Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Feb. 29, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
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, 2011    
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     $ 649,682,698
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   71,441,820  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY