Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 134,466	$ 126,685
Short-term investments	58,558	130,017
Accounts receivable	20,168	6,341
Deferred income tax	1,161	3,139
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,355	7,546
Total current assets	218,708	273,728
Furniture and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	500	766
Patents, net of accumulated amortization	286,636	288,432
Goodwill	30,149	30,149
Other assets	355	318
Total assets	536,348	593,393
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	14,860	11,555
Accrued patent investment costs	16,700	4,000
Royalties and contingent legal fees payable	14,351	10,447
Total current liabilities	45,911	26,002
Deferred income taxes	1,161	4,874
Other liabilities	228	319
Total liabilities	47,300	31,195
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders' equity:
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; 50,065,382 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 49,385,057 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013	50	49
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,729,408 shares as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013	(34,640)	(34,640)
Additional paid-in capital	646,595	653,314
Accumulated comprehensive loss	(353)	(947)
Accumulated deficit	(128,095)	(62,066)
Total Acacia Research Corporation stockholders’ equity	483,557	555,710
Noncontrolling interests in operating subsidiaries	5,491	6,488
Total stockholders’ equity	489,048	562,198
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 536,348	$ 593,393