Novelion Therapeutics (NVLN) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 24, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'QLTI	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'QLT INC/BC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000827809	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	51,081,878	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$224,249,444

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$118,521	$307,384
Restricted cash (Notes 10, 12, 13)	'	7,500
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts (Note 4)	4,590	3,960
Contingent consideration - current (Notes 10, 13)	36,582	41,255
Income taxes receivable	77	554
Deferred income tax assets - current (Note 11)	191	644
Assets held for sale (Note 12)	'	300
Prepaid and other assets	1,863	1,442
Total current assets	161,824	363,039
Property, plant and equipment (Note 5)	1,866	2,655
Deferred income tax assets - non-current (Note 11)	177	370
Contingent consideration - non-current (Notes 10, 13)	'	35,154
Total assets	163,867	401,218
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	2,609	6,121
Accrued liabilities (Note 6)	1,498	2,515
Accrued restructuring charge (Note 9)	130	1,933
Deferred income (Note 12)	'	456
Total current liabilities	4,237	11,025
Uncertain tax position liabilities (Note 11)	1,846	1,875
Total liabilities	6,083	12,900
Share capital (Note 8)	'	'
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 December 31, 2013 - 51,081,878 shares December 31, 2012 - 51,589,405 shares	466,229	471,712
Additional paid-in capital	95,844	296,024
Accumulated deficit	-507,258	-482,387
Accumulated other comprehensive income	102,969	102,969
Total shareholders' equity	157,784	388,318
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	$163,867	$401,218

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 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

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Expenses	'	'	'
Research and development	$18,509	$24,578	$23,043
Selling, general and administrative	6,986	15,082	17,059
Depreciation	964	1,165	1,292
Restructuring charges (Note 9)	2,031	13,850	0
Total expenses	28,490	54,675	41,394
Operating loss	-28,490	-54,675	-41,394
Investment and other income	'	'	'
Net foreign exchange (losses) gains	-32	-8	-148
Interest income	211	244	673
Fair value change in contingent consideration (Notes 10, 13)	2,865	8,215	10,078
Other gains	207	60	613
Total investment and other income	3,251	8,511	11,216
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-25,239	-46,164	-30,178
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	-599	3,900	-1,201
Loss from continuing operations	-25,838	-42,264	-31,379
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (Note 12)	967	87,962	963
Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income	($24,871)	$45,698	($30,416)
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share (Note 14)	'	'	'
Continuing operations	($0.51)	($0.84)	($0.63)
Discontinued operations	$0.02	$1.75	$0.02
Net (loss) income per common share	($0.49)	$0.91	($0.61)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in thousands) (Note 14)	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	50,909	50,112	50,105

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Cash used in operating activities	'		'		'
Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income	($24,871)		$45,698		($30,416)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities	'		'		'
Depreciation	964		1,254		1,433
Stock-based compensation and restricted stock based compensation	599		5,751		2,973
Unrealized foreign exchange losses	254		166		131
Deferred income taxes	730		1,779		3,661
Impairment of long-lived assets	64		1,056		'
Recovery on assets held for sale	-153		'		'
Gain on sale of discontinued operations (Note 12)	-1,053	[1]	-101,412	[2]	'
Gain on sale of long-lived assets	-221		-45		-269
Fair value change in contingent consideration (Notes 10, 13)	1,273		'		'
Changes in non-cash operating assets and liabilities	'		'		'
Accounts receivable	2,306		6,777		1,029
Inventories	'		361		2,118
Prepaid and other assets	-421		888		2,139
Accounts payable	-2,916		310		236
Income taxes receivable / payable	478		-265		-937
Accrued liabilities	-1,047		-5,852		1,324
Accrued restructuring	-1,803		1,954		'
Cash used in operating activities	-25,817		-41,580		-16,578
Cash provided by investing activities	'		'		'
Net proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	102		767		19
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations (Note 12)	8,486		101,461		'
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-223		-892		-3,317
Proceeds from mortgage receivable	'		5,874		2,004
Proceeds from contingent consideration (Notes 10, 13)	34,599		28,845		30,641
Other	66		'		'
Cash provided by investing activities	43,030		136,055		29,347
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	'		'		'
Common shares repurchased, including fees	-14,079		-13,096		-18,839
Cash distribution paid to common shareholders (Note 8 (b))	-200,000		'		'
Issuance of common shares	8,317		20,417		2,182
Cash used in financing activities	-205,762		7,321		-16,657
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-314		-9		7
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-188,863		101,787		-3,881
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	307,384		205,597		209,478
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	118,521		307,384		205,597
Supplementary cash flow information:	'		'		'
Income taxes paid	'		$392		$994
[1]	During the year ended December 3 1, 2013, the net gain on sale of discontinued operations of $1.1 million represents total proceeds of $1.2 million related to the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati in April 2013; net of the $0.2 million carrying value of certain equipment sold, which was previously classified as held for sale, and a negligible amount of transaction fees.
[2]	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the net gain of $101.4 million relates to the gain on the sale of our Visudyne business to Valeant in September 2012.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Shares [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$372,944	$479,998	$287,646	($497,669)	$102,969	[1]
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	51,154,392	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash	2,295	3,226	-931	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash, shares	451,867	451,867	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	3,021	'	3,021	'	'
Common share repurchase	-18,839	-25,106	6,267	'	'
Common share repurchase, Shares	-2,678,517	-2,678,517	'	'	'
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)	-30,416	'	'	-30,416	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	329,005	458,118	296,003	-528,085	102,969	[1]
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	48,927,742	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash	21,409	29,666	-8,257	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash, shares	4,408,867	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	-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	[1]
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	51,589,405	51,589,405	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash	7,217	9,978	-2,761	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash, shares	1,183,952	1,183,952	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	567	'	567	'	'
Restricted stock compensation	32	'	32	'	'
Common share repurchase	-13,479	-15,461	1,982	'	'
Common share repurchase, Shares	-1,691,479	-1,691,479	'	'	'
Cash distribution to common shareholders at $3.92 per share (Note 8 (b))	-200,000	'	-200,000	'	'
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)	-24,871	'	'	-24,871	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$157,784	$466,229	$95,844	($507,258)	$102,969	[1]
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	51,081,878	51,081,878	'	'	'
[1]	At December 31, 2013, our accumulated other comprehensive income is entirely related to historical cumulative translation adjustments from the application of U.S. dollar reporting when the functional currency of QLT Inc. was the Canadian dollar. See Note 3 - Significant Accounting Policies.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	CAD	CAD	CAD	Common Shares [Member]	Common Shares [Member]	Common Shares [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
				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	7.2	7.23	7.23	7.2	'	7.23	7.23	7.2
Cash distribution to common shareholders, per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3.92	'	'	'

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). All amounts herein are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.
	In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 205-20-Discontinued Operations, the results of operations relating to our PPDS Technology and Visudyne business have been excluded from continuing operations and are reported as discontinued operations for the current and prior periods. See Note 12 — Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale.
	In management’s opinion, the audited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of QLT as at December 31, 2013 and the result of operations and cash flows for all periods presented.

Principles_of_Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	2	PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
	These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of QLT and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	3	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities 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, accounts receivable valuation provisions, 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.
	Reporting Currency
	QLT’s functional and reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Given that the Company has significant U.S. denominated expenditures and cash flows, the U.S. dollar functional currency is reflective of the primary currency in which QLT operates. Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting foreign exchange gains (losses) are included in income or loss for the period. Foreign denominated expenses are translated at the approximate exchange rate in effect at the time of the transaction. The resulting foreign exchange gains and losses are included in income or loss for the period.
	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.
	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 value. 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 12 – Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale, we have not had 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.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash include highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are considered available-for-sale. They are recorded at fair value and include any unrealized holding gains and losses.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	We depreciate property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method over their estimated economic lives, which range from three to five years. Determining the economic lives of property, plant and equipment requires us to make significant judgments that may materially impact our operating results.
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are amortized as follows:
		Years
	Office furnishings, fixtures and other assets		5
	Research equipment		5
	Commercial manufacturing equipment		5
	Computer hardware and operating system		5-Mar
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over their expected useful lives, which are limited by the lease term, except where the lease renewal is determined to be reasonably assured and failure to renew the lease would impose a significant penalty on the Company.
	We evaluate our long-lived assets annually for potential impairment at year end. However, whenever specific events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable, we will perform these evaluations more frequently. An estimate of undiscounted future cash flows generated by the long-lived asset is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. In the event that such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the assets, the assets are written-down to their estimated fair values. See Note 9 – Restructuring Charges.
	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 stock 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 2013, the Company issued Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s”) to its directors as consideration for their provision of future services as directors (see Note 8(f)). 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.
	Research and Development
	Research and development costs, including certain acquired in-process research and development related to acquired assets or groups of assets that do not meet the definition of a business under applicable accounting standards, are expensed as incurred. These costs generally consist of direct and indirect expenditures, including a reasonable allocation of overhead expenses, associated with our various research and development programs. Overhead expenses comprise general and administrative costs incurred to support research and development programs such as rent, facility maintenance, utilities, office services, information technology, legal, accounting and human resources. Patent application, filing and defense costs are expensed as incurred.
	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 deferred 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 generating 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. Contingent consideration is revalued at each reporting period and changes are included in continuing operations. See Notes 10 and 13 – Contingent Consideration.
	Contingencies Related to Legal Proceedings
	We record a liability in the consolidated financial statements for litigation related matters when a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the loss is not probable or a range cannot reasonably be estimated, no liability is recorded in the consolidated financial statements.
	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 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. We estimate the fair value of our financial instruments using the market 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 Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In October 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2012-04, Technical Corrections and Improvements. This update features certain technical corrections and conforming amendments to a wide range of fair value topics in the Accounting Standards Codification. The guidance was issued to correct and clarify prevailing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in order to ensure that they conform to the current definition of fair value. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-04 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	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 for public entities for years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Management is currently assessing the impact of ASU No. 2013-11 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	4		ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013		2012
	Accounts receivable – Laser Earn-Out Payment(i)		$	4,000	$	—
	Accounts receivable – Transition Services(ii)			—		2,259
	Accounts receivable – Other			590		1,701
			$	4,590	$	3,960
	(i)	Accounts receivable relates to a milestone payment owing from Valeant related to the receipt of the premarket approval application (“PMA”) supplement for the Qcellus laser from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) on September 26, 2013. Refer to Note 10 – Contingent Consideration and Note 12 – Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale for more information.
	(ii)	Accounts receivable relates to amounts owing from Valeant and Mati for services provided pursuant to respective transition services agreements in connection with the sale of our Visudyne business in 2012 and our PPDS Technology in 2013. Refer to Note 12 Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale for more information. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a $0.1 million allowance for doubtful accounts provision against these accounts receivable balances (December 31, 2012 – nil).

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	5	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	Cost		Accumulated		Net
				Depreciation		Book Value
	Leasehold improvements	$	464	$	292	$	172
	Office furnishings, fixtures, and other		258		192		66
	Research equipment		3,461		2,184		1,277
	Computer hardware and operating system		11,408		11,057		351
		$	15,591	$	13,725	$	1,866
		December 31, 2012
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	Cost		Accumulated		Net
				Depreciation		Book Value
	Leasehold improvements	$	244	$	212	$	32
	Office furnishings, fixtures, and other		297		169		128
	Research equipment		3,767		1,844		1,923
	Commercial manufacturing equipment		8		8		—
	Computer hardware and operating system		11,411		10,839		572
		$	15,727	$	13,072	$	2,655
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.1 million related to certain property, plant and equipment that was no longer in use.
	In connection with our 2012 restructuring, we impaired $1.1 million of property, plant, and equipment used for activities which were eliminated pursuant to our restructuring. This impairment charge has been included within the restructuring charges line. See Note 9 – Restructuring Charges.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	6	ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Compensation	$	1,211	$	2,270
	Directors’ Deferred Share Units compensation (“DSU”)		265		96
	Royalties		—		149
	Other		22		—
		$	1,498	$	2,515

Foreign_Exchange_Facility

Foreign Exchange Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Foreign Currency [Abstract]	'
Foreign Exchange Facility	'
	7	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 December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, no collateral has been pledged as security for this facility given that we do not have any foreign exchange contracts outstanding.

Share_Capital

Share Capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Share Capital	'
	8		SHARE CAPITAL
	(a)	Authorized Shares
	There were no changes to the authorized share capital of QLT for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	(b)	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 shareholders’ 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.
	(c)	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. All purchases were effected in the open market through the facilities of the NASDAQ Stock Market in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we repurchased 1,691,479 and 1,747,204 common shares under the terms of this bid at a cost of $13.5 million (average price of $7.97 per common share) and $13.7 million (average price of $7.84 per common share), respectively. The bid was completed on March 12, 2013. We retired all of these shares as they were acquired. In connection with this retirement, we recorded an increase in additional paid-in capital of $2.0 million in 2013 and $2.4 million in 2012.
	On December 16, 2010, we commenced a normal course issuer bid to repurchase of up to 3,615,285 of our common shares, which represented 10% of our public float as of December 9, 2010. All purchases were effected in the open market through the facilities of the NASDAQ Stock Market, and in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements. Under the terms of the bid, we repurchased 2,678,517 common shares during the year ended December 31, 2011 at a cost of $18.8 million (average price of $7.03 per common share). This bid expired on December 15, 2011. We retired all of these shares as they were acquired. In connection with this retirement, we recorded an increase in additional paid-in-capital of $6.3 million in 2011.
	(d)	Stock Options
	We currently have one equity compensation plan, the QLT 2000 Incentive Stock Plan (as amended, the “Plan”), which provides for the issuance of common shares to directors, officers, employees and consultants of QLT and its affiliates. Effective on April 25, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors amended and restated the Plan to increase the number of the Company’s common shares, without par value, available for grant under the Plan from 7,800,000 to 11,800,000 and 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. No financial assistance is provided by us to the participants under the Plan. Below is a summary of the principal terms of the Plan:
	Awards. The Plan provides for grants of stock options (both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options) and RSUs to eligible persons. Each award must be evidenced by a written award agreement with terms and conditions consistent with the Plan.
	Share Reserve. We have reserved an aggregate of 11,800,000 common shares for issuance under the Plan. Common shares subject to an award of stock options or RSUs that terminates, expires or lapses for any reason are made available under subsequent awards under the Plan. The number of common shares with respect to one or more stock options that can be granted to any one individual in any one calendar year is 2,000,000 common shares.
	Administration. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers the Plan.
	Eligibility. The directors, officers, employees and consultants of QLT or its affiliates who are or will be considered important to our success, as determined by the Compensation Committee, are eligible to participate in the Plan.
	Grant of Awards. Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Compensation Committee may grant to any eligible person one or more options or RSUs as it deems appropriate. The Compensation Committee may also impose such limitations or conditions on the exercise or vesting of any award as it deems appropriate.
	Options expire automatically on the earlier of (i) the date on which such option is exercised in respect of all of the common shares that may be purchased under the Plan, and (ii) the expiration date fixed by the Compensation Committee at the granting of such options, which date will not be more than ten years from the date of grant. Options that would otherwise expire within, or within two business days after the end of, a “black-out” period established by QLT will not expire until the tenth business day after the earlier of the end of such black-out period or, provided the black-out period has ended, the expiry date. Early termination of stock options or RSUs in the event of termination of service, death or disability are subject to the specific terms of each applicable award agreement. Generally, unvested options cease to vest immediately on termination of service and vested options terminate 90 days after termination of service. Unvested RSUs are automatically forfeited, terminated and cancelled immediately on termination of service without payment of any consideration by the Company.
	Exercise Price. The exercise price of options granted is determined by the Compensation Committee, but is in no event less than the closing price of our common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) on the date of grant. RSUs may be granted pursuant to the Plan with no consideration from the participant.
	Vesting. Vesting of awards is determined on the grant date in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. With certain exceptions, our general practice has been to grant options that vest over thiry-six (36) months. RSU grants to date have been awarded only to our directors and 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. In certain circumstances, such as a change of control, the vesting provisions applicable to unvested options and RSUs may be accelerated subject to the Compensation Committee and/or board’s discretion and approval.
	Transferability. No award may be transferred or assigned except by will or by operation of the laws of devolution or distribution and descent or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, as defined by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and may be exercised only by a grantee during his or her lifetime.
	Amendments or Terminations. The Plan will terminate on April 25, 2023. The Compensation Committee, subject to approval of the Board of Directors, may terminate, amend or modify the Plan at any time prior to this; provided, however, that shareholder approval will be obtained (i) to increase the number of common shares available under the Plan, (ii) to amend the terms of any outstanding option to reduce the per share exercise price, (iii) to cancel any outstanding option in exchange for cash or another option or award having an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original option, (iv) to extend the term of any option beyond the original expiration date, (v) to permit the transfer or assignment of any award in any manner other than as permitted by the Plan, (vi) to grant any award under the Plan if the Plan has been suspended or terminated, and (vii) to make any amendments to the powers of the Compensation Committee to suspend, amend or terminate the Plan as specified in the Plan. Any other amendments can be made to the Plan by the Compensation Committee without shareholder approval.
	Valuation. We use 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.
	As at December 31, 2013, options to purchase an aggregate total of 1,407,529 million common shares were outstanding under the Plan and exercisable in the future at prices ranging between CAD $4.54 and CAD $7.23 per common share.
	Stock option activity with respect to our Plan is presented below:
	(In CAD dollars)		Number			Weighted			Weighted Average
			of			Average			Remaining Contractual
			Options			Exercise Price			Term (Years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2011			6,100,101		$	5.49
	Granted			1,430,900			7.19
	Exercised			(451,867	)		4.98
	Forfeited and expired			(1,030,937	)		8.36
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			6,048,197			5.44
	Granted			889,250			7.06
	Exercised			(4,408,867	)		4.82
	Forfeited and expired			(1,112,564	)		8.12
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			1,416,016			6.25
	Granted			1,312,000			4.76
	Exercised			(1,183,952	)		7.99
	Forfeited and expired			(136,535	)		6.28
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,407,529			4.94		9.1
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			257,332		$	5.37		7.79
	As of December 31, 2013, the number of options issued and outstanding under the Plan represents 2.8% (2012 – 2.7%, 2011 – 12%) of the issued and outstanding common shares.
	On November 22, 2013 the Board of Directors granted an aggregate of 350,000 stock options. Of these stock options, 325,000 vest and become exercisable in six (6) successive and equal monthly installments from the grant date and 25,000 vest and become exercisable in thirty-six (36) successive and equal monthly installments from the grant date. Furthermore, the options have an exercise price of CAD$5.38 per common share, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the TSX on the date of grant.
	On July 15, 2013, the Board of Directors granted an aggregate of 962,000 stock options. These stock options vest and become exercisable in thirty-six (36) successive and equal monthly installments from the grant date. Furthermore, they have an exercise price of CAD $4.54 per common share, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the TSX on the date of grant.
	The following weighted average assumptions (no dividends are assumed) were used to value stock options granted in each of the following years:
			2013			2012			2011
	Annualized volatility			46	%		46.8	%		48.8	%
	Risk-free interest rate			2	%		1	%		2.1	%
	Expected life (years)			6.5			3.8			3.7
	The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2013 was CAD $2.28 (year ended December 31, 2012 – $2.55; year ended December 31, 2011 – CAD $2.78).
	The impact on our results of operations of recording stock option compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 is as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012(1)			2011
	Research and development		$	358		$	1,537		$	708
	Selling, general and administrative			209			1,783			1,316
	Discontinued operations			—			2,431			949
	Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes			567			5,751			2,973
	Related income tax benefits			—			(539	)		(162	)
	Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes(2)		$	567		$	5,212		$	2,811
	-1	Approximately $4.3 million of the 2012 stock-based compensation expense relates to the accelerated vesting of 1,670,306 stock options in connection with the change in control resulting from the election of a new Board of the Directors at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders on June 4, 2012.
	-2	The total share-based compensation capitalized as part of inventory and the related tax benefits recorded were negligible for all periods presented.
	As at December 31, 2013, 1,150,197 stock options were unvested (2012 – 143,965, 2011 – 1,801,803). As at December 31, 2013, the total estimated unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and the expected weighted average periods over which such costs are expected to be recognized is as follows:
			December 31,
			2013
	Unrecognized estimated compensation costs (in thousands of U.S. dollars)		$	2,527
Expected weighted average period of recognition of compensation cost (in months)			29
Expected weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized (in years)			1.99
The aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
(In thousands of CAD dollars)		2013			2012			2011
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding		$	1,572		$	2,192		$	12,406
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable			224			2,083			10,903
New common shares are issued upon exercise of stock options. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised and the related cash from exercise of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012			2011
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised		$	2,171		$	13,184		$	1,022
Cash from exercise of stock options			7,217			21,409			2,295
(e)	Deferred Share Units
Under the DDSU Plan, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, directors can receive all or a percentage of their equity-based compensation in the form of DSU’s. DSU’s vest in thirty-six (36) successive and equal monthly installments beginning on the first day of the first month after the grant date. 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. Prior to conversion, the value of each DSU, at any point in time, is equivalent to the latest closing price of QLT’s common shares on the TSX on that trading day. When converted to cash, the value of a vested DSU is equivalent to the closing price of a QLT common share on the trading day immediately prior to the conversion date. On July 15, 2013, 88,000 DSU’s were issued to directors in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan.
DSU activity is presented below.
		Number
		of DSUs
Outstanding at January 1, 2011			270,000
Granted			60,000
Redeemed			—
Cancelled			—
Outstanding at December 31, 2011			330,000
Granted			88,000
Redeemed			(330,000	)
Cancelled			—
Outstanding at December 31, 2012			88,000
Granted			88,000
Redeemed			(6,111	)
Cancelled			(15,889	)
Outstanding at December 31, 2013			154,000
Vested at December 31, 2013			47,056
The obligation to pay the cash amount is recorded as a liability in our financial statements and is marked-to-market in each reporting period. See Note 6 – Accrued Liabilities. Cash payments under the DDSU Plan during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013(2)			2012(1)			2011
Cash payments under the DDSU plan		$	28		$	2,523		$	0
-1	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 in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan.
-2	In connection with Vicente Anido Jr.’s resignation from the Board of Directors effective November 9, 2013, the Company paid $0.03 million to Mr. Anido in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan.
The impact on our results of operations of recording DSU compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012(1)			2011
Research and development		$	77		$	246		$	120
Selling, general and administrative			129			580			322
Deferred share unit compensation expense		$	206		$	826		$	442
(1)	The DSU compensation for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes $0.3 million related to accelerated vesting of 42,500 DSU’s held by the previous Board of Directors in connection with the election of a new Board of Directors at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders on June 4, 2012 and consequent departure of the previous Board of Directors.
(f)	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 year ended December 31, 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 year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized $0.01 million and $0.02 million of restricted stock based compensation expense in research and development expense and selling, general and administrative expense, respectively.
On November 9, 2013, 6,000 RSU’s were cancelled in connection with Vicente Anido Jr.’s resignation from the Board of Directors. As at December 31, 2013, 42,000 RSU’s remain unvested. As at December 31, 2013, the total estimated unrecognized compensation cost related to RSU’s was $0.2 million and the weighted average period over which such costs are expected to be recognized is 2.54 years.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	9		RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
	In July 2012 we restructured our operations in order to focus 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. Restructuring charges in 2012 include impairment charges on property, plant, and equipment of $1.1 million related to equipment used for activities which were eliminated pursuant to our restructuring and $1.0 million of lease costs related to excess office space. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded further restructuring charges of $2.0 million.
	Effective December 18, 2013, we entered into a letter agreement with Alexander R. Lussow, the Company’s Senior Vice President, Business Development and Commercial Operations, in which we, among other things, agreed to terminate him on either March 31, 2014, April 30, 2014 or May 31, 2014, at the Company’s discretion. The letter agreement also confirmed that, upon such termination, Mr. Lussow would be entitled to severance benefits under the change of control letter, dated June 30, 2006, between the Company and Mr. Lussow as a result of the change of control that occurred at the Company’s 2012 Annual General Meeting. Mr. Lussow has agreed not to resign prior to such termination date and to perform his duties up to his termination in a manner consistent with his current performance.
	Depending on Mr. Lussow’s future termination date, the estimated cost of his severance and termination benefits are expected to range between $1.0 million to $1.1 million. In accordance with ASC No. 420 – Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations, we are ratably recognizing the cost of Mr. Lussow’s estimated severance and termination benefits over the expected service period. As at December 31, 2013, we have recognized $0.1 million of this expected obligation in our restructuring accrual.
	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			1,542						266			223			2,031
	Foreign exchange			—												—
	Cash payments			(2,880	)					(942	)		(223	)		(4,045	)
	Discontinued operations			114			(304	)		97						(93	)
	Non-cash portion						304									304
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	130		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	130
	(1)	Costs include severance, termination benefits, and outplacement support.
	(2)	Costs include lease costs related to excess office space.

