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Network
2422404 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Schedule of Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details)
(http://www.alxn.com/role/IntangibleAssetsAndGoodwillScheduleOfChangesInCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetails)
Table(Implied)
Slicers (applies to each fact value in each table cell)
Reporting Entity [Axis]0000899866 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]Period [Axis]
2016-01-01 - 2016-12-31
2015-01-01 - 2015-12-31
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
 
 
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
 
 
Goodwill, beginning balance
5,048,000,000  
254,000,000  
Goodwill resulting from the Synageva acquisition
 
4,794,000,000  
Change in goodwill associated with prior acquisition
(11,000,000) 
 
Goodwill, ending balance
5,037,000,000  
 
5,048,000,000