XML 17 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Feb. 12, 2016
Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name UNITED THERAPEUTICS Corp    
Entity Central Index Key 0001082554    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2015    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 6,657,883,891
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   45,352,746  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY