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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