Share Based Compensation Arrangements by Share Based Payment Award Options Expiration Term Contractual term of awards The period of time, from the grant date until the time at which the share-based (option) award expires. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Period From Termination Date of Optionee for Repurchase of Shares Period from the termination date of option during which the entity has the right and option to purchase the shares of common stock under the 2005 Stock Plan Represents the period from the termination date of option in which the entity has the right and option to purchase the shares of common stock obtained by the optionee through the exercise of award. Restricted Stock that Vest on Periodic Basis over Specified Period [Member] Award that vests on a quarterly basis over a four-year period Represents the restricted stock award that vests on a periodic basis over a specified period. Restricted Stock that Vest upon Achievement of Specified Milestones [Member] Award that vests upon achievement of specified clinical and regulatory milestones Represents the restricted stock award that vests upon achievement of specified milestones. Award Grant Date [Axis] Information pertaining to different grant dates of stock options granted to employees and non-employees. Represents information pertaining to different grant dates of stock options granted to employees and non-employees. Award Grant Date [Domain] Award Type [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Stock based and other awards that vest under certain conditions Grant Date One [Member] 01/19/2009 Represents the grant date one. Grant Date Two [Member] 12/15/2009 Represents the grant date two. Grant Date Three [Member] 02/10/2010 Represents the grant date three. Amendment Description Grant Date Four [Member] 04/16/2010 Represents the grant date four. Amendment Flag Grant Date Five [Member] 07/20/2010 Represents the grant date five. Grant Date Six [Member] 10/15/2010 Represents the grant date six. Grant Date Seven [Member] 11/02/2010 Represents the grant date seven. Grant Date Eight [Member] 11/16/2010 Represents the grant date eight. Grant Date Nine [Member] 10/14/2011 Represents the grant date nine. Grant Date Ten [Member] 12/30/2011 Represents the grant date ten. Grant Date Eleven [Member] 01/17/2012 Represents the grant date eleven. Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Grant Date Twelve [Member] 05/02/2012 Represents the grant date twelve. Grant Date Thirteen [Member] 06/21/2012 Represents the grant date thirteen. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Number of Options Repriced Number of options repriced (in shares) Represents the number of option awards of which the weighted-average exercise price was repriced. Share Based Compensation Arrangements by Share Based Payment Award Options Grants in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price before Repricing Per-share exercise price of options granted, before repricing (in dollars per share) Represents the weighted-average price before repricing of options granted at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on stock options awarded. Share Based Compensation Arrangements by Share Based Payment Award Options Grants in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price after Repricing Per-share exercise price of options granted, after repricing (in dollars per share) Represents the weighted-average price after repricing of options granted at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on stock options awarded. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award for which Performance Vesting Requirements Modified Awards for which performance vesting requirements are modified (in shares) Represents the number of awards under the stock compensation plan for which performance vesting requirements are modified. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Forfeiture Rate Expected forfeiture rate (as a percent) Represents the expected forfeiture rate assumption used in estimating the fair value of award. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Granted [Abstract] Stock options granted to employees and non-employees Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Current Fiscal Year End Date Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Number of Milestones to be Completed for Vesting of Unvested Shares Number of milestones to be successfully completed for vesting of unvested shares Represents the number of milestones to be successfully completed for vesting of non-vested awards. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options Grants in Period Total Fair Value Total estimated fair value The total fair value of equity-based awards granted under the stock-based compensation plan. Number of directors that shall not be changed without affirmative vote of two-thirds of outstanding shares of series A preferred stock Represents the number of directors that shall not be changed without affirmative vote of a specified percentage of outstanding shares of preferred stock. Preferred Stock Number of Directors that Shall Not be Changed without Specified Minimum Affirmative Voting Percentage Preferred Stock Maximum Indebtedness that Can be Incurred without Specified Minimum Affirmative Voting Percentage Maximum liability for indebtedness that can be incurred without affirmative vote of two-thirds of outstanding shares of series A preferred stock Represents the maximum liability for indebtedness that can be incurred without affirmative vote of a specified percentage of outstanding shares of preferred stock. Number of Votes Per Common Share Held Number of votes to which holders of common shares are entitled for each share held Represents the number of votes to which the holders of common stock are entitled for each share held. Deferred financing costs The tax effect, as of the balance sheet date, of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from deferred financing costs, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when relevant losses are realized or actual obligations are incurred, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken. Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expenses Deferred Financing Costs Collaborative Arrangement Pre Commercial Milestone Payments Received Represents the amount of pre-commercial milestone payments received by the entity under the license agreement. Pre-commercial milestone payments received Especificos Stendhal [Member] Represents information pertaining to Especificos Stendhal, S.A., DE C.V., with whom the entity has entered into a developmental and licensing agreement. Stendhal License Represents information pertaining to United Therapeutics, with whom the entity has entered into a license agreement. United Therapeutics United Therapeutics [Member] Equity interest sold (as a percent) Percentage of subsidiary's or equity method investee's stock sold by the parent. Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee Percentage of Equity Interest Sold Reverse Stock Split Reverse Stock Split Document Period End Date Royalty Revenue Period from Signing of License Amendment within which Royalty Payments is Committed to be Paid Period from signing the amendment within which one-time payment is committed to be paid by Shire plc Represents the period from signing the amendment to the license agreement within which royalty amount is committed to be paid by counterparty. Mutual funds for SERP Represents the investments made for the defined benefit plan by the entity. Mutual Funds for Defined Benefit Plan [Member] TCD Royalty Sub LLC [Member] TCD Represents information pertaining to TCD Royalty Sub, LLC, a disposal group of the entity. Number of unrelated companies from which royalty payment rights and other license rights under license agreements were transferred Represents number of unrelated entities from which royalty payment rights and other license rights under license agreements were transferred. License Agreement Number of Unrelated Entities from whom Royalty Payment Rights and Other License Rights Transferred Represents the amount of consideration payable for transfer of royalty payment rights and other license rights under license agreements. License Agreement Consideration for Transfer of Royalty Payments Rights and Other License Rights Consideration for transfer of royalty payment rights and other license rights under license agreements Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Servicing Agreement Quarterly Servicing Fee to be Received Quarterly servicing fee to be received for performance of services related to the collection of amounts due in connection with license agreements Represents the amount of quarterly servicing fee to be received by the entity under the servicing agreement executed by the entity in connection with the debt. Represents the milestone payments to be received by the entity as a consideration for disposal of the disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, upon achievement of certain milestones. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Contingent Consideration Milestone Payments Contingent consideration to be received in future from sale of equity interest in TCD Document and Entity Information Development and Milestone Revenue Development and milestone revenues Revenue earned during the period through collaboration and research and development agreements. These agreements include fees for development services provided to customers, payments for achievement of specified development, regulatory and sales milestones, and to a lesser extent, upfront license payments, which comprise an entity's development and milestone revenue. Organization and Nature of Operations Number of product candidates receiving tentative approval Number of Product Candidates Receiving Tentative Approval Represents the number of product candidates of the entity, which received tentative approval from the Food and Drug Administration (the FDA). Going Concern [Text Block] Management's Plans as to Continuing as a Going Concern The full disclosure for the going-concern plans. Collaboration Agreements Lab Equipment and Furniture [Member] Lab equipment and furniture Represents information pertaining to lab equipment and furniture. Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment Components [Table Text Block] Schedule of property and equipment Tabular disclosure of the components of property, plant and equipment. Debt Instrument, Period of Interest Only Payments Represents the period of interest only payments. Period of interest only payments Debt Instrument, Prepayment Period [Axis] Represents debt prepayment periods. Debt Instrument, Prepayment Period [Domain] Represents information pertaining to debt prepayment periods. Debt Instrument, Prepayment Premium, Percentage Represents the premium payable by the entity with respect to prepayment of outstanding debt, expressed as a percentage. Prepayment premium (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Required Final Payment Represents the final payment that the entity will be required to make upon the maturity of any outstanding debt or the acceleration or prepayment thereof. Final payment required to be made Debt Instrument, Required Final Payment as Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount Represents the final payment as a percentage of aggregate principal amount that the entity will be required to make upon the maturity of any outstanding debt or the acceleration or prepayment thereof. Final payment required to be made as a percentage of aggregate principal amount Defined Benefit Plan, Number of Executives Represents the number of executives for whom the entity has established a defined benefit plan. Number of executives for whom SERP was established Fair Value Inputs, Probability of Scenarios Represents the probability of scenarios used to calculate fair value. Probability (as a percent) IPO Priced below Recommended Valuation Range [Member] Represents the scenario when IPO is priced below recommended valuation range. IPO priced below recommended valuation range IPO priced within recommended valuation range IPO Priced within Recommended Valuation Range [Member] Represents the scenario when IPO is priced within recommended valuation range. Lab and office equipment Lab and Office Equipment [Member] Represents information pertaining to lab and office equipment. Marketable Securities Restricted [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for restricted marketable securities. Marketable Securities-Restricted Preclinical Study and Clinical Trial Accruals and Deferred Advance Payments [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for preclinical study and clinical trial accruals and deferred advance payments. Preclinical Study and Clinical Trial Accruals and Deferred Advance Payments Preferred Equity Financing Followed by IPO within Valuation Range [Member] Represents the scenario of preferred equity financing followed by IPO within valuation range. Preferred equity financing followed by IPO within valuation range Preferred Equity Financing with Royalty Monetization Followed by IPO within Valuation Range [Member] Represents the scenario of preferred equity financing with royalty monetization followed by IPO within valuation range. Preferred equity financing with royalty monetization, followed by IPO within valuation range Prepayment Period, 15 Months after Amortization Date [Member] Represents the prepayment period of 15-months after the amortization date. 15-month period after the amortization date Prepayment Period, before Amortization Date [Member] Represents prepayment period before amortization date. Before the amortization date Prepayment Period, Thereafter [Member] Represents the prepayment period after 15-months from the amortization date. Thereafter Probability Weighted Expected Return Method [Member] Represents probability-weighted expected return method used to measure fair value. PWERM Revenue Recognition, Development Revenue Maximum Term of Contracts Represents the maximum term of contracts under which development revenues have been earned by the entity. Maximum duration of contracts under which development revenues have been earned Scenario. [Axis] Represents information by scenario used to calculate fair value. Scenario [Domain] Represents scenarios used by the entity to calculate fair value. Term Loan Initial [Member] Represents the initial term loan under credit facility. Initial term loan facility Term Loan Additional [Member] Represents the additional term loan under amended credit facility. Additional term loan after amendment Warrant Liability [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for warrant liability. Warrant Liability Warrant to Purchase Common Stock [Member] Security that gives the holder the right to purchase shares of common stock in accordance with the terms of the instrument, usually upon payment of a specified amount. Warrants to purchase common stock Common stock warrant Warrant to Purchase Preferred Stock [Member] Security that gives the holder the right to purchase shares of Series A preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the instrument, usually upon payment of a specified amount. Warrants to purchase Series A Preferred Stock Preferred stock warrant Number of Product Candidates for Attaining Marketing Approval Number of most advanced product candidates for which the company is currently focused on attaining marketing approval Represents the number of product candidates for which the entity is focused on attaining marketing approval and bringing them into market. Minimum Number of Products Until Establishment of which in Marketplace Operating Losses is Expected to Continue Minimum number of products to be established in the market to avoid operating losses Represents the number of products to be established in the market to avoid operating losses. Reverse Stock Split [Policy Text Block] Reverse Stock Split Disclosure of accounting policy for reverse stock split. Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Potential Milestone Payment Number of Days from Occurrence of Conditions Number of days from occurrence of certain conditions to pay milestone payment Represents the number of days from the occurrence of certain conditions to pay milestone payment to the reporting entity. Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Milestone Payment Condition One Minimum Royalty Payment to be Received by Purchaser Minimum royalty payment to be received by purchaser for milestone payment Represents the first condition for receiving milestone payment within the specified period of the occurrence of such conditions. This condition requires that the purchaser receive certain minimum amount of royalty payments along with certain other requirements that needs to be satisfied. Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Milestone Payment Condition Two Minimum Proceeds Minimum proceeds to be received by purchaser for milestone payment Represents the second condition for receiving milestone payment within the specified period of the occurrence of such conditions. This condition requires that the purchaser receives a minimum amount of proceeds along with certain other requirements that needs to be satisfied. Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Purchase Price Determination Minimum Number of Bidders Involved in Competitive Bidding Process Minimum number of bidder involved in competitive bidding process to determine the purchase price Represents the minimum number of bidder involved in competitive bidding for the determination of purchase price for disposal of the disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity. Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Servicing Agreement Annual Servicing Fee to be Received Annual servicing fee to be received for performance of services related to the collection of amounts due in connection with license agreements Represents the amount of annual servicing fee to be received by the entity under the servicing agreement executed by the entity in connection with the debt. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Sales Consideration Cash Payment Cash payment to be received as consideration from sale of equity interest in TCD Represents the cash consideration to be received by the entity as consideration for the disposal group. Tenant and capital improvement allowances Represents the amount of payments that the lessee can elect to make in connection with tenant and capital improvement allowances under the terms of an agreement classified as an operating lease. Operating Leases Allowance for Tenant and Capital Improvement Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Represents the percentage increase in base annual rent due to amendment of the lease arrangement. Operating Leases Base Annual Rent Increase Percentage Percentage increase in base annual rent for the remaining term Operating Leases Optional Lease Extension Period Additional period for which the entity may elect to extend the term of the lease Represents the additional period for which the entity may extend the operating lease term. Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Operating Leases Additional Allowance for Tenant and Capital Improvement Additional tenant improvement allowance Represents the additional amount of payments that the lessee can elect to make in connection with tenant and capital improvement allowances under the terms of an agreement classified as an operating lease. Entity Voluntary Filers Operating Leases Allowance for Tenant and Capital Improvement Capitalized Tenant improvement allowance utilized and included in fixed assets and deferred rent Represents the amount of allowances for tenant and capital improvements that have been utilized and capitalized by the entity. Entity Current Reporting Status Defined Contribution Plan Eligibility Minimum Age Minimum age requirement for employees to participate in the plan Represents the minimum eligibility age for employees to participate in the defined contribution plan. Entity Filer Category Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued expenses Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Employee Contribution Percentage Maximum contribution by employee (as a percent) Represents the maximum contribution by eligible employee as a percentage of their eligible compensation, subject to the applicable limit established by the code. Entity Public Float Represents the vesting percentage of employee contribution. Defined Contribution Plan, Percentage Vesting of Employee Contribution Vesting percentage of contributions by employee to the 401(k) Plan Entity Registrant Name Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Level One Employer match of employee contributions on the first level of salary deferral (as a percent) Represents the employer matching contribution of the first level of employee contributions. Entity Central Index Key Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Employee Contribution Level One Percentage of eligible compensation, first level, matched by employer Represents the first level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation), which are matched by the employer. Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Level Two Employer match of employee contributions on the second level of salary deferral (as a percent) Represents the employer matching contribution of the second level of employee contributions. Percentage of eligible compensation, second level, partially matched by employer Represents the second level of employee contributions (percentage of compensation), which are partially matched by the employer. Employer Match Employee Contribution Level Two Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Discretionary Employer Contribution Percentage Maximum percentage of participating employee annual compensation that the company may elect to make a discretionary contribution Represents the maximum percentage of participating employee annual compensation, that the employer may discretionary decide to contribute to a defined contribution plan. Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Shire LLC [Member] Shire LLC and its affiliates Represents information pertaining to Shire LLC, a related party which holds series A preferred stock of the entity. Royalty Opportunities S Arl [Member] ROS Represents information pertaining to Royalty Opportunities S.ar.1, a related party which is an affiliate of one of the entity's series A preferred stockholders. Related Party Transaction Royalty Payment Received Lump-sum payment received in return for a fully paid-up license for one of the products that utilizes the entity's proprietary technologies Represents the lump-sum payment received in return for a fully paid-up license for one of the products that utilizes the entity's proprietary technologies. Represents the maximum amount of additional milestones payments to be received by the entity under the collaborative agreement. Future milestone payment to be received, based on certain milestones defined in the license agreement Collaborative Arrangement Additional Milestone Payments Maximum Collaborative Arrangement Expiration Period from First Commercial Sale of Product Represents the expiration period of license agreement from the first commercial sale of each product on a country-by-country and product-by-product basis. Expiration period from the first commercial sale of each product on a country-by-country and product-by-product basis Milestone payments to be received upon development of additional treprostinil products for a second indication Collaborative Arrangement Milestone Payments to be Received upon Satisfaction of Development Milestones of Additional Products for Second Indication Represents the amount to be received by the entity upon satisfaction of development milestones of additional products for the second indication. Represents the amount to be received by the entity upon satisfaction of development milestones of the product. Milestone payments to be received upon development of oral treprostinil in PAH Collaborative Arrangement Milestone Payments to be Received upon Satisfaction of Development Milestones of Product Shares issued in connection with the purchase of certain assets from Shire Laboratories, Inc. Number of shares issued during the period pursuant to acquisitions. Preferred Stock Shares Issued Acquisitions Convertible Preferred Stock Initial Conversion Ratio Initial conversion ratio Represents the ratio applied to the shares of preferred stock for the purpose of determining the number of shares of the common stock into which the shares of preferred stock will be converted. Conversion ratio after giving effect to the reverse stock split Represents the ratio used for determining the number of shares of the common stock into which the shares of preferred stock will be converted after giving effect to the reverse stock split. Convertible Preferred Stock Conversion Ratio after Effect of Reverse Stock Split Preferred Stock Voting Rights Number of Directors that Can be Elected Number of directors the holders of series A preferred stock are entitled to elect Represents the number of directors that can be elected by the preferred stockholders. Minimum voting percentage of outstanding shares of series A preferred stock required for material changes Represents the minimum voting percentage of shares of preferred stock required for material changes. Preferred Stock Minimum Voting Rights Percentage Required for Material Changes Tabular disclosure of the options granted during the period by the entity under the stock incentive plan. Schedule of Options Granted [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock options granted to employees and non-employees Stock Plan 2005 [Member] 2005 Plan Represents information pertaining to the 2005 Stock Plan that provides for grants of stock options, purchase rights and awards to employees, officers, directors, consultants or advisors. Equity Incentive Plan 2012 [Member] 2012 Plan Represents information pertaining to the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan that provides for grants of stock options, purchase rights and awards to employees, officers, directors, consultants or advisors. Number of annual installments in which the awards would generally vest starting on the first anniversary of the date of grant Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Number of Installments from First Anniversary of Grant Date Represents the number of installments in which the awards would generally vest starting from the first anniversary of the date of grant. Document Fiscal Year Focus Number of Late Stage Epilepsy Product Candidates The number of late-stage epilepsy product candidates. Number of late-stage epilepsy product candidates for which the company is currently focused on attaining regulatory approval Document Fiscal Period Focus Represents the amount of the estimated annual aggregate amortization expense. Finite Lived Intangible Assets Estimated Annual Aggregate Amortization Expense Estimated annual aggregate amortization expense through December 31, 2015 Revision of Commercial Plan Number of Late Stage Epilepsy Product Candidates Number of late-stage epilepsy product candidates for which the company will likely revise its commercial plans Represents the number of late-stage epilepsy product candidates for which the entity will likely revise its commercial plans in the event the entity does not access funding to continue operations and to fund deficits. Number of product candidates which received tentative approval from the Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) Represents the number of product candidates which received tentative approval from the prescribed authority. Number of Product Candidates which Received Tentative Approval Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense, Credit Stock-based compensation (credit) recognized Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees. Vesting [Axis] Information about certain conditions that allow an award to vest Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Net Represents the net proceeds from issuance of stock, after deducting financing costs. Net cash proceeds from sale of common stock Pro Forma Balance Sheet Presentation [Policy Text Block] Pro Forma Balance Sheet Presentation Disclosure of accounting policy for presentation of pro forma balance sheet. Tabular disclosure of the numerators and the denominators of the pro forma basic and diluted per-share (or per-unit) computations for income from continuing and discontinued operations. Schedule of Proforma Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of pro forma earnings (loss) per common share Pro Forma Balance Sheet Presentation [Abstract ] Pro Forma Balance Sheet Presentation Convertible Preferred Stock Shares Issued upon Conversion Pro Forma Number of shares of common stock into which Series A preferred stock are expected to automatically convert Number of shares expected to be issued for convertible preferred stock as if the conversion has been completed at the beginning of the period. Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of significant accounting policies Deferred financing costs related to the IPO Represents the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of capitalized costs associated with the initial public offering that will be charged against the proceeds received from initial public offering. Deferred Finance Costs Related to Initial Public Offering Document Type Schedule of Earnings Per Share [Table] A table or schedule providing information pertaining to earnings per share. Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Pro forma earnings (loss) per common share Preferred Stock Voting Percentage Required for Conversion Voting percentage required for the right to elect to convert all outstanding shares into shares of common stock Represents the voting percentage required to have the right to elect to convert all outstanding shares of preferred stock into shares of common stock. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Number of Plans Number of share-based compensation plans Represents the number of share-based compensation plans of the entity. Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Tabular disclosure providing information pertaining to significant accounting policies of the entity. Number of Product Candidates Approved for Sale Number of product candidates approved for sale Represents the number of product candidates approved for sale. Security that gives the holder the right to purchase shares of Series A preferred stock or common stock in accordance with the terms of the instrument, usually upon payment of a specified amount. Warrant to Purchase Preferred Stock and Common Stock [Member] Warrants to purchase Series A Preferred Stock/Common Stock Grant Date Fourteen [Member] 8/9/2012 Represents the grant date fourteen. Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues Excluding Allotment Number of shares issued, excluding underwriter over-allotment Number of new share issued during the period, excluding shares issued to underwriters under their over-allotment option. Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs (in shares) Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Gross Proceeds from issuance of common stock The aggregate proceeds from entity's first offering of stock to the public, before financing costs. Class of Warrant or Right Number of Shares Issued on Warrants Exercised Number of shares issued on exercise of warrants Represents the number of shares of common stock issued on exercised of warrants. Number of Patents Issued Number of patents issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Represents the number of patents issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to the entity. Class of Warrant or Right Number of Warrants Exercised Number of warrants exercised Represents the number of warrants exercised. Number of Proprietary Products that Address Large Market Opportunities in Epilepsy and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Number of proprietary products that address large market opportunities in epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Represents the number of proprietary products that address large market opportunities in epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Awards [Member] Stock options, Non-Vested Stock Options and ESPP Awards Represents stock options and employee stock purchase plan. Collaborative Arrangement Amount Received to be Recognized as Revenue on Straight Line Basis Over Obligation Period Represents the amount received in collaborative arrangement to be recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over obligation period. Amount received to be recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis Marketable Securities Current Portion Marketable securities - noncurrent Total debt and equity financial instruments including: (1) securities held-to-maturity, (2) trading securities, and (3) securities available-for-sale which are intended to be held for short period or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Weighted-Average Life Estimated useful lives of the patents Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Purchased patents Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Deferred Financing Costs Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation recognized Stock compensation recognized Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization expense Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Common stock equivalents excluded in the calculation of diluted loss per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Loss per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Total assets at fair value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Assets of discontinued operations Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Total current assets Assets, Current Total assets Assets Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets of discontinued operations (including restricted cash) Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Unrealized Gains (Losses) Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Noncurrent Long Term Investments Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by disposal of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Chief Executive Officer [Member] Chief executive officer Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Warrant liability Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of Stock [Line Items] Stockholders' equity Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Exercise price (in dollars per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Class of Stock [Domain] Number of shares that can be purchased from warrants Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Collaboration agreement Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Collaboration Agreements Collaboration agreements Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Domain] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangements [Axis] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, $0.001 par value-62,000,000, 62,625,000 and 130,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2010 and 2011 and September 30, 2012, respectively; 1,592,762, 1,662,321 and 24,466,049 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 and 2011 and September 30, 2012, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Common stock reserved for the potential conversion of outstanding series A preferred stock Employee Benefit Plan Deferred tax assets: Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Components of the benefit from income tax Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Components of the Company's deferred tax assets (liabilities) Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income [Member] Computer equipment Computer Equipment [Member] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Common stock automatically converted from Series A convertible preferred stock, shares Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted Non-cash conversion of preferred stock to common stock at par value Number of shares of common stock into which Series A preferred stock automatically got converted Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Notes payable Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Notes Payable Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Amount paid in principal Drawdown under the secured credit facility Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Funds raised from a completed private placement Draw down under secured credit facility Debt discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Fixed interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate (as a percent) Depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment Title of Individual [Axis] Deferred Financing Costs Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue Deferred Financing Costs Deferred Finance Costs [Abstract] Deferred Finance Costs, Gross Capitalized financing costs Deferred financing costs, current Deferred Finance Costs, Current, Net Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred financing costs, long-term Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Deferred financing costs Income tax benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Gross State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred revenue, net of current portion Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Net operating loss carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred rent credit Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Deferred Rent Research and development credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Accrued compensation and non-qualified stock options Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Defined Benefit Plan, Current Assets Marketable securities-restricted Marketable securities - restricted Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Company's contribution to the 401(k) Plan Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent 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Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted-average period over which total unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Share-based Payments ESPP Employee Stock [Member] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Total unrecognized compensation expense, net of related forfeiture estimates Manufacturing equipment Equipment [Member] Equity Component [Domain] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Total Carrying Value Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Volatility (as a percent) Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Assumptions used to calculate fair value of common stock warrant liability using Monte-Carlo simulation on a Black-Scholes lattice model Fair Value Inputs, 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Schedule of the entity's common stock warrant liability Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Changes in fair value of the warrants Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Intangible Assets Furniture Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Gain on sale of property and equipment Gain (Loss) on Sale of Property Plant Equipment General and Administrative Expense [Member] General and administrative Purchased Patents Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived 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Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Sale of TCD Royalty Sub reported as discontinued operations Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income (loss) per share from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax benefit generated from the loss from continuing operations Income tax benefit Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Income tax (benefit) computed at federal statutory tax rate Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Reconciliation of the expected income tax benefit computed using the federal statutory income tax rate to the Company's effective income tax rate Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract] Permanent items Income Tax Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense Change in valuation allowance Net change in total valuation allowance due to the tax attributes utilized by discontinued operations Income Tax Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Research and development credits Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Research State taxes Income Tax Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Discontinued Operations: Uncertain tax position Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Contingencies Other Income Tax Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent (Loss) income from discontinued operations Loss (income) from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations used to compute pro forma income per common share-basic and diluted Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Receivable, Net Interest receivable Other non-current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and supplemental executive retirement plan Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Interest payable Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Conversion of Preferred Stock Potential common stock included in denominator for the per share amounts related to discontinued operations (in shares) Purchased Patents Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Purchased patents, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Net book value of intangible assets Interest Payable Interest payable Interest Payable, Current Interest payable Interest expense Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Cash paid for interest-Discontinued operations Interest Paid, Discontinued Operations Interest receivable Interest Receivable, Current Cash paid for interest-Continuing operations Interest Paid Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Inventory Inventory, Net Investment Income, Interest Interest income Marketable Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Current liabilities of discontinued operations Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total liabilities Liabilities Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) Liabilities and Equity Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Aggregate amount Long-term Debt Total Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Required principal payments Long-term Debt [Text Block] Notes Payable Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2013 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2012 Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Marketable Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities Marketable Securities, Current Marketable securities Marketable securities-noncurrent Marketable Securities, Noncurrent Marketable securities - noncurrent Marketable Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Unrealized loss (gain) on marketable securities Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Municipal Bonds [Member] Municipal bonds Nature of Operations [Text Block] Organization and Nature of Operations Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Notes Non-recourse notes issued by TCD Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Non-recourse notes payable, held in TCD Number of Operating Segments Number of business segments Officer Officer [Member] Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] NOL carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating income (loss) from continuing operations Operating Income (Loss) 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2012 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense) Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities Patents [Member] Purchased patents Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Expenses incurred in connection with offering Financing costs Purchases of property and equipment, net Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Payments of Financing Costs Financing costs and underwriters discounts Employee Benefit Plan Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Axis] Series A convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value-49,000,000, 49,625,000 and 65,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2010 and 2011 and September 30, 2012, respectively; 49,000,000, 49,000,000 and zero shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 and 2011 and September 30, 2012, respectively; aggregate liquidation preference of $66,090, $69,520 and zero at December 31, 2010 and 2011 and September 30, 2012, respectively Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Series A convertible preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Series A convertible preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Cumulative dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Series A convertible preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount Rate at which dividends accrued (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Amount of Preferred Dividends in Arrears Accumulated dividends Series A convertible preferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference (in dollars) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Price per share that the holders of preferred stock are entitled to receive in liquidation (in dollars per share) Series A convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Number of outstanding shares of Series A preferred Stock that are automatically converted to shares of common stock Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Weighted-average number of common shares used in calculating pro forma (loss) from continuing operations, income from discontinued operations and net income per common share: Diluted Pro Forma Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Diluted Pro Forma [Member] Pro Forma Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Net proceeds, net of financing costs and required interest reserve Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Aggregate gross cash proceeds Net cash proceeds from sale of common stock Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Sales and maturities of marketable securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Proceeds from Secured Notes Payable Proceeds from issuance of secured notes payable Average useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property and Equipment Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Schedule of average useful lives used to compute depreciation and amortization Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Related-Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related party transaction Related Party [Domain] Related-Party Transactions Related Party [Axis] Repayments of secured notes payable Repayments of Secured Debt Research and development Research and Development Expense Research and Development Expense [Member] Research and development Research and Development Costs Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Amount available in restricted cash interest reserve account to pay interest Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents - restricted Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted award Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Deficit Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Milestone revenues recorded Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method, Revenue Recognized Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Management's Plans as to Continuing as a Going Concern Royalty revenues related to an amendment to a license agreement with Shire plc Royalty Revenue Royalty revenues Purchase price expressed as a percentage of fair market value of common stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at the end of the period Revenue, Net Total revenues Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of the benefit from income tax Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of activity related to non-vested shares Summary of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of assumptions used in estimation of fair value of each award option on the date of grant using Black-Scholes option-pricing model Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of principal payments of secured notes payable Schedule of common stock equivalents excluded in the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of the expected income tax benefit computed using the federal statutory income tax rate to the entity's effective income tax rate Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits Schedule of future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Significant components of the entity's deferred tax assets (liabilities) Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of gross carrying amount and related accumulated amortization of the patents Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Marketable securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of marketable securities Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Schedule of stock-based compensation recognized related to the grant of employee and non-employee stock options, and non-vested stock Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Secured notes payable, net of current portion and discount Secured Debt, Current Secured notes payable, net Secured Debt [Member] Term loans under secured credit facility Term loans Secured Debt Principal amount outstanding Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Requisite service period over which total estimated fair value was recognized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Number of Shares Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Expected volatility, maximum (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited or expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Expected volatility, minimum (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested shares at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Non-vested shares at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Total fair value of the common stock vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period Risk-free rate, maximum (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Weighted-Average Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Number of Options Granted (in shares) Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation 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Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected dividends (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Estimated Fair Value (in dollars per share) Weighted-average, grant-date fair value of options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based payments, additional disclosure Exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of Options Maximum number of shares of common stock provided for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Assumptions used in estimating the fair value of each option award using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Forfeited or expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value Intrinsic Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost Stock-based compensation related to the modified performance vesting options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Vested and expected to vest (in shares) Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value of options vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Award Type [Domain] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share) Shares, Outstanding Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Software Software [Member] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Statement Statement [Line Items] Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Equity Components [Axis] Consolidated Balance Sheets Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Class of Stock [Axis] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Stock option Stock Options [Member] Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common stock, net of underwriters' discount and offering costs Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Shares of common stock sold upon exercise of full amount of over-allotment option by the underwriters Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Conversion of preferred stock to common stock Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of common stock, net of underwriters' discount and offering costs (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercise of stock options (in shares) Exercised (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in shares) Vesting of unvested stock issued to officer Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Vesting of unvested stock issued to officer (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Common stock purchased by eligible employees (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Stockholders' equity (deficit): Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Total stockholders' equity (deficit) Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Conversion ratio of reverse stock split Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Ownership interest (as a percent) Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Supernus Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) Research and development credit carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Change in fair value of warrant liability Changes in fair value of warrants included in other income (expense) Gross increases related to current-year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Unrecognized Tax Benefits Gross increases related to prior-year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] U.S. Agency Securities US Treasury and Government [Member] U.S. Treasuries and agencies Net change in total valuation allowance due to the tax attributes utilized by discontinued operations Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Warrants Warrant [Member] Warrants outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average number of common shares: Denominator: Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted-average number of common shares used to calculate (loss) from continuing operations, income from discontinued operations and net income per common share: Basic Add: Pro forma adjustments to reflect assumed weighted-average effect of conversion of convertible preferred stock Weighted Average Number Basic Shares Outstanding Adjustment, Pro Forma Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted-average number of common shares used to calculate (loss) from continuing operations, income from discontinued operations and net income per common share: Diluted Weighted-average number of common shares used in calculating pro forma (loss) from continuing operations, income from discontinued operations and net income per common share: Basic Weighted Average Basic Shares Outstanding, Pro Forma Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Deferred financing costs eliminated Maximum maturiites of noncurrent marketable securities Marketable Securities Noncurrent Maximum Period The maximum maturity of the marketable security in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Number of Venture Debt Holders Exercising Warrants The number of venture debt holders exercising warrants in period. Number of venture debt holders exercising warrants Reverse Stock Split [Text Block] Reverse Stock Split The entire disclosure of reverse stock split arrangement. Also provide the retroactive effect given by the reverse split that occurs after the balance sheet date but before the release of financial statements. Collaboration agreement substantive obligation period Collaboration Agreement Substantive Obligation Period Represent the substantive obligation period for the collaboration agreement. Pre-Effective Amendment Number