INCOME TAXES - CARRYFORWARDS (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) item	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 17,700
Uncertain tax position	0
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0	$ 0
Number of states in which the entity primarily operates or has operated and has income tax nexus | item	3
CuraGen
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Assets recorded for net operating losses not yet utilized	$ 0
Federal
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Period of recognition of unrealized loss or gain after the ownership change	5 years
Federal | R&D credit
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 20,800
Tax credit carryforwards with substantial limitations on use	28,500
Federal | Ownership Change in December 2013
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	178,700
Annual limitation	77,000
Federal | Ownership changes in June 2009 and December 2009
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	67,700
Annual limitation	6,000
Federal | Prior to merger
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	33,000
Federal | CuraGen | Prior to acquisition
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	518,300
Federal | AVANT
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards	392,900
Loss carryforwards with limitations on use	40,400
Loss carryforwards remotely likely to be utilized in future periods	60,800
Federal | AVANT | Prior to merger
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
NOL, net of expirations and utilization	101,200
State
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards with substantial limitations on use	382,300
State | R&D credit
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards
Tax credit carryforwards	14,400
Tax credit carryforwards with substantial limitations on use	$ 11,200