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. 25, 2013
Jun. 30, 2012
Entity Registrant Name NOVELOS THERAPEUTICS, INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001279704    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company    
Trading Symbol nvlt    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   57,397,997  
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 38,214,881