Intangible assets, in-process research and development (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance			$ 76,599,000
Additions			0
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	$ 76,599,000		76,599,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance			(19,225,000)
Amortization	2,365,000	$ 2,392,000	4,729,000	$ 4,534,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending Balance	(23,954,000)		(23,954,000)
Net book value of intangible assets	52,645,000		52,645,000
Biodefense [Member]
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance			55,790,000
Additions			0
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	55,790,000		55,790,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance			(15,857,000)
Amortization	1,778,000	2,014,000	3,557,000	3,777,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending Balance	(19,414,000)		(19,414,000)
Net book value of intangible assets	36,376,000		$ 36,376,000
Intangible assets, weighted average useful life			81 months
Aptevo [Member]
Cost Basis [Abstract]
Intangible Assets, Beginning Balance			$ 20,809,000
Additions			0
Intangible Assets, Ending Balance	20,809,000		20,809,000
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization, Beginning Balance			(3,368,000)
Amortization	587,000	$ 378,000	1,172,000	$ 757,000
Accumulated Amortization, Ending Balance	(4,540,000)		(4,540,000)
Net book value of intangible assets	16,269,000		$ 16,269,000
Intangible assets, weighted average useful life			91 months
Aptevo [Member] | Otlertuzumab [Member]
Accumulated Amortization [Abstract]
Net book value of intangible assets	$ 41,800,000		$ 41,800,000