XOMA Corporation Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Restructuring Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Restructuring Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 2,561	$ 2,561	$ 84
Cash payments		(819)
Balance at September 30, 2015	1,742	1,742
Employee Severance and Other Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	2,200	2,174
Cash payments		(606)
Balance at September 30, 2015	1,568	1,568
Contract Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		387
Cash payments		(213)
Balance at September 30, 2015	$ 174	$ 174