Contingent_Consideration

Contingent Consideration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Contingent Consideration	'
	10	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, to 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 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 year ended December 31, 2013, proceeds received from the collection of the contingent consideration totaled $38.7 million (2012 – $37.1 million, 2011 – $40.7 million). Approximately $34.6 million of these proceeds have been reflected as cash provided by investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows (2012 – $28.9 million, 2011 – $30.6 million). The remaining $4.1 million of proceeds (2012 – $8.4 million, 2011 – $10.1 million) was recognized as the fair value increase in contingent consideration on the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income and is therefore reflected in the net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income line as part of the cash used in operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	As of December 31, 2013, we have received an aggregate of $162.0 million (2012 – $123.3 million, 2011 – $86.1 million) of Eligard related contingent consideration and expect to receive the remaining $38.0 million (2012 – $76.7 million, 2011 – $113.9 million) over the next four quarters in 2014. Our continued receipt of contingent consideration under the terms of the stock purchase agreement is dependent upon the level of sales of Eligard by Sanofi and Astellas, which could vary significantly due to competition, manufacturing difficulties and other factors.
	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 laser 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.
	As a result of the dispute, during the year ended December 31, 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 December 31, 2013, the $5.0 million Laser Earn-Out Payment is recorded in accounts receivable on our consolidated balance sheet net of $1.0 million of estimated 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, is currently valued at nil.
	We received no proceeds related to the collection of the contingent consideration for the sale of Visudyne during the year ended December 31, 2013. In addition to the $0.8 million fair value decrease described above, 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 and a negligible fair value increase related to accretion. The total net $1.2 million fair value decrease has been reflected in the net loss and comprehensive loss line as part of the cash used in operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows (2012 – fair value decrease $0.2 million).
	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 12 – Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale and Note 13 – Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	11	INCOME TAXES
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Canada	$	(25,239	)	$	(46,272	)	$	(30,414	)
	United States		—			108			236
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(25,239	)	$	(46,164	)	$	(30,178	)
	The components of the (provision for) recovery of income taxes were as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Canada	$	(599	)	$	4,205		$	(1,421	)
	United States		—			(305	)		220
	(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	$	(599	)	$	3,900		$	(1,201	)
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Current income taxes	$	—		$	5,347		$	218
	Deferred income taxes		(599	)		(1,447	)		(1,419	)
	(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	$	(599	)	$	3,900		$	(1,201	)
	Differences between our statutory income tax rates and our effective income tax rates applied to the pre-tax loss consists of the following:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(25,239	)	$	(46,164	)	$	(30,178	)
	Canadian statutory tax rates		25.75	%		25	%		26.5	%
	Expected income tax recovery		6,499			11,541			7,997
	Net increase in valuation allowance		(6,717	)		(10,127	)		(12,509	)
	Non-taxable portion of capital gains		608			1,083			1,401
	Tax recovery of undistributed earnings of affiliates		—			2			—
	Foreign tax rate differences		—			(16	)		(31	)
	Investment tax credits		990			2,249			3,245
	Stock-based compensation		(154	)		(794	)		(564	)
	Changes in tax rates		145			1			(583	)
	Non-deductible expenditures		(1,828	)		—			—
	Other		(142	)		(39	)		(157	)
	(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	$	(599	)	$	3,900		$	(1,201	)
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the provision for income taxes from continuing operations was $0.6 million. The provision primarily relates to the current period gain on the fair value change of our Eligard related contingent consideration.
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded a net income tax recovery from continuing operations of $3.9 million. The recovery 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, we benefited from a portion of our operating losses from continuing operations.
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the provision for income taxes from continuing operations was $1.2 million and primarily relates to the drawdown of a tax asset associated with the 2011 gain on the fair value change of the contingent consideration.
	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 in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are presented as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	40,730		$	32,376
	Contingent consideration		190			693
	Research and development tax credit carryforwards		10,356			9,219
	Capital loss carryforwards		37,153			35,615
	Depreciable and amortizable assets		7,410			2,294
	Other temporary differences		355			651
	Total gross deferred income tax assets		96,194			80,848
	Less: valuation allowance		(95,826	)		(78,590	)
	Total deferred income tax assets		368			2,258
	Less: current portion		(191	)		(644	)
	Net long-term portion of deferred income tax assets		177			1,614
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Tax cost of undistributed earnings		(22	)		(22	)
	Contingent consideration		—			(1,244	)
	Total deferred income tax liabilities		(22	)		(1,266	)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	346		$	992
	As at December 31, 2013, our valuation allowance increased primarily due to ongoing development of our synthetic retinoid resulting in operating losses from continuing operations. The valuation allowance is reviewed periodically and if the assessment of the “more likely than not” criterion changes, the valuation allowance is adjusted accordingly.
	At December 31, 2013, we had approximately $136.6 million of total operating loss carryforwards, of which $102.9 million relates to Canada and $33.7 million, relates to our U.S. subsidiaries. The loss carryforwards expire at various dates through 2033. We also had approximately $10.4 million of federal and state research and development credits available for carryforward of which approximately $1.3 million were generated by our U.S. subsidiaries. The research and development credit carryforwards expire at various dates through 2033. We also had approximately $284.6 million of capital loss carryforwards which carryforward indefinitely. The deferred tax benefit of these loss carryforwards and research and development credits is ultimately subject to final determination by taxation authorities.
	At December 31, 2013, we have determined that substantially all of the U.S. accumulated operating loss carryforwards of $33.7 million and research and development credits of $1.3 million are subject to utilization limitations due to changes in ownership during 2012. As a result of this limitation, it is expected that substantially all of these deferred tax assets will expire before they can be utilized by the U.S. subsidiaries.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to our uncertain tax position liabilities:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Balance as at January 1	$	1,875		$	1,732		$	1,687
	Increases related to current year tax positions		—			—			—
	Changes in tax positions of a prior period		(29	)		143			45
	Settlements		—			—			—
Lapse of statute of limitations		—			—			—
Balance as at December 31	$	1,846		$	1,875		$	1,732
As at December 31, 2013, our provision for uncertain tax positions was $1.8 million. If recognized in future periods, the provision for uncertain tax positions would not affect our effective tax rate. In addition, we recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax position liabilities within our income tax provision. During the year ended December 31, 2013, there were no significant changes to our provision for uncertain tax positions. In 2014, our provision for uncertain tax positions may decrease significantly due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain years and will primarily result in a balance sheet reclassification adjustment.
QLT Inc. and its subsidiaries file income tax returns and pay income taxes in jurisdictions where we determine we are subject to tax. In jurisdictions in which QLT Inc. and its subsidiaries determine that we are not subject to tax and do not file income tax returns, we cannot provide assurance that tax authorities in those jurisdictions will not select one or more tax years for examination. While the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction where an income tax return has been filed generally limits the examination period, as a result of loss carryforwards, the limitation period for examination does not generally expire until several years after the loss carryforwards are utilized. We are subject to routine tax credit, tax refund and tax return audits by tax authorities. Our major tax jurisdictions are Canada and the U.S. With few exceptions, QLT Inc. and its subsidiaries should not be subject to Canadian income tax examinations in respect of taxation years before 2009 and U.S. income tax examinations in respect of taxation years before 2010.

Discontinued_Operations_and_As

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale	'
	12		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 10 – Contingent Consideration 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 December 31, 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 the transition services agreement. 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. On December 24, 2012, we entered into an exclusive option agreement with Mati, under which we granted Mati a 90-day option to acquire assets related to our PPDS technology in exchange for $0.5 million. Upon receipt of this payment, we recorded it as deferred income and recognized the $0.5 million rateably into income over the 90 day option term in accordance with our obligation to maintain the related intellectual property during that period. In accordance with the terms of the Mati Agreement, we received an additional payment of approximately $0.8 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 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 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 December 31, 2013, these assets have been sold.
	Operating results of our PPDS Technology and Visudyne business, which are included in discontinued operations, have been summarized as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012			2011
	Total revenues		$	—		$	25,475		$	42,228
	Recovery on (write-down of) assets held for sale			153			(1,056	)(1)		—
	Operating pre-tax income (loss)			149			(7,643	)		2,576
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations			1,053	(2)		101,412	(3)		—
	Pre-tax income(4)			1,202			93,769			2,576
	Provision for income taxes			(235	)(5)		(5,807	)(6)		(1,613	)(7)
	Net income from discontinued operations		$	967		$	87,962		$	963
	-1	During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded a $1.1 million impairment charge on certain property, plant and equipment that was eliminated pursuant to our restructuring (see Note 9 – Restructuring Charges).
	-2	During the year ended December 3 1, 2013, the net gain on sale of discontinued operations of $1.1 million represents total proceeds of $1.2 million related to the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati in April 2013; net of the $0.2 million carrying value of certain equipment sold, which was previously classified as held for sale, and a negligible amount of transaction fees.
	(3)	During the year ended December 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 include operating pre-tax losses of $0.4 million, $18.8 million and $19.1 million, respectively, related to our PPDS Technology. The remaining amounts of pre-tax operating income (losses) relate to Visudyne.
	(5)	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $0.2 million. The provision 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 provision for income taxes on discontinued operations also reflects our position of having insufficient evidence to support current or future realization of the tax benefits associated with expenditures related to our discontinued operations.
	(6)	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $5.8 million. The provision primarily relates to the recognition of the tax cost of utilizing the tax shield associated with our operating losses realized from continuing operations. The provision 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.
	(7)	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $1.6 million. The provision primarily related to income taxes associated with our mix of income allocable to our activities in the U.S., as well as the reversal of a prepaid tax asset set up in 2010 in connection with certain profits on intercompany sales of inventory that had not been sold to third parties at that time.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	13		FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
	We have various financial instruments that are measured at fair value including cash and cash equivalents, 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 as defined by ASC No. 820 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.
	The following tables provide information about our assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2013 and 2012 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
			As at December 31, 2013
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	118,521		$	—		$	—		$	118,521
	Accounts receivable – Laser Earn-Out Payment(2)			—			—			4,000			4,000
	Contingent consideration(1)			—			—			36,582			36,582
	Total		$	118,521		$	—		$	40,582		$	159,103
			As at December 31, 2012
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	307,384		$	—		$	—		$	307,384
	Restricted cash			7,500			—			—			7,500
	Contingent consideration(1)			—			—			76,409			76,409
	Total		$	314,884		$	—		$	76,409		$	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 December 31, 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 Eligard. Cost of capital rates were selected based on 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 $36.6 million to $36.4 million. If estimated future sales of Eligard were to decrease by 10%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of QLT USA would decrease by $0.3 million, from $36.6 million to $36.3 million.
	(2)	In 2013, the estimated $4.0 million fair value of the Laser Earn-Out Payment was reclassified from contingent consideration to accounts receivable. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the fair value of the Laser Earn-Out Payment was determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a cost of capital rate of 3.5%. For additional discussion, refer to Note 10 – Contingent Consideration.
	The following table represents a reconciliation of our contingent consideration assets 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			Related to			Total
			Sale of			Sale of
			QLT USA			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			—			—			—
	Transfer to Accounts Receivable			—			(3,956	)		(3,956	)
	Settlements			(38,693	)		—			(38,693	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			4,080			(1,258	)		2,822
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	36,582		$	—		$	36,582	(1)
	-1	Comprised of $36.6 million as current portion of contingent consideration and nil as the long-term portion of contingent consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	As of each of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had no outstanding forward foreign currency contracts. Other financial instruments that may be subject to credit risk include our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and contingent consideration. To limit our credit exposure, we deposit our cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions in accordance with our treasury policy goal to preserve capital and maintain 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net (Loss) Income Per Share	'
	14	NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE
	The following table sets out the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)	2013			2012			2011
	Numerator:
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(25,838	)	$	(42,264	)	$	(31,379	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		967			87,962			963
	Net (loss) income	$	(24,871	)	$	45,698		$	(30,416	)
	Denominator: (thousands)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		50,909			50,112			50,105
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		—			—			—
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		50,909			50,112			50,105
	Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share
	Continuing operations	$	(0.51	)	$	(0.84	)	$	(0.63	)
	Discontinued operations		0.02			1.75			0.02
	Net (loss) income per common share	$	(0.49	)	$	0.91		$	(0.61	)

Contingencies_Commitments_and_

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees	'
	15		CONTINGENCIES, COMMITMENTS AND GUARANTEES
	(a)	Contingencies
	From time to time we are subject to legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. There are currently no material pending legal proceedings.
	(b)	Commitments and Guarantees
	Lease Obligations
	We currently have a two year operating lease commitment for office space, under which we are obligated to pay a portion of the actual operating expenses. These operating expenses are not included in the table below. Estimated operating lease payments for office space and office equipment over the next five years are summarized as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
	Year ending December 31,
	2014		$	632
	2015			430
	2016			—
	2017			—
	2018 and thereafter			—
	Total		$	1,062
	Rent expense was $1.5 million in 2013, $2.9 million in 2012, and $2.2 million in 2011.
	Milestone and Royalty Obligations
	We are committed to make potential future milestone payments to third parties as part of our various licensing, development and purchase agreements. Payments under these arrangements generally become due and payable upon achievement of certain development, regulatory or commercial milestones. As at December 31, 2013, no amounts have been accrued in connection with such milestones.
	QLT091001. Under the terms of a co-development agreement we entered into with Retinagenix LLC (“Retinagenix”) in April 2006, we obtained an exclusive, worldwide license and sub-license to certain intellectual property rights owned or controlled by Retinagenix related to the synthetic retinoid compound under development. Under the terms of this agreement, we are responsible for using commercially reasonable and diligent efforts to develop and commercialize in certain major markets and other markets as we reasonably determine, one or more products covered by the licensed rights or developed using such licensed rights for use in diagnosing, treating or preventing certain human diseases and conditions. Pursuant to the agreement, we have agreed to pay, in the case of the first target indication for such products, $1.0 million upon initiation of the first pivotal trial and up to a total of an additional $11.5 million upon the achievement of other specified development or regulatory milestones and, for each of up to two additional indications, up to a total of $9.0 million upon achievement of specified development or regulatory milestones. If we commercialize such products, we will also pay Retinagenix royalties between 4% and 6% of net sales, subject to reduction under certain specified circumstances. Retinagenix is also eligible to receive up to a total of $15.0 million upon achievement of certain specified cumulative sales milestones for such products.
	In connection with the sale of assets and businesses, we provided indemnities with respect to certain matters, including product liability, patent infringement, contractual breaches and misrepresentations, and we provide other indemnities to third parties under the clinical trial, license, service, supply and other agreements that we enter into in the normal course of our business. If the indemnified party were to make a successful claim pursuant to the terms of the indemnification, we would be required to reimburse the loss. These indemnifications are generally subject to threshold amounts, specified claims periods and other restrictions and limitations. As at December 31, 2013, no amounts have been accrued in connection with such indemnities.
	Restructuring Related Obligations
	As discussed under Note 9 – Restructuring Charges, effective December 18, 2013 we entered into a letter agreement with Alexander R. Lussow, the Company’s Senior Vice President Business Development and Commercial Operations, in which we, among other things, agreed to terminate him on either March 31, 2014, April 30, 2014 or May 31, 2014, at the Company’s discretion. The estimated cost of Mr. Lussow’s severance and termination benefits are expected to range between $1.0 million to $1.1 million depending on his actual termination date.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	16	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We operate in one industry segment, which is the business of developing, manufacturing, and commercializing opportunities in ophthalmology. Our chief operating decision makers review our operating results on a company-wide basis and manage our operations as a single operating segment. As at December 31, 2013, all of our property, plant and equipment is located in Canada.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the Years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
	Year	Balance at		Additions		Write-offs			Balance at
		beginning		charged to		and			end of
		of year		costs and		provision			year
				expenses		reduction
	2013	$	78,590	$	17,624	$	(388	)	$	95,826
	2012		80,465		10,273		(12,148	)		78,590
	2011		68,346		13,689		(1,570	)		80,465

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities 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, accounts receivable valuation provisions, 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.
Reporting Currency	'
	Reporting Currency
	QLT’s functional and reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. Given that the Company has significant U.S. denominated expenditures and cash flows, the U.S. dollar functional currency is reflective of the primary currency in which QLT operates. Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting foreign exchange gains (losses) are included in income or loss for the period. Foreign denominated expenses are translated at the approximate exchange rate in effect at the time of the transaction. The resulting foreign exchange gains and losses are included in income or loss for the period.
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.
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 value. 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 12 — Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale, we have not had 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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash include highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are considered available-for-sale. They are recorded at fair value and include any unrealized holding gains and losses.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	We depreciate property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method over their estimated economic lives, which range from three to five years. Determining the economic lives of property, plant and equipment requires us to make significant judgments that may materially impact our operating results.
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are amortized as follows:
		Years
	Office furnishings, fixtures and other assets		5
	Research equipment		5
	Commercial manufacturing equipment		5
	Computer hardware and operating system		5-Mar
	Leasehold improvements are depreciated over their expected useful lives, which are limited by the lease term, except where the lease renewal is determined to be reasonably assured and failure to renew the lease would impose a significant penalty on the Company.
	We evaluate our long-lived assets annually for potential impairment at year end. However, whenever specific events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable, we will perform these evaluations more frequently. An estimate of undiscounted future cash flows generated by the long-lived asset is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. In the event that such cash flows are not expected to be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the assets, the assets are written-down to their estimated fair values. See Note 9 – Restructuring Charges.
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 stock 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 2013, the Company issued Restricted Stock Units (“RSU’s”) to its directors as consideration for their provision of future services as directors (see Note 8(f)). 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.
Research and Development	'
	Research and Development
	Research and development costs, including certain acquired in-process research and development related to acquired assets or groups of assets that do not meet the definition of a business under applicable accounting standards, are expensed as incurred. These costs generally consist of direct and indirect expenditures, including a reasonable allocation of overhead expenses, associated with our various research and development programs. Overhead expenses comprise general and administrative costs incurred to support research and development programs such as rent, facility maintenance, utilities, office services, information technology, legal, accounting and human resources. Patent application, filing and defense costs are expensed as incurred.
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 deferred 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 generating 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. Contingent consideration is revalued at each reporting period and changes are included in continuing operations. See Notes 10 and 13 – Contingent Consideration.
Contingencies Related to Legal Proceedings	'
	Contingencies Related to Legal Proceedings
	We record a liability in the consolidated financial statements for litigation related matters when a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the loss is not probable or a range cannot reasonably be estimated, no liability is recorded in the consolidated financial statements.
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 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. We estimate the fair value of our financial instruments using the market 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 Adopted Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In October 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2012-04, Technical Corrections and Improvements. This update features certain technical corrections and conforming amendments to a wide range of fair value topics in the Accounting Standards Codification. The guidance was issued to correct and clarify prevailing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in order to ensure that they conform to the current definition of fair value. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2012-04 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	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 for public entities for years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Management is currently assessing the impact of ASU No. 2013-11 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are amortized as follows:
		Years
	Office furnishings, fixtures and other assets		5
	Research equipment		5
	Commercial manufacturing equipment		5
	Computer hardware and operating system		5-Mar

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013		2012
	Accounts receivable – Laser Earn-Out Payment(i)		$	4,000	$	—
	Accounts receivable – Transition Services(ii)			—		2,259
	Accounts receivable – Other			590		1,701
			$	4,590	$	3,960
	(i)	Accounts receivable relates to a milestone payment owing from Valeant related to the receipt of the premarket approval application (“PMA”) supplement for the Qcellus laser from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) on September 26, 2013. Refer to Note 10 – Contingent Consideration and Note 12 – Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale for more information.
	(ii)	Accounts receivable relates to amounts owing from Valeant and Mati for services provided pursuant to respective transition services agreements in connection with the sale of our Visudyne business in 2012 and our PPDS Technology in 2013. Refer to Note 12 Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale for more information. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a $0.1 million allowance for doubtful accounts provision against these accounts receivable balances (December 31, 2012 – nil).

