Consolidated and combined statement of convertible preferred stock and stockholders' deficit (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common stock share issuance costs	$ 6,245	$ 5,839
Exchangeable Preferred Shares [Member]
Temporary equity, warrant discount of $69 on issuance of Aquinox USA preferred shares			$ 69
Temporary equity, redemption discount of $467 for AQXP Canada and $1,633 for Aquinox USA on issuance of preferred shares			1,633
Aquinox Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Inc. [Member] | Exchangeable Preferred Shares [Member]
Temporary equity, redemption discount of $467 for AQXP Canada and $1,633 for Aquinox USA on issuance of preferred shares			$ 467