Accounts receivable - trade, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accrued interest income Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Additional paid-in capital Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Stock Options [Member] Stock Options [Member] Warrants [Member] CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) [Abstract] Realized gains on sales of marketable securities Realized losses on sales of marketable securities Change in unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, income tax expense (benefit) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities Increase in Sanofi and trade accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Changes in assets and liabilities: Common Stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Product Revenue Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Concentration risk, percentage (in hundredths) Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk by Type [Axis] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Convertible senior notes Convertible Notes Payable, Noncurrent Cost of goods sold Cost of Goods Sold Inventory write down and reserves Inventory Write-down Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Non-cash compensation expense Share-based Compensation Equity Securities [Member] Condensed Statements of Operations Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Interest expense Interest Expense Finished goods Raw materials Work in process Total liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity LIABILITIES and STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY LIABILITIES and STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Loss Contingencies by Nature of Contingency [Axis] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Table] Counterclaim allegations Legal Matters [Abstract] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Number of patent litigations Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities [Abstract] Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net cash provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from operating activities: Net income (loss) - basic and diluted Net loss Net loss (Numerator) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract] Total other income (expense) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Investment income Inventories included in other assets Income (loss) from operations Operating Income (Loss) Total revenues Revenues Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Interim Financial Statements Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Genentech Patent-Related Matters [Member] Pending or Threatened Litigation [Member] Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, issued (in shares) Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares) Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Net proceeds from issuances of Common Stock Sales or maturities of marketable securities Product Concentration Risk [Member] Property, plant, and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Accounts receivable from Sanofi Due from Related Parties, Current Payments in connection with facility and capital lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Contract research and other Contracts Revenue Technology licensing Licenses Revenue Revenue Recognition, Product Revenue Revenue Recognition, Revenue Reductions Revenue Recognition, Revenue Reductions [Policy Text Block] Royalty expense Royalty Expense Provision related to current period sales Sales Allowances, Goods Net product sales Net product sales Product Revenue [Abstract] Selling, general, and admistrative CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) [Abstract] CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited) [Abstract] CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Total current assets Assets, Current Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Municipal Bonds [Member] U.S. Government Obligations [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Common Stock [Member] Research and development Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Amortized Cost Basis - Maturities within one year Amortized Cost Basis - Maturities after one year through five years Amortized Cost Basis - Maturities after five years through ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Basis - Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis Fair Value - Maturities within one year Fair Value - Maturities after one year through five years Fair Value - Maturities after five years through ten years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract] Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract] Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Vaue [Abstract] Fair Value - Less than 12 Months Fair Value - 12 Months or Greater Fair Value - Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract] Available-for-sale marketable securities: Fair Value - Total Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Fair value of equity securities Total assets Assets Other long term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Concentration Risk by Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Statement [Table] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Statement [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Class of Stock [Domain] Statement of Cash Flows Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Class A Stock [Member] Increase (decrease) in stockholders' equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Issuance of warrants in connection with issuance of convertible senior notes Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued Decrease in deferred revenue Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Weighted average number, in thousands (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Per Share Data [Abstract] Antidilutive Securities Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Net income (loss) before income tax benefit Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities, Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Class of Stock [Axis] Common Stock, par value (in dollars per share) Total stockholders' equity Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Equity Component [Domain] Sanofi collaboration revenue Issuance of restricted Common Stock under Long-Term Incentive Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Conversion of Class A Stock to Common Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Issuance of restricted Common Stock under Long-Term Incentive Plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Conversion of Class A Stock to Common Stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities U.S. Government Guaranteed Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member] Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] Expenses: Total expenses Costs and Expenses Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Total available-for-sale marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Per Share Data Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Commitments and contingencies Marketable Securities Marketable Securities [Text Block] Restricted cash and marketable securities Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Total adjustments Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable Accrued payroll and related costs Other accrued expenses and liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stock-based compensation charges Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Measured on a Recurring Basis [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Unrealized Gains - Total Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains (Increase) decrease in restricted cash and marketable securities Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash and Investments Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses [Abstract] 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 Common Stock in connection with Company 401(k) Savings Plan contribution Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Benefit Plan Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Shares, Outstanding Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value and Unrealized Losses of Marketable Securities Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Legal Matters Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Income Taxes [Abstract] Cost basis of equity securities Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Other non-cash charges and expenses, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Unrealized (Losses) - Total Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Basic and diluted net loss per share [Abstract] Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share Unrealized Gains (Losses), Net [Abstract] Unrealized Net - Total Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Unrealized Loss - Less than 12 Months Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses Unrealized Loss - 12 Months or Greater Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses Unrealized Loss - Total Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses Marketable Securities, Based on Contractual Maturity Dates Equity component of convertible senior notes, net of issuance costs Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Equity Component of Convertible Debt Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type United States [Member] UNITED STATES 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 From Related Party Current Deferred revenue from Sanofi, current portion The current portion of deferred revenue as of balance sheet date. Does not include deferred revenue from Sanofi. 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 confirmity with GAAP. Deferred revenue other current Deferred revenue - other, current portion Represents the current portion of a lease liability. In connection with the application of FASB authoritative guidance to the Company's lease of additional new facilities, the Company is deemed, in substance, to be the owner of the landlord's building; therefore, costs of constructing the facilities that the Company incurred and reimbursements from the Company's landlord for tenant improvement costs were capitalized, offset by a corresponding lease obligation. Facility Lease Obligations, Current Facility lease obligations, current portion The noncurrent portion of deferred revenue from related parties amount 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 From Related Party Noncurrent Deferred revenue from Sanofi The noncurrent portion of other deferred revenue 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. Does not include deferred revenue from Sanofi. Deferred revenue other noncurrent Deferred revenue - other Represents the noncurrent portion of a lease liability. In connection with the application of FASB authoritative guidance to the Company's lease of additional new facilities, the Company is deemed, in substance, to be the owner of the landlord's building; therefore, costs of constructing the facilities that the Company incurred and reimbursements from the Company's landlord for tenant improvement costs were capitalized, offset by a corresponding lease obligation. Facility lease obligations noncurrent Facility lease obligations Revenue realized from sales, cost sharing of development expenses, and other transactions with our collaborator Bayer during the period. Other Collaboration Revenue Bayer HealthCare collaboration revenue Value of stock issued during the period as a result of the exercise of stock options, net of shares tendered. Stock Issued During Period Value Stock Options Exercised Net Of Shares Tendered Issuance of Common Stock in connection with exercise of stock options, net of shares tendered Number of share options (or share units) exercised during the current period, net of shares tendered. Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised Net Of Shares Tendered Issuance of Common Stock in connection with exercise of stock options, net of shares tendered (in shares) Adjustment to additional paid in capital from the cost of the convertible note hedge. Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital Cost Of Convertible Note Hedge Purchase of convertible note hedges The cash inflow from proceeds received from lessor related to the construction of facilities associated with a building lease. Proceeds from facility lease obligations Proceeds in connection with facility lease obligation The cash outflow for payments made to lessor related to a building lease. Payments in connection with facility lease obligations Payments in connection with facility lease obligation Interim Financial Statements [Abstract] 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. EYLEA Net Product Sales [Member] Tabular disclosure of the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of merchandise, goods, commodities, or supplies held for future sale or to be used in manufacturing, servicing or production process. Tabular disclosure includes inventories not expected to be converted to cash, sold or exchanged within the normal operating cycle. Schedule of Inventory, Current and Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Inventory Total revenue during the period when it serves as a