Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Impact of revision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation	$ (115,910)	$ (27,310)	$ (3,686)	$ (13,130)	$ (16,244)	$ (12,415)	$ (12,949)	$ (24,421)	$ (160,036)	$ (66,029)	$ (56,434)
Net Loss Available to Common Stockholders, Basic and Diluted									$ (160,730)	$ (66,755)	$ (56,945)