XML 37 R44.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (Recurring, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
--- | --- | ---
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | $ 7,455us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure |  | $ 16,086us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure |
Liabilities, fair value | 16,244us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure |  | 25,904us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure |
Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 6,796us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1] | 1,712us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1]
Current portion of co-promote termination liability |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 322us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2] | 4,329us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - Metabasis |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 3,652us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionofLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMetabasisMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [3] | 4,196us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionofLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMetabasisMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [3]
Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 4,701us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForContingentValueRightCompanyOneMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1] | 7,599us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForContingentValueRightCompanyOneMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1]
Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 773us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForRestrictedInvestmentsOwedToFormerLicenseesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [4] | 651us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForRestrictedInvestmentsOwedToFormerLicenseesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [4]
Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value |  |  | 7,417us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 322us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2] | 4,329us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Short-term investments |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 7,133us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [5] |  |
Available-for-sale securities |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value |  |  | 4,340us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [5]
Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value |  |  | 7,417us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 7,133us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |  | 4,340us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |
Liabilities, fair value | 4,425us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |  | 4,847us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1] | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Current portion of co-promote termination liability |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2] | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - Metabasis |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 3,652us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionofLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMetabasisMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [3] | 4,196us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionofLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMetabasisMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [3]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForContingentValueRightCompanyOneMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1] | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForContingentValueRightCompanyOneMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 773us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForRestrictedInvestmentsOwedToFormerLicenseesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [4] | 651us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForRestrictedInvestmentsOwedToFormerLicenseesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [4]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value |  |  | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2] | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Short-term investments |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 7,133us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [5] |  |
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Available-for-sale securities |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value |  |  | 4,340us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [5]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value |  |  | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |  | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |  | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1] | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Current portion of co-promote termination liability |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2] | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - Metabasis |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionofLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMetabasisMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [3] | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionofLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMetabasisMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [3]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForContingentValueRightCompanyOneMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1] | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForContingentValueRightCompanyOneMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForRestrictedInvestmentsOwedToFormerLicenseesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [4] | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForRestrictedInvestmentsOwedToFormerLicenseesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [4]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value |  |  | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2] | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Short-term investments |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [5] |  |
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Available-for-sale securities |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value |  |  | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [5]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value |  |  | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 322us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |  | 11,746us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |
Liabilities, fair value | 11,819us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |  | 21,057us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember |
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 6,796us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1] | 1,712us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Current portion of co-promote termination liability |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 322us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2] | 4,329us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - Metabasis |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionofLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMetabasisMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [3] | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionofLiabilityForContingentValueRightsCompanyMetabasisMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [3]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 4,701us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForContingentValueRightCompanyOneMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1] | 7,599us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForContingentValueRightCompanyOneMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [1]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForRestrictedInvestmentsOwedToFormerLicenseesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [4] | 0us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LiabilityForRestrictedInvestmentsOwedToFormerLicenseesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [4]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Liabilities, fair value |  |  | 7,417us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationLiabilityMember / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 322us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2] | 4,329us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_CurrentPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Short-term investments |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [5] |  |
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Available-for-sale securities |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value |  |  | 0us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [5]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable |  |  |  |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Assets, fair value |  |  | $ 7,417us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure / us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis = lgnd_LongTermPortionOfCoPromoteTerminationPaymentsReceivableMember / us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis = us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member / us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis = us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember | [2]
[1] | The fair value of the liabilities for CyDex contingent liabilities were determined based on the income approach using a Monte Carlo analysis. The fair value is subjective and is affected by changes in inputs to the valuation model including management’s assumptions regarding revenue volatility, probability of commercialization of products, estimates of timing and probability of achievement of certain revenue thresholds and developmental and regulatory milestones which may be achieved and affect amounts owed to former license holders and CVR holders. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.
[2] | The co-promote termination payments receivable represents a non-interest-bearing receivable for future payments to be made by Pfizer related to product sales and is recorded at its fair value. The receivable and liability will remain equal, and are adjusted each quarter for changes in the fair value of the obligation including any changes in the estimate of future net Avinza product sales. The fair value is determined based on a valuation model using an income approach. For additional information, see Note 4 Avinza Co-Promotion.
[3] | The liability for CVRs for Metabasis are determined using quoted market prices in active markets for the underlying CVR.
[4] | The liability for amounts owed to former licensees are determined using quoted market prices in active markets for the underlying investment received from a partner, a portion of which is owed to former licensors.
[5] | The Company’s short-term investments include investments in equity securities which the Company received as a result of event-based and upfront payments from licensees. The fair value is determined using quoted market prices in active markets for the same securities.

X
- Definition Fair value portion of probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36462937&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value of financial and nonfinancial obligations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=36462937&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant