M L V and Co L L C [Member] MLV & Co. LLC Represents details pertaining to MLV and Co. LLC, with whom the entity entered into an at-the-market sales agreement. Azimuth Opportunity Ltd [Member] Azimuth Opportunity Ltd. Represents details pertaining to Azimuth Opportunity Ltd., with whom the entity entered into a common stock purchase agreement. Computers and Software [Member] Computers and software Long-lived, depreciable assets that are used in the creation, maintenance and utilization of information systems and purchased software applications. Corporate Debt Securities Due within Three Months [Member] Corporate debt securities due within 3 months of date of purchase Debt securities due within three months of date of purchase issued by domestic or foreign corporate business, banks and other entities with a promise of repayment. Government-sponsored entities and corporate debt securities due within 3 months of date of purchase Represents the debentures, bonds and other debt securities issued by US government sponsored entities (GSEs), for example, but not limited to, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC or Freddie Mac), Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA or Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB). Includes debt securities issued by domestic or foreign corporate business, banks and other entities with a promise of repayment. US Government Sponsored Enterprises and Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Stock Plan 2006 [Member] 2006 Stock Plan Represents the 2006 Stock Plan of the entity. Award Type [Axis] Hoffman La Roche [Member] Roche Represents information pertaining to Hoffman-La Roche. Co development Agreement [Member] Co-Development Agreement Represents the co-development agreement of the entity. General Electric Capital Corporation Term Loan [Member] GECC Term Loan Represents the General Electric Capital Corporation Term Loan in which General Electric Capital Corporation is the lender of the debt. Oxford Finance Corporation Term Loan [Member] Oxford Term Loan Represents the Oxford Finance Corporation Term Loan in which Oxford Finance Corporation is the lender of the debt. Amendment Description Stock Plan 2001 [Member] 2001 Stock Plan Represents the 2001 Stock Plan of the entity. Amendment Flag Cash and Money Market Funds [Member] Cash and money market funds Currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits and a fund that invests in short-term money-market instruments, for example, but not limited to, commercial paper, bankers acceptances, repurchase agreements, government securities, certificates of deposit and other highly liquid securities. Document and Entity Information Accrued Contract Research Costs Accrued contract research costs The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable relating to service fees paid to contract manufacturers in connection with the production of clinical drug supplies and to contract research organizations in connection with preclinical studies and clinical trials. Used to reflect the current portion of liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Accrued Liabilities Current Excluding Accrued Contract Research Costs Other accrued liabilities Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered. Examples include taxes, interest, rent and utilities. Excludes accrued contract research costs. (Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Other accrued liabilities Collaboration Revenues [Abstract] Collaboration revenues: License and Milestone Revenues License and milestone revenue Revenues earned by the entity under collaborative research and development agreements for nonrefundable, up-front license fees and milestone payments, excluding cost sharing reimbursements of research and development costs. Collaborative Revenues The aggregate revenue earned under collaborative research and development agreements. Total collaboration revenues Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Cost Sharing Reimbursements Cost sharing reimbursements, net Reimbursements earned by the entity for costs incurred under collaborative research and development agreements are recognized as cost sharing revenue in the period in which the related research and development costs are incurred. Reimbursements by the entity for agreed-upon costs incurred by partners under collaborative research and development agreements are recognized as a reduction in cost sharing revenue in the period in which the related research and development costs are incurred. Total revenues Total Revenues Total aggregate revenue earned under collaborative research and development agreements and grants. Increase (Decrease) Accrued Contract and Research Costs Accrued contract research costs The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in accrued contract research costs. The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in collaboration payable. Collaboration payable Increase (Decrease) in Collaboration Payable Collaboration payable Proceeds from the issuance of common stock to related parties Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock to Related Parties Represents the proceeds from the issuance of common stock to related parties. Other Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Other Accrued Liabilities The disclosure for accrued liabilities at the end of the reporting period, excluding accrued contract research costs. License and Development Agreements Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Expense Allocation of Compensation Costs and Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock-based compensation expense Tabular disclosure of the allocation of equity-based compensation costs to a given line item on the income statement for the period. This may include the amount of total share-based compensation cost, including the amounts attributable to each share-based compensation plan and any related tax benefits. It includes the reporting line for the costs expensed. Schedule of Other Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of other accrued liabilities Tabular disclosure of the components of other accrued liabilities which excludes accrued contract research costs. Current Fiscal Year End Date Grant Revenue [Abstract] Grant Revenue Amount of Grant Awarded Amount of grant awarded for development of STA-9584 in advanced prostate cancer The amount of the grant awarded from a governmental agency. Period of Grant Received Period of grant Represents the period of the grant. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Forfeiture Rate Forfeiture rate (as a percent) The forfeiture rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares. Maturity Period from Date of Purchase to Classify Investment as Cash and Cash Equivalents Represents the maturity period from date of purchase to classify an investment as cash and cash equivalents. Maturity period from date of purchase to classify an investment as cash and cash equivalents Maturity Period from Date of Purchase to Classify Investment as Marketable Securities Represents the maturity period from date of purchase to classify an investment as marketable securities. Maturity period from date of purchase to classify an investment as marketable securities Cash and Cash Equivalents and Available for sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, unrealized gains This item represents the gross unrealized gains for cash and cash equivalents securities, at a point in time, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Cash and Cash Equivalents and Available for sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, unrealized losses This item represents the gross unrealized losses for cash and cash equivalents securities, at a point in time, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities. Public Offering [Abstract] Public Offering Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity, Gross Gross proceeds from the sale of common stock Represents the cash inflow from the sale of common stock before deducting underwriters' discounts, fees and commissions, and other offering expenses. Stock Issued During Period Shares to Directors Issuance of common shares to directors Represents the number of shares sold to the directors of the entity in the public offering. Document Period End Date Expected Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Expected proceeds from sale of common stock Represents the expected cash inflow from the issuance of common stock by the entity. Expected Stock Issuance During Period Shares Expected sale of common stock (in shares) Represents the expected number of new stock issued during the period. Percentage of Gross Proceeds Payable as Commission Percentage of gross proceeds payable as commission Represents the percentage of gross proceeds payable as commission during the period. Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Number of Shares Authorized before Annual Increase Number of shares reserved for issuance before annual increase Represents the number of shares reserved for issuance under the equity-based compensation plan before the issuance of the annual evergreen increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Annual Increase in Number of Shares Authorized Annual increase in number of shares reserved for issuance Represents the annual increase in the maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) that was initially approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Percentage on Outstanding Common Stock for Computation of Annual Increase in Number of Shares Reserved for Issuance Percentage of outstanding shares of common stock used to compute annual increase in number of shares reserved for issuance Represents the percentage of outstanding shares of common stock used to compute the annual increase in the number of shares reserved for issuance. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Expiration Term Expiration period The period of time, from the grant date until the time at which the share-based [option] award expires. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award, Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted average exercise price Collaborative Arrangement, Upfront License Fee Received Upfront license fee received Represents the non-refundable upfront license payment received. Entity [Domain] Collaborative Arrangement, Initial Term for Research Initial term for research Represents the initial term for research under collaborative arrangements. Represents the amount received in research and development support. Collaborative Arrangement, Research and Development Support Received Amount received related to research and development support Collaborative Arrangement, Non Refundable Upfront License Fee Accelerated Recognition Accelerated recognition of remaining deferred revenue from upfront payment Represents the accelerated recognition of remaining deferred revenue from upfront payment during the period under the collaborative agreement. Collaborative Arrangement, License Revenue Recognized License revenue recognized Represents the license revenue recognized during the period under the collaborative agreement. Number of Clinical Research Organizations Number of clinical research organizations Represents the number of clinical research organizations with which the entity entered into an agreement for conducting certain company-sponsored clinical trials. Debt Instrument, Number of Equal Monthly Payments of Principal Plus Accrued Interest Number of equal monthly payments of principal plus accrued interest Represents the number of equal monthly payments of principal plus accrued interest made by the entity. Debt Instrument, Exit Fee Payable at End of Term Exit fee to be paid Represents the obligation to pay exit fee at the time of final payment of the outstanding principal balance. Debt Instrument, Covenant Equipment Financing Allowed without any Restriction Amount of equipment financing allowed under covenants without any restriction Represents the amount of equipment financing allowed without any restrictive covenants. Debt Instrument, Covenant Debt Assumption from Acquisitions Requiring Prior Written Consent Amount of debt assumption from acquisitions requiring prior written consent under covenants Represents the amount of debt assumption from acquisitions requiring prior written consent. Stock Issued During Period, Value, Related Party Issuance of common shares to related parties Equity impact of the value of stock issued during the period to related party by the reporting entity. Proceeds from the sale of common stock to related parties Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Related Party Issuance of common shares to a related party, net (in shares) Number of shares issued to related party during the reporting period. Collaborative Development, Commercialization and License Agreement with GSK Collaborative Arrangement Second Disclosure [Text Block] Collaborative Development, Commercialization and License Agreement with GSK The entire disclosure for second collaborative arrangements in which the entity is a participant, including a) information about the nature and purpose of such arrangements; b) its rights and obligations there under; c) the accounting policy for collaborative arrangements; and d) the income statement classification and amounts attributable to transactions arising from the collaborative arrangement between participants. Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Loss on Securities Arising During Period Net of Tax Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities Net of tax amount of unrealized holding loss before reclassification adjustments and transfers on available-for-sale securities. Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain on Securities Arising During Period Net of Tax Net of tax amount of unrealized holding gain before reclassification adjustments and transfers on available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains Marketable securities, Unrealized gains Aggregate Number Of Shares Sold Represents the aggregate number of shares sold by the entity. Aggregate number of shares sold by the entity Interest Expense Recognized for Debt Financing Costs Origination, exit and transaction fees and expenses recognized in interest expense Amount of expense included in interest expense to issue debt and obtain financing associated with the related debt instruments. Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock [Member] Represents the cash inflow from the issuance of common stock, excluding issuances to related parties. Proceeds from issuances of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock to Related Parties [Member] Represents the cash inflow from the issuance of common stock to related parties. Proceeds from the issuance of common stock to related parties Registered Direct Offering [Abstract] Registered Direct Offering Issuance of common shares to directors Represents the number of shares sold to the directors of the entity in the registered direct offering. Stock Issued During Period Shares to Directors in Registered Direct Offering Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Other Accrued Liabilities Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Legal Entity [Axis] Document Type Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Professional fees Accrued Professional Fees, Current Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in-capital Additional paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Compensation expense related to stock options for services Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Total stock-based compensation expense Outstanding securities not included in the computation of diluted net loss per common share as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets Total assets Marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Available-for-sale Securities, Current Marketable securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses Marketable securities, Unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Marketable securities, Cost Acquisition of equipment under capital leases Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid GECC existing equipment leases Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations, Current Current portion of capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Capital lease obligations, net of current portion Cost Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash and cash equivalents Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of noncash operating, investing and financing activities: Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Stockholders' Equity Class of Stock [Line Items] License and Development Agreements Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] License and Development Agreements Roche Agreement Collaborative Arrangement [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Domain] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangements [Axis] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) Commitments and Contingencies Common stock Common Stock [Member] Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share Authorized: 100,000,000 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; 61,881,097 and 49,539,808 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, Authorized shares Retirement Plan Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income [Member] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate debt securities due within 1 year of date of purchase Operating expenses: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Term Loans Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Term Loans Term Loans Legal fees and expenses paid Debt Issuance Cost Principal amount of debt issued Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings Annual interest rate on term loan (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred collaboration revenue, net of current portion Deferred collaboration revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Basic and diluted net loss per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net loss per common share: Compensation and benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Weighted average remaining period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Report Line [Domain] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized stock compensation expense Laboratory equipment Equipment [Member] Purchase price of shares sold by the Company (in dollars per share) Equity Issuance, Per Share Amount Equity Component [Domain] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Prior Period Reclassification Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Financing [Domain] Financing [Axis] Furniture and fixtures Furniture and Fixtures [Member] General and Administrative Expense General and administrative General and Administrative Expense [Member] General and administrative Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Deferred collaboration revenue Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Collaboration receivable Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Interest expense, net Interest expense recognized Interest Expense, Debt Interest Paid Cash paid for interest Investment Type Categorization [Domain] Investment Type [Axis] Registered Direct Offering Issuance of Equity [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term liabilities: Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Origination and amendment fees paid Loan Processing Fee 2012 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2013 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities Future principal payments under the GECC and Oxford Term Loans Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Maximum [Member] Maximum Minimum [Member] Minimum Nature of Operations [Text Block] Nature of Business Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net loss Net loss Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Number of operating segments Number of Operating Segments Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Operating Income (Loss) Loss from operations Nature of Business Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Other Liabilities, Current Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other (expense) income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other (expense) income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Other comprehensive (loss) income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Total other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities Other Accrued Liabilities Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of marketable securities Retirement Plan Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Axis] Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share Authorized: 5,000,000 shares at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; no shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, Authorized shares Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Proceeds from issuances of common stock Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Reclassification in the Preparation of Financial Statements Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt Proceeds from term loans Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, excluding to related parties, net of transaction costs Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Net offering proceeds after deducting underwriters' discounts, fees and commissions, and other offering expenses payable Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Net proceeds after deducting estimated offering expenses payable Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities Maturities of marketable securities Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property and Equipment Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property and equipment, net Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Schedule of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property and Equipment Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Receivables, Long-term Contracts or Programs Collaboration receivable Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Payment of capital lease obligations Repayment of remaining principal outstanding under existing equipment leases Payment of term loans Repayments of Secured Debt Research and Development Expense (Excluding Acquired in Process Cost) Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] Research and development Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Unvested restricted common stock Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted stock awards Restricted stock Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring Charges Restructuring Restructuring Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated deficit Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Grant revenues Revenue from Grants Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected life in years Revenue, Net [Abstract] Revenues: Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments [Table] Summary unvested restricted shares Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to estimate fair value of each employee stock option award Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of future principal payments under the GECC and Oxford Term Loans Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Summarizes outstanding securities not included in computation of diluted net loss per common share as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Summary of cash, cash equivalents and available-for-sale marketable securities Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, by Report Line [Axis] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Term loans, net of current portion Secured Debt, Current Current portion of term loans Total future principal payments Secured Debt Segment Reporting Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Shares Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options cancelled (in dollars per share) Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested (in shares) Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation [Abstract] Selling price per share (in dollars per share) Share Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Volatility (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected dividend yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant date fair value of options (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Additional disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares available for future issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Shares reserved for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Weighted average assumptions used to estimate fair value of each employee stock option award Options cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Award Type [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Equity Components [Axis] Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Period Increase (Decrease) Common stock options Stock Options [Member] Stock option Employee stock options Issuance of restricted common shares (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Forfeitures of restricted common shares (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of common shares in equity offering, excluding to related parties Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Number of shares sold by the entity Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercise of stock options (in shares) Options exercised (in shares) Stockholders' equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Event-Registered Direct Offering Subsequent Event-Registered Direct Offering Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event-Registered Direct Offering Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Deferred Collaboration Revenue Number of Months Recognize Deferred Amount as Revenue Represents the number of months that the entity believes it will complete the earnings process and will be able to recognize the deferred collaboration amount as revenue. Number of months Company will recognize deferred revenue as revenue Government-sponsored entities due within 1 year of date of purchase US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]