Entity Central Index Key Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Document Type Document Type Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Central Index Key Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Marketable securities Marketable Securities Current Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable Net Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current Prepaid expenses, long term Prepaid Expense Noncurrent Property, plant and equipment, net (note 5) Property Plant And Equipment Net Total assets Assets Liabilities and shareholders’ equity Liabilities And Shareholders Deficit [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued expenses (note 6) Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current Deferred tenant inducements Incentive From Lessor Total liabilities Liabilities Shareholders’ equity: Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Common shares, without par value; unlimited shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 17,930,590 (December 31, 2015 - 14,385,336) (note 7b) Common Stock Value Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital Common Stock Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Shareholders' equity Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Commitments and contingencies (note 10) Commitments And Contingencies Common shares, without par value Common Stock No Par Value Common shares, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Authorized Unlimited Common shares, Issued Common Stock Shares Issued Common shares, Outstanding Common Stock Shares Outstanding Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Collaboration revenue (note 9) License And Services Revenue Royalties Royalty Revenue Revenues Revenues Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Research and development Research And Development Expense General and administrative General And Administrative Expense Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Income (loss) from operations Operating Income Loss Other income (expense): Other Income And Expenses [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income Interest Foreign exchange gain (loss) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Before Tax Net income (loss) Net Income Loss Net income (loss) per common share (note 3m): Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding (note 3m): Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Effects of dilutive securities Dilutive Securities [Abstract] Stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Diluted Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax The gross value of stock issued during the period upon the conversion of subscription rights. Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the conversion of subscription rights. Amount of increase (decrease) to additional paid in capital (APIC) resulting from reclassification of equity classified stock options to liability classified stock options. Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component Equity Component [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Class of Stock Statement Class Of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock Class Of Stock [Domain] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series E Preferred Stock [Member] Series E Preferred Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Balance Balance (in Shares) Shares Outstanding Net income (loss) Conversion of Series A, B and E convertible preferred shares Stock Issued During Period Value Conversion Of Convertible Securities Conversion of series A, B and E convertible preferred shares (in Shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares Conversion Of Convertible Securities Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs Stock Issued During Period Value New Issues Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs (in Shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues Cumulative translation adjustment Stock-based compensation expense Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Share Based Compensation Stock Options Requisite Service Period Recognition Issuance of common shares on conversion of subscription rights Stock Issued During Period On Conversion Of Subscription Rights Issuance of common shares on conversion of subscription rights (in Shares) Stock Issued During Period On Conversion Of Subscription Rights Shares Issued pursuant to exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period Value Stock Options Exercised Issued pursuant to exercise of stock options (in Shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised Fair value adjustment upon reclassification of stock options (note 3l) Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Fair Value Adjustment Upon Reclassification Of Stock Options Balance Balance (in Shares) The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the value of deferred tenant inducements. Financing fees included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The aggregate grant-date fair value of options exercised via net exercise (cashless) during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology. Items not involving cash. Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Items not involving cash: Items Not Involving Cash [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation And Amortization Stock-based compensation Share Based Compensation Deferred tenant inducements Deferred Tenant Inducements Adjustments Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss Foreign Currency Transaction Gain Loss Unrealized Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable Prepaid expenses, and other current assets Increase Decrease In Prepaid Deferred Expense And Other Assets Prepaid expenses, long term Increase Decrease In Prepaid Expense Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase Decrease In Deferred Revenue Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations Investing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Purchase of marketable securities Payments To Acquire Marketable Securities Proceeds from marketable securities Proceeds From Sale And Maturity Of Marketable Securities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations Financing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred financing fees Payments Of Stock Issuance Costs Issuance of common shares pursuant to exercise of stock options Proceeds From Issuance Of Shares Under Incentive And Share Based Compensation Plans Including Stock Options Issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs (note 7a) Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents Continuing Operations Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents, end of year Supplemental disclosures: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest received Interest Income Deposits With Financial Institutions Supplemental disclosures of non-cash transactions: Noncash Investing And Financing Items [Abstract] Issuance of common shares on conversion of subscription rights Conversion Of Stock Amount Issued1 Financing fees included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Financing Fees Included In Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Fair value of options exercised on a cashless basis Fair Value Of Options Exercised On Cashless Basis Conversion of convertible preferred shares into common shares Conversion Of Stock Amount Converted1 Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] Nature of the business Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of presentation Basis Of Accounting Significant accounting policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract] Future changes in accounting policies Description Of New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Property Plant And Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Payables And Accruals [Abstract] Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract] Share Capital Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract] Concentration of market risk Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Collaboration agreements Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Parties Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Use of estimates Use Of Estimates Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy [Text Block] Marketable Securities Investment Policy [Text Block] Intellectual Property Legal Costs Policy [Text Block] Property, plant and equipment Property Plant And Equipment Policy [Text Block] Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment Or Disposal Of Long Lived Assets Policy [Text Block] Concentration of credit risk and of significant customers Concentration Risk Credit Risk Financial instruments and fair value Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Policy Revenue recognition Revenue Recognition Policy [Text Block] Research and development costs Research And Development Expense Policy Stock-based compensation Share Based Compensation Option And Incentive Plans Policy Net income (loss) per common share Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] Foreign currency translation Foreign Currency Transactions And Translations Policy [Text Block] Income taxes Income Tax Policy [Text Block] Deferred tenant inducements Lease Policy [Text Block] Segment and geographic information Segment Reporting Policy Policy [Text Block] Comparative figures Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Description Schedule of property plant and equipment estimated useful lives. Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Axis] Deferred Revenue Deferred Revenue Arrangement Type [Domain] Collaboration research and development revenue. Collaboration Research And Development Revenue [Member] Collaboration Research And Development Revenue [Member] Property Plant and Equipment Estimated Useful Lives Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives Table [Text Block] Revenue Recognized From Collaborations Deferred Revenue By Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Property, Plant and Equipment Property Plant And Equipment [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Table [Text Block] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Stock-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity Table [Text Block] Summary of Stock Option Outstanding and Exercisable Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Text Block] Schedule of Nonvested Stock Option Activity Schedule Of Nonvested Share Activity Table [Text Block] Schedule of Stock-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions Schedule Of Share Based Payment Award Stock Options Valuation Assumptions Table [Text Block] Stock Based Compensation Expenses Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Text Block] Schedule of Revenues from Collaborations Schedule Of Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions Table [Text Block] Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments for Operating Leases Schedule Of Future Minimum Rental Payments For Operating Leases Table [Text Block] Schedule of Income Tax (Recovery) Expense Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Table [Text Block] Schedule of Net Deferred Income Tax Assets Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Table [Text Block] Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data Schedule Of Quarterly Financial Information Table [Text Block] Basis of presentation. Basis of presentation. Basis Of Presentation [Table] Basis Of Presentation [Table] Legal Entity Legal Entity [Axis] Entity Entity [Domain] Xenon Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. [Member] Subsidiaries [Member] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] Date of incorporation Entity Incorporation Date Of Incorporation Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment [Table] Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property Plant And Equipment By Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Research equipment. Research Equipment [Member] Research Equipment [Member] Office Furniture and Equipment [Member] Office Equipment [Member] Computer Equipment [Member] Computer Equipment [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property Plant And Equipment Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives Property Plant And Equipment Estimated Useful Lives Significant accounting policies. Significant accounting policies. Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Range Range [Axis] Range Range [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Concentration Risk Type Concentration Risk By Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Revenue from Rights Concentration Risk [Member] Revenue From Rights Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark Concentration Risk By Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Account Payable and Accrued Expenses [Member] Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Member] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Impairment Of Long Lived Assets Held For Use Collaborative Research And Development Revenue Concentration Risk Percentage1 Schedule Of Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule Of Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Counterparty Name Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name Repurchase Agreement Counterparty Name [Domain] Genentech. Genentech [Member] Genentech [Member] Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Teva [Member] Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd [Member] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions Type Of Arrangement [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions Arrangements And Nonarrangement Transactions [Member] Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements And Noncollaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaboration revenue Liability classified stock options Deferred Compensation Share Based Arrangements Liability Current Stock option shares outstanding not included in the calculation of net income per common share Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Office Furniture and Equipment [Member] Furniture And Fixtures [Member] Property, plant and equipment Property Plant And Equipment Gross Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Net book value Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date for consulting and contracted research due within one year. Trade payables Accounts Payable Trade Current Employee compensation, benefits, and related accruals Employee Related Liabilities Current Consulting and contracted research Accrued Consulting And Contracted Research Current Professional fees Accrued Professional Fees Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities Current Total Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] Sale of Stock Subsidiary Sale Of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock Sale Of Stock Name Of Transaction [Domain] IPO [Member] I P O [Member] Private Placement [Member] Private Placement [Member] Concurrent private placement. Concurrent Private Placement [Member] Concurrent Private Placement [Member] Legal Entity of Counterparty, Type Accounts Notes Loans And Financing Receivables By Legal Entity Of Counterparty Type [Axis] Legal Entity Type of Counterparty Legal Entity Type Of Counterparty [Domain] Genentech affiliate. Genentech Affiliate [Member] Genentech Affiliate [Member] Stock Conversion Description Conversion Of Stock By Unique Description [Axis] Conversion of Stock, Name Conversion Of Stock Name [Domain] The number of share converted from convertible preferred shares. Converted from Convertible Preferred Shares [Member] Converted From Convertible Preferred Shares [Member] Converted from subscription rights. Converted from Subscription Rights [Member] Converted From Subscription Rights [Member] Underwritten public offering. Underwritten Public Offering [Member] Underwritten Public Offering [Member] Plan Name Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name Plan Name [Domain] Amended and restated stock option plan. Amended And Restated Stock Option Plan [Member] Amended And Restated Stock Option Plan [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Two thousand fourteen plan. Two Thousand Fourteen Plan [Member] Two Thousand Fourteen Plan [Member] Subsequent Event Type Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] Common share price (in Dollars per share) Sale Of Stock Price Per Share Proceeds from net of underwriting discounts and commissions Before offering expenses Number of shares issued during the period as a result of the conversion of subscription rights. Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion Preferred Stock Conversion Basis Common stock issued upon conversion of preferred stock Common stock issued upon conversion of subscription rights Stock Issued During Period Shares Conversion Of Subscription Rights Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock Shares Outstanding Options exercise term Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Expiration Period Options vesting period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period1 Number of Options, Granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Available For Grant Common stock reserved for issuance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Additional Shares Authorized Number of Options Outstanding, Beginning balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Number of Options, Granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Gross Number of Options, Exercised Number of Options, Forfeited, cancelled or expired Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures And Expirations In Period Number of Options Outstanding, Ending balance Number of Options Exercisable Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Beginning balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercises In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited, cancelled and expired Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures And Expirations In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Ending balance Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable Ending balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, Beginning balance Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercised Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercises In Period Total Intrinsic Value Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, Ending balance Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable, Ending balance Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Exercisable Intrinsic Value1 Number of share options (or share units) exercised for number of common shares for cash during the period. Number of common stock issued in exchange for share options (or share units) exercised via net exercise (cashless) method during the current period. Number of share options (or share units) exercised via net exercise (cashless) method during the current period. Stock Options exercised for Number of Common Shares for cash Stock Options Exercised For Number Of Common Shares For Cash Common stock issued for cashless exercise Common Stock Issued For Cashless Exercise Cashless exercise of stock options Cashless Exercise Of Stock Options Stock option activity. Stock Option Activity [Abstract] Exercise Price Range Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans By Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Domain] Exercise price range one. Range of Exercise Prices - $1.93 - $2.31 [Member] Exercise Price Range One [Member] Exercise price range two. Range of Exercise Prices - $2.32 - $4.86 [Member] Exercise Price Range Two [Member] Exercise price range three. Range of Exercise Prices - $4.87 - $7.72 [Member] Exercise Price Range Three [Member] Exercise price range four. Range of Exercise Prices - $7.73 - $7.91 [Member] Exercise Price Range Four [Member] Exercise price range five. Range of Exercise Prices - $7.92 - $17.70 [Member] Exercise Price Range Five [Member] Exercise price range six. Range of Exercise Prices - $17.71 - $18.23 [Member] Exercise Price Range Six [Member] Exercise price range seven. Range of Exercise Prices - $18.24 - $21.82 [Member] Exercise Price Range Seven [Member] Exercise price range, lower range limit Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Lower Range Limit Exercise price range, upper range limit Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range Upper Range Limit Number of Options Outstanding Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term2 Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life in Years Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term1 Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Nonvested Number Of Shares Roll Forward Number of Options, Non-vested, Beginning balance Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Nonvested Number Of Shares Number of Options, Vested Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Vested Number Of Shares Number of Options, Forfeited and cancelled Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Nonvested Options Forfeited Number Of Shares Number of Options, Non-vested, Ending balance Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested, Beginning balance Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Vested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited and cancelled Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Nonvested Options Forfeited Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested, Ending balance Aggregate fair value of options vested Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Vested In Period Fair Value1 Fair value assumptions for stock options. Fair Value Assumptions For Stock Options [Abstract] Average risk-free interest rate Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate Expected volatility Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Volatility Rate Average expected term (in years) Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Term1 Expected dividend yield Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Dividend Rate Weighted average fair value of options granted Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location Income Statement Location [Domain] Research and development [Member] Research And Development Expense [Member] General and administrative [Member] General And Administrative Expense [Member] Stock-based compensation Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Unrecognized stock-based compensation expected to be recognized over a period Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition1 Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Trading Activity Trading Activity By Type [Axis] Trading Activity, by Type Trading Activity By Type [Domain] Foreign Currency Exchange Risk [Member] Foreign Exchange [Member] Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities Risk Managing Risks Inherent In Servicing Assets And Servicing Liabilities By Type Of Risk [Axis] Risks Inherent in Servicing Assets and Servicing Liabilities, Type Risks Inherent In Servicing Assets And Servicing Liabilities Type [Domain] Interest Rate Risk [Member] Interest Rate Risk [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities Cash Cash Equivalents And Short Term Investments Interest rate risk, description Description Of Interest Rate Risk Exposure Outstanding debt Debt Longterm And Shortterm Combined Amount Proceeds from upfront fee. Products and Services Product Or Service [Axis] Products and Services Products And Services [Domain] TV-45070. TV-45070 [Member] T V45070 [Member] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type Research And Development Arrangement Contract To Perform For Others By Type [Axis] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type Research And Development Arrangement Contract To Perform For Others Type [Domain] Clinical milestone. Clinical Milestone [Member] Clinical Milestone [Member] Regulatory milestone. Regulatory Milestone [Member] Regulatory Milestone [Member] Sales-based milestone. Sales Based Milestone [Member] Sales Based Milestone [Member] GDC-0276 product. GDC-0276 [Member] G D C0276 [Member] Preclinical and clinical milestone. Preclinical And Clinical Milestone [Member] Preclinical And Clinical Milestone [Member] Preclinical, clinical and regulatory milestones. Preclinical Clinical and Regulatory Milestones [Member] Preclinical Clinical And Regulatory Milestones [Member] uniQure Biopharma B.V. uniQure [Member] Uni Qure Biopharma B V [Member] Glybera. Glybera [Member] Glybera [Member] Proceeds from upfront fee Proceeds From Upfront Fee Potential milestone payments receivable. Potential Milestone Payments Receivable Potential Milestone Payments Receivable Proceeds from milestone payments Revenue Recognition Milestone Method Revenue Recognized Proceeds from Issuance of Private Placement Proceeds From Issuance Of Private Placement Upfront payment performance description. Upfront payment performance description Upfront Payment Performance Description Revenue Recognized From Collaborations [Abstract] Revenue Recognized From Collaborations [Abstract] Revenue recognized during the period from milestone payments. Milestone Payments [Member] Milestone Payment [Member] Revenue recognized during the period from recognition of upfront payments. Recognition of Upfront Payments [Member] Recognition Of Upfront Payment [Member] Revenue recognized during the period from research funding. Research Funding [Member] Research Funding [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Table] Category of Item Purchased Long Term Purchase Commitment By Category Of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased Long Term Purchase Commitment Category Of Item Purchased [Domain] Medpace clinical development service agreement. Medpace Clinical Development Service Agreement [Member] Medpace Clinical Development Service Agreement [Member] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Line Items] Lease Agreement Description Description Of Lessor Leasing Arrangements Operating Leases Lease Expiration Date Lease Expiration Date1 Amended Operating Leases Term Lessor Leasing Arrangements Operating Leases Renewal Term Operating Leases, Rent Expense Lease And Rental Expense Operating leases future minimum payments due in six years. 2017 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Current 2018 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Two Years 2019 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Three Years 2020 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Four Years 2021 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Five Years 2022 Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due In Six Years Total Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Contractual obligation paid. Service agreement, term Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Term Committed service obligation Contractual Obligation Contractual obligation paid Contractual Obligation Paid Expenses for services rendered Cost Of Services Current prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense Current Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward [Table] Tax Credit Carryforward Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name Tax Credit Carryforward Name [Domain] Investment Tax credit [Member] Investment Credit [Member] Provincial tax credit. Provincial Tax Credit [Member] Provincial Tax Credit [Member] Income Tax Authority, Name Income Tax Authority Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name Income Tax Authority Name [Domain] Canada Revenue Agency [Member] Canada Revenue Agency [Member] Tax Period Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period Tax Period [Domain] Latest Tax Year [Member] Latest Tax Year [Member] Earliest Tax Year [Member] Earliest Tax Year [Member] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items] Income tax (recovery) expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate The amount of income tax expense or benefit for the period computed by applying the domestic federal statutory tax rates to expired operating loss carryforwards. Income tax reconciliation nondeductible expense (benefit). Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to deferred financing fees in equity. Computed taxes (recoveries) at Canadian federal and provincial tax rates Income Tax Reconciliation Income Tax Expense Benefit At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Change in valuation allowance Income Tax Reconciliation Change In Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Investment tax credits earned Income Tax Reconciliation Tax Credits Investment Tax attributes expired/utilized Income Tax Reconciliation Tax Attributes Expired Utilized Non-deductible expenditures Income Tax Reconciliation Nondeductible Expense Benefit Financing fees in equity Income Tax Reconciliation Financing Fees In Equity Other Income Tax Reconciliation Other Reconciling Items Income tax (recovery) expense Income Tax Expense Benefit Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences Scientific Research and Development expenditures. Amount of deferred tax asset attributable to taxable temporary differences from deferred financing costs. Deferred income tax assets Components Of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Scientific research and experimental development pool Deferred Tax Assets Scientific Research And Development Investment tax credits Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Research Non-capital losses Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Depreciable assets Deferred Tax Assets Property Plant And Equipment Deferred financing fees Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Financing Fees Other Deferred Tax Assets Other Less - valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Net deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets Net Unclaimed Tax Deductions Related To Scientific Research And Experimental Development Expenditures Income Tax Reconciliation Tax Credits Research Tax credit available to offset federal taxes payable Tax Credit Carryforward Amount Non-capital losses carried forward for tax purposes Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax Credit Carry forward, Expiration Date Tax Credit Carryforward Expiration Date Unrecognized tax benefits of uncertain tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits Tax year open for income tax examination Open Tax Year Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of expenditures with related parties made in advance of when the economic benefit of the cost will be realized, and which will be expensed in future periods with the passage of time or when a triggering event occurs. Schedule Of Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Table] Schedule Of Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Table] Medpace Clinical Development Service Agreement [Member] Research And Development Arrangement [Member] Related Party Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Axis] Related Party Related Party [Domain] Dr. August J. Troendle, Officer and Director [Member] Beneficial Owner [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Percentage of ownership Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Noncontrolling Owners Clinical development service fees to related parties Costs And Expenses Related Party Prepaid Expenses Prepaid Expense Current And Non Current Related Party Revenue Income (loss) from operations Basic and diluted net loss per common share Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Basic net income (loss) per common share Diluted net income (loss) per common share