Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2013 item	Dec. 31, 2013 item	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 05, 2013 License and commercialization agreement SPEDRA Menarini Group Minimum item	Dec. 11, 2013 License and commercialization agreement STENDRA/SPEDRA item
Business
Number of approved FDA therapies, Qsymia and STENDRA		2
BMI of patients to discuss safety and efficacy of Qnexa, one		30
BMI of patients to discuss safety and efficacy of Qnexa, two		27
Minimum number of weight-related comorbidity considered to discuss safety and efficacy of Qnexa		1
Number of previously approved drugs from which low doses of active ingredients incorporated		2
Number of main mechanisms that impact eating behavior		2
Number of certified retail pharmacies nationwide in which Qsymia is available	8,000	37,000
License, Commercialization, and Development Agreements with Third Parties
Number of European countries covered under the license agreement				40
Number of countries worldwide in which product is expected to be commercialized under the license and commercialization agreement					100
Accumulated deficit		$ (660,602)	$ (486,146)