Name:	pcrx_LongTermDebtIncludingRoyaltyInterestObligation
Namespace Prefix:	pcrx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Carrying amount of long-term debt, before deducting unamortized discount or premiums (if any) and excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

No definition available.

Name:	pcrx_LongTermDebtNoncurrentGross
Namespace Prefix:	pcrx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Royalty interest obligation consisting of obligation relating to the assignment of royalty interests on future revenues.

No definition available.

Name:	pcrx_RoyaltyInterestObligation
Namespace Prefix:	pcrx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	pcrx_RoyaltyInterestObligationAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	pcrx_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Royalty interest obligation consists of obligations relating to the assignment of royalty interests on future revenues. The current portion of royalty interest obligation is reflected as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets and reflects the estimated amount due within one year.

No definition available.

Name:	pcrx_RoyaltyInterestObligationCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	pcrx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Royalty interest obligation consists of obligations relating to the assignment of royalty interests on future revenues. The royalty interest obligation is reflected as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets and is payable after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle if longer.

No definition available.

Name:	pcrx_RoyaltyInterestObligationNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	pcrx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1A

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number APB14-1

-Paragraph 31

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 16, 20

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

-Article 7

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

-Article 9

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 20, 22

-Article 5