Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (86,271)	$ (105,141)	$ 3,686	$ (146,674)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(70)	(1,095)	208	859
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	(9,665)	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(70)	(1,095)	(9,457)	859
Comprehensive loss	(86,341)	(106,236)	(5,771)	(145,815)
Less: comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	13	9	50	(16)
Comprehensive loss attributable to The Medicines Company	$ (86,328)	$ (106,227)	$ (5,721)	$ (145,831)