(Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Proceeds from Sale of Unused Net Operating Losses	$ 0.4

The cash inflow from sales of unused net operating losses.

No definition available.

Name:	pcrx_ProceedsFromSaleOfUnusedNetOperatingLosses
Namespace Prefix:	pcrx_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration