Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 44,314	$ 50,436
Accounts receivable	768
Inventory	2,309	1,626
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	4,365	8,249
Total current assets	51,756	60,311
Property and equipment, net	6,643	6,785
Other assets	6,868	6,617
Total assets	65,267	73,713
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	10,837	12,065
Accrued expenses	9,934	10,209
Warrant liability	541
Other current liabilities	393	393
Total current liabilities	21,705	22,667
Long-term debt	8,066
Other liabilities	5,935	4,641
Total liabilities	35,706	27,308
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock purchase warrants	13,461	13,461
Common stock, no par value:
Authorized shares - 150,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares - 112,639,301 and 109,823,748 at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	1,875,284	1,872,885
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,900)	(8,273)
Accumulated deficit	(1,849,444)	(1,830,060)
Total CTI shareholders' equity	17,940	34,552
Noncontrolling interest	(1,840)	(1,608)
Total shareholders' equity	16,100	32,944
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 65,267	$ 73,713