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, 2011
Mar. 02, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol NVLT    
Entity Registrant Name NOVELOS THERAPEUTICS, INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001279704    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   36,907,824  
Entity Public Float     $ 22,703,402