Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	$ 101	$ (152)	$ (60)	$ 275	$ 107	$ 257	$ 300	$ (1,203)	$ 164		$ (539)		$ (2,965)
Noncontrolling Interest Entity 1 [Member]
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries									0	[1]	0	[1]	(3,191)	[1]
Noncontrolling Interest Entity 2 [Member]
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries									$ 164		$ (539)		$ 226

[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.