| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 16, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 16, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | XPERI CORP |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001690666 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-37956 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 81-4465732 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3025 Orchard Parkway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Jose |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 95134 |
| City Area Code | 408 |
| Local Phone Number | 321-6000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock (par value $0.001 per share) |
| Trading Symbol | XPER |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
