Annual reports filed by certain Canadian issuers pursuant to Section 15(d) and Rule 15d-4

Note 3 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)

v3.8.0.1
Note 3 - Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2016
CAD ($)
Jan. 01, 2016
USD ($)
Jan. 01, 2016
CAD ($)
Statement Line Items [Line Items]            
Accumulated other comprehensive income $ (4,298) $ (4,298)   $ (4,783)
Option life, share options granted 5 5 5      
Top of range [member]            
Statement Line Items [Line Items]            
Option life, share options granted 10          
NuChem Pharmaceuticals Inc. [Member]            
Statement Line Items [Line Items]            
Proportion of Ownership Interests Held by Parent 80.00%          
Aptose Biosciences Inc. USA [Member]            
Statement Line Items [Line Items]            
Proportion of Ownership Interests Held by Parent 100.00%          
Aptose Suisse GmbH [Member]            
Statement Line Items [Line Items]            
Proportion of Ownership Interests Held by Parent 100.00%