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Stockholders' Equity, Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) Officer | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | $ 146,574 | $ 131,312 | $ 85,975
Cost of Products Sold [Member] |  |  |  |
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 438 | 160 | 0
Research, Development and Patent [Member] |  |  |  |
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 95,348 | 76,557 | 64,521
Selling, General and Administrative [Member] |  |  |  |
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 50,788 | 54,595 | 21,454
Akcea [Member] |  |  |  |
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Stock-based compensation expense | $ (19,100) | $ 37,100 | $ 44,300 | $ 17,500
Number of executive officers terminating employment | Officer | 3 |  |  |

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