Convertible Bonds	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Short-term Debt, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Short-term Debt [Text Block]	11. Convertible Bonds Shire 2.75% Convertible Bonds due 2014 On May 9, 2007 Shire issued $1,100 million in principal amount of 2.75% convertible bonds due in 2014 and convertible into fully paid ordinary shares of Shire plc (the “Bonds”). The Bonds were issued at 100% of their principal amount, and unless previously purchased and cancelled, redeemed or converted, will be redeemed on May 9, 2014 (the “Final Maturity Date”) at their principal amount. The Bonds may be redeemed at the option of the Bond holders at their principal amount including accrued but unpaid interest on May 9, 2012 (the “Put Option”), or following the occurrence of a change of control of Shire. In lieu of settling any such redemption in cash, the terms of the Bonds also permit the Company to deliver the underlying ordinary shares and, if necessary, a cash top-up amount. In accordance with US GAAP, as the exercise of the Put Option could require the Company to redeem the Bonds within twelve months of the balance sheet date, the Bonds have been presented as a current liability at September 30, 2011.

Convertible Bonds

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Short-term Debt, Other Disclosures [Abstract]

11. Convertible Bonds

Shire 2.75% Convertible Bonds due 2014

On May 9, 2007 Shire issued $1,100 million in principal amount of 2.75% convertible bonds due in 2014 and convertible into fully paid ordinary shares of Shire plc (the “Bonds”). The Bonds were issued at 100% of their principal amount, and unless previously purchased and cancelled, redeemed or converted, will be redeemed on May 9, 2014 (the “Final Maturity Date”) at their principal amount.

The Bonds may be redeemed at the option of the Bond holders at their principal amount including accrued but unpaid interest on May 9, 2012 (the “Put Option”), or following the occurrence of a change of control of Shire. In lieu of settling any such redemption in cash, the terms of the Bonds also permit the Company to deliver the underlying ordinary shares and, if necessary, a cash top-up amount. In accordance with US GAAP, as the exercise of the Put Option could require the Company to redeem the Bonds within twelve months of the balance sheet date, the Bonds have been presented as a current liability at September 30, 2011.