Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Dividends
Dividends	$ 60.5
Shire plc Ordinary Shares
Dividends Per Share [Line Items]
Dividends Declared and Paid Per Share	$ 0.109
American Depositary Share
Dividends Per Share [Line Items]
Dividends Declared and Paid Per Share	$ 0.326

Common stock cash dividend declared by an entity during the period. This element includes paid and unpaid dividends declared during the period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration