<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.0.8</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>302</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>333</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>75</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>4</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document And Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002501 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003501 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Net Income per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/NetIncomePerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income per Share</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/FairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Cash Equivalents and Investments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CashEquivalentsAndInvestments</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Equivalents and Investments</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - Foreign Currency Hedging</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ForeignCurrencyHedging</Role>
      <ShortName>Foreign Currency Hedging</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Notes Receivable and Other Long-term Receivables</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/NotesReceivableAndOtherLongTermReceivables</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Receivable and Other Long-term Receivables</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/AccruedLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ConvertibleNotes</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Notes</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - Other Long-Term Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/OtherLongTermLiabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Long-Term Liabilities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/StockBasedCompensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2117100 - Disclosure - Cash Dividends</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CashDividends</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Dividends</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2119100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/IncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2122100 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/SubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2202201 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302302 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - Net Income per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/NetIncomePerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Cash Equivalents and Investments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CashEquivalentsAndInvestmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Equivalents and Investments (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Foreign Currency Hedging (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ForeignCurrencyHedgingTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Foreign Currency Hedging (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2313301 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ConvertibleNotesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Notes (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2315301 - Disclosure - Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/OtherLongTermLiabilitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2317301 - Disclosure - Cash Dividends (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CashDividendsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Dividends (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2320301 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402405 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfRevenueByMajorCustomersDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402406 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Correction of immaterial error table (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesCorrectionOfImmaterialErrorTableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Correction of immaterial error table (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - Net Income per Share (Narrative) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/NetIncomePerShareNarrativeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income per Share (Narrative) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403403 - Disclosure - Net Income per Share (Net Income Per Basic and Diluted Share) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/NetIncomePerShareNetIncomePerBasicAndDilutedShareDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income per Share (Net Income Per Basic and Diluted Share) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403404 - Disclosure - Net Income per Share (Net Income Per Basic and Diluted Share) (Parentheticals) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/NetIncomePerShareNetIncomePerBasicAndDilutedShareParentheticalsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Income per Share (Net Income Per Basic and Diluted Share) (Parentheticals) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsNarrativeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404403 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsFinancialInstrumentsMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404404 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities not Subject to Fair Value Recognition) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsScheduleOfFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesNotSubjectToFairValueRecognitionDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities not Subject to Fair Value Recognition) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404405 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsLevel3UnobservableInputReconciliationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements Level 3 Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Cash Equivalents and Investments (Narrative) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CashEquivalentsAndInvestmentsNarrativeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Equivalents and Investments (Narrative) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - Cash Equivalents and Investments (Summary of Cash and Available-For-Sale Securities) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CashEquivalentsAndInvestmentsSummaryOfCashAndAvailableForSaleSecuritiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Equivalents and Investments (Summary of Cash and Available-For-Sale Securities) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Foreign Currency Hedging (Narrative) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ForeignCurrencyHedgingNarrativeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Foreign Currency Hedging (Narrative) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406403 - Disclosure - Foreign Currency Hedging (Schedule of Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts Designated as Cash Flow Hedges) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ForeignCurrencyHedgingScheduleOfForeignCurrencyExchangeContractsDesignatedAsCashFlowHedgesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Foreign Currency Hedging (Schedule of Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts Designated as Cash Flow Hedges) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406404 - Disclosure - Foreign Currency Hedging (Fair Value of Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ForeignCurrencyHedgingFairValueOfForeignCurrencyExchangeContractsOnCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Foreign Currency Hedging (Fair Value of Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406405 - Disclosure - Foreign Currency Hedging (Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ForeignCurrencyHedgingScheduleOfEffectOfDerivativeInstrumentsInConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeAndConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Foreign Currency Hedging (Schedule of Effect of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407401 - Disclosure - Notes Receivable and Other Long-term Receivables (Narrative) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/NotesReceivableAndOtherLongTermReceivablesNarrativeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Receivable and Other Long-term Receivables (Narrative) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411404 - Disclosure - Accrued Liabilities (Accrued Liabilities) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/AccruedLiabilitiesAccruedLiabilitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Liabilities (Accrued Liabilities) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412402 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesNarrativeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes (Narrative) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ConvertibleNotesNarrativeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Notes (Narrative) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413403 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes (Summary of Convertible Notes) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ConvertibleNotesSummaryOfConvertibleNotesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Notes (Summary of Convertible Notes) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413404 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes (Summary of Series 2012 Notes) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ConvertibleNotesSummaryOfSeries2012NotesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Notes (Summary of Series 2012 Notes) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413405 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes (Interest Expense for the Series 2012 Notes) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ConvertibleNotesInterestExpenseForSeries2012NotesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Notes (Interest Expense for the Series 2012 Notes) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413406 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes (Summary of May 2015 Notes) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ConvertibleNotesSummaryOfMay2015NotesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Notes (Summary of May 2015 Notes) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413407 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes (Interest Expense for the May 2015 Notes) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ConvertibleNotesInterestExpenseForMay2015NotesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Notes (Interest Expense for the May 2015 Notes) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413408 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes Convertible Notes (Summary of February 2018 Notes) (Detail) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ConvertibleNotesConvertibleNotesSummaryOfFebruary2018NotesDetailDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Notes Convertible Notes (Summary of February 2018 Notes) (Detail) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413409 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes Convertible Notes (Interest Expense for February 2018 Notes) (Detail) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/ConvertibleNotesConvertibleNotesInterestExpenseForFebruary2018NotesDetailDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Notes Convertible Notes (Interest Expense for February 2018 Notes) (Detail) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415403 - Disclosure - Other Long-Term Liabilities (Other Long-Term Liabilities) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/OtherLongTermLiabilitiesOtherLongTermLiabilitiesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Long-Term Liabilities (Other Long-Term Liabilities) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416405 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Activity) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/StockBasedCompensationSummaryOfStockOptionAndRestrictedStockAwardActivityDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Activity) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417402 - Disclosure - Cash Dividends (Narrative) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CashDividendsNarrativeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Dividends (Narrative) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2417403 - Disclosure - Cash Dividends (Summary of Conversion Rates for Convertible Notes) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/CashDividendsSummaryOfConversionRatesForConvertibleNotesDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Cash Dividends (Summary of Conversion Rates for Convertible Notes) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420403 - Disclosure - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Schedule of Balances of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossScheduleOfBalancesOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Schedule of Balances of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422401 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Detail)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.pdl.com/role/SubsequentEventsNarrativeDetail</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Detail)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element pdli_Convertiblenoterateconversiontradingdaysindays had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element pdli_InterestRateOnNoteReceivable had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 3 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element pdli_Royaltyrights had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ConvertibleDebt had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1 had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage had a mix of decimals attribute values: 0 3 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ProceedsFromCollectionOfNotesReceivable had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebt had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -5.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnInvestments had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2403402 - Disclosure - Net Income per Share (Narrative) (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2404402 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2404404 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities not Subject to Fair Value Recognition) (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2412402 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2413402 - Disclosure - Convertible Notes (Narrative) (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2422401 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Detail)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1001000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1002000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1002501 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parentheticals)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1003000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1003501 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1004000 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>pdli-20140930.xml</File>
    <File>pdli-20140930.xsd</File>
    <File>pdli-20140930_cal.xml</File>
    <File>pdli-20140930_def.xml</File>
    <File>pdli-20140930_lab.xml</File>
    <File>pdli-20140930_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
