Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 706,074	$ 742,459	$ 1,143,605	$ 1,389,762
Net foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(2,642)	(4,358)	2,256	2,836
Net unrealized gain (loss), net of tax	134	2,346	(329)	723
Reclassifications to net income, net of tax	(50)	(3,068)	30,549	(4,565)
Net change	84	(722)	30,220	(3,842)
Net unrealized gain (loss), net of tax	107,855	(46,857)	58,993	(174,194)
Reclassifications to net income, net of tax	(14,511)	19,840	(25,292)	11,010
Net change	93,344	(27,017)	33,701	(163,184)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	90,786	(32,097)	66,177	(164,190)
Comprehensive Income	796,860	710,362	1,209,782	1,225,572
Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	5,490	3,768	9,915	7,606
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Gilead	$ 802,350	$ 714,130	$ 1,219,697	$ 1,233,178