Note 8 - Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jul. 07, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Past U.S. Based Sales [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Future U.S. Based Sales [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Europe [Member]
RoyaltyRevenueGeographicConcentration						35.00%
Royalty Rate				3.75%	3.75%
Number of Genentech's Claims Dismissed by Court			2
Number of PDL's Claims Upheld by Court			4
Number of PDL's claims for relief relating to the 2003 settlement agreement			5
Number of PDL's claims dismissed by the court			1
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due (in Dollars)	$ 103.0
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss (in Dollars)	$ 10.7	$ 10.7