| Cover | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 31, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 000-17082 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Novelion Therapeutics Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000827809 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0455702 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | A1 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | c/o Norton Rose Fulbright |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 1800 - 510 West Georgia Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Vancouver |
| Entity Address, Country | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | BC V6B 0M3 |
| City Area Code | 877 |
| Local Phone Number | 764-3131 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares, without par value |
| Trading Symbol | NVLNF |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
