The payment made to a third party in connection with the termination of a contract between the parties.

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	shpgf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

Maximum concessions made under in-licensing arrangements, such as foregoing royalties receivables, trade receivables.

No definition available.

Name:	shpgf_InLicensingArrangementConcessionMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	shpgf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Company's maximum obligation for the current year under in-licensing arrangements.

No definition available.

Name:	shpgf_InLicensingArrangementObligationCurrentYearMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	shpgf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Company's maximum obligation under in-licensing arrangements.

No definition available.

Name:	shpgf_InLicensingArrangementObligationMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	shpgf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The term of an in-licensing arrangement.

No definition available.

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Data Type:	us-types:durationStringItemType
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The amount of early contract termination fees included in research and development expense.

No definition available.

Name:	shpgf_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseContractTermination
Namespace Prefix:	shpgf_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

Name:	us-gaap_CollaborativeArrangementsAndNoncollaborativeArrangementTransactionsLineItems
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Termination of Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Duramed") Collaboration Agreement (Details) (SEASONIQUE Agreement, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2006	Mar. 31, 2009	Feb. 24, 2009	Dec. 31, 2009 Specialty Pharmaceuticals [Member]
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Maximum obligation	$ 140.0
In-licensing arrangement term (in years)	8Y
Current year maximum obligation			30.0
Contract termination payment		10.0
Maximum concession			25.0
Research and development charge upon contract termination				$ 62.9