Document and Entity Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
May 12, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name Ocera Therapeutics, Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001274644  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2014  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2014  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   15,541,645