Novelion Therapeutics (NVLN) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 05, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'QLTI	'
Entity Registrant Name	'QLT INC/BC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000827809	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	51,081,878

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$114,086	$307,384
Restricted cash (Notes 6, 8, 9)	'	7,500
Accounts receivable	755	3,960
Contingent consideration-current (Notes 6, 9)	40,557	41,255
Income taxes receivable	404	554
Deferred income tax assets-current	316	644
Assets held for sale (Note 8)	'	300
Prepaid and other	1,705	1,442
Total current assets	157,823	363,039
Property, plant and equipment	2,180	2,655
Deferred income tax assets-non-current	195	370
Contingent consideration-non-current (Notes 6, 9)	9,569	35,154
Total assets	169,767	401,218
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	3,924	6,121
Accrued liabilities (Note 2)	1,407	2,515
Accrued restructuring charge (Note 5)	249	1,933
Deferred income	'	456
Total current liabilities	5,580	11,025
Uncertain tax position liabilities	1,874	1,875
Total liabilities	7,454	12,900
Share capital (Note 4)	'	'
Authorized 5,000,000 first preference shares without par value, issuable in series	'	'
Authorized 500,000,000 common shares without par value, issued and outstanding common shares September 30, 2013 - 51,081,878 shares December 31, 2012 - 51,589,405 shares	466,229	471,712
Additional paid-in capital	95,524	296,024
Accumulated deficit	-502,409	-482,387
Accumulated other comprehensive income	102,969	102,969
Total shareholders' equity	162,313	388,318
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	$169,767	$401,218

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preference stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	51,081,878	51,589,405
Common stock, shares outstanding	51,081,878	51,589,405

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Research and development	$5,243	$5,639	$13,715	$19,621
Selling, general and administrative	1,676	2,669	5,568	12,648
Depreciation	230	238	717	927
Restructuring charges (Note 5)	354	11,402	1,847	11,402
Total expenses	7,503	19,948	21,847	44,598
Operating loss	-7,503	-19,948	-21,847	-44,598
Investment and other income	'	'	'	'
Net foreign exchange (losses) gains	-54	65	-36	-84
Interest income	39	59	175	147
Fair value change in contingent consideration (Notes 6, 9)	71	2,840	1,904	6,432
Other gains	64	21	100	102
Total investment and other income	120	2,985	2,143	6,597
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-7,383	-16,963	-19,704	-38,001
(Provision for) Recovery of income taxes (Note 7)	-109	4,345	-434	3,798
Loss from continuing operations	-7,492	-12,618	-20,138	-34,203
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (Note 8)	96	94,078	116	89,082
Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income	($7,396)	$81,460	($20,022)	$54,879
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share (Note 10)	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	($0.15)	($0.25)	($0.40)	($0.69)
Discontinued operations	$0	$1.86	$0	$1.80
Net (loss) income per common share	($0.14)	$1.61	($0.39)	$1.11
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (thousands)	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	51,082	50,600	50,851	49,592

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Cash used in operating activities	'	'		'		'
Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income	($7,396)	$81,460		($20,022)		$54,879
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities	'	'		'		'
Depreciation	230	238		717		1,017
Stock-based compensation and restricted stock based compensation	137	140		279		5,692
Unrealized foreign exchange (gains) losses	69	-151		204		94
Deferred income taxes	108	949		566		1,600
Write-down of property, plant and equipment	'	1,056		'		1,056
Recovery on assets held for sale	-37	'		-212		'
Gain on sale of discontinued operations (Note 8)	'	-101,381	[1]	-743	[2]	-101,381	[1]
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	-4	'		-4		'
Fair value change in contingent consideration (Notes 6, 9)	761	'		1,249		'
Changes in non-cash operating assets and liabilities	'	'		'		'
Accounts receivable	-47	-787		2,158		500
Inventories	'	1,318		'		361
Prepaid and other	690	1,482		-264		414
Accounts payable	486	2,195		-2,003		2,701
Income taxes receivable / payable	204	'		146		-297
Accrued liabilities	203	150		-1,158		-2,895
Accrued restructuring	-436	2,838		-1,633		2,838
Cash used in operating activities	-5,032	-10,493		-20,720		-33,421
Cash provided by investing activities	'	'		'		'
Net proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and assets held for sale	30	25		239		25
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations (Note 8)	7,502	101,430		8,252		101,430
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-129	-205		-129		-900
Net proceeds from sale of other assets	'	'		'		250
Proceeds from mortgage receivable	'	'		'		5,874
Proceeds from contingent consideration (Notes 6, 9)	8,483	6,457		25,035		19,841
Cash provided by investing activities	15,886	107,707		33,397		126,520
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	'	'		'		'
Common shares repurchased, including fees	'	'		-14,079		'
Cash distribution paid to common shareholders (Note 4(a))	'	'		-200,000		'
Issuance of common shares	'	7,416		8,317		9,404
Cash used in financing activities	'	7,416		-205,762		9,404
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	52	258		-213		121
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	10,906	104,888		-193,298		102,624
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	103,180	203,333		307,384		205,597
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	114,086	308,221		114,086		308,221
Supplementary cash flow information:	'	'		'		'
Interest paid	'	'		'		'
Income taxes paid	'	$1		$1		$391
[1]	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the net gain of $101.4 million relates to the gain on the sale of our Visudyne business to Valeant in September 2012.
[2]	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the net gain of $0.7 million represents total proceeds of $1.2 million related to the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati in April 2013, net of $0.3 million of related transaction costs and the $0.2 million carrying value of certain equipment sold, which was previously classified as held for sale.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Shares	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$329,005	$458,118	$296,003	($528,085)	$102,969
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	48,927,742	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash, at prices ranging from CAD $2.44 to CAD $7.23 per share	21,409	29,666	-8,257	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash, at prices ranging from CAD $2.44 to CAD $7.23 per share, shares	'	4,408,867	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	5,902	'	5,902	'	'
Common share repurchase	-13,696	-16,072	2,376	'	'
Common share repurchase, Shares	'	-1,747,204	'	'	'
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)	45,698	'	'	45,698	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	388,318	471,712	296,024	-482,387	102,969
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	51,589,405	51,589,405	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash, at prices ranging from CAD $2.44 to CAD $7.23 per share	3,661	5,072	-1,411	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash, at prices ranging from CAD $2.44 to CAD $7.23 per share, shares	'	631,685	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	48	'	48	'	'
Common share repurchase	-13,479	-15,461	1,982	'	'
Common share repurchase, Shares	'	-1,691,479	'	'	'
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)	-6,427	'	'	-6,427	'
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	372,121	461,323	296,643	-488,814	102,969
Ending Balance, Shares at Mar. 31, 2013	'	50,529,611	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash, at prices ranging from CAD $2.44 to CAD $7.23 per share	3,556	4,906	-1,350	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash, at prices ranging from CAD $2.44 to CAD $7.23 per share, shares	'	552,267	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	94	'	94	'	'
Cash distribution to common shareholders at $3.92 per share (Note 4(a))	-200,000	'	-200,000	'	'
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)	-6,199	'	'	-6,199	'
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	169,572	466,229	95,387	-495,013	102,969
Ending Balance, Shares at Jun. 30, 2013	'	51,081,878	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	122	'	122	'	'
Restricted stock compensation	15	'	15	'	'
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)	-7,396	'	'	-7,396	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$162,313	$466,229	$95,524	($502,409)	$102,969
Ending Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2013	51,081,878	51,081,878	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	CAD	CAD	CAD	Common Shares	Common Shares	Common Shares	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in Capital
				CAD	CAD	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	CAD	CAD
Lower price range for exercise of stock options	2.44	2.44	2.44	2.44	2.44	2.44	'	2.44	2.44	2.44
Higher price range for exercise of stock options	7.23	7.23	7.23	7.23	7.23	7.23	'	7.23	7.23	7.23
Cash distribution to common shareholders, per share 6/30/2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3.92	'	'	'

Condensed_Summary_of_Significa

Condensed Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Condensed Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1. CONDENSED SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the presentation of interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed, or omitted, pursuant to such rules and regulations. These financial statements do not include all disclosures required for the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. All amounts herein are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
	In management’s opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position at September 30, 2013, and results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented. The interim results presented are not necessarily indicative of results that can be expected for a full year.
	The results of operations relating to our PPDS Technology and Visudyne business have been excluded from continuing operations and reported as discontinued operations for the current and prior periods. See Note 8 — Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale.
	Principles of Consolidation
	These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of QLT and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting periods presented. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, contingent consideration measured at fair value, allocation of overhead expenses to research and development, stock-based compensation, restructuring costs, and provisions for taxes, tax assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from estimates made by management.
	Segment Information
	We operate in one industry segment, which is the business of developing, manufacturing, and commercializing opportunities in ophthalmology. As at the date of this report, our clinical development programs are solely focused on our synthetic retinoid, QLT091001. Our chief operating decision maker reviews our operating results and manages our operations as a single operating segment. Our segment information excludes the results of businesses classified as discontinued operations.
	Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale
	We consider assets to be held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan to actively market the assets for sale. Upon designation as held for sale, the carrying value of the assets is recorded at the lower of their carrying value and their estimated fair values. We cease to record depreciation or amortization expense at that time.
	The results of operations, including the gain on disposal for businesses that are classified as held for sale, are excluded from continuing operations and reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Other than the provision of certain transition services described in Note 8—Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale, we have not had and do not expect to have any significant continued involvement with the Visudyne business or the PPDS Technology following their sale. Amounts billed to Valeant and Mati in connection with the provision of these transition services are included within discontinued operations.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	ASC topic 718 requires stock-based compensation expense, which is measured at fair value on the grant date, to be recognized in the statement of operations over the period in which a grantee is required to provide services in exchange for the stock award. Compensation expense recognition provisions are applicable to new awards as well as previously granted awards which are modified, repurchased or cancelled after the adoption date. We recognize stock based compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, we consider voluntary terminations and trends of actual option forfeitures.
	The Company has a Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DDSU Plan”) for our directors. We recognize compensation expense for Deferred Share Units (“DSU’s”) based on the market price of the Company’s stock. A vested DSU is convertible to cash only. The financial obligations related to the future settlement of these DSU’s are recognized as compensation expense and accrued liabilities as the DSU’s vest. Each reporting period, these obligations are revalued for changes in the market value of QLT’s common shares.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company issued Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s”) to its directors as consideration for their provision of future services as directors (see Note 4(d)). Restricted stock based compensation expense is measured based on the fair value market price of QLT’s common shares on the grant date and is recognized over the requisite service period, which coincides with the vesting period. RSU’s can only be exchanged and settled for QLT’s common shares, on a one-to-one basis, upon vesting.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are reported using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to: (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and (ii) operating loss and tax credit carry forwards using applicable enacted tax rates. An increase or decrease in these tax rates will increase or decrease the carrying value of future net tax assets resulting in an increase or decrease to net income. Income tax credits, such as investment tax credits, are included as part of the provision for income taxes. The realization of our deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on the generation of sufficient capital gains and taxable income prior to expiration of any loss carry forward balance. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset may not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances are included in our tax provision, or included within discontinued operations in the period of change.
	Contingent Consideration
	Contingent consideration arising from the sale of QLT USA and our Visudyne business is measured at fair value. The contingent consideration is revalued at each reporting period and changes are included in continuing operations. See Note 6—Contingent Consideration.
	Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share
	Basic net (loss) income per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income per common share is computed in accordance with the treasury stock method, which uses the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and also includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable from outstanding stock options.
	Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and payables, and contingent consideration approximate fair value. For cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables, we estimate fair value using the market approach. For contingent consideration, we estimate fair value using the income approach. The fair values of our financial instruments reflect the amounts that would be received in connection with the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11—Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU No. 2013-11 requires companies to present an unrecognized tax benefit; or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit; as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, unless certain conditions exist. This update is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2013, with early adoption permitted. Retrospective application is also permitted. Management is currently assessing the impact of ASU No. 2013-11 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	2. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Compensation(1)		$	1,062	$	2,270
	Directors’ Deferred Share Units compensation (“DDSU”)			180		96
	Other			165	$	149
			$	1,407	$	2,515
	(1)	The decrease in the accrued compensation liability is primarily due to the pay-out of employee bonuses during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Foreign_Exchange_Facility

Foreign Exchange Facility	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Foreign Currency [Abstract]	'
Foreign Exchange Facility	'
	3. FOREIGN EXCHANGE FACILITY
	We have a foreign exchange facility (the “Facility”) with HSBC Bank of Canada for the sole purpose of entering into foreign exchange contracts. The Facility previously allowed us to enter into a maximum of $50.0 million in spot or forward foreign exchange contracts for terms up to fifteen months. Effective April 23, 2013, we entered into an amendment with HSBC Bank of Canada (the “Amendment”) which reduced the limit applicable to forward foreign exchange contracts to $12.5 million for terms up to one month. The Amendment also reduced the limit applicable to spot foreign exchange contracts to $10.0 million. All other terms and conditions governing the Facility remain the same.
	The Facility requires security in the form of cash or money market instruments based on the contingent credit exposure for any outstanding foreign exchange transactions. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, no collateral has been pledged as security for this facility given that we do not have any foreign exchange transactions outstanding.

Share_Capital

Share Capital	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Share Capital	'
	. SHARE CAPITAL
	(a) Cash Distribution
	On June 27, 2013, we completed a $200.0 million special cash distribution, by way of a reduction of the paid-up capital of the Company’s common shares (the “Cash Distribution”). The Cash Distribution was approved by the Company’s shareholders at QLT’s annual and special shareholder’s meeting on June 14, 2013. All shareholders of record as at June 24, 2013 (the “Record Date”) were eligible to participate in the Cash Distribution and received a payment of approximately $3.92 per share based upon the 51,081,878 common shares issued and outstanding on the Record Date.
	(b) Share Repurchase Program
	On October 2, 2012, we commenced a normal course issuer bid to repurchase up to 3,438,683 of our common shares, which represented 10% of our public float as of September 26, 2012. The bid was completed in March 2013. All purchases were effected in the open market through the facilities of the NASDAQ Stock Market, and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. All common shares repurchased were cancelled. Total purchases under this program were 3,438,683 common shares at an average price of $7.86 per share, for a total cost of $27.0 million.
	(c) Stock Options
	On April 25, 2013, the Company’s board of directors amended and restated the QLT 2000 Incentive Stock Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock, without par value, available for grant under the Plan from 7,800,000 to 11,800,000 and to make certain other amendments to the Plan. The amendment and restatement of the Plan was subject to shareholder approval, which was obtained on June 14, 2013. On July 29, 2013, the Company filed a registration statement to register the issuance of up to 4,000,000 additional common shares that may be issued under the Plan as a result of the amendment to the Plan.
	On July 15, 2013, the Board of Directors granted an aggregate of 862,000 stock options to employees and 100,000 stock options to directors. The stock options vest and become exercisable in thirty-six (36) successive and equal monthly installments beginning on the one-month anniversary of the date of grant and have an exercise price of CAD $4.54 per share, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the date of grant.
	We used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the value of the options at each grant date. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. We project expected volatility and expected life of our stock options based upon historical and other economic data trended into future years. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the expected life of our stock options. We used the following weighted average assumptions (no dividends are assumed) to value the 962,000 stock options on the July 15, 2013 grant date:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Annualized volatility			46.1	%		—			46.1	%		46.8	%
	Risk-free interest rate			2.1	%		—			2.1	%		1	%
	Expected life (years)			6.5			—			6.5			3.8
	The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was CAD $2.18 (three months ended September 30, 2012—$nil; nine months ended September 30, 2012—CAD $2.55).
	The impact on our results of operations of recording stock-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Research and development		$	77		$	39		$	171		$	1,503
	Selling, general and administrative			45			40			90			1,764
	Discontinued operations			—			61			3			2,425
	Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes			122			140			264			5,692
	Related income tax benefits			—			(5	)		—			(537	)
	Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes		$	122		$	135		$	264		$	5,155
	As at September 30, 2013, 959,249 stock options were unvested (December 30, 2012—143,965). As at September 30, 2013, the total estimated unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and the expected and weighted average periods over which such costs are expected to be recognized is as follows:
			September 30,
			2013
	Unrecognized estimated compensation costs (in thousands of U.S. dollars)		$	1,786
	Expected period of recognition of compensation cost (in months)			36
	Expected weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized (in years)			2.72
	We issue new common shares upon exercise of stock options. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised and the related cash from exercise of stock options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised		$	—		$	6,199		$	2,142		$	7,858
	Cash from exercise of stock options			—			9,302			7,217			11,293
	(d) Deferred Share Units
	On July 15, 2013, 88,000 DSU’s were issued to directors in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan. The DSU’s vest in thirty-six (36) successive and equal monthly installments beginning on the first day of the first month after the date of grant. A vested DSU can only be settled by conversion to cash (no share is issued), and is automatically converted after the director ceases to be a member of the Board unless the director is removed from the Board for just cause.
	No cash payments were made under the DDSU Plan during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. On June 4, 2012, a new board of directors was elected at the Company’s annual shareholders’ meeting. As a result, upon departure of the previous board of directors, $2.5 million was paid out to these former directors during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan.
	The impact on our results of operations of recording DSU compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012(1)			2013			2012(1)
	Research and development		$	22		$	11		$	33		$	232
	Selling, general and administrative			37			27			56			536
	Deferred share unit compensation expense			59			38			89			768
	-1	The DSU compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 includes a $0.3 million charge related to the accelerated vesting of 42,500 DSU’s held by the previous board of directors as a result of the election of a new board of directors at the Company’s annual shareholders’ meeting on June 4, 2012 and the consequent departure of the previous board of directors.
	(e) Restricted Stock Units
	On July 15, 2013, 48,000 RSU’s were issued to directors under the Plan in consideration of their provision of future services as directors. The RSU’s vest in three (3) successive and equal yearly installments on the date of each of the first three annual general meetings of the Company held after the date of grant. Upon vesting, each RSU represents the right to receive one common share of the Company.
	Restricted stock based compensation expense was measured at fair value based on the CAD $4.54 market price of QLT’s common shares on the July 15, 2013 grant date. The weighted average grant date fair value of the RSU’s during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was therefore CAD $4.54. The full cost of the restricted stock based compensation expense will be recognized over the three year vesting period, which is the requisite service period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized $0.02 million of restricted stock based compensation expense as follows:
			Three months			Nine months
			ended			ended
			September 30,			September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2013
	Research and development		$	6		$	6
	Selling, general and administrative			9			9
	Restricted stock unit compensation expense		$	15		$	15
	As at September 30, 2013, 48,000 RSU’s remain unvested. As at September 30, 2013, the total estimated unrecognized compensation cost related to RSU’s was $0.2 million and the weighted average periods over which such costs are expected to be recognized is 2.79 years.

Restructuring_Charge

Restructuring Charge	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charge	'
	5. RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
	In July 2012 we restructured our operations in order to concentrate our resources on our clinical development programs related to our synthetic retinoid, QLT091001, for the treatment of certain inherited retinal diseases. Following the sale of Visudyne to Valeant, we further reduced our workforce to better align the Company’s resources with our corporate objectives. Approximately 180 employees have been affected by the restructuring to date. Severance and support provisions have been made to assist these employees with outplacement. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded $16.9 million of restructuring charges of which $3.1 million was included in discontinued operations. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded further restructuring charges of $0.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively. Subsequent to September 30, 2013, we expect to record minimal additional restructuring charges related to severance, termination benefits and outplacement support, as we complete final activities associated with this restructuring.
	The details of our restructuring accrual and activity are as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		Employee			Asset			Contract			Other			Total
			Termination			Write-downs			Termination
			Costs(1)						Costs(2)
	Restructuring charge		$	13,016					$	834					$	13,850
	Foreign exchange			20												20
	Cash payments			(13,243	)					(718	)					(13,961	)
	Discontinued operations			1,561			1,056			463						3,080
	Non-cash portion						(1,056	)								(1,056	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012			1,354			—			579			—			1,933
	Restructuring charge			571						251						822
	Foreign exchange			(47	)											(47	)
	Cash payments			(663	)					(356	)					(1,019	)
	Discontinued operations			121			(153	)		47						15
	Non-cash portion						153									153
	Balance at March 31, 2013			1,336			—			521			—			1,857
	Restructuring charge			668						3						671
	Foreign exchange			(24	)											(24	)
	Cash payments			(1,605	)					(322	)					(1,927	)
	Discontinued operations			11			(22	)		78						67
	Non-cash portion						22									22
	Balance at June 30, 2013			386			—			280			—			666
	Restructuring charge			244						8			101			353
	Foreign exchange			20												20
	Cash payments			(468	)					(211	)		(42	)		(721	)
	Discontinued operations			(18	)		(37	)		(51	)					(106	)
	Non-cash portion						37									37
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	164		$	—		$	26		$	59		$	249
	(1)	Costs include severance, termination benefits, and outplacement support.
	(2)	Costs include lease costs related to excess office space.

Contingent_Consideration

Contingent Consideration	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Contingent Consideration	'
	6. CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION
	Related to the Sale of QLT USA, Inc.
	On October 1, 2009, we divested the Eligard® product line as part of the sale of all of the shares of our U.S. subsidiary, QLT USA, Inc. (“QLT USA”) to TOLMAR Holding, Inc. (“Tolmar”) for up to an aggregate $230.0 million plus cash on hand of $118.3 million. Pursuant to the stock purchase agreement with Tolmar, we received $20.0 million on closing and $10.0 million on October 1, 2010 and we are entitled to future consideration payable on a quarterly basis in amounts equal to 80% of the royalties paid under the license agreement with Sanofi Synthelabo Inc. for the commercial marketing of Eligard in the U.S. and Canada, and the license agreement with MediGene Aktiengesellschaft which, effective March 1, 2011, was assigned to Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., for the commercial marketing of Eligard in Europe. The estimated fair value of these expected future quarterly payments is reflected as Contingent Consideration on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and represents a non-cash investing activity. We are entitled to these payments until the earlier of our receipt of $200.0 million of such royalties or October 1, 2024.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013, proceeds received from the collection of the contingent consideration totaled $9.3 million (three months ended September 30, 2012—$9.3 million). Approximately $8.5 million of these proceeds have been reflected as cash provided by investing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (three months ended September 30, 2012—$6.5 million). The remaining $0.8 million of proceeds (three months ended September 30, 2012—$2.8 million) was recognized as the fair value increase in contingent consideration on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss and is therefore reflected in the net loss and comprehensive loss line as part of the cash used in operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, proceeds received from the collection of the contingent consideration totaled $28.2 million (nine months ended September 30, 2012—$26.3 million). Approximately $25.0 million of these proceeds has been reflected as cash provided by investing activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (nine months ended September 30, 2012—$19.8 million). The remaining $3.2 million (nine months ended September 30, 2012—$6.5 million) of proceeds were recognized as the fair value change in contingent consideration on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss and is therefore reflected in the net loss line as part of the cash used in operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	As of September 30, 2013, we have received an aggregate $151.4 million (December 31, 2012—$123.3 million) of Eligard related contingent consideration and expect to receive the remaining $48.6 million (December 31, 2012—$76.7 million) on a quarterly basis over approximately the next two years.
	Related to the Sale of Visudyne
	On September 24, 2012, we completed the sale of our Visudyne business to Valeant. Pursuant to the Valeant Agreement, we received a payment of $112.5 million at closing, of which $7.5 million (previously held in escrow) was released to us on September 26, 2013. These funds were held in escrow for one year following the closing date to satisfy any potential indemnification claims that Valeant may have had. Subject to the achievement of certain future milestones, we are also eligible to receive the following additional consideration: (i) a milestone payment of $5.0 million if receipt of the registration required for commercial sale of the Qcellus lasers in the United States (the “Laser Registration”) is obtained by December 31, 2013, $2.5 million if the Laser Registration is obtained after December 31, 2013 but before January 1, 2015, and $0 if the Laser Registration is obtained thereafter (the “Laser Earn-Out Payment”); (ii) up to $5.0 million in each calendar year commencing January 1, 2013 (up to a maximum of $15.0 million in the aggregate) for annual net royalties exceeding $8.5 million pursuant to the Amended and Restated PDT Product Development, Manufacturing and Distribution Agreement with Novartis Pharma AG (the “Novartis Agreement”) or from other third-party sales of Visudyne outside of the United States; and (iii) a royalty on net sales attributable to new indications for Visudyne, if any should be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”).
	On September 26, 2013, the FDA approved the premarket approval application (PMA) supplement for the Qcellus laser and on October 10, 2013, we invoiced Valeant for the $5.0 million Laser Earn-Out Payment. Valeant has disputed payment on the basis that it believes the Laser Earn-Out Payment remains contingent upon receipt of additional governmental authorizations with regard to the Qcellus laser. While we believe that the Laser Earn-Out Payment is currently due and payable by Valeant, the outcome of any dispute is uncertain and we may have difficulty collecting the Laser Earn-Out Payment in full or in a timely manner.
	As a result of the dispute, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a $0.8 million decrease in the fair value of our contingent consideration pertaining to the Laser Earn-Out Payment to reflect the increased uncertainty related to collection risk. As at September 30, 2013, the $4.0 million estimated fair value of the $20.0 million of aggregate potential contingent payments represents the fair value of the $5.0 million Laser Earn-Out Payment net of $1.0 million of potential collection costs to account for the increased uncertainty related to collection risk. The remaining estimated fair value of the contingent consideration, which relates to estimated future net royalties pursuant to the Novartis Agreement and is currently valued at nil, is based on historical sales, pricing, and foreign exchange data as well as expected competition and current exchange rates. The estimated $4.0 million is reflected as contingent consideration on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and represents a non-cash investing activity.
	We received no proceeds related to the collection of the contingent consideration for the sale of Visudyne during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. In addition to the $0.8 million fair value decrease described above, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 we also recorded a net $0.5 million decrease in the fair value of our contingent consideration related to a revision in our estimate of potential future net royalties owing.
	The above contingent consideration payments related to the sale of QLT USA and our Visudyne business are not generated from a migration or continuation of activities and therefore are not direct cash flows of the divested business. See Note 8—Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale and Note 9—Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	7. INCOME TAXES
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the provision for income taxes was $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The provision in each period primarily relates to the current period gain on the fair value change of our Eligard related contingent consideration. In addition, the provisions also reflect that we have insufficient evidence to support current or future realization of the tax benefits associated with our development expenditures.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded net income tax recoveries of $4.3 million and $3.8 million, respectively. The recovery in each period primarily related to the recognition of the tax benefit of our operating losses from continuing operations. As a result of the sale of Visudyne to Valeant during the three months ended September 30, 2012, we benefited from a portion of our operating losses from continuing operations.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was nil and $0.2 million, respectively. The provision during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily relates to the drawdown of a prepaid tax asset that was recorded in a prior year in connection with the intercompany transfer of certain intellectual property and the subsequent sale of such technology to Mati in April 2013. The provisions for income taxes on discontinued operations also reflects that we have insufficient evidence to support current or future realization of the tax benefits associated with expenditures related to our discontinued operations.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $5.3 million and $5.5 million, respectively. The provision in each period primarily related to the recognition of the tax cost of utilizing the tax shield associated with our operating losses realized from continuing operations. The provision in each period also reflected that substantially all of the remaining balance of the tax impact of the gain on sale from discontinued operations was offset by tax basis and other tax attributes (e.g. loss carryforwards) which previously had a valuation allowance.
	As insufficient evidence exists to support current or future realization of the tax benefits associated with the vast majority of our current and prior period operating expenditures, the benefit of certain tax assets was not recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

Discontinued_Operations_and_As

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held For Sale	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations and Assets Held For Sale	'
	8. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
	On September 24, 2012, we completed the sale of our Visudyne® business to Valeant pursuant to the Valeant Agreement. Under the terms of the Valeant Agreement, we received a payment of $112.5 million at closing and are also eligible to receive additional contingent consideration as follows: (i) up to $5.0 million for the Laser Earn-Out Payment relating to the receipt of the Laser Registration (see Note 6—Contingent Consideration and Note 11—Subsequent Events in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information); (ii) up to $15.0 million in contingent payments relating to royalties on sales of Visudyne under the Novartis Agreement or from other third party sales of Visudyne outside of the U.S.; and (iii) a royalty on net sales of new indications for Visudyne, if any should be approved. In accordance with the terms of the Valeant Agreement, $7.5 million of the purchase price was held in escrow for one year following the closing date to satisfy any potential indemnification claims that Valeant may have had. These funds were released from escrow to us on September 26, 2013. As such, the $7.5 million has been reclassified from Restricted Cash to Cash and Cash Equivalents on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as at September 30, 2013. Following the divestiture, we did not have significant continuing involvement in the operations or cash flows of the Visudyne business other than the provision of certain transition services to Valeant pursuant to our transition services agreement with Valeant. The activities related to transition services were complete as at August 31, 2013.
	On April 3, 2013, we completed the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati pursuant to the terms of the Mati Agreement. Prior to the completion of the sale, Mati purchased an exclusive option to acquire the assets related to our PPDS Technology in exchange for $0.5 million. We recognized the $0.5 million over the stipulated 90 day option term in discontinued operations due to a continuing performance obligation related to the maintenance of the related intellectual property. In accordance with the terms of the Mati Agreement, we received an additional payment of approximately $0.7 million upon closing. Furthermore, we are eligible to receive future potential payments upon completion of certain product development and commercialization milestones that could reach $19.5 million (or exceed that amount if more than two products are commercialized), a low single digit royalty on world-wide net sales of all products using or developed from the PPDS Technology and a fee on payments received by Mati in respect of the PPDS Technology other than net sales. Under the terms of the Mati Agreement, we do not have any significant ongoing involvement in the operations or cash flows related to the PPDS Technology other than minor transition services which we have agreed to provide. The activities related to transition services were complete as at September 30, 2013.
	The results of operations relating to both our PPDS Technology and our Visudyne business have been excluded from continuing operations and reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. In addition, as at December 31, 2012, approximately $0.3 million of property, plant and equipment related to our former PPDS Technology and Visudyne business were reclassified as held for sale for disclosure purposes in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As at September 30, 2013, these assets have been sold.
	Operating results of our PPDS Technology and our Visudyne business included in discontinued operations are summarized as follows:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013		2012			2013			2012
	Total revenues		$	—	$	8,490		$	—		$	25,470
	Recovery on (write-down of) assets held for sale (1)			37		(1,211	)		212			(1,211	)
	Operating pre-tax income (loss)			83		(2,004	)		(391	)		(6,805	)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations			—		101,381	(3)		743	(2)		101,381	(3)
	Pre-tax income (loss) (4)			83		99,377			352			94,576
	Recovery of (provision for) income taxes			13		(5,299	)		(236	)		(5,494	)
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations		$	96	$	94,078		$	116		$	89,082
	(1)	Relates to an increase in fair value on previously impaired equipment in connection with the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati.
	(2)	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the net gain of $0.7 million represents total proceeds of $1.2 million related to the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati in April 2013, net of $0.3 million of related transaction costs and the $0.2 million carrying value of certain equipment sold, which was previously classified as held for sale.
	(3)	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the net gain of $101.4 million relates to the gain on the sale of our Visudyne business to Valeant in September 2012.
	(4)	The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes operating pre-tax income of $0.1 million and operating pre-tax losses of $0.3 million, respectively related to our PPDS Technology. However, the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 includes $5.3 million and $18.2 million of pre-tax operating losses related to our PPDS Technology, respectively. The remaining amounts relate to Visudyne.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
	We have various financial instruments that must be measured under the fair value standard including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, contingent consideration and, from time to time, forward currency contracts. Our financial assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
	The following tables provide information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value:
			Carrying Value			Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		September 30, 2013			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	114,086		$	114,086		$	—		$	—
	Contingent consideration(1)			50,126			—			—			50,126
	Total		$	164,212		$	114,086		$	—		$	50,126
			Carrying Value			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		December 31, 2012			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	307,384		$	307,384		$	—		$	—
	Restricted cash			7,500			7,500			—			—
	Contingent consideration(1)			76,409			—			—			76,409
	Total		$	391,293		$	314,884		$	—		$	76,409
	(1)	To estimate the fair value of contingent consideration we use a discounted cash flow model based on estimated timing and amount of future cash flows. As at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, we discounted the future cash flows using cost of capital rates of 9% and 8%, respectively, for the contingent consideration related to the Eligard and Visudyne royalties and 2.0% and 3.5%, respectively, for the contingent consideration related to the Laser Registration, determined by management after considering available market and industry information. Future cash flows were estimated by utilizing external market research to estimate market size, to which we applied market share, pricing and foreign exchange assumptions based on historical sales data, expected competition and current exchange rates. If the discount rate were to increase by 1%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of QLT USA would decrease by $0.2 million, from $46.2 million to $45.9 million, and the contingent consideration related to the sale of our Visudyne business would decrease by a negligible amount. If estimated future sales of Eligard were to decrease by 10%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of QLT USA would decrease by $0.2 million, from $46.2 million to $46.0 million. If estimated future sales of Visudyne were to decrease by 10%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of our Visudyne business would decrease by a negligible amount.
	The following table represents a reconciliation of our asset (contingent consideration) measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
			Level 3
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		Related to Sale			Related to Sale			Total
			of QLT USA			of Visudyne
	Balance at January 1, 2012		$	99,947		$	—		$	99,947
	Transfers / Additions to Level 3			—			5,364			5,364
	Settlements			(37,117	)		—			(37,117	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			8,365			(150	)		8,215
	Balance at December 31, 2012			71,195			5,214			76,409
	Transfers / Additions to Level 3			—			—			—
	Settlements			(10,863	)		—			(10,863	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			1,307			(512	)		795
	Balance at March 31, 2013			61,639			4,702			66,341
	Transfers / Additions to Level 3			—			—			—
	Settlements			(8,009	)		—			(8,009	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			1,014			24			1,038
	Balance at June 30, 2013		$	54,644		$	4,726		$	59,370
	Transfers / Additions to Level 3			—			—			—
	Settlements			(9,315	)		—			(9,315	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			832			(761	)		71
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	46,161		$	3,965		$	50,126	(1)
	(1)	Comprised of $40.6 million as current portion of contingent consideration and $9.6 million as long-term portion of contingent consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	As at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no outstanding forward foreign currency contracts.
	Other financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk include our cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and contingent consideration. To limit our credit exposure in regards to cash and cash equivalents, we deposit our cash with high quality financial institutions and the primary goals of our treasury policy are capital preservation and liquidity. Our treasury policy limits investments to certain money market securities issued by governments, financial institutions and corporations with investment-grade credit ratings, and places restrictions on maturities and concentration by issuer.

