Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Deferred costs Other Inventory, Net of Reserves Total Inventories Inventory, Net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class A Stock Common Class A [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury Stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Collaboration Agreement [Abstract] Collaboration Agreement Collaboration revenue with related party Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Collaboration revenue Collaboration revenue [Table Text Block] Summary of collaboration revenue [Table Text Block] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net Income Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Class A Stock Common Stock ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current Accounts receivable - trade, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts Receivable from Sanofi Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Accounts receivable from Bayer HealthCare Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net Inventories Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Property, plant, and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES and STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue from Sanofi, current portion Deferred Revenue From Related Party Current The current portion of deferred revenue from related parties as of balance sheet date. Current deferred revenue is a liability related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized, and is expected to be recognized in the next twelve months. Generally, an entity records deferred revenue when it receives consideration before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP. Deferred revenue - other, current portion Deferred Revenue, Current Facility lease obligations, current portion Facility Lease Obligations, Current Represents the current portion of a lease liability. In connection with the application of FASB authoritative guidance to the Company's lease of newly constructed facilities, the Company is deemed, in substance, to the the owner of the landlord's building; therefore, costs of constructing the facilities that the landlord incurred and reimbursements from the Company's landlord for tenant improvement costs were capitalized, offset by a corresponding lease obligation. Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue from Sanofi Deferred Revenue From Related Party Noncurrent The noncurrent portion of deferred revenue from related parties as of balance sheet date. Noncurrent deferred revenue is a liability related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized, and is not expected to be recognized in the next twelve months. Generally, an entity records deferred revenue when it receives consideration from a customer before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP. Deferred Revenue - other Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Facility lease obligations Facility lease obligations noncurrent Represents the noncurrent portion of a lease liability. In connection with the application of FASB authoritative guidance to the Company's lease of newly constructed facilities, the Company is deemed, in substance, to be the owner of the landlord's building; therefore, costs of constructing the facilities that the landlord incurred and reimbursements from the Company's landlord for tenant improvement costs were capitalized, offset by a corresponding lease obligation. Convertible senior notes Convertible Notes Payable, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Preferred Stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock Treasury Stock, Value Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Net product sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Sanofi collaboration revenue Revenue from Related Parties Bayer HealthCare collaboration revenue Other Collaboration Revenue Revenue realized from sharing of profits/losses on commercialized products, reimbursement of research and development expenses, and other transactions with our collaborator Bayer HealthCare during the period. Technology licensing and other revenue Licenses Revenue Total revenues Revenues Expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Research and development Research and Development Expense Selling, general, and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Cost of collaboration manufacturing Cost of manufacturing Total cost related to third-party royalties the Company is obligated to pay based on sales of commercial product by the Company’s collaborators, as well as costs in connection with producing commercial supplies for the Company’s collaborators. Total expenses Costs and Expenses Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Investment and other income Other Nonoperating Income Interest expense Interest Expense Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Total other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income per share - basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income per share - diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding - basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Statements of Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net income Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Balance (shares) Shares, Outstanding Issuance of Common Stock in connection with exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of Common Stock in connection with exercise of stock options (shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Common Stock tendered upon exercise of stock options in connection with employee tax obligations Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Common Stock tendered upon exercise of stock options in connection with employee tax obligations (in shares) Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Issuance of Common Stock in connection with conversion of convertible senior notes Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Issuance of Common Stock in connection with conversion of convertible senior notes (in shares) Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Shares Issued Issuance of Common Stock in connection with Company 401(k) Savings Plan contribution Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan Issuance of Common Stock in connection with Company 401(k) Savings Plan contribution (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Benefit Plan Issuance of restricted Common Stock under Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Issuance of restricted Common Stock under Long-Term Incentive Plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Conversion of Class A Stock to Common Stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Stock-based compensation charges Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Acquisition of Common Stock in connection with exercise of convertible note hedges Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Acquisition of Common Stock in connection with exercise of convertible note hedges (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Reduction of warrants in connection with conversion of senior notes Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Reduction of equity component of convertible senior notes Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Equity Component of Convertible Debt, Subsequent Adjustments Other comprehensive income, net of tax Balance Balance (shares) Revenue Disclosure [Table] Revenue Disclosure [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] EYLEA EYLEA Net Product Sales [Member] Revenue during the period derived from a specified product line (EYLEA), after deducting applicable provisions for discounts, returns, rebates, chargebacks, distribution fees, and other sales-related deductions. ARCALYST Arcalyst Net Product Sales [Member] Revenue during the period derived from a specified product line (ARCALYST), after deducting applicable provisions for discounts, returns, rebates, chargebacks, distribution fees, and other sales-related deductions. Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer concentration risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk by Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Gross Sales Revenue GrossSalesRevenue [Member] GrossSalesRevenue [Member] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Rebates and Chargebacks Rebates and Chargebacks [Member] A valuation allowance for rebates and chargebacks under governmental programs (including Medicaid), which are netted against revenue from product sales. Distribution Related Fees Distribution Related Fees [Member] A valuation allowance for distribution-related fees which are netted against revenue from product sales. Other Sales Related Deductions Other Sales Related Deductions [Member] A valuation allowance for other sales-related deductions which are netted against revenue from product sales. Revenue Disclosure [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Branded Prescription Drug Fee Branded Prescription Drug Fee The incremental Branded Prescription Drug Fee charge recorded in the third quarter of 2014 related to final regulations being issued in July 2014 (which differed in some respects from the temporary regulations issued in 2011). Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration risk, percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Activity of Sales Related Deductions [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Provision related to current period sales Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts Credits/payments Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Total income tax expense (benefit) Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Tax Rates, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Percent Available-for-sale Securities, Income Tax Expense on Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Available-for-sale Securities, Income Tax Expense on Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Revenue Recognition, Revenue Reductions [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Revenue Reductions [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Table] Schedule of Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Table] Research and Development Arrangement Contract to Perform for Others by Product [Axis] Research and Development Arrangement Contract to Perform for Others by Product [Axis] Research and Development Arrangement Contract to Perform for Others by Product [Axis] Research and Development Arrangement Contract to Perform for Others by Product [Domain] Research and Development Arrangement Contract to Perform for Others by Product [Domain] [Domain] for Research and Development Arrangement Contract to Perform for Others by Product [Axis] ZALTRAP Agreement Aflibercept Agreement [Member] In September 2003, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement (the Aflibercept Agreement) with Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (predecessor to Sanofi), to jointly develop and commercialize aflibercept. Ang2 Ang2 [Member] Ang2 [Member] Antibody Collaboration Antibody Collaboration [Member] In November 2007, the Company entered into a global, strategic collaboration (the Antibody Collaboration) with Sanofi to discover, develop, and commercialize fully human monoclonal antibodies. PDGF PDGF [Member] PDGF [Member] Sanofi [Member] Sanofi [Member] Information related to Sanofi. Collaboration Agreement [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Net profit (loss) from commercialization of products under collaboration agreement Net profit (loss) from commercialization of products under collaboration agreement Our share of profits/losses related to commercialization of products by our collaborator. Under the terms of our collaboration agreement, we share profits/losses with our collaborator on commercialization of products. Number of Payments the Company made Number of Payments the Company made Number of Payments Research and Development Asset Acquired Other than Through Business Combination, Written-off Research and Development Asset Acquired Other than Through Business Combination, Written-off Number of families of novel antibodies Number of families of novel antibodies Number of families of novel antibodies that the Company acquired from Sanofi. Percentage of Trial Costs borne by collaborating party Percentage of Trial Costs borne by collaborating party The percentage of subsequent Shared Phase 3 Trial costs borne by the collaborating party upon receipt of the first positive Phase 3 trial results for a co-developed drug candidate. Percentage of Trial Costs borne by entity Percentage of Trial Costs borne by entity The percentage of subsequent Shared Phase 3 Trial costs borne by the Company upon receipt of the first positive Phase 3 trial results for a co-developed drug candidate. Other Research and Development Expense Other Research and Development Expense Milestone payment Potential future milestone payments The maximum amount of development milestone payments the Company may pay. Reimbursement of Regeneron research and development expenses Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Compensation Earned Contracts Revenue Contracts Revenue Revenue from Related Parties Payments for Purchase of Other Assets Payments for Purchase of Other Assets Sales Related Deductions Activity Schedule of Sales Related Deductions Activity [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the activity of sales-related deductions during the period, which may include rebates and chargebacks, and distributor-related fees. Per Product Product [Member] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Axis] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Axis] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Domain] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Domain] Collaboration Agreement with Avalanche Biotechnologies, inc. Collaboration Agreement, Avalanche Biotechnologies, Inc [Member] Collaboration Agreement, Avalanche Biotechnologies, Inc [Member] Pre-payment of collaboration research costs Pre-payment of collaboration research costs Pre-payment of collaboration research costs in connection with Avalanche Agreement. Potential future milestone payments Number of therapeutic targets Number of therapeutic targets Number of therapeutic targets in connection with the Avalanche Agreement that the Company is obligated to pay potential additional research costs, potential development and regulatory milestones. Payment to acquire preferred share of non-public entity Payment to acquire preferred share of non-public entity Payment to acquire preferred share of non-public entity Number of therapeutic targets of Avalanche's choice Number of therapeutic targets of Avalanche's choice Number of therapeutic targets that Avalanche has the option to share in development costs and profits for products directed toward up to. Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Number of shares of Common Stock to be purchased Number of Shares of Common Stock had purchased Number of Shares of Common Stock were purchased by the Company. Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Accrued payroll and related costs Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued clinical trial expense Accrued Clinical Trial Expense Current Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred (and for which invoices have not been received) in connection with clinical trials. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accrued sales-related charges, deductions and royalties Accrued sales-related charges, deductions and royalties Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of sales-related charges, deductions and obligations incurred through that date and accrual for royalties. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Other accrued expenses and liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued expenses Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Classification of Investment [Axis] Classification of Investment [Axis] This element represents the general categories of investments, which may be classified as Unrestricted or Restricted. Classification of Investment [Domain] Classification of Investment [Domain] Provides general categories of investments for which information is required or determined to be disclosed. Unrestricted [Member] Unrestricted [Member] Investments whose use is not restricted in whole or in part, by contractual agreements or regulatory requirements. Restricted [Member] Restricted [Member] Investments whose use is restricted in whole or in part, generally by contractual agreements or regulatory requirements. Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] U.S. government and government agency obligations US Treasury and Government [Member] Corporate bonds U S Government Guaranteed Corporate Bonds [Member] This category includes investments in debt securities issued by corporations that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Commercial Paper Commercial Paper [Member] Municipal bonds Municipal Bonds [Member] International government agency obligations [Member] International government agency obligations [Member] International government agency obligations Certificates of Deposit Certificates of Deposit [Member] Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Available for sale securities, realized loss Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain Unrealized (Losses) Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Total fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Maturities within one year Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Maturities after one year through five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Maturities after five years through ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Six Through Ten, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract] Fair Value - Less than 12 Months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value Fair Value - 12 Months or Greater Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value Fair Value - Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract] Unrealized Loss - Less than 12 months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss Unrealized Loss - 12 Months or Greater Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss Unrealized Loss - Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] sales achievement - $1 billion sales achievement - 1 billion [Member] sales achievement - 1 billion [Member] EYLEA Collaboration Agreement with Bayer HealthCare LLC [Member] Collaboration agreement with Bayer HealthCare LLC. PDGFR-beta PDGFR-beta outside the US [Member] PDGFR-beta outside the US Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method, Revenue Recognized Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method, Revenue Recognized Recognition of Deferred Revenue Recognition of Deferred Revenue Other Collaboration Revenue Product Sales and Concentration Risk [Text Block] Product Sales and Concentration Risk [Text Block] Product Sales and Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax Interest on Convertible Debt, Net of Tax Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Effect of dilutive securities: Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Weighted average shares outstanding - basic Effect of dilutive securities (in shares): Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Nonvested Restricted Shares Nonvested equity-based payment awards that result in incremental common shares. Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Warrants Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Dilutive potential shares Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Weighted average shares - diluted (in shares) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share) Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Convertible senior notes Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Weighted average number of shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Convertible senior notes Convertible Debt [Member] Trading days to calculate settlement Trading days to calculate settlement Number of trading days, which is the settlement averaging period, specified in the indenture governing the notes. Debt Conversion Debt Conversion The principal amount of convertible notes that were surrendered for conversion. Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Repayments of Convertible Debt Repayments of Convertible Debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions Payments for Repurchase of Warrants Payments for Repurchase of Warrants Maximum number of shares issuable upon exercise of warrants Maximum number of shares issuable upon exercise of warrants Maximum number of shares issuable upon exercise of warrants Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Equity Component of Convertible Debt, Subsequent Adjustments Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measured on a recurring basis Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Available-for-sale marketable securities: Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] U.S. government and government agency obligations U S Government Obligations Fair Value Disclosure This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. This item represents available-for-sale securities which consist of investments in U.S. government and government agency obligations neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. Corporate bonds Financial Instruments, Owned, Corporate Debt, at Fair Value Municipal bonds Municipal Debt Securities, at Carrying Value Commercial paper Commercial Paper, at Carrying Value International government agency obligations International Government Obligations Fair Value Disclosure This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. This item represents available-for-sale securities which consist of investment in international government and government agency obligations neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. Certificates of deposit Certificates of Deposit, at Carrying Value Equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Total fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities Convertible Debt [Abstract] Convertible Debt [Abstract] Interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Fair value of the outstanding notes Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures Marketable Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Collaboration Agreements Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory write-downs and reserves Inventory Write-down Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Non-cash compensation expense Share-based Compensation Non-cash interest expense Other Noncash Expense Losses on Extinguishment of Debt Other non-cash charges and expenses, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Deferred taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Changes in assets and liabilites Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Decrease (increase) in Sanofi, Bayer HealthCare, and trade accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Increase in Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Total adjustments Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of marketable securities Sales or maturities