v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Oct. 31, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2018  
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   55,477,235
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business true