XML 33 R23.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Accounting for Share-Based Compensation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2016
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Share-based compensation expense total | $ 5,248 | $ 5,331 | $ 15,917 | $ 13,690
Research and development expenses |  |  |  |
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Share-based compensation expense total | 2,394 | 2,845 | 8,260 | 6,112
General and administrative expenses |  |  |  |
Basis of Presentation [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Share-based compensation expense total | $ 2,854 | $ 2,486 | $ 7,657 | $ 7,578

X
- Definition Basis of presentation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lgnd_BasisOfPresentationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | lgnd_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of expense, net of income tax, recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |