Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Noncurrent Accrued expenses and other liabilities, non-current Non-current accrued expenses and other liabilities Accounts Payable Current Accounts payable Accrued Employee Benefits Current Accrued compensation and benefits Accrued Liabilities And Other Liabilities Total accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities Current Accrued expenses and other liabilities Current accrued expenses and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities Current And Noncurrent Accrued contingent liability Accrued license fees. Accrued License Fees Current Accrued license fees Accrued non clinical and clinical trial expenses. Accrued Non Clinical And Clinical Trial Expenses Accrued pre-clinical and clinical trial expenses Accrued Professional Fees Current Accrued professional fees Accrued Rent Noncurrent Deferred rent- non-current Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Less: Accumulated depreciation Additional Paid In Capital Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Sharebased Compensation Requisite Service Period Recognition Value Issuance of stock options for services Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Potential equivalent common stock excluded Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share By Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Arrangements And Nonarrangement Transactions [Member] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets Current Total current assets Assets Current [Abstract] Current Assets: Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Basis Of Presentation And Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Money market funds Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net increase (decrease) in cash Cash And Cash Equivalents Policy [Text Block] CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash Flow Noncash Investing And Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures of non-cash financing activity Certificates Of Deposit At Carrying Value Certificates of deposit Certificates of deposit fair value disclosure. Certificates Of Deposit Fair Value Disclosure Certificates of deposit Disclosure of accounting policy for certificates of deposits. Certificates Of Deposit Policy [Text Block] CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT Class Of Warrant Or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class Of Warrant Or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class Of Warrant Or Right Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights Potentially dilutive warrants to purchase common stock Class Of Warrant Or Right [Line Items] Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Class of warrant or right number of warrants or rights issued Class Of Warrant Or Right Number Of Warrants Or Rights Issued Number of warrants sold in offering Class Of Warrant Or Right Outstanding Warrants outstanding Class Of Warrant Or Right [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments. Commitments [Line Items] Commitments [Line Items] Commitments milestone payments potential. Commitments Milestone Payments Potential Milestone payments Commitments. Commitments [Table] Commitments [Table] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Available To Sell Under Agreement Common Stock Shares Available To Sell Under Agreement Common stock available for future sale Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock Value Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 67,169,383 shares and 54,132,937 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively Comprehensive Income Policy Policy [Text Block] COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Computer Equipment [Member] Computer equipment [Member] Conversion Of Stock Amount Converted 1 Exercise of liability classified warrants for common stock Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Prepaid Expenses Deferred Rent Credit Current Deferred rent Deposits Assets Noncurrent Deposits Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Depreciation Depreciation expenses Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Stock Compensation Document and entity information. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Net loss per share - basic and diluted Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] NET LOSS PER SHARE Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock option awards granted under the Plan Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition 1 Expected remaining weighted average vesting period Employee Stock Option [Member] Stock Options [Member] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Interest Issued Or Issuable By Type [Axis] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Issued Or Issuable Type [Domain] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Equity Issuance Dates Date of public offering Estimated time from entering license agreement to completion of double blind treatment phase period of Firdapse phase three trial. Estimated Time From Entering License Agreement To Completion Of Double Blind Treatment Phase Period Of Product Phase Three Trial Estimated time from entering license agreement to completion of double blind treatment phase period of Firdapse phase three trial Fair Value Adjustment Of Warrants Change in fair value Change in fair value of warrants liability Change in fair value of warrants liability Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis Valuation Techniques Table [Text Block] Summary of Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Model to Calculate Fair Value of Warrants Liability Fair Value Assumptions Expected Dividend Rate Expected dividend yield Fair Value Assumptions Expected Term Expected term Fair Value Assumptions Expected Volatility Rate Expected volatility Expected forfeiture rate assumption used in valuing an instrument. Fair Value Assumptions Forfeiture Rate Expected forfeiture rate Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate Risk free interest rate Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair value inputs assets liabilities quantitative information. Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair value inputs assets liabilities quantitative information. Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs Assets Liabilities Quantitative Information [Table] Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Text Block] Summary of Company's Warrants Liability Activity Fair Value Measurement Policy Policy [Text Block] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Liability Issues Issuance of warrants Recognition of warrants fair value at date of issuance Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Liability Settlements Exercise of warrants Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations Recurring Basis Liability Value Fair value, end of period Fair value, beginning of period Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Policy FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Furniture And Fixtures [Member] Furniture and equipment [Member] General And Administrative Expense General and administrative General And Administrative Expense [Member] General and administrative [Member] Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Loss before income taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Provision for income taxes Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase Decrease In Accrued Liabilities And Other Operating Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase Decrease In Operating Assets [Abstract] (Increase) decrease in: Increase Decrease In Operating Liabilities [Abstract] Increase (decrease) in: Increase Decrease In Prepaid Deferred Expense And Other Assets Prepaid expenses and deposits Interim financial statements. Interim Financial Statements Policy [Text Block] INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Investment for development. Investment For Development Investment solely for purpose of developing Firdapse Investment Income Interest Interest income Investment Policy [Text Block] SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS Investment pursuant to strategic collaboration. Investment Pursuant To Strategic Collaboration Investment pursuant to strategic collaboration Investments Fair Value Disclosure Short-term investments Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities Current Total current liabilities Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities: License agreement with BioMarin. License Agreement With Biomarin [Member] License Agreement with BioMarin [Member] License Costs License fee paid Loss Contingency Actions Taken By Court Arbitrator Or Mediator Number of days granted to plaintiffs to file an amended complaint Loss Contingency Claims Dismissed Number Number of lawsuits dismissed Loss Contingency Date Of Dismissal Date of dismissal of lawsuits Loss Contingency New Claims Filed Number Number of lawsuits filed Maturity period of certificates of deposit. Maturity Period Of Certificates Of Deposit Maturity period of certificates of deposit Maximum amortization period of compensation cost on straight line basis. Maximum Amortization Period Of Compensation Cost On Straight Line Basis Maximum amortization period of compensation cost on straight line basis Maximum amount of common stock that can be issued under shelf registration statement. Maximum Amount Of Common Stock That Can Be Issued Under Shelf Registration Statement Maximum common stock to be issued under shelf registration statement Maximum shares of common stock to be issued under shelf registration statement Maximum maturity period of cash and cash equivalent. Maximum Maturity Period Of Cash And Cash Equivalent Maximum maturity period of cash and cash equivalent Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum percentage of outstanding shares that company can sell under shelf registration statement. Maximum Percentage Of Outstanding Shares That Company Can Sell Under Shelf Registration Statement Maximum percentage of outstanding shares that company can sell under shelf registration statement Milestone payment due upon new drug applications acceptance. Milestone Payment Due Upon New Drug Applications Acceptance Milestone payment due upon NDA acceptance Milestone payment due upon new drug applications approval. Milestone Payment Due Upon New Drug Applications Approval Milestone payment due upon NDA approval Minimum amortization period of compensation cost on straight line basis. Minimum Amortization Period Of Compensation Cost On Straight Line Basis Minimum amortization period of compensation cost on straight line basis Minimum amount to be spent for Firdapse phase three trial. Minimum Amount To Be Spent For Product Phase Three Trial Minimum amount to be spent for Firdapse Phase 3 trial Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Nature Of Operations Organization and Description of Business Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations Net cash used in operating activities Net Income Loss Net loss Net loss New Accounting Pronouncements Policy Policy [Text Block] RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS Northwestern license agreement. Northwestern License Agreement [Member] Northwestern License Agreement [Member] Number of warrants exercised during period. Number Of Warrants Exercised Number of warrants exercised during the period Warrants issued on October twenty eight, two thousand eleven. October Twenty Eight Two Thousand And Eleven Warrants [Member] October 28, 2011 Warrants [Member] Operating Costs And Expenses [Abstract] Operating costs and expenses: Operating Expenses Total operating costs and expenses Operating Income Loss Loss from operations Options to purchase common stock. Options To Purchase Common Stock [Member] Options to purchase common stock [Member] Organization and description of business. Organization And Description Of Business [Line Items] Organization And Description Of Business [Line Items] Organization and description of business. Organization And Description Of Business [Table] Organization And Description Of Business [Table] Other Accrued Liabilities Current Other Other Prepaid Expense Current Other Paid costs in connection with Firdapse phase three trial. Paid Costs In Connection With Product Phase Three Trial Costs paid in connection with Firdapse Phase 3 trial Payables And Accruals [Abstract] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Payments for proceeds from certificates of deposit. Payments For Proceeds From Certificates Of Deposit Proceeds from certificates of deposit Payments For Proceeds From Short Term Investments Proceeds from (purchase of) short term investments Payments Of Stock Issuance Costs Offering expenses Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Capital expenditures Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock Value Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized: none issued and outstanding Prepaid Expense And Other Assets Current Prepaid expenses Total prepaid expenses Disclosure of accounting policy for prepaid expenses. Prepaid Expenses Policy [Text Block] PREPAID EXPENSES Prepaid expenses. Prepaid Expenses Table [Text Block] Prepaid Expenses Prepaid Insurance Prepaid insurance Prepaid Rent Prepaid rent Consists of advances for research and product development activities. Prepaid Research Fee Prepaid research fees Prepaid subscription fees. Prepaid Subscription Fees Prepaid subscription fees The cash inflow from the additional capital contribution to the entity including any warrants issued. Proceeds are net of cash outflows for issuance costs related to the transaction. Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock And Warrants Net Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants, net Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Gross Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Gross Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Net Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Net Proceeds from issuance of common stock