v2.4.0.6
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Feb. 17, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
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   139,875,399  
Entity Public Float     $ 818,628,832
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, 2011    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY