XML 35 R23.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Patent Acquisition (Details) - patent_portfolios | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Number of patent portfolios acquired | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6

X
- Definition Number of patent portfolios acquired + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | actg_Numberofpatentportfoliosacquired
Namespace Prefix: | actg_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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