Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Income tax benefit (expense) included in unrealized gain on short-term investments	$ 0	$ 396

Income tax included in unrealized gain on short-term investments

No definition available.

Name:	actg_IncomeTaxIncludedInUnrealizedGainOnShortTermInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	actg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration