Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending balance Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Purchased patents Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Weighted-Average Life Estimated useful lives of the patents Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Reclass Deferred Financing Costs Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile loss to net cash used in operating activities: Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Stock-based compensation recognized Stock compensation recognized Allowance for accounts receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of debt discount Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discount Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization expense Common stock equivalents excluded in the calculation of diluted loss per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Loss Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Area of Real Estate Property Area of office space (in square feet) Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Total assets Assets Assets Assets [Abstract] Total current assets Assets, Current Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Total assets at fair value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets of discontinued operations (including restricted cash) Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Assets of discontinued operations Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Corporate debt securities, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Corporate debt securities, Fair Value Corporate debt securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Unrealized Gains (Losses) Corporate debt securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Award Type [Axis] 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 Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by disposal/sale of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Chief Executive Officer [Member] Chief executive officer Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Line Items] Stockholders' equity Class of Stock Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Exercise price (in dollars per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Warrant liability Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Number of shares that can be purchased from warrants Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Collaboration Agreements Collaboration agreements Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangements [Axis] Collaboration agreement Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Domain] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock 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, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, $0.001 par value - 130,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012; 30,894,666 and 30,621,869 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Employee Benefit Plan Deferred tax assets: Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Components of the Company's deferred tax assets (liabilities) Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Components of the income tax benefit Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive loss Comprehensive income (loss): Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Computer equipment Computer Equipment [Member] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted Conversion of preferred stock Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Common stock automatically converted from Series A convertible preferred stock, shares 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 Total costs and expenses Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Notes Payable Debt Instrument, Decrease, Repayments Amount paid in principal Aggregate principal amount of convertible senior secured notes issued Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Funds raised from a completed private placement Draw down under secured credit facility Fixed interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate (as a percent) Notes payable Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Debt Issuance Cost Syndication costs Deferred Financing Costs Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Title of Individual [Axis] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Financing Costs Deferred Finance Costs [Abstract] Deferred financing costs, current Deferred Finance Costs, Current, Net Deferred Finance Costs, Gross Financing costs capitalized Deferred financing costs, long-term Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Deferred financing costs related to the sale of non-recourse notes issued by TCD Income tax benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred revenue, net of current portion Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Net operating loss carryforward Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Depreciation and amortization Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment Research and development credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Research Accrued compensation and non-qualified stock options Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Deferred rent credit Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Deferred Rent Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Supplemental executive retirement plan Defined Benefit Plan, Current Assets Estimated fair value of the mutual fund investment securities recorded as restricted marketable securities Marketable securities - restricted (Other Assets) 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 Depreciation expense Depreciation Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent Warrant liability Warrant liability at fair value Share-Based Payments Share-Based Payments Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Gain on the sale of TCD, net of taxes Pre-tax income from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Loss (income) from discontinued operations Sale of TCD Royalty Sub Reported as Discontinued Operations Income tax expense from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Sale of TCD Royalty Sub Reported as Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Loss per common share: Loss Per Share Net income (loss) (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Basic and diluted (in dollars per share) Net loss per share, basic and diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic and diluted Net income (loss) (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Net income per share (in dollars per share) Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Loss Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loss Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Share-based Payments 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 Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted-average period over which total unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized ESPP Employee Stock [Member] Equipment [Member] Manufacturing equipment Equity Component [Domain] Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Total Carrying Value Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Schedule of fair value of the financial assets and liabilities Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value Assumptions, Exercise Price Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Dividend Yield (as a percent) Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Term Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Volatility (as a percent) Risk-Free Rate (as a percent) Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Assumptions used to calculate fair value of common stock warrant liability using Monte-Carlo simulation on a Black-Scholes lattice model Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table] Schedule of assumptions used to calculate fair value of stock warrant liability using Monte-Carlo simulation on a Black-Scholes model Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Warrant Liability Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] 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] Schedule of the entity's common stock warrant liability Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Changes in fair value of warrants included in earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Issues Issuance of Series A Preferred Stock warrants Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] 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 Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loss from continuing operations Loss from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent (Loss) income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Loss from continuing operations before income tax benefit Net loss from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic and Diluted Share Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Net (loss) income per share, basic and diluted, continuing operations (in dollars per share) Net (loss) income per share, basic, continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Net (loss) income per share, diluted, continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations (Loss) income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Discontinued Operations: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Net (loss) income per share, basic and diluted, discontinuing operations (in dollars per share) Net (loss) income per share, basic, discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net (loss) income per share, diluted, discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Consolidated Statements of Operations Disposal Group Name [Axis] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Sale of TCD Royalty Sub reported as discontinued operations Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax benefit generated from the loss from continuing operations Income tax benefit Tax benefit Income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Total 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] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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 Income tax (benefit) computed at federal statutory tax rate Income Tax Reconciliation, Income Tax Expense (Benefit), at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Permanent items Income Tax Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense Other Income Tax Reconciliation, Other Adjustments State taxes Income Tax Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes Uncertain tax position Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Contingencies Research and development credits Income Tax Reconciliation, Tax Credits, Research Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Interest Receivable, Net Interest receivable Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Interest payable Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventory Changes in operating assets and liabilities : Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Other non-current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets 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 expense Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Cash paid for interest - Discontinued operations Interest Paid, Discontinued Operations Interest Payable, Current Interest payable Interest Payable Interest payable Interest Receivable Interest Receivable, Current Inventory reserves Inventory Adjustments Inventories Inventory reserves Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Net Total inventories Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Inventory reserves Inventory Valuation Reserves Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Raw materials Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Work-in-process Investment Income, Interest Interest income Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Total liabilities Liabilities Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Current liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations 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, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2013 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2014 Long-term Debt [Text Block] Notes Payable Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Marketable Securities, Current Marketable securities Marketable Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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 Business Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net loss Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net loss attributable to common stockholders Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncash financial activity: Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income (expense) Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Non-recourse notes payable, held in TCD Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Notes Number of Operating Segments Number of business segments Officer Officer [Member] Operating loss Operating Income (Loss) Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter NOL carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Other accrued liabilities Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Unrealized net (loss) gain on marketable securities Unrealized net loss on marketable securities Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Net current-period other comprehensive loss Other comprehensive loss (income) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive loss: Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense) Patents [Member] Purchased patents Accrued Liabilities Payments of Financing Costs Financing costs and underwriters discounts Financing costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Expenses incurred in connection with offering Purchases of marketable securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Purchases of property and equipment, net Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Employee Benefit Plan Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Preferred Stock, Amount of Preferred Dividends in Arrears Accumulated dividends Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Per-Dollar-Amount Rate at which dividends accrued (in dollars per share) Cumulative dividends on Series A convertible preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments 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, aggregate liquidation preference (in dollars) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Series A preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Series A preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Series A preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Series A 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 preferred stock, $0.001par value - 65,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012; zero shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Reclassification adjustments Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment 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 Initial Public Offering 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 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 Pro Forma [Member] Pro Forma Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Average useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) 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 [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related party transaction Related-Party Transactions Related Party [Axis] Related-Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Repayment 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 Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted award Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Deficit Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Deferred Revenue Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block] Milestone revenues recorded Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method, Revenue Recognized Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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 Selling price (in dollars per share) Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Abstract] Product Sales Revenue, Net Revenues Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of accrued