| Document And Entity Information | Nov. 07, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 7, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ARENA PHARMACEUTICALS INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001080709 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 000-31161 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 23-2908305 |
| Entity Address Address Line1 | 6154 Nancy Ridge Drive |
| Entity Address City Or Town | San Diego |
| Entity Address State Or Province | CA |
| Entity Address Postal Zip Code | 92121 |
| City Area Code | 858 |
| Local Phone Number | 453-7200 |
| 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 $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ARNA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
