Business Segment Data (Net Revenue And Operating Income (Loss) By Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Business Segment Data
Clinical Development Services	$ 292,025	$ 260,345	$ 863,230	$ 765,075
Laboratory Services	90,848	79,045	252,007	231,921
Discovery Sciences				8,010
Reimbursement Revenue	32,522	25,985	91,063	77,054
Total net revenue	415,395	365,375	1,206,300	1,082,060
Clinical Development Services	53,771	43,681	148,748	101,830
Laboratory Services	11,648	13,154	26,266	34,631
Discovery Sciences				(11,860)
Operating income	$ 65,419	$ 56,835	$ 175,014	$ 124,601

Business Segment Data

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- Definition

The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues in connection with the out-licensing of compounds during the reporting period, in the normal course of business.

+ Details

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- Definition

Revenue from services rendered relating to clinical trial management services during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales allowances and sales discounts. Excludes reimbursable out-of-pockets.

+ Details

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Revenue from upfront payments, development and regulatory milestone payments, royalties and sales-based milestones in connection with the out-licensing of compounds during the reporting period, in the normal course of business. Excludes reimbursed out-of-pockets.

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- Definition

Revenue from services rendered relating Phase I, clinical chemistry assay testing and various pre-clinical and clinical laboratory services during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales allowances and sales discounts. Excludes reimbursable out-of-pockets.

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The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues relating to clinical trial management services during the reporting period, in the normal course of business.

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The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues relating to our Phase I, clinical chemistry assay testing and various pre-clinical and clinical laboratory services during the reporting period, in the normal course of business.

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The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues.

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Repayment received or receivable for expenses incurred on behalf of a client or customer, other than those reimbursements received by landlords from tenants.

+ References

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 605

-SubTopic 45

-Section 45

-Paragraph 23

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6743974&loc=d3e60722-111653

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Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.

+ References

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

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