Cover Page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Mar. 04, 2022	Jun. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K/A
Document Annual Report	true
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-10961
Entity Registrant Name	QUIDEL CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	94-2573850
Entity Address, Address Line One	9975 Summers Ridge Road
Entity Address, City or Town	San Diego
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	92121
City Area Code	858
Local Phone Number	552-1100
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, $0.001 par value
Trading Symbol	QDEL
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 4,581,300,641
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,812,718
Entity Central Index Key	0000353569
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false