| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 2414404 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Incentive Plans Nonvested Restriced Stock (Details) (http://www.acaciaresearch.com/role/StockBasedIncentivePlansNonvestedRestricedStockDetails) |
| Table | Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000934549 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Award Type [Axis] | Restricted Stock [Member] |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award | Period [Axis] | ||
|---|---|---|---|
2012-01-01 - 2012-12-31 | 2011-01-01 - 2011-12-31 | 2010-01-01 - 2010-12-31 | |
Nonvested at December 31, 2011 | 1,505,000 | ||
Granted | 1,339,000 | ||
Vested | (1,318,000) | ||
Canceled | (173,000) | ||
Nonvested at December 31, 2012 | 1,353,000 | 1,505,000 | |
Nonvested, weighted average grant date fair value at December 31, 2011 | 21.01 | ||
Granted, weighted average grant date fair value | 32.17 | 29.24 | 8.61 |
Vested, weighted average grant date fair value | 21.90 | ||
Canceled, weighted average grant date fair value | 28.92 | ||
Nonvested, weighted average grant date fair value at December 31, 2012 | 30.17 | 21.01 | |