v2.4.0.6
Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
years
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Dec. 31, 2010
IPR&D [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Arresto Biosciences, Inc. [Member]
IPR&D [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, Inc. [Member]
IPR&D [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
CV Therapeutics [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
CV Therapeutics [Member]
IPR&D [Member]
Dec. 31, 2011
CGI Pharmaceuticals [Member]
IPR&D [Member]
Dec. 31, 2010
CGI Pharmaceuticals [Member]
IPR&D [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]                    
Amortization expense $ 69,600,000 $ 59,900,000 $ 43,400,000              
Weighted-average amortization period of intangible assets, in years 10                  
Indefinite-lived intangible assets 266,200,000 29,530,000   29,500,000 117,000,000 149,200,000   2,900,000   26,600,000
Impairment charges               136,000,000 26,600,000  
Finite-lived intangible assets $ 976,195,000 $ 973,295,000         $ 2,900,000