Net_Loss_Income_Per_Share

Net (Loss) Income Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net (Loss) Income Per Share	'
	10. NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE
	The following table sets out the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(7,492	)	$	(12,618	)	$	(20,138	)	$	(34,203	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		96			94,078			116			89,082
	Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income	$	(7,396	)	$	81,460		$	(20,022	)	$	54,879
	Denominator: (thousands)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		51,082			50,600			50,851			49,592
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		—			—			—			—
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		51,082			50,600			50,851			49,592
	Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share
	Continuing operations	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.25	)	$	(0.40	)	$	(0.69	)
	Discontinued operations	$	0		$	1.86		$	0		$	1.8
	Net (loss) income per common share	$	(0.14	)	$	1.61		$	(0.39	)	$	1.11
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 1,074,348 stock options (2012 – 3,513,012 stock options) were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per common share because their effect was anti-dilutive.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Pursuant to the terms of the Valeant Agreement, we are eligible to receive a Laser Earn-Out Payment contingent on the receipt of the Laser Registration from the FDA. On September 26, 2013, the FDA approved the PMA supplement for the Qcellus laser and on October 10, 2013, we invoiced Valeant for the $5.0 million Laser Earn-Out Payment. Valeant has disputed payment on the basis that it believes the Laser Earn-Out Payment remains contingent upon receipt of additional governmental authorizations with respect to the Qcellus laser. While we believe that the Laser Earn-Out Payment is currently due and payable by Valeant, the outcome of any dispute is uncertain and we may have difficulty collecting the Laser Earn-Out Payment in full or in a timely manner. As such, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a $0.8 million decrease in the fair value of our contingent consideration pertaining to the Laser Earn-Out Payment to reflect the increased uncertainty related to collection risk. As at September 30, 2013, the Laser Earn-Out Payment has been recorded at its estimated fair value of $4.0 million, which reflects the $5.0 million Laser Earn-Out Payment net of $1.0 million of potential collection costs.

Condensed_Summary_of_Significa1

Condensed Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the presentation of interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed, or omitted, pursuant to such rules and regulations. These financial statements do not include all disclosures required for the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. All amounts herein are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
	In management’s opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position at September 30, 2013, and results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented. The interim results presented are not necessarily indicative of results that can be expected for a full year.
	The results of operations relating to our PPDS Technology and Visudyne business have been excluded from continuing operations and reported as discontinued operations for the current and prior periods. See Note 8 — Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of QLT and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting periods presented. Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, contingent consideration measured at fair value, allocation of overhead expenses to research and development, stock-based compensation, restructuring costs, and provisions for taxes, tax assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from estimates made by management.
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	We operate in one industry segment, which is the business of developing, manufacturing, and commercializing opportunities in ophthalmology. As at the date of this report, our clinical development programs are solely focused on our synthetic retinoid, QLT091001. Our chief operating decision maker reviews our operating results and manages our operations as a single operating segment. Our segment information excludes the results of businesses classified as discontinued operations.
Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale	'
	Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale
	We consider assets to be held for sale when management approves and commits to a formal plan to actively market the assets for sale. Upon designation as held for sale, the carrying value of the assets is recorded at the lower of their carrying value and their estimated fair values. We cease to record depreciation or amortization expense at that time.
	The results of operations, including the gain on disposal for businesses that are classified as held for sale, are excluded from continuing operations and reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. Other than the provision of certain transition services described in Note 8—Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale, we have not had and do not expect to have any significant continued involvement with the Visudyne business or the PPDS Technology following their sale. Amounts billed to Valeant and Mati in connection with the provision of these transition services are included within discontinued operations.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	ASC topic 718 requires stock-based compensation expense, which is measured at fair value on the grant date, to be recognized in the statement of operations over the period in which a grantee is required to provide services in exchange for the stock award. Compensation expense recognition provisions are applicable to new awards as well as previously granted awards which are modified, repurchased or cancelled after the adoption date. We recognize stock based compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, we consider voluntary terminations and trends of actual option forfeitures.
	The Company has a Directors’ Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DDSU Plan”) for our directors. We recognize compensation expense for Deferred Share Units (“DSU’s”) based on the market price of the Company’s stock. A vested DSU is convertible to cash only. The financial obligations related to the future settlement of these DSU’s are recognized as compensation expense and accrued liabilities as the DSU’s vest. Each reporting period, these obligations are revalued for changes in the market value of QLT’s common shares.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company issued Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s”) to its directors as consideration for their provision of future services as directors (see Note 4(d)). Restricted stock based compensation expense is measured based on the fair value market price of QLT’s common shares on the grant date and is recognized over the requisite service period, which coincides with the vesting period. RSU’s can only be exchanged and settled for QLT’s common shares, on a one-to-one basis, upon vesting.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are reported using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to: (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and (ii) operating loss and tax credit carry forwards using applicable enacted tax rates. An increase or decrease in these tax rates will increase or decrease the carrying value of future net tax assets resulting in an increase or decrease to net income. Income tax credits, such as investment tax credits, are included as part of the provision for income taxes. The realization of our deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on the generation of sufficient capital gains and taxable income prior to expiration of any loss carry forward balance. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset may not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances are included in our tax provision, or included within discontinued operations in the period of change.
Contingent Consideration	'
	Contingent Consideration
	Contingent consideration arising from the sale of QLT USA and our Visudyne business is measured at fair value. The contingent consideration is revalued at each reporting period and changes are included in continuing operations. See Note 6—Contingent Consideration.
Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share	'
	Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share
	Basic net (loss) income per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income per common share is computed in accordance with the treasury stock method, which uses the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and also includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable from outstanding stock options.
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities	'
	Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and payables, and contingent consideration approximate fair value. For cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables, we estimate fair value using the market approach. For contingent consideration, we estimate fair value using the income approach. The fair values of our financial instruments reflect the amounts that would be received in connection with the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11—Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU No. 2013-11 requires companies to present an unrecognized tax benefit; or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit; as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, unless certain conditions exist. This update is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2013, with early adoption permitted. Retrospective application is also permitted. Management is currently assessing the impact of ASU No. 2013-11 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Compensation(1)		$	1,062	$	2,270
	Directors’ Deferred Share Units compensation (“DDSU”)			180		96
	Other			165	$	149
			$	1,407	$	2,515
	(1)	The decrease in the accrued compensation liability is primarily due to the pay-out of employee bonuses during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Share_Capital_Tables

Share Capital (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Value of Options on Grant Date	'
	We used the following weighted average assumptions (no dividends are assumed) to value the 962,000 stock options on the July 15, 2013 grant date:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Annualized volatility			46.1	%		—			46.1	%		46.8	%
	Risk-free interest rate			2.1	%		—			2.1	%		1	%
	Expected life (years)			6.5			—			6.5			3.8
Impact on Results of Operation of Recording Stock Based Compensation	'
	The impact on our results of operations of recording stock-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Research and development		$	77		$	39		$	171		$	1,503
	Selling, general and administrative			45			40			90			1,764
	Discontinued operations			—			61			3			2,425
	Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes			122			140			264			5,692
	Related income tax benefits			—			(5	)		—			(537	)
	Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes		$	122		$	135		$	264		$	5,155
Estimated Compensation Cost Related to Unvested Stock Options	'
	As at September 30, 2013, the total estimated unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and the expected and weighted average periods over which such costs are expected to be recognized is as follows:
			September 30,
			2013
	Unrecognized estimated compensation costs (in thousands of U.S. dollars)		$	1,786
	Expected period of recognition of compensation cost (in months)			36
	Expected weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized (in years)			2.72
Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Exercised and Related Cash from Exercise of Stock Options	'
	The intrinsic value of stock options exercised and the related cash from exercise of stock options during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised		$	—		$	6,199		$	2,142		$	7,858
	Cash from exercise of stock options			—			9,302			7,217			11,293
Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]	'
Impact on Results of Operation of Recording Stock Based Compensation	'
	The impact on our results of operations of recording DSU compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012(1)			2013			2012(1)
	Research and development		$	22		$	11		$	33		$	232
	Selling, general and administrative			37			27			56			536
	Deferred share unit compensation expense			59			38			89			768
	-1	The DSU compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 includes a $0.3 million charge related to the accelerated vesting of 42,500 DSU’s held by the previous board of directors as a result of the election of a new board of directors at the Company’s annual shareholders’ meeting on June 4, 2012 and the consequent departure of the previous board of directors.
RSU's [Member]	'
Impact on Results of Operation of Recording Stock Based Compensation	'
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized $0.02 million of restricted stock based compensation expense as follows:
			Three months			Nine months
			ended			ended
			September 30,			September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2013
	Research and development		$	6		$	6
	Selling, general and administrative			9			9
	Restricted stock unit compensation expense		$	15		$	15

Restructuring_Charge_Tables

Restructuring Charge (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary of Restructuring Accrual and Activity	'
	The details of our restructuring accrual and activity are as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		Employee			Asset			Contract			Other			Total
			Termination			Write-downs			Termination
			Costs(1)						Costs(2)
	Restructuring charge		$	13,016					$	834					$	13,850
	Foreign exchange			20												20
	Cash payments			(13,243	)					(718	)					(13,961	)
	Discontinued operations			1,561			1,056			463						3,080
	Non-cash portion						(1,056	)								(1,056	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012			1,354			—			579			—			1,933
	Restructuring charge			571						251						822
	Foreign exchange			(47	)											(47	)
	Cash payments			(663	)					(356	)					(1,019	)
	Discontinued operations			121			(153	)		47						15
	Non-cash portion						153									153
	Balance at March 31, 2013			1,336			—			521			—			1,857
	Restructuring charge			668						3						671
	Foreign exchange			(24	)											(24	)
	Cash payments			(1,605	)					(322	)					(1,927	)
	Discontinued operations			11			(22	)		78						67
	Non-cash portion						22									22
	Balance at June 30, 2013			386			—			280			—			666
	Restructuring charge			244						8			101			353
	Foreign exchange			20												20
	Cash payments			(468	)					(211	)		(42	)		(721	)
	Discontinued operations			(18	)		(37	)		(51	)					(106	)
	Non-cash portion						37									37
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	164		$	—		$	26		$	59		$	249
	(1)	Costs include severance, termination benefits, and outplacement support.
	(2)	Costs include lease costs related to excess office space.

Discontinued_Operations_and_As1

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held For Sale (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations	'
	Operating results of our PPDS Technology and our Visudyne business included in discontinued operations are summarized as follows:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013		2012			2013			2012
	Total revenues		$	—	$	8,490		$	—		$	25,470
	Recovery on (write-down of) assets held for sale (1)			37		(1,211	)		212			(1,211	)
	Operating pre-tax income (loss)			83		(2,004	)		(391	)		(6,805	)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations			—		101,381	(3)		743	(2)		101,381	(3)
	Pre-tax income (loss) (4)			83		99,377			352			94,576
	Recovery of (provision for) income taxes			13		(5,299	)		(236	)		(5,494	)
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations		$	96	$	94,078		$	116		$	89,082
	(1)	Relates to an increase in fair value on previously impaired equipment in connection with the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati.
	(2)	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the net gain of $0.7 million represents total proceeds of $1.2 million related to the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati in April 2013, net of $0.3 million of related transaction costs and the $0.2 million carrying value of certain equipment sold, which was previously classified as held for sale.
	(3)	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the net gain of $101.4 million relates to the gain on the sale of our Visudyne business to Valeant in September 2012.
	(4)	The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes operating pre-tax income of $0.1 million and operating pre-tax losses of $0.3 million, respectively related to our PPDS Technology. However, the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 includes $5.3 million and $18.2 million of pre-tax operating losses related to our PPDS Technology, respectively. The remaining amounts relate to Visudyne.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc1

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	'
	The following tables provide information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value:
			Carrying Value			Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		September 30, 2013			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	114,086		$	114,086		$	—		$	—
	Contingent consideration(1)			50,126			—			—			50,126
	Total		$	164,212		$	114,086		$	—		$	50,126
			Carrying Value			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		December 31, 2012			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	307,384		$	307,384		$	—		$	—
	Restricted cash			7,500			7,500			—			—
	Contingent consideration(1)			76,409			—			—			76,409
	Total		$	391,293		$	314,884		$	—		$	76,409
	(1)	To estimate the fair value of contingent consideration we use a discounted cash flow model based on estimated timing and amount of future cash flows. As at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, we discounted the future cash flows using cost of capital rates of 9% and 8%, respectively, for the contingent consideration related to the Eligard and Visudyne royalties and 2.0% and 3.5%, respectively, for the contingent consideration related to the Laser Registration, determined by management after considering available market and industry information. Future cash flows were estimated by utilizing external market research to estimate market size, to which we applied market share, pricing and foreign exchange assumptions based on historical sales data, expected competition and current exchange rates. If the discount rate were to increase by 1%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of QLT USA would decrease by $0.2 million, from $46.2 million to $45.9 million, and the contingent consideration related to the sale of our Visudyne business would decrease by a negligible amount. If estimated future sales of Eligard were to decrease by 10%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of QLT USA would decrease by $0.2 million, from $46.2 million to $46.0 million. If estimated future sales of Visudyne were to decrease by 10%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of our Visudyne business would decrease by a negligible amount.
Reconciliation of Asset (Contingent Consideration) Measured and Recorded at Fair Value	'
	The following table represents a reconciliation of our asset (contingent consideration) measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
			Level 3
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		Related to Sale			Related to Sale			Total
			of QLT USA			of Visudyne
	Balance at January 1, 2012		$	99,947		$	—		$	99,947
	Transfers / Additions to Level 3			—			5,364			5,364
	Settlements			(37,117	)		—			(37,117	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			8,365			(150	)		8,215
	Balance at December 31, 2012			71,195			5,214			76,409
	Transfers / Additions to Level 3			—			—			—
	Settlements			(10,863	)		—			(10,863	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			1,307			(512	)		795
	Balance at March 31, 2013			61,639			4,702			66,341
	Transfers / Additions to Level 3			—			—			—
	Settlements			(8,009	)		—			(8,009	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			1,014			24			1,038
	Balance at June 30, 2013		$	54,644		$	4,726		$	59,370
	Transfers / Additions to Level 3			—			—			—
	Settlements			(9,315	)		—			(9,315	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			832			(761	)		71
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	46,161		$	3,965		$	50,126	(1)
	(1)	Comprised of $40.6 million as current portion of contingent consideration and $9.6 million as long-term portion of contingent consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Net_Loss_Income_Per_Share_Tabl

Net (Loss) Income Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets out the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(7,492	)	$	(12,618	)	$	(20,138	)	$	(34,203	)
	(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		96			94,078			116			89,082
	Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income	$	(7,396	)	$	81,460		$	(20,022	)	$	54,879
	Denominator: (thousands)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		51,082			50,600			50,851			49,592
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		—			—			—			—
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		51,082			50,600			50,851			49,592
	Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share
	Continuing operations	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.25	)	$	(0.40	)	$	(0.69	)
	Discontinued operations	$	0		$	1.86		$	0		$	1.8
	Net (loss) income per common share	$	(0.14	)	$	1.61		$	(0.39	)	$	1.11

Condensed_Summary_of_Significa2

Condensed Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Segment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Number of industry segment	1
RSU exchange for QLT's common shares, Description	1

Accrued_Liabilities_Accrued_Li

Accrued Liabilities - Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]	'		'
Compensation	$1,062	[1]	$2,270	[1]
Directors' Deferred Share Units compensation ("DDSU")	180		96
Other	165		149
Total accrued liabilities	$1,407		$2,515
[1]	The decrease in the accrued compensation liability is primarily due to the pay-out of employee bonuses during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Foreign_Exchange_Facility_Addi

Foreign Exchange Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum limit of foreign exchange contracts permitted under the Foreign Exchange Facility	$50,000,000	'
Maximum term permitted for foreign exchange contracts	'15 months	'
Collateral pledged as security	0	0
Outstanding forward foreign currency contracts	0	0
Amendment with HSBC Bank of Canada [Member] | Forward foreign exchange contacts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum limit of foreign exchange contracts permitted under the Foreign Exchange Facility	12,500,000	'
Maximum term permitted for foreign exchange contracts	'1 month	'
Amendment with HSBC Bank of Canada [Member] | Spot foreign exchange contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum limit of foreign exchange contracts permitted under the Foreign Exchange Facility	$10,000,000	'

Share_Capital_Additional_Infor

Share Capital - Additional Information (Detail)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jul. 29, 2013

Jul. 15, 2013

Jun. 27, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 24, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 02, 2012

Sep. 26, 2012

Jul. 15, 2013

Jul. 15, 2013

Jul. 15, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 15, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

Employees [Member]

Directors [Member]

RSU's [Member]

RSU's [Member]

RSU's [Member]

RSU's [Member]

DSU's [Member]

Installment

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

Installment

Installment

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash distribution approval date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14-Jun-13

14-Jun-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash distribution record date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24-Jun-13

24-Jun-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total amount of cash distribution paid to shareholders of record

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Distribution payment per share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3.92

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

51,081,878

51,081,878

'

'

'

51,081,878

51,081,878

'

'

51,081,878

51,589,405

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of issued and outstanding common shares authorized to be repurchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,438,683

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of issued and outstanding common shares authorized to be repurchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Duration of normal course issuer bid

'

'

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of issued and outstanding common shares repurchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,438,683

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total average cost per share of the share repurchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7.86

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total cumulative cost of shares repurchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares of common stock available for grant under the Plan

'

'

'

'

11,800,000

11,800,000

'

'

'

11,800,000

11,800,000

'

'

'

7,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional common shares issued under Plan

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

962,000

962,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

862,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options vesting period expressed in number of monthly installments

'

36

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price of options granted

'

$4.54

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted

'

'

'

'

'

2.18

'

'

0

'

2.18

'

2.55

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unvested stock options

'

'

'

'

959,249

959,249

'

'

'

959,249

959,249

'

'

'

143,965

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock related units granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,000

'

'

'

88,000

Deferred share units vesting period expressed in number of monthly installments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36

Cash payments under DDSU Plan

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

0

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock units vesting period expressed in number of annual installments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

Number of common shares to be received upon vesting of 1 RSU

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock units grant date fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.54

'

4.54

$4.54

'

Stock based compensation expense

'

'

'

'

122,000

'

'

140,000

'

264,000

'

5,692,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000

'

15,000

'

Restricted stock units, unvested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,000

48,000

48,000

'

Estimated unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000

'

$200,000

'

Expected weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 8 months 19 days

'2 years 8 months 19 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 9 months 15 days

'

Share_Capital_Weighted_Average

Share Capital - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Value of Options on Grant Date (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions And Methodology [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Annualized volatility	46.10%	'	46.10%	46.80%
Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	'	2.10%	1.00%
Expected life (years)	'6 years 6 months	'0 years	'6 years 6 months	'3 years 9 months 18 days

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operation of Recording Stock Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	$122	$140	$264	$5,692
Related income tax benefits	'	-5	'	-537
Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes	122	135	264	5,155
Research and development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	77	39	171	1,503
Selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	45	40	90	1,764
Discontinued operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	'	$61	$3	$2,425

Share_Capital_Estimated_Compen

Share Capital - Estimated Compensation Cost Related to Non-Vested Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized [Abstract]	'
Unrecognized estimated compensation costs (in thousands of U.S. dollars)	$1,786
Expected period of recognition of compensation cost (in months)	'36 months
Expected weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized (in years)	'2 years 8 months 19 days

Share_Capital_Intrinsic_Value_

Share Capital - Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Exercised and Related Cash from Exercise of Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	'	$6,199	$2,142	$7,858
Cash from exercise of stock options	'	$9,302	$7,217	$11,293

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result1

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operations of Recording DSU Compensation (Detail) (Directors Deferred Share Units [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Deferred share unit compensation expense	$59	$38	$89	$768
Research and development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Deferred share unit compensation expense	22	11	33	232
Selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Deferred share unit compensation expense	$37	$27	$56	$536

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result2

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operations of Recording DSU Compensation (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Directors Deferred Share Units [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012
Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'
Compensation cost associated with accelerated vesting of directors' deferred share units	$0.30
Number of directors' deferred share units for which vesting was accelerated	42,500

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result3

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operations of Recording RSU Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$122	$140	$264	$5,692
Research and development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	77	39	171	1,503
Selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	45	40	90	1,764
RSU's [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	15	'	15	'
RSU's [Member] | Research and development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	6	'	6	'
RSU's [Member] | Selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$9	'	$9	'

Restructuring_Charge_Additiona

Restructuring Charge - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
							Employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total number of employees affected by restructuring initiatives	'	'	'	'	'	'	180
Restructuring charges from exit/disposal activities and discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	$16,900,000
Restructuring charge	354,000	671,000	822,000	11,402,000	1,847,000	11,402,000	13,850,000
Discontinued operations	-106,000	67,000	15,000	'	'	'	3,080,000
Restructuring Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	400,000	'	'	'	1,800,000	'	'
Discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,100,000

Restructuring_Charge_Summary_o

Restructuring Charge - Summary of Restructuring Accrual and Activity (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

$666

$1,857

$1,933

'

$1,933

'

'

Restructuring charge

354

671

822

11,402

1,847

11,402

13,850

Foreign exchange

20

-24

-47

'

'

'

20

Cash payments

-721

-1,927

-1,019

'

'

'

-13,961

Discontinued operations

-106

67

15

'

'

'

3,080

Non-cash portion

37

22

153

'

'

'

-1,056

Ending Balance

249

666

1,857

'

249

'

1,933

Employee Termination Costs [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

386

[1]

1,336

[1]

1,354

[1]

'

1,354

[1]

'

'

Restructuring charge

244

[1]

668

[1]

571

[1]

'

'

'

13,016

[1]

Foreign exchange

20

[1]

-24

[1]

-47

[1]

'

'

'

20

[1]

Cash payments

-468

[1]

-1,605

[1]

-663

[1]

'

'

'

-13,243

[1]

Discontinued operations

-18

[1]

11

[1]

121

[1]

'

'

'

1,561

[1]

Ending Balance

164

[1]

386

[1]

1,336

[1]

'

164

[1]

'

1,354

[1]

Asset Write-downs [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discontinued operations

-37

-22

-153

'

'

'

1,056

Non-cash portion

37

22

153

'

'

'

-1,056

Contract Termination Costs [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

280

[2]

521

[2]

579

[2]

'

579

[2]

'

'

Restructuring charge

8

[2]

3

[2]

251

[2]

'

'

'

834

[2]

Cash payments

-211

[2]

-322

[2]

-356

[2]

'

'

'

-718

[2]

Discontinued operations

-51

[2]

78

[2]

47

[2]

'

'

'

463

[2]

Ending Balance

26

[2]

280

[2]

521

[2]

'

26

[2]

'

579

[2]

Other [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring charge

101

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash payments

-42

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending Balance

$59

'

'

'

$59

'

'

[1]

Costs include severance, termination benefits, and outplacement support.

[2]

Costs include lease costs related to excess office space.

Contingent_Consideration_Addit

Contingent Consideration - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 01, 2010

Oct. 01, 2009

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 24, 2012

Oct. 10, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Laser Registration [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Subsequent Events [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from divestiture of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$230,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash proceeds received from sale of a subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

118,300,000

'

'

'

112,500,000

'

'

'

Cash proceeds received from sale of a subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of royalties to be received as contingent consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Date of assignment of license agreement for commercial marketing

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Mar-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum amount of contingent consideration pertaining to royalties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

'

Expiration date of entitlement to contingent consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Oct-24

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash proceeds received from sale of a subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

9,300,000

9,300,000

28,200,000

26,300,000

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

Investing activity proceeds from contingent consideration

8,483,000

6,457,000

25,035,000

19,841,000

'

8,500,000

6,500,000

25,000,000

19,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value change in contingent consideration

-761,000

'

-1,249,000

'

'

800,000

2,800,000

3,200,000

6,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

Aggregate contingent consideration received

'

'

'

'

'

151,400,000

'

151,400,000

'

123,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate amount of potential contingent payments that may be received in the future

'

'

'

'

'

48,600,000

'

48,600,000

'

76,700,000

'

'

'

20,000,000

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

Maximum duration over which the contingent consideration is expected to be received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted cash

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

Laser Earn out payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

5,000,000

'

5,000,000

'

'

Laser earn out payment to be received contingent upon laser registration after December 31, 2013 but before January 1, 2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

Laser earn out payment to be received contingent upon laser registration after January 1, 2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

Period in which the milestone payment related to the laser registration is expected to be received

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2013

Annual maximum amount of contingent consideration receivable from Visudyne royalties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

15,000,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

Minimum Threshold for Contingent Consideration receivable on Visudyne royalties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,500,000

'

'

'

'

Decrease in fair value of contingent consideration pertaining to Laser Earn-Out Payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

800,000

'

'

'

'

Fair value of contingent consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

Potential collection costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000,000

$1,000,000

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	$109	($4,345)	$434	($3,798)
Provision for income taxes on discontinued operations	($13)	$5,299	$236	$5,494

Discontinued_Operations_and_As2

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 26, 2013	Sep. 24, 2012	Sep. 24, 2012	Apr. 03, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Visudyne [Member]	Visudyne [Member]	Visudyne [Member]	Visudyne [Member]	Visudyne [Member]	PPDS Technology [Member]
						Maximum [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of Visudyne	'	'	'	'	$112.50	'	'
Milestone payment to be received contingent upon laser registration prior to December 31, 2013	'	5	5	'	'	'	'
Reclassified from restricted cash to cash and cash equivalents	'	7.5	7.5	7.5	'	'	'
Escrow period for funds related to the sale of Visudyne	'	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'
Term of Mati's purchase option to acquire QLT's PPDS Technology	'	'	'	'	'	'	'90 days
Consideration received related to Mati's exercise of purchase option to acquire QLT's PPDS Technology	'	0	0	'	'	'	0.5
Contingent consideration potentially receivable upon completion of certain product development and commercialization milestones	'	'	'	'	'	'	19.5
Additional payment received from exercise of option to acquire assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.7
Carrying value of equipment sold	$0.30	'	'	'	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_and_As3

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Total revenues	'		$8,490		'		$25,470
Recovery on (write-down of) assets held for sale	37	[1]	-1,211	[1]	212	[1]	-1,211	[1]
Operating pre-tax income (loss)	83		-2,004		-391		-6,805
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	'		101,381	[2]	743	[3]	101,381	[2]
Pre-tax income (loss)	83	[4]	99,377	[4]	352	[4]	94,576	[4]
Recovery of (provision for) income taxes	13		-5,299		-236		-5,494
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	$96		$94,078		$116		$89,082
[1]	Relates to an increase in fair value on previously impaired equipment in connection with the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati.
[2]	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the net gain of $101.4 million relates to the gain on the sale of our Visudyne business to Valeant in September 2012.
[3]	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the net gain of $0.7 million represents total proceeds of $1.2 million related to the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati in April 2013, net of $0.3 million of related transaction costs and the $0.2 million carrying value of certain equipment sold, which was previously classified as held for sale.
[4]	The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes operating pre-tax income of $0.1 million and operating pre-tax losses of $0.3 million, respectively related to our PPDS Technology. However, the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 includes $5.3 million and $18.2 million of pre-tax operating losses related to our PPDS Technology, respectively. The remaining amounts relate to Visudyne.

Discontinued_Operations_and_As4

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	'		$101,381,000	[1]	$743,000	[2]	$101,381,000	[1]	'
Net proceeds from discontinued operations	7,502,000		101,430,000		8,252,000		101,430,000		'
Carrying value of equipment sold	'		'		'		'		300,000
Pre-tax income (loss)	83,000	[3]	99,377,000	[3]	352,000	[3]	94,576,000	[3]	'
Visudyne [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	'		101,400,000		'		101,400,000		'
PPDS Technology [Member]	'		'		'		'		'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'		'		'		'
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	'		'		700,000		'		'
Net proceeds from discontinued operations	'		'		1,200,000		'		'
Transaction costs	'		'		300,000		'		'
Carrying value of equipment sold	200,000		'		200,000		'		'
Pre-tax income (loss)	$100,000		($5,300,000)		($300,000)		($18,200,000)		'
[1]	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the net gain of $101.4 million relates to the gain on the sale of our Visudyne business to Valeant in September 2012.
[2]	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the net gain of $0.7 million represents total proceeds of $1.2 million related to the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati in April 2013, net of $0.3 million of related transaction costs and the $0.2 million carrying value of certain equipment sold, which was previously classified as held for sale.
[3]	The results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes operating pre-tax income of $0.1 million and operating pre-tax losses of $0.3 million, respectively related to our PPDS Technology. However, the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 includes $5.3 million and $18.2 million of pre-tax operating losses related to our PPDS Technology, respectively. The remaining amounts relate to Visudyne.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc2

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$114,086		$103,180	$307,384		$308,221	$203,333	$205,597
Contingent consideration	46,200		'	'		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	114,086		103,180	307,384		308,221	203,333	205,597
Restricted cash	'		'	7,500		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	46,200		'	'		'	'	'
Level 1 [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	114,086		'	307,384		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	[1]	'	'	[1]	'	'	'
Total	114,086		'	314,884		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	114,086		'	307,384		'	'	'
Restricted cash	'		'	7,500		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	[1]	'	'	[1]	'	'	'
Total	114,086		'	314,884		'	'	'
Level 2 [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'		'	'		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	[1]	'	'	[1]	'	'	'
Total	'		'	'		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'		'	'		'	'	'
Restricted cash	'		'	'		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	'	[1]	'	'	[1]	'	'	'
Total	'		'	'		'	'	'
Level 3 [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'		'	'		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	50,126	[1]	'	76,409	[1]	'	'	'
Total	50,126		'	76,409		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'		'	'		'	'	'
Restricted cash	'		'	'		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	50,126	[1]	'	76,409	[1]	'	'	'
Total	50,126		'	76,409		'	'	'
Carrying Value [Member]	'		'	'		'	'	'
Assets:	'		'	'		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	114,086		'	307,384		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	50,126	[1]	'	76,409	[1]	'	'	'
Total	164,212		'	391,293		'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	114,086		'	307,384		'	'	'
Restricted cash	'		'	7,500		'	'	'
Contingent consideration	50,126	[1]	'	76,409	[1]	'	'	'
Total	$164,212		'	$391,293		'	'	'
[1]	To estimate the fair value of contingent consideration we use a discounted cash flow model based on estimated timing and amount of future cash flows. As at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, we discounted the future cash flows using cost of capital rates of 9% and 8%, respectively, for the contingent consideration related to the Eligard and Visudyne royalties and 2.0% and 3.5%, respectively, for the contingent consideration related to the Laser Registration, determined by management after considering available market and industry information. Future cash flows were estimated by utilizing external market research to estimate market size, to which we applied market share, pricing and foreign exchange assumptions based on historical sales data, expected competition and current exchange rates. If the discount rate were to increase by 1%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of QLT USA would decrease by $0.2 million, from $46.2 million to $45.9 million, and the contingent consideration related to the sale of our Visudyne business would decrease by a negligible amount. If estimated future sales of Eligard were to decrease by 10%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of QLT USA would decrease by $0.2 million, from $46.2 million to $46.0 million. If estimated future sales of Visudyne were to decrease by 10%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of our Visudyne business would decrease by a negligible amount.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc3

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Future expected contingent consideration related to the sale of discontinued operations	$46,200,000	'
QLT USA and Eligard [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cost of capital	9.00%	8.00%
Increase in discount rate	1.00%	'
Decrease in contingent consideration due to increase in discount rates	200,000	'
Contingent Consideration Balance	45,900,000	'
Hypothetical decrease in revenue growth rate	10.00%	'
Impact of hypothetical decrease in revenue growth rate	200,000	'
Amount of contingent consideration resulting from hypothetical decrease in revenue growth rate	$46,000,000	'
Visudyne [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cost of capital	9.00%	8.00%
Laser Registration [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Asset Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Cost of capital	2.00%	3.50%

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc4

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Reconciliation of Asset (Contingent Consideration) Measured and Recorded at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Beginning balance	$59,370		$66,341	$76,409	$99,947
Transfers / Additions to Level 3	'		'	'	5,364
Settlements	-9,315		-8,009	-10,863	-37,117
Fair value change in contingent consideration	71		1,038	795	8,215
Ending balance	50,126	[1]	59,370	66,341	76,409
QLT USA and Eligard [Member]	'		'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Beginning balance	54,644		61,639	71,195	99,947
Transfers / Additions to Level 3	'		'	'	'
Settlements	-9,315		-8,009	-10,863	-37,117
Fair value change in contingent consideration	832		1,014	1,307	8,365
Ending balance	46,161		54,644	61,639	71,195
Visudyne [Member]	'		'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'	'	'
Beginning balance	4,726		4,702	5,214	'
Transfers / Additions to Level 3	'		'	'	5,364
Settlements	'		'	'	'
Fair value change in contingent consideration	-761		24	-512	-150
Ending balance	$3,965		$4,726	$4,702	$5,214
[1]	Comprised of $40.6 million as current portion of contingent consideration and $9.6 million as long-term portion of contingent consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc5

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Reconciliation of Asset (Contingent Consideration) Measured and Recorded at Fair Value (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Current portion of contingent consideration	$40,557	$41,255
Long-term portion of contingent consideration	$9,569	$35,154

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc6

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding forward foreign currency contracts	$0	$0

Net_Loss_Income_Per_Share_Comp

Net (Loss) Income Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss from continuing operations	($7,492)	'	'	($12,618)	($20,138)	($34,203)	'
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	96	'	'	94,078	116	89,082	'
Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income	($7,396)	($6,199)	($6,427)	$81,460	($20,022)	$54,879	$45,698
Denominator:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding	51,082	'	'	50,600	50,851	49,592	'
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding	51,082	'	'	50,600	50,851	49,592	'
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	($0.15)	'	'	($0.25)	($0.40)	($0.69)	'
Discontinued operations	$0	'	'	$1.86	$0	$1.80	'
Net (loss) income per common share	($0.14)	'	'	$1.61	($0.39)	$1.11	'

Net_Loss_Income_Per_Share_Addi

Net (Loss) Income Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per common share	1,074,348	3,513,012	1,074,348	3,513,012

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (Visudyne [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 10, 2013
			Subsequent Events [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'
Laser Earn-Out payment billed	$5	$5	$5
Decrease in fair value of contingent consideration pertaining to Laser Earn-Out Payment	0.8	0.8	'
Fair value of contingent consideration	4	4	'
Potential collection costs	$1	$1	'