XML 47 R32.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.3.1.900
Nature of operations - Additional Information (Detail)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Aquinox Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. [Member]  
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Date of incorporation May 31, 2007
Aquinox Pharmaceuticals (Canada) Inc. [Member]  
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Date of incorporation Dec. 26, 2003