Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) 10-Q 8 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 29, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000886163	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	20,410,247

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,271	$12,381
Accounts receivable	5,507	4,589
Inventory	1,838	1,697
Other current assets	1,512	829
Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable	4,507	4,327
Total current assets	16,635	23,823
Restricted cash and investments	4,968	2,767
Property and equipment, net	834	788
Deferred income taxes	8	8
Intangible assets, net	53,692	55,912
Goodwill	12,238	12,238
Commercial license rights	4,571	0
Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable	8,387	8,207
Other assets	344	517
Total assets	101,677	104,260
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	4,304	5,854
Accrued liabilities	4,619	4,961
Current portion of contingent liabilities	1,879	356
Current portion of deferred income taxes	1,581	1,581
Current portion of note payable	12,375	14,835
Current portion of co-promote termination liability	4,507	4,327
Current portion of lease exit obligations	2,860	3,039
Current portion of deferred revenue	336	486
Total current liabilities	32,461	35,439
Long-term portion of note payable	'	13,443
Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability	8,387	8,207
Long-term portion of deferred revenue, net	2,085	2,369
Long-term portion of lease exit obligations	3,725	5,963
Deferred income taxes	962	725
Long-term portion of contingent liabilities	8,552	10,543
Other long-term liabilities	690	1,086
Total liabilities	56,862	77,775
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 33,333,333 shares authorized; 21,528,284 and 21,278,606 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	22	21
Additional paid-in capital	758,080	751,503
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,201	'
Accumulated deficit	-673,208	-682,759
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,118,222 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	-42,280	-42,280
Total stockholders' equity	44,815	26,485
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$101,677	$104,260

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	33,333,333	33,333,333
Common stock, shares issued	21,528,284	21,278,606
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,528,284	21,278,606
Treasury stock, shares	1,118,222	1,118,222

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Royalties	$5,724	$3,213	$16,466	$9,256
Material sales	6,728	1,818	12,260	4,150
Collaborative research and development and other revenues	553	1,344	5,511	4,347
Total revenues	13,005	6,375	34,237	17,753
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales	2,538	683	4,416	1,273
Research and development	2,414	2,647	6,900	8,315
General and administrative	4,756	4,306	13,564	11,579
Lease exit and termination costs	227	164	359	666
Write-off of in-process research and development	0	0	480	0
Total operating costs and expenses	9,935	7,800	25,719	21,833
Income (loss) from operations	3,070	-1,425	8,518	-4,080
Other (expense) income:	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net	-394	-735	-1,755	-2,198
(Increase) decrease in contingent liabilities	-532	2,093	368	1,191
Other, net	-119	15	69	272
Total other (expense) income, net	-1,045	1,373	-1,318	-735
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,025	-52	7,200	-4,815
Income tax expense	-60	-142	-237	-445
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,965	-194	6,963	-5,260
Discontinued operations:	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes	'	'	2,588	3,656
Income tax benefit on discontinued operations	'	'	'	14
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	2,588	3,670
Net income (loss):	$1,965	($194)	$9,551	($1,590)
Basic per share amounts:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in usd per share)	$0.10	($0.01)	$0.34	($0.27)
Income from discontinued operations (in usd per share)	'	'	$0.13	$0.19
Net income (loss) (in usd per share)	$0.10	($0.01)	$0.47	($0.08)
Diluted per share amounts:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in usd per share)	$0.09	($0.01)	$0.33	($0.27)
Income from discontinued operations (in usd per share)	'	'	$0.13	$0.19
Net income (loss) (in usd per share)	$0.09	($0.01)	$0.46	($0.08)
Weighted average number of common shares-basic (in shares)	20,357,558	19,917,676	20,268,261	19,791,793
Weighted average number of common shares-diluted (in shares)	20,843,742	19,917,676	20,562,622	19,791,793

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$1,965	($194)	$9,551	($1,590)
Unrealized net gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $0	806	'	2,201	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	$2,771	($194)	$11,752	($1,590)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Tax	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities	'	'
Net income (loss)	$9,551	($1,590)
Less: gain from discontinued operations	2,588	3,670
Income (loss) from continuing operations	6,963	-5,260
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Non-cash change in estimated fair value of contingent liabilities	-368	-1,191
Write-off of in-process research and development	480	0
Depreciation and amortization	2,007	1,978
Share-based compensation	4,149	3,116
Deferred income taxes	237	446
Accretion of note payable	321	362
Other	-13	-14
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-918	3,953
Inventory	86	-798
Other current assets	-683	329
Other long-term assets	173	322
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-2,306	-3,009
Other liabilities	-396	15
Deferred revenue	-434	-1,710
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations	9,298	-1,461
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations	-642	-550
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	8,656	-2,011
Investing activities	'	'
Purchase of commercial license rights	-3,571	0
Payments to CVR holders and former license holders	-100	-8,049
Purchases of property and equipment	-263	-633
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	3	17
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	'	10,000
Other	-40	'
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-3,971	1,335
Financing activities	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of debt	'	7,500
Repayment of debt	-16,224	-10,000
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	'	2,647
Net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	84	68
Net proceeds from stock option exercises	2,345	466
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-13,795	681
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-9,110	5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	12,381	7,041
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3,271	7,046
Supplemental Disclosure of cash flow information	'	'
Interest paid	1,566	1,854
Taxes paid	5	15
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activity	'	'
Liability for commercial license rights	1,000	'
Accrued inventory purchases	227	449
Unrealized gain on AFS investments	$2,201	$0

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or "Ligand") is a biopharmaceutical company with a business model that is based upon the concept of developing or acquiring revenue generating assets and coupling them to a lean corporate cost structure. By diversifying the portfolio of assets across numerous technology types, therapeutic areas, drug targets, and industry partners, the Company offers investors an opportunity to invest in the increasingly complicated and unpredictable pharmaceutical industry. These therapies address the unmet medical needs of patients for a broad spectrum of diseases including hepatitis, multiple myeloma, muscle wasting, Alzheimer’s disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes, anemia, asthma, FSGS and osteoporosis. Ligand has established multiple alliances with the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies including GlaxoSmithKline, Onyx Pharmaceuticals (recently acquired by Amgen), Merck, Pfizer, Baxter International, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lundbeck Inc., and Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The Company’s principal market is the United States. The Company sold its Oncology Product Line ("Oncology") and Avinza Product Line ("Avinza") on October 25, 2006 and February 26, 2007, respectively. The operating results for Oncology and Avinza have been presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as "Discontinued Operations."
	The Company has incurred significant losses since its inception. As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s accumulated deficit was approximately $673.2 million and the Company had negative working capital of approximately $15.8 million. Management believes that cash flows from operations will improve due to Captisol® sales, an increase in revenues driven primarily from continued increases in Promacta® and Kyprolis® sales, and also from anticipated new license and milestone revenues. In the event revenues and operating cash flows are not meeting expectations, management plans to reduce discretionary expenses. However, it is possible that the Company may be required to seek additional financing. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to management, or at all. Management believes its currently available cash and cash equivalents as well as its current and future royalty, license and milestone revenues will be sufficient to satisfy its anticipated operating and capital requirements through at least the next 12 months. The Company’s future operating and capital requirements will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to: the pace of scientific progress in its research and development programs; the potential success of these programs; the scope and results of preclinical testing and clinical trials; the time and costs involved in obtaining regulatory approvals; the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining and enforcing patent claims; competing technological and market developments; the amount of royalties on sales of the commercial products of its partners; the efforts of its collaborative partners; obligations under its operating lease agreements; costs associated with future acquisitions and the capital requirements of any companies the Company may acquire in the future. The ability of the Company to achieve its operational targets is dependent upon the Company’s ability to further implement its business plan and generate sufficient operating cash flow.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include Ligand and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ligand JVR, Allergan Ligand Retinoid Therapeutics, Seragen, Inc. ("Seragen"), Pharmacopeia, Inc. ("Pharmacopeia"), Neurogen Corporation ("Neurogen"), Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc. ("Metabasis"), CyDex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("CyDex") and Nexus VI LLC ("Nexus"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Basis of Presentation
	The Company’s accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements. The Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations of the Company, and its subsidiaries have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes therein included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments on the part of management in their application, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Because of the uncertainty of factors surrounding the estimates or judgments used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, actual results may materially vary from these estimates.
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the previously issued statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for comparability purposes. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported net income, stockholders' equity, and operating cash flows as previously reported.
	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares and vested restricted stock units outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares and vested restricted stock units outstanding and the weighted average number of dilutive common stock equivalents, including stock options and non-vested restricted stock units. Common stock equivalents are only included in the diluted earnings per share calculation when their effect is dilutive. The total number of potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive was 0.9 million and 1.3 million, at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$	1,965		$	(194	)	$	6,963	$	(5,260	)
	Net income from discontinued operations	—			—			2,588		3,670
	Net income (loss)	$	1,965		$	(194	)	$	9,551	$	(1,590	)
	Shares used to compute basic income (loss) per share	20,357,558			19,917,676			20,268,261		19,791,793
	Dilutive potential common shares:
	Restricted stock	77,609			—			62,051		—
	Stock options	408,575			—			232,310		—
	Shares used to compute diluted income (loss) per share	20,843,742			19,917,676			20,562,622		19,791,793
	Basic per share amounts:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.1		$	(0.01	)	$	0.34	$	(0.27	)
	Income from discontinued operations	—			—			0.13		0.19
	Net income (loss)	$	0.1		$	(0.01	)	$	0.47	$	(0.08	)
	Diluted per share amounts:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.09		$	(0.01	)	$	0.33	$	(0.27	)
	Income from discontinued operations	—			—			0.13		0.19
	Net income (loss)	$	0.09		$	(0.01	)	$	0.46	$	(0.08	)
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid securities with maturities at the date of acquisition of three months or less. Non-restricted equity and debt securities with a maturity of more than three months are considered short-term investments.
	Restricted Cash and Investments
	Restricted cash and investments consist of certificates of deposit held with a financial institution as collateral under a facility lease including third-party service provider arrangements and available-for-sale securities received by the Company as a result of milestone payments from a licensee. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities are determined using quoted market prices in active markets and are discounted based on trading restrictions.
	The following table summarizes the various investment categories at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		Cost			Gross unrealized			Gross unrealized		Estimated
					gains			losses		fair value
	30-Sep-13
	Available-for-sale securities	$	1,426		$	2,201		$	—	$	3,627
	Certificates of deposit - restricted	1,341			—			—		1,341
		$	2,767		$	2,201		$	—	$	4,968
	31-Dec-12
	Available-for-sale securities	$	1,426		$	—		$	—	$	1,426
	Certificates of deposit-restricted	1,341			—			—		1,341
		$	2,767		$	—		$	—	$	2,767
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable.
	The Company invests its excess cash principally in United States government debt securities, investment grade corporate debt securities and certificates of deposit. The Company has established guidelines relative to diversification and maturities that maintain safety and liquidity. These guidelines are periodically reviewed and modified to take advantage of trends in yields and interest rates. The Company has not experienced any significant losses on its cash equivalents, short-term investments or restricted investments for the periods ending September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, cash deposits held at financial institutions in excess of FDIC insured amounts of $250,000 were approximately $2.8 million and $11.9 million, respectively.
	Accounts receivable from two customers was 48% and 39% of total accounts receivable at September 30, 2013. Accounts receivable from two customers was 53% and 35% of total accounts receivable at December 31, 2012.
	The Company currently obtains Captisol from a sole-source supplier.  If this supplier was not able to supply the requested amounts of Captisol, the Company would be unable to continue to derive revenues from the sale of Captisol until it obtained an alternative source, which might take a considerable length of time.
	Inventory
	Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company determines cost using the first-in, first-out method. The Company analyzes its inventory levels periodically and writes down inventory to its net realizable value if it has become obsolete, has a cost basis in excess of its expected net realizable value or is in excess of expected requirements.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost and consists of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Lab and office equipment	$	4,541		$	4,374
	Leasehold improvements	213			145
	Computer equipment and software	1,025			1,150
	5,779			5,669
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,945		)	(4,881		)
	$	834		$	788
Depreciation of equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or their related lease term, whichever is shorter. Depreciation expense of $0.1 million and $0.2 million was recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Other Current Assets
Other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
	September 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Prepaid expenses	$	1,393		$	801
Other receivables	119			28
	$	1,512		$	829
Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
	September 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Indefinite lived intangible assets
Acquired in-process research and development	$	12,556		$	13,036
Goodwill	12,238			12,238
Definite lived intangible assets
Complete technology	15,267			15,227
Trade name	2,642			2,642
Customer relationships	29,600			29,600
	47,509			47,469
Accumulated amortization	(6,373		)	(4,593		)
Total goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, net	$	65,930		$	68,150
The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350-Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350") which, among other things, establishes standards for goodwill acquired in a business combination, eliminates the amortization of goodwill and requires the carrying value of goodwill and certain non-amortizing intangibles to be evaluated for impairment on an annual basis. The Company considers its market capitalization and the carrying value of its assets and liabilities, including goodwill, when performing its goodwill impairment test. If the carrying value of the assets and liabilities, including goodwill, were to exceed the Company’s estimation of the fair value, the Company would record an impairment charge in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. The Company performs an evaluation of goodwill and other intangibles as of December 31 of each year, absent any indicators of earlier impairment, to ensure that impairment charges, if applicable, are reflected in our financial results before December 31 of each year. When it is determined that impairment has occurred, a charge to operations is recorded. Goodwill and other intangible asset balances are included in the identifiable assets of the business segment to which they have been assigned. Any goodwill impairment, as well as the amortization of other purchased intangible assets, is charged against the respective business segments' operating income.
Amortization of definite lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset of 20 years. Amortization expense of $0.6 million and $1.8 million was recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the year ending December 31, 2013 through 2017 is $2.4 million per year.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development
Intangible assets related to acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) are considered to be indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. During the period the assets are considered to be indefinite-lived, they will not be amortized but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests if the Company becomes aware of any events occurring or changes in circumstances that would indicate a reduction in the fair value of the IPR&D projects below their respective carrying amounts. If and when development is complete, which generally occurs if and when regulatory approval to market a product is obtained, the associated assets would be deemed finite-lived and would then be amortized based on their respective estimated useful lives at that point in time. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $0.5 million for the write-off of IPR&D for Captisol-enabled IV Clopidogrel. The asset was impaired upon notification from the Medicines Company that they intended to terminate the license agreement and return the rights of the compound to the Company. Captisol-enabled IV Clopidogrel is an intravenous option of the anti-platelet medication designed for situations where the administration of oral platelet inhibitors is not feasible or desirable. For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, there was no impairment of IPR&D.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Management reviews long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value for the Company’s long-lived assets is determined using the expected cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. As of September 30, 2013, management does not believe there have been any events or circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of its long-lived assets may not be recoverable.
Commercial license rights
Commercial license rights represent a portfolio of future milestone and royalty payment rights acquired in accordance with the Royalty Stream and Milestone Payments Purchase Agreement entered into with Selexis SA ("Selexis") in April 2013.  The portfolio consists of over 15 Selexis commercial license agreement programs with various pharmaceutical-company counterparties.  The purchase price was $4.6 million, inclusive of acquisition costs. The Company paid $3.6 million upon closing and will pay $1 million in April 2014. Individual commercial license rights acquired under the agreement are carried at allocated cost and approximate fair value. The carrying value of the license rights will be reduced on a pro-rata basis as revenue is realized over the term of the agreement. Declines in the fair value of individual license rights below their carrying value that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings in the period such determination is made.
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
	September 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Compensation	$	1,734		$	1,807
Professional fees	280			199
Other	2,605			2,955
	$	4,619		$	4,961
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Other long-term liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
	September 30,			December 31,
	2013			2012
Deposits	$	336		$	538
Deferred rent	354			334
Other	—			214
	$	690		$	1,086
Contingent Liabilities
In connection with the Company’s acquisition of CyDex in January 2011, the Company recorded a $17.6 million contingent liability, inclusive of the $4.3 million payment made in January 2012, for amounts potentially due to holders of the CyDex contingent value rights ("CVRs") and former license holders. The liability is periodically assessed based on events and circumstances related to the underlying milestones, and the change in fair value is recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The carrying amount of the liability may fluctuate significantly and actual amounts paid under the CVR agreements may be materially different than the carrying amount of the liability. The fair value of the liability at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $8.7 million and $10.9 million, respectively. The Company recorded a fair value adjustment to increase the liability for CyDex related contingent liabilities of $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and an adjustment to decrease the liability of $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The Company recorded fair value adjustments to increase the liability for CyDex related contingent liabilities of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and adjustments to decrease the liability $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Additionally, the Company recorded cash payments of $0.1 million for the Topiramate orphan drug designation milestone for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. The Company recorded a cash payment of $3.5 million for the FDA approval milestone of Kyprolis for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The Company recorded cash payments of $4.3 million for the January 2012 guaranteed payment, $0.2 million for the 2011 revenue sharing payment, and $3.5 million for the FDA approval milestone of Kyprolis for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. There was no revenue sharing payment made for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
In connection with the Company’s acquisition of Metabasis in January 2010, the Company issued Metabasis stockholders four tradable CVRs, one CVR from each of four respective series of CVR, for each Metabasis share. The CVRs will entitle Metabasis stockholders to cash payments as frequently as every six months as cash is received by the Company from proceeds from Metabasis’ partnership with Roche (which has been terminated) or the sale or partnering of any of the Metabasis drug development programs, among other triggering events. The fair values of the CVRs are remeasured at each reporting date through the term of the related agreement. Changes in the fair values are reported in the statement of operations as income (decreases) or expense (increases). The carrying amount of the liability may fluctuate significantly based upon quoted market prices and actual amounts paid under the agreements may be materially different than the carrying amount of the liability. The fair value of the liability was estimated to be $1.7 million and $0 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The Company recorded decrease in the liability for Metabasis related CVRs of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and an increase of $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The Company recorded no change in the liability for CVRs during the three months ended September 30, 2012 and a decrease in the liability for CVRs of $1.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
In connection with the Company's acquisition of Neurogen in December 2009, the Company issued to Neurogen stockholders four CVRs; real estate, Aplindore, VR1 and H3, that entitle them to cash and/or shares of third-party stock under certain circumstances. The Company recorded the acquisition-date fair value of the CVRs as part of the purchase price. In February 2010, the Company completed the sale of the real estate and subsequently distributed the proceeds to the holders of the real estate CVR. As a result and after final settlement of all related expenses, the real estate CVR was terminated in August 2010. In 2012, the Company received a notice from a collaboration partner that it was terminating its agreement related to VR1 for convenience and subsequently the Company recorded a decrease in the fair value of the liability for the related CVR of $0.2 million. Additionally, per the CVR agreement, no payment event date for the H3 program can occur after December 23, 2012 and the Company recorded a decrease in the fair value of the liability for the related CVR of $0.5 million. There are no remaining CVR obligations under the agreement with the former Neurogen shareholders.
Revenue Recognition
Royalties on sales of products commercialized by the Company’s partners are recognized in the quarter reported by the respective partner.
Revenue from material sales is recognized upon transfer of title, which normally passes upon shipment to the customer. The Company’s credit and exchange policy includes provisions for the return of product between 30 to 90 days, depending on the specific terms of the individual agreement, when that product (1) does not meet specifications, (2) is damaged in shipment (in limited circumstances where title does not transfer until delivery), or (3) is exchanged for an alternative grade of Captisol.
Nonrefundable, up-front license fees and milestone payments with standalone value that are not dependent on any future performance by us under our collaboration agreements are recognized as revenue upon the earlier of when payments are received or collection is assured, but are deferred if the Company has continuing performance obligations. Amounts received under multiple-element arrangements requiring ongoing services or performance by the Company are recognized over the period of such services or performance. The Company occasionally has sub-license obligations related to arrangements for which it receives license fees, milestones and royalties. The Company evaluates the determination of gross versus net reporting based on each individual agreement.
The Company analyzes its revenue arrangements and other agreements to determine whether there are multiple elements that should be separated and accounted for individually or as a single unit of accounting. For multiple element contracts, arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables on the basis of relative selling price, using a hierarchy to determine selling price. Management first considers vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE"), then third-party evidence ("TPE") and if neither VSOE nor TPE exist, the Company uses its best estimate of selling price.
Many of the Company's revenue arrangements involve the bundling of a license with the option to purchase manufactured product. Licenses are granted to pharmaceutical companies for the use of Captisol in the development of pharmaceutical compounds. The licenses may be granted for the use of the Captisol product for all phases of clinical trials and through commercial availability of the host drug or may be limited to certain phases of the clinical trial process. The Company believes that its licenses have stand-alone value at the outset of an arrangement because the customer obtains the right to use Captisol in its formulations without any additional input by the Company and the customer is able to procure inventory from another manufacturer in the absence of contractual provisions for exclusive supply by the Company.
Revenue from milestones is recognized when earned, as evidenced by written acknowledgement from the collaborator, provided that (i) the milestone event is substantive, its achievability was not reasonably assured at the inception of the agreement, and the Company has no further performance obligations relating to that event, and (ii) collectability is reasonably assured. If these criteria are not met, the milestone payment is recognized over the remaining period of the Company’s performance obligations under the arrangement.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the best estimate of the amount of probable losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. Accounts receivable that are outstanding longer than their contractual payment terms, ranging from 30 to 90 days, are considered past due. When determining the allowance for doubtful accounts, several factors are taken into consideration, including historical write-off experience and review of specific customer accounts for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after collection efforts have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. There was no allowance for doubtful accounts included in the balance sheets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Accounting for Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense for awards to employees and non-employee directors is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period until the last tranche vests. Compensation cost for consultant awards is recognized over each separate tranche’s vesting period. The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recorded as components of research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses for the periods indicated (in thousands):
	Three months ended						Nine months ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2013			2012			2013		2012
Share-based compensation expense as a component of:
Research and development expenses	$	438		$	263		$	1,272	$	1,211
General and administrative expenses	1,095			750			2,877		1,905
	$	1,533		$	1,013		$	4,149	$	3,116
The fair-value for options that were awarded to employees and directors was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
	Three months ended			Nine months ended
	September 30,			September 30,
	2013		2012	2013		2012
Risk-free interest rate	1.80%		0.80%	1.40%		1.00%
Dividend yield	—		—	—		—
Expected volatility	70%		69%	70%		69%
Expected term	6.3		6.2	6.3		6.3
Forfeiture rate	8.80%		8.20%	8.4%-9.8%		8.0%-11.2%
The expected term of the employee and non-employee director options is the estimated weighted-average period until exercise or cancellation of vested options (forfeited unvested options are not considered) based on historical experience. The expected term for consultant awards is the remaining period to contractual expiration.
Volatility is a measure of the expected amount of variability in the stock price over the expected life of an option expressed as a standard deviation. In selecting this assumption, management used the historical volatility of the Company's stock price over a period approximating the expected term.
Preclinical Study and Clinical Trial Accruals
Substantial portions of the Company’s preclinical studies and all of the Company's clinical trials have been performed by third-party laboratories, contract research organizations, or other vendors (collectively "CROs"). Some CROs bill monthly for services performed, while others bill based upon milestone achievement. The Company accrues for each of the agreements it has with CROs on a monthly basis. For preclinical studies, accruals are estimated based upon the percentage of work completed and the contract milestones achieved. For clinical studies, accruals are estimated based upon a percentage of work completed, the number of patients enrolled and the duration of the study. The Company monitors patient enrollment, the progress of clinical studies and related activities to the extent possible through internal reviews of data reported to it by the CROs, correspondence with the CROs and clinical site visits. The Company's estimates are dependent upon the timelines and accuracy of the data provided by its CROs regarding the status of each program and total program spending. The Company periodically evaluates its estimates to determine if adjustments are necessary or appropriate based on information it receives concerning changing circumstances, and conditions or events that may affect such estimates. No material adjustments to preclinical study and clinical trial accrued expenses have been recognized to date.
Sale of Royalty Rights
The Company previously sold to third parties the rights to future royalties of certain of its products. As part of the underlying royalty agreements, the partners have the right to offset a portion of any future royalty payments owed to the Company to the extent of previous milestone payments. Accordingly, the Company deferred a portion of the revenue associated with each tranche of royalty right sold, equal to the pro-rata share of the potential royalty offset. Such amounts associated with the offset rights against future royalty payments will be recognized as revenue upon receipt of future royalties from the respective partners. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had deferred $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of revenue related to the sale of royalty rights. As of September 30, 2013, $0.3 million is included in current portion of deferred revenue and there is no long-term portion of deferred revenue related to the sale of royalty rights. As of December 31, 2012, $0.5 million is included in current portion of deferred revenue and $0.3 million is included in long-term portion of deferred revenue related to the sale of royalty rights.
Product Returns
In connection with the sale of the Avinza and Oncology product lines, the Company retained the obligation for returns of product that were shipped to wholesalers prior to the close of the transactions. The accruals for product returns, which were recorded as part of the accounting for the sales transactions, are based on historical experience. Any subsequent changes to the Company’s estimate of product returns are accounted for as a component of discontinued operations.
Costs and Expenses
Collaborative research and development expense consists of labor, material, equipment and allocated facility cost of the Company’s scientific staff who are working pursuant to the Company’s collaborative agreements. From time to time, collaborative research and development expense includes costs related to research efforts in excess of those required under certain collaborative agreements. Management has the discretion to set the scope of such excess efforts and may increase or decrease the level of such efforts depending on the Company’s strategic priorities.
Proprietary research and development expense consists of intellectual property in-licensing costs, labor, materials, contracted services, and allocated facility costs that are incurred in connection with internally funded drug discovery and development programs.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method.  This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.  A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will either expire before we are able to realize their benefit or if future deductibility is uncertain.  As of September 30, 2013, we have provided a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets as recoverability was uncertain.  Developing the provision for income taxes requires significant judgment and expertise in federal and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets.  Our judgments and tax strategies are subject to audit by various taxing authorities.  While we believe we have provided adequately for our income tax liabilities in our consolidated financial statements, adverse determinations by these taxing authorities could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Our ending deferred tax liability represents a future tax obligation for current tax amortization claimed on acquired IPR&D.  As we cannot estimate when the IPR&D assets will be amortizable for financial reporting purposes, the deferred tax liability associated with the IPR&D assets cannot be used to support the realization of our deferred tax assets.  As a result, we are required to increase our valuation allowance and record a charge to deferred taxes.
Discontinued Operations-Oncology Product Line
On September 7, 2006, the Company and Eisai Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Eisai Co., Ltd., a Japanese company (which we collectively refer to as Eisai), entered into a purchase agreement, or the Oncology Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Eisai agreed to acquire all of its worldwide rights in and to our oncology products, including, among other things, all related inventory, equipment, records and intellectual property, and assume certain liabilities as set forth in the Oncology Purchase Agreement. The Oncology product line included our four marketed oncology drugs: Ontak, Targretin capsules, Targretin gel and Panretin gel.
Discontinued Operations-Avinza Product Line
On September 6, 2006, the Company and King entered into a purchase agreement, or the Avinza Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which King agreed to acquire all of the rights in and to Avinza in the United States, its territories and Canada, including, among other things, all Avinza inventory, records and related intellectual property, and assume certain liabilities as set forth in the Avinza Purchase Agreement.
Pursuant to the terms of the Avinza Purchase Agreement, the Company retained the liability for returns of product from wholesalers that had been sold by us prior to the close of the Transaction. Accordingly, as part of the accounting for the gain on the sale of Avinza, the Company recorded a reserve for Avinza product returns.
During the three months ended September 30, 2013 the Company did not recognize any gain or loss on the sale of the Avinza product line. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $2.6 million, as a result of subsequent changes in certain estimates and liabilities recorded as of the sale date. During the three months ended September 30, 2012 the Company did not recognize any gain or loss on the sale of the Avinza product line. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, due to subsequent changes in certain estimates and liabilities recorded as of the sale date.
Segment Reporting
Under ASC 280, Segment Reporting, ("ASC 280"), operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the entity’s chief operating decision maker, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company has evaluated this Codification and has identified two reportable segments: the development and commercialization of drugs using Captisol technology by CyDex and the biopharmaceutical company with a business model that is based upon the concept of developing or acquiring royalty revenue generating assets and coupling them to a lean corporate cost structure.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) represents net income (loss) adjusted for the change during the periods presented in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities less reclassification adjustments for realized gains or losses included in net income (loss). The unrealized gains or losses are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment in ASU 2012-02. ASU 2012-02 allows a company the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. Under that option, a company would no longer be required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the company determines, based on that qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed for periods beginning after September 15, 2012. We adopted this standard for the year ended December 31, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-02 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For
amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. Implementing ASU 2013-02 did not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for us for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after January 1, 2014.
In July, 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11
requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits (UTBs) against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. UTBs are required to be netted against all available same-jurisdiction loss or other tax carryforwards that would be utilized, rather than only against carryforwards that are created by the UTBs. ASU 2013-11 is effective for us for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently evaluating the effect, if any, the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	Financial Instruments
	The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including available-for-sale fixed income, equity securities, co-promote termination payments receivable and the related liability, derivatives, and contingent liabilities.
	Fair value is defined as the exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined using assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The Company establishes a three-level hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value. The levels are described in the below with Level 1 having the highest priority and Level 3 having the lowest:
	Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets
	Level 2 - Inputs other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly
	Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require us to develop our own assumptions
	Equity Investments and related liability to former license holders
	The fair value of the Company’s long-term investments and related liability to former license holders are determined using quoted market prices in active markets and are discounted based on trading restrictions on the resale of the shares. The fair value of the liability to former license holders is based on 15% of the equity investment. This liability is classified as a derivative in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"), and is included in accrued liabilities. The discount rate used to value the available-for-sale securities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was 10% and 28%, respectively.
	Contingent Liabilities
	The Company issued contingent value rights and also assumed certain contingent liabilities associated with the acquisitions of Metabasis, Neurogen and CyDex. The liability for CVRs for Metabasis are determined using quoted market prices in active markets. The fair value of the liabilities for the Neurogen and CyDex contingent liabilities are determined based on the income approach. The discount rate used to value the CyDex contingent liabilities for the period ended September 30, 2013 was in the range of 1% to 5%. There are no remaining contingent value right obligations under the agreement with the former Neurogen shareholders. Under the CVR agreement with the former CyDex shareholders, the Company may be required to make payments upon achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones. In addition, the Company will pay CyDex shareholders, for each year through 2016, 20% of all CyDex-related revenue, but only to the extent that and beginning only when CyDex-related revenue for such year exceeds $15.0 million; plus an additional 10% of all CyDex-related revenue recognized during such year, but only to the extent that and beginning only when aggregate CyDex-related revenue for such year exceeds $35.0 million. Additionally, the Company assumed certain contractual obligations for milestone and royalty payments potentially due in connection with Captisol-enabled intravenous formulation of Clopidogrel and Captisol-enabled intravenous formulation of Topiramate.
	Avinza Co-Promotion
	The co-promote termination payments receivable represents a non-interest bearing receivable for future payments to be made by Pfizer and is recorded at its fair value. The receivable and liability will remain equal and adjusted each quarter for changes in the fair value of the obligation including any changes in the estimate of future net Avinza product sales.
	The following table provides a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
					Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
					Active Markets		Other		Unobservable
					for Identical		Observable		Inputs
					Assets		Inputs
		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable	$	4,507		$	—	$	—	$	4,507
	Available-for-sale securities	3,627			—		—		3,627
	Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable	8,387			—		—		8,387
	Total assets	$	16,521		$	—	$	—	$	16,521
	Liabilities:
	Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex	$	1,879		$	—	$	—	$	1,879
	Current portion of co-promote termination liability	4,507			—		—		4,507
	Long-term portion of contingent liabilities-Metabasis	1,736			1,736		—		—
	Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex	6,816			—		—		6,816
	Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees	544			—		—		544
	Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability	8,387			—		—		8,387
	Total liabilities	$	23,869		$	1,736	$	—	$	22,133
	The following table provides a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
					Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
					Active Markets		Other		Unobservable
					for Identical		Observable		Inputs
					Assets		Inputs
		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable	$	4,327		$	—	$	—	$	4,327
	Available-for-sale securities	1,426			—		—		1,426
	Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable	8,207			—		—		8,207
	Total assets	$	13,960		$	—	$	—	$	13,960
	Liabilities:
	Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex	$	356		$	—	$	—	$	356
	Current portion of co-promote termination liability	4,327			—		—		4,327
	Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex	10,543			—		—		10,543
	Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees	214			—		—		214
	Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability	8,207			—		—		8,207
	Total liabilities	$	23,647		$	—	$	—	$	23,647
	A reconciliation of the level 3 financial instruments as of September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Assets:
	Fair value of level 3 financial instrument assets as of December 31, 2012	$	13,960
	Assumed payments made by Pfizer or assignee	(2,450		)
	Fair value adjustments recorded as unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	2,201
	Fair value adjustments to co-promote termination liability	2,810
	Fair value of level 3 financial instrument assets as of September 30, 2013	$	16,521
	Liabilities
	Fair value of level 3 financial instrument liabilities as of December 31, 2012	$	23,647
	Assumed payments made by Pfizer or assignee	(2,450		)
	Fair value adjustments for amounts owed related to restricted investments and recorded as other expense	330
	Payments to CVR and other former license holders	(100		)
Fair value adjustments to contingent liabilities	(2,104		)
Fair value adjustments to co-promote termination liability	2,810
Fair value of level 3 financial instrument liabilities as of September 30, 2013	$	22,133

AVINZA_CoPromotion

AVINZA Co-Promotion	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Co Promotion [Abstract]	'
AVINZA Co-Promotion	'
	AVINZA Co-Promotion
	In February 2003, Ligand and Organon Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. ("Organon") announced that they had entered into an agreement for the co-promotion of Avinza. Subsequently in January 2006, Ligand signed an agreement with Organon that terminated the Avinza co-promotion agreement between the two companies and returned Avinza co-promotion rights to Ligand. In consideration of the early termination, Ligand agreed to make quarterly royalty payments to Organon equal to 6.5% of Avinza net sales through December 31, 2012 and thereafter 6.0% through patent expiration, currently anticipated to be November of 2017.
	In February 2007, Ligand and King Pharmaceuticals, Inc ("King"), now a subsidiary of Pfizer, executed an agreement pursuant to which Pfizer acquired all of the Company’s rights in and to Avinza. Pfizer also assumed the Company’s co-promote termination obligation to make royalty payments to Organon based on net sales of Avinza. In connection with Pfizer's assumption of this obligation, Organon did not consent to the legal assignment of the co-promote termination obligation to Pfizer. Accordingly, Ligand remains liable to Organon in the event of Pfizer's default of the obligation. Therefore, Ligand recorded an asset as of February 26, 2007 to recognize Pfizer's assumption of the obligation, while continuing to carry the co-promote termination liability in the Company's consolidated financial statements to recognize Ligand’s legal obligation as primary obligor to Organon. This asset represents a non-interest bearing receivable for future payments to be made by Pfizer and is recorded at its fair value. The receivable and liability will remain equal and adjusted each quarter for changes in the fair value of the obligation including for any changes in the estimate of future net Avinza product sales. This receivable will be assessed on a quarterly basis for impairment (e.g. in the event Pfizer defaults on the assumed obligation to pay Organon).
	On a quarterly basis, management reviews the carrying value of the co-promote termination liability. Due to assumptions and judgments inherent in determining the estimates of future net Avinza sales through November 2017, the actual amount of net Avinza sales used to determine the current fair value of the Company’s co-promote termination asset and liability may be materially different from current estimates.
	A summary of the co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Net present value of payments based on estimated future net Avinza product sales as of December 31, 2012	$	12,534
	Assumed payments made by Pfizer or assignee	(2,450		)
	Fair value adjustments	2,810
	Total co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013	12,894
	Less: current portion of co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013	4,507
	Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013	$	8,387

Lease_Obligations

Lease Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Lease Obligations	'
	Lease obligations
	The Company leases office and laboratory facilities in California, Kansas, and New Jersey. These leases expire between 2014 and 2019, some of which are subject to annual increases which range from 3.0% and 3.5%. The Company currently subleases office and laboratory space in California and New Jersey. The following table provides a summary of operating lease obligations and payments expected to be received from sublease agreements as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Operating lease obligations:	Lease	Less than 1		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than		Total
		Termination	year						5 years
		Date
	Corporate headquarters-	Jul-19	$	660	$	1,372	$	1,446	$	560	$	4,038
	San Diego, CA
	Bioscience and Technology Business Center-	Dec-14	57		14		—		—		71
	Lawrence, KS
	Vacated office and research facility-San Diego, CA	Jul-15	2,223		1,902		—		—		4,125
	Vacated office and research facility-	Aug-16	2,563		4,973		—		—		7,536
	Cranbury, NJ
	Total operating lease obligations		$	5,503	$	8,261	$	1,446	$	560	$	15,770
	Sublease payments expected to be received:		Less than 1		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than		Total
			year						5 years
	Office and research facility-	Jul-15	$	899	$	771	$	—	$	—	$	1,670
	San Diego, CA
	Office and research facility-	August 2014 and 2016	340		661		—		—		1,001
	Cranbury, NJ
	Net operating lease obligations		$	4,264	$	6,829	$	1,446	$	560	$	13,099
	In 2010, the Company ceased use of its facility located in New Jersey. As a result, the Company recorded lease exit costs of $9.7 million for costs related to the difference between the remaining lease obligations of the abandoned operating leases, which run through August 2016, and management's estimate of potential future sublease income, discounted to present value. In addition, the Company wrote-off property and equipment with a net book value of approximately $5.4 million related to the facility closure.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had lease exit obligations of $6.6 million and $9.0 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company made cash payments, net of sublease payments received of $0.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively. The Company recognized adjustments for accretion and changes in leasing assumptions of $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company made cash payments, net of sublease payments received of $1.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The Company recognized adjustments for accretion and changes in leasing assumptions of $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
	As part of the lease for the corporate headquarters, the Company received a tenant improvement allowance of $3.2 million. The tenant improvements were used to build out the suite for general lab and office purposes. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a sale leaseback transaction whereby it removed all property from its balance sheet as of the completion date of the buildout. There was no gain on the sale-leaseback.
	Total rent expense under all office leases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Rent expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis. Deferred rent at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	The Company evaluates performance based on the operating profit (loss) of the respective business segments. The segment results may not represent actual results that would be expected if they were independent, stand-alone businesses. Segment information is as follows:
	Balance Sheet Data:	As of September 30, 2013
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Total assets	$	38,270		$	63,407		$	101,677
		As of December 31, 2012
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Total assets	$	28,731		$	75,529		$	104,260
	Operating Data:	For the three months ended September 30, 2013
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Net revenues from external customers	$	4,731		$	8,274		$	13,005
	Depreciation and amortization expense	62			606			668
	Operating (loss) income	(1,142		)	4,212			3,070
	Interest expense, net	394			—			394
	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	70			(10		)	60
		For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Net revenues from external customers	$	14,789		$	19,448		$	34,237
	Depreciation and amortization expense	179			1,828			2,007
	Write-off of in-process research and development	—			480			480
	Operating income	(944		)	9,462			8,518
	Interest expense, net	1,755			—			1,755
	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	301			(64		)	237
	Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes	2,588			—			2,588
		For the three months ended September 30, 2012
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Net revenues from external customers	$	3,708		$	2,667		$	6,375
	Depreciation and amortization expense	34			604			638
	Operating (loss) income	(1,601		)	176			(1,425		)
	Interest expense, net	735			—			735
	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	173			(31		)	142
		For the nine months ended September 30, 2012
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Net revenues from external customers	$	11,728		$	6,025		$	17,753
	Depreciation and amortization expense	162			1,816			1,978
	Operating loss	(3,560		)	(520		)	(4,080		)
	Interest expense, net	2,198			—			2,198
	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	543			(98		)	445
	Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes	3,656			—			3,656
	Income tax benefit from discontinued operations	14			—			14

Financing_Arrangements

Financing Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Financing Arrangements	'
	Financing Arrangements
	The Company has a secured term loan credit facility ("secured debt"). Under the terms of the secured debt, the Company made interest only payments through February 2013. Subsequent to the interest only payments, the note will amortize with principal and interest payments through the remaining term of the loan. Additionally, the Company must also make an additional final payment equal to 6% of the total amount borrowed which is due at maturity and is being accreted over the life of the loan.
	In March 2013, the Company prepaid $7 million of the secured term loan credit facility. Additionally, the Company paid a prepayment fee of 1% of the prepayment amount, or $0.1 million and a prorated final-payment fee of 6% of the final payment or $0.4 million.
	The carrying values and the fixed contractual coupon rates of our financing arrangements are as follows (dollars in millions):
		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Current portion notes payable, 8.64%, due August 1, 2014	$	9,025	$	10,792
	Current portion notes payable, 8.9012%, due August 1, 2014	3,350		4,043
	Total current portion of notes payable	$	12,375	$	14,835
	Long-term portion notes payable, 8.64%, due August 1, 2014	$	—	$	9,837
	Long-term portion notes payable, 8.9012%, due August 1, 2014	—		3,606
	Total long-term portion of notes payable	$	—	$	13,443

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity
	On May 31, 2012, the Company’s stockholders approved the amendment and restatement of the Company's 2002 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance by 1.8 million shares.
	Stock Option Activity
	The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option plan activity and related information:
		Shares		Weighted		Weighted Average	Aggregate
				Average		Remaining	Intrinsic Value
				Exercise		Contractual Term in	(In thousands)
				Price		Years
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	1,626,606		$	14.9	7.8	$	11,358
	Granted	439,929		23.61
	Exercised	(158,889	)	14.76
	Forfeited	(73,978	)	16.72
	Cancelled	(27,780	)	28.32
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	1,805,888		16.74		7.71	48,322
	Exercisable as of September 30, 2013	943,027		15.66		6.82	26,419
	Options vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2013	1,805,888		16.74		7.71	48,322
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of all stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $14.28 per share. The total intrinsic value of all options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $3.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, there was $8.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years.
	Cash received from options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $3.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively. There is no current tax benefit related to options exercised because of Net Operating Losses (NOLs) for which a full valuation allowance has been established.
	As of September 30, 2013, 1.5 million shares were available for future option grants or direct issuance under the Company's 2002 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.
	Restricted Stock Activity
	Restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
		Shares		Weighted-
				Average Grant
				Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012	141,561		$	12.52
	Granted	84,547		27.71
	Vested	(77,070	)	15.77
	Cancelled	(33,375	)	12.53
	Nonvested at September 30, 2013	115,663		$	21.45
	As of September 30, 2013, there was $1.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated (the "Amended ESPP") allows participants to purchase up to 1,250 shares of Ligand common stock during each offering period, but in no event may a participant purchase more than 1,250 shares of common stock during any calendar year. The length of each offering period is six months, and employees are eligible to participate in the first offering period beginning after their hire date.
	The Amended ESPP allows employees to purchase Ligand common stock at the end of each six month period at a price equal to 85% of the lesser of fair market value on either the start date of the period or the last trading day of the period (the "Lookback Provision"). The 15% discount and the Lookback Provision make the Amended ESPP compensatory.  There were 5,016 and 7,374 shares of common stock issued under the amended ESPP during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company recorded compensation expense related to the ESPP of $37,000 and $29,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, 81,512 shares were available for future purchases under the Amended ESPP.
	Public Offering
	In October 2011, the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the issuance and sale of up to $30 million of equity or other securities, proceeds from which will be used for general corporate purposes. The Form S-3 provides additional financial flexibility for us to sell shares or other securities as needed at any time. In 2012, the Company commenced its "at the market" equity offering program ("ATM) in which it may from time to time offer and sell shares of its common stock having an aggregate proceeds of up to $30 million. As of September 30, 2013, 302,750 common shares have been issued under this registration statement, for total net proceeds of approximately $5.5 million. In October, 2013, the Company filed a universal automatic shelf registration statement that was automatically declared effective and achieved well-known seasoned issuer ("WKSI") status. The Company intends to maintain both the $30 million shelf registration statement and the WKSI universal automatic shelf registration statement.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company did not issue any common shares pursuant to its at-the-market equity issuance plan. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company issued 150,000 common shares at a weighted average price of $18.19 per share. Total net proceeds to the Company after underwriting discounts and expenses were approximately $2.6 million.
	Corporate Share Repurchase
	The Company may repurchase up to $5.0 million of stock in privately negotiated and open market transactions for a period of up to one year, subject to the Company's evaluation of market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The Company is not obligated to acquire common stock under this program and the program may be suspended at any time. Through September 30, 2013, the Company did not repurchase any common shares pursuant to the repurchase plan.

Litigation

Litigation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Litigation Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Litigation	'
	Litigation
	The Company records an estimate of a loss when the loss is considered probable and estimable. Where a liability is probable and there is a range of estimated loss and no amount in the range is more likely than any other number in the range, the Company records the minimum estimated liability related to the claim in accordance with ASC Topic 450 Contingencies. As additional information becomes available, the Company assesses the potential liability related to its pending litigation and revises its estimates. Revisions in the Company's estimates of potential liability could materially impact our results of operations.

Common_Stock_Subject_to_Condit

Common Stock Subject to Conditional Redemption - Pfizer Settlement Agreement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Common Stock Subject to Conditional Redemption - Pfizer Settlement Agreement [Abstract]	'
Common Stock Subject to Conditional Redemption - Pfizer Settlement Agreement	'
	Common Stock Subject to Conditional Redemption - Pfizer Settlement Agreement
	In April 1996, the Company and Pfizer entered into a settlement agreement with respect to a lawsuit filed in December 1994 by the Company against Pfizer. In connection with a collaborative research agreement the Company entered into with Pfizer in 1991, Pfizer purchased shares of the Company’s common stock. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, at the option of either the Company or Pfizer, milestone and royalty payments owed to the Company can be satisfied by Pfizer by transferring to the Company shares of the Company’s common stock at an exchange ratio of $74.25 per share, for revenue related to lasofoxifene and drolofoxifene. The remaining common stock issued and outstanding to Pfizer following the settlement was reclassified as common stock subject to conditional redemption (between liabilities and equity) since Pfizer has the option to settle milestone and royalties payments owed to the Company with the Company’s shares, and such option is not within the Company’s control. The remaining shares of the Company’s common stock that could be redeemed totaled 112,371 and are reflected at the exchange ratio price of $74.25. Pfizer notified Ligand that the development of the two compounds covered under the 1996 settlement agreement were terminated and thus the Company reclassified the shares and the current carrying amount of $8.3 million to permanent equity in the first quarter of 2012.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include Ligand and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Ligand JVR, Allergan Ligand Retinoid Therapeutics, Seragen, Inc. ("Seragen"), Pharmacopeia, Inc. ("Pharmacopeia"), Neurogen Corporation ("Neurogen"), Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc. ("Metabasis"), CyDex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("CyDex") and Nexus VI LLC ("Nexus"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The Company’s accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2013 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements. The Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations of the Company, and its subsidiaries have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes therein included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments on the part of management in their application, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Because of the uncertainty of factors surrounding the estimates or judgments used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, actual results may materially vary from these estimates.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the previously issued statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for comparability purposes. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported net income, stockholders' equity, and operating cash flows as previously reported.
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares and vested restricted stock units outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares and vested restricted stock units outstanding and the weighted average number of dilutive common stock equivalents, including stock options and non-vested restricted stock units. Common stock equivalents are only included in the diluted earnings per share calculation when their effect is dilutive.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments	'
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid securities with maturities at the date of acquisition of three months or less. Non-restricted equity and debt securities with a maturity of more than three months are considered short-term investments.
Restricted Cash and Investments	'
	Restricted Cash and Investments
	Restricted cash and investments consist of certificates of deposit held with a financial institution as collateral under a facility lease including third-party service provider arrangements and available-for-sale securities received by the Company as a result of milestone payments from a licensee. The fair value of the Company’s available-for-sale securities are determined using quoted market prices in active markets and are discounted based on trading restrictions.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	'
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable.
	The Company invests its excess cash principally in United States government debt securities, investment grade corporate debt securities and certificates of deposit. The Company has established guidelines relative to diversification and maturities that maintain safety and liquidity. These guidelines are periodically reviewed and modified to take advantage of trends in yields and interest rates. The Company has not experienced any significant losses on its cash equivalents, short-term investments or restricted investments for the periods ending September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, cash deposits held at financial institutions in excess of FDIC insured amounts of $250,000 were approximately $2.8 million and $11.9 million, respectively.
	Accounts receivable from two customers was 48% and 39% of total accounts receivable at September 30, 2013. Accounts receivable from two customers was 53% and 35% of total accounts receivable at December 31, 2012.
	The Company currently obtains Captisol from a sole-source supplier.  If this supplier was not able to supply the requested amounts of Captisol, the Company would be unable to continue to derive revenues from the sale of Captisol until it obtained an alternative source, which might take a considerable length of time.
Inventory	'
	Inventory
	Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company determines cost using the first-in, first-out method. The Company analyzes its inventory levels periodically and writes down inventory to its net realizable value if it has become obsolete, has a cost basis in excess of its expected net realizable value or is in excess of expected requirements.
Property and Equipment	'
	Depreciation of equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or their related lease term, whichever is shorter.
Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	'
	The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350-Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350") which, among other things, establishes standards for goodwill acquired in a business combination, eliminates the amortization of goodwill and requires the carrying value of goodwill and certain non-amortizing intangibles to be evaluated for impairment on an annual basis. The Company considers its market capitalization and the carrying value of its assets and liabilities, including goodwill, when performing its goodwill impairment test. If the carrying value of the assets and liabilities, including goodwill, were to exceed the Company’s estimation of the fair value, the Company would record an impairment charge in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. The Company performs an evaluation of goodwill and other intangibles as of December 31 of each year, absent any indicators of earlier impairment, to ensure that impairment charges, if applicable, are reflected in our financial results before December 31 of each year. When it is determined that impairment has occurred, a charge to operations is recorded. Goodwill and other intangible asset balances are included in the identifiable assets of the business segment to which they have been assigned. Any goodwill impairment, as well as the amortization of other purchased intangible assets, is charged against the respective business segments' operating income.
	Amortization of definite lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset of 20 years.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development	'
	Acquired In-Process Research and Development
	Intangible assets related to acquired in-process research and development (IPR&D) are considered to be indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development efforts. During the period the assets are considered to be indefinite-lived, they will not be amortized but will be tested for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests if the Company becomes aware of any events occurring or changes in circumstances that would indicate a reduction in the fair value of the IPR&D projects below their respective carrying amounts. If and when development is complete, which generally occurs if and when regulatory approval to market a product is obtained, the associated assets would be deemed finite-lived and would then be amortized based on their respective estimated useful lives at that point in time.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	Management reviews long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Fair value for the Company’s long-lived assets is determined using the expected cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. As of September 30, 2013, management does not believe there have been any events or circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of its long-lived assets may not be recoverable.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Royalties on sales of products commercialized by the Company’s partners are recognized in the quarter reported by the respective partner.
	Revenue from material sales is recognized upon transfer of title, which normally passes upon shipment to the customer. The Company’s credit and exchange policy includes provisions for the return of product between 30 to 90 days, depending on the specific terms of the individual agreement, when that product (1) does not meet specifications, (2) is damaged in shipment (in limited circumstances where title does not transfer until delivery), or (3) is exchanged for an alternative grade of Captisol.
	Nonrefundable, up-front license fees and milestone payments with standalone value that are not dependent on any future performance by us under our collaboration agreements are recognized as revenue upon the earlier of when payments are received or collection is assured, but are deferred if the Company has continuing performance obligations. Amounts received under multiple-element arrangements requiring ongoing services or performance by the Company are recognized over the period of such services or performance. The Company occasionally has sub-license obligations related to arrangements for which it receives license fees, milestones and royalties. The Company evaluates the determination of gross versus net reporting based on each individual agreement.
	The Company analyzes its revenue arrangements and other agreements to determine whether there are multiple elements that should be separated and accounted for individually or as a single unit of accounting. For multiple element contracts, arrangement consideration is allocated at the inception of the arrangement to all deliverables on the basis of relative selling price, using a hierarchy to determine selling price. Management first considers vendor-specific objective evidence ("VSOE"), then third-party evidence ("TPE") and if neither VSOE nor TPE exist, the Company uses its best estimate of selling price.
	Many of the Company's revenue arrangements involve the bundling of a license with the option to purchase manufactured product. Licenses are granted to pharmaceutical companies for the use of Captisol in the development of pharmaceutical compounds. The licenses may be granted for the use of the Captisol product for all phases of clinical trials and through commercial availability of the host drug or may be limited to certain phases of the clinical trial process. The Company believes that its licenses have stand-alone value at the outset of an arrangement because the customer obtains the right to use Captisol in its formulations without any additional input by the Company and the customer is able to procure inventory from another manufacturer in the absence of contractual provisions for exclusive supply by the Company.
	Revenue from milestones is recognized when earned, as evidenced by written acknowledgement from the collaborator, provided that (i) the milestone event is substantive, its achievability was not reasonably assured at the inception of the agreement, and the Company has no further performance obligations relating to that event, and (ii) collectability is reasonably assured. If these criteria are not met, the milestone payment is recognized over the remaining period of the Company’s performance obligations under the arrangement.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the best estimate of the amount of probable losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. Accounts receivable that are outstanding longer than their contractual payment terms, ranging from 30 to 90 days, are considered past due. When determining the allowance for doubtful accounts, several factors are taken into consideration, including historical write-off experience and review of specific customer accounts for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after collection efforts have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
Accounting for Share-Based Compensation	'
	Accounting for Share-Based Compensation
	Share-based compensation expense for awards to employees and non-employee directors is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period until the last tranche vests. Compensation cost for consultant awards is recognized over each separate tranche’s vesting period. The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recorded as components of research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses for the periods indicated (in thousands):
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Share-based compensation expense as a component of:
	Research and development expenses	$	438		$	263		$	1,272	$	1,211
	General and administrative expenses	1,095			750			2,877		1,905
		$	1,533		$	1,013		$	4,149	$	3,116
	The fair-value for options that were awarded to employees and directors was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three months ended			Nine months ended
		September 30,			September 30,
		2013		2012	2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.80%		0.80%	1.40%		1.00%
	Dividend yield	—		—	—		—
	Expected volatility	70%		69%	70%		69%
	Expected term	6.3		6.2	6.3		6.3
	Forfeiture rate	8.80%		8.20%	8.4%-9.8%		8.0%-11.2%
	The expected term of the employee and non-employee director options is the estimated weighted-average period until exercise or cancellation of vested options (forfeited unvested options are not considered) based on historical experience. The expected term for consultant awards is the remaining period to contractual expiration.
	Volatility is a measure of the expected amount of variability in the stock price over the expected life of an option expressed as a standard deviation. In selecting this assumption, management used the historical volatility of the Company's stock price over a period approximating the expected term
Preclinical Study and Clinical Trial Accruals	'
	Preclinical Study and Clinical Trial Accruals
	Substantial portions of the Company’s preclinical studies and all of the Company's clinical trials have been performed by third-party laboratories, contract research organizations, or other vendors (collectively "CROs"). Some CROs bill monthly for services performed, while others bill based upon milestone achievement. The Company accrues for each of the agreements it has with CROs on a monthly basis. For preclinical studies, accruals are estimated based upon the percentage of work completed and the contract milestones achieved. For clinical studies, accruals are estimated based upon a percentage of work completed, the number of patients enrolled and the duration of the study. The Company monitors patient enrollment, the progress of clinical studies and related activities to the extent possible through internal reviews of data reported to it by the CROs, correspondence with the CROs and clinical site visits. The Company's estimates are dependent upon the timelines and accuracy of the data provided by its CROs regarding the status of each program and total program spending. The Company periodically evaluates its estimates to determine if adjustments are necessary or appropriate based on information it receives concerning changing circumstances, and conditions or events that may affect such estimates. No material adjustments to preclinical study and clinical trial accrued expenses have been recognized to date.
Sale of Royalty Rights	'
	Sale of Royalty Rights
	The Company previously sold to third parties the rights to future royalties of certain of its products. As part of the underlying royalty agreements, the partners have the right to offset a portion of any future royalty payments owed to the Company to the extent of previous milestone payments. Accordingly, the Company deferred a portion of the revenue associated with each tranche of royalty right sold, equal to the pro-rata share of the potential royalty offset. Such amounts associated with the offset rights against future royalty payments will be recognized as revenue upon receipt of future royalties from the respective partners.
Product Returns	'
	Product Returns
	In connection with the sale of the Avinza and Oncology product lines, the Company retained the obligation for returns of product that were shipped to wholesalers prior to the close of the transactions. The accruals for product returns, which were recorded as part of the accounting for the sales transactions, are based on historical experience. Any subsequent changes to the Company’s estimate of product returns are accounted for as a component of discontinued operations.
Costs and Expenses	'
	Costs and Expenses
	Collaborative research and development expense consists of labor, material, equipment and allocated facility cost of the Company’s scientific staff who are working pursuant to the Company’s collaborative agreements. From time to time, collaborative research and development expense includes costs related to research efforts in excess of those required under certain collaborative agreements. Management has the discretion to set the scope of such excess efforts and may increase or decrease the level of such efforts depending on the Company’s strategic priorities.
	Proprietary research and development expense consists of intellectual property in-licensing costs, labor, materials, contracted services, and allocated facility costs that are incurred in connection with internally funded drug discovery and development programs.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method.  This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.  A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that these items will either expire before we are able to realize their benefit or if future deductibility is uncertain.  As of September 30, 2013, we have provided a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets as recoverability was uncertain.  Developing the provision for income taxes requires significant judgment and expertise in federal and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets.  Our judgments and tax strategies are subject to audit by various taxing authorities.  While we believe we have provided adequately for our income tax liabilities in our consolidated financial statements, adverse determinations by these taxing authorities could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
	Our ending deferred tax liability represents a future tax obligation for current tax amortization claimed on acquired IPR&D.  As we cannot estimate when the IPR&D assets will be amortizable for financial reporting purposes, the deferred tax liability associated with the IPR&D assets cannot be used to support the realization of our deferred tax assets.  As a result, we are required to increase our valuation allowance and record a charge to deferred taxes.
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	Under ASC 280, Segment Reporting, ("ASC 280"), operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is regularly evaluated by the entity’s chief operating decision maker, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company has evaluated this Codification and has identified two reportable segments: the development and commercialization of drugs using Captisol technology by CyDex and the biopharmaceutical company with a business model that is based upon the concept of developing or acquiring royalty revenue generating assets and coupling them to a lean corporate cost structure.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) represents net income (loss) adjusted for the change during the periods presented in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities less reclassification adjustments for realized gains or losses included in net income (loss). The unrealized gains or losses are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment in ASU 2012-02. ASU 2012-02 allows a company the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. Under that option, a company would no longer be required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the company determines, based on that qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed for periods beginning after September 15, 2012. We adopted this standard for the year ended December 31, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-02 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Under ASU 2013-02, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For
	amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. Implementing ASU 2013-02 did not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for us for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after January 1, 2014.
	In July, 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11
	requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits (UTBs) against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. UTBs are required to be netted against all available same-jurisdiction loss or other tax carryforwards that would be utilized, rather than only against carryforwards that are created by the UTBs. ASU 2013-11 is effective for us for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. We are currently evaluating the effect, if any, the adoption of this standard will have on our financial statements.

