v3.19.1
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Feb. 25, 2019
Jun. 28, 2018
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Registrant Name PDL BIOPHARMA, INC.    
Document Type 10-K    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   128,108,466  
Entity Public Float     $ 332,399,179
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Central Index Key 0000882104    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2018    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false