Novelion Therapeutics (NVLN) 10-Q 28 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 21, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'QLTI	'
Entity Registrant Name	'QLT INC/BC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000827809	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	51,185,922

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$137,828	$118,521
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts (Notes 4)	4,440	4,590
Contingent consideration - current (Note 3)	0	36,582
Income taxes receivable	68	77
Deferred income tax assets - current	0	191
Prepaid and other assets	787	1,863
Total current assets	143,123	161,824
Property, plant and equipment	1,211	1,866
Deferred income tax assets - non-current	0	177
Total assets	144,334	163,867
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	2,405	2,609
Accrued liabilities (Note 5)	1,283	1,498
Accrued restructuring charges (Note 8)	0	130
Total current liabilities	3,688	4,237
Uncertain tax position liabilities	398	1,846
Total liabilities	4,086	6,083
Share capital (Note 7)	'	'
Authorized 5,000,000 first preference shares without par value, issuable in series	0	0
Authorized 500,000,000 common shares without par value, issued and outstanding common shares June 30, 2014 - 51,185,922 shares December 31, 2013 - 51,081,878 shares	466,979	466,229
Additional paid-in capital	97,590	95,844
Accumulated deficit	-527,290	-507,258
Accumulated other comprehensive income	102,969	102,969
Total shareholders' equity	140,248	157,784
Total shareholders' equity and liabilities	$144,334	$163,867

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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	51,185,922	51,081,878
Common stock, shares outstanding	51,185,922	51,081,878

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Research and development	$2,792	$5,243	$11,684	$13,715
Selling, general and administrative	2,388	1,676	8,642	5,568
Depreciation	222	230	680	717
Restructuring charges (Note 8)	0	354	744	1,847
Total expenses	5,402	7,503	21,750	21,847
Operating loss	-5,402	-7,503	-21,750	-21,847
Investment and other (expenses) income	'	'	'	'
Net foreign exchange losses	0	-54	-74	-36
Interest income	27	39	80	175
Fair value change in contingent consideration (Note 3)	0	71	1,466	1,904
Other	17	64	115	100
Total investment and other income	44	120	1,587	2,143
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-5,358	-7,383	-20,163	-19,704
Recovery of (provision for) income taxes (Note 9)	432	-109	194	-434
Loss from continuing operations	-4,926	-7,492	-19,969	-20,138
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (Note 10)	-6	96	-63	116
Net loss and comprehensive loss	($4,932)	($7,396)	($20,032)	($20,022)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share (Note 12)	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	($0.10)	($0.15)	($0.39)	($0.40)
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	$0
Net loss per common share	($0.10)	($0.14)	($0.39)	($0.39)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	51,151	51,082	51,105	50,851

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Cash used in operating activities	'		'		'		'
Net loss and comprehensive loss	($4,932)		($7,396)		($20,032)		($20,022)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities	'		'		'		'
Depreciation	222		230		680		717
Stock-based compensation and restricted stock based compensation	179		137		1,150		279
Unrealized foreign exchange losses	-11		69		83		204
Deferred income taxes	-416		108		-179		566
Recovery on assets held for sale	0	[1]	-37	[1]	0	[1]	-212	[1]
Gain on sale of discontinued operations (Note 10)	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	-743	[2]
Gain on sale of long-lived assets	0		-4		0		-4
Fair value change in contingent consideration (Note 3)	0		761		0		1,249
Changes in non-cash operating assets and liabilities	'		'		'		'
Accounts receivable	4		-47		124		2,158
Prepaid and other assets	228		690		1,077		-264
Accounts payable	-1,415		486		-172		-2,003
Income taxes receivable / payable	0		204		9		146
Accrued liabilities	84		203		-181		-1,158
Accrued restructuring charges	0		-436		-130		-1,633
Cash used in operating activities	-6,057		-5,032		-17,571		-20,720
Cash provided by investing activities	'		'		'		'
Net proceeds from sale of long-lived assets	0		30		0		239
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations (Note 10)	0		7,502		0		8,252
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	0		-129		-25		-129
Proceeds from contingent consideration (Note 3)	5,544		8,483		36,582		25,035
Cash provided by investing activities	5,544		15,886		36,557		33,397
Cash used in financing activities	'		'		'		'
Common shares repurchased, including fees	0		0		0		-14,079
Cash distribution paid to common shareholders (Note 7)	0		0		0		-200,000
Issuance of common shares	509		0		509		8,317
Cash used in financing activities	509		0		509		-205,762
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-101		52		-188		-213
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-105		10,906		19,307		-193,298
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	137,933		103,180		118,521		307,384
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	137,828		114,086		137,828		114,086
Supplementary cash flow information:	'		'		'		'
Income taxes paid	$0		$0		$1		$1
[1]	Relates to recoveries on equipment that was previously written down in connection with the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati.
[2]	Relates to the 2013 revenue recognition of funds received from Mati at the end of 2012, which were initially recorded as deferred income, for the 90-day option to acquire assets related to our former PPDS Technology.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed 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, 2012	$388,318	$471,712	$296,024	($482,387)	$102,969	[1]
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	51,589,405	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash	7,217	9,978	-2,761	0	0	[1]
Exercise of stock options, for cash, shares	'	1,183,952	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	567	0	567	0	0	[1]
Restricted stock based compensation	32	0	32	0	0	[1]
Common share repurchase (Note 7(b))	-13,479	-15,461	1,982	0	0	[1]
Common share repurchase, Shares	'	-1,691,479	'	'	'
Cash distribution to common shareholders at $3.92 per share (Note 7(a))	-200,000	0	-200,000	0	0	[1]
Net loss and comprehensive loss	-24,871	0	0	-24,871	0	[1]
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	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	538	0	538	0	0	[1]
Restricted stock based compensation	14	0	14	0	0	[1]
Net loss and comprehensive loss	-6,462	0	'	-6,462	0	[1]
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	151,874	466,229	96,396	-513,720	102,969	[1]
Ending Balance, Shares at Mar. 31, 2014	'	51,081,878	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	404	0	404	0	0	[1]
Restricted stock based compensation	15	0	15	0	0	[1]
Net loss and comprehensive loss	-8,638	0	0	-8,638	0	[1]
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	143,655	466,229	96,815	-522,358	102,969	[1]
Ending Balance, Shares at Jun. 30, 2014	'	51,081,878	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, for cash	509	750	-241	0	0	[1]
Exercise of stock options, for cash, shares	104,044	104,044	'	'	'
Uncertain tax position liability recovery (Note 9)	837	'	837	'	'
Stock-based compensation	165	0	165	0	0	[1]
Restricted stock based compensation	14	0	14	0	0	[1]
Net loss and comprehensive loss	-4,932	0	0	-4,932	0	[1]
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$140,248	$466,979	$97,590	($527,290)	$102,969	[1]
Ending Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2014	51,185,922	51,185,922	'	'	'
[1]	At September 30, 2014 our accumulated other comprehensive income is entirely related to historical cumulative translation adjustments resulting from the application of U.S. dollar reporting when the functional currency of QLT Inc. was the Canadian dollar

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical)(CAD)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			Common Shares [Member]	Common Shares [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Lower price range for exercise of stock options	4.54	2.44	4.45	2.44	4.45	2.44
Higher price range for exercise of stock options	5.38	7.23	5.38	7.23	5.38	7.23

Condensed_Summary_of_Significa

Condensed Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Condensed Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1	CONDENSED SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the presentation of interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed, or omitted, pursuant to such rules and regulations. These financial statements do not include all disclosures required for the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Form 10-K/A, for the year ended December 31, 2013. All amounts herein are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
	In management’s opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position at September 30, 2014, and results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented. The interim results presented are not necessarily indicative of results that can be expected for a full year.
	The results of operations relating to our former punctal plug delivery system technology (the “PPDS Technology”), which we sold on April 3, 2013 to Mati Therapeutics, Inc. (“Mati”), and our Visudyne® business, which we sold on September 24, 2012 to Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Valeant”), have been excluded from continuing operations and are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 10— Discontinued Operations for more information.
	Principles of Consolidation
	These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of QLT and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with 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, allocation of overhead expenses to research and development, stock-based compensation, restructuring costs and provisions for taxes, tax assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from estimates made by management.
	Segment Information
	We operate in one industry segment, which is the business of developing, manufacturing, and commercializing opportunities in ophthalmology. As at the date of this report, our clinical development programs are solely focused on our synthetic retinoid, QLT091001. Our chief operating decision maker reviews our operating results and manages our operations as a single operating segment.
	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, we have not had any significant continued involvement with the Visudyne business or the PPDS Technology following their sales. Amounts billed to Valeant and Mati in connection with the provision of these transition services were included within discontinued operations.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	ASC topic 718 requires stock-based compensation expense, which is measured at fair value on the grant date, to be recognized in the statement of operations over the period in which a grantee is required to provide services in exchange for the stock award. Compensation expense recognition provisions are applicable to new awards as well as previously granted awards which are modified, repurchased or cancelled after the adoption date. We recognize stock-based compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, we consider attrition rates and trends of actual stock option forfeitures.
	The Company has a Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU Plan”) for our directors. We recognize compensation expense for Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”) 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 DSUs are recognized as compensation expense and accrued liabilities as the DSUs 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 (“RSUs”) to its directors as consideration for their provision of future services as directors (see Note 7(e)). 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. RSUs can only be exchanged and settled for QLT’s common shares, on a one-to-one basis, upon vesting.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are reported using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to: (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and (ii) operating loss and tax credit carry forwards using applicable enacted tax rates. An increase or decrease in these tax rates will increase or decrease the carrying value of 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. The contingent consideration is revalued at each reporting period and changes are included in continuing operations. See Note 3 — Contingent Consideration.
	Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share
	Basic net (loss) income per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income per common share is computed in accordance with the treasury stock method, which uses the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and also includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable from outstanding stock options.
	Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and payables, and contingent consideration approximate fair value. For cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables, we estimate fair value using the market approach. For contingent consideration, we estimate fair value using the income approach. The fair values of our financial instruments reflect the amounts that would be received in connection with the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	No new accounting standards were adopted during the three months ended September 30, 2014.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This update removes inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements, provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improves comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets, provides more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements and simplifies the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer. The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605 - Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. This update also supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35 - Revenue Recognition – Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for public entities with reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Based on management’s current assessment, ASU No. 2014-09 is not expected to impact QLT’s consolidated financial statements.
	On August 27, 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-15 – Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern – Disclosure of Uncertainties about and Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The new guidance requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity’s financial statements. The update also provides guidance on when and how reporting entities should disclose going concern uncertainties in their financial statements. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. Management does not expect ASU 2014-15 to significantly impact QLT’s consolidated financial statements.

Terminated_Merger_Transaction_

Terminated Merger Transaction with Auxilium	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Terminated Merger Transaction with Auxilium	'
	2	TERMINATED MERGER TRANSACTION WITH AUXILIUM
	On June 25, 2014, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement among QLT, Auxilium, HoldCo, and AcquireCo. The Merger Agreement contemplated a business combination, through a stock transaction, whereby AcquireCo would be merged with and into Auxilium; AcquireCo’s corporate existence would then subsequently cease; and Auxilium would continue as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”). On the date of the closing of the Merger, Auxilium would have become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of QLT (the “Combined Company”) and Auxilium stockholders would have received common shares representing approximately 76% of the Combined Company, subject to certain adjustments.
	On October 8, 2014, the Merger Agreement terminated after Auxilium delivered a notice of termination to QLT informing QLT that Auxilium’s board of directors had reviewed an offer from Endo International plc to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Auxilium (the “Endo Proposal”) and, after consulting with its financial advisors and external legal counsel, determined that the Endo Proposal was superior to the proposed merger with QLT. Due to this change in recommendation by Auxilium’s board of directors and in accordance with the termination provisions of the Merger Agreement, on October 9, 2014, Auxilium paid QLT a termination fee of $28.4 million. On October 22, 2014, pursuant to the terms of our financial advisory services agreement with Credit Suisse, we paid Credit Suisse a fee of $5.7 million in connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, QLT incurred consulting and transaction fees of $1.2 million and $4.4 million, respectively, in connection with our review and pursuit of strategic alternatives, including the Merger Agreement with Auxilium. These transaction fees have been reflected as part of the Selling, General and Administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss.

Contingent_Consideration

Contingent Consideration	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Contingent Consideration	'
	3	CONTINGENT CONSIDERATION
	Related to the Sale of QLT USA, Inc.
	On October 1, 2009, we divested the Eligard® product line as part of the sale of all of the shares of our U.S. subsidiary, QLT USA, Inc. (“QLT USA”) to TOLMAR Holding, Inc. (“Tolmar”) for up to an aggregate $230.0 million plus cash on hand of $118.3 million. Pursuant to the stock purchase agreement with Tolmar dated October 1, 2009 (the “2009 Stock Purchase Agreement”), we received $20.0 million on closing, $10.0 million on October 1, 2010 and were entitled to certain consideration payable on a quarterly basis in amounts equal to 80% of the royalties paid under the license with Sanofi Synthelabo Inc. for the commercial marketing of Eligard in the U.S. and Canada (the “Sanofi License”), and the license with MediGene Aktiengesellschaft which, effective March 1, 2011, was assigned to Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., for the commercial marketing of Eligard in Europe (the “Astellas License”). In accordance with the terms of the 2009 Stock Purchase Agreement, we were entitled to these payments until the earlier of our receipt of $200.0 million of such royalties or October 1, 2024. As at September 30, 2014 the $200.0 million of such consideration has been collected in full and no further amounts are outstanding.
	Effective March 17, 2014, QLT entered into a consent and amendment agreement (the “Consent and Amendment Agreement”) to the 2009 Stock Purchase Agreement with Tolmar, under which Tolmar obtained our consent to consummate certain transactions that would affect the Sanofi License described above. Pursuant to the terms of the Consent and Amendment Agreement, in exchange for our consent, we received $17.0 million (the “Sanofi Prepayment”) on March 17, 2014 as pre-payment and full satisfaction of the remaining contingent consideration owing with respect to potential royalties under the Sanofi License. Among other things, Tolmar and its parent corporation, Dodley International Ltd (“Dodley”), also guaranteed payment of the remaining contingent consideration owing under the 2009 Stock Purchase Agreement with respect to the Astellas License on or before November 30, 2014.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we received the final $5.5 million (three months ended September 30, 2013 – $9.3 million) of remaining contingent consideration owing under the 2009 Stock Purchase Agreement. The $5.5 million of proceeds have been reflected as cash provided by investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2014 (three months ended September 30, 2013 – $8.5 million) and no fair value changes were recorded during the period. However, during the three months ended September 30, 2013, $0.8 million of the proceeds collected were recognized as a fair value increase in contingent consideration on the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss and therefore reflected in the net loss and comprehensive loss line as part of the cash used in operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, proceeds received from the collection of the remaining contingent consideration, including the Sanofi Prepayment, totaled $38.1 million (nine months ended September 30, 2013 – $28.2 million). Approximately $36.6 million of these proceeds have been reflected as cash provided by investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (nine months ended September 30, 2013 – $25.0 million). The remaining $1.5 million of proceeds (nine months ended September 30, 2013 – $3.2 million) was recognized as the fair value increase in contingent consideration on the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss and therefore reflected in the net loss and comprehensive loss line as part of the cash used in operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
	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 QcellusTM 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”). Following this 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 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 at September 30, 2014, the $5.0 million Laser Earn-Out Payment is recorded in accounts receivable on our condensed 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.
	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 businesses. See Note 10 — Discontinued Operations and Note 11 — Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	4		ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Accounts receivable - Laser Earn-Out Payment (a)			4,000		4,000
	Accounts receivable - Other			440		590
			$	4,440	$	4,590
	(a)	Accounts receivable relates to a milestone payment owing from Valeant related to the receipt of the PMA supplement for the Qcellus laser from the U.S. FDA on September 26, 2013. Refer to Note 3 – Contingent Consideration and Note 10 – Discontinued Operations for more information.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	5	ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Compensation	$	868	$	1,211
	Directors’ Deferred Share Units compensation (“DSU”)		390		265
	Other		25		22
		$	1,283	$	1,498

Foreign_Exchange_Facility

Foreign Exchange Facility	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Foreign Currency [Abstract]	'
Foreign Exchange Facility	'
	6	FOREIGN EXCHANGE FACILITY
	We have a foreign exchange facility (as amended, the “Facility”) with HSBC Bank of Canada for the sole purpose of entering into foreign exchange contracts. The Facility allows us to enter into maximum of $12.5 million in forward foreign exchange contracts for terms up to one month and a maximum of $10.0 million for spot foreign exchange contracts.
	The Facility requires security in the form of cash or money market instruments based on the contingent credit exposure for any outstanding foreign exchange transactions. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, no collateral was pledged as security for this facility given that we did not have any foreign exchange transactions outstanding.

Share_Capital

Share Capital	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Share Capital	'
	7		SHARE CAPITAL
	(a)	Cash Distribution
	On June 27, 2013, we completed a $200.0 million special cash distribution, by way of a reduction of the paid-up capital of the Company’s common shares (the “Cash Distribution”). The Cash Distribution was approved by the Company’s shareholders at QLT’s annual and special shareholder’s meeting on June 14, 2013. All shareholders of record as at June 24, 2013 (the “Record Date”) were eligible to participate in the Cash Distribution and received a payment of approximately $3.92 per share based upon the 51,081,878 common shares issued and outstanding on the Record Date.
	(b)	Share Repurchase Program
	On October 2, 2012, we commenced a normal course issuer bid to repurchase up to 3,438,683 of our common shares, which represented 10% of our public float as of September 26, 2012. All purchases were affected in the open market through the facilities of the NASDAQ Stock Market in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we repurchased 1,691,479 (year ended December 31, 2012 – 1,747,204) common shares under the terms of this bid at a cost of $13.5 million, which represents an average price of $7.97 per common share (year ended December 31, 2012 – $13.7 million at an average price of $7.84 per common share). 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 (year ended December 31, 2012 – $2.4 million).
	(c)	Stock Options
	On April 25, 2013, the Company’s board of directors amended and restated the QLT 2000 Incentive Stock Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares of the Company’s common stock, without par value, available for grant under the Plan from 7,800,000 to 11,800,000 and to make certain other amendments to the Plan. The amendment and restatement of the Plan was subject to shareholder approval, which was obtained on June 14, 2013. On July 29, 2013, the Company filed a registration statement to register the issuance of up to 4,000,000 additional common shares that may be issued under the Plan as a result of the amendment to the Plan.
	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. There were no stock options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	The impact on our results of operations of recording stock-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was as follows:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Research and development		$	98		$	77	$	682	$	171
	Selling, general and administrative			67			45		425		90
	Discontinued operations			—			—		—		3
	Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes			165			122		1,107		264
	Related income tax benefits			—			—		—		—
	Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes		$	165		$	122	$	1,107	$	264
	As at September 30, 2014, 688,072 stock options were exercisable (December 31, 2013 – 257,332) and 586,816 stock options were unvested (December 31, 2013 – 1,150,197). As at September 30, 2014, 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:
			September 30,
			2014
	Unrecognized estimated compensation costs (in thousands of U.S. dollars)		$	1,256
	Expected weighted average period of recognition of compensation cost (in months)			36
	Expected remaining weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized (in years)			1.75
	We issue new common shares upon exercise of stock options. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 104,044 stock options were exercised (three months ended September 30, 2013 – nil; nine months ended September 30, 2013 – 1,183,952). The intrinsic values associated with these stock options and the related cash received during the respective periods was as follows:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised		$	53		$	—	$	53	$	2,142
	Cash from exercise of stock options			556			—		556		7,217
	(d)	Deferred Share Units
	DSUs have only been issued to our directors. DSUs vest in thirty-six (36) successive and equal monthly installments beginning on the first day of the first month after the date of grant. A vested DSU can only be settled by conversion to cash (i.e. no share is issued), and is automatically converted after the director ceases to be member of the Board unless the director is removed from the Board for just cause.
	The impact on our results of operations of recording DSU compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was as follows:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Research and development		$	(10	)	$	22	$	43	$	33
	Selling, general and administrative			(16	)		37		102		56
	Deferred share unit compensation expense		$	(26	)	$	59	$	145	$	89
	No cash payments were made under the DSU Plan during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013.
	As at September 30, 2014, 85,556 DSUs were vested (December 31, 2013 – 47,056) and 68,444 DSUs were unvested (December 31, 2013 – 106,944).
	(e)	Restricted Stock Units
	RSUs 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.
	The impact on our results of operations of recording RSU compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was as follows:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2014			2013		2014		2013
	Research and development		$	5		$	6	$	16	$	6
	Selling, general and administrative			9			9		27		9
	Restricted stock unit compensation expense		$	14		$	15	$	43	$	15
	As at September 30, 2014, nil RSUs were vested (December 31, 2013 – nil) and 42,000 RSUs were unvested (December 31, 2013 – 42,000). In addition, the total estimated unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs was $0.1 million (December 31, 2013 – $0.2 million) and the weighted average period over which such costs are expected to be recognized is 1.79 years (December 31, 2013 – 2.54 years).

