Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Dividends
Dividends	$ 60.5
Shire plc Ordinary Shares
Dividends Per Share [Line Items]
Dividends Declared and Paid Per Share	$ 0.109
American Depositary Share
Dividends Per Share [Line Items]
Dividends Declared and Paid Per Share	$ 0.326

Common stock cash dividend declared by an entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period.

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Article 3

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration