v3.19.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
Apr. 30, 2019
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Registrant Name PDL BIOPHARMA, INC.  
Document Type 10-Q  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   120,654,947
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Central Index Key 0000882104  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2019  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1