Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure

No definition available.

Name:	abus_CashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	abus_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Interest, dividends, rents, ancillary and other revenues earned but not yet received by the entity on its investments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(4))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479440/944-210-S99-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(3)(a)(4))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(10))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479853/942-210-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, before tax, of unrealized gain in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) on investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481800/320-10-50-2

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, before tax, of unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) on investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481800/320-10-50-2

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amortized cost of investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(1))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479440/944-210-S99-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481800/320-10-50-2

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479130/326-30-45-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (aa)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481800/320-10-50-2

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481830/320-10-45-1

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(6))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479853/942-210-S99-1

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479130/326-30-45-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(2))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479440/944-210-S99-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(1))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of realized gain (loss) on investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale), investment in debt security measured at amortized cost (held-to-maturity) and investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in net income (trading).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(7)(c))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(9)(a))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(3)(d)(1))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483586/944-220-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of unrealized gain (loss) on investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (available-for-sale), investment in debt security measured at amortized cost (held-to-maturity) and investment in debt security measured at fair value with change in fair value recognized in net income (trading).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(7)(c))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(9)(a))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483621/220-10-S99-2

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 220
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(3)(d)(2))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483586/944-220-S99-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesUnrealizedGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The fair value as of the balance sheet date of firm holdings in debt obligations issued by the US government including short-term Treasury bills, medium-term Treasury notes, and long-term Treasury bonds, as well as debt issued by agencies. Includes both pledged (to counterparties as collateral for financing transactions) and unpledged holdings.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 940
-SubTopic 320
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481961/940-320-45-2

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsOwnedUSGovernmentAndAgencyObligationsAtFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Investment in short-term money-market instruments (such as commercial paper, banker's acceptances, repurchase agreements, government securities, certificates of deposit, and so forth) which are highly liquid (that is, readily convertible to known amounts of cash) and so near their maturity that they present an insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify as cash equivalents by definition. Original maturity means an original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three-years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt (bills, notes or bonds) that are issued by the government of the United States which are short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three-years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_USGovernmentSecuritiesAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=abus_InvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesCurrentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=abus_InvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesNoncurrentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_USTreasuryBillSecuritiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=abus_USGovernmentAgencyBondsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=abus_USCorporateBondsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=abus_YankeeBondsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis=abus_USGovernmentBondsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Investments in marketable securities - Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Abstract]
Accrued investment income receivable	$ 300		$ 300		$ 300
Realized gains or losses	100	$ 0	100	$ 0
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Debt Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss)			0
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	56,344		56,344		18,029
Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	56,344		56,344		18,029
Short Term Marketable Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	79,295		79,295		99,964
Gross Unrealized Gain	0		0		30
Gross Unrealized Loss	(97)		(97)		(276)
Fair Value	79,198		79,198		99,718
Long Term Marketable Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	6,552		6,552		6,273
Gross Unrealized Gain	0		0		18
Gross Unrealized Loss	(25)		(25)		(7)
Fair Value	6,527		6,527		6,284
Money market \| Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value	35,462		35,462		18,029
US treasury bills \| Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
US Government Securities, at Carrying Value	20,882		20,882
Debt Securities, Unrealized Gain (Loss)			0
Financial Instruments, Owned, US Government and Agency Obligations, at Fair Value	20,882		20,882
US treasury bills \| Short Term Marketable Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	35,435		35,435
Gross Unrealized Gain	0		0
Gross Unrealized Loss	0		0
Fair Value	35,435		35,435
US government agency bonds \| Short Term Marketable Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost					17,918
Gross Unrealized Gain					0
Gross Unrealized Loss					(44)
Fair Value					17,874
US corporate bonds \| Short Term Marketable Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	41,860		41,860		71,045
Gross Unrealized Gain	0		0		30
Gross Unrealized Loss	(90)		(90)		(189)
Fair Value	41,770		41,770		70,886
US corporate bonds \| Long Term Marketable Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	6,552		6,552		6,273
Gross Unrealized Gain	0		0		18
Gross Unrealized Loss	(25)		(25)		(7)
Fair Value	6,527		6,527		6,284
Yankee bonds \| Short Term Marketable Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	2,000		2,000		2,000
Gross Unrealized Gain	0		0		0
Gross Unrealized Loss	(7)		(7)		(17)
Fair Value	$ 1,993		$ 1,993		1,983
US government bonds \| Short Term Marketable Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Abstract]
Amortized Cost					9,001
Gross Unrealized Gain					0
Gross Unrealized Loss					(26)
Fair Value					$ 8,975