Employee Savings Plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Employee Savings Plan [Abstract]

Employee Savings Plan

16.   Employee Savings Plan

In 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of the Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Savings Plan”).  The terms of the Savings Plan provide for employees who have met defined service requirements to participate in the Savings Plan by electing to contribute to the Savings Plan a percentage of their compensation to be set aside to pay their future retirement benefits, as defined.  The Savings Plan, as amended and restated, provides for the Company to make discretionary contributions (“Contribution”), as defined.  The Company recognized $4.1 million, $3.2 million, and $2.6 million of Contribution expense in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, accrued Contribution expense totaled $3.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively.  During the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, the Company contributed 63,937 and 91,761 shares, respectively, of Common Stock to the Savings Plan in satisfaction of these obligations.