Basis_of_Presentation_Tables

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Summary of computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$	1,965		$	(194	)	$	6,963	$	(5,260	)
	Net income from discontinued operations	—			—			2,588		3,670
	Net income (loss)	$	1,965		$	(194	)	$	9,551	$	(1,590	)
	Shares used to compute basic income (loss) per share	20,357,558			19,917,676			20,268,261		19,791,793
	Dilutive potential common shares:
	Restricted stock	77,609			—			62,051		—
	Stock options	408,575			—			232,310		—
	Shares used to compute diluted income (loss) per share	20,843,742			19,917,676			20,562,622		19,791,793
	Basic per share amounts:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.1		$	(0.01	)	$	0.34	$	(0.27	)
	Income from discontinued operations	—			—			0.13		0.19
	Net income (loss)	$	0.1		$	(0.01	)	$	0.47	$	(0.08	)
	Diluted per share amounts:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.09		$	(0.01	)	$	0.33	$	(0.27	)
	Income from discontinued operations	—			—			0.13		0.19
	Net income (loss)	$	0.09		$	(0.01	)	$	0.46	$	(0.08	)
Summary of investment categories	'
	The following table summarizes the various investment categories at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		Cost			Gross unrealized			Gross unrealized		Estimated
					gains			losses		fair value
	30-Sep-13
	Available-for-sale securities	$	1,426		$	2,201		$	—	$	3,627
	Certificates of deposit - restricted	1,341			—			—		1,341
		$	2,767		$	2,201		$	—	$	4,968
	31-Dec-12
	Available-for-sale securities	$	1,426		$	—		$	—	$	1,426
	Certificates of deposit-restricted	1,341			—			—		1,341
		$	2,767		$	—		$	—	$	2,767
Summary of property and equipment	'
	Property and equipment is stated at cost and consists of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Lab and office equipment	$	4,541		$	4,374
	Leasehold improvements	213			145
	Computer equipment and software	1,025			1,150
		5,779			5,669
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(4,945		)	(4,881		)
		$	834		$	788
Summary of other current assets	'
	Other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Prepaid expenses	$	1,393		$	801
	Other receivables	119			28
		$	1,512		$	829
Summary of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets	'
	Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Indefinite lived intangible assets
	Acquired in-process research and development	$	12,556		$	13,036
	Goodwill	12,238			12,238
	Definite lived intangible assets
	Complete technology	15,267			15,227
	Trade name	2,642			2,642
	Customer relationships	29,600			29,600
		47,509			47,469
	Accumulated amortization	(6,373		)	(4,593		)
	Total goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets, net	$	65,930		$	68,150
Summary of accrued liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Compensation	$	1,734		$	1,807
	Professional fees	280			199
	Other	2,605			2,955
		$	4,619		$	4,961
Summary of other long-term liabilities	'
	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Deposits	$	336		$	538
	Deferred rent	354			334
	Other	—			214
		$	690		$	1,086
Schedule for accounting for share-based compensation	'
	The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense recorded as components of research and development expenses and general and administrative expenses for the periods indicated (in thousands):
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013		2012
	Share-based compensation expense as a component of:
	Research and development expenses	$	438		$	263		$	1,272	$	1,211
	General and administrative expenses	1,095			750			2,877		1,905
		$	1,533		$	1,013		$	4,149	$	3,116
Summary of fair-value options awarded to employees and directors	'
	The fair-value for options that were awarded to employees and directors was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three months ended			Nine months ended
		September 30,			September 30,
		2013		2012	2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	1.80%		0.80%	1.40%		1.00%
	Dividend yield	—		—	—		—
	Expected volatility	70%		69%	70%		69%
	Expected term	6.3		6.2	6.3		6.3
	Forfeiture rate	8.80%		8.20%	8.4%-9.8%		8.0%-11.2%

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Summary of the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis	'
	The following table provides a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
					Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
					Active Markets		Other		Unobservable
					for Identical		Observable		Inputs
					Assets		Inputs
		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable	$	4,507		$	—	$	—	$	4,507
	Available-for-sale securities	3,627			—		—		3,627
	Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable	8,387			—		—		8,387
	Total assets	$	16,521		$	—	$	—	$	16,521
	Liabilities:
	Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex	$	1,879		$	—	$	—	$	1,879
	Current portion of co-promote termination liability	4,507			—		—		4,507
	Long-term portion of contingent liabilities-Metabasis	1,736			1,736		—		—
	Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex	6,816			—		—		6,816
	Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees	544			—		—		544
	Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability	8,387			—		—		8,387
	Total liabilities	$	23,869		$	1,736	$	—	$	22,133
	The following table provides a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
					Quoted Prices in		Significant		Significant
					Active Markets		Other		Unobservable
					for Identical		Observable		Inputs
					Assets		Inputs
		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable	$	4,327		$	—	$	—	$	4,327
	Available-for-sale securities	1,426			—		—		1,426
	Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable	8,207			—		—		8,207
	Total assets	$	13,960		$	—	$	—	$	13,960
	Liabilities:
	Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex	$	356		$	—	$	—	$	356
	Current portion of co-promote termination liability	4,327			—		—		4,327
	Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex	10,543			—		—		10,543
	Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees	214			—		—		214
	Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability	8,207			—		—		8,207
	Total liabilities	$	23,647		$	—	$	—	$	23,647
Reconciliation of level 3 financial instruments	'
	A reconciliation of the level 3 financial instruments as of September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Assets:
	Fair value of level 3 financial instrument assets as of December 31, 2012	$	13,960
	Assumed payments made by Pfizer or assignee	(2,450		)
	Fair value adjustments recorded as unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	2,201
	Fair value adjustments to co-promote termination liability	2,810
	Fair value of level 3 financial instrument assets as of September 30, 2013	$	16,521
	Liabilities
	Fair value of level 3 financial instrument liabilities as of December 31, 2012	$	23,647
	Assumed payments made by Pfizer or assignee	(2,450		)
	Fair value adjustments for amounts owed related to restricted investments and recorded as other expense	330
	Payments to CVR and other former license holders	(100		)
	Fair value adjustments to contingent liabilities	(2,104		)
	Fair value adjustments to co-promote termination liability	2,810
	Fair value of level 3 financial instrument liabilities as of September 30, 2013	$	22,133

AVINZA_CoPromotion_Tables

AVINZA Co-Promotion (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Co Promotion [Abstract]	'
Summary of co-promote termination liability	'
	A summary of the co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
	Net present value of payments based on estimated future net Avinza product sales as of December 31, 2012	$	12,534
	Assumed payments made by Pfizer or assignee	(2,450		)
	Fair value adjustments	2,810
	Total co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013	12,894
	Less: current portion of co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013	4,507
	Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013	$	8,387

Lease_Obligations_Tables

Lease Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
	The following table provides a summary of operating lease obligations and payments expected to be received from sublease agreements as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Operating lease obligations:	Lease	Less than 1		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than		Total
		Termination	year						5 years
		Date
	Corporate headquarters-	Jul-19	$	660	$	1,372	$	1,446	$	560	$	4,038
	San Diego, CA
	Bioscience and Technology Business Center-	Dec-14	57		14		—		—		71
	Lawrence, KS
	Vacated office and research facility-San Diego, CA	Jul-15	2,223		1,902		—		—		4,125
	Vacated office and research facility-	Aug-16	2,563		4,973		—		—		7,536
	Cranbury, NJ
	Total operating lease obligations		$	5,503	$	8,261	$	1,446	$	560	$	15,770
	Sublease payments expected to be received:		Less than 1		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than		Total
			year						5 years
	Office and research facility-	Jul-15	$	899	$	771	$	—	$	—	$	1,670
	San Diego, CA
	Office and research facility-	August 2014 and 2016	340		661		—		—		1,001
	Cranbury, NJ
	Net operating lease obligations		$	4,264	$	6,829	$	1,446	$	560	$	13,099

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summary of segment information	'
	Segment information is as follows:
	Balance Sheet Data:	As of September 30, 2013
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Total assets	$	38,270		$	63,407		$	101,677
		As of December 31, 2012
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Total assets	$	28,731		$	75,529		$	104,260
	Operating Data:	For the three months ended September 30, 2013
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Net revenues from external customers	$	4,731		$	8,274		$	13,005
	Depreciation and amortization expense	62			606			668
	Operating (loss) income	(1,142		)	4,212			3,070
	Interest expense, net	394			—			394
	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	70			(10		)	60
		For the nine months ended September 30, 2013
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Net revenues from external customers	$	14,789		$	19,448		$	34,237
	Depreciation and amortization expense	179			1,828			2,007
	Write-off of in-process research and development	—			480			480
	Operating income	(944		)	9,462			8,518
	Interest expense, net	1,755			—			1,755
	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	301			(64		)	237
	Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes	2,588			—			2,588
		For the three months ended September 30, 2012
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Net revenues from external customers	$	3,708		$	2,667		$	6,375
	Depreciation and amortization expense	34			604			638
	Operating (loss) income	(1,601		)	176			(1,425		)
	Interest expense, net	735			—			735
	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	173			(31		)	142
		For the nine months ended September 30, 2012
		Ligand			CyDex			Total
	Net revenues from external customers	$	11,728		$	6,025		$	17,753
	Depreciation and amortization expense	162			1,816			1,978
	Operating loss	(3,560		)	(520		)	(4,080		)
	Interest expense, net	2,198			—			2,198
	Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	543			(98		)	445
	Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes	3,656			—			3,656
	Income tax benefit from discontinued operations	14			—			14

Financing_Arrangements_Tables

Financing Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of carrying values and coupon rates on financing arrangements	'
	The carrying values and the fixed contractual coupon rates of our financing arrangements are as follows (dollars in millions):
		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Current portion notes payable, 8.64%, due August 1, 2014	$	9,025	$	10,792
	Current portion notes payable, 8.9012%, due August 1, 2014	3,350		4,043
	Total current portion of notes payable	$	12,375	$	14,835
	Long-term portion notes payable, 8.64%, due August 1, 2014	$	—	$	9,837
	Long-term portion notes payable, 8.9012%, due August 1, 2014	—		3,606
	Total long-term portion of notes payable	$	—	$	13,443

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stock option plan activity	'
	The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option plan activity and related information:
		Shares		Weighted		Weighted Average	Aggregate
				Average		Remaining	Intrinsic Value
				Exercise		Contractual Term in	(In thousands)
				Price		Years
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	1,626,606		$	14.9	7.8	$	11,358
	Granted	439,929		23.61
	Exercised	(158,889	)	14.76
	Forfeited	(73,978	)	16.72
	Cancelled	(27,780	)	28.32
	Balance as of September 30, 2013	1,805,888		16.74		7.71	48,322
	Exercisable as of September 30, 2013	943,027		15.66		6.82	26,419
	Options vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2013	1,805,888		16.74		7.71	48,322
Restricted stock activity	'
	Restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
		Shares		Weighted-
				Average Grant
				Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012	141,561		$	12.52
	Granted	84,547		27.71
	Vested	(77,070	)	15.77
	Cancelled	(33,375	)	12.53
	Nonvested at September 30, 2013	115,663		$	21.45

Basis_of_Presentation_Narrativ

Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 24, 2011

Jan. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jan. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2009

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

drug

segment

Equipment [Member]

Equipment [Member]

Royalty Stream and Milestone Payments Purchase Agreement with Selexis [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Cydex Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member]

Metabasis Therapeutics [Member]

Metabasis Therapeutics [Member]

Metabasis Therapeutics [Member]

Metabasis Therapeutics [Member]

Metabasis Therapeutics [Member]

Neurogen Corporation [Member]

Neurogen Corporation [Member]

Neurogen Corporation [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Accounts Receivable [Member]

Acquired In Process Research And Development [Member]

Acquired In Process Research And Development [Member]

Acquired In Process Research And Development [Member]

Acquired In Process Research And Development [Member]

drug

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

program

Guaranteed Payment [Member]

Revenue Sharing [Member]

Revenue Sharing [Member]

Revenue Sharing [Member]

Milestone Payment [Member]

right

right

Contingent Value Rights VR1 [Member]

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

customer

customer

Major Customer 1 [Member]

Major Customer 1 [Member]

Major Customer 2 [Member]

Major Customer 2 [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated deficit

($673,208,000)

'

($673,208,000)

'

($682,759,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Working capital

-15,800,000

'

-15,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period for which available resources are sufficient to satisfy company's anticipated operating and capital requirements

'

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common shares excluded from computation

'

'

0.9

1.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity period of cash and cash equivalents, maximum

'

'

'3 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity period of short term investments, minimum

'

'

'3 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Concentrations of Credit Risk

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

FDIC insured amount

250,000

'

250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash deposits

2,800,000

'

2,800,000

'

11,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Concentration risk, number of customers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Concentration risk, percentage of accounts receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48.00%

53.00%

39.00%

35.00%

'

'

'

'

Property and Equipment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated useful life of assets

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation

100,000

200,000

100,000

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

'

'

'20 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense

600,000

1,800,000

600,000

1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense 2013

2,400,000

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense 2014

2,400,000

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense 2015

2,400,000

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense 2016

2,400,000

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization expense 2017

2,400,000

'

2,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired In-Process Research and Development

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Asset impairment charge

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of in-process research and development

0

0

480,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

Commercial License Rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of commercial license agreement programs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments to acquire intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash payment due on first anniversary of the closing

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent Liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Paid to CyDex shareholders

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

4,300,000

0

0

200,000

3,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,700,000

'

8,700,000

'

10,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,700,000

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent liability change in amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

100,000

2,100,000

2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

0

-1,100,000

'

-500,000

'

-200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of contingent value rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of contingent value rights per series of contingent value rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of contingent value rights issued for each share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent value rights, frequency of cash payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue Recognition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period allowed for return of products, minimum

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period allowed for return of products, maximum

'

'

'90 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable outstanding considered past due after period, minimum

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable outstanding considered past due after period, maximum

'

'

'90 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allowance for doubtful accounts

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sale of Royalty Rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred revenue

300,000

'

300,000

'

800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount included in current portion of deferred revenue

300,000

'

300,000

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount included in long term portion of deferred revenue

0

'

0

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discontinued Operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of drugs included in product line

4

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes

'

'

$2,588,000

$3,656,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of reportable segments

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis_of_Presentation_Earnings

Basis of Presentation (Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	$1,965	($194)	$6,963	($5,260)
Net income from discontinued operations	'	'	2,588	3,670
Net income (loss):	$1,965	($194)	$9,551	($1,590)
Shares used to compute basic income (loss) per share	20,357,558	19,917,676	20,268,261	19,791,793
Dilutive potential common shares:	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock	77,609	'	62,051	'
Stock options	408,575	'	232,310	'
Shares used to compute diluted income (loss) per share	20,843,742	19,917,676	20,562,622	19,791,793
Basic per share amounts:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in usd per share)	$0.10	($0.01)	$0.34	($0.27)
Income from discontinued operations (in usd per share)	'	'	$0.13	$0.19
Net income (loss) (in usd per share)	$0.10	($0.01)	$0.47	($0.08)
Diluted per share amounts:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in usd per share)	$0.09	($0.01)	$0.33	($0.27)
Income from discontinued operations (in usd per share)	'	'	$0.13	$0.19
Net income (loss) (in usd per share)	$0.09	($0.01)	$0.46	($0.08)

Basis_of_Presentation_Investme

Basis of Presentation (Investment Categories) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of investment categories	'	'
Cost	$2,767	$2,767
Gross unrealized gains	2,201	'
Gross unrealized losses	'	'
Estimated fair value	4,968	2,767
Available-for-sale securities [Member]	'	'
Summary of investment categories	'	'
Cost	1,426	1,426
Gross unrealized gains	2,201	'
Gross unrealized losses	'	'
Estimated fair value	3,627	1,426
Certificates of deposit - restricted [Member]	'	'
Summary of investment categories	'	'
Cost	1,341	1,341
Gross unrealized gains	'	'
Gross unrealized losses	'	'
Estimated fair value	$1,341	$1,341

Basis_of_Presentation_Property

Basis of Presentation (Property and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment , gross	$5,779	$5,669
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-4,945	-4,881
Property and equipment, Total	834	788
Lab and office equipment [Member]	'	'
Summary of Property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment , gross	4,541	4,374
Leasehold improvements [Member]	'	'
Summary of Property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment , gross	213	145
Computer equipment and software [Member]	'	'
Summary of Property and equipment	'	'
Property and equipment , gross	$1,025	$1,150

Basis_of_Presentation_Other_Cu

Basis of Presentation (Other Current Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of other current assets	'	'
Prepaid expenses	$1,393	$801
Other receivables	119	28
Other current assets, Total	$1,512	$829

Basis_of_Presentation_Goodwill

Basis of Presentation (Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	'	'
Goodwill	$12,238	$12,238
Intangible Assets, Net	47,509	47,469
Accumulated amortization	-6,373	-4,593
Goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets	65,930	68,150
Complete technology [Member]	'	'
Summary of Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	'	'
Definite lived intangible assets	15,267	15,227
Trade name [Member]	'	'
Summary of Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	'	'
Definite lived intangible assets	2,642	2,642
Customer relationships [Member]	'	'
Summary of Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	'	'
Definite lived intangible assets	29,600	29,600
Acquired in-process research and development [Member]	'	'
Summary of Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets	'	'
Indefinite lived intangible assets	$12,556	$13,036

Basis_of_Presentation_Accrued_

Basis of Presentation (Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities	'	'
Compensation	$1,734	$1,807
Professional fees	280	199
Other	2,605	2,955
Accrued liabilities	4,619	4,961
Other Long-Term Liabilities	'	'
Deposits	336	538
Deferred rent	354	334
Other	'	214
Other long-term liabilities	$690	$1,086

Basis_of_Presentation_Accounti

Basis of Presentation (Accounting for Share-Based Compensation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense total	$1,533	$1,013	$4,149	$3,116
Research and development expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense total	438	263	1,272	1,211
General and administrative expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense total	$1,095	$750	$2,877	$1,905

Basis_of_Presentation_Fair_Val

Basis of Presentation (Fair Value Valuation Assumptions) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of fair-value options awarded to employees and directors	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	1.80%	0.80%	1.40%	1.00%
Dividend yield	'	'	'	'
Expected volatility	70.00%	69.00%	70.00%	69.00%
Expected term	'6 years 3 months 18 days	'6 years 2 months 12 days	'6 years 3 months 18 days	'6 years 3 months 18 days
Forfeiture rate	8.80%	8.20%	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of fair-value options awarded to employees and directors	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture rate	'	'	8.40%	8.00%
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary of fair-value options awarded to employees and directors	'	'	'	'
Forfeiture rate	'	'	9.08%	11.20%

Financial_Instruments_Narrativ

Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	10.00%	28.00%
Percentage of related revenue	20.00%	'
Amount exceeds to get related revenue for CyDex share holders	$15,000,000	'
Percentage of related revenue additional	10.00%	'
Aggregate CyDex-related revenue	$35,000,000	'
Minimum [Member] | Portion of Liability For Contingent Value Rights Company [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	1.00%	'
Maximum [Member] | Portion of Liability For Contingent Value Rights Company [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	5.00%	'

Financial_Instruments_Fair_Val

Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measurements) (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	$16,521	$13,960
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	23,869	23,647
Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	1,879	356
Current portion of co-promote termination liability [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	4,507	4,327
Long-term portion of contingent liabilities-Metabasis [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	1,736	'
Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	6,816	10,543
Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	544	214
Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	8,387	8,207
Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	4,507	4,327
Available-for-sale securities [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	3,627	1,426
Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	8,387	8,207
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	1,736	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Current portion of co-promote termination liability [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities-Metabasis [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	1,736	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Available-for-sale securities [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Current portion of co-promote termination liability [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities-Metabasis [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Available-for-sale securities [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	'	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	16,521	13,960
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	22,133	23,647
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Current portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	1,879	356
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Current portion of co-promote termination liability [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	4,507	4,327
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities-Metabasis [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	'	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Long-term portion of contingent liabilities - CyDex [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	6,816	10,543
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Liability for restricted investments owed to former licensees [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	544	214
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability [Member]	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Liabilities, fair value	8,387	8,207
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Current portion of co-promote termination payments receivable [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	4,507	4,327
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Available-for-sale securities [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	3,627	1,426
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Long-term portion of co-promote termination payments receivable [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Assets, fair value	$8,387	$8,207

