v3.10.0.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Oct. 30, 2018
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name PDL BIOPHARMA, INC.  
Document Type 10-Q  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   145,976,212
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Central Index Key 0000882104  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2018  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3