Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (119,172)	$ (352,746)	$ (32,348)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	213	1,445	7,180
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(9,665)	0	0
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(9,452)	1,445	7,180
Comprehensive loss	(128,624)	(351,301)	(25,168)
Less: comprehensive loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest	54	(10)	138
Comprehensive loss attributable to The Medicines Company	$ (128,570)	$ (351,311)	$ (25,030)