| Cover | Aug. 10, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 10, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-35668 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001270073 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 22-3868459 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 10 Hudson Yards |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 37th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10001 |
| City Area Code | 646 |
| Local Phone Number | 747-1000 |
| 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 | ICPT |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
