Convertible Bonds (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Short-term Debt, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Convertible Bond, Issuance Date	May 9, 2007
Convertible Bond, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.75%
Convertible Bond, Principal Amount	$ 1,100.0
Convertible Bond, Final Maturity Date	May 9, 2014
Convertible Bond, Put Feature	The Bonds may be redeemed at the option of the Bond holders at their principal amount including accrued but unpaid interest on May 9, 2012 (the “Put Option”), or following the occurrence of a change of control of Shire.

Description of a feature that permits the holder of the debt to compel redemption before the stated maturity date (early retirement date). The description should include the call price, the period that the issuer can call the debt, including the earliest call date, and other significant terms of the call feature, which may include the debt holders' ability to convert the debt to equity if the call option is exercised and contingent events that trigger the issuer's ability to call the debt.

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- Definition

The stated principal amount of the debt instrument at time of issuance, which may vary from the carrying amount because of unamortized premium or discount.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 16, 20

+ Details

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Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

+ Details

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- Definition

Date when the debt instrument was issued, which may be presented in a variety of ways (year, month and year, day, month and year, quarter, etc.).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

+ Details

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- Definition

When presenting a range of maturity dates, the latest date when the outstanding debt instruments are required to be repaid. May be presented in a variety of ways (for example: year only, month and year, day, month and year, and number of years).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

+ Details

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- Details

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