Consolidated Balance Sheets Statement (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 299,415	$ 102,515
Accounts receivable	20,366	7,987
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,939	1,679
Total current assets	321,720	112,181
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	177	135
Patents, net of accumulated amortization	15,836	19,803
Investments - noncurrent	1,975	2,001
Other assets	467	664
Total assets	340,175	134,784
Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,645	7,099
Royalties and contingent legal fees payable	22,691	12,760
Total current liabilities	30,336	19,859
Other liabilities	629	1,072
Total liabilities	30,965	20,931
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 4,__________ and 36,029,068 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively	43	36
Additional paid-in capital	379,001	197,026
Accumulated deficit	(71,699)	(86,191)
Total Acacia Research Corporation stockholders' equity	307,345	110,871
Noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	1,865	2,982
Total stockholders' equity	309,210	113,853
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 340,175	$ 134,784