v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016
Jul. 31, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2016  
Entity Registrant Name Arbutus Biopharma Corp  
Entity Central Index Key 0001447028  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   54,796,741
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2