v3.7.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2017
Jul. 31, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2017  
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   55,026,995
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2