Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			163 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012
Grant revenue	$ 1,687	$ 1,872	$ 2,079	$ 7,404
Operating expenses:
Research and development	17,838	14,255	12,666	78,156
General and administrative	7,108	5,679	6,074	36,943
Total operating expenses	24,946	19,934	18,740	115,099
Loss from operations	(23,259)	(18,062)	(16,661)	(107,695)
Other income and expense:
Miscellaneous income	(38)	5	71	320
Forgiveness of debt	0	0	0	449
Interest income	14	11	75	1,767
Interest expense	(38)	(42)	(47)	(181)
Other (expense) income, net	(62)	(26)	99	2,355
Net loss	(23,321)	(18,088)	(16,562)	(105,340)
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	1	349	583
Net loss attributable to NewLink	$ (23,321)	$ (18,087)	$ (16,213)	$ (104,757)
Basic and diluted net loss per share	$ (1.12)	$ (2.98)	$ (4.84)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted	20,779,450	6,064,542	3,352,331