Convertible Senior Notes [Line Items]

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- Definition

The maximum number of shares of common stock that would be issued if all note holders converted at the maximum conversion rate provided for in the agreement.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	amln
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt instrument maturity period.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	amln
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Minimum number of trading days.

+ Details

Name:	amln_MinimumNumberOfTradingDays
Namespace Prefix:	amln
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of consecutive trading days.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	amln
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percent of applicable conversion price.

+ Details

Name:	amln_PercentOfApplicableConversionPrice
Namespace Prefix:	amln
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The repurchase price, stated as a percentage of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased, in the event a designated event occurs.

+ Details

Name:	amln_PercentOfDesignatedEventRepurchasePriceOverPrincipalAmountOfNotes
Namespace Prefix:	amln
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percent of trading price per note below reported sale price.

+ Details

Name:	amln_PercentOfTradingPricePerNoteBelowReportedSalePrice
Namespace Prefix:	amln
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Trading And Business Day Period, Days

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	amln
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
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Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. Fair value of convertible debt at the balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Convertible Security

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509036

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying amount of the equity component of convertible debt which may be settled in cash upon conversion.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 470

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (a)

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-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number APB14-1

-Paragraph 31

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleCarryingAmountOfTheEquityComponent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The price per share of the conversion feature embedded in the debt instrument.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 470

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928298&loc=SL6031898-161870

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-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number APB14-1

-Paragraph 32

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The ratio applied to the debt for purposes of determining the number of shares of the equity security into which the debt will be converted.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 7

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(5))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Conversion Rate

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509012

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The effective interest rate on the liability component of convertible debt instrument which may be settled in cash upon conversion, including partial cash settlement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 470

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph (a)

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-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number APB14-1

-Paragraph 33

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleEffectiveInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Remaining amortization period for any discount on the liability component of convertible debt which may be settled in cash upon conversion.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 470

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph (a)

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-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number APB14-1

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The stated principal amount of the debt instrument at time of issuance, which may vary from the carrying amount because of unamortized premium or discount.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 16, 20

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Interest rate stated in the contractual debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Date when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, which may be presented in a variety of ways (year, month and year, day, month and year, quarter, etc.).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

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Convertible Senior Notes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2007 Maximum Conversion Rate [Member]	Jun. 30, 2007 Maximum [Member]	Jun. 30, 2007 Maximum [Member] 2007 Notes [Member]	Jun. 30, 2007 2007 Notes [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 2007 Notes [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 2007 Notes [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 2007 Notes [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 2007 Notes [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 2007 Notes [Member]	Apr. 30, 2004 2004 Notes [Member]
Convertible Senior Notes [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount						$ 575,000,000						$ 200,000,000
Stated percentage on convertible senior notes						3.00%						2.50%
Maturity period of notes	Apr. 15, 2014
Maturity date of notes						Jun. 15, 2014						Apr. 15, 2011
Debt instrument convertible into shares				13.2	9.4
Debt instrument convertible into shares at price per share			$ 43.62			$ 61.07
Debt instrument convertible into shares at conversion rate				22.9252
Trading and business day period, days	5
Percent of trading price per note below reported sale price	97.00%
Minimum number of trading days	20
Number of consecutive trading days	30
Percent of applicable conversion price	130.00%
Percent of designated event repurchase price over principal amount of notes									100.00%
Notes, fair value							511,800,000		511,800,000		501,700,000
Carrying amount of equity component of 2007 Notes	$ 180,300,000	$ 180,300,000
Remaining life over which unamortized balance of the debt discount will be amortized	3
Effective interest rate on net carrying value of 2007 Notes							9.30%	9.30%	9.30%	9.30%