Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies and Commitments [Table] Contingencies and Commitments [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Marqibo Marqibo [Member] Marqibo Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Marina Marina Biotech, Inc. [Member] Marina Biotech, Inc. [Member] Blumberg and Drexel Blumberg and Drexel [Member] Blumberg and Drexel [Member] Blumberg Blumberg [Member] Blumberg Cytos Cytos [Member] Cytos Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Arbutus Inc. Arbutus Inc. [Member] Arbutus Inc. [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] 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. Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Enantigen Enantigen [Member] Enantigen Contingencies and Commitments [Line Items] Contingencies and Commitments [Line Items] Percent of costs funded by TPC Percent Of Costs Funded By T P C Represents the percent of costs funded by TPC. Maximum contribution for product Maximum Contribution For Product Represents the maximum contribution for the product. Cumulative contribution for product Cumulative Contribution for Product Represents the cumulative contribution for a product. Royalty guarantees commitments percentage Royalty Guarantees Commitments Percentage Represents the royalty guarantees commitments percentage. Royalty revenue Royalty Revenue Royalty payable Royalty Payable Represents the royalty payable. Royalties paid or accrued Royalties Paid Or Accrued The cumulative amount of royalties paid or accrued of an entity. Contractual obligation Contractual Obligation Upfront fee Upfront Fee Represents the upfront fee. Milestone payment Milestone Payment Represents a milestone payment. Loss contingency, damages sought for allegedly unpaid royalties Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Business combination, high end of payment upon achievement of certain triggering events Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Programs in pre-clinical development Programs In Pre-Clinical Development Programs In Pre-Clinical Development Business combination, regulatory, development and sales milestone payments estimated fair value Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Number of series of compounds Number of series of compounds Number of series of compounds License fee License Costs Development and regulatory milestones payment per licensed compound series, maximum License Agreement Maximum Development And Regulatory Milestone Payments Per License License Agreement, Maximum Development and Regulatory Milestone Payments Per License Sales performance milestones payment per licensed product, maximum License Agreement Maximum Sales Performance Milestone Payments Per License License Agreement, Maximum Sales Performance Milestone Payments Per License Research funding per year under research collaboration and funding agreement Contractual Obligation Amount Of Research Funding Per Year Contractual Obligation, Amount of Research Funding Per Year Research funding period Research Funding Period Research Funding Period Research funding period, renewable option Research Funding Period Renewable Option Research Funding Period Renewable Option Research funding agreement exclusive license upfront payment Research Funding Agreement Right To Obtain Exclusive License Upfront Payment Research Funding Agreement Right to Obtain Exclusive License Upfront Payment Research funding agreement exclusive license maximum development and regulatory milestone payments Research Funding Agreement Right To Obtain Exclusive License Maximum Development And Regulatory Milestone Payments Research Funding Agreement Right to Obtain Exclusive License Maximum Development and Regulatory Milestone Payments Research funding agreement license maximum commercialization milestone payments Research Funding Agreement Right To Obtain Exclusive License Maximum Commercialization Milestone Payments Research Funding Agreement Right to Obtain Exclusive License Maximum Commercialization Milestone Payments Accounting Policies [Abstract] Dividend yield Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected volatility Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected average term Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Fair value of warrants outstanding (in USD per share) Fair Value Of Warrants Outstanding Per Warrant Represents the fair value of the warrants outstanding. Aggregate fair value of warrants outstanding Warrants and Rights Outstanding Number of warrants outstanding (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding Significant accounting policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Monsanto Monsanto [Member] Represents the company Monsanto. PADCo. PADCo. [Member] PADCo. [Member] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Common shares issued subject to repurchase provisions Common Shares Issued Subject to Repurchase Provision [Member] Common Shares Issued Subject to Repurchase Provision Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Wholly-owed subsidiaries Wholly Owned Subsidiaries Included in Financial Statements Represents the number of wholly owned subsidiaries included in the reporting of the financial statements. Business acquisition, percentage of outstanding shares acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Anti-dilutive common shares excluded from calculation of income be common share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of weighted average Black-Scholes option-pricing assumptions for liability options Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of stock option activity for liability options Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of information for liability options outstanding Temporal Diagram of Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block] Represents the schedule of share based compensation for the shares authorized under the stock option plan. Schedule of non-vested liability stock option activity Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Nature of business and future operations Nature of Operations [Text Block] Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] DoD Do D [Member] Represents the department of defense. Acuitas milestone payments Acuitas [Member] Acuitas Dicerna Dicerna [Member] Represents Dicerna pharmaceuticals. Spectrum royalty payments Spectrum [Member] Represents the company Spectrum. Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborations and contracts Collaborations And Contracts [Abstract] Collaborations and contracts Collaborations and contracts Contracts Revenue Licensing fees, milestone and royalty payments Licensing Fees Milestone And Royalty Payments [Abstract] Licensing fees, milestone and royalty payments Licensing fees, milestone and royalty payments Licenses Revenue Total revenue Revenues Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration Fair Value, Liability [Roll Forward] Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration Fair Value, Liability [Roll Forward] Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration Fair Value, Liability [Roll Forward] Liability at beginning of the period Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Increase in fair value of Contingent Consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Liability at end of the period Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table] Deferred Revenue Arrangement, by Type [Table] Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items] Deferred revenue, current portion Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred revenue, long-term portion Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Total deferred revenue Deferred Revenue Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Cyclophilin drug candidate, OCB-030 Cyclophilin Drug Candidate, OCB-030 [Member] Cyclophilin Drug Candidate, OCB-030 [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Impairment charge Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Income tax benefit on impairment charge Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Number of reporting units Number of Reporting Units Goodwill impairment charge Goodwill, Impairment Loss Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common stock Common Stock [Member] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Beginning balance (in shares) Shares, Issued Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Reclassification of equity to liability stock option awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Reclassification of Equity to Liability Stock Option Awards Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Reclassification of Equity to Liability Stock Option Awards 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 Issuance of common shares pursuant to exercise of options (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Issuance of common shares pursuant to exercise of options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of common shares pursuant to exercise of warrants (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Issuance of common shares pursuant to exercise of warrants Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Ending balance (in shares) Ending balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Non-vested, beginning balance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares Options vested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares Non-vested options forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares Non-vested, ending balance (in shares) Non-vested, beginning balance, weighted average fair value (in USD per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Options Nonvested Weighted Average Fair Value Represents the share based compensation arrangement for the share based payment award for the fair value of equity instruments. Options vested (in USD per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Options Vested In Period Weighted Average Fair Value Represents the share based compensation arrangement concerning the fair value of options vested. Non-vested options forfeited (in USD per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Non-vested, ending balance, weighted average fair value (in USD per share) Summary of carrying values, net of impairment of the intangible assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Range 7 Range 7 [Member] Represents range 7. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock issued during underwritten public offering (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Stock price at public offering (in USD per share) Share Price Gross proceeds from issuance of stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Period for option to purchase additional shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Options granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Potential proceeds of additional shares authorized Potential Proceeds of Additional Shares Authorized The potential cash inflow from the additional capital contribution to the entity if an option is exercised. Payments of stock issuance costs, including commissions and professional fees Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Proceeds from issuance of stock, net Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Net Proceeds from issuance of common stock net. Increase in number of stock-based compensation awards authorized (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized Number of options exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Weighted average exercise price, exercisable liability options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price Remaining contractual life of exercisable liability options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value of liability options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Remaining contractual life of exercisable liability options expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average exercise price, exercisable liability options expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Fair value of vested liability options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Common shares, no par value (in USD per share) Common Stock, No Par Value Common shares, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common shares, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule of Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Table] Schedule of Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Table] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Axis] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Axis] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Domain] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Type [Domain] Marqibo Commercial Sales Marqibo Commercial Sales [Member] Represents the Marqibo commercial sales. Talon Talon Therapeutics [Member] Represents the Talon Therapeutics. Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items] Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items] Optional exercised contractual option, amount Optional Exercised Contractual Option, Amount Represents the amount of an option exercise that was embedded in a contract. Milestone payment Performance period to recognize revenue Performance Period to Recognize Revenue Performance Period to Recognize Revenue Number of chemotherapy products with worldwide licenses Number Of Chemotherapy Products With Worldwide Licenses Number Of Chemotherapy Products With Worldwide Licenses Potential milestone payments Potential Contract Funding Amount Represents the potential contract funding amount. Royalties percentage Accrued Contract Revenue Percentage Represents the percentage of revenue from accrued contracts. Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus IPR&D – Immune Modulators In Process Research and Development, Immune Modulators [Member] In Process Research and Development, Immune Modulators [Member] IPR&D – Antigen Inhibitors In Process Research and Development, Antigen Inhibitors [Member] In Process Research and Development, Antigen Inhibitors [Member] IPR&D – cccDNA Sterilizers In Process Research and Development, cccDNA Sterilizers [Member] In Process Research and Development, cccDNA Sterilizers [Member] Intangible assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment evaluations for intangible assets and goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Changes in fair value of warrants Changes In Fair Value Of Warrants [Table Text Block] Represents the tabular disclosure for the change in fair value of warrants. Schedule of weighted average Black-Scholes warrant pricing assumptions and the resultant fair values Schedule of changes in fair value of contingent consideration Schedule of Business Acquisitions by Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Table Text Block] Schedule of revenue recognized under collaborations, contracts and licensing agreements Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of deferred collaborations and contracts revenue Deferred Revenue, by Arrangement, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Short-term investments Short-term Investments Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accrued revenue Unbilled Receivables, Current Investment tax credits receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Prepaid expenses and other assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Long-term investments Long-term Investments Property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangible assets Goodwill Goodwill Total assets Assets Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue Liability-classified options Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current Warrants Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue, net of current portion Contingent consideration Deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common shares, issued and outstanding: 54,796,741 (December 31, 2015 - 54,570,691) Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Range 1 Range 1 [Member] Represents range 1. Range 2 Range 2 [Member] Represents range 2. Range 3 Range 3 [Member] Represents range 3. Range 4 Range 4 [Member] Represents range 4. Range 5 Range 5 [Member] Represents range 5. Range 6 Range 6 [Member] Represents range 6. Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Range of Exercise prices - Low Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit Range of Exercise prices - High Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit Number of options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options Weighted average remaining contractual life (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Balance - Weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected average term (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Fair value 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 Aggregate fair value of options outstanding (in thousands) Stock Option Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Stock Option Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Number of options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Contingencies and commitments Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance - Number of optioned common shares (in shares) Beginning Balance - Weighted average exercise price Beginning Balance - Aggregate intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options forfeited, canceled or expired (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Options forfeited, canceled or expired - Weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Ending Balance - Number of optioned common shares (in shares) Ending Balance - Weighted average exercise price Ending Balance - Aggregate intrinsic value Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Roll Forward] Liability at beginning of the period Warrants Not Settleable in Cash, Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of warrants exercised in the period Fair Value Of Warrants Exercised In The Period Represents the fair value of warrants exercised in the period. Increase (decrease) in fair value of warrants Increase (decrease) in value of warrants Represents the increase decrease in value of warrants. Foreign exchange (gain) loss Fair Value Warrants Foreign Exchange (Gain) Loss The amount of gains and losses from changes in foreign exchanges. Liability at end of the period Concentrations of credit risk Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Collaborations, contracts and licensing agreements Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Short-term investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Term deposit Total Assets Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liability-classified options Warrants Total Liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring Income Statement [Abstract] Revenue Revenues [Abstract] Licensing fees, milestone and royalty payments Total revenue Expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Research, development, collaborations and contracts Research and Development Expense General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Depreciation of property and equipment Depreciation Acquisition costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Impairment of intangible assets Total expenses Operating Expenses Loss from operations Operating Income (Loss) Other income (losses) Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Foreign exchange gains (losses) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Gain on disposition of financial instrument Option Exercised Contractual Option, Revenue Amount Option Exercised Contractual Option, Revenue Amount Decrease in fair value of warrant liability Fair Value, Option, Changes in Fair Value, Gain (Loss) Increase in fair value of contingent consideration Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value Of Contingent Consideration Liability Increase (Decrease) In Fair Value Of Contingent Consideration Liability Total other income (losses) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit Net loss Loss per common share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Loss per common share basic and diluted (in USD per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Weighted average number of common shares Weighted Average Number Of Common Shares [Abstract] Weighted average number of common shares Weighted average number of common shares basic and diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Cumulative translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Research and development accruals Accrued Research And Development Research and development accruals Professional fee accruals Accrued Professional Fees, Current Deferred lease inducements Lease Incentive, Payable, Current Payroll accruals Accrued Payroll Current Accrued Payroll Current Other accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Share Capital Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Research, development, collaborations and contracts expenses Research and Development Expense [Member] General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense [Member] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net loss for the period Items not involving cash: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Deferred Income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Depreciation of property and equipment Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Unrealized foreign exchange (gains) losses Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Change in fair value of warrant liability Change in fair value of contingent consideration Net change in non-cash operating items: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accrued revenue Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Receivables Investment tax credits receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Disposition (acquisition) of short and long-term investments, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Cash acquired through acquisition Cash Acquired from Acquisition Acquisition of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Net cash provided by (used) in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net of issuance costs Issuance of common shares pursuant to exercise of options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Issuance of common shares pursuant to exercise of warrants Proceeds from Warrant Exercises Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents (Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental cash flow information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Non-cash transactions: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Investment tax credit received Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Acquisition of Arbutus Inc. excluding cash acquired Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Net Nonmonetary Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed) Basis of presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign currency translation and functional currency conversion Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Income or loss per share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Liability-classified stock option awards Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent accounting pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of accounts payable and accrued liabilities Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]