Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Public Float Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Investments Current Restricted investment Other Restricted Assets Current Restricted letter of credit Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current, Total Assets, Current Total current assets Goodwill (Note 2) Goodwill, Ending Balance Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill Goodwill, Total Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the fair value of the acquired in-process technology, adjusted for any amortization recognized after market feasibility has been achieved and for any impairment charges. In-process research and development In-process research and development Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Investment in China Joint Venture Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Total China joint venture investment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Other assets (Note 4) Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Total Assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current, Total Management transition plan liability, current. Management Transition Plan Liability, Current Management transition plan liability Current portion of long-term debt (Notes 3, 4) Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Convertible Notes Payable Current Convertible notes Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of cash and other consideration due within one year to acquired business shareholders in connection with the business combination. Cash and the monetary equivalent of the other consideration will be released pursuant to the terms of the associated escrow agreement. Escrow holdback Escrow holdback Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued expenses Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable Employee Related Liabilities Current Accrued compensation and related expenses Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Deferred Revenue, Current Current deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Deferred tax liability (Note 2) Deferred tax liability Long-term debt, less current portion (Notes 3, 4) Long-term debt, less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Long-term deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent, Total Total Liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009; no shares outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010; 220,000 shares issued at December 31, 2011 and no shares outstanding at December 31, 2010 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common stock, $0.001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009; 12,469,214 and 12,172,510 shares issued at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, and 12,425,479 and 12,122,217 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common stock, $0.001 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010; 16,127,615 and 12,482,867 shares issued at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and 16,088,015 and 12,439,132 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Treasury stock, at cost; 43,735 shares at September 30, 2010 and 50,293 shares at December 31, 2009 Treasury stock, at cost; 39,600 shares at December 31, 2011 and 43,735 shares at December 31, 2010 Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury stock, at cost; 41,909 shares at June 30, 2011 and 43,735 shares at December 31, 2010 Deficit accumulated during the development stage Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred stock, par value Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Issuance of convertible preferred stock Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common stock, par value Common stock, shares authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] Revenues, Total Revenues Revenues, Total Operating expenses: Cost of revenues Cost of Revenue, Total Research and development Research and Development Expense, Total General and administrative General and Administrative Expense, Total Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating loss Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Impairment charge)/gain, net on investment securities and ARS put Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments, Total Other expense Other expense Other Nonoperating Expense, Total Interest expense Interest expense Interest Expense, Total Other income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Loss before income taxes Loss before income taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Net loss Net loss Accretion to redemption value of redeemable convertible preferred stock Accretion to redemption value of redeemable convertible preferred stock Accretion to redemption value of redeemable convertible preferred stock Accretion to redemption value of redeemable convertible preferred stock The deemed dividend on the Series C Preferred Stock is the aggregate difference between the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock and the Series C Preferred Stock conversion price per share. The deemed dividend increased the net loss applicable to common shareholders in the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per common share. Deemed dividend resulting from convertible preferred stock Deemed dividend resulting from beneficial conversion feature on Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock Deemed dividend resulting from beneficial conversion feature on Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net loss applicable to common stockholders Basic and diluted net loss per common share Basic and diluted net loss per common share Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Total The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating basic and diluted EPS. Weighted Average Number of Share Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Shares used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity And Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Parent [Member] Parent [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Deficit Accumulated During The Development Stage [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Shares, Issued Balance, shares Balance, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common stock for cash Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of common stock for cash, shares Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Issuance of convertible preferred stock, shares Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock-based compensation related to founders' warrants Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Total Stock-based compensation Employee stock based compensation. Employee Stock Based Compensation Deferred employee stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Convertible Debt with Conversion Feature Deemed dividend resulting from beneficial conversion feature on Series C redeemable convertible preferred stock Net loss and comprehensive loss. Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss Net loss and comprehensive loss Initial public offering common stock. Initial Public Offering Common Stock Issuance of common stock in initial public offering in February Issuance of common stock in initial public offering, shares. Issuance of Common Stock in Initial Public Offering Shares Issuance of common stock in initial public offering at in February, shares Public Offering Common Stock Public Offering Common Stock Issuance of common stock in public offering Issuance Of Common Stock In Public Offering Shares Issuance Of Common Stock In Public Offering Shares Issuance of common stock in public offering, shares Issuance of units in public offering. Issuance of Units in Public Offering Issuance of units in a public offering net of issuance costs, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of common stock upon option exercises Stock issued during period shares common stock. Stock Issued During Period Shares Common Stock Issuance of common stock upon option exercises, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Issuance of common stock upon option exercises, shares Option exercises, shares Issuance costs for registration. Issuance Costs for Registration Issuance costs for registration statement filed on behalf of restricted stockholders Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock. Conversion of Redeemable Convertible Preferred stock Into Common Stock Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock in February Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock, shares. Conversion of Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock Into Common Stock, Shares Conversion of redeemable convertible preferred stock into common stock in February, shares Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock Conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock Into Common Stock Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock in February Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock, shares. Conversion of Convertible Preferred Stock Into Common Stock, Shares Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock in February, shares Cancelation of stock options issued to employees. Cancelation of Stock Options Issued to Employees Cancelation of stock options issued to employees and related deferred compensation Stock based compensation option vesting acceleration and reissuance of options. Stock Based Compensation Option Vesting Acceleration and Reissuance of Options Stock-based compensation related to acceleration of option vesting upon employee termination and subsequent reissuance of a fully vested option Amortization of deferred employee stock based compensation. Amortization of Deferred Employee Stock Based Compensation Amortization of deferred employee stock-based compensation Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Purchase of treasury stock Purchase of treasury stock Cashless warrant exercises. Cashless Warrant Exercises Cashless warrant exercises Cashless warrant exercises, shares. Cashless Warrant Exercises, Shares Cashless warrant exercises, shares Cashless warrant exercises, shares Warrant exercises. Warrant Exercises Warrant exercises of 275,000 shares at $1.00 per share in March and August Warrant exercises, shares. Warrant Exercises, Shares Warrant exercises of 275,000 shares at $1.00 per share in March and August, shares Warrant exercises, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Employee stock-based compensation Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures, Total Adjustments to additional paid in capital, fair value of redemption feature of purchase of business combination. Adjustments to Additional Paid In Capital, Fair Value of Redemption Feature of Purchase of Business Combination Fair value of redemption feature of Avigen purchase (Note 2) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Issuance of shares under an employee stock purchase plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities, Net of Adjustments Issuance of shares for Convertible Notes Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities, Net of Adjustments, Total Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Issuance of shares for Convertible Notes (Notes 2 and 9), shares Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Warrant Issued Fair value of warrant issued in conjunction with Loan Agreement (Note 4) Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Total comprehensive income (loss) Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Equity Issuance, Amount Per Share Issuance of common stock for cash to founders, par value Preferred stock issuance dollar amount per share. Preferred Stock Issuance Dollar Amount per Share Issuance of convertible preferred stock, par value Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Issuance of convertible preferred stock, issuance costs Initial public offering equity issuance dollar amount per share. Initial Public Offering Equity Issuance Dollar Amount per Share Issuance of common stock in initial public offering, par value Public Offering Equity Issuance Dollar Amount Per Share Public Offering Equity Issuance Dollar Amount Per Share Issuance of common stock in public offering, par value Issuance of common stock. Issuance of Common Stock Issuance of common stock upon partial exercise of over allotment option, par value Warrant exercised dollar amount per share. Warrant Exercised Dollar Amount per Share Shares of warrants exercised, par value Option exercised dollar amount per share. Option Exercised Dollar Amount per Share Shares of options exercised, par value Treasury stock dollar amount per share. Treasury Stock Dollar Amount per Share Treasury stock, par value Average value of shares issued under an employee stock purchase plan. Average Value of Shares Issued Under an Employee Stock Purchase Plan Average value of shares issued under an employee stock purchase plan Issuance of units in a public offering net of issuance costs. Issuance of Units in a Public Offering Net of Issuance Costs Issuance of units in a public offering net of issuance costs Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs. Issuance of Common Stock, Net of Issuance Costs Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Non-cash stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Total Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Total Amortization of premium or discount on investment securities, accretion of convertible notes to fair market value and amortization of debt discount and issuance costs. Amortization of premium/discount on investment securities, convertible notes and debt discount and issuance costs Amortization of premium/discount on investment securities, convertible debt, debt discount and issuance costs Impairment charge on investment securities. Impairment Charge on Investment Securities Impairment charge/(gain), net on investment securities and ARS Put Impairment charge/(gain), net on investment securities and ARS Put Loss on disposal of assets (Gain)/loss on disposal of assets (Gain)/loss on disposal of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets, Total Impairment (write-down) of tenant improvements of sublet office space due to non-utility. Impairment of sublease Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Prepaid expenses and other assets Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets, Total The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of accounts payable, accrued expenses, income taxes payable , deferred rent, and other similar obligations and liabilities. Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Accrued Expenses Income Taxes Payable And Deferred Rent Accounts payable, income tax payable, accrued expenses and deferred rent Accrued compensation and related expenses Accrued compensation and related expenses Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities, Total Restricted assets Restricted assets Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash used in operating activities Investing activities: Cash paid for acquired business, net of acquired cash Cash paid for acquired business, net of acquired cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, Total Purchases of investment securities Purchases of investment securities Payments to Acquire Investments, Total Maturities or sales of investment securities Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities, Total Acquisition of property and equipment Acquisition of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Proceeds from sales of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities Financing activities: Net proceeds from the sale of common stock Proceeds from issuance of units, net of issuance costs Sale of preferred stock, net of issuance costs Proceeds from issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs Auction rate securities proceeds. Auction Rate Securities Proceeds Proceeds from ARS loan Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt, Total Net proceeds from debt Proceeds from the conversion of convertible notes into common stock. Proceeds from conversion of convertible notes Purchase of treasury stock, net of employee stock purchases Purchase of treasury stock, net of employee stock purchases Purchase of treasury stock, net of employee stock purchases Repayments of Debt Repayment of debt Repayments of debt Repayment auction rate securities. Repayment Auction Rate Securities Repayment of ARS loan Repayment of ARS loan Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net cash (used in) / provided by financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating and financing activities: Supplemental disclosure of investing activities and financing activities: Issuance of warrants. Issuance of Warrants Issuance of warrants Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock upon IPO Conversion of convertible preferred stock into common stock upon initial public offering Unrestricted cash upon conversion. Unrestricted Cash upon Conversion Restricted assets, cash unrestricted upon conversion of convertible notes Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information [abstract] Supplemental Disclosures Of Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Income taxes paid Interest paid Interest Paid, Total Supplemental disclosure of investing activities related to business acquisition. Supplemental Disclosure of Investing Activities Related to Business Acquisition [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of investing activities related to business acquisition: Fair Value of Assets Acquired Fair value of assets acquired (sold) Liabilities Assumed Liabilities assumed Deferred tax liability. Deferred Tax Liability Deferred tax liability Fair value of total merger consideration. Fair Value of Total Merger Consideration Fair value of total merger consideration (Note 2)