Restructuring_Charge

Restructuring Charge	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charge	'
	8		RESTRUCTURING CHARGE
	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 were affected by the restructuring. Severance and support provisions were made to assist these employees with outplacement. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded charges of nil and $ 0.7 million (three months ended September 30, 2013 – $0.4 million, nine months ended September 30, 2013 - $1.8 million), respectively, related to this restructuring. The cumulative cost of the restructuring to date is $19.6 million (December 31, 2013 – $18.9 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. Effective May 31, 2014, Alexander R. Lussow’s employment with QLT was terminated. The cost of his severance and termination benefits was $0.8 million, which was fully paid out on May 30, 2014.
	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)
	Balance at January 1, 2013		$	1,354		$	—		$	579		$	—		$	1,933
	Restructuring charge			1,542			—			266			223			2,031
	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
	Restructuring charge			494			—			78			—			572
	Foreign exchange			(5	)		—			—			—			(5	)
	Cash payments			(9	)		—			(78	)		—			(87	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014			610			—			—			—			610
	Restructuring charge			172			—			—			—			172
	Cash payments			(782	)		—			—			—			(782	)
	Balance at June 30, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	(1)	Costs include severance, termination benefits, and outplacement support.
	(2)	Costs include lease costs related to excess office space and certain property, plant and equipment.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	9	INCOME TAXES
	As at September 30, 2014, our provision for uncertain tax positions was $0.4 million compared to $1.8 million as at December 31, 2013. The $1.4 million decrease was primarily due to the expiration of the statute of limitations applicable to certain tax positions taken on uncertain tax matters in prior years. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, this change in our provision for uncertain tax positions resulted in a $0.8 million balance sheet reclassification adjustment to additional-paid-in capital and a $0.4 million income tax recovery related to the reversal of the associated interest that was previously accrued. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the provision for income taxes was $0.1 million, which primarily related to interest accrued on uncertain tax positions at that time. The provisions in both periods also reflect that we had insufficient evidence to support the current or future realization of the tax benefits associated with our development expenditures at that time.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized an income tax recovery of $0.2 million which consisted of the $0.4 million income tax recovery described above offset by the tax impact of gains from fair value changes in our previous Eligard related contingent consideration asset and interest accrued on uncertain tax positions at that time. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the $0.4 million provision for income taxes primarily related to the gains from fair value changes in our previous Eligard related contingent consideration asset. The provisions for both periods also reflect that we had insufficient evidence to support the current or future realization of the tax benefits associated with our development expenditures at that time.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, our net deferred tax asset was reduced to nil as a result of the collection of all outstanding amounts related to our previous Eligard related contingent consideration asset and no further fair value changes being recorded. Refer to Note 3 — Contingent Consideration for more information.
	As insufficient evidence exists to support current or future realization of the tax benefits associated with the vast majority of our current and prior period operating expenditures, the benefit of certain tax assets was not recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	10		DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	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 certain other contingent consideration, which is described under Note 3 — Contingent Consideration.
	On April 3, 2013, we completed the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati pursuant to the terms of an asset purchase agreement (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. Under the Mati Agreement, 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 operating results related to our PPDS Technology and Visudyne business have been excluded from continuing operations and reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Recovery on assets held for sale (1)			—			37		—			212
	Operating pre-tax loss			(6	)		83		(63	)		(391	)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations (2)			—			—		—			743
	Pre-tax (loss) income			(6	)		83		(63	)		352
	Provision for income taxes			—			13		—			(236	)
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations		$	(6	)	$	96	$	(63	)	$	116
	(1)	Relates to recoveries on equipment that was previously written down in connection with the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati.
	(2)	Relates to the 2013 revenue recognition of funds received from Mati at the end of 2012, which were initially recorded as deferred income, for the 90-day option to acquire assets related to our former PPDS Technology.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	11		FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
	We have various financial instruments that must be measured under the fair value standard including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, contingent consideration and, from time to time, forward currency contracts. Our financial assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy.
	The following tables provide information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value:
			As at September 30, 2014
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	137,828		$	—		$	—		$	137,828
	Accounts receivable - Laser Earn-Out Payment (1)			—			—			4,000			4,000
	Total		$	137,828		$	—		$	4,000		$	141,828
			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 (1)			—			—			4,000		$	4,000
	Contingent consideration(2)			—			—			36,582		$	36,582
	Total		$	118,521		$	—		$	40,582		$	159,103
	(1)	In 2014, the estimated $4.0 million fair value of the Laser Earn-Out Payment was reclassified from contingent consideration to accounts receivable. For additional discussion, refer to Note 3 – Contingent Consideration.
	(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, we discounted the future cash flows using a cost of capital rate of 9% for the contingent consideration related to Eligard. The cost of capital rate was 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.
	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, 2013		$	71,195		$	5,214		$	76,409
	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
	Transfer to Accounts Receivable			(9,989	)		—			(9,989	)
	Settlements			(28,059	)		—			(28,059	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			1,466			—			1,466
	Balance at March 31, 2014			—			—			—
	Balance at June 30, 2014			—			—			—
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	—
	As at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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_Per_Share

