v2.4.0.6
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Feb. 15, 2013
Jun. 29, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name PDL BIOPHARMA, INC.    
Document Type 10-K    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   139,982,837  
Entity Public Float     $ 925,223,899
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Central Index Key 0000882104    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY