| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 03, 2023 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 03, 2023 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Zymeworks Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-41535 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 88-3099146 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 108 Patriot Drive |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite A |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Middletown |
| Entity Address, State or Province | DE |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 19709 |
| City Area Code | 302 |
| Local Phone Number | 274-8744 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001937653 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ZYME |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Preferred Stock Purchase Rights [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| No Trading Symbol Flag | true |
