| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 04, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001631574 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 4, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | WAVE LIFE SCIENCES LTD. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | U0 |
| Entity File Number | 001-37627 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 00-0000000 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 7 Straits View #12-00 |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Marina One |
| Entity Address, City or Town | East Tower |
| Entity Address, Country | SG |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 018936 |
| City Area Code | +65 |
| Local Phone Number | 6236 3388 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Security 12b Title | $0 Par Value Ordinary Shares |
| Trading Symbol | WVE |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
