Document Type Document Type ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag Intrinsic value (in $000s) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Weighted average number of common shares Weighted Average Number Of Common Shares [Abstract] Weighted average number of common shares Options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Contingencies and commitments Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Gross Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Gross Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Product Information [Line Items] Product Information [Line Items] Investments in marketable securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Number of additional shares authorized (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized Liability Related To Future Royalties [Roll Forward] Liability Related To Future Royalties [Roll Forward] Liability Related To Future Royalties Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Leases Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Difference due to change in tax rate on opening deferred taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Contractual obligation Contractual Obligation Research and development costs Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] Range [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] OMERS OMERS [Member] OMERS Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Fair value of liability-classified options exercised in the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Fair Value Liability classified stock options Employee Stock Option, Liability Classified [Member] Employee Stock Option, Liability Classified [Member] Convertible Preferred Shares Preferred Shares Preferred Stock [Member] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Royalty guarantees commitments percentage Royalty Guarantees Commitments Percentage Represents the royalty guarantees commitments percentage. Loss from operations Operating Income (Loss) Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Schedule of weighted average option pricing assumptions and the resultant fair values Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block] Performance shares Performance Shares [Member] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Professional fee accruals Accrued Professional Fees, Current Assets Assets [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Deductible stock options Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation And Benefits, Stock Options Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation And Benefits, Stock Options Option vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Furniture and fixtures Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Computed taxes (benefits) at Canadian federal and provincial tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Payments Schedule of option activity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block] Sublease income Sublease Income Deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Right of use asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Proceeds from sale of future royalties, net Proceeds From Sale Of Future Royalties, Net Proceeds From Sale Of Future Royalties, Net Net equity investment gain or loss Net equity investment loss Net equity investment gain or loss Net equity investment gain or loss Non-Vested Stock Options Nonvested [Member] Nonvested [Member] Arbutus Plans Arbutus Plans [Member] Arbutus Plans [Member] Payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One Number of options outstanding (in shares) Balance - Number of optioned common shares (in shares) Balance - Number of optioned common shares (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Unearned compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount Deferred income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items] Investment in Genevant Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Options forfeited, canceled or expired - Weighted average exercise price (in CAD and USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Stock-based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Options forfeited, canceled or expired (in shares) Options forfeited, canceled or expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Investments in marketable securities Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Shares price (in USD per share) Share Price Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Loss per share Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Computer and office equipment Computer hardware and software Computer Equipment [Member] Percent of costs funded by TPC Percent Of Costs Funded By T P C Represents the percent of costs funded by TPC. Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Contingent consideration Fair value of contingent consideration Contingent consideration Liability at beginning of the period Liability at end of the period Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Options vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Range [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Arbitration Legal Fees Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Axis] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Axis] Assembly Assembly Biosciences, Inc. [Member] Assembly Biosciences, Inc. Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Domain] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Domain] Non-cash royalty revenue Non-Cash Royalty [Member] Non-Cash Royalty Basic and diluted (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Principles of consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Laboratory equipment Lab equipment Laboratory Equipment [Member] Represents the laboratory equipment. Equity accounted for investment Deferred Tax Assets, Equity Method Investments Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Number of shares issued under agreement Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Issuance of common shares pursuant to the Open Market Sales Agreement Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Administrative and transitional services Administrative And Transitional Services [Member] Administrative And Transitional Services [Member] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Schedule of computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Investment tax credit carryforward Investment Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Area of sublease facility Net Rentable Area, Sublease Net Rentable Area, Sublease Number of stock-based compensation awards approved to be issued (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Talon Therapeutics Talon Therapeutics [Member] Represents the Talon Therapeutics. Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Fair value measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block] US government bonds US Government Bonds [Member] US Government Bonds [Member] Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Effective annual interest rate of royalty liability Effective Annual Interest Rate Of Royalty Liability Effective Annual Interest Rate Of Royalty Liability Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Marqibo Commercial Sales Marqibo Commercial Sales [Member] Represents the Marqibo commercial sales. Arbitration with the University of British Columbia Arbitration With The University Of British Columbia [Member] Information related to arbitration with the University of British Columbia. Investment in Genevant Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Discount rate on shares Common Stock, Discount On Shares, Percentage Common Stock, Discount On Shares, Percentage Noncontrolling interest, maximum ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners Noncontrolling Interest, Maximum Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling Interest, Maximum Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Change in valuation allowance - other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items] Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Amortized