Shareholders Equity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shareholders equity, beginning of period	$ 1,295,534
Noncontrolling interests from the Gentium Acquisition	136,578
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(119,175)
Issuance of ordinary shares in conjunction with employee equity incentive plans and warrant exercises	21,467
Employee withholding taxes related to share-based awards	(9,363)
Share-based compensation	14,313
Tax benefit from employee share options	5,777
Other comprehensive income	15,016
Net income (loss)	(93,639)	43,425
Shareholders equity, end of period	1,266,508
Parent [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shareholders equity, beginning of period	1,295,534	1,121,292
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(924)
Issuance of ordinary shares in conjunction with employee equity incentive plans and warrant exercises	21,467	9,609
Employee withholding taxes related to share-based awards	(9,363)	(1,427)
Share-based compensation	14,313	8,552
Tax benefit from employee share options	5,777	889
Other comprehensive income	14,739	(20,440)
Net income (loss)	(92,650)	43,425
Shareholders equity, end of period	1,248,893	1,161,900
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Noncontrolling interests from the Gentium Acquisition	136,578
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(118,251)
Other comprehensive income	277
Net income (loss)	(989)
Shareholders equity, end of period	$ 17,615