Net Loss Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Loss Per Share	'
	12	NET LOSS PER SHARE
	The following table sets out the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(4,926	)	$	(7,492	)	$	(19,969	)	$	(20,138	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		(6	)		96			(63	)		116
	Net loss	$	(4,932	)	$	(7,396	)	$	(20,032	)	$	(20,022	)
	Denominator: (thousands)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		51,151			51,082			51,105			50,851
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share
	Continuing operations	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.39	)	$	(0.40	)
	Discontinued operations		(0.00	)		0			(0.00	)		0
	Net loss per common share	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.39	)	$	(0.39	)
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 1,274,888 stock options and 42,000 RSUs (three and nine months ended September 30, 2013—1,074,348 stock options and nil RSUs) were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because their effect was anti-dilutive.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	13	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Termination Fees
	As described in Note 2 – Terminated Merger Transaction with Auxilium, on October 8, 2014 the Merger Agreement terminated after Auxilum delivered a notice of termination to QLT informing QLT that Auxilium’s board of directors had determined that the Endo Proposal was a superior proposal under the terms of the Merger Agreement. Due to this change in recommendation by Auxilium’s board of directors and in accordance with the termination provisions of the Merger Agreement, on October 9, 2014 Auxilum paid QLT a termination fee of $28.4 million. On October 22, 2014, pursuant to the terms of our financial advisory services agreement with Credit Suisse, we paid Credit Suisse a fee of $5.7 million in connection the termination of the Merger Agreement. Given that these fees were triggered by the termination of the Merger Agreement which occurred on October 8, 2014, they have not been recognized on the September 30, 2014 consolidated balance sheet but will be accounted for in the fourth quarter of 2014.
	Appointment of Interim Chief Executive Officer
	On October 23, 2014, Dr. Geoffrey F. Cox, a current director of QLT, was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Transition Committee of the Board of Directors was concurrently disbanded. The Executive Transition Committee was formed on August 2, 2012 to perform the function of the Chief Executive Officer while the board of directors explored strategic alternatives and determined the resources and management necessary to pursue such options.

Condensed_Summary_of_Significa1

Condensed Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the presentation of interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed, or omitted, pursuant to such rules and regulations. These financial statements do not include all disclosures required for the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included as part of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Form 10-K/A, for the year ended December 31, 2013. All amounts herein are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise noted.
	In management’s opinion, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (including reclassifications and normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position at September 30, 2014, and results of operations and cash flows for all periods presented. The interim results presented are not necessarily indicative of results that can be expected for a full year.
	The results of operations relating to our former punctal plug delivery system technology (the “PPDS Technology”), which we sold on April 3, 2013 to Mati Therapeutics, Inc. (“Mati”), and our Visudyne® business, which we sold on September 24, 2012 to Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Valeant”), have been excluded from continuing operations and are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 10— Discontinued Operations for more information.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of QLT and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with 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, allocation of overhead expenses to research and development, stock-based compensation, restructuring costs and provisions for taxes, tax assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from estimates made by management.
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	We operate in one industry segment, which is the business of developing, manufacturing, and commercializing opportunities in ophthalmology. As at the date of this report, our clinical development programs are solely focused on our synthetic retinoid, QLT091001. Our chief operating decision maker reviews our operating results and manages our operations as a single operating segment.
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, we have not had any significant continued involvement with the Visudyne business or the PPDS Technology following their sales. Amounts billed to Valeant and Mati in connection with the provision of these transition services were included within discontinued operations.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	ASC topic 718 requires stock-based compensation expense, which is measured at fair value on the grant date, to be recognized in the statement of operations over the period in which a grantee is required to provide services in exchange for the stock award. Compensation expense recognition provisions are applicable to new awards as well as previously granted awards which are modified, repurchased or cancelled after the adoption date. We recognize stock-based compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. When estimating forfeitures, we consider attrition rates and trends of actual stock option forfeitures.
	The Company has a Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU Plan”) for our directors. We recognize compensation expense for Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”) 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 DSUs are recognized as compensation expense and accrued liabilities as the DSUs 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 (“RSUs”) to its directors as consideration for their provision of future services as directors (see Note 7(e)). 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. RSUs can only be exchanged and settled for QLT’s common shares, on a one-to-one basis, upon vesting.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are reported using the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to: (i) differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and (ii) operating loss and tax credit carry forwards using applicable enacted tax rates. An increase or decrease in these tax rates will increase or decrease the carrying value of 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. The contingent consideration is revalued at each reporting period and changes are included in continuing operations. See Note 3 — Contingent Consideration.
Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share	'
	Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share
	Basic net (loss) income per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net (loss) income per common share is computed in accordance with the treasury stock method, which uses the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and also includes the dilutive effect of common shares potentially issuable from outstanding stock options.
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities	'
	Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and payables, and contingent consideration approximate fair value. For cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and trade payables, we estimate fair value using the market approach. For contingent consideration, we estimate fair value using the income approach. The fair values of our financial instruments reflect the amounts that would be received in connection with the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
	No new accounting standards were adopted during the three months ended September 30, 2014.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This update removes inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements, provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improves comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets, provides more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements and simplifies the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer. The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605 - Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. This update also supersedes some cost guidance included in Subtopic 605-35 - Revenue Recognition – Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for public entities with reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. Based on management’s current assessment, ASU No. 2014-09 is not expected to impact QLT’s consolidated financial statements.
	On August 27, 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-15 – Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern – Disclosure of Uncertainties about and Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The new guidance requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date of issuance of the entity’s financial statements. The update also provides guidance on when and how reporting entities should disclose going concern uncertainties in their financial statements. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods thereafter. Management does not expect ASU 2014-15 to significantly impact QLT’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Accounts receivable - Laser Earn-Out Payment (a)			4,000		4,000
	Accounts receivable - Other			440		590
			$	4,440	$	4,590
	(a)	Accounts receivable relates to a milestone payment owing from Valeant related to the receipt of the PMA supplement for the Qcellus laser from the U.S. FDA on September 26, 2013. Refer to Note 3 – Contingent Consideration and Note 10 – Discontinued Operations for more information.