Cost Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gain Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Allocation of undistributable loss Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two Provincial State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Impairment of goodwill Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] OnCore Option Plan OnCore Option Plan [Member] OnCore Option Plan [Member] Schedule of lease cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Investment in Genevant Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Issuance of common shares pursuant to the Open Market Sales Agreement Issuance of common shares in conjunction with the private offering, net of issuance costs Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Cash and cash equivalents Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets Assets Related party transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Royalty interest sold, maximum royalties for buyer Royalty Interest Sold, Maximum Royalties For Buyer Royalty Interest Sold, Maximum Royalties For Buyer Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-based compensation expense related to ESPP Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Compensation Expense Payroll accruals Accrued Payroll Current Accrued Payroll Current Interest expense Interest Expense Research tax credit carryforward Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Stock-based compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount Collaborations and licenses Collaboration And Contracts [Member] Collaboration And Contracts [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Total liabilities Liabilities Unearned compensation expense, recognition period Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Expected volatility Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Loss contingency, damages sought for allegedly unpaid royalties Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Less: interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Fixed lease payment Fixed Lease, Cost Fixed Lease, Cost Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Net loss attributable to common shares Net loss attributable to common shares Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Operating lease expense Operating Lease, Expense Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Dividend accretion of convertible preferred shares Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Contingencies and Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies and Commitments [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Beginning balance (in shares) Ending balance (in shares) Shares issued Shares, Issued Debt discount and issuance costs Debt discount and issuance costs Transaction Costs Related To Sale Of Future Royalties Transaction Costs Related To Sale Of Future Royalties Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Equity method investments Equity Method Investments Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Variable lease payment Variable Lease, Cost Loss before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Non-cash items: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Research and development Research and Development Expense Cash Equivalents Cash Equivalents [Member] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Offices Located at 626 Jacksonville Rd., Warminster, Pennsylvania Offices Located at 626 Jacksonville Rd., Warminster, Pennsylvania [Member] Offices Located at 626 Jacksonville Rd., Warminster, Pennsylvania Balance - Weighted average exercise price (in CAD and USD per share) Balance - Weighted average exercise price (in CAD and USD per share) Options outstanding, Weighted average exercise price (in USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Sale of future royalties Liabilities Related To Sale Of Future Royalties [Text Block] Liabilities Related To Sale Of Future Royalties Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Federal Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Royalty Royalty [Member] Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by owners after conversion Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage By Noncontrolling Owners After Conversion Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage By Noncontrolling Owners After Conversion Initial recognition of liability Royalties, Initial Recognition Of Liability Royalties, Initial Recognition Of Liability Cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Issuance of common shares pursuant to exercise of options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Aggregate share sales price Common Stock, Value, Subscriptions Proceeds from sale of preferred shares, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock Number of chemotherapy products with worldwide licenses Number Of Chemotherapy Products With Worldwide Licenses Number Of Chemotherapy Products With Worldwide Licenses Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] US government agency bonds US Government Agency Bonds [Member] US Government Agency Bonds [Member] Lease liability, non-current Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Investment tax credits available to reduce provincial income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc [Member] Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc Use of estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Liability-classified options Employee Stock Options, Liability Classified, Outstanding Employee Stock Options, Liability Classified, Outstanding Interest income Investment Income, Interest Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Weighted average fair value per share of options outstanding (in USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Fair Value Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Fair Value Price Investments in marketable securities Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Expected dividends Expected dividends Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Preferred stock, par value (in USD per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Documents Incorporated by Reference Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] License License [Member] Increase (decrease) in fair value of liability Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Liability Classified Options Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Liability Classified Options Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Acquisition of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment City Area Code City Area Code Adjustment to prior year Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Business combination, regulatory, development and sales milestone payments estimated fair value Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Intangible assets and goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Burnaby Facility Sublease Burnaby facility Sublease, Burnaby Facility [Member] Sublease, Burnaby Facility [Member] Schedule of changes in fair value of liability-classified stock options Changes In Fair Value of Liability Option [Table Text Block] Changes In Fair Value of Liability Option [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated useful lives of property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives. Equity investment loss Gain (loss) on investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Impairment of property and equipment Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Investment tax credits available to reduce Canadian federal income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic Preferred Shares Stockholders' Equity Note, Redeemable Preferred Stock, Issue, Policy [Policy Text Block] Premium percentage on closing stock price Premium on Closing Stock Price Premium on Closing Stock Price Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Equity method investment, percentage or revenue entitled Equity Method Investment, Percentage Of Revenue Entitled Equity Method Investment, Percentage Of Revenue Entitled Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Table] Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Table] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Royalty, percentage of interest sold Royalty, Percentage of Interest Sold Royalty, Percentage of Interest Sold Cover [Abstract] 2016 and 2011 Plans 2016 And 2011 Plans [Member] 2016 And 2011 Plans Equity Method Investee Equity Method Investee [Member] Number of renewal options Lessee, Operating Lease, Number Of Renewal Options Lessee, Operating Lease, Number Of Renewal Options Useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Table] Net accretion and amortization of investments in marketable securities Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) Deferred Tax Assets, Net Fair Value Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Royalty interest sold, percentage of sales, annual revenue threshold of highest tier Royalty Interest Sold, Percentage Of Sales, Annual Revenue Threshold Of Highest Tier Royalty Interest Sold, Percentage Of Sales, Annual Revenue Threshold Of Highest Tier Minimum Minimum [Member] Equivalent number of Company common shares Equivalent Number Of Company Common Shares [Member] Represents the equivalent number of company common shares. Impairment charge Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Research and development accruals Accrued Research and Development, Current Accrued Research and Development, Current Lease liability, current Operating Lease, Liability, Current Gritstone Oncology, Inc. Gritstone [Member] Gritstone [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Of Common Stock Issued upon Conversion Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Of Common Stock Issued upon Conversion Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Of Common Stock Issued upon Conversion Schedule of changes in fair value of contingent consideration Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Table Text Block] Royalty payable Royalty Payable Represents the royalty payable. Other Liabilities Disclosure [Line Items] Other Liabilities Disclosure [Line Items] Other Liabilities Disclosure [Line Items] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of weighted average Black-Scholes option-pricing assumptions and resultant fair values Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Options exercised - Weighted average exercise price (in CAD and USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Revenue Revenues [Abstract] Fair value measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Certain fair value adjustments to liability stock option awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Certain Fair Value Adjustments to Liability Stock Option Awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Certain Fair Value Adjustments to Liability Stock Option Awards Schedule of stock option activity Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block] Stock-based compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block] Amount awarded to other party Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Weighted average discount rate Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Lease liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Costs related to collaboration Other Cost and Expense, Operating Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Change in fair value of contingent consideration Increase in fair value of contingent consideration Increase (decrease) in fair value of liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Research and development Research and Development Expense [Member] Vested Stock Options Vested [Member] Vested [Member] Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Non-cash royalty revenue Liability From Sale Of Future Royalties, Non Cash Royalty Income Liability From Sale Of Future Royalties, Non Cash Royalty Income Impairment of goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Tax value in excess of accounting value in lease inducements Tax value in excess of accounting value in lease inducements Represents the deferred tax asset tax value in excess of accounting value in lease inducements. Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Preferred shares dividends accrued Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Genevant Genevant Genevant Sciences Corporation [Member] Genevant Sciences Corporation [Member] Site consolidation accrual Restructuring Reserve Gross Unrealized Loss Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Foreign currency translation and functional currency conversion Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Basic and diluted (in shares) Weighted average number of shares - basic diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Non-cash interest expense Liability From Sale Of Future Royalties, Non Cash Expense Liability From Sale Of Future Royalties, Non Cash Expense Goodwill Goodwill Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Scientific research and experimental development expenditures available for indefinite carry-forward Non-capital losses carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Other income (loss) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Revenue recognized for tax purposes in excess of revenue recognized for accounting purposes Revenue recognized for tax purposes in excess of revenue recognized for accounting purposes Represents the deferred tax asset revenue recognized for tax purpose in excess of revenue recognized for accounting purposes. General and administrative General and Administrative Expense [Member] Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Total Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Options granted - Weighted average exercise price (in CAD and USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Schedule of Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Table] Schedule of Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Table] Royalties paid or accrued Royalties Paid Or Accrued The cumulative amount of royalties paid or accrued of an entity. Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Expected average option term Expected average option term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Entity File Number Entity File Number Schedule of accounts payable and accrued liabilities Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Maximum royalty payment License Agreement Maximum Development And Regulatory Milestone Payments Per Royalty License Agreement Maximum Development And Regulatory Royalty Payment per Royalty Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities 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Disclosure [Text Block] INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Common shares, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Cash and cash equivalents Cash Equivalents, Amortized Cost Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Number of options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding Present value of lease payments Operating Lease, Liability Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Items applicable to preferred shares Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments [Abstract] Total stockholders' equity Beginning balance Ending balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Organization Nature of Operations [Text Block] Difference due to income taxed at foreign rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities 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Arbutus Inc. Arbutus Inc. [Member] Arbutus Inc. [Member] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments Grantee Status [Domain] Grantee Status [Domain] Tax benefit related to decrease in deferred tax liability for indefinite delay of further development Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc. Acuitas Therapeutics Inc. [Member] Acuitas Therapeutics Inc. 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