Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases
Minimum annual rental commitments for operating leases of continuing operations having initial or remaining noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):
 
Years ending December 31,
 
2017
$
1,279

2018
1,323

2019
1,369

2020
16

Total minimum lease payments
$
3,987
Net assets of IP Fund [Table Text Block]
At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Acacia IP Fund net assets and net income (loss) were primarily comprised of the following (in thousands):
 
 
2016
 
2015
Cash and other assets
 
$
1,118

 
$
7,740

Patents, net of accumulated amortization
 
—

 
147

Investments - noncurrent
 
2,933

 
5,829

Total assets
 
$
4,051

 
$
13,716

 
 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses and contributions
 
$
2,394

 
$
7,436

Net assets
 
$
1,657

 
$
6,280

 
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues
 
$
16

 
$
18

Operating expenses
 
572

 
1,617

Loss from operations
 
(556
)
 
(1,599
)
Net gain (loss) in equity method investments
 
(1,013
)
 
6,922

Net income (loss)
 
$
(1,569
)
 
$
5,323