v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2010
Nov. 05, 2010
Document and Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name PDL BIOPHARMA, INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0000882104  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2010  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2010  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   139,679,752