| Cover | Jan. 08, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 8, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 0-22705 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 33-0525145 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 12780 El Camino Real, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Diego, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92130 |
| City Area Code | 858 |
| Local Phone Number | 617-7600 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | NBIX |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000914475 |
