Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION

v3.8.0.1
DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Feb. 27, 2018
Jun. 30, 2017
DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION      
Entity Registrant Name RIGEL PHARMACEUTICALS INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0001034842    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2017    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 337,811,691
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   147,107,882  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY