Cover - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Nov. 08, 2022
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2022
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-34949
Entity Registrant Name	ARBUTUS BIOPHARMA CORP
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	A1
Entity Tax Identification Number	98-0597776
Entity Address, Address Line One	701 Veterans Circle
Entity Address, City or Town	Warminster
Entity Address, State or Province	PA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	18974
City Area Code	267
Local Phone Number	469-0914
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, without par value
Trading Symbol	ABUS
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		156,467,085
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001447028
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3