Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012
Basis of Accounting [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information. The financial statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) the management of PDL BioPharma, Inc. (the Company, PDL, we, us or our) believes are necessary for a fair presentation of the periods presented. These interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of results expected for the full fiscal year or for any subsequent interim period. The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related financial information should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto for the year ended December31, 2011, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December31, 2011, has been derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements at that date.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of PDL and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Hedging We hedge certain Euro-denominated currency exposures related to our licensees' product sales with Euro forward contracts. In general, these contracts are intended to offset the underlying Euro market risk in our royalty revenues. We do not enter into speculative foreign currency transactions. We have designated the Euro forward contracts as cash flow hedges. At the inception of the hedging relationship and on a quarterly basis, we assess hedge effectiveness. The fair value of the Euro forward contracts is estimated using pricing models with readily observable inputs from actively quoted markets and are disclosed on a gross basis. The aggregate unrealized gain or loss, net of tax, on the effective portion of the hedge is recorded in stockholders' deficit as accumulated other comprehensive loss. Gains or losses on cash flow hedges are recognized as royalty revenue in the same period that the hedged transaction impacts earnings as royalty revenue. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the hedge is recognized in the period it occurs as interest and other income, net. Ineffectiveness, if any, resulting from lower than forecasted Euro based royalties is reclassified from other comprehensive loss and charged against earnings.