Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Mar. 07, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name ONCOGENEX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000949858    
Document Type 10-K    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Public Float     $ 163,796,958
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   14,658,766