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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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Amount of expense for award under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes amount capitalized.

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