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Compensation	$	868	$	1,211
	Directors’ Deferred Share Units compensation (“DSU”)		390		265
	Other		25		22
		$	1,283	$	1,498

Share_Capital_Tables

Share Capital (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Impact on Results of Operations of Recording Stock Based Compensation Expense	'
	The impact on our results of operations of recording stock-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was as follows:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Research and development	$	98		$	77	$	682	$	171
	Selling, general and administrative		67			45		425		90
	Discontinued operations		—			—		—		3
	Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes		165			122		1,107		264
	Related income tax benefits		—			—		—		—
	Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes	$	165		$	122	$	1,107	$	264
Estimated Compensation Cost Related to Unvested Stock Options	'
	As at September 30, 2014, 688,072 stock options were exercisable (December 31, 2013 – 257,332) and 586,816 stock options were unvested (December 31, 2013 – 1,150,197). As at September 30, 2014, 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:
		September 30,
		2014
	Unrecognized estimated compensation costs (in thousands of U.S. dollars)	$	1,256
	Expected weighted average period of recognition of compensation cost (in months)		36
	Expected remaining weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized (in years)		1.75
Intrinsic Values of Stock Options Exercised and Related Cash from Exercise of Stock Options	'
	The intrinsic values associated with these stock options and the related cash received during the respective periods was as follows:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	53		$	—	$	53	$	2,142
	Cash from exercise of stock options		556			—		556		7,217
Deferred Share Units [Member]	'
Impact on Results of Operations of Recording Stock Based Compensation Expense	'
	The impact on our results of operations of recording DSU compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was as follows:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Research and development	$	(10	)	$	22	$	43	$	33
	Selling, general and administrative		(16	)		37		102		56
	Deferred share unit compensation expense	$	(26	)	$	59	$	145	$	89
RSU's [Member]	'
Impact on Results of Operations of Recording Stock Based Compensation Expense	'
	The impact on our results of operations of recording RSU compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013 was as follows:
		Three months ended					Nine months ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Research and development	$	5		$	6	$	16	$	6
	Selling, general and administrative		9			9		27		9
	Restricted stock unit compensation expense	$	14		$	15	$	43	$	15

Restructuring_Charge_Tables

Restructuring Charge (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 Write-			Contract			Other			Total
			Termination			downs			Termination
			Costs(1)						Costs(2)
	Balance at January 1, 2013		$	1,354		$	—		$	579		$	—		$	1,933
	Restructuring charge			1,542			—			266			223			2,031
	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
	Restructuring charge			494			—			78			—			572
	Foreign exchange			(5	)		—			—			—			(5	)
	Cash payments			(9	)		—			(78	)		—			(87	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014			610			—			—			—			610
	Restructuring charge			172			—			—			—			172
	Cash payments			(782	)		—			—			—			(782	)
	Balance at June 30, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	(1)	Costs include severance, termination benefits, and outplacement support.
	(2)	Costs include lease costs related to excess office space and certain property, plant and equipment.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations	'
	The operating results related to our PPDS Technology and Visudyne business have been excluded from continuing operations and reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented:
			Three months ended					Nine months ended
			September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Recovery on assets held for sale (1)			—			37		—			212
	Operating pre-tax loss			(6	)		83		(63	)		(391	)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations (2)			—			—		—			743
	Pre-tax (loss) income			(6	)		83		(63	)		352
	Provision for income taxes			—			13		—			(236	)
	Net (loss) income from discontinued operations		$	(6	)	$	96	$	(63	)	$	116
	(1)	Relates to recoveries on equipment that was previously written down in connection with the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati.
	(2)	Relates to the 2013 revenue recognition of funds received from Mati at the end of 2012, which were initially recorded as deferred income, for the 90-day option to acquire assets related to our former PPDS Technology.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc1

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value	'
	The following tables provide information about our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques we utilized to determine such fair value:
			As at September 30, 2014
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars)		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	137,828		$	—		$	—		$	137,828
	Accounts receivable - Laser Earn-Out Payment (1)			—			—			4,000			4,000
	Total		$	137,828		$	—		$	4,000		$	141,828
			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 (1)			—			—			4,000		$	4,000
	Contingent consideration(2)			—			—			36,582		$	36,582
	Total		$	118,521		$	—		$	40,582		$	159,103
	(1)	In 2014, the estimated $4.0 million fair value of the Laser Earn-Out Payment was reclassified from contingent consideration to accounts receivable. For additional discussion, refer to Note 3 – Contingent Consideration.
	(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, we discounted the future cash flows using a cost of capital rate of 9% for the contingent consideration related to Eligard. The cost of capital rate was 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.
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, 2013		$	71,195		$	5,214		$	76,409
	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
	Transfer to Accounts Receivable			(9,989	)		—			(9,989	)
	Settlements			(28,059	)		—			(28,059	)
	Fair value change in contingent consideration			1,466			—			1,466
	Balance at March 31, 2014			—			—			—
	Balance at June 30, 2014			—			—			—
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	—

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Net Loss Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share	'
	The following table sets out the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Loss from continuing operations	$	(4,926	)	$	(7,492	)	$	(19,969	)	$	(20,138	)
	Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		(6	)		96			(63	)		116
	Net loss	$	(4,932	)	$	(7,396	)	$	(20,032	)	$	(20,022	)
	Denominator: (thousands)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		51,151			51,082			51,105			50,851
	Basic and diluted net loss per common share
	Continuing operations	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.39	)	$	(0.40	)
	Discontinued operations		(0.00	)		0			(0.00	)		0
	Net loss per common share	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.39	)	$	(0.39	)

Condensed_Summary_of_Significa2

Condensed Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Number of operating industry segment	1
RSU exchange ratio for QLT's common shares	1

Terminated_Merger_Transaction_1

Terminated Merger Transaction with Auxilium - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 22, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 09, 2014
		Subsequent Events [Member]	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	Auxilium [Member]	Auxilium [Member]
		Credit Suisse [Member]				Subsequent Events [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Merger Agreement date	25-Jun-14	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of Combined Company common shares expected to be owned by Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.	'	'	'	'	76.00%	'
Merger Agreement termination date	8-Oct-14	'	'	'	'	'
Termination fee received	'	'	'	'	'	$28.40
Fees paid	'	5.7	'	'	'	'
Transaction fees	'	'	$1.20	$4.40	'	'

Contingent_Consideration_Addit

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 17, 2014

Oct. 01, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 01, 2010

Oct. 01, 2009

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 10, 2013

Sep. 24, 2012

Consent and Amendment Agreement [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

QLT USA and Eligard [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

Visudyne [Member]

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 on the closing date of the sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

Percentage of royalties to be received as contingent consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

'

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

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

15,000,000

'

'

'

Expiration date of entitlement to contingent consideration

'

'

'

'

'

1-Oct-24

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sanofi Prepayment

'

'

'

'

17,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash proceeds received from contingent consideration related to the sale of subsidiary

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,500,000

9,300,000

38,100,000

28,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investing activities proceeds from contingent consideration

5,544,000

8,483,000

36,582,000

25,035,000

'

'

5,500,000

8,500,000

36,600,000

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value change in contingent consideration

0

71,000

1,466,000

1,904,000

'

'

0

800,000

1,500,000

3,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

Laser Earn-Out Payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

5,000,000

5,000,000

'

Laser Earn-Out Payment to be received contingent upon laser registration after December 31, 2013 but before January 1, 2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

Laser Earn-Out Payment to be received contingent upon laser registration after January 1, 2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

Annual maximum amount of contingent consideration receivable from Visudyne royalties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

Minimum threshold for contingent consideration receivable on Visudyne royalties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,500,000

'

'

'

Potential collection costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000,000

'

'

'

Accounts_Receivable_Accounts_R

Accounts Receivable - Accounts Receivable (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	$4,440		$4,590
Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	4,000	[1]	4,000	[1]
Other [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	$440		$590
[1]	Accounts receivable relates to a milestone payment owing from Valeant related to the receipt of the PMA supplement for the Qcellus laser from the U.S. FDA on September 26, 2013. Refer to Note 3 - Contingent Consideration and Note 10 - Discontinued Operations for more information.

Accrued_Liabilities_Accrued_Li

Accrued Liabilities - Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'	'
Compensation	$868	$1,211
Directors' Deferred Share Units compensation ("DSU")	390	265
Other	25	22
Total accrued liabilities	$1,283	$1,498

Foreign_Exchange_Facility_Addi

Foreign Exchange Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
			Amendment [Member]	Amendment [Member]
			Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]	Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum limit of foreign exchange contracts permitted under the foreign exchange facility	'	'	$12,500,000	$10,000,000
Maximum term permitted for foreign exchange contracts	'	'	'1 month	'
Collateral pledged as security	0	0	'	'
Outstanding forward foreign currency contracts	$0	$0	'	'

Share_Capital_Cash_Distributio

Share Capital - Cash Distribution - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 24, 2013	Jun. 27, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			Cash Distribution [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash distribution approval date	14-Jun-13	'	'	'	'	'
Cash distribution record date	24-Jun-13	'	'	'	'	'
Total amount of cash distribution paid to shareholders of record	'	($200,000)	'	$200,000	'	($200,000)
Distribution payment per share	'	$3.92	'	'	$3.92	$3.92
Common stock, shares outstanding	51,185,922	51,081,878	51,081,878	'	'	'

Share_Capital_Share_Repurchase

Share Capital - Share Repurchase Program - Additional Information 1 (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 02, 2012	Sep. 26, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total cumulative cost of shares repurchased	$13,479,000	'	'	'
Share Repurchase [Member]	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of issued and outstanding common shares authorized to be repurchased	'	'	3,438,683	'
Percentage of issued and outstanding common shares authorized to be repurchased	'	'	'	10.00%
Number of issued and outstanding common shares repurchased	1,691,479	1,747,204	'	'
Total average cost per share of the share repurchase	$7.97	$7.84	'	'
Total cumulative cost of shares repurchased	13,500,000	13,700,000	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	$2,000,000	$2,400,000	'	'

Share_Capital_Stock_Options_Ad

Share Capital - Stock Options - Additional Information 2 (Detail)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 25, 2013	Apr. 25, 2013
							Prior to Amendment and Restatement of QLT 2000 Incentive Stock Plan [Member]	Amendment and Restatement of QLT 2000 Incentive Stock Plan [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares of common stock available for grant under the Plan	'	11,800,000	'	11,800,000	'	'	7,800,000	11,800,000
Additional common shares issued under Plan	4,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock options granted	'	0	0	0	0	'	'	'
Stock options exercisable	'	688,072	'	688,072	'	257,332	'	'
Unvested stock options	'	586,816	'	586,816	'	1,150,197	'	'
Exercise of stock options	'	104,044	0	104,044	1,183,952	'	'	'

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operations of Recording Stock Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	$165	$122	$1,107	$264
Related income tax benefits	0	0	0	0
Stock-based compensation, net of income taxes	165	122	1,107	264
Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	98	77	682	171
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	67	45	425	90
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	$0	$0	$0	$3

Share_Capital_Estimated_Compen

Share Capital - Estimated Compensation Cost Related to Unvested Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized [Abstract]	'
Unrecognized estimated compensation costs (in thousands of U.S. dollars)	$1,256
Expected weighted average period of recognition of compensation cost (in months)	'36 months
Expected remaining weighted average period of compensation cost to be recognized (in years)	'1 year 9 months

Share_Capital_Intrinsic_Values

Share Capital - Intrinsic Values of Stock Options Exercised and Related Cash from Exercise of Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$53	$0	$53	$2,142
Cash from exercise of stock options	$556	$0	$556	$7,217

Share_Capital_Deferred_Share_U

Share Capital - Deferred Share Units - Additional Information 3 (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	Deferred Share Units [Member]	Deferred Share Units [Member]	Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]	Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]	Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]	Directors Deferred Share Units [Member]
	Installment
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred share units vesting period expressed in number of monthly installments	36	'	'	'	'	'
Cash payments under the DDSU Plan	'	'	$0	$0	$0	$0
Shares, vested	85,556	47,056	'	'	'	'
Shares, unvested	68,444	106,944	'	'	'	'

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result1

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operations of Recording DSU Compensation Expense (Detail) (Deferred Share Units [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Deferred share unit compensation expense	($26)	$59	$145	$89
Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Deferred share unit compensation expense	-10	22	43	33
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Deferred share unit compensation expense	($16)	$37	$102	$56

Share_Capital_Restricted_Stock

Share Capital - Restricted Stock Units - Additional Information 4 (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Installment
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Expected weighted average periods of compensation costs to be recognized	'1 year 9 months	'
RSU's [Member]	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock units vesting period expressed in number of annual installments	3	'
Number of common shares to be received upon vesting of 1 RSU	1	'
Shares, vested	0	0
Shares, unvested	42,000	42,000
Estimated unrecognized compensation cost	$0.10	$0.20
Expected weighted average periods of compensation costs to be recognized	'1 year 9 months 15 days	'2 years 6 months 15 days

Share_Capital_Impact_on_Result2

Share Capital - Impact on Results of Operations of Recording RSU Compensation Expense (Detail) (RSU's [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock unit compensation expense	$14	$15	$43	$15
Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock unit compensation expense	5	6	16	6
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock unit compensation expense	$9	$9	$27	$9

Restructuring_Charge_Additiona

Restructuring Charge - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	30-May-14	Sep. 30, 2014
	Employee		Employee			Special Termination Benefits [Member]	Special Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total number of employees affected by restructuring initiatives	180	'	180	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charge	$0	$400,000	$700,000	$1,800,000	'	'	'
Cumulative cost of restructuring to date	19,600,000	'	19,600,000	'	18,900,000	'	'
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.
Cost of severance and termination benefits	'	'	'	'	'	$800,000	'

Restructuring_Charge_Summary_o

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

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

$0

$610

$130

'

$130

$1,933

$1,933

Restructuring charge

0

172

572

354

744

1,847

2,031

Foreign exchange

'

'

-5

'

'

'

'

Cash payments

'

-782

-87

'

'

'

-4,045

Discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

-93

Non-cash portion

'

'

'

'

'

'

304

Ending Balance

0

0

610

'

0

'

130

Employee Termination Costs [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

'

610

[1]

130

[1]

'

130

[1]

1,354

[1]

1,354

[1]

Restructuring charge

'

172

[1]

494

[1]

'

'

'

1,542

[1]

Foreign exchange

'

'

-5

[1]

'

'

'

'

Cash payments

'

-782

[1]

-9

[1]

'

'

'

-2,880

[1]

Discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

114

[1]

Non-cash portion

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[1]

Ending Balance

0

[1]

0

[1]

610

[1]

'

0

[1]

'

130

[1]

Asset Write-downs [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

'

0

0

'

0

0

0

Restructuring charge

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

Foreign exchange

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

Cash payments

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

Discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

-304

Non-cash portion

'

'

'

'

'

'

304

Ending Balance

0

0

0

'

0

'

0

Contract Termination Costs [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

'

0

[2]

0

[2]

'

0

[2]

579

[2]

579

[2]

Restructuring charge

'

0

[2]

78

[2]

'

'

'

266

[2]

Foreign exchange

'

'

0

[2]

'

'

'

'

Cash payments

'

0

[2]

-78

[2]

'

'

'

-942

[2]

Discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

97

[2]

Non-cash portion

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

[2]

Ending Balance

0

[2]

0

[2]

0

[2]

'

0

[2]

'

0

[2]

Other [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

'

0

0

'

0

0

0

Restructuring charge

'

0

0

'

'

'

223

Foreign exchange

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

Cash payments

'

0

0

'

'

'

-223

Discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Non-cash portion

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

Ending Balance

$0

$0

$0

'

$0

'

$0

[1]

Costs include severance, termination benefits, and outplacement support.

[2]

Costs include lease costs related to excess office space and certain property, plant and equipment.

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Uncertain tax positions	$398	'	$398	'	$1,846
Decrease in uncertain tax positions resulting from the expiration of the statute of limitations	'	'	1,400	'	'
Uncertain tax position liability recovery	837	'	'	'	'
Recovery of (provision for) income taxes	($432)	$109	($194)	$434	'

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 03, 2013	Dec. 24, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 24, 2012	Sep. 24, 2012
	PPDS Technology [Member]	PPDS Technology [Member]	PPDS Technology [Member]	PPDS Technology [Member]	Visudyne [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash proceeds received from sale of a subsidiary	'	'	'	'	$112.50
Term of Mati's purchase option to acquire QLT's PPDS Technology	'	'90 days	'90 days	'	'
Consideration received related to Mati's exercise of purchase option to acquire QLT's PPDS Technology	'	0.5	'	'	'
Deferred income	'	'	'	0.5	'
Contingent consideration potentially receivable upon completion of certain product development and commercialization milestones	'	'	'	19.5	'
Additional payment received from exercise of option to acquire assets	$0.80	'	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Recovery on assets held for sale	$0	[1]	$37	[1]	$0	[1]	$212	[1]
Operating pre-tax loss	-6		83		-63		-391
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	743	[2]
Pre-tax (loss) income	-6		83		-63		352
Provision for income taxes	0		13		0		-236
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations	($6)		$96		($63)		$116
[1]	Relates to recoveries on equipment that was previously written down in connection with the sale of our PPDS Technology to Mati.
[2]	Relates to the 2013 revenue recognition of funds received from Mati at the end of 2012, which were initially recorded as deferred income, for the 90-day option to acquire assets related to our former PPDS Technology.

Discontinued_Operations_Summar1

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (PPDS Technology [Member])	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 24, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
PPDS Technology [Member]	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Term of Mati's purchase option to acquire QLT's PPDS Technology	'90 days	'90 days

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc2

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Contingent consideration	$0		$36,582
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	137,828		118,521
Total	137,828		118,521
Contingent consideration	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Total	0		0
Contingent consideration	'		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Total	4,000		40,582
Contingent consideration	'		36,582	[2]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	4,000	[1]	4,000	[1]
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	137,828		118,521
Total	141,828		159,103
Contingent consideration	'		36,582	[2]
Carrying Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Accounts receivable	$4,000	[1]	$4,000	[1]
[1]	In 2014, the estimated $4.0 million fair value of the Laser Earn-Out Payment was reclassified from contingent consideration to accounts receivable. For additional discussion, refer to Note 3 - Contingent Consideration.
[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, we discounted the future cash flows using a cost of capital rate of 9% for the contingent consideration related to Eligard. The cost of capital rate was 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.

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc3

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
	QLT USA and Eligard [Member]	Reclassification [Member]
		Laser Earn-Out Payment [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	$4,000
Cost of capital	9.00%	'

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc4

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Reconciliation of Contingent Consideration Assets Measured and Recorded at Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$36,582	$76,409	$0	$0
Transfer to Accounts Receivable	-9,989	-3,956	'	'
Settlements	-28,059	-38,693	'	'
Fair value change in contingent consideration	1,466	2,822	'	'
Ending balance	0	36,582	0	0
QLT USA and Eligard [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	36,582	71,195	0	0
Transfer to Accounts Receivable	-9,989	0	'	'
Settlements	-28,059	-38,693	'	'
Fair value change in contingent consideration	1,466	4,080	'	'
Ending balance	0	36,582	0	0
Visudyne [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	0	5,214	0	0
Transfer to Accounts Receivable	0	-3,956	'	'
Settlements	0	0	'	'
Fair value change in contingent consideration	0	-1,258	'	'
Ending balance	$0	$0	$0	$0

Financial_Instruments_and_Conc5

Financial Instruments and Concentration of Credit Risk - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Outstanding forward foreign currency contracts	$0	$0

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Computation

Net Loss Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Loss from continuing operations	($4,926)	($7,492)	($19,969)	($20,138)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-6	96	-63	116
Net loss	($4,932)	($7,396)	($20,032)	($20,022)
Denominator: (thousands)	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding	51,151	51,082	51,105	50,851
Basic and diluted net loss per common share	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	($0.10)	($0.15)	($0.39)	($0.40)
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	$0
Net loss per common share	($0.10)	($0.14)	($0.39)	($0.39)

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Additional_

Net Loss Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share	1,274,888	1,074,348	1,274,888	1,074,348
RSU's [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share	42,000	0	42,000	0

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 22, 2014	Oct. 09, 2014
		Subsequent Events [Member]	Subsequent Events [Member]
		Credit Suisse [Member]	Auxilium [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'
Merger Agreement termination date	8-Oct-14	'	'
Terminated Merger Transaction with Auxilium	'	'	$28.40
Fees paid	'	$5.70	'