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
		December 31, 2013
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	Cost		Accumulated		Net
				Depreciation		Book Value
	Leasehold improvements	$	464	$	292	$	172
	Office furnishings, fixtures, and other		258		192		66
	Research equipment		3,461		2,184		1,277
	Computer hardware and operating system		11,408		11,057		351
		$	15,591	$	13,725	$	1,866
		December 31, 2012
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	Cost		Accumulated		Net
				Depreciation		Book Value
	Leasehold improvements	$	244	$	212	$	32
	Office furnishings, fixtures, and other		297		169		128
	Research equipment		3,767		1,844		1,923
	Commercial manufacturing equipment		8		8		—
	Computer hardware and operating system		11,411		10,839		572
		$	15,727	$	13,072	$	2,655

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Compensation	$	1,211	$	2,270
	Directors’ Deferred Share Units compensation (“DSU”)		265		96
	Royalties		—		149
	Other		22		—
		$	1,498	$	2,515

Share_Capital_Tables

Share Capital (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Option Activity with Respect to QLT Plan	'
	Stock option activity with respect to our Plan is presented below:
	(In CAD dollars)		Number			Weighted			Weighted Average
			of			Average			Remaining Contractual
			Options			Exercise Price			Term (Years)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2011			6,100,101		$	5.49
	Granted			1,430,900			7.19
	Exercised			(451,867	)		4.98
	Forfeited and expired			(1,030,937	)		8.36
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			6,048,197			5.44
	Granted			889,250			7.06
	Exercised			(4,408,867	)		4.82
	Forfeited and expired			(1,112,564	)		8.12
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			1,416,016			6.25
	Granted			1,312,000			4.76
	Exercised			(1,183,952	)		7.99
	Forfeited and expired			(136,535	)		6.28
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,407,529			4.94		9.1
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013			257,332		$	5.37		7.79
Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Value of Stock Options Granted	'
	The following weighted average assumptions (no dividends are assumed) were used to value stock options granted in each of the following years:
			2013			2012			2011
	Annualized volatility			46	%		46.8	%		48.8	%
	Risk-free interest rate			2	%		1	%		2.1	%
	Expected life (years)			6.5			3.8			3.7
Impact on Results of Operations of Recording Stock Based Compensation	'
	The impact on our results of operations of recording stock option compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 is as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012(1)			2011
	Research and development		$	358		$	1,537		$	708
	Selling, general and administrative			209			1,783			1,316
	Discontinued operations			—			2,431			949
	Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes			567			5,751			2,973
	Related income tax benefits			—			(539	)		(162	)
	Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes(2)		$	567		$	5,212		$	2,811
	-1	Approximately $4.3 million of the 2012 stock-based compensation expense relates to the accelerated vesting of 1,670,306 stock options in connection with the change in control resulting from the election of a new Board of the Directors at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders on June 4, 2012.
	-2	The total share-based compensation capitalized as part of inventory and the related tax benefits recorded were negligible for all periods presented.
Estimated Compensation Cost Related to Unvested Stock Options	'
	As at December 31, 2013, 1,150,197 stock options were unvested (2012 – 143,965, 2011 – 1,801,803). As at December 31, 2013, the total estimated unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options and the expected weighted average periods over which such costs are expected to be recognized is as follows:
			December 31,
			2013
	Unrecognized estimated compensation costs (in thousands of U.S. dollars)		$	2,527
	Expected weighted average period of recognition of compensation cost (in months)			29
	Expected weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized (in years)			1.99
Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Options Outstanding and Exercisable	'
	The aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
	(In thousands of CAD dollars)		2013			2012			2011
	Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding		$	1,572		$	2,192		$	12,406
	Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable			224			2,083			10,903
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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012			2011
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised		$	2,171		$	13,184		$	1,022
	Cash from exercise of stock options			7,217			21,409			2,295
DSU Activity	'
	DSU activity is presented below.
			Number
			of DSUs
	Outstanding at January 1, 2011			270,000
	Granted			60,000
	Redeemed			—
	Cancelled			—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2011			330,000
	Granted			88,000
	Redeemed			(330,000	)
	Cancelled			—
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			88,000
	Granted			88,000
	Redeemed			(6,111	)
	Cancelled			(15,889	)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			154,000
	Vested at December 31, 2013			47,056
Cash Payments Under the Directors Deferred Share Units Plan	'
	Cash payments under the DDSU Plan during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013(2)			2012(1)			2011
	Cash payments under the DDSU plan		$	28		$	2,523		$	0
	-1	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 in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan.
	-2	In connection with Vicente Anido Jr.’s resignation from the Board of Directors effective November 9, 2013, the Company paid $0.03 million to Mr. Anido in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan.
Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]	'
Impact on Results of Operations of Recording Stock Based Compensation	'
	The impact on our results of operations of recording DSU compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012(1)			2011
	Research and development		$	77		$	246		$	120
	Selling, general and administrative			129			580			322
	Deferred share unit compensation expense		$	206		$	826		$	442
	(1)	The DSU compensation for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes $0.3 million related to accelerated vesting of 42,500 DSU’s held by the previous Board of Directors in connection with the election of a new Board of Directors at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders on June 4, 2012 and consequent departure of the previous Board of Directors.

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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			1,542						266			223			2,031
	Foreign exchange			—												—
	Cash payments			(2,880	)					(942	)		(223	)		(4,045	)
	Discontinued operations			114			(304	)		97						(93	)
	Non-cash portion						304									304
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	130		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	130
	(1)	Costs include severance, termination benefits, and outplacement support.
	(2)	Costs include lease costs related to excess office space.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	'
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Canada	$	(25,239	)	$	(46,272	)	$	(30,414	)
	United States		—			108			236
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(25,239	)	$	(46,164	)	$	(30,178	)
Components of (Provision for) Recovery of Income Taxes, by Country	'
	The components of the (provision for) recovery of income taxes were as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Canada	$	(599	)	$	4,205		$	(1,421	)
	United States		—			(305	)		220
	(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	$	(599	)	$	3,900		$	(1,201	)
Components of (Provision for) Recovery of Income Taxes	'
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Current income taxes	$	—		$	5,347		$	218
	Deferred income taxes		(599	)		(1,447	)		(1,419	)
	(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	$	(599	)	$	3,900		$	(1,201	)
Statutory Income Tax Rates and Effective Income Tax Rates	'
	Differences between our statutory income tax rates and our effective income tax rates applied to the pre-tax loss consists of the following:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(25,239	)	$	(46,164	)	$	(30,178	)
	Canadian statutory tax rates		25.75	%		25	%		26.5	%
	Expected income tax recovery		6,499			11,541			7,997
	Net increase in valuation allowance		(6,717	)		(10,127	)		(12,509	)
	Non-taxable portion of capital gains		608			1,083			1,401
	Tax recovery of undistributed earnings of affiliates		—			2			—
	Foreign tax rate differences		—			(16	)		(31	)
	Investment tax credits		990			2,249			3,245
	Stock-based compensation		(154	)		(794	)		(564	)
	Changes in tax rates		145			1			(583	)
	Non-deductible expenditures		(1,828	)		—			—
	Other		(142	)		(39	)		(157	)
	(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	$	(599	)	$	3,900		$	(1,201	)
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant components of the deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are presented as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	40,730		$	32,376
	Contingent consideration		190			693
	Research and development tax credit carryforwards		10,356			9,219
	Capital loss carryforwards		37,153			35,615
	Depreciable and amortizable assets		7,410			2,294
	Other temporary differences		355			651
	Total gross deferred income tax assets		96,194			80,848
	Less: valuation allowance		(95,826	)		(78,590	)
	Total deferred income tax assets		368			2,258
	Less: current portion		(191	)		(644	)
	Net long-term portion of deferred income tax assets		177			1,614
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Tax cost of undistributed earnings		(22	)		(22	)
	Contingent consideration		—			(1,244	)
	Total deferred income tax liabilities		(22	)		(1,266	)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	346		$	992
Uncertain Tax Position Liabilities	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to our uncertain tax position liabilities:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2013			2012			2011
	Balance as at January 1	$	1,875		$	1,732		$	1,687
	Increases related to current year tax positions		—			—			—
	Changes in tax positions of a prior period		(29	)		143			45
	Settlements		—			—			—
	Lapse of statute of limitations		—			—			—
	Balance as at December 31	$	1,846		$	1,875		$	1,732

Discontinued_Operations_and_As1

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations	'
	Operating results of our PPDS Technology and Visudyne business, which are included in discontinued operations, have been summarized as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2013			2012			2011
	Total revenues		$	—		$	25,475		$	42,228
	Recovery on (write-down of) assets held for sale			153			(1,056	)(1)		—
	Operating pre-tax income (loss)			149			(7,643	)		2,576
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations			1,053	(2)		101,412	(3)		—
	Pre-tax income(4)			1,202			93,769			2,576
	Provision for income taxes			(235	)(5)		(5,807	)(6)		(1,613	)(7)
	Net income from discontinued operations		$	967		$	87,962		$	963
	-1	During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded a $1.1 million impairment charge on certain property, plant and equipment that was eliminated pursuant to our restructuring (see Note 9 – Restructuring Charges).
	-2	During the year ended December 3 1, 2013, the net gain on sale of discontinued operations of $1.1 million represents total proceeds of $1.2 million related to the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati in April 2013; net of the $0.2 million carrying value of certain equipment sold, which was previously classified as held for sale, and a negligible amount of transaction fees.
	(3)	During the year ended December 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 include operating pre-tax losses of $0.4 million, $18.8 million and $19.1 million, respectively, related to our PPDS Technology. The remaining amounts of pre-tax operating income (losses) relate to Visudyne.
	(5)	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $0.2 million. The provision 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 provision for income taxes on discontinued operations also reflects our position of having insufficient evidence to support current or future realization of the tax benefits associated with expenditures related to our discontinued operations.
	(6)	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $5.8 million. The provision primarily relates to the recognition of the tax cost of utilizing the tax shield associated with our operating losses realized from continuing operations. The provision 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.
	(7)	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $1.6 million. The provision primarily related to income taxes associated with our mix of income allocable to our activities in the U.S., as well as the reversal of a prepaid tax asset set up in 2010 in connection with certain profits on intercompany sales of inventory that had not been sold to third parties at that time.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc1

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	'
	The following tables provide information about our assets and liabilities as at December 31, 2013 and 2012 that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
			As at December 31, 2013
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	118,521		$	—		$	—		$	118,521
	Accounts receivable – Laser Earn-Out Payment(2)			—			—			4,000			4,000
	Contingent consideration(1)			—			—			36,582			36,582
	Total		$	118,521		$	—		$	40,582		$	159,103
			As at December 31, 2012
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	307,384		$	—		$	—		$	307,384
	Restricted cash			7,500			—			—			7,500
	Contingent consideration(1)			—			—			76,409			76,409
	Total		$	314,884		$	—		$	76,409		$	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.
	(2)	In 2013, the estimated $4.0 million fair value of the Laser Earn-Out Payment was reclassified from contingent consideration to accounts receivable. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the fair value of the Laser Earn-Out Payment was determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a cost of capital rate of 3.5%. For additional discussion, refer to Note 10 – Contingent Consideration.
Reconciliation of Contingent Consideration Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value	'
	The following table represents a reconciliation of our contingent consideration assets 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			Related to			Total
			Sale of			Sale of
			QLT USA			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			—			—			—
	Transfer to Accounts Receivable			—			(3,956	)		(3,956	)
	Settlements			(38,693	)		—			(38,693	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			4,080			(1,258	)		2,822
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	36,582		$	—		$	36,582	(1)
	-1	Comprised of $36.6 million as current portion of contingent consideration and nil as the long-term portion of contingent consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Net_Loss_Income_Per_Share_Tabl

Net (Loss) Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)	2013			2012			2011
	Numerator:
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(25,838	)	$	(42,264	)	$	(31,379	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		967			87,962			963
	Net (loss) income	$	(24,871	)	$	45,698		$	(30,416	)
	Denominator: (thousands)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		50,909			50,112			50,105
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options		—			—			—
	Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding		50,909			50,112			50,105
	Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share
	Continuing operations	$	(0.51	)	$	(0.84	)	$	(0.63	)
	Discontinued operations		0.02			1.75			0.02
	Net (loss) income per common share	$	(0.49	)	$	0.91		$	(0.61	)

Contingencies_Commitments_and_1

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Estimated Operating Lease Payments	'
	Estimated operating lease payments for office space and office equipment over the next five years are summarized as follows:
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
	Year ending December 31,
	2014	$	632
	2015		430
	2016		—
	2017		—
	2018 and thereafter		—
	Total	$	1,062

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Number of operating industry segment	1
RSU exchange for QLT's common shares, description	1
Minimum [Member]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'3 years
Maximum [Member]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'5 years

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies - Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'3 years
Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'5 years
Office Furnishings, Fixtures and Other Assets [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'5 years
Research Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'5 years
Commercial Manufacturing Equipment [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'5 years
Computer Hardware and Operating System [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'3 years
Computer Hardware and Operating System [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	'5 years

Accounts_Receivable_Accounts_R

Accounts Receivable - Accounts Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	$4,590		$3,960
Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	4,000	[1]	'
Transition Services [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	'		2,259	[2]
Other [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	$590		$1,701
[1]	Accounts receivable relates to a milestone payment owing from Valeant related to the receipt of the premarket approval application ("PMA") supplement for the Qcellus laser from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") on September 26, 2013. Refer to Note 10 - Contingent Consideration and Note 12 - Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale for more information.
[2]	Accounts receivable relates to amounts owing from Valeant and Mati for services provided pursuant to respective transition services agreements in connection with the sale of our Visudyne business in 2012 and our PPDS Technology in 2013. Refer to Note 12 Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale for more information. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a $0.1 million allowance for doubtful accounts provision against these accounts receivable balances (December 31, 2012 - nil).

Accounts_Receivable_Accounts_R1

Accounts Receivable - Accounts Receivable (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Transition Services [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Transition Services [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$0.10	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_P

Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$15,591	$15,727
Accumulated Depreciation	13,725	13,072
Net Book Value	1,866	2,655
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	464	244
Accumulated Depreciation	292	212
Net Book Value	172	32
Office Furnishings, Fixtures and Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	258	297
Accumulated Depreciation	192	169
Net Book Value	66	128
Research Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	3,461	3,767
Accumulated Depreciation	2,184	1,844
Net Book Value	1,277	1,923
Computer Hardware and Operating System [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	11,408	11,411
Accumulated Depreciation	11,057	10,839
Net Book Value	351	572
Commercial Manufacturing Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	'	8
Accumulated Depreciation	'	8
Net Book Value	'	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_A

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Impairment charge on property, plant and equipment	$0.10	$1.10

Accrued_Liabilities_Accrued_Li

Accrued Liabilities - Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]	'	'
Compensation	$1,211	$2,270
Directors' Deferred Share Units compensation ("DSU")	265	96
Royalties	'	149
Other	22	'
Total accrued liabilities	$1,498	$2,515

Foreign_Exchange_Facility_Addi

Foreign Exchange Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			Prior To Amendment [Member]	Amendment [Member]	Amendment [Member]
				Forward Foreign Exchange Contacts [Member]	Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum limit of foreign exchange contracts permitted under the foreign exchange facility	'	'	$50,000,000	$12,500,000	$10,000,000
Maximum term permitted for foreign exchange contracts	'	'	'15 months	'1 month	'
Collateral pledged as security	0	0	'	'	'
Outstanding forward foreign currency contracts	$0	$0	'	'	'

Share_Capital_Additional_Infor

Share Capital - Additional Information (Detail)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Nov. 22, 2013

Jul. 29, 2013

Jul. 15, 2013

Jun. 27, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Jun. 24, 2013

Oct. 02, 2012

Sep. 26, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 16, 2010

Dec. 09, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Apr. 25, 2013

Apr. 25, 2013

Nov. 22, 2013

Nov. 22, 2013

Nov. 09, 2013

Jul. 15, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 15, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

CAD

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

Research and Development [Member]

Research and Development [Member]

Research and Development [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Stock Options Vest In Six Installments[Member]

Stock Options Vest In Thirty Six Installments [Member]

RSU's [Member]

RSU's [Member]

RSU's [Member]

RSU's [Member]

RSU's [Member]

RSU's [Member]

Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]

QLT Plan [Member]

QLT Plan [Member]

QLT Plan [Member]

QLT Plan [Member]

QLT Plan [Member]

Installment

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Installment

Installment

CAD

CAD

USD ($)

Research and Development [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative [Member]

Installment

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Installment

Installment

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

CAD

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

51,589,405

51,589,405

'

'

51,081,878

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of issued and outstanding common shares authorized to be repurchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,438,683

'

'

3,615,285

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of issued and outstanding common shares authorized to be repurchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of issued and outstanding common shares repurchased

'

'

'

'

1,691,479

1,691,479

1,747,204

1,747,204

2,678,517

2,678,517

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total average cost per share of the share repurchase

'

'

'

'

$7.97

'

$7.84

'

$7.03

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total cumulative cost of shares repurchased

'

'

'

'

13,479,000

'

13,696,000

'

18,839,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional paid-in capital

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

2,400,000

'

6,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,800,000

11,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,800,000

'

'

'

'

Additional common shares issued under Plan

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options that can be granted to any one individual in a calendar year

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Description of options expiration

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Options expire automatically on the earlier of (i) the date on which such option is exercised in respect of all of the common shares that may be purchased under the Plan, and (ii) the expiration date fixed by the Compensation Committee at the granting of such options, which date will not be more than ten years from the date of grant. Options that would otherwise expire within, or within two business days after the end of, a bblack-outb period established by QLT will not expire until the tenth business day after the earlier of the end of such black-out period or, provided the black-out period has ended, the expiry date.

'

'

'

'

Maximum stock options expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

Condition under which expiration date is extended

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 days

'

'

'

'

Option extension period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 days

'

'

'

'

Vested options termination period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'90 days

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock, vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'36 months

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock units vesting period expressed in number of annual installments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plan termination date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25-Apr-23

'

'

'

'

Number of stock options outstanding

'

'

'

'

1,407,529

1,407,529

1,416,016

1,416,016

6,048,197

6,048,197

'

'

'

6,100,101

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,407,529

'

'

'

'

Range of exercise prices associated with outstanding options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.54

7.23

Number of options issued and outstanding, percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.80%

2.70%

12.00%

'

'

Stock options granted

350,000

'

962,000

'

1,312,000

1,312,000

889,250

889,250

1,430,900

1,430,900

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options vest and become exercisable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

325,000

25,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options vesting period expressed in number of monthly installments

'

'

36

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6

36

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise price of options granted

5.38

'

4.54

'

'

4.76

'

7.06

'

7.19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted

'

'

'

'

'

2.28

'

2.55

'

2.78

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unvested stock options

'

'

'

'

1,150,197

1,150,197

143,965

143,965

1,801,803

1,801,803

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock related units granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

48,000

'

'

'

'

88,000

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred share units vesting period expressed in number of monthly installments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock units grant date fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.54

4.54

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock based compensation expense

'

'

'

'

567,000

'

5,751,000

[1]

'

2,973,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

358,000

1,537,000

[1]

708,000

209,000

1,783,000

[1]

1,316,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000

20,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

RSU's cancelled in connection with resignation of board of directors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock units, unvested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated unrecognized compensation cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized

'

'

'

'

'1 year 11 months 27 days

'1 year 11 months 27 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years 6 months 15 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Approximately $4.3 million of the 2012 stock-based compensation expense relates to the accelerated vesting of 1,670,306 stock options in connection with the change in control resulting from the election of a new Board of the Directors at the Company's annual meeting of shareholders on June 4, 2012.

