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

Restructuring Charges (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Restructuring Charges (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at period start	$ 459
Restructuring charges	15
Cash payments	(456)
Balance at period end	18
Employee Severance and Other Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at period start	343
Restructuring charges	(14)
Cash payments	(311)
Balance at period end	18
Contract Termination Costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at period start	116
Restructuring charges	29
Cash payments	$ (145)