| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 10, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | LIGAND PHARMACEUTICALS INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000886163 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 10, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-33093 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0160744 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3911 Sorrento Valley Boulevard |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 110 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Diego |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94608 |
| City Area Code | (858) |
| Local Phone Number | 550-7500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | true |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | LGND |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
