, respectively, which we expect to utilize. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we recorded $53,721 and $58,356 of pre-tax operating losses, respectively, associated with the continuing operations of Synageva in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Pro forma financial information (unaudited) The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined results of Alexion and Synageva as if the acquisition of Synageva had been completed on January 1, 2014, with adjustments to give effect to pro forma events that are directly attributable to the acquisition, including the impact of acquisition financing and the related tax effects. The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect operating efficiencies or potential cost savings which may result from the consolidation of operations. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that we would have recognized had we completed the transaction on January 1, 2014. Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Pro forma revenue $ 666,637 $ 556,472 $ 1,905,388 $ 1,639,512 Pro forma net (loss) income (177,854 ) 111,485 (47,565 ) 180,739 Earnings (loss) per common share Basic $ (0.79 ) $ 0.50 $ (0.21 ) $ 0.81 Diluted $ (0.79 ) $ 0.49 $ (0.21 ) $ 0.79 The unaudited pro forma consolidated results include the following pro forma adjustments related to non-recurring activity: • Alexion acquisition-related and restructuring costs of $9,223 were excluded from income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 . These expenses were included in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2014 . • Alexion and Synageva expenses of $33,150 and $127,290 , respectively, associated with the accelerated vesting of stock based compensation as a result of the acquisition were excluded from net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . These expenses were included in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 ; • Alexion and Synageva acquisition-related and restructuring costs of $49,367 and $62,071 , respectively, were excluded from income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . These expenses were included in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 . Acquisition-Related Costs Acquisition-related costs associated with our business combinations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 include the following: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Transaction costs (1) $ — $ — $ 26,799 $ — Integration costs 6,075 — 9,053 — Changes in fair value of contingent consideration 29,684 8,303 45,707 10,254 $ 35,759 $ 8,303 $ 81,559 $ 10,254 (1) Transaction costs include investment advisory, legal, and accounting fees The acquisition of Synageva also resulted in $3,149 and $13,470 of restructuring related charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. See Note 19 for additional details.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 17,574 $ 14,570 Work-in-process 106,921 107,170 Finished goods 112,047 54,701 $ 236,542 $ 176,441 As of December 31, 2014 , we capitalized $22,005 of inventory produced for commercial sale for products awaiting regulatory approval, respectively. As a result of receiving regulatory approval, we have no inventory capitalized for products awaiting regulatory approval as of September 30, 2015 . In the first quarter 2015, we recorded an expense of $24,352 associated with a portion of a single manufacturing campaign at a third party manufacturer for Strensiq (asfotase alfa). The costs are comprised of raw materials, internal overhead and external production costs.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 December 31, 2014 Estimated Cost Accumulated Net Cost Accumulated Net Licenses 6-8 $ 28,507 $ (28,493 ) $ 14 $ 28,507 $ (28,461 ) $ 46 Patents 7 10,517 (10,517 ) — 10,517 (10,517 ) — Purchased technology 6-16 4,708,495 (36,608 ) 4,671,887 — — — Acquired IPR&D Indefinite 116,000 — 116,000 587,000 — 587,000 Total $ 4,863,519 $ (75,618 ) $ 4,787,901 $ 626,024 $ (38,978 ) $ 587,046 Goodwill Indefinite $ 5,018,420 $ (2,901 ) $ 5,015,519 $ 256,974 $ (2,901 ) $ 254,073 In the third quarter 2015 we received regulatory approval for Strensiq and Kanuma. As a result, $587,000 and $4,120,000 of acquired IPR&D assets associated with Strensiq and Kanuma, respectively, were reclassified from acquired IPR&D to purchased technology. Amortization expense was $36,619 and $2,526 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $36,640 and $8,994 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Total estimated amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets is $80,067 for the three months ending December 31, 2015 , $320,145 for the year ending December 31, 2016 and $320,142 for each of the years ending December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2020 . The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill: Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 254,073 Goodwill resulting from the Synageva acquisition 4,761,446 Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 5,015,519

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	Debt On June 22, 2015, Alexion entered into a credit agreement (Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of banks, which provides for a $3,500,000 term loan facility and a $500,000 revolving credit facility maturing in five years. Borrowings under the term loan are payable in quarterly installments equal to 1.25% of the original loan amount, beginning December 31, 2015. Final repayment of the term loan and revolving credit loans are due on June 22, 2020. In addition to borrowings in which prior notice is required, the revolving credit facility includes a sublimit of $100,000 in the form of letters of credit and borrowings on same-day notice, referred to as swingline loans, of up to $25,000 . 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 in an amount that does not cause our consolidated net leverage ratio to exceed the maximum allowable amount. Under the Credit Agreement we may elect that the loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to either a base rate or a Eurodollar rate plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margins on base rate loans range from 0.25% to 1.00% and the applicable margins on Eurodollar loans range from 1.25% to 2.00% , in each case depending upon our consolidated net leverage ratio (as calculated in accordance with the Credit Agreement). Our obligations under the credit facilities are guaranteed by certain of Alexion's foreign and domestic subsidiaries and secured by liens on certain of Alexion's and its subsidiaries' equity interests, subject to certain exceptions. The Credit Agreement requires us to comply with certain financial covenants on a quarterly basis. Further, the Credit Agreement includes negative covenants, subject to exceptions, restricting or limiting our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, grant liens, and engage in certain investment, acquisition and disposition transactions. The Credit Agreement also contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults and cross defaults. If an event of default occurs, the interest rate would increase and the administrative agent would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the loan. In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, we paid $45,492 in financing costs which are being amortized as interest expense over the life of the debt. In connection with the acquisition of Synageva in June 2015, we borrowed $3,500,000 under the term loan facility and $200,000 under the revolving facility, and we used our available cash for the remaining cash consideration. In June 2015 , we repaid the revolving facility in full. At September 30, 2015 , we had $3,500,000 outstanding on the term loan and zero outstanding on the revolving facility. At September 30, 2015 , we had open letters of credit of $5,710 , and our borrowing availability under the revolving facility was $494,290 . The fair value of our long term debt, which is measured using Level 2 inputs, approximates book value. On June 22, 2015, in connection with, and simultaneously with, the execution of the Credit Agreement described above, the 2012 Credit Agreement (Prior Credit Agreement) dated February 7, 2012 was terminated, and outstanding borrowings of $33,500 were repaid.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Common 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, 2015 and 2014 : Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net income (loss) used for basic and diluted calculation $ (183,757 ) $ 177,731 $ 77,781 $ 503,580 Shares used in computing earnings per common share—basic 226,228 198,052 209,373 197,910 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities: Stock awards — 3,261 2,435 3,618 Shares used in computing earnings per common share—diluted 226,228 201,313 211,808 201,528 Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic $ (0.81 ) $ 0.90 $ 0.37 $ 2.54 Diluted $ (0.81 ) $ 0.88 $ 0.37 $ 2.50 We exclude from EPS the weighted-average number of securities whose effect is anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we reported a net loss; therefore, no outstanding stock awards were included in the computation of diluted net loss per share since such inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Excluded from the calculation of EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 were 2,437 shares of common stock because their effect was anti-dilutive. Similarly, we excluded 1,346 and 1,005 shares from the calculation of EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , respectively, because their effect was anti-dilutive.

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows: September 30, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Holding Gains Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Commercial paper $ 279,274 $ — $ — $ 279,274 Corporate bonds 133,738 167 (48 ) 133,857 Municipal bonds 88,706 15 — 88,721 Other government-related obligations: U.S. 81,500 3 (14 ) 81,489 Foreign 137,998 172 (32 ) 138,138 Bank certificates of deposit 58,022 — — 58,022 $ 779,238 $ 357 $ (94 ) $ 779,501 December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Basis Gross Unrealized Holding Gains Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Aggregate Fair Value Commercial paper $ 142,495 $ — $ — $ 142,495 Corporate bonds 494,032 415 (581 ) 493,866 Municipal bonds 174,759 132 (46 ) 174,845 Other government-related obligations: U.S. 99,668 14 (71 ) 99,611 Foreign 193,439 100 (174 ) 193,365 Bank certificates of deposit 77,000 — — 77,000 $ 1,181,393 $ 661 $ (872 ) $ 1,181,182 The aggregate fair value of available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $111,545 and $472,241 , respectively. Investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 months are not material. As of September 30, 2015 , 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, 2015 December 31, 2014 Cash and cash equivalents $ 492,239 $ 167,892 Marketable securities 287,262 1,013,290 $ 779,501 $ 1,181,182 The fair values of available-for-sale debt securities at September 30, 2015 , by contractual maturity, are summarized as follows: September 30, 2015 Due in one year or less $ 622,525 Due after one year through three years 156,976 $ 779,501 As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the fair value of our trading securities was $7,949 and $4,277 , respectively. We utilize the specific identification method in computing realized gains and losses. Realized gains and losses on our available-for-sale and trading securities were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 .

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 and Japanese Yen. 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 60 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 these hedges 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, 2015 , we had open contracts with notional amounts totaling $1,862,706 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, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gain recognized in AOCI, net of tax $ 10,206 $ 89,959 $ 81,794 $ 81,896 Gain reclassified from AOCI to net product sales (effective portion), net of tax $ 25,842 $ 2,873 $ 78,959 $ 3,372 (Loss) gain reclassified from AOCI to other income and expense (ineffective portion), net of tax $ (328 ) $ 1,794 $ 1,003 $ 1,802 Assuming no change in foreign exchange rates from market rates at September 30, 2015 , $73,904 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, 2015 , the notional amount of foreign exchange contracts where hedge accounting is not applied was $276,391 . We recognized a gain of $2,676 and $12,491 , in other income and expense, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $2,439 and $13,140 , for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, associated with the foreign exchange contracts not designated as hedging instruments. These amounts were partially offset by gains or losses on monetary assets and liabilities. The following tables summarize the fair value of outstanding derivatives at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : September 30, 2015 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet Fair Balance Sheet Fair Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 78,776 Other current liabilities $ 3,184 Foreign exchange forward contracts Other non-current assets 69,486 Other non-current liabilities 5,806 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts Other current assets 463 Other current liabilities 508 Total fair value of derivative instruments $ 148,725 $ 9,498 December 31, 2014 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet Fair Balance Sheet Fair Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 77,348 Other current liabilities $ 794 Foreign exchange forward contracts Other non-current assets 58,698 Other non-current liabilities 86 Total fair value of derivative instruments $ 136,046 $ 880 The fair value of our foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments was zero as of December 31, 2014 . 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 tables summarize the potential effect on our condensed consolidated balance sheets of offsetting our foreign exchange forward contracts subject to such provisions: September 30, 2015 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 $ 148,725 $ — $ 148,725 $ (9,498 ) $ — $ 139,227 Derivative liabilities (9,498 ) — (9,498 ) 9,498 — — December 31, 2014 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 $ 136,046 $ — $ 136,046 $ (880 ) $ — $ 135,166 Derivative liabilities (880 ) — (880 ) 880 — —

Other Investments (Notes)

Other Investments (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Other Investments	Other Investments Other investments include our investment of $37,500 in the preferred stock of Moderna LLC. Our investment is recorded at cost within other assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. The carrying value of this investment was not impaired as of September 30, 2015 .

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity In November 2012, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date, and we are not obligated to acquire a particular number of shares. The repurchase program may be discontinued at any time at the Company's discretion. In May 2015, our Board of Directors increased the authorization of shares up to $1,000,000 for future purchases under the repurchase program, which superseded all prior repurchase programs. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we repurchased 556 and 640 shares of our common stock at a cost of $91,820 and $104,633 , respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we repurchased 1,022 and 1,789 shares of our common stock at a cost of $175,383 and $283,148 , respectively. As previously disclosed, the Company did not repurchase any shares during the pendency of the Synageva acquisition and the Company began repurchasing shares in the third quarter 2015. Subsequent to September 30, 2015 , we repurchased 776 shares of our common stock under our repurchase program at a cost of $123,311 . As of November 2, 2015 , there is a total of $784,869 remaining for repurchases under the repurchase program. In June 2015, in connection with our acquisition of Synageva, we issued 26,125 shares of common stock to Synageva shareholders and employees. The value of the stock was $4,917,810 , and we incurred $4,053 of issuance costs.

Other Comprehensive Income and

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 : 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, 2014 $ (16,570 ) $ (234 ) $ 87,308 $ (13,719 ) $ 56,785 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 1,394 412 81,794 (6,065 ) 77,535 Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income 93 (23 ) (79,962 ) — (79,892 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 1,487 389 1,832 (6,065 ) (2,357 ) Balances, September 30, 2015 $ (15,083 ) $ 155 $ 89,140 $ (19,784 ) $ 54,428 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 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 The table below provides details regarding significant reclassifications from AOCI during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : 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 2015 2014 2015 2014 Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Hedging Activity Effective portion of foreign exchange contracts $ 29,534 $ 3,283 $ 90,240 $ 3,854 Net product sales Ineffective portion of foreign exchange contracts (375 ) 2,051 1,146 2,059 Foreign currency gain (loss) 29,159 5,334 91,386 5,913 (3,645 ) (667 ) (11,424 ) (739 ) Income tax provision $ 25,514 $ 4,667 $ 79,962 $ 5,174 Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Marketable Securities Realized gains on sale of securities $ — $ 14 $ 35 $ 16 Investment income — 14 35 16 — (5 ) (12 ) (6 ) Income tax provision $ — $ 9 $ 23 $ 10 Defined Benefit Pension Plans Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses $ (313 ) $ (213 ) $ (939 ) $ (651 ) (a) Other 821 — 821 — (a) 508 (213 ) (118 ) (651 ) (107 ) 63 25 192 Income tax provision $ 401 $ (150 ) $ (93 ) $ (459 ) (a) This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension benefit cost (see Note 15 for additional details).

