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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Impact of revision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income (loss) attributable to Acacia Research Corporation | $ (115,910) | $ (27,310) | $ (3,686) | $ (13,130) | $ (16,244) | $ (12,415) | $ (12,949) | $ (24,421) | $ (160,036) | $ (66,029) | $ (56,434)
Net Loss Available to Common Stockholders, Basic and Diluted |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (160,730) | $ (66,755) | $ (56,945)

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