v3.19.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2019
May 03, 2019
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.  
Document Type 10-Q  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   25,772,999
Amendment Flag false  
Trading Symbol XENE  
Entity Central Index Key 0001582313  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2019  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company true  
Entity Ex Transition Period true