Name:	eln_BExecutiveShares
Namespace Prefix:	eln_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

"B" Executive Shares are the total number of Executive Shares of the Company that have been sold or granted to shareholders. The "B" Executive Shares confer on the holders the same voting rights as the holders of Ordinary Shares. They do not confer on the holders the right to be paid a dividend out of our profits except for such dividends that the directors may determine.

No definition available.

Name:	eln_BExecutiveSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix:	eln_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Executive Shares are the total number of Executive Shares of the Company that have been sold or granted to shareholders. The Executive Shares do not confer on the holders the right to receive notice of, attend or vote at any meetings, or have a right to be paid a dividend out of our profits except for dividends which the directors may determine.

No definition available.

Name:	eln_ExecutiveSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix:	eln_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Executive Shares, Value

No definition available.

Name:	eln_ExecutiveSharesValue
Namespace Prefix:	eln_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 30

-Article 5

Name:	us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable common stock (or common stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity.