Collaboration Agreements (Schedule Of Collaboration Revenue) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Collaboration revenue	$ 36,825	$ 14,709
Astellas [Member]
Collaboration revenue	5,937	5,705
Pfizer [Member]
Collaboration revenue	$ 30,888	$ 9,004

Revenue earned from the amortization of non refundable upfront cash payment received under collaboration agreements over the expected performance period and milestone payments earned.

No definition available.

Name:	mdvn_CollaborationRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	mdvn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration