XML 17 R54.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.1.9
Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]      
Total stock-based compensation $ 17,017us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation $ 17,708us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation $ 16,199us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Cost of Goods Sold [Member]      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]      
Total stock-based compensation 1,161us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember		 1,297us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember		 1,496us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember
Research and Development [Member]      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]      
Total stock-based compensation 7,528us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nktr_ResearchAndDevelopmentMember		 7,910us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nktr_ResearchAndDevelopmentMember		 7,082us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= nktr_ResearchAndDevelopmentMember
General and Administrative [Member]      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]      
Total stock-based compensation $ 8,328us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember		 $ 8,501us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember		 $ 7,621us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember