Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accrued research payables	$ 50,721	$ 41,569	$ 39,000
Accrued compensation and benefits	50,666	63,423
Trade payables	17,790	24,235
Deferred revenue	15,493	15,852
Accrued restructuring	11,708	3,196
Deferred compensation	7,579	16,531
Accrued transaction processing	2,986	3,336
Acquisition payment obligation		9,314
Other	24,281	17,653
Total	$ 181,224	$ 195,109