Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Components of Net Income (loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest - Entity 2									$ 0	[1]	$ (3,191)	[1]	$ (5,657)	[1]
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests - Acacia IP Fund									(539)		226		0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 107	$ 257	$ 300	$ (1,203)	$ 424	$ (3,107)	$ 255	$ (537)	$ (539)		$ (2,965)		$ (5,657)
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Lives
Estimated useful life, minimum									2
Estimated useful life, maximum									5
Computer hardware and software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Lives
Estimated useful life, minimum									3
Estimated useful life, maximum									5
Furniture and fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Lives
Estimated useful life, minimum									3
Estimated useful life, maximum									5

[1] (1) Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiary represents net inventor royalties distributable to noncontrolling interests in one of Acacia's majority-owned operating subsidiaries.