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v3.10.0.1

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies, Cost of Products Sold (Details) $ in Millions | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
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Cost of Products Sold [Abstract] |
Costs to produce TEGSEDI that were previously recognized | $ 0.1

X
- Definition The cumulative costs related to goods produced and sold that were previously recognized as expense. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ions_CumulativeCostOfProductsSold
Namespace Prefix: | ions_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration