<XBRL>
<DefinitionAndReference>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Assets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_CollaborationExpenseAllocatedToNoncontrollingInterestsNetOfTax">
    <definition>Collaboration expense allocated to noncontrolling interests, net of tax.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MinimumEarningOfTargetNumberOfUnitsGrantedBasedOnDegreeOfActualPerformanceMetricAchievement">
    <definition>Minimum Earning of target number of cash settled performance shares granted based on the degree of actual performance metric achievement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ValueOfMarketStockUnitsReceivedByExecutive">
    <definition>Value of market stock units received by executive</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_PerformanceVestedRestrictedStockUnitsSettledInShares">
    <definition>Performance-vested restricted stock units settled in shares.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesEquitySecuritiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_PercentageOfVentureCapitalInvestmentsToTotalAssets">
    <definition>Percentage Of Venture capital investments to total assets.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_CurrentProvisionsToProductRevenueReservesRelatingToSalesInCurrentYear">
    <definition>Current provisions to product revenue reserves relating to sales in current year.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_RepurchaseOfCommonStockShares">
    <definition>Repurchase of common stock.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveYearsAmortizedCost">
    <definition>This item represents debt securities, at cost, net of adjustments made for accretion, amortization, other-than-temporary impairments, and hedging, if any, which are expected to mature after five years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MinimumTargetNumberOfMarketStockUnitsGrantedBasedOnStockPerformanceInPercent">
    <definition>Minimum Target Number Of Market Stock Units Granted Based On Stock Performance In Percent.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_SummaryOfTotalProductRevenueReservesIncludedInConsolidatedBalanceSheetsTextBlock">
    <definition>Summary of total product revenue reserves included in consolidated balance sheets.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeLowerRemainingMaturityRange">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_EstimatedRoyaltiesAndInterest">
    <definition>Estimated Royalties and interest.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryRawMaterials">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ImpairmentOfInvestmentsAndOtherAssets">
    <definition>This element represents the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the investment and other assets. The amount is charged to income if the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesFairValue">
    <definition>Total of debt securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading. Such securities are reported at fair value; unrealized gains and losses of such securities are excluded from earnings and included in other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain or loss of an Available-for-sale Security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge shall be recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, as should other than temporary declines in fair value below costs basis.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_IncreaseInEffectiveTaxRateDueToCollaboration">
    <definition>Increase in effective tax rate due to collaboration.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_StockOptionPlanExpenses">
    <definition>The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock options distributed to employees and directors as compensation.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AntiDilutiveEffectOfTimeVestedRestrictedStockUnits">
    <definition>The amount of Time-vested restricted stock units not included in determination of diluted EPS because their effects were anti-dilutive.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireMarketableSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_UnrealizedGainsLossesOnForeignCurrencyForwardContractArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>Unrealized change in accumulated gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts, during the period reported on, net of taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ForeignCurrencyForwardContractsThatWereEnteredIntoToHedgeForecastedRevenueTextBlock">
    <definition>Foreign Currency Forward Contracts That Were Entered Into To Hedge Forecasted Revenue.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AdditionalGrantOfRestrictedStockUnitsAndMarketStockUnits">
    <definition>Additional grant of Restricted Stock Units and Market Stock Units.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_NoticeOfAssessmentUnderConsiderationForCorporateExciseTax">
    <definition>Notice Of Assessment Under Consideration For Corporate Excise Tax.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_CapitalContributionsFromNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AvailableForSalesSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesFairValue">
    <definition>Total of debt securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading. Such securities are reported at fair value; unrealized gains and losses of such securities are excluded from earnings and included in other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders' equity, unless the Available-for-sale Security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain or loss of an Available-for-sale Security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge shall be recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, as should other than temporary declines in fair value below costs basis.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InterestExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AdjustmentsToProductRevenueReservesForPaymentsReturnsRelatingToSalesInCurrentYear">
    <definition>Adjustments to product revenue reserves for payments/returns relating to sales in current year.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_SummaryOfShareBasedCompensationExpenseAssociatedWithDifferentProgramsTextBlock">
    <definition>Summary of share-based compensation expense associated with different programs.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_CalendarDayAverageClosingStockPriceGrantDate">
