Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 Initial Maximum Maintenance Failure Obligation	Jun. 30, 2012 Every 30 days until failure is cured	Sep. 30, 2011 PharmAthene	Sep. 30, 2011 PharmAthene Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
SIGA breach of contractual obligation awarded, percentage of net profits			50.00%
SIGA breach of contractual obligation award period following initial commercial sale				10 years
SIGA net profits from sales before distribution for breach of contract			$ 40
Awarded 1/3 reasonable attorney's fees and expert witness fees			2.4
Percentage of aggregate principal amount of convertible Notes	1.00%	1.00%
Aggregate principal amount of obligation	$ 0.2	$ 0.2