Derivative Instruments.

No definition available.

Name:	biib_DerivativeInstrumentsTextualAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	biib_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of net unrealized gain (loss) related to the change in fair value of foreign currency exchange rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent that the cash flow hedge is determined to be effective.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	biib_UnrealizedGainLossesOnForeignCurrencyDerivativesNetBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	biib_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Aggregate notional amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 12
-Section 13
-Sentence Column B

+ Details

Name:	invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	invest_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets elected not to be offset. Excludes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99393222&loc=SL20226000-175313

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4D
-Subparagraph (c)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109247956&loc=SL51823488-111719

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51824906&loc=SL20225862-175312

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-Subparagraph (a),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5624163-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value, before effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes liabilities elected not to be offset. Excludes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4D
-Subparagraph (c)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109247956&loc=SL51823488-111719

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-Subparagraph (a),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51824906&loc=SL20225862-175312

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99393222&loc=SL20226000-175313

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The effective portion of net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4D
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5624177-113959

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5624171-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments representing (a) the amount of the hedge ineffectiveness and (b) the amount, if any, excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(1),(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109977999&loc=d3e76258-113986

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeIneffectivePortionAndAmountExcludedFromEffectivenessTestingNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period remaining until the derivative contract matures, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeRemainingMaturity1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings in the period from the increase (decrease) in fair value of foreign currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5624171-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GainLossOnForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnForeignCurrencyDerivativesNetBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis=us-gaap_NondesignatedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis=us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_SalesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=biib_CashflowsrevenueMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_OperatingExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=biib_CashflowsoperatingexpensesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CurrencyAxis=currency_EUR
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CurrencyAxis=currency_GBP
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CurrencyAxis=currency_CAD
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CurrencyAxis=currency_CHF
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=biib_SeniorNotesTwoPointNinePercentDueTwentyTwentyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	biib_DerivativeMaturityAxis=biib_ShorttermderivativeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Range of durations of foreign currency forward contracts			12 months
Gain/Loss on fair value of foreign currency forward contracts	$ 8.6		$ 8.6		$ (113.0)
Net gains (losses) of other income (expense) related to foreign currency forward contracts	(5.2)	$ 6.1	$ 0.4	$ 4.5
Minimum
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Range of durations of foreign currency forward contracts			1 month		1 month
Maximum
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Range of durations of foreign currency forward contracts			18 months		21 months
Not designated as hedging instrument
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional amount	636.7		$ 636.7		$ 564.9
Other current assets \| Designated as hedging instrument
Summary of Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative asset, fair value, net	27.2		27.2		0.7
Other current assets \| Not designated as hedging instrument
Summary of Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative asset, fair value, net	4.0		4.0		1.8
Investments and other assets \| Designated as hedging instrument
Summary of Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative asset, fair value, net	8.8		8.8		0.2
Accrued expenses and other \| Designated as hedging instrument
Summary of Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative liability, fair value, net	22.2		22.2		84.7
Accrued expenses and other \| Not designated as hedging instrument
Summary of Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative liability, fair value, net	1.7		1.7		3.0
Other long-term liabilities \| Designated as hedging instrument
Summary of Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments
Derivative liability, fair value, net	19.6		19.6		23.6
Foreign exchange contract \| Designated as hedging instrument
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional amount	1,708.4		1,708.4		2,198.7
Interest rate swap \| Designated as hedging instrument
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional amount	675.0		675.0
Revenue \| Cash flows, revenue \| Foreign exchange contract
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) in operating income for the settlement of certain effective cash flow hedge instruments	(10.4)	(3.0)	(43.3)	3.7
Net gains (losses) in net income of foreign currency forward contracts due to exclusion from effectiveness testing	7.9		7.0
Operating expense \| Cash flows, operating expenses \| Foreign exchange contract
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) in operating income for the settlement of certain effective cash flow hedge instruments	(0.4)	0.3	0.9	0.2
Net gains (losses) in net income of foreign currency forward contracts due to exclusion from effectiveness testing	(0.1)		(0.4)
Other income (expense) \| Cash flows, revenue \| Foreign exchange contract
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) in net income of foreign currency forward contracts due to exclusion from effectiveness testing		2.0		6.0
Other income (expense) \| Cash flows, operating expenses \| Foreign exchange contract
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Net gains (losses) in net income of foreign currency forward contracts due to exclusion from effectiveness testing		$ (0.1)		$ (0.3)
Euro \| Foreign exchange contract \| Designated as hedging instrument
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional amount	1,553.3		1,553.3		1,875.6
British pound \| Foreign exchange contract \| Designated as hedging instrument
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional amount	72.5		72.5		150.9
Canadian dollar \| Foreign exchange contract \| Designated as hedging instrument
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional amount	45.8		45.8		83.5
Swiss franc \| Foreign exchange contract \| Designated as hedging instrument
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate notional amount	$ 36.8		$ 36.8		$ 88.7
2.900% Senior Notes due 2020
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior Notes interest rate	2.90%		2.90%
Short-term derivative [Member]
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency derivatives, net, before tax			$ 15.8