XML 62 R50.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.25.3

Fair Value Measurements - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) $ in Thousands | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jan. 31, 2010 cvr | Sep. 30, 2025 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2024 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2025 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2024 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2024 USD ($)
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative Asset Statement Of Financial Position Extensible Enumeration Not Disclosed Flag |  |  |  | Derivative assets(2) |  | Derivative assets(2)
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of CVR series | cvr | 4 |  |  |  |  |
Transferred over Time | Phase 3 clinical trial |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Gross contract asset |  | $ 10,000 |  | $ 10,000 |  |
Maximum | Transferred over Time | Development, regulatory, & commercial milestones and tiered royalties |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments |  | 375,000 |  | 375,000 |  |
Metabasis |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of CVRs issued per acquiree share | cvr | 4 |  |  |  |  |
Number of CVRs issued from each CVR series | cvr | 1 |  |  |  |  |
Frequency of cash payments to CVR holders | 6 months |  |  |  |  |
(Decrease) increase of mark-to-market adjustment of CVR liability |  | (500) | $ (200) | 1,400 | $ 900 |
Recurring |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative asset |  | 9,351 |  | 9,351 |  | $ 10,583
Total assets |  | 672,475 |  | 672,475 |  | 194,441
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Total liabilities |  | 3,837 |  | 3,837 |  | 3,681
Recurring | Short-Term Investments |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments, fair value |  | 525,146 |  | 525,146 |  | 183,858
Recurring | Preferred Stock |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments, fair value |  | 95,978 |  | 95,978 |  | 0
Recurring | Contingent liabilities | CyDex |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent liabilities |  | 390 |  | 390 |  | 383
Recurring | Contingent liabilities | Metabasis |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent liabilities |  | 3,447 |  | 3,447 |  | 3,298
Recurring | Level 1 |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity method investment in Pelthos |  | 42,000 |  | 42,000 |  | 0
Derivative asset |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Total assets |  | 307,354 |  | 307,354 |  | 122,047
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Total liabilities |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Recurring | Level 1 | Short-Term Investments |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments, fair value |  | 169,376 |  | 169,376 |  | 122,047
Recurring | Level 1 | Preferred Stock |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments, fair value |  | 95,978 |  | 95,978 |  | 0
Recurring | Level 1 | Contingent liabilities | CyDex |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent liabilities |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Recurring | Level 1 | Contingent liabilities | Metabasis |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent liabilities |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Recurring | Level 2 |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity method investment in Pelthos |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Derivative asset |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Total assets |  | 355,770 |  | 355,770 |  | 61,811
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Total liabilities |  | 3,447 |  | 3,447 |  | 3,298
Recurring | Level 2 | Short-Term Investments |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments, fair value |  | 355,770 |  | 355,770 |  | 61,811
Recurring | Level 2 | Preferred Stock |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments, fair value |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Contingent liabilities | CyDex |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent liabilities |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Recurring | Level 2 | Contingent liabilities | Metabasis |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent liabilities |  | 3,447 |  | 3,447 |  | 3,298
Recurring | Level 3 |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Equity method investment in Pelthos |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Derivative asset |  | 9,351 |  | 9,351 |  | 10,583
Total assets |  | 9,351 |  | 9,351 |  | 10,583
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Total liabilities |  | 390 |  | 390 |  | 383
Recurring | Level 3 | Short-Term Investments |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments, fair value |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Preferred Stock |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments, fair value |  | 0 |  | 0 |  | 0
Recurring | Level 3 | Contingent liabilities | CyDex |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent liabilities |  | 390 |  | 390 |  | 383
Recurring | Level 3 | Contingent liabilities | Metabasis |  |  |  |  |  |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
Contingent liabilities |  | $ 0 |  | $ 0 |  | $ 0

X
- Definition Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lgnd_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | lgnd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Business Combination, Frequency Of Cash Payments To Contingent Value Rights Holders + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lgnd_BusinessCombinationFrequencyOfCashPaymentsToContingentValueRightsHolders
Namespace Prefix: | lgnd_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Business Combination, Number Of Contingent Value Rights Issued From Each Contingent Value Right Series + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lgnd_BusinessCombinationNumberOfContingentValueRightsIssuedFromEachContingentValueRightSeries
Namespace Prefix: | lgnd_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Business Combination, Number Of Contingent Value Rights Issued Per Acquiree Share + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lgnd_BusinessCombinationNumberOfContingentValueRightsIssuedPerAcquireeShare
Namespace Prefix: | lgnd_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Derivative Asset Statement Of Financial Position Extensible Enumeration Not Disclosed Flag + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lgnd_DerivativeAssetStatementOfFinancialPositionExtensibleEnumerationNotDisclosedFlag
Namespace Prefix: | lgnd_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number Of Contingent Value Rights Series + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | lgnd_NumberOfContingentValueRightsSeries
Namespace Prefix: | lgnd_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value portion of asset recognized for present right to economic benefit. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 100 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482078/820-10-55-100 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Definition Amount, before allowance for credit loss, of right to consideration in exchange for good or service transferred to customer, when right is conditioned on something other than passage of time. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 7A -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481962/310-10-50-7A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 326 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 14 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479319/326-20-50-14 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479837/606-10-45-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479837/606-10-45-3 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetGross
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (bbb)(2)(i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (bbb)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (bbb)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 7A -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480434/815-10-50-7A Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -SubTopic 10 -Topic 825 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482881/825-10-55-10 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-11 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-11 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-10 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 12 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482881/825-10-55-12 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 22 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483444/210-20-55-22 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 21 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483444/210-20-55-21 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 20 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483444/210-20-55-20 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 15 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483444/210-20-55-15 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483444/210-20-55-10 Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483466/210-20-50-3 Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 103 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482078/820-10-55-103 Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 100 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482078/820-10-55-100 Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-3 Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-12 Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (e) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-6 Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477439/946-210-55-1 Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-6 Reference 25: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-6 Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(4) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-6 Reference 27: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-1 Reference 28: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-1 Reference 29: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-1 Reference 30: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-1 Reference 31: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (f) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-6 Reference 32: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a)(3) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478795/946-210-50-6 Reference 33: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04(3)(c)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479170/946-210-S99-1 Reference 34: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13C(Column H)(Footnote 7)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477271/946-320-S99-5C Reference 35: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-04(3)(b)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147479170/946-210-S99-1 Reference 36: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13(Column A)(Footnote 3)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477271/946-320-S99-5 Reference 37: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13C(Column H)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477271/946-320-S99-5C Reference 38: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5A -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13A(Column E)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477271/946-320-S99-5A Reference 39: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13B(Column E)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477271/946-320-S99-5B Reference 40: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-13B(Column E)(Footnote 4)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477271/946-320-S99-5B + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of investment in equity security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in net income (FV-NI). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (bbb)(2)(i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (bbb)(2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (bbb)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482736/825-10-45-1A Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-11 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-11 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-10 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 100 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482078/820-10-55-100 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 80 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 14 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480078/944-80-55-14 Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 80 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480078/944-80-55-9 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(1)(b)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478777/944-210-S99-1 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(2)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(1)(6)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478777/944-210-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCurrentAndNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 605 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 14 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477548/944-605-55-14 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 605 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 11 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477548/944-605-55-11 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 80 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 14 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480078/944-80-55-14 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 80 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 55 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480078/944-80-55-9 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(1)(h)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478777/944-210-S99-1 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(1)(6)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147478777/944-210-S99-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Investments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value portion of investment securities, including, but not limited to, marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, and investments accounted for under the equity method. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (c)(1) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-11 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-11 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482907/825-10-50-10 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2E -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2E + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of addition (reduction) to the amount at which a liability could be incurred (settled) in a current transaction between willing parties. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueAdjustment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fair value of financial and nonfinancial obligations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482106/820-10-50-2 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TimingOfTransferOfGoodOrServiceAxis=us-gaap_TransferredOverTimeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=lgnd_Phase3ClinicalTrialMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_ProductOrServiceAxis=lgnd_DevelopmentRegulatoryCommercialMilestonesAndTieredRoyaltiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=lgnd_MetabasisMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis=us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_PreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=lgnd_ContingentLiabilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=lgnd_CyDexMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis=us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |