Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2012
Rapiacta [Member]
Sep. 30, 2012
Rapiacta [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Money Market Funds [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Money Market Funds [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Royalty Receivable [Member]
Shionogi & Co. Ltd [Member]
Dec. 31, 2012
Royalty Receivable [Member]
Shionogi & Co. Ltd [Member]
Mar. 09, 2011
JPR Royalty Sub LLC [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Laboratory Equipment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Office Equipment [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Software [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Maximum [Member]
Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]                                
Cash and Investments   $ 40,788                            
Proceeds from non-recourse notes                   30,000            
Maturity of investments                             3 months  
Restricted cash 151 308       150 300 1 8              
Maturity period for high-quality marketable securities                             3 years  
Average portfolio maturity period for high-quality marketable securities                             18 months  
Maturity period of investments                             12 months 3 months
Maturity period of longterm investments 12 months                              
Estimated useful lives                     5 years 5 years 7 years 5 years 7 years 5 years
Property plant and equipment depreciation methods description Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method with estimated useful lives of five and seven years.                              
Leasehold improvement amortization description Leasehold improvements are amortized over their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term, whichever is less.                              
Accrued expenses 2,210 6,573                            
Royalty revenue recognized 2,562 3,317    469 2,848                      
Interest expenses 4,778 4,666 3,774                          
Amortization of deferred financing costs 439 439 356                          
Cumulative mark-to-market adjustments - loss 5,294 (749) (4,000)                          
Hedge collateral under the agreement $ 0 $ 5,180                            
Antidilutive effect of shares issued under employee Stock Purchase Plan 2,109 1,026 1,003                          
Average maturity for portfolio investments                             24 months