of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Payments in connection with facility and capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Repayments of convertible senior notes Payments in connection with deduction of outstanding warrants Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Payments in connection with Common Stock tendered for employee tax obligations Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period BRVO BRVO [Member] BRVO [Member] sales achievement - $500 million sales achievement - $500 million [Member] When total aggregate net sales of EYLEA outside the U.S. reaches this level, the Company is eligible to receive the sales milestone. sales achievement - $600 million sales achievement - $600 million [Member] When total aggregate net sales of EYLEA outside the U.S. reaches this level, the Company is eligible to receive the sales milestone. sales achievement - 700 million sales achievement - 700 million [Member] When total aggregate net sales of EYLEA outside the U.S. reaches this level, the Company is eligible to receive the sales milestone. sales achievement - $800 million sales achievement - $800 million [Member] sales achievement - $800 million sales achievement - $900 million sales achievement - $900 million [Member] sales achievement - $900 million sales achievement - $200 million sales achievement - 200 million [Member] sales achievement - 200 million Number of sales milestone payments the Company received Number of sales milestone payments the Company received Total number of sales milestone payments received during the period after achieving certain sales levels. Levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 500 million Levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received Aggregate amount of twelve month sales upon which sales milestones were received. Levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 600 million Levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 600 million Aggregate amount of twelve month sales upon which sales milestone were received. Levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 700 million Levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 700 million Aggregate amount of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 700 million. Levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 800 million Levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 800 million Aggregate amount of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 800 million. Levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 900 million Levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 900 million Aggregate amount of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments were received - 900 million. Period for Achieving Sales Target for Milestone Payment, Rolling Basis Period for Achieving Sales Target for Milestone Payment, Rolling Basis Period for Achieving Sales Target for Milestone Payment, Rolling Basis Number of sales milestone payments the Company might receive Number of sales milestone payments the Company might receive Total number of sales milestone payments the Company might receive during the period after achieving certain sales levels. levels of twelve months sales at which sales milestone payments maybe received - 1 billion levels of twelve months sales at which sales milestone payments maybe received - 1 billion levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments maybe received - 1 billion Maximum amount of sales milestone payments if total sales achieve specific levels Maximum amount of sales milestone payments if total sales achieve specific levels The maximum amount of sales milestone payments the Company is eligible to receive when and if total annual sales outside the United States achieve certain specified levels. levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments maybe received - 200 million levels of twelve month sales at which sales milestone payments maybe received - 200 million In connection with a November 2013 agreement, the Company is eligible to receive additional sales milestone payments if twelve-month sales of specific commercial supplies of EYLEA outside the U.S. achieve certain specified levels up to this level. Schedule of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block] Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Accrued capital expenditures Accrued Capital Expenditures Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for purchases of fixed assets. Included in accounts payable and accrued expenses. Facility lease obligation recognized during the period Facility lease obligation recognized during the period The facility lease obligation recognized during the period. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Loss Contingencies by Geographic Area [Axis] Geographic area of each loss contingency that exists as of the balance sheet date. Loss Contingencies by geographic area [Domain] Identification of the geographic area of each loss contingency that exists as of the balance sheet date. Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Interim Financial Statements Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Legal Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Antidilutive Securities Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Amount of non refundable payment received for collaboration agreement Amount of non refundable payment received for collaboration agreement The amount of non-refundable payment received in relation to the collaboration agreement. May be an up-front payment, termination payment, and/or payment made in connection to an amendment to the agreement. Percentage of global development cost to be paid by the collaboration partner under the collaboration Percentage of global development cost to be paid by the collaboration partner under the collaboration Percentage of global development cost to be paid by the collaboration partner under the collaboration Percentage of development cost for the territory outside the United States to be paid for under the collaboration Percentage of development cost for the territory outside the United States to be paid for under the collaboration Percentage of development cost for the territory outside the United States to be paid for under the collaboration. Percentage of development milestone payments to be reimbursed Percentage of development milestone payments to be reimbursed Percentage of development milestone payments Bayer HealthCare is obligated to reimburse the Company for payments that the Company makes to Sanofi related to the Company's acquisition of rights to antibodies targeting the PDGF family of receptors. Number of development milestone payments the Company received Number of development milestone payments the Company received Number of development milestone payments the Company received Deferred Revenue, Additions Deferred Revenue, Additions Future development milestone payment Future development milestone payment Future development milestone payment the Company is eligible to receive from Bayer HealthCare under the development plan. Opt in payment Opt in payment potential opt-in payment the Company is eligible to receive from Bayer HealthCare. Amount of milestone payment that may be received relating to marketing approval Amount of milestone payment that may be received relating to marketing approval The amount of milestone payment the Company may receive under the collaboration agreement related to receipt of specified marketing approval. Legal Matters Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Marketable Securities, Based on Contractual Maturity Dates Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Fair Value and Unrealized Losses of Marketable Securities Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]