Achieve Life Sciences, Inc. Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Warrant liability	$ 1,105	$ 3,002
Maximum maturity period of cash and cash equivalents	90 days
Maximum maturity period of short-term investments	1 year
Series A and Series B Warrants issued in July 2014 Financing [Member]
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding and exercisable	0
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Maturity period of securities	1 year