Entity Information (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Nov. 06, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	NPS PHARMACEUTICALS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000890465
Entity Tax Identification Number	870439579
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 819,657,544
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		86,647,326