Proceeds From Stockholder Securities Law Settlement (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011
Proceeds From Stockholder Securities Law Settlement [Abstract]
Net proceeds from securities law settlement	$ 2,959

Net proceeds from stock holder securities law settlement.

No definition available.

Name:	mdvn_NetProceedsFromStockHolderSecuritiesLawSettlement
Namespace Prefix:	mdvn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration