| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 12, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001178670 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 12, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36407 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 77-0602661 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 675 West Kendall Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Henri A. Termeer Square |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Cambridge |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02142 |
| City Area Code | (617) |
| Local Phone Number | 551-8200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | ALNY |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