    <definition>Calendar day average closing stock price grant date</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_FinancialInstrumentsTextBlock">
    <definition>This note represents our disclosures related to: (1) Marketable Securities, Non-Marketable Securities and Other Investments which may consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities (and other assets); including: securities held-to-maturity, trading securities, securities available-for-sale, and non-marketable securities; and (2) any unrealized gains and losses recognized on our investments due to changes in fair value as well as amounts charged to income if a decline in fair value of our investments is deemed to be other than temporary.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_OtherIncomeExpenseNetTextBlock">
    <definition>Other income (expense), net.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AccountReceivableFromOrdinaryCourseOfBusinessRelatedToJointVentures">
    <definition>Account receivable from ordinary course of business related to Joint Ventures.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsAndOtherAdjustments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_CollateralReceivedUnderSecuritiesLending">
    <definition>We loan certain securities from our portfolio to other institutions. As such securities transactions are classified as loaned securities on the accompanying consolidated cash flow. Collateral for the loaned securities, consisting of cash or other securities is maintained at a rate of approximately 102% of the market value of each loaned security. The cash collateral is recorded as collateral received for loaned securities as cash (in) flows.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_RemainingValueOfShareUnderRepurchase2010Program">
    <definition>Remaining Value Of Share Under Repurchase 2010 Program.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherSalesRevenueNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ProceedsFromMarketableSecuritiesExcludingStrategicInvestmentsTextBlock">
    <definition>Proceeds from Marketable Securities, excluding Strategic Investments and realized gains and realized losses from marketable securities excluding Strategic Investments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_NetRealizedGainLossOnMarketableSecurities">
    <definition>This item represents the total realized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period as a result of selling marketable securities categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MarketStockUnits">
    <definition>Aggregate awards of shares and nonvested shares to be issued to an employee under a time-based compensation arrangement are considered shares for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share. Such share-based awards shall be considered to be outstanding as of the grant date for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share even though their exercise may be contingent upon time and market conditions vesting and employment status. Those share-based awards are included in the diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) computation even if the employee may not receive (or be able to sell) the stock until some future date. Accordingly, all shares to be issued shall be included in computing diluted EPS if the effect is dilutive. The dilutive effect of share-based compensation arrangements shall be computed using the treasury stock method. If the equity share options or other equity instruments are outstanding for only part of a period, the shares issuable shall be weighted to reflect the portion of the
 period during which the equity instruments were outstanding.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsUsefulLife">
    <definition>Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_DueFromUnconsolidatedJointBusiness">
    <definition>Receivable from unconsolidated joint business for our share of the pretax co-promotion profits generated from our co-promotion arrangement for sales of RITUXAN.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MinimumMedicaidRebatePriorToIncreaseInPercentage">
    <definition>Old minimum Medicaid rate before implementation of new Healthcare Reform.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfForeignCurrencyCashFlowHedgeDerivatives">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NotesPayableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_RepurchaseOfCommonStockValue">
    <definition>Repurchase Of Common Stock Value.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AdjustmentsToProductRevenueReservesForPaymentsReturnsRelatingToSalesInPriorYear">
    <definition>Adjustments to product revenue reserves for payments/returns relating to sales in prior year.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AntiDilutiveEffectOfStockOptions">
    <definition>The amount of stock options not included in determination of diluted EPS because their effects were anti-dilutive.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_FederalDepositInsuranceCorporationGuaranteedSeniorNotesIssuedUnderTemporaryLiquidityGuaranteeProgram">
    <definition>Debt securities guaranteed by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryFinishedGoods">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateDescription">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ProductRevenueReservesClassifiedAsReductionOfAccountsReceivable">
    <definition>Product revenue reserves classified as a reduction of accounts receivable.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryWriteDown">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ObligationUnderSecuritiesLending">
    <definition>This is the liability that is maintain on the Company ledger to offset the fact we loan certain securities from our portfolio to other institutions. As such securities transaction are classified as loaned securities on the accompanying consolidated cash flow. Collateral for the loaned securities, consisting of cash or other securities is maintained at a rate of approximately 102% of the market value of each loaned security.  We have a current obligation to return the collateral which is reflected as collateral received on loaned securities on the accompanying consolidated cash (out) flow.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToIncrementalPerformanceVestedRestrictedStockUnitsSettledInShares">
    <definition>Aggregate awards of shares and nonvested shares to be issued to an employee under a performance-based compensation arrangement are considered shares for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share. Such share-based awards shall be considered to be outstanding as of the grant date for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share even though their exercise may be contingent upon performance-based vesting and employment status. Those share-based awards are included in the diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) computation even if the employee may not receive (or be able to sell) the stock until some future date. Accordingly, all shares to be issued shall be included in computing diluted EPS if the effect is dilutive. The dilutive effect of share-based compensation arrangements shall be computed using the treasury stock method. If the equity share options or other equity instruments are outstanding for only part of a period, the shares issuable shall be weighted to reflect the portion of the p
eriod during which the equity instruments were outstanding.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ReductionInTaxExpense">
    <definition>Reduction in tax expense.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MaximumEarningOfTargetNumberOfUnitsGrantedBasedOnDegreeOfActualPerformanceMetricAchievement">
    <definition>Maximum Earning of target number of cash settled performance shares granted based on the degree of actual performance metric achievement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_SummaryOfContractualMaturitiesAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTextBlock">
    <definition>This item represents the contractual maturities for available for sale securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ReservesTextBlock">
    <definition>Represents disclosure of our revenue recognition policies and accounting for related reserves for discounts and allowances. This item also provides analyses of the amount of, and change in, total revenue reserves related to our product sales.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AcquiredInProcessResearchAndDevelopment">
    <definition>The amount of purchased research and development assets that are acquired in a business combination have no alternative future use and are therefore written off in the period of acquisition.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_GainsLossesInProductRevenueForSettlementOfCertainEffectiveCashFlowHedgeInstruments">
    <definition>Gains/(Losses) in product revenue for the settlement of certain effective cash flow hedge instruments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_DebtInstrumentCarryingValue">
    <definition>Debt Instrument Carrying Value.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AntiDilutiveEffectOfPerformanceVestedRestrictedStockUnits">
    <definition>The amount of Performance-vested restricted stock units not included in determination of diluted EPS because their effects were anti-dilutive.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_FairValueOfFinancialAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasis">
    <definition>Fair Value Of Financial Assets Measured On Recurring Basis</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfBankOverdrafts">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_IncreaseDecreaseInDueFromUnconsolidatedJointBusiness">
    <definition>Increase Decrease In Due From Unconsolidated Joint Business.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherNoncashExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationAndPresentationOfFinancialStatementsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MilestonePaymentsMadeDuringPeriod">
    <definition>Milestone payments made during the period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_TotalExpenseReflectedWithinStatementsOfIncome">
    <definition>Biogen Idec's share of development expense reflected within our consolidated statements of income.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_NetOfTrademarksAndTradenames">
    <definition>Net of trademarks and tradenames.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_TotalJointVentureAssets">
    <definition>This item represents disclosures of summarized financial information for joint ventures consolidated within our financial position and results of operations.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementInputsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGains">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherIncomeAndOtherExpenseDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Revenues">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AnalysisOfAmountOfAndChangeInProductRevenueReservesTextBlock">
    <definition>Analysis of the amount of, and change in, product revenue reserves.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToTimeVestedRestrictedStockUnits">
    <definition>Aggregate awards of shares and nonvested shares to be issued to an employee under a time-based compensation arrangement are considered shares for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share. Such share-based awards shall be considered to be outstanding as of the grant date for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share even though their exercise may be contingent upon time vesting and employment status. Those share-based awards are included in the diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) computation even if the employee may not receive (or be able to sell) the stock until some future date. Accordingly, all shares to be issued shall be included in computing diluted EPS if the effect is dilutive. The dilutive effect of share-based compensation arrangements shall be computed using the treasury stock method. If the equity share options or other equity instruments are outstanding for only part of a period, the shares issuable shall be weighted to reflect the portion of the period during which t
he equity instruments were outstanding.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsUsefulLifeMaximum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AssumptionsUsedInValuationOfMarketBasedStockUnitsTextBlock">
    <definition>Assumptions used in Valuation of Market Based Stock Units Text Block.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAmortizedCost">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostOfRevenue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ExpectedDividendYield">
    <definition>The estimated dividend rate (a percentage of the share price) to be paid (expected dividends) to holders of the underlying shares over the award's term.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_InvestmentInBiotechnologyThatDeterminedToBeUnconsolidatedVariableInterestEntities">
    <definition>Investment in biotechnology that determined to be unconsolidated variable interest entities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_IncrementalChargesFromRsusAndPvrsus">
    <definition>Incremental charges from Stock Options, RSUs and PVRSUs associated to the retirement of CEO.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NotesPayable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AccumulatedImpairmentLosses">
    <definition>Accumulated impairment losses.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AssessmentOfTaxIncludingPenaltiesAndInterest">
    <definition>The amount associated with the Notice of Assessement of corporate tax including penalties and interest.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_PercentageOfGrantedPvrsusEarnedOnBasisOfPriorYearPerformance">
    <definition>Percentage of granted PVRSUs earned on the basis of 2009 performance.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsUsefulLifeMinimum">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCashAndCashEquivalents">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Goodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfShortTermDebt">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MaximumRangeOfRiskFreeInterestRatesInPercentage">
    <definition>Maximum Range Of Risk Free Interest Rates In Percentage.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MarketStockUnitsReceivedByExecutive">
    <definition>Market stock units received by executive</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeHigherRemainingMaturityRange">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeNetHedgeIneffectivenessGainLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveYearsFairValue">
    <definition>This item represents the fair value of debt securities, which are expected to mature after five years from the balance sheet date and which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_DiscountPercentageToMedicareBeneficiariesWhosePrescriptionDrugCostsBecomeSubjectToMedicarePartDCoverageGap">
    <definition>Discount percentage to Medicare beneficiaries whose prescription drug costs become subject to Medicare Part D coverage gap.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_FairValueOfVentureCapitalInvestmentsTextBlock">
    <definition>This element represents the disclosure related to the (a) fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (i) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (ii) purchases, sales, issuances and settlements (net); (iii) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs); (b) the amount of the total gains or losses for the period in subparagraph (c) (i) above included in earnings (or changes in net assets) that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still
 held at the reporting date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported in the statement of income (or activities).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_DiscountOfPurchasePriceOfCommonStockUnderEmployeeStockPurchasePlan">
    <definition>Discount of the purchase price of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentInProcess">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AverageStockPriceOnGrantDateInDollars">
    <definition>Average stock price on grant date in dollars.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProfitLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CommercialPaperAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_RestrictedStockUnitsReceivedByExecutive">
    <definition>Restricted stock units received by executive</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MinimumRangeOfRiskFreeInterestRatesInPercentage">
    <definition>Minimum Range Of Risk Free Interest Rates In Percentage.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_NumberGranted">
    <definition>The quantity of shares issuable on stock awards awarded under the plan during the reporting period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AntiDilutiveEffectOfConvertiblePreferredStock">
    <definition>The amount of Convertible preferred stock not included in determination of diluted EPS because their effects were anti-dilutive.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsUsefulLife">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_TotalExpenseIncurredExcludingUpfrontAndMilestonePayments">
    <definition>Total development expense incurred excluding upfront and milestone payments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryWorkInProcess">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainLossOnForeignCurrencyDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_AmendmentFlag">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ReconciliationBetweenFederalStatutoryTaxRateAndEffectiveTaxRateTextBlock">
    <definition>Reconciliation between the federal statutory tax rate and effective tax rate.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_Liabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisPlanAssetsForDeferredCompensation">
    <definition>Fair Value Measured On Recurring Basis Plan Assets For Deferred Compensation.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_NumberOfEqualAnnualIncrementsForMarketStockUnitsAwards">
    <definition>Number of equal annual increments for Market Stock Units awards</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AccountsReceivableInCountriesWithDeterioratedCreditAndEconomicConditions">
    <definition>Accounts receivable in countries with deteriorated credit and economic conditions</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ProductRevenueReserves">
    <definition>Product revenue reserves.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AdoptionOfAsuNo201017AndItsEffectTextBlock">
    <definition>Adoption of ASU No. 2010-17 and its effect.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_NonDeductibleItems">
    <definition>The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to nondeductible expenses under enacted tax laws.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MaximumTargetNumberOfMarketStockUnitsGrantedBasedOnStockPerformanceInPercent">
    <definition>Maximum Target Number Of Market Stock Units Granted Based On Stock Performance In Percent.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByStockOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
    <definition>Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Stock Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_CreditLineFromSalesAffiliatesCarryingValue">
    <definition>The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_EmployeeStockPurchasePlan">
    <definition>The noncash expense that accounts for the value of employee stock purchase plan.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_UnrealizedGainsLossesOnInvestmentsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
    <definition>Unrealized appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of investment during the period being reported on, net of taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ChargesRelatedToMarketableDebtSecurities">
    <definition>Charges related to marketable debt securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseResearchAndDevelopment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityPublicFloat">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_MinimumMedicaidRebateAfterIncreaseInPercentage">
    <definition>New minimum Medicaid rate after implementation of new Healthcare Reform.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_RemainingPotentialDevelopmentMilestonePaymentsAndRoyaltiesOnCommercialSalesUnderTermsOfCollaborationAgreement">
    <definition>Remaining potential development milestone payments and royalties on commercial sales under the terms of collaboration agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ChargesRelatedToMortgageAndAssetBackedSecuritiesIntentToHoldSecuritiesToRecovery">
    <definition>Charges related to mortgage and asset backed securities, intent to hold the securities to recovery.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_PerformanceVestedRestrictedStockUnitsSettledInCash">
    <definition>Performance-vested restricted stock units settled in cash.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_UnconsolidatedJointBusiness">
    <definition>Revenues from unconsolidated joint business consists of our share of pretax co-promotion profits in the U.S.; reimbursement of selling and development expense in the U.S.; and revenue on sales of RITUXAN outside the U.S., which consist of our share of pretax co-promotion profits in Canada.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_FairValueOfFinancialLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasis">
    <definition>Fair Value Of Financial Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_InterestInSubsidiary">
    <definition>Interest in subsidiary</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ProductRevenueReservesClassifiedAsReductionOfCurrentLiabilities">
    <definition>Product revenue reserves classified as a reduction of current liabilities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_DerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock">
    <definition>This note represents our disclosures related to: our hedging activities and use of derivative instruments; which includes disclosure related to our use of forward currency contracts to mitigate the risk of change in exchange rates and our use of interest rates swaps to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates and each of their respective notational amounts. Disclosures may also include the effect, if any, on our consolidated financial position and results of operations related to derivatives designated as hedging instruments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentType">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AccumulatedAmortizationOfTrademarksAndTradenames">
    <definition>Accumulated amortization and impairment of trademarks and tradenames.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_FairValueOfFinancialLiabilitiesMeasuredButNotRecordedOnRecurringBasis">
    <definition>Fair value of financial liabilities measured but not recorded on recurring basis.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_RoyaltyRate">
    <definition>Royalty rate.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisVentureCapitalInvestmentNetPurchasesIssuancesAndSettlements">
    <definition>Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Venture Capital Investment Net Purchases Issuances And Settlements.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AntiDilutiveEffectOfMarketStockUnits">
    <definition>The amount of Market stock units not included in determination of diluted EPS because their effects were anti-dilutive.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_TotalJointVentureLiabilities">
    <definition>This item represents disclosures of summarized financial information for joint ventures consolidated within our financial position and results of operations.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToMarketStockUnits">
    <definition>Aggregate awards of shares and nonvested shares to be issued to an employee under a time-based compensation arrangement are considered shares for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share. Such share-based awards shall be considered to be outstanding as of the grant date for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share even though their exercise may be contingent upon time and market conditions vesting and employment status. Those share-based awards are included in the diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) computation even if the employee may not receive (or be able to sell) the stock until some future date. Accordingly, all shares to be issued shall be included in computing diluted EPS if the effect is dilutive. The dilutive effect of share-based compensation arrangements shall be computed using the treasury stock method. If the equity share options or other equity instruments are outstanding for only part of a period, the shares issuable shall be weighted to reflect the portion of the
 period during which the equity instruments were outstanding.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCredits">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ReceivableRelatedToCostSharingArrangement">
    <definition>Receivable related to cost sharing arrangement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_GainLossOnFairValueOfForeignCurrencyForwardContracts">
    <definition>Gain/Loss on fair value of Foreign currency forward contracts.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityFilerCategory">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationRangeOfPossibleLosses">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_InventoryNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnSalesOfAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_SummaryOfFairAndCarryingValueOfDebtInstrumentsTextBlock">
