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

Restructuring Charges (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Restructuring Charges (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at period start	$ 459
Restructuring charges	36
Cash payments	(357)
Balance at period end	138
Employee Severance and Other Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at period start	343
Restructuring charges	2
Cash payments	(212)
Balance at period end	133
Contract Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at period start	116
Restructuring charges	34
Cash payments	(145)
Balance at period end	$ 5