Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

 v2.3.0.11
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Aug. 01, 2011
Jun. 30, 2010
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name ONCOGENEX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000949858    
Document Type 10-Q    
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2011
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 86,062,824
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   9,725,489