Financial_Instruments_Level_3_

Financial Instruments (Level 3 Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Assets:	'
Fair value of level 3 financial instrument assets as of December 31, 2012	$13,960
Assumed payments made by Pfizer or assignee	-2,450
Fair value adjustments recorded as unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	2,201
Fair value adjustments to co-promote termination liability	2,810
Fair value of level 3 financial instrument assets as of September 30, 2013	16,521
Liabilities	'
Fair value of level 3 financial instrument liabilities as of December 31, 2012	23,647
Assumed payments made by Pfizer or assignee	-2,450
Fair value adjustments for amounts owed related to restricted investments and recorded as other expense	330
Payments to CVR and other former license holders	-100
Fair value adjustments to contingent liabilities	-2,104
Fair value adjustments to co-promote termination liability	2,810
Fair value of level 3 financial instrument liabilities as of September 30, 2013	$22,133

AVINZA_CoPromotion_Narrative_D

AVINZA Co-Promotion (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
AVINZA Co-Promotion (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Percentage of net sales payable as royalty	6.50%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]	'
AVINZA Co-Promotion (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Percentage of net sales payable as royalty	6.00%

AVINZA_CoPromotion_CoPromote_T

AVINZA Co-Promotion (Co-Promote Termination Liability) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of co-promote termination liability	'
Net present value of payments based on estimated future net Avinza product sales as of December 31, 2012	$12,534
Assumed payments made by Pfizer or assignee	-2,450
Fair value adjustments	2,810
Total co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013	12,894
Less: current portion of co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013	4,507
Long-term portion of co-promote termination liability as of September 30, 2013	$8,387

Lease_Obligations_Narrative_De

Lease Obligations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
						Facility Closing [Member]	Contract Termination [Member]	Contract Termination [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Lease expiration year, minimum	'	'	'2014	'	'	'	'	'
Lease expiration year, maximum	'	'	'2019	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of increase in annual base rent, minimum	3.00%	'	3.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of increase in annual base rent, maximum	3.50%	'	3.50%	'	'	'	'	'
Lease exit costs	$227,000	$164,000	$359,000	$666,000	'	$9,700,000	$6,600,000	$9,000,000
Property and equipment write-off	'	'	'	'	'	5,400,000	'	'
Rent expense, net sublease income	900,000	1,000,000	2,800,000	2,600,000	'	'	'	'
Adjustment for accretion and changes in lease assumptions	200,000	200,000	400,000	700,000	'	'	'	'
Tenant improvement allowance	'	'	3,200,000	'	'	'	'	'
Rent expense	200,000	300,000	500,000	600,000	'	'	'	'
Deferred rent	$354,000	'	$354,000	'	$334,000	'	'	'

Lease_Obligations_Lease_Obliga

Lease Obligations (Lease Obligations) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	$15,770
Subleases	13,099
Corporate headquarters-San Diego, CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	4,038
Bioscience and Technology Business Center-Lawrence, KS [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	71
Vacated office and research facility-San Diego, CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	4,125
Vacated office and research facility-Cranbury, NJ [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	7,536
Office and research facility-San Diego CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Subleases	1,670
Office and research facility-Cranbury, NJ [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Subleases	1,001
Less than 1 year [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	5,503
Subleases	4,264
Less than 1 year [Member] | Corporate headquarters-San Diego, CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	660
Less than 1 year [Member] | Bioscience and Technology Business Center-Lawrence, KS [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	57
Less than 1 year [Member] | Vacated office and research facility-San Diego, CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	2,223
Less than 1 year [Member] | Vacated office and research facility-Cranbury, NJ [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	2,563
Less than 1 year [Member] | Office and research facility-San Diego CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Subleases	899
Less than 1 year [Member] | Office and research facility-Cranbury, NJ [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Subleases	340
One to three years [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	8,261
Subleases	6,829
One to three years [Member] | Corporate headquarters-San Diego, CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	1,372
One to three years [Member] | Bioscience and Technology Business Center-Lawrence, KS [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	14
One to three years [Member] | Vacated office and research facility-San Diego, CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	1,902
One to three years [Member] | Vacated office and research facility-Cranbury, NJ [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	4,973
One to three years [Member] | Office and research facility-San Diego CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Subleases	771
One to three years [Member] | Office and research facility-Cranbury, NJ [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Subleases	661
Three to five years [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	1,446
Subleases	1,446
Three to five years [Member] | Corporate headquarters-San Diego, CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	1,446
Three to five years [Member] | Bioscience and Technology Business Center-Lawrence, KS [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	'
Three to five years [Member] | Vacated office and research facility-San Diego, CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	'
Three to five years [Member] | Vacated office and research facility-Cranbury, NJ [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	'
Three to five years [Member] | Office and research facility-San Diego CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Subleases	'
Three to five years [Member] | Office and research facility-Cranbury, NJ [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Subleases	'
More than 5 years [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	560
Subleases	560
More than 5 years [Member] | Corporate headquarters-San Diego, CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	560
More than 5 years [Member] | Bioscience and Technology Business Center-Lawrence, KS [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	'
More than 5 years [Member] | Vacated office and research facility-San Diego, CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	'
More than 5 years [Member] | Vacated office and research facility-Cranbury, NJ [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Operating lease obligations	'
More than 5 years [Member] | Office and research facility-San Diego CA [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Subleases	'
More than 5 years [Member] | Office and research facility-Cranbury, NJ [Member]	'
Payments expected to received from sublease agreements	'
Subleases	'

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	$101,677	'	$101,677	'	$104,260
Net revenues from external customers	13,005	6,375	34,237	17,753	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	668	638	2,007	1,978	'
Write-off of in-process research and development	0	0	480	0	'
Operating (loss) income	3,070	-1,425	8,518	-4,080	'
Interest expense, net	394	735	1,755	2,198	'
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	60	142	237	445	'
Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes	'	'	2,588	3,656	'
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations	'	'	'	14	'
Ligand [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	38,270	'	38,270	'	28,731
Net revenues from external customers	4,731	3,708	14,789	11,728	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	62	34	179	162	'
Write-off of in-process research and development	'	'	0	'	'
Operating (loss) income	-1,142	-1,601	-944	-3,560	'
Interest expense, net	394	735	1,755	2,198	'
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	70	173	301	543	'
Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes	'	'	2,588	3,656	'
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations	'	'	'	14	'
CyDex [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Total assets	63,407	'	63,407	'	75,529
Net revenues from external customers	8,274	2,667	19,448	6,025	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	606	604	1,828	1,816	'
Write-off of in-process research and development	'	'	480	'	'
Operating (loss) income	4,212	176	9,462	-520	'
Interest expense, net	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	-10	-31	-64	-98	'
Gain on sale of Avinza Product Line before income taxes	'	'	0	0	'
Income tax benefit from discontinued operations	'	'	'	$0	'

Financing_Arrangements_Narrati

Financing Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Additional final payment on borrowings	'	6.00%
Repayments of lines of credit	$7	'
Line of credit, prepayment fee percentage	1.00%	'
Line of credit, prepayment amount	0.1	'
Line of credit, final payment	$0.40	'

Financing_Arrangements_Notes_P

Financing Arrangements (Notes Payable) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Notes Payable, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]	'	'
Total current portion of notes payable	$12,375	$14,835
Total long-term portion of notes payable	'	13,443
Current portion notes payable, 8.64%, due August 1, 2014 [Member]	'	'
Notes Payable, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]	'	'
Total current portion of notes payable	9,025	10,792
Fixed rate of interest	8.64%	'
Maturity date of term loan	1-Aug-14	'
Current portion notes payable, 8.9012%, due August 1, 2014 [Member]	'	'
Notes Payable, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]	'	'
Total current portion of notes payable	3,350	4,043
Fixed rate of interest	8.90%	'
Maturity date of term loan	1-Aug-14	'
Long-term portion notes payable, 8.64%, due August 1, 2014 [Member]	'	'
Notes Payable, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]	'	'
Total long-term portion of notes payable	0	9,837
Fixed rate of interest	8.64%	'
Maturity date of term loan	1-Aug-14	'
Long-term portion notes payable, 8.9012%, due August 1, 2014 [Member]	'	'
Notes Payable, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]	'	'
Total long-term portion of notes payable	$0	$3,606
Fixed rate of interest	8.90%	'
Maturity date of term loan	1-Aug-14	'

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-12

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

2002 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]

2002 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

ATM [Member]

ATM [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase the number of shares under the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options

'

'

'

'

$14.28

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intrinsic value of options exercised

'

'

'

'

$3,600,000

$300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

'

'

8,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted-average period in which cost is expected to be recognized

'

'

'

'

'2 years 5 months 27 days

'

'1 year 4 months 28 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds from employee stock purchase plan

'

84,000

68,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

500,000

'

'

Shares available for future option grants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost, restricted stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares allowed to purchase in employee stock purchase plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,250

'

'

'

'

'

Offering period of shares in employee stock purchase plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 months

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of purchase price of stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Discount rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Shares issued in period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,016

7,374

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation expense

'

4,149,000

3,116,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

37,000

29,000

'

'

'

'

Shares available for future purchases

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

81,512

'

'

'

'

'

Public Offering

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity, reserved for issuance

'

30,000,000

'

30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock issued, shares

150,000

'

150,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

302,750

'

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

2,600,000

'

2,647,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,500,000

30,000,000

Weighted average price

$18.19

'

$18.19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Corporate Share Repurchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase, authorized amount

'

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase, maximum period

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_Stock_Opti

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Option Plan Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Shares	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012	1,626,606	'
Granted	439,929	'
Exercised	-158,889	'
Forfeited	-73,978	'
Cancelled	-27,780	'
Balance as of September 30, 2013	1,805,888	1,626,606
Exercisable as of September 30, 2013	943,027	'
Options vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2013	1,805,888	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2012 (in usd per share)	$14.90	'
Granted (in usd per share)	$23.61	'
Exercised (in usd per share)	$14.76	'
Forfeited (in usd per share)	$16.72	'
Cancelled (in usd per share)	$28.32	'
Balance as of September 30, 2013 (in usd per share)	$16.74	$14.90
Exercisable as of September 30, 2013 (in usd per share)	$15.66	'
Options vested and expected to vest as of June 30, 2013 (in usd per share)	$16.74	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term in years	'7 years 8 months 15 days	'7 years 9 months 29 days
Exercisable as of September 30, 2013	'6 years 9 months 25 days	'
Options vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2013	'7 years 8 months 15 days	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value	$48,322	$11,358
Exercisable as of September 30, 2013	26,419	'
Options vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2013	$48,322	'

Stockholders_Equity_Restricted

Stockholders' Equity (Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Shares:	'
Nonvested at December 31, 2012	141,561
Granted	84,547
Vested	-77,070
Cancelled	-33,375
Nonvested at September 30, 2013	115,663
Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Nonvested at December 31, 2012 (in usd per share)	$12.52
Granted (in usd per share)	$27.71
Vested (in usd per share)	$15.77
Cancelled (in usd per share)	$12.53
Nonvested at September 30, 2013 (in usd per share)	$21.45

Common_Stock_Subject_to_Condit1

Common Stock Subject to Conditional Redemption - Pfizer Settlement Agreement (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 1996	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
			compound
Common Stock Subject to Conditional Redemption - Pfizer Settlement Agreement (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Date of settlement agreement	'April 1996	'	'
Exchange ratio of common shares (in usd per share)	$74.25	'	'
Common stock redeemed	'	'	112,371
Number of compounds covered in settlement agreement	'	'	2
Reclassification to permanent equity	'	$8.30	'