expenses Schedule of changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of gross carrying amount and related accumulated amortization of the patents Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] 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 Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Unrestricted marketable securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of unrestricted marketable securities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of the income tax benefit Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Significant components of the entity's deferred tax assets (liabilities) 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 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 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stock option and SAR 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 Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits Secured Debt Principal amount outstanding Secured Debt, Current Secured notes payable, net of discount Term loans Secured Debt [Member] Term loans under secured credit facility Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Secured notes payable, net of current portion and discount Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, general and administrative Series A Preferred Stock Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation 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, Award Vesting Period Vesting period 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, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share) Number of awards granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) 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) Non-vested shares at the end of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Non-vested shares at the beginning of the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Number of Shares 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) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] Weighted-Average Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Number of awards vested (in shares) Vested (in shares) 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, 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, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Dividend Yield (as a percent) 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, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Expected volatility, maximum (as a percent) Expected volatility, minimum (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Risk-free rate, maximum (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Risk-free rate, minimum (as a percent) Share-based payments Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Maximum number of shares of common stock provided for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Common Stock reserved for future employee purchase (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Share-based payments, additional disclosure 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, Exercisable, Number Exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable (in dollars per share) 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, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of options exercised Forfeited or expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share) 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, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Number of Options Granted (in shares) Granted (in shares) Weighted-average, grant-date fair value of options granted (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) 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, Outstanding, Number Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of Options 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 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, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding at the end of the period 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, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Vested and expected to vest (in shares) 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) 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 Total fair value of the common stock vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value 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, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Purchase price expressed as a percentage of fair market value of common stock Award Type [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Granted (in dollars per share) Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share Price Selling price of common stock sold (in dollars per share) Stock Price (in dollars per share) Fair value of common stock (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] Class of Stock [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Statement Statement [Line Items] Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Scenario [Axis] Statement [Table] Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Reverse stock split ratio Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Conversion of preferred stock to common stock (in shares) Common stock purchased by eligible employees (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Issuance of Employee Stock Purchase Plan shares (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of common stock, net of underwriters' discount and offering costs (in shares) Number of shares sold 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, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Stock-based compensation (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross 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, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Conversion of preferred stock to common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Issuance of Employee Stock Purchase Plan shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common stock, net of underwriters' discount and offering costs Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of stock options Stock option Stock Options [Member] Stock option Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent events Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent events Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] 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 earnings Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Unrecognized Tax Benefits Gross increases (decrease) related to current-year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions 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 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 Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic and diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average number of common shares: Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Deferred financing costs eliminated Amendment Description Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Accrued Clinical Trial Costs Accrued Clinical Trial Costs Current Represents the amount of clinical trial cost accrued. Represents the amount of accrued compensation reclassified to accounts payable and accrued expenses. Accrued compensation reclassified to accounts payable and accrued expenses Accrued Compensation Reclassified to Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accumulated other Comprehensive Income Loss Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income 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] Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization and Business Class of Warrant or Right Exercised Aggregate amount of each class of warrants or rights exercised. Warrants exercised using the net share method 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 exercise of warrants. Class of Warrant or Right Number of Warrants Exercised Number of warrants exercised Represents the number of warrants exercised. Collaboration Agreements Collaboration agreement substantive obligation period Collaboration Agreement Substantive Obligation Period Represent the substantive obligation period for the collaboration agreement. 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 Additional milestone payment to be received, based on certain milestones defined in the license agreement Collaborative Arrangement Additional Milestone Payments to be Received Represents the additional milestones payments to be received by the entity under the collaborative agreement. 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 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 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 Common Stock Conversion Ratio of Reverse Stock Split Conversion ratio of reverse stock split Represents the ratio used for determining the number of shares of common stock after the reverse stock split. Conversion of Warrants, Amount Converted Conversion of warrants The value of warrants converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments during the period. Part noncash refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments during the period. 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 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. Debt Instrument, Accrued Amount Related to Final Payment Accrued amount related to final payment Represents the accrued amount related to final payment, included within assets on the consolidated balance sheet. 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 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 Represents the number of executives for whom the entity has established a defined benefit plan. Number of executives for whom SERP was established Defined Benefit Plan, Number of Executives 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. 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 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. 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. Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Discretionary Employer Contribution Percentage Maximum percentage of participating employee annual compensation that the company may elect to make a discretionary contribute towards Represents the maximum percentage of participating employee annual compensation, that the employer may discretionary decide to contribute to a defined contribution plan. 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 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. 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 Groups Including Discontinued Operations Servicing Agreement Annual Servicing Fee to be Received 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. Document and Entity Information 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 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. 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 Exercise of Warrants Amount Exercised Exercise of warrants The value of warrants exercise in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments during the period. Part noncash refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments during the period. Fair Value Inputs, Probability of Scenarios Represents the probability of scenarios used to calculate fair value. Probability (as a percent) Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Liability Exercise of Warrants Exercise of warrants (credited to paid in capital) Represents the exercise of warrants that have taken place during the period in relation to liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Estimated annual aggregate amortization expense through December 31, 2015 Represents the amount of the estimated annual aggregate amortization expense. Finite Lived Intangible Assets Estimated Annual Aggregate Amortization Expense The full disclosure for the going-concern plans. Going Concern [Text Block] Management's Plans as to Continuing as a Going Concern Grant Date Eight [Member] 11/16/2010 Represents the grant date eight. Grant Date Eleven [Member] 01/17/2012 Represents the grant date eleven. Grant Date Five [Member] 07/20/2010 Represents the grant date five. Grant Date Four [Member] 04/16/2010 Represents the grant date four. Grant Date Nine [Member] 10/14/2011 Represents the grant date nine. Grant Date One [Member] 01/19/2009 Represents the grant date one. Grant Date Seven [Member] 11/02/2010 Represents the grant date seven. Grant Date Six [Member] 10/15/2010 Represents the grant date six. Grant Date Ten [Member] 12/30/2011 Represents the grant date ten. Grant Date Thirteen [Member] 06/21/2012 Represents the grant date thirteen. Grant Date Three [Member] 02/10/2010 Represents the grant date three. Grant Date Twelve [Member] 05/02/2012 Represents the grant date twelve. Grant Date Two [Member] 12/15/2009 Represents the grant date two. Represents the amount of interest payable reclassified to accounts payable and accrued expenses. Interest payable reclassified to accounts payable and accrued expenses Interest Payable Reclassified to Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Inventory Work in Process and Raw Materials Net of Reserves for which Tentative Approval Received from FDA Inventory related to raw materials for Trokendi XR for which tentative approval received from FDA Represents the inventory related to raw materials for Trokendi XR for which tentative approval received from FDA. 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. Issuance of Warrant Issuance of warrants The value of warrants issuance in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. Noncash is defined as transactions during a period that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments during the period. Part noncash refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments during the period. Lab and Office Equipment [Member] Represents information pertaining to lab and office equipment. Lab and office equipment Lab Equipment and Furniture [Member] Lab equipment and furniture Represents information pertaining to lab equipment and furniture. 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 License Agreement Number of Unrelated Entities from whom Royalty Payment Rights and Other License Rights Transferred 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. Marketable Securities Restricted [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for restricted marketable securities. Marketable Securities-Restricted Minimum Development Program to Be Terminated to Reduce Operating Expenses Minimum development programs to be terminated to reduce operating expense Represents the minimum development programs terminated by the entity to reduce operating expense in order to gain access to additional funding. 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. Mutual Funds for Defined Benefit Plan [Member] Mutual funds for SERP Represents the investments made for the defined benefit plan by the entity. 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. Number of Product Candidates for Attaining Regulatory Approval Number of late-stage epilepsy product candidates for which the company will likely revise its commercial plans in the event it does not access funding to continue operations and to fund deficits Represents the number of product candidates for which the entity is focused on revising its commercial plans, attaining regulatory approval and bringing them into marketplace. 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). Number of Product Candidates Which Received Tentative Approval Number of product candidates which received tentative approval from the FDA Represents the number of product candidates which received tentative approval from the prescribed authority. Number of Proprietary Products in Clinical Development Number of proprietary products in clinical development Represents the number of proprietary products and several proprietary product candidates in clinical development addresses address large market opportunities in epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 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. 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. 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 Tenant and capital improvement allowances 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. Operating Leases Base Annual Rent Increase Percentage Percentage increase incurrent base annual rent for the remaining term Represents the percentage increase in base annual rent due to amendment of the lease arrangement. 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. Operating Leases Optional Lease Extension Period Over Allotment of Shares During Period Shares Overallotment Proceeds (in shares) Represents the number of new stock over allotted during the period Overallotment Proceeds Represents the value of new stock over allotted during the period Over Allotment of Shares During Period Value Period Subsequent to Expiry Date for Accepting Damaged or Defective Product Period subsequent to expiry date for accepting damaged or defective product Represents the period subsequent to the expiry date for accepting damaged or defective product when shipped directly from the entity's warehouse. 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 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. Represents the minimum voting percentage of shares of preferred stock required for material changes. Preferred Stock Minimum Voting Rights Percentage Required for Material Changes Minimum voting percentage of outstanding shares of series A preferred stock required for material changes Preferred Stock Number of Directors that Shall Not be Changed without Specified Minimum Affirmative Voting Percentage 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. 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 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. 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 Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Gross Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock Represents the gross proceeds from issuance of stock, before deducting financing costs. Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Net The cash inflow associated with the amount received from entity's first offering of stock to the public, net of expenses. Net cash proceeds from sale of common stock Net cash proceeds from sale of common stock in Initial Public Offering Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Gross Gross cash proceeds from sale of common stock in a follow-on offering The cash inflow from the additional capital contribution to the entity, before deducting expenses. Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Net Net cash proceeds from sale of common stock in a follow-on offering The cash inflow from the additional capital contribution to the entity, net of expenses. Reclassification [Abstract] Reclassifications 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. 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. 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 Reverse Stock Split [Abstract] Reverse Stock Split Reverse Stock Split [Policy Text Block] Reverse Stock Split Disclosure of accounting policy for reverse stock split. 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. 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. 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. Sales Return Period Sales return period Represents the period within which product or services can be returned by the customers to the entity subsequent to the expiry date. Scenario. [Axis] Represents information by scenario used to calculate fair value. Scenario [Domain] Represents scenarios used by the entity to calculate fair value. 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 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. 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. 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. 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 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 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, 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 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 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 in which the entity has the right and option to purchase the shares of common stock 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. Share Based Compensation Arrangements by Share Based Payment Award Options Expiration Term Contractual term The period of time, from the grant date until the time at which the share-based (option) award expires. 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 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. 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. Number of share warrants (or share units) exercised during the current period. Warrant Exercise (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Warrants Exercised Value of stock issued as a result of the exercise of stock warrants. Warrant Exercise Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Warrants Exercised Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan Awards [Member] Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Non-vested Stock Options and ESPP Awards Represents stock options and employee stock purchase plan. 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. Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee Percentage of Equity Interest Sold Equity interest sold (as a percent) Percentage of subsidiary's or equity method investee's stock sold by the parent. TCD Royalty Sub LLC [Member] TCD Represents information pertaining to TCD Royalty Sub, LLC, a disposal group of the entity. Term Loan Additional [Member] Represents the additional term loan under amended credit facility. Additional term loan after amendment Term Loan Initial [Member] Represents the initial term loan under credit facility. Initial term loan facility Represents information pertaining to United Therapeutics, with whom the entity has entered into a license agreement. United Therapeutics United Therapeutics [Member] Information about certain conditions that allow an award to vest Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Stock based and other awards that vest under certain conditions 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 and Common Stock [Member] Warrants to purchase Series A Preferred Stock/Common Stock Represents the security that gives the holder the right to purchase shares of Series A preferred stock and common stock in accordance with the terms of the instrument, usually upon payment of a specified amount. 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 Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Represents the carrying amount of product consideration received or receivable, as of the balance sheet date, on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, net of expected costs and the cost of product shipped. Deferred product revenue, net Deferred Product Revenue Net Current Represents the carrying amount of licensing consideration received or receivable, as of the balance sheet date, on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Deferred licensing revenue Deferred Revenue Licensing Current Represents the licensing revenue received, but not recognized for financial reporting purposes, which is anticipated to be recognized for financial reporting purposes more than one year from the reporting date or one operating cycle, if longer. Deferred licensing revenue, net of current portion Deferred Revenue Licensing Noncurrent Represents the increase (decrease) during the reporting period, excluding the portion taken into income, in the liability reflecting product revenue yet to be earned for which cash or other forms of consideration was received or recorded as a receivable, net of expected costs and the cost of product shipped. Deferred product revenue, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Product Revenue Net Represents the increase (decrease) during the reporting period, excluding the portion taken into income, in the liability reflecting licensing revenue yet to be earned for which cash or other forms of consideration was received or recorded as a receivable. Deferred licensing revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Licensing Revenue 7.50% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2019 Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Net proceeds from issuance of debt Proceeds from Convertible Debt Repayment of debt Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Repayment of debt