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Fair Value Measurement (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] |  |
Change in fair value of Viking convertible notes | $ 0.2 | $ 0.8

X
- Definition Convertible Notes Receivable, Fair Value, Period Increase (Decrease) + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lgnd_ConvertibleNotesReceivableFairValuePeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | lgnd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration