This item represents the change in fair value of the Symphony Icon, Inc. purchase liability. In connection with the acquisition of Symphony Icon, Lexicon made an initial estimate of the fair value of the liability for the associated based and contingent payments. Changes in this liability, based on the development of the programs and the time until such payments are expected to be made, are recorded in Lexicon's consolidated statements of operations.

No definition available.

Arrangements with Symphony Icon Inc (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Arrangements with Symphony Icon Inc (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jul. 30, 2012	Jul. 30, 2010	Jun. 15, 2007
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Holdings Contribution to Icon					$ 45,000,000
Lexicon Sold Shares to Holdings					7,650,622
Lexicon Received Cash from Holdings					15,000,000
Lexicon Paid Holdings Cash				10,000,000
Symphony Base Payment in Shares			13,237,519
Symphony Base Payment Obligation			35,000,000
Symphony Contingent Payment Maximum				45,000,000
Symphony Contingent Payment Percentage				50.00%
Symphony Regulatory Approval Payment				15,000,000
Symphony Regulatory Approval Reduction Percentage				50.00%
Symphony Regulatory Approval Percentage Limit				50.00%
Symphony Payment in Stock Limitation				50.00%
Symphony Fair Value of Base and Contingent Payments				45,600,000
Symphony Base Payment Discount Rate				14.00%
Symphony Contingent Payment Discount Rate				18.00%
Increase in fair value of Symphony Icon, Inc. purchase liability	$ 1,142,000	$ 1,264,000