SWK Holdings Corporation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Stockholders	$ 28,888	$ (7,370)
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding	13,015	12,986
Effect of dilutive securities	3
Weighted-average diluted shares	13,018	12,986
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Stockholders	$ 2.22	$ (0.57)
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to SWK Holdings Corporation Stockholders	$ 2.22	$ (0.57)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in Shares)	392	577