v3.25.2
Cover - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2025
Aug. 04, 2025
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2025  
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   191,698,695
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Central Index Key 0001447028  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2