Share_Capital_Stock_Option_Act

Share Capital - Stock Option Activity with Respect to QLT Plan (Detail) (CAD)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 22, 2013	Jul. 15, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Options Outstanding, Beginning balance	'	'	1,416,016	6,048,197	6,100,101
Number of Options, Granted	350,000	962,000	1,312,000	889,250	1,430,900
Number of Options, Exercised	'	'	-1,183,952	-4,408,867	-451,867
Number of Options, Forfeited and expired	'	'	-136,535	-1,112,564	-1,030,937
Number of Options Outstanding, Ending balance	'	'	1,407,529	1,416,016	6,048,197
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Beginning balance	'	'	6.25	5.44	5.49
Number of Options, Exercisable	'	'	257,332	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	5.38	4.54	4.76	7.06	7.19
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	'	'	7.99	4.82	4.98
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited and expired	'	'	6.28	8.12	8.36
Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, Ending balance	'	'	4.94	6.25	5.44
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	'	'	5.37	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Outstanding	'	'	'9 years 1 month 6 days	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years), Exercisable	'	'	'7 years 9 months 15 days	'	'

Share_Capital_Weighted_Average

Share Capital - Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Estimate Value of Stock Options Granted (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions And Methodology [Abstract]	'	'	'
Annualized volatility	46.00%	46.80%	48.80%
Risk-free interest rate	2.00%	1.00%	2.10%
Expected life (years)	'6 years 6 months	'3 years 9 months 18 days	'3 years 8 months 12 days

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operation of Recording Stock Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'		'		'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	$567		$5,751	[1]	$2,973
Related income tax benefits	'		-539	[1]	-162
Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes	567	[2]	5,212	[1],[2]	2,811	[2]
Research and Development [Member]	'		'		'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'		'		'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	358		1,537	[1]	708
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]	'		'		'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'		'		'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	209		1,783	[1]	1,316
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'		'		'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'		'		'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	'		$2,431	[1]	$949
[1]	Approximately $4.3 million of the 2012 stock-based compensation expense relates to the accelerated vesting of 1,670,306 stock options in connection with the change in control resulting from the election of a new Board of the Directors at the Company's annual meeting of shareholders on June 4, 2012.
[2]	The total share-based compensation capitalized as part of inventory and the related tax benefits recorded were negligible for all periods presented.

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result1

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operation of Recording Stock Based Compensation (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Options Held [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012
Options Held [Member]	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'
Compensation cost associated with accelerated vesting of directors' stock options	$4.30
Stock-based compensation expense relates to accelerated vesting of stock options	1,670,306

Share_Capital_Estimated_Compen

Share Capital - Estimated Compensation Cost Related to Non-Vested Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 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)	$2,527
Expected weighted average period of recognition of compensation cost (in months)	'29 months
Expected weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized (in years)	'1 year 11 months 27 days

Share_Capital_Aggregate_Intrin

Share Capital - Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Detail) (CAD)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested And Expected To Vest [Abstract]	'	'	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	1,572	2,192	12,406
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	224	2,083	10,903

Share_Capital_Intrinsic_Value_

Share Capital - Intrinsic Value of Stock Options Exercised and Related Cash from Exercise of Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$2,171	$13,184	$1,022
Cash from exercise of stock options	$7,217	$21,409	$2,295

Share_Capital_DSU_Activity_Det

Share Capital - DSU Activity (Detail) (Directors Deferred Share Units [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]	'	'	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of DSUs Outstanding, Beginning Balance	88,000	330,000	270,000
Number of DSUs, Granted	88,000	88,000	60,000
Number of DSUs, Redeemed	-6,111	-330,000	'
Number of DSUs, Cancelled	-15,889	'	'
Number of SUs Outstanding, Ending Balance	154,000	88,000	330,000
Number of DSUs, Vested	47,056	'	'

Share_Capital_Cash_Payments_Un

Share Capital - Cash Payments Under the Directors Deferred Share Units Plan (Detail) (Directors Deferred Share Units [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 09, 2013	Jun. 04, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]	'	'	'		'		'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'		'		'
Cash payments under the DDSU plan	$30	$2,500	$28	[1]	$2,523	[2]	$0
[1]	In connection with Vicente Anido Jr.'s resignation from the Board of Directors effective November 9, 2013, the Company paid $0.03 million to Mr. Anido in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan.
[2]	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 in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan.

Share_Capital_Cash_Payments_Un1

Share Capital - Cash Payments Under the Directors Deferred Share Units Plan (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Directors Deferred Share Units [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 09, 2013	Jun. 04, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]	'	'	'		'		'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'		'		'
Cash payments under DDSU Plan	$30	$2,500	$28	[1]	$2,523	[2]	$0
[1]	In connection with Vicente Anido Jr.'s resignation from the Board of Directors effective November 9, 2013, the Company paid $0.03 million to Mr. Anido in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan.
[2]	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 in accordance with the terms of the DDSU Plan.

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result2

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operations of Recording DSU Compensation (Detail) (Directors Deferred Share Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'		'
Deferred share unit compensation expense	$206	$826	[1]	$442
Research and Development [Member]	'	'		'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'		'
Deferred share unit compensation expense	77	246	[1]	120
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]	'	'		'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'		'
Deferred share unit compensation expense	$129	$580	[1]	$322
[1]	The DSU compensation for the year ended December 31, 2012 includes $0.3 million related to accelerated vesting of 42,500 DSU's held by the previous Board of Directors in connection with the election of a new Board of Directors at the Company's annual meeting of shareholders on June 4, 2012 and consequent departure of the previous Board of Directors.

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result3

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operations of Recording DSU Compensation (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Directors Deferred Share Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 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

Restructuring_Charges_Addition

Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	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	'
Discontinued operations	-93,000	3,080,000	'
Impairment charges on property, plant, and equipment	100,000	1,100,000	'
Lease costs related to excess office space	'	1,000,000	'
Restructuring charges	2,031,000	13,850,000	0
Restructuring accrual	130,000	1,933,000	'
Special Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contractual termination range of dates	'Agreed to terminate him on either, March 31, 2014, April 30, 2014 or May 31, 2014, at the Company's discretion.	'	'
Restructuring accrual	100,000	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Special Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated cost of severance and termination benefits	1,000,000	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Special Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated cost of severance and termination benefits	$1,100,000	'	'

Restructuring_Charges_Summary_

Restructuring Charges - Summary of Restructuring Accrual and Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	$1,933		'		'
Restructuring charge	2,031		13,850		0
Foreign exchange	'		20		'
Cash payments	-4,045		-13,961		'
Discontinued operations	-93		3,080		'
Non-cash portion	304		-1,056		'
Ending Balance	130		1,933		'
Employee Termination Costs [Member]	'		'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	1,354	[1]	'		'
Restructuring charge	1,542	[1]	13,016	[1]	'
Foreign exchange	'	[1]	20	[1]	'
Cash payments	-2,880	[1]	-13,243	[1]	'
Discontinued operations	114	[1]	1,561	[1]	'
Ending Balance	130	[1]	1,354	[1]	'
Asset Write-downs [Member]	'		'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'		'		'
Discontinued operations	-304		1,056		'
Non-cash portion	304		-1,056		'
Ending Balance	'		'		'
Contract Termination Costs [Member]	'		'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	579	[2]	'		'
Restructuring charge	266	[2]	834	[2]	'
Cash payments	-942	[2]	-718	[2]	'
Discontinued operations	97	[2]	463	[2]	'
Ending Balance	'	[2]	579	[2]	'
Other [Member]	'		'		'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'		'		'
Beginning Balance	'		'		'
Restructuring charge	223		'		'
Cash payments	-223		'		'
Ending Balance	'		'		'
[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 $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 01, 2010

Oct. 01, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 10, 2013

Sep. 24, 2012

Dec. 31, 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]

Visudyne [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Laser Registration [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

'

'

'

38,700,000

37,100,000

40,700,000

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

Investing activity proceeds from contingent consideration

34,599,000

28,845,000

30,641,000

34,600,000

28,900,000

30,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value change in contingent consideration

-1,273,000

'

'

4,100,000

8,400,000

10,100,000

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

Aggregate contingent consideration received

'

'

'

162,000,000

123,300,000

86,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

38,000,000

76,700,000

113,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted cash

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

Laser Earn out payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

Potential collection costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

Fair value decrease

$2,865,000

$8,215,000

$10,078,000

'

'

'

'

'

$1,200,000

$200,000

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Loss_from_Continu

Income Taxes - Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Canada	($25,239)	($46,272)	($30,414)
United States	'	108	236
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	($25,239)	($46,164)	($30,178)

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro

Income Taxes - Components of (Provision for) Recovery of Income Taxes, by Country (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	($599)	$3,900	($1,201)
Canada [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	-599	4,205	-1,421
United States [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax Expenses [Line Items]	'	'	'
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	'	($305)	$220

Income_Taxes_Components_of_Pro1

Income Taxes - Components of (Provision for) Recovery of Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current income taxes	'	$5,347	$218
Deferred income taxes	-599	-1,447	-1,419
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	($599)	$3,900	($1,201)

Income_Taxes_Statutory_Income_

Income Taxes - Statutory Income Tax Rates and Effective Income Tax Rates (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	($25,239)	($46,164)	($30,178)
Canadian statutory tax rates	25.75%	25.00%	26.50%
Expected income tax recovery	6,499	11,541	7,997
Net increase in valuation allowance	-6,717	-10,127	-12,509
Non-taxable portion of capital gains	608	1,083	1,401
Tax recovery of undistributed earnings of affiliates	'	2	'
Foreign tax rate differences	'	-16	-31
Investment tax credits	990	2,249	3,245
Stock-based compensation	-154	-794	-564
Changes in tax rates	145	1	-583
Non-deductible expenditures	-1,828	'	'
Other	-142	-39	-157
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes	($599)	$3,900	($1,201)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	($599,000)	$3,900,000	($1,201,000)	'
Operating loss carryforwards	136,600,000	'	'	'
Federal and state research and development credits available for carryforward	10,400,000	'	'	'
Loss carryforwards range, expiration year	'2033	'	'	'
Research and development credit carryforwards range, expiration year	'2033	'	'	'
Capital loss carryforwards	284,600,000	'	'	'
Uncertain tax positions	1,846,000	1,875,000	1,732,000	1,687,000
Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Provision for income taxes	-599,000	4,205,000	-1,421,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards	102,900,000	'	'	'
U.S. Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	33,700,000	'	'	'
Federal and state research and development credits available for carryforward	$1,300,000	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$40,730	$32,376
Contingent consideration	190	693
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	10,356	9,219
Capital loss carryforwards	37,153	35,615
Depreciable and amortizable assets	7,410	2,294
Other temporary differences	355	651
Total gross deferred income tax assets	96,194	80,848
Less: valuation allowance	-95,826	-78,590
Total deferred income tax assets	368	2,258
Less: current portion	-191	-644
Net long-term portion of deferred income tax assets	177	1,614
Deferred tax liabilities	'	'
Tax cost of undistributed earnings	-22	-22
Contingent consideration	'	-1,244
Total deferred income tax liabilities	-22	-1,266
Net deferred income tax assets	$346	$992

Income_Taxes_Uncertain_Tax_Pos

Income Taxes - Uncertain Tax Position Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$1,875	$1,732	$1,687
Increases related to current year tax positions	'	'	'
Changes in tax positions of a prior period	'	143	45
Decrease in the tax position	-29	'	'
Settlements	'	'	'
Lapse of statute of limitations	'	'	'
Ending Balance	$1,846	$1,875	$1,732

Discontinued_Operations_and_As2

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 10, 2013	Sep. 26, 2013	Sep. 24, 2012	Sep. 24, 2012	Apr. 03, 2013	Dec. 24, 2012
		Visudyne [Member]	Visudyne [Member]	Visudyne [Member]	Visudyne [Member]	Visudyne [Member]	PPDS Technology [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	'	'	'	'	$112,500,000	'	'	'
Milestone payment to be received contingent upon laser registration prior to December 31, 2013	'	5,000,000	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassified from restricted cash to cash and cash equivalents	'	7,500,000	'	7,500,000	'	'	'	'
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	'	'	'	'	'	500,000
Deferred income	456,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	500,000
Contingent consideration potentially receivable upon completion of certain product development and commercialization milestones	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,500,000
Additional payment received from exercise of option to acquire assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	800,000	'
Carrying value of equipment sold	$300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_and_As3

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'		'		'
Total revenues	'		$25,475		$42,228
Recovery on (write-down of) assets held for sale	153		-1,056	[1]	'
Operating pre-tax income (loss)	149		-7,643		2,576
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	1,053	[2]	101,412	[3]	'
Pre-tax income	1,202	[4]	93,769	[4]	2,576	[4]
Provision for income taxes	-235	[5]	-5,807	[6]	-1,613	[7]
Net income from discontinued operations	$967		$87,962		$963
[1]	During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded a $1.1 million impairment charge on certain property, plant and equipment that was eliminated pursuant to our restructuring (see Note 9 - Restructuring Charges).
[2]	During the year ended December 3 1, 2013, the net gain on sale of discontinued operations of $1.1 million represents total proceeds of $1.2 million related to the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati in April 2013; net of the $0.2 million carrying value of certain equipment sold, which was previously classified as held for sale, and a negligible amount of transaction fees.
[3]	During the year ended December 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 include operating pre-tax losses of $0.4 million, $18.8 million and $19.1 million, respectively, related to our PPDS Technology. The remaining amounts of pre-tax operating income (losses) relate to Visudyne.
[5]	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $0.2 million. The provision 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 provision for income taxes on discontinued operations also reflects our position of having insufficient evidence to support current or future realization of the tax benefits associated with expenditures related to our discontinued operations.
[6]	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $5.8 million. The provision primarily relates to the recognition of the tax cost of utilizing the tax shield associated with our operating losses realized from continuing operations. The provision 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.
[7]	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $1.6 million. The provision primarily related to income taxes associated with our mix of income allocable to our activities in the U.S., as well as the reversal of a prepaid tax asset set up in 2010 in connection with certain profits on intercompany sales of inventory that had not been sold to third parties at that time.

Discontinued_Operations_and_As4

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'		'
Impairment charge on certain property, plant and equipment	$100,000		$1,100,000		'
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	1,053,000	[1]	101,412,000	[2]	'
Net proceeds from discontinued operations	8,486,000		101,461,000		'
Carrying value of equipment sold	'		300,000		'
Pre-tax losses	-1,202,000	[3]	-93,769,000	[3]	-2,576,000	[3]
Provision for income taxes	235,000	[4]	5,807,000	[5]	1,613,000	[6]
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		'
PPDS Technology [Member]	'		'		'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'		'		'
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	1,100,000		'		'
Net proceeds from discontinued operations	1,200,000		'		'
Carrying value of equipment sold	200,000		'		'
Pre-tax losses	$400,000		$18,800,000		$19,100,000
[1]	During the year ended December 3 1, 2013, the net gain on sale of discontinued operations of $1.1 million represents total proceeds of $1.2 million related to the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati in April 2013; net of the $0.2 million carrying value of certain equipment sold, which was previously classified as held for sale, and a negligible amount of transaction fees.
[2]	During the year ended December 31, 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]	The results for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 include operating pre-tax losses of $0.4 million, $18.8 million and $19.1 million, respectively, related to our PPDS Technology. The remaining amounts of pre-tax operating income (losses) relate to Visudyne.
[4]	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $0.2 million. The provision 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 provision for income taxes on discontinued operations also reflects our position of having insufficient evidence to support current or future realization of the tax benefits associated with expenditures related to our discontinued operations.
[5]	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $5.8 million. The provision primarily relates to the recognition of the tax cost of utilizing the tax shield associated with our operating losses realized from continuing operations. The provision 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.
[6]	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the provision for income taxes related to discontinued operations was $1.6 million. The provision primarily related to income taxes associated with our mix of income allocable to our activities in the U.S., as well as the reversal of a prepaid tax asset set up in 2010 in connection with certain profits on intercompany sales of inventory that had not been sold to third parties at that time.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc2

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$118,521		$307,384		$205,597	$209,478
Accounts receivable	4,590		3,960		'	'
Contingent consideration	36,600		'		'	'
Restricted cash	'		7,500		'	'
Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets:	'		'		'	'
Accounts receivable	4,000	[1]	'		'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets:	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	118,521		307,384		'	'
Contingent consideration	'	[2]	'	[2]	'	'
Total	118,521		314,884		'	'
Restricted cash	'		7,500		'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets:	'		'		'	'
Accounts receivable	'	[3]	'		'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets:	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'		'		'	'
Contingent consideration	'	[2]	'	[2]	'	'
Total	'		'		'	'
Restricted cash	'		'		'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets:	'		'		'	'
Accounts receivable	'	[3]	'		'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets:	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'		'		'	'
Contingent consideration	36,582	[2]	76,409	[2]	'	'
Total	40,582		76,409		'	'
Restricted cash	'		'		'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets:	'		'		'	'
Accounts receivable	4,000	[3]	'		'	'
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets:	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	118,521		307,384		'	'
Contingent consideration	36,582	[2]	76,409	[2]	'	'
Total	159,103		391,293		'	'
Restricted cash	'		7,500		'	'
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'		'	'
Assets:	'		'		'	'
Accounts receivable	$4,000	[3]	'		'	'
[1]	Accounts receivable relates to a milestone payment owing from Valeant related to the receipt of the premarket approval application ("PMA") supplement for the Qcellus laser from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") on September 26, 2013. Refer to Note 10 - Contingent Consideration and Note 12 - Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale for more information.
[2]	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 December 31, 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 Eligard. Cost of capital rates were selected based on 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 $36.6 million to $36.4 million. If estimated future sales of Eligard were to decrease by 10%, the contingent consideration related to the sale of QLT USA would decrease by $0.3 million, from $36.6 million to $36.3 million.
[3]	In 2013, the estimated $4.0 million fair value of the Laser Earn-Out Payment was reclassified from contingent consideration to accounts receivable. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the fair value of the Laser Earn-Out Payment was determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a cost of capital rate of 3.5%. For additional discussion, refer to Note 10 - Contingent Consideration.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc3

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cost of capital	'		3.50%
Future expected contingent consideration related to the sale of discontinued operations	$36,600,000		'
Current value of contingent consideration	36,582,000		41,255,000
Accounts receivable	4,590,000		3,960,000
Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	4,000,000	[1]	'
QLT USA and Eligard [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring 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	36,400,000		'
Hypothetical decrease in revenue growth rate	10.00%		'
Impact of hypothetical decrease in revenue growth rate	300,000		'
Current value of contingent consideration	36,600,000		'
Amount of contingent consideration resulting from hypothetical decrease in revenue growth rate	$36,300,000		'
[1]	Accounts receivable relates to a milestone payment owing from Valeant related to the receipt of the premarket approval application ("PMA") supplement for the Qcellus laser from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") on September 26, 2013. Refer to Note 10 - Contingent Consideration and Note 12 - Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale for more information.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc4

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Reconciliation of Contingent Consideration Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Beginning balance	$76,409		$99,947
Transfers / Additions to Level 3	'		5,364
Transfer to Accounts Receivable	-3,956		'
Settlements	-38,693		-37,117
Fair value change in contingent consideration	2,822		8,215
Ending balance	36,582	[1]	76,409
QLT USA and Eligard [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Beginning balance	71,195		99,947
Transfers / Additions to Level 3	'		'
Transfer to Accounts Receivable	'		'
Settlements	-38,693		-37,117
Fair value change in contingent consideration	4,080		8,365
Ending balance	36,582		71,195
Visudyne [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Beginning balance	5,214		'
Transfers / Additions to Level 3	'		5,364
Transfer to Accounts Receivable	-3,956		'
Settlements	'		'
Fair value change in contingent consideration	-1,258		-150
Ending balance	'		$5,214
[1]	Comprised of $36.6 million as current portion of contingent consideration and nil as the long-term portion of contingent consideration on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc5

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Reconciliation of Contingent Consideration Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Current portion of contingent consideration	$36,582	$41,255
Long-term portion of contingent consideration	'	$35,154

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc6

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 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 $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator:	'	'	'
Loss from continuing operations	($25,838)	($42,264)	($31,379)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	967	87,962	963
Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income	($24,871)	$45,698	($30,416)
Denominator:	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding	50,909	50,112	50,105
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'
Stock options	'	'	'
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	50,909	50,112	50,105
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share	'	'	'
Continuing operations	($0.51)	($0.84)	($0.63)
Discontinued operations	$0.02	$1.75	$0.02
Net (loss) income per common share	($0.49)	$0.91	($0.61)

Contingencies_Commitments_and_2

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Period of operating lease	'2 years	'	'
Rent expense	$1,500,000	$2,900,000	$2,200,000
Amount of accrued milestones	0	'	'
Indemnification accruals	0	'	'
Retinagenix LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Milestone payment due upon initiation of first pivotal trial	1,000,000	'	'
Maximum potential royalty milestone obligations owing to Retinagenix	15,000,000	'	'
Special Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contractual termination range of dates	'Agreed to terminate him on either, March 31, 2014, April 30, 2014 or May 31, 2014, at the Company's discretion.	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Retinagenix LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Agreed to pay, upon the achievement of other specified development or regulatory milestones	11,500,000	'	'
Agreement to pay, achievement of specified development, or regulatory milestones	9,000,000	'	'
Percent of royalty payment to Retinagenix	6.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Special Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated cost of severance and termination benefits	1,100,000	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Retinagenix LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percent of royalty payment to Retinagenix	4.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Special Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'	'
Other Commitments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated cost of severance and termination benefits	$1,000,000	'	'

Contingencies_Commitments_and_3

Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees - Summary of Estimated Operating Lease Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'
2014	$632
2015	430
2016	'
2017	'
2018 and thereafter	'
Total	$1,062

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segment	1

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$78,590	$80,465	$68,346
Additions charged to costs and expenses	17,624	10,273	13,689
Write-offs and provision reduction	-388	-12,148	-1,570
Balance at end of year	$95,826	$78,590	$80,465