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value. Fair Value Measurement at Balance Sheet Type of Instrument Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash equivalents Institutional money market funds $ 133,776 $ — $ 133,776 $ — Cash equivalents Commercial paper $ 279,274 $ — $ 279,274 $ — Cash equivalents Corporate bonds $ 6,061 $ — $ 6,061 $ — Cash equivalents Municipal bonds $ 71,365 $ — $ 71,365 $ — Cash equivalents Other government-related obligations $ 77,517 $ — $ 77,517 $ — Cash equivalents Bank certificates of deposit $ 58,022 $ — $ 58,022 $ — Marketable securities Mutual funds $ 7,949 $ 7,949 $ — $ — Marketable securities Corporate bonds $ 127,796 $ — $ 127,796 $ — Marketable securities Municipal bonds $ 17,356 $ — $ 17,356 $ — Marketable securities Other government-related obligations $ 142,110 $ — $ 142,110 $ — Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 79,239 $ — $ 79,239 $ — Other assets Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 69,486 $ — $ 69,486 $ — Other current liabilities Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 3,692 $ — $ 3,692 $ — Other liabilities Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 5,806 $ — $ 5,806 $ — Contingent consideration Acquisition-related contingent consideration $ 158,678 $ — $ — $ 158,678 Fair Value Measurement at Balance Sheet Type of Instrument Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash equivalents Institutional money market funds $ 176,331 $ — $ 176,331 $ — Cash equivalents Commercial paper $ 117,529 $ — $ 117,529 $ — Cash equivalents Corporate bonds $ 9,315 $ — $ 9,315 $ — Cash equivalents Municipal bonds $ 12,050 $ — $ 12,050 $ — Cash equivalents Other government-related obligations $ 23,998 $ — $ 23,998 $ — Cash equivalents Bank certificates of deposit $ 5,000 $ — $ 5,000 $ — Marketable securities Mutual funds $ 4,277 $ 4,277 $ — $ — Marketable securities Commercial paper $ 24,966 $ — $ 24,966 $ — Marketable securities Corporate bonds $ 484,551 $ — $ 484,551 $ — Marketable securities Municipal bonds $ 162,795 $ — $ 162,795 $ — Marketable securities Other government-related obligations $ 268,978 $ — $ 268,978 $ — Marketable securities Bank certificates of deposit $ 72,000 $ — $ 72,000 $ — Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 77,348 $ — $ 77,348 $ — Other assets Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 58,698 $ — $ 58,698 $ — Other current liabilities Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 794 $ — $ 794 $ — Other liabilities Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 86 $ — $ 86 $ — Other current liabilities Acquisition-related contingent consideration $ 46,546 $ — $ — $ 46,546 Contingent consideration Acquisition-related contingent consideration $ 116,425 $ — $ — $ 116,425 There were no securities transferred between Level 1, 2 and 3 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . 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, 2015 , 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 and reimbursement approvals 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 of 4.8% for developmental milestones and a weighted average cost of capital ranging from 12% 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 $826,000 if all development, regulatory and sales-based milestones are reached. As of September 30, 2015 , the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration was $158,678 . The following table represents a roll-forward of our acquisition-related contingent consideration: Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ (162,971 ) Milestone payments 50,000 Changes in fair value (45,707 ) Balance at end of period $ (158,678 )

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 : Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Provision for income taxes $ 323,116 $ 58,478 $ 345,815 $ 163,186 Effective tax rate 231.9 % 24.8 % 81.6 % 24.5 % The tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is attributable to the U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes on our profitable operations. In connection with the integration of the Synageva business with and into the Alexion business, we incurred a one-time tax expense of $315,569 . This tax expense is attributable to the change in our deferred tax liability associated with the outside basis difference related to the movement of assets into our captive foreign partnership. Additionally, reflected in the tax provision for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are the benefits realized in connection with our acquisition of Synageva. These benefits include current year operating losses. 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, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee 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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ 2,380 $ 2,040 $ 7,241 $ 6,225 Interest cost 179 195 551 595 Expected return on plan assets (248 ) (225 ) (756 ) (688 ) Employee contributions (442 ) (427 ) (1,342 ) (1,304 ) Amortization 313 213 939 651 Other (821 ) — (821 ) — Total net periodic benefit cost $ 1,361 $ 1,796 $ 5,812 $ 5,479

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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. The term of the new lease will commence upon the landlord's substantial completion of the building and will expire 12 years later, with a minimum renewal option of 7 years and a maximum renewal option of 20 years, provided that we expand our lease to include all rentable space in the building. 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 late 2015. As of September 30, 2015 , we recorded a construction-in-process asset of $203,494 , inclusive of the landlord's costs as well as costs incurred by Alexion, and an offsetting facility lease obligation of $130,254 associated with the new facility. In connection with the planned construction of facilities in New Haven, Connecticut, we entered into an agreement with the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development which provides for a forgivable loan and grants totaling $26,000 and tax credits of up to $25,000 . The program requires that we meet certain criteria in order to prevent forfeiture or repayment of the loan, grants and credits, which include (i) maintaining corporate headquarters in Connecticut for ten years; (ii) satisfying minimum employment obligations; and (iii) minimum capital spending requirements. In the third quarter 2015, we received $26,000 for the forgivable loan and grants. The proceeds reduce the costs of our construction-in-process asset associated with the project. As of September 30, 2015 , we have not received any tax credits associated with our agreement with the State of Connecticut.

License Agreements (Notes)

License Agreements (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Research and Development [Abstract]
License Agreements	License Agreements In March 2015 , we entered into an agreement with a third party that allowed us to exercise an option with another third party for exclusive, worldwide, perpetual license rights to a specialized technology and other intellectual property, and we simultaneously exercised the option. Due to the early stage of these assets, we recorded expense for the payments of $47,000 during the first quarter 2015 . In March 2015 , we entered into a collaboration agreement with a third party that allows us to identify and optimize drug candidates. Alexion will have the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize products arising from the collaboration. Due to the early stage of the assets we are licensing in connection with the collaboration, we recorded expense for the upfront payment of $15,000 during the first quarter 2015 . In addition, we could be required to pay up to an additional $252,500 if certain development, regulatory, and commercial milestones are met over time, as well as royalties on commercial sales. In January 2015 , we entered into a license agreement with a third party to obtain an exclusive research, development and commercial license for specific therapeutic molecules. Due to the early stage of these assets, we recorded expense for the upfront payment of $50,000 during the first quarter 2015 . In addition, we could be required to pay up to an additional $830,000 if certain development, regulatory, and commercial milestones are met over time, as well as royalties on commercial sales. 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.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Manufacturing obligations We rely on Lonza Group AG and its affiliates (Lonza), a third party manufacturer, to produce a portion of commercial and clinical quantities of Soliris and for clinical and commercial quantities of Strensiq (asfotase alfa). We have various agreements with Lonza with remaining total non-cancellable future commitments of approximately $1,204,070 . 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) and a payment with respect to sales of Soliris manufactured at Lonza facilities. During the third quarter 2015, we entered into a new agreement with Lonza whereby Lonza will construct a new manufacturing facility dedicated to Alexion at their existing Portsmouth, New Hampshire facility. The agreement requires us to make certain payments during the construction of the new manufacturing facility and annual payments for ten years thereafter. As we have full capacity rights to the new manufacturing facility, a portion of the payments under the agreement are considered to be lease payments and a portion as payment for the supply of inventory. Although we will not legally own the premises, we are deemed to be the owner of the manufacturing facility during the construction period based on applicable accounting guidance for build-to-suit leases due to our involvement during the construction period. During the third quarter 2015, we recorded a construction-in-process asset and an offsetting facility lease obligation of $17,030 associated with the manufacturing facility. Payments made to Lonza under the agreement are allocated to the purchases of inventory and the repayment of the facility lease obligation on a relative fair value basis. During the third quarter 2015, we made $8,000 of payments to Lonza, of which $1,040 was applied against the outstanding facility lease obligation and $6,960 was recognized as a prepayment of inventory. In addition, we have non-cancellable commitments of approximately $39,048 with other third party manufacturers. Contingent Liabilities On an ongoing basis, we are involved in various claims, and legal proceedings, none of which we deem material to our operations. 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 adjustments to our operating results. We have in the past received, and may in the future receive, notices from third parties claiming that their patents may be infringed by the development, manufacture or sale of our products. Under the guidance of ASC 450, Contingencies , we record a royalty accrual based on our best estimate of the fair value percent of net sales of Soliris that we could be required to pay the owners of patents for technology used in the manufacture and sale of our products. A costly license, or inability to obtain a necessary license, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. As previously disclosed, in May 2015, we received a subpoena in connection with an investigation by the Enforcement Division of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requesting information related to our grant-making activities and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in various countries. The SEC also seeks information related to Alexion’s recalls of specific lots of Soliris and related securities disclosures. In addition, in October 2015, Alexion received a request from the U.S. Department of Justice for the voluntary production of documents and other information pertaining to Alexion's compliance with the FCPA. Alexion is cooperating with these investigations. At this time, Alexion is unable to predict the duration, scope or outcome of these investigations. Given the ongoing nature of these investigations, management does not currently believe a loss related to these matters is probable or that the potential magnitude of such loss or range of loss, if any, can be reasonably estimated. 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 (cGMP) at ARIMF. The Warning Letter followed receipt of a Form 483 Inspectional Observations by the FDA in connection with an FDA inspection that concluded in August 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 dated in April 2013. As previously announced, the FDA issued Form 483s in August 2014 and August 2015 relating to observations at ARIMF. The inspectional observations from the August 2015 letter have since been closed out by the FDA. The observations are inspectional and do not represent a final FDA determination of compliance. We continue to manufacture products, including Soliris, in this facility. 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.

Restructuring (Notes)

Restructuring (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Restructuring In conjunction with the acquisition and integration of Synageva, we recorded restructuring expense of $10,321 related to employee costs in the second quarter 2015. During the three months ended September 30, 2015 , we incurred additional restructuring costs of $3,149 . We expect to pay all remaining accrued amounts related to this restructuring activity by the end of 2016. In the fourth quarter 2014, we announced plans to relocate our European headquarters from Lausanne to Zurich, Switzerland. The relocation of the European headquarters supports our operational needs based on growth in the European region. The activities that primarily occurred at our Lausanne site were relocated to our Zurich, Cheshire, Connecticut, and Dublin, Ireland locations. As a result of this action, we recorded restructuring expenses of $15,365 related to employee costs in the fourth quarter 2014. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we incurred additional restructuring costs of $4,312 and $17,267 , respectively. We expect to pay all remaining accrued amounts related to this restructuring activity by the end of 2016. The following table presents a reconciliation of the restructuring reserve recorded within accrued expenses on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 : Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2015 2015 Employee Separation Costs Contract Termination Costs Other Costs Total Employee Separation Costs Contract Termination Costs Other Costs Total Liability, beginning of period $ 35,707 $ — $ 277 $ 35,984 $ 15,365 $ — $ — $ 15,365 Restructuring expenses 2,518 1,029 1,634 5,181 21,129 1,029 2,752 24,910 Cash settlements (23,148 ) — (1,467 ) (24,615 ) (24,964 ) — (2,308 ) (27,272 ) Adjustments to previous estimates 2,280 — — 2,280 5,827 — — 5,827 Liability, end of period $ 17,357 $ 1,029 $ 444 $ 18,830 $ 17,357 $ 1,029 $ 444 $ 18,830

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The aggregate consideration to acquire Synageva consisted of: Stock consideration $ 4,917,810 Cash consideration 4,565,524 Total purchase price $ 9,483,334
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Cash $ 626,217 Inventory 51,068 In-process research and development (IPR&D) 4,236,000 Deferred tax liabilities, net (175,431 ) Other assets and liabilities (15,966 ) Net assets acquired 4,721,888 Goodwill 4,761,446 Total purchase price $ 9,483,334
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma information presents the combined results of Alexion and Synageva as if the acquisition of Synageva had been completed on January 1, 2014, with adjustments to give effect to pro forma events that are directly attributable to the acquisition, including the impact of acquisition financing and the related tax effects. The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect operating efficiencies or potential cost savings which may result from the consolidation of operations. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that we would have recognized had we completed the transaction on January 1, 2014. Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Pro forma revenue $ 666,637 $ 556,472 $ 1,905,388 $ 1,639,512 Pro forma net (loss) income (177,854 ) 111,485 (47,565 ) 180,739 Earnings (loss) per common share Basic $ (0.79 ) $ 0.50 $ (0.21 ) $ 0.81 Diluted $ (0.79 ) $ 0.49 $ (0.21 ) $ 0.79
Schedule of Acquisition Related Costs	Acquisition-related costs associated with our business combinations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 include the following: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Transaction costs (1) $ — $ — $ 26,799 $ — Integration costs 6,075 — 9,053 — Changes in fair value of contingent consideration 29,684 8,303 45,707 10,254 $ 35,759 $ 8,303 $ 81,559 $ 10,254 (1) Transaction costs include investment advisory, legal, and accounting fees The acquisition of Synageva also resulted in $3,149 and $13,470 of restructuring related charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively. See Note 19 for additional details.

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current	The components of inventory are as follows: September 30, December 31, 2015 2014 Raw materials $ 17,574 $ 14,570 Work-in-process 106,921 107,170 Finished goods 112,047 54,701 $ 236,542 $ 176,441

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 December 31, 2014 Estimated Cost Accumulated Net Cost Accumulated Net Licenses 6-8 $ 28,507 $ (28,493 ) $ 14 $ 28,507 $ (28,461 ) $ 46 Patents 7 10,517 (10,517 ) — 10,517 (10,517 ) — Purchased technology 6-16 4,708,495 (36,608 ) 4,671,887 — — — Acquired IPR&D Indefinite 116,000 — 116,000 587,000 — 587,000 Total $ 4,863,519 $ (75,618 ) $ 4,787,901 $ 626,024 $ (38,978 ) $ 587,046 Goodwill Indefinite $ 5,018,420 $ (2,901 ) $ 5,015,519 $ 256,974 $ (2,901 ) $ 254,073
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill: Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 254,073 Goodwill resulting from the Synageva acquisition 4,761,446 Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 5,015,519

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Common 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, 2015 and 2014 : Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net income (loss) used for basic and diluted calculation $ (183,757 ) $ 177,731 $ 77,781 $ 503,580 Shares used in computing earnings per common share—basic 226,228 198,052 209,373 197,910 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities: Stock awards — 3,261 2,435 3,618 Shares used in computing earnings per common share—diluted 226,228 201,313 211,808 201,528 Earnings (loss) per common share: Basic $ (0.81 ) $ 0.90 $ 0.37 $ 2.54 Diluted $ (0.81 ) $ 0.88 $ 0.37 $ 2.50

Marketable Securities (Tables)

Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows: September 30, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Holding Gains Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Estimated Fair Value Commercial paper $ 279,274 $ — $ — $ 279,274 Corporate bonds 133,738 167 (48 ) 133,857 Municipal bonds 88,706 15 — 88,721 Other government-related obligations: U.S. 81,500 3 (14 ) 81,489 Foreign 137,998 172 (32 ) 138,138 Bank certificates of deposit 58,022 — — 58,022 $ 779,238 $ 357 $ (94 ) $ 779,501 December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Basis Gross Unrealized Holding Gains Gross Unrealized Holding Losses Aggregate Fair Value Commercial paper $ 142,495 $ — $ — $ 142,495 Corporate bonds 494,032 415 (581 ) 493,866 Municipal bonds 174,759 132 (46 ) 174,845 Other government-related obligations: U.S. 99,668 14 (71 ) 99,611 Foreign 193,439 100 (174 ) 193,365 Bank certificates of deposit 77,000 — — 77,000 $ 1,181,393 $ 661 $ (872 ) $ 1,181,182
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, 2015 December 31, 2014 Cash and cash equivalents $ 492,239 $ 167,892 Marketable securities 287,262 1,013,290 $ 779,501 $ 1,181,182
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	The fair values of available-for-sale debt securities at September 30, 2015 , by contractual maturity, are summarized as follows: September 30, 2015 Due in one year or less $ 622,525 Due after one year through three years 156,976 $ 779,501

Derivative Instruments and He32

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gain recognized in AOCI, net of tax $ 10,206 $ 89,959 $ 81,794 $ 81,896 Gain reclassified from AOCI to net product sales (effective portion), net of tax $ 25,842 $ 2,873 $ 78,959 $ 3,372 (Loss) gain reclassified from AOCI to other income and expense (ineffective portion), net of tax $ (328 ) $ 1,794 $ 1,003 $ 1,802
Schedule of Fair Value of Outstanding Derivatives	The following tables summarize the fair value of outstanding derivatives at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : September 30, 2015 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet Fair Balance Sheet Fair Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 78,776 Other current liabilities $ 3,184 Foreign exchange forward contracts Other non-current assets 69,486 Other non-current liabilities 5,806 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts Other current assets 463 Other current liabilities 508 Total fair value of derivative instruments $ 148,725 $ 9,498 December 31, 2014 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives Balance Sheet Fair Balance Sheet Fair Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange forward contracts Other current assets $ 77,348 Other current liabilities $ 794 Foreign exchange forward contracts Other non-current assets 58,698 Other non-current liabilities 86 Total fair value of derivative instruments $ 136,046 $ 880
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	The following tables summarize the potential effect on our condensed consolidated balance sheets of offsetting our foreign exchange forward contracts subject to such provisions: September 30, 2015 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 $ 148,725 $ — $ 148,725 $ (9,498 ) $ — $ 139,227 Derivative liabilities (9,498 ) — (9,498 ) 9,498 — — December 31, 2014 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 $ 136,046 $ — $ 136,046 $ (880 ) $ — $ 135,166 Derivative liabilities (880 ) — (880 ) 880 — —

Other Comprehensive Income an33

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 : 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, 2014 $ (16,570 ) $ (234 ) $ 87,308 $ (13,719 ) $ 56,785 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 1,394 412 81,794 (6,065 ) 77,535 Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income 93 (23 ) (79,962 ) — (79,892 ) Net other comprehensive income (loss) 1,487 389 1,832 (6,065 ) (2,357 ) Balances, September 30, 2015 $ (15,083 ) $ 155 $ 89,140 $ (19,784 ) $ 54,428 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 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
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, 2015 and 2014 : 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 2015 2014 2015 2014 Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Hedging Activity Effective portion of foreign exchange contracts $ 29,534 $ 3,283 $ 90,240 $ 3,854 Net product sales Ineffective portion of foreign exchange contracts (375 ) 2,051 1,146 2,059 Foreign currency gain (loss) 29,159 5,334 91,386 5,913 (3,645 ) (667 ) (11,424 ) (739 ) Income tax provision $ 25,514 $ 4,667 $ 79,962 $ 5,174 Unrealized Gains (Losses) from Marketable Securities Realized gains on sale of securities $ — $ 14 $ 35 $ 16 Investment income — 14 35 16 — (5 ) (12 ) (6 ) Income tax provision $ — $ 9 $ 23 $ 10 Defined Benefit Pension Plans Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses $ (313 ) $ (213 ) $ (939 ) $ (651 ) (a) Other 821 — 821 — (a) 508 (213 ) (118 ) (651 ) (107 ) 63 25 192 Income tax provision $ 401 $ (150 ) $ (93 ) $ (459 ) (a) This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension benefit cost (see Note 15 for additional details).

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value. Fair Value Measurement at Balance Sheet Type of Instrument Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash equivalents Institutional money market funds $ 133,776 $ — $ 133,776 $ — Cash equivalents Commercial paper $ 279,274 $ — $ 279,274 $ — Cash equivalents Corporate bonds $ 6,061 $ — $ 6,061 $ — Cash equivalents Municipal bonds $ 71,365 $ — $ 71,365 $ — Cash equivalents Other government-related obligations $ 77,517 $ — $ 77,517 $ — Cash equivalents Bank certificates of deposit $ 58,022 $ — $ 58,022 $ — Marketable securities Mutual funds $ 7,949 $ 7,949 $ — $ — Marketable securities Corporate bonds $ 127,796 $ — $ 127,796 $ — Marketable securities Municipal bonds $ 17,356 $ — $ 17,356 $ — Marketable securities Other government-related obligations $ 142,110 $ — $ 142,110 $ — Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 79,239 $ — $ 79,239 $ — Other assets Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 69,486 $ — $ 69,486 $ — Other current liabilities Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 3,692 $ — $ 3,692 $ — Other liabilities Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 5,806 $ — $ 5,806 $ — Contingent consideration Acquisition-related contingent consideration $ 158,678 $ — $ — $ 158,678 Fair Value Measurement at Balance Sheet Type of Instrument Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash equivalents Institutional money market funds $ 176,331 $ — $ 176,331 $ — Cash equivalents Commercial paper $ 117,529 $ — $ 117,529 $ — Cash equivalents Corporate bonds $ 9,315 $ — $ 9,315 $ — Cash equivalents Municipal bonds $ 12,050 $ — $ 12,050 $ — Cash equivalents Other government-related obligations $ 23,998 $ — $ 23,998 $ — Cash equivalents Bank certificates of deposit $ 5,000 $ — $ 5,000 $ — Marketable securities Mutual funds $ 4,277 $ 4,277 $ — $ — Marketable securities Commercial paper $ 24,966 $ — $ 24,966 $ — Marketable securities Corporate bonds $ 484,551 $ — $ 484,551 $ — Marketable securities Municipal bonds $ 162,795 $ — $ 162,795 $ — Marketable securities Other government-related obligations $ 268,978 $ — $ 268,978 $ — Marketable securities Bank certificates of deposit $ 72,000 $ — $ 72,000 $ — Prepaid expenses and other current assets Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 77,348 $ — $ 77,348 $ — Other assets Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 58,698 $ — $ 58,698 $ — Other current liabilities Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 794 $ — $ 794 $ — Other liabilities Foreign exchange forward contracts $ 86 $ — $ 86 $ — Other current liabilities Acquisition-related contingent consideration $ 46,546 $ — $ — $ 46,546 Contingent consideration Acquisition-related contingent consideration $ 116,425 $ — $ — $ 116,425
Schedule Of Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration	The following table represents a roll-forward of our acquisition-related contingent consideration: Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ (162,971 ) Milestone payments 50,000 Changes in fair value (45,707 ) Balance at end of period $ (158,678 )

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 : Three months ended Nine months ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Provision for income taxes $ 323,116 $ 58,478 $ 345,815 $ 163,186 Effective tax rate 231.9 % 24.8 % 81.6 % 24.5 %

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Service cost $ 2,380 $ 2,040 $ 7,241 $ 6,225 Interest cost 179 195 551 595 Expected return on plan assets (248 ) (225 ) (756 ) (688 ) Employee contributions (442 ) (427 ) (1,342 ) (1,304 ) Amortization 313 213 939 651 Other (821 ) — (821 ) — Total net periodic benefit cost $ 1,361 $ 1,796 $ 5,812 $ 5,479

Restructuring (Tables)

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table presents a reconciliation of the restructuring reserve recorded within accrued expenses on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 : Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, 2015 2015 Employee Separation Costs Contract Termination Costs Other Costs Total Employee Separation Costs Contract Termination Costs Other Costs Total Liability, beginning of period $ 35,707 $ — $ 277 $ 35,984 $ 15,365 $ — $ — $ 15,365 Restructuring expenses 2,518 1,029 1,634 5,181 21,129 1,029 2,752 24,910 Cash settlements (23,148 ) — (1,467 ) (24,615 ) (24,964 ) — (2,308 ) (27,272 ) Adjustments to previous estimates 2,280 — — 2,280 5,827 — — 5,827 Liability, end of period $ 17,357 $ 1,029 $ 444 $ 18,830 $ 17,357 $ 1,029 $ 444 $ 18,830

Acquisitions Total Consideratio

Acquisitions Total Consideration Transferred (Details) - Synageva BioPharma Corp. - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 22, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Stock consideration	$ 4,917,810	$ 4,917,810
Cash consideration	4,565,524
Total purchase price	$ 9,483,334

Acquisitions Purchase Price All

Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation to Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 22, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 5,015,519		$ 254,073
Synageva BioPharma Corp.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash		$ 626,217
Inventory		51,068
In-process research and development (IPR&D)		4,236,000
Deferred tax liabilities, net		(175,431)
Other assets and liabilities		(15,966)
Net assets acquired		(4,721,888)
Goodwill		4,761,446
Total purchase price		$ 9,483,334

Acquisitions Pro Forma Financia

Acquisitions Pro Forma Financial Information of Combined Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Pro forma revenue	$ 666,637	$ 556,472	$ 1,905,388	$ 1,639,512
Pro forma net (loss) income	$ (177,854)	$ 111,485	$ (47,565)	$ 180,739
Basic (dollars per share)	$ (0.79)	$ 0.50	$ (0.21)	$ 0.81
Diluted (dollars per share)	$ (0.79)	$ 0.49	$ (0.21)	$ 0.79

Acquisitions Acquisition Relate

Acquisitions Acquisition Related Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction costs	$ 0	$ 0	$ 26,799	$ 0
Integration costs	6,075	0	9,053	0
Changes in fair value of contingent consideration	29,684	8,303	45,707	10,254
Acquisition related costs	$ 35,759	$ 8,303	$ 81,559	$ 10,254

Acquisitions Narrative (Details

Acquisitions Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 22, 2015	May. 06, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	May. 05, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net income (loss)				$ (183,757,000)		$ 177,731,000	$ 77,781,000	$ 503,580,000
Restructuring Charges				5,181,000			24,910,000
Synageva BioPharma Corp.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business	$ 4,565,524,000
Number of shares	26,125,000		26,125,000
Consideration transferred, net of cash acquired	$ 8,860,000
Share price (dollars per share)	$ 188.24
Consideration transferred adjustment				8,400,000
Inventory	$ 51,068,000
In-process research and development (IPR&D)	$ 4,236,000,000
Weighted Average Cost of Capital	10.00%
Deferred tax liabilities, net	$ (175,431,000)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets	(588,559,000)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Inventory	(18,593,000)
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	232,182,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 177,128,000
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Expenses and Losses Recognized				53,721,000			58,356,000
Restructuring Charges				3,149,000	$ 10,321,000		13,470,000
Scenario, Previously Reported | Synageva BioPharma Corp.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire business		$ 115
Number of shares		0.6581
Consideration transferred, net of cash acquired		$ 8,400,000
Share price (dollars per share)									$ 168.55
Stock Based Compensation Expense
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net income (loss)							33,150,000
Stock Based Compensation Expense | Synageva BioPharma Corp.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net income (loss)							127,290,000
Acquisition Related and Restructuring Costs
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net income (loss)				$ 9,223,000			49,367,000
Acquisition Related and Restructuring Costs | Synageva BioPharma Corp.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net income (loss)							$ 62,071,000

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 22, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory, Raw Materials		$ 17,574		$ 14,570
Inventory, Work in Process		106,921		107,170
Inventory, Finished Goods		112,047		54,701
Inventory, Net		$ 236,542		176,441
Capitalized Prelaunch Inventory
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory, Net				$ 22,005
Asfotase Alfa [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory Charge Recorded in Connection with Closure of Third Party Manufacturing Facility	$ 24,352
Synageva BioPharma Corp.
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory			$ 51,068

Intangible Assets and Goodwil44

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Cost	$ 4,863,519	$ 626,024
Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(75,618)	(38,978)
Goodwill, Gross	5,018,420	256,974
Goodwill, Accumulated Amortization	(2,901)	(2,901)
Intangible assets	4,787,901	587,046
Goodwill	5,015,519	254,073
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	28,507	28,507
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(28,493)	(28,461)
Licenses, patents and purchased technology	$ 14	46
Patents [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Life (years)	7 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 10,517	10,517
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(10,517)	(10,517)
Licenses, patents and purchased technology	0	0
Purchased Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	4,708,495	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(36,608)	0
Licenses, patents and purchased technology	$ 4,671,887	0
Minimum [Member] | Licensing Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Life (years)	6 years
Minimum [Member] | Purchased Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Life (years)	6 years
Maximum [Member] | Licensing Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Life (years)	8 years
Maximum [Member] | Purchased Technology [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Life (years)	16 years
Acquired IPRD [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 0	0
Acquired in-process research and development	$ 116,000	$ 587,000

Intangible Assets and Goodwil45

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 36,619	$ 2,526	$ 36,640	$ 8,994
Finite-lived intangible amortization expense, 2015	80,067		80,067
Finite-lived intangible amortization expense, 2016	320,145		320,145
Finite-lived intangible amortization expense, 2017	320,142		320,142
Finite-lived intangible amortization expense, 2018	320,142		320,142
Finite-lived intangible amortization expense, 2019	320,142		320,142
Finite-lived intangible amortization expense, 2020	320,142		320,142
Acquired IPRD [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	116,000		116,000		$ 587,000
Scenario, Previously Reported | Acquired IPRD [Member] | Enobia Pharma Corp.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	587,000		587,000
Scenario, Previously Reported | Acquired IPRD [Member] | Synageva BioPharma Corp.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	4,120,000		4,120,000
Purchased Technology [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	4,671,887		4,671,887		$ 0
Purchased Technology [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment | Enobia Pharma Corp.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	587,000		587,000
Purchased Technology [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment | Synageva BioPharma Corp.
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 4,120,000		$ 4,120,000

Intangible Assets and Goodwil46

Intangible Assets and Goodwill Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 5,015,519	$ 254,073
Goodwill resulting from the Synageva acquisition	$ 4,761,446

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 22, 2015	Jun. 22, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			$ 3,500,000	$ 0
Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments of Financing Costs			45,492
Senior Secured Term Loan [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount	$ 3,500,000	$ 3,500,000
Debt Instrument, quarterly payment as a percent of total borrowings	1.25%	1.25%
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			3,500,000
Outstanding debt			3,500,000
Senior Secured Term Loan [Member] | Prior Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		$ 33,500
Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 500,000	500,000
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			200,000
Outstanding debt			0
Letters of credit, amount outstanding			5,710
Line of credit facility, borrowing availability			$ 494,290
Letter of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Sublimit for letter of credit for working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes	100,000	100,000
Bridge Loan [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Sublimit for letter of credit for working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Minimum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	0.25%
Minimum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	1.25%
Maximum [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	1.00%
Maximum [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (percent)	2.00%

Earnings Per Common Share (Summ

Earnings Per Common Share (Summary Of Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) used for basic and diluted calculation	$ (183,757)	$ 177,731	$ 77,781	$ 503,580
Shares used in computing earnings per common share—basic	226,228	198,052	209,373	197,910
Stock awards	0	3,261	2,435	3,618
Shares used in computing earnings per common share-diluted	226,228	201,313	211,808	201,528
Earnings (loss) Per Share, Basic	$ (0.81)	$ 0.90	$ 0.37	$ 2.54
Earnings (loss) Per Share, Diluted	$ (0.81)	$ 0.88	$ 0.37	$ 2.50

Earnings Per Common Share (Narr

Earnings Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,346	2,437	1,005

Marketable Securities (Summary

Marketable Securities (Summary of Securities Held) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 779,238	$ 1,181,393
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated In AOCI	357	661
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated In AOCI	94	872
Estimated Fair Value	779,501	1,181,182
Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	279,274	142,495
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated In AOCI	0	0
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated In AOCI	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	279,274	142,495
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	133,738	494,032
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated In AOCI	167	415
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated In AOCI	48	581
Estimated Fair Value	133,857	493,866
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	88,706	174,759
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated In AOCI	15	132
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated In AOCI	0	46
Estimated Fair Value	88,721	174,845
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	81,500	99,668
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated In AOCI	3	14
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated In AOCI	14	71
Estimated Fair Value	81,489	99,611
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	137,998	193,439
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated In AOCI	172	100
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated In AOCI	32	174
Estimated Fair Value	138,138	193,365
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	58,022	77,000
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Gain, Accumulated In AOCI	0	0
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities Gross Unrealized Loss, Accumulated In AOCI	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	$ 58,022	$ 77,000

Marketable Securities (Availabl

Marketable Securities (Available-for-sale Investments by Classification in Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 779,501	$ 1,181,182
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	492,239	167,892
Marketable Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	$ 287,262	$ 1,013,290

Marketable Securities (Availa52

Marketable Securities (Available-for-sale Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 622,525
Due after one year through three years	156,976
Estimated Fair Value	$ 779,501	$ 1,181,182

Marketable Securities (Narrativ

Marketable Securities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 111,545	$ 472,241
Trading securities. fair value	$ 7,949	$ 4,277

Derivative Instruments and He54

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Term			60 months
Estimated gains (losses) to be reclassified from other comprehenisve income in next 12 months			$ 73,904,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts Term			30 days
Gain (loss) in other income and expense	$ 2,676,000	$ 12,491,000	$ 2,439,000	$ 13,140,000
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments	1,862,706,000		1,862,706,000
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivative Instruments	276,391,000		276,391,000
Derivative, fair value, net	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

Derivative Instruments and He55

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Schedule Of Other Comprehensive Income And Earnings From Foreign Exchange Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]
Gain recognized in AOCI, net of tax	$ 10,206	$ 89,959	$ 81,794	$ 81,896
Gain reclassified from AOCI to net product sales (effective portion), net of tax	25,842	2,873	78,959	3,372
(Loss) gain reclassified from AOCI to other income and expense (ineffective portion), net of tax	$ (328)	$ 1,794	$ 1,003	$ 1,802

Derivative Instruments and He56

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Schedule Of Fair Value Of Outstanding Derivatives) (Details) - Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	$ 148,725	$ 136,046
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	9,498	880
Other Current Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	78,776	77,348
Other Current Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	463
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	3,184	794
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	508
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives, Fair Value	69,486	58,698
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives, Fair Value	$ 5,806	$ 86

Derivative Instruments and He57

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Offsetting Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	$ 148,725	$ 136,046
Gross Amounts Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Amounts of Assets Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	148,725	136,046
Derivative Financial Instruments	(9,498)	(880)
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	139,227	135,166
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities	(9,498)	(880)
Gross Amounts Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	(9,498)	(880)
Derivative Financial Instruments	9,498	880
Cash Collateral Pledged	0	0
Net Amount	$ 0	$ 0

Other Investments (Details)

Other Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Moderna LLC [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Investment Owned, at Cost	$ 37,500

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 22, 2015	Nov. 02, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	May. 06, 2015
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired				556,000	640,000	1,022,000	1,789,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method				$ 91,820,000	$ 104,633,000	$ 175,383,000	$ 283,148,000
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs						$ 4,053,000	$ 0
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount								$ 1,000,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		776,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$ 123,311,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 784,869,000
Synageva BioPharma Corp.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares	26,125,000		26,125,000
Stock consideration	$ 4,917,810,000		$ 4,917,810,000
Payments of Stock Issuance Costs			$ 4,053,000

Other Comprehensive Income an60

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Changes in AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 56,785	$ (22,857)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			77,535	76,082
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income			(79,892)	(4,725)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (8,088)	$ 80,950	(2,357)	71,357
Ending balance	54,428	48,500	54,428	48,500
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(16,570)	(11,502)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			1,394	(3,714)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income			93	459
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			1,487	(3,255)
Ending balance	(15,083)	(14,757)	(15,083)	(14,757)
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(234)	(146)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			412	344
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income			(23)	(10)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			389	334
Ending balance	155	188	155	188
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			87,308	(3,827)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			81,794	81,896
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income			(79,962)	(5,174)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			1,832	76,722
Ending balance	89,140	72,895	89,140	72,895
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(13,719)	(7,382)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			(6,065)	(2,444)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income			0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			(6,065)	(2,444)
Ending balance	$ (19,784)	$ (9,826)	$ (19,784)	$ (9,826)

Other Comprehensive Income an61

Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Significant Reclassifications from AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net product sales		$ 665,791	$ 555,146	$ 1,902,107	$ 1,634,257
Foreign currency gain (loss)		2,795	(2,045)	1,755	(1,989)
Investment income		1,967	2,250	7,077	6,177
Income before income taxes		139,359	236,209	423,596	666,766
Income tax provision		(323,116)	(58,478)	(345,815)	(163,186)
Net income (loss)		(183,757)	177,731	77,781	503,580
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		29,534	3,283	90,240	3,854
Foreign currency gain (loss)		(375)	2,051	1,146	2,059
Income before income taxes		29,159	5,334	91,386	5,913
Income tax provision		(3,645)	(667)	(11,424)	(739)
Net income (loss)		25,514	4,667	79,962	5,174
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		0	14	35	16
Income before income taxes		0	14	35	16
Income tax provision		0	(5)	(12)	(6)
Net income (loss)		0	9	23	10
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	[1]	(313)	(213)	(939)	(651)
Other	[1]	821	0	821	0
Income before income taxes		508	(213)	(118)	(651)
Income tax provision		(107)	63	25	192
Net income (loss)		$ 401	$ (150)	$ (93)	$ (459)
[1]	This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension benefit cost (see Note 15 for additional details).

Fair Value Measurement (Schedul

Fair Value Measurement (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilites Measured At Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$ 3,692	$ 794
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	3,692	794
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	5,806	86
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	5,806	86
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]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	158,678
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		46,546
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]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		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]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		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]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		46,546
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	158,678	116,425
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Contingent Consideration [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	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]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	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]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	158,678	116,425
Money Market Funds [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	133,776	176,331
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	133,776	176,331
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	7,949	4,277
Mutual Funds [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	7,949	4,277
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	279,274	117,529
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	279,274	117,529
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		24,966
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
Commercial Paper [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities		24,966
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
Corporate Bond Securities [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	6,061	9,315
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	6,061	9,315
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	127,796	484,551
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	127,796	484,551
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	71,365	12,050
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	71,365	12,050
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	17,356	162,795
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	17,356	162,795
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] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	77,517	23,998
Other Government Obligations [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Other Government Obligations [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	77,517	23,998
Other Government Obligations [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	0	0
Other Government Obligations [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	142,110	268,978
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	142,110	268,978
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	58,022	5,000
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	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	58,022	5,000
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	0
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Marketable Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities		72,000
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
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		72,000
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
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	79,239	77,348
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	79,239	77,348
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	69,486	58,698
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	69,486	58,698
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 (Sched63

Fair Value Measurement (Schedule Of Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, Low	$ 0
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	826,000
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	158,678
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	(162,971)
Milestone payments	50,000
Change in fair value	(45,707)
Balance at end of period	$ (158,678)
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Cost of Debt	4.80%
Fair Value Inputs, Weighted Average Cost of Capital	12.00%
Acquisition Related Contingent Consideration [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Weighted Average Cost of Capital	21.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule of Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income Tax Provision and Effective Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ 323,116	$ 58,478	$ 345,815	$ 163,186
Effective tax rate	231.90%	24.80%	81.60%	24.50%

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Book-over-tax basis change in captive foreign partnership	$ 315,569

Defined Benefit Plans (Schedule

Defined Benefit Plans (Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 2,380	$ 2,040	$ 7,241	$ 6,225
Interest cost	179	195	551	595
Expected return on plan assets	(248)	(225)	(756)	(688)
Employee contributions	(442)	(427)	(1,342)	(1,304)
Amortization	313	213	939	651
Other	(821)	0	(821)	0
Total net periodic benefit cost	$ 1,361	$ 1,796	$ 5,812	$ 5,479

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Facility Lease Obligation, Noncurrent		$ 149,604,000	$ 149,604,000		$ 107,099,000
Proceeds from development-related grants		26,000,000	26,000,000	$ 0
CONNECTICUT | Construction in Progress [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	12 years
Construction-in-process asset		203,494,000	203,494,000
Facility Lease Obligation, Noncurrent		$ 130,254,000	$ 130,254,000
Government Grants, Eligibility Requirements, Period of Maintaining Headquarters	10 years
Minimum [Member] | CONNECTICUT | Construction in Progress [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	7 years
Maximum [Member] | CONNECTICUT | Construction in Progress [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	20 years
Grants Receivable	$ 26,000,000
Tax Credits on Government Grants	$ 25,000,000

License Agreements (Details)

License Agreements (Details)	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)target
License Agreement 1 [Member]
Schedule of License Agreements [Line Items]
Research and Development Expense (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost)	$ 47,000,000
Option to Purchase Drug Product [Member]
Schedule of License Agreements [Line Items]
Research and Development Arrangement, Number of Targets | target				10
Research and Development Expense (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost)				$ 100,000,000
Research and Development Arrangement, Potential Option Exercise Payment				15,000,000
License Agreement 2 [Member]
Schedule of License Agreements [Line Items]
Research and Development Expense (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost)			$ 15,000,000
Research and Development Arrangement, Potential Payment, Maximum	$ 252,500,000
License Agreement Three [Member]
Schedule of License Agreements [Line Items]
Research and Development Expense (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost)		$ 50,000,000
Research and Development Arrangement, Potential Payment, Maximum		$ 830,000,000
Rare Disease Products [Member] | Option to Purchase Drug Product [Member]
Schedule of License Agreements [Line Items]
Research and Development Arrangement, Potential Payment, Maximum				120,000,000
Non-Rare Disease Product [Member] | Option to Purchase Drug Product [Member]
Schedule of License Agreements [Line Items]
Research and Development Arrangement, Potential Payment, Maximum				$ 400,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Facility lease obligation	$ 149,604	$ 107,099
Lonza Group AG
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Remaining total commitments	1,204,070
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, purchases	8,000
Other Third Party Manufacturers
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Remaining total commitments	39,048
Construction in Progress [Member] | Lonza Group AG
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Facility lease obligation	17,030
Construction-in-process asset	17,030
Facility Lease Obligation | Lonza Group AG
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, purchases	1,040
Inventories | Lonza Group AG
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation, purchases	$ 6,960

Restructuring (Details)

Restructuring (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 5,181			$ 24,910
Relocation of European Headquarters
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve, Period Increase (Decrease)	4,312			17,267
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	2,518			21,129
Employee Severance [Member] | Relocation of European Headquarters
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges			$ 15,365
Synageva BioPharma Corp.
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$ 3,149	$ 10,321		$ 13,470

Restructuring Restructuring Res

Restructuring Restructuring Reserve Roll Forward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$ 18,830	$ 18,830	$ 35,984	$ 15,365
Restructuring Charges	5,181	24,910
Payments for Restructuring	(24,615)	(27,272)
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	2,280	5,827
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	17,357	17,357	35,707	15,365
Restructuring Charges	2,518	21,129
Payments for Restructuring	(23,148)	(24,964)
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	2,280	5,827
Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	1,029	1,029	0	0
Restructuring Charges	1,029	1,029
Payments for Restructuring	0	0
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	0	0
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	444	444	$ 277	$ 0
Restructuring Charges	1,634	2,752
Payments for Restructuring	(1,467)	(2,308)
Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment	$ 0	$ 0