| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 09, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 9, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ACHIEVE LIFE SCIENCES, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000949858 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 033-80623 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-4343413 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1040 West Georgia |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1030 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Vancouver |
| Entity Address, State or Province | BC |
| Entity Address, Country | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | V6E 4H1 |
| City Area Code | 604 |
| Local Phone Number | 210-2217 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ACHV |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
