| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 30, 2021 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 30, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ALIMERA SCIENCES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-34703 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-0028718 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 6120 Windward Parkway |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 290 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Alpharetta |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30005 |
| City Area Code | 678 |
| Local Phone Number | 990-5740 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | ALIM |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001267602 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
