Stockholders' Equity, Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 131,312	$ 85,975	$ 72,108
Cost of Products Sold [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	160	0	0
Research, Development and Patent [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	76,557	64,521	55,099
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	54,595	21,454	17,009
Akcea [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 44,300	$ 17,500	$ 10,100