| COVER | Aug. 31, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 31, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | PDL BioPharma, Inc. |
| Entity File Number | 000-19756 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-3023969 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 932 Southwood Boulevard |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Incline Village, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NV |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 89451 |
| City Area Code | 775 |
| Local Phone Number | 832-8500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | PDLI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000882104 |