benchmark in a concentration of risk calculation. Total Revenue [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. Arcalyst Net Product Sales [Member] ARCALYST Net Product Sales [Member] Schedule of the activity of sales-related deductions during the period, which may include rebates and chargebacks, and distributed-related fees. Schedule of Sales Related Deductions Activity [Table] Tabular disclosure of the activity of sales-related deductions during the period, which may include rebates and chargebacks, and distributor-related fees. Schedule of Sales Related Deductions Activity [Table Text Block] Sales Related Deductions Activity The type of sales related deduction for which activity during the period is disclosed. Sales Related Deductions Type [Axis] The type of sales related deduction for which activity during the period is disclosed. Sales Related Deductions Type [Domain] A valuation allowance for rebates and chargebacks under governmental programs (including Medicaid), which are netted against revenue from product sales. Rebates and Chargebacks [Member] Rebates & Chargebacks [Member] A valuation allowance for distribution-related fees which are netted against revenue from product sales. Distribution Related Fees [Member] Distribution-Related Fees [Member] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Schedule of Sales Related Deductions Activity [Line Items] Balance of estimated sales-related deductions. Sales Related Deductions Balance Balance The amount of credits/payments for prior period sales as an adjustment to sales-related deductions. Sales related deductions Credits payments for prior period sales Credits/payments for prior period sales The amount of credits/payments during the period for sales-related deductions. Sales Related Deductions Credits Payments Credits/payments The weighted average price of the antidilutive securities at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan. Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) 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. Accrued Capital Expenditures Accrued capital expenditures Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of net inventories. Also includes inventory balances not expected to be converted to cash, sold or exchanged within one year. Inventory Current and Noncurrent Total inventories Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of amounts due to the Company in connection with employee exercises of stock options. Employee Exercises Of Stock Options Receivable Employee exercises of stock options, due to the Company This element represents the general categories of investments, which may be classified as Unrestricted or Restricted. Classification of Investment [Axis] Provides general categories of investments for which information is required or determined to be disclosed. Classification of Investment [Domain] Investments whose use is not restricted in whole or in part, by contractual agreements or regulatory requirements. Unrestricted [Member] Investments whose use is restricted in whole or in part, generally by contractual agreements or regulatory requirements. Restricted [Member] This category includes investments in debt securities issued by corporations that are guaranteed by the U.S. Government. U S Government Guaranteed Corporate Bonds [Member] U.S. Government Guaranteed Corporate Bonds [Member] This item represents the gross unrealized gains of debt securities which are expected to mature within one year of the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Gross Unrealized Gains Unrealized Gains - Maturities within one year This item represents the gross unrealized gains of debt securities which are expected to mature after one year and through five years of the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Gross Unrealized Gains Unrealized Gains - Maturities after one year through five years This item represents the gross unrealized gains of debt securities which are expected to mature after five years and through ten years of the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Gross Unrealized Gains Unrealized Gains - Maturities after five years through ten years This item represents the gross unrealized losses of debt securities which are expected to mature within one year of the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Gross Unrealized Loss Unrealized (Losses) - Maturities within one year This item represents the gross unrealized losses of debt securities which are expected to mature after one year and through five years of the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Gross Unrealized Loss Unrealized (Losses) - Maturities after one year through five years This item represents the gross unrealized losses of debt securities which are expected to mature after five years and through ten years of the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Gross Unrealized Loss Unrealized (Losses) - Maturities after five years through ten years This item represents the net unrealized gains and losses of debt securities which are expected to mature within one year of the balance sheet date and are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Unrealized Gains Losses Net Unrealized Net - Maturities within one year This item represents the net unrealized gains and losses of debt securities which are expected to mature after one year through five years of the balance sheet date and are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Unrealized Gains Losses Net Unrealized Net - Maturities after one year through five years This item represents the net unrealized gains and losses of debt securities which are expected to mature after five years through ten years of the balance sheet date and are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Unrealized Gains Losses Net Unrealized Net - Maturities after five years through ten years 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 obligations neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. U S Government Obligations Fair Value Disclosure U.S. government obligations 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 guaranteed corporate bonds neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. U S Government Guaranteed Corporate Bonds Fair Value Disclosure U.S. government guaranteed corporate bonds 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 guaranteed collateralized mortgage obligations neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. U S Government Guaranteed Collateralized Mortgage Obligations Fair Value Disclosure U.S. government guaranteed collateralized mortgage obligations 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 municipal bonds neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. Municipal bonds fair value disclosure Municipal bonds 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 mortgage-backed securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. Mortgage backed securities fair value disclosure Mortgage-backed securities 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 equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. Equity security fair value disclosure Equity security Disclosure of the number of marketable securities held as of the reporting date. Number Of Marketable Securities Held Number of marketable securities held 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 Clinical Trial Expense Current Accrued clinical trial expense Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred (and for which invoices have not been received) in connection with expenditures on property, plant and equipment. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accrued Property Plant And Equipment Expenditures Current Accrued property, plant, and equipment costs Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of amounts due to Bayer HealthCare under a collaboration agreement with the Company. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accounts Payable To Healthcare Company Current Payable to Bayer HealthCare A non-exclusive license agreement with Genentech which requires the Company to make certain payments if certain sales targets are exceeded during the term of the agreement. License Agreement With Genentech [Member] The amount of payment to be made by the Company upon cumulative U.S. sales of EYLEA reaching a minimum sales target, under the terms of the non-exclusive license agreement. Amount of payment to be made upon reaching minimum sales target The minimum amount of cumulative U.S. sales of EYLEA which would require the Company to make payments. Cumulative Sales Range Minimum Cumulative sales range, minimum Royalty payment percentage to be made on cumulative U.S. sales of EYLEA within the cumulative sales range, under the terms of the non-exclusive license agreement. Royalty Payment Percentage Of Cumulative Sales Within Range Royalty payment percentage of cumulative sales within cumulative sales range (in hundredths) The maximum amount of cumulative U.S. sales of EYLEA within the range, which will require the Company to make royalty payments of 4.75%. Cumulative Sales Range Maximum Cumulative sales range, maximum Percentage of royalty payment to be made on cumulative U.S. sales of EYLEA over the cumulative sales range, under the terms of the non-exclusive license agreement. Royalty Payment Percentage Of Cumulative Sales Over Range Royalty payment percentage of cumulative sales over range (in hundredths) Geographic area of each loss contingency that exists as of the balance sheet date. Loss Contingencies by Geographic Area [Axis] Identification of the geographic area of each loss contingency that exists as of the balance sheet date. Loss Contingencies by geographic area [Domain] The geographic area of Europe. Europe [Member] The entire disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items. New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Standards Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold [Abstract] The entire disclosure for inventory and cost of goods sold. Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share) Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share) Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share) Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share) Weighted-average shares - basic (in shares) Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted-average shares - diluted (in shares) Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Product Returns [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Activity of sales related deductions [Roll Forward] Balance Balance Balance Provision related to current period sales Credits/payments for prior period sales Credits/payments Credits/payments Inventories included in prepaid expenses and other current assets Payments Related To Tax Withholding For Share Based Compensation Payments in connection with Common Stock tendered for employee tax obligations Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations Stock Issued During Period Value Stock Options Exercised Issuance of Common Stock in connection with exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised Issuance of Common Stock in connection with exercise of stock options (in shares) Retricted Stock Value Tendered For Tax Withholdings The value of restricted shares tendered for the payment of withholding taxes. Restricted Common Stock tendered upon vesting in connection with employee tax obligations Restricted Stock Shares Tendered For Tax Withholdings The number of restricted shares tendered for the payment of withholding taxes. Restricted Common Stock tendered upon vesting in connection with employee tax obligations (in shares) Numerator Net income (loss) - basic Effect of dilutive securities: Interest expense and amortization of discount and note issuance costs, related to convertible senior notes Net income (loss) - diluted Denominator Effect of dilutive securities (in shares): Stock options (in shares) Restricted stock (in shares) Convertible senior notes (in shares) Warrants (in shares) Dilutive potential shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Adjustments Related To Tax Withholding For Share Based Compensation Common Stock tendered upon exercise of stock options in connection with employee tax obligations Shares Paid For Tax Withholding For Share Based Compensation Common Stock tendered upon exercise of stock options in connection with employee tax obligations (in shares) Other Sales-Related Deductions [Member] Other Sales Related Deductions [Member] A valuation allowance for other sales-related deductions which are netted against revenue from product sales. Inventory [Abstract] Inventory Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Accrued sales related deductions and royalties Accrued sales related deductions and royalties Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of sales-related deductions and obligations incurred through that date and payable for royalties. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Restricted stock (in shares) Nonvested equity-based payment awards that result in incremental common shares. Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Nonvested Restricted Shares Legal Costs Policy [Text Block] Legal Matters Amount Of Dilutive Securities Stock Options And Restrictive Stock Units Restricted stock (in shares)