    <definition>This element represents the disclosure related to the fair value measurement and carrying value of our debt instruments including the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques, if any, during the period and (2) for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AcquisitionsAndDispositionsTextBlock">
    <definition>A textual description of the key elements that define a specific acquisition, disposal or detail of assets held for sale.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_LitigationTextBlock">
    <definition>Litigation.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ComponentsOfInventoriesTextBlock">
    <definition>Components of inventories.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueAdditions">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_IncomeTaxEffect">
    <definition>The sum of the current income tax expense (benefit) and the deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to share-based compensation.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ValueOfRestrictedStockUnitsReceivedByExecutive">
    <definition>Value of restricted stock units received by executive</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_OtherIncomeExpenseNet">
    <definition>The amount of other nonoperating income and expense, which does not qualify for separate disclosure on the income statement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ImpactOfChangesInTaxLawOnEffectiveTaxRate">
    <definition>Impact of changes in tax law on effective tax rate.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_SummaryOfActivityRelatedToCollaborationWithCompanyTwoTextBlock">
    <definition>Summary of activity related to collaboration with company two.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationOperatingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToMinorityShareholders">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ResearchAndDevelopmentCostInSupportOfCollaborationAgreement">
    <definition>Research and development cost in support of the collaboration agreement.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_WeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
    <definition>The weighted average grant-date fair value of awards granted during the reporting period.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_TotalInventory">
    <definition>Carrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInIncomeIneffectivePortionAndAmountExcludedFromEffectivenessTestingNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_TaxOnUnrealizedHoldingGainsLossesOnInvestments">
    <definition>Tax effect on gross appreciation or the gross loss in value of the total of unsold investments during the period being reported on.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeEffectivePortionNet">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityRegistrantName">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_BasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareTextBlock">
    <definition>Basic and diluted earnings per share.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_PurchasePriceOfCommonStockUnderEmployeeStockPurchasePlan">
    <definition>Purchase price of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AdjustmentsToProductRevenueReservesRelatingToSalesInPriorYears">
    <definition>Adjustments to product revenue reserves relating to sales in prior years.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterest">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_TaxesOnForeignEarnings">
    <definition>The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate that can be explained by the difference between statutory income tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and the domestic federal statutory income tax rate recorded during the period and other items related to international earnings.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquityMethodInvestments">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_SummaryOfActivityRelatedToCollaborationWithCompanyOneTextBlock">
    <definition>Summary of activity related to collaboration with company one.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayable">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_ActivitiesReflectedInComprehensiveIncomeTextBlock">
    <definition>Activities reflected in comprehensive income including unrealized gains and losses on investments, hedging activities and (over) underfunded status of pension plans and translation adjustments.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_CollaborationProfitSharing">
    <definition>Payments are made to Elan for their share of rest of world net operating profits to effect an equal sharing of collaboration operating profit. These payments include the reimbursement of our portion of third-party royalties that Elan pays on behalf of the collaboration, relating to sales outside of the U.S. These amounts are reflected in the collaboration profit sharing line in our consolidated statement of income. As sales of Tysabri outside the U.S. increase, our collaboration profit sharing expense will increase.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_AverageMaturityOfMarketableSecurities">
    <definition>Average maturity of marketable securities.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_TaxOnUnrealizedGainsOnForeignCurrencyForwardContracts">
    <definition>Tax effect on gross appreciation or the gross loss in value of the total of unsold foreign currency forward contracts during the period being reported on.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_RestrictedStockExpenseTimeVestedRestrictedStockUnits">
    <definition>The noncash expense that represents the cost of restricted stock distributed to employees and directors as compensation.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill">
    <definition>Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill).</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue">
    <definition>No authoritative reference available.</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
  <Element Id="biib_NumberOfNewFormsOfEquityBasedCompensation">
    <definition>Number of new forms of equity-based compensation</definition>
    <reference>No authoritative reference available.</reference>
  </Element>
</DefinitionAndReference>
</XBRL>
