Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of segment information
Total assets	$ 101,677		$ 101,677		$ 104,260
Net revenues from external customers	13,005	6,375	34,237	17,753
Depreciation and amortization expense	668	638	2,007	1,978
Write-off of in-process research and development	0	0	480	0
Operating (loss) income	3,070	(1,425)	8,518	(4,080)
Interest expense, net	394	735	1,755	2,198
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	60	142	237	445
Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes			2,588	3,656
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations				14
Ligand [Member]
Summary of segment information
Total assets	38,270		38,270		28,731
Net revenues from external customers	4,731	3,708	14,789	11,728
Depreciation and amortization expense	62	34	179	162
Write-off of in-process research and development			0
Operating (loss) income	(1,142)	(1,601)	(944)	(3,560)
Interest expense, net	394	735	1,755	2,198
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	70	173	301	543
Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes			2,588	3,656
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations				14
CyDex [Member]
Summary of segment information
Total assets	63,407		63,407		75,529
Net revenues from external customers	8,274	2,667	19,448	6,025
Depreciation and amortization expense	606	604	1,828	1,816
Write-off of in-process research and development			480
Operating (loss) income	4,212	176	9,462	(520)
Interest expense, net
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	(10)	(31)	(64)	(98)
Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes			0	0
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations				$ 0