Aerie Pharmaceuticals (AERI) 10-K 26 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 19, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'AERI	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AERIE PHARMACEUTICALS INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001337553	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	23,316,653	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$79,913

Balance_Sheets

Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$69,649	$2,925
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	618	113
Total current assets	70,267	3,038
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net	132	133
Other assets, net	59	48
Total assets	70,458	3,219
Current liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	3,482	1,437
Notes payable, net of discount-related parties	'	2,331
Interest payable-related parties	'	16
Total current liabilities	3,482	3,784
Warrants liability-related parties	'	2,456
Total liabilities	3,482	6,240
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	60,898
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2013; None issued and outstanding as of December 31,2013	'	'
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 150,000,000 and 20,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively; 23,285,549 and 964,880 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	23	1
Additional paid-in capital	162,021	'
Deficit accumulated during the development stage	-95,068	-63,920
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	66,976	-63,919
Total liabilities, convertible preferred stock and stockholders' equity (deficit)	70,458	3,219
Series A-1 Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	1,000
Series A-2 Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	10,000
Series A-3 Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	20,979
Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	4,606
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	'
Convertible preferred stock	'	$24,313

Balance_Sheets_Parenthetical

Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Convertible preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	0	16,534,582
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	15,000,000	'
Preferred stock, issued	'	'
Preferred stock, outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	23,285,549	964,880
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,285,549	964,880
Series A-1 Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	0	400,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued	0	400,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	400,000
Series A-2 Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	0	2,002,006
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued	0	2,000,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	2,000,000
Series A-3 Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	0	4,495,895
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued	0	4,195,895
Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	4,195,895
Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	0	1,136,681
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued	0	979,181
Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	979,181
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized	0	8,500,000
Convertible preferred stock, shares issued	0	4,545,455
Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	4,545,455

Statements_of_Operations_and_C

Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended			102 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	($10,287)	($5,020)	($3,521)	($30,184)
Research and development	-11,883	-9,273	-10,695	-55,032
Loss from operations	-22,170	-14,293	-14,216	-85,216
Other income (expense), net	-8,978	-685	1,249	-9,720
Net loss	-31,148	-14,978	-12,967	-94,936
Comprehensive loss	-31,148	-14,978	-12,967	-94,936
Net loss attributable to common stockholders-basic and diluted	($31,598)	($15,643)	($13,419)	'
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders-basic and diluted	($6.38)	($16.39)	($14.50)	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-basic and diluted	4,955,760	954,695	925,625	'

Statements_of_Stockholders_Equ

Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (USD $)	Total	Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-4 [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Deficit Accumulated During Development Stage [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data				Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-1 [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-2 [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-3 [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-4 [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock Series B [Member]
Beginning balance, Value at Jun. 22, 2005	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance, Shares at Jun. 22, 2005	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock, value	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	2	'
Issuance of common stock, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	521,600	'	'
Issuance of common stock for services and license agreement, Value	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'
Issuance of common stock for services and license agreement, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	118,400	'	'
Issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs, Value	'	'	'	'	9,957	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs, Shares	'	'	'	'	2,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accretion of stock issuance costs	-2	'	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2	'
Issuance of convertible preferred stock for debt conversion, net of issuance costs, Shares	'	'	'	400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	-766	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-766
Issuance of convertible preferred stock for debt conversion, net of issuance costs, Value	'	'	'	996	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2005	-764	'	10,955	'	'	'	'	'	1	1	-766
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2005	'	'	2,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	640,000	'	'
Stock-based compensation	4	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4	'
Accretion of stock issuance costs	-10	'	10	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9	-1
Issuance of common stock upon net exercise of warrants, value	4	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4	'
Net loss	-4,078	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,078
Ending balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2006	-4,844	'	10,965	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	-4,845
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2006	'	'	2,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	640,000	'	'
Exercise of stock options, value	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	17,200	'	'
Stock-based compensation	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3	'
Issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs, Value	'	'	'	'	'	9,991	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	2,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Accretion of stock issuance costs	-10	'	10	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4	-6
Net loss	-6,668	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,668
Ending balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2007	-11,518	'	20,966	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	-11,519
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2007	'	'	4,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	657,200	'	'
Exercise of stock options, value	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	149,296	'	'
Stock-based compensation	20	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20	'
Accretion of stock issuance costs	-11	'	11	'	'	'	'	'	'	-11	'
Net loss	-7,795	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7,795
Ending balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2008	-19,303	'	20,977	'	'	'	'	'	1	10	-19,314
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2008	'	'	4,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	806,496	'	'
Exercise of stock options, value	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	90,830	'	'
Stock-based compensation	105	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	105	'
Accretion of stock issuance costs	-11	'	11	'	'	'	'	'	'	-11	'
Net loss	-7,998	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7,998
Ending balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2009	-27,206	'	20,988	'	'	'	'	'	1	105	-27,312
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2009	'	'	4,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	897,326	'	'
Exercise of stock options, value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,350	'	'
Stock-based compensation	173	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	173	'
Accretion of stock issuance costs	-12	'	12	'	'	'	'	'	'	-12	'
Net loss	-8,528	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8,528
Ending balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2010	-35,573	'	21,000	'	'	'	'	'	1	266	-35,840
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	'	4,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	924,676	'	'
Exercise of stock options, value	6	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	27,297	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,297	'	'
Stock-based compensation	295	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	295	'
Accretion from conversion of note payable to related parties	-243	'	243	'	'	'	'	'	'	-243	'
Issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs, Value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23,840	'	'	'
Issuance of convertible preferred stock, net of issuance costs, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,545,455	'	'	'
Accretion of stock issuance costs	-215	'	215	'	'	'	'	'	'	-215	'
Issuance of convertible preferred stock for debt conversion, net of issuance costs, Shares	'	'	'	'	'	2,195,895	979,181	'	'	'	'
Net loss	-12,967	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-12,967
Issuance of convertible preferred stock for debt conversion, net of issuance costs, Value	'	'	'	'	'	10,979	4,071	'	'	'	'
Ending balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2011	-48,697	'	60,348	'	'	'	'	'	1	109	-48,807
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	'	12,120,531	'	'	'	'	'	951,973	'	'
Exercise of stock options, value	6	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	12,907	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,907	'	'
Stock-based compensation	430	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	430	'
Accretion from conversion of note payable to related parties	-292	-292	292	'	'	'	'	'	'	-290	-2
Accretion of stock issuance costs	-258	'	258	'	'	'	'	'	'	-255	-3
Cash dividend	-130	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-130
Net loss	-14,978	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-14,978
Ending balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2012	-63,919	'	60,898	'	'	'	'	'	1	'	-63,920
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	'	12,120,531	'	'	'	'	'	964,880	'	'
Exercise of stock options, value	1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	3,195	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,195	'	'
Issuance of common stock, value	68,226	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8	68,218	'
Vesting of restricted stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	124,966	'	'
Issuance of common stock, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,728,000	'	'
Stock-based compensation	2,858	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,858	'
Accretion from conversion of note payable to related parties	-240	-240	240	'	'	'	'	'	'	-240	'
Accretion of stock issuance costs	-210	'	210	'	'	'	'	'	'	-210	'
Issuance of convertible preferred stock for debt conversion, net of issuance costs, Value	61,348	'	-61,348	'	'	'	'	'	12	61,336	'
Issuance of convertible preferred stock for debt conversion, net of issuance costs, Shares	'	'	-12,120,531	'	'	'	'	'	12,120,531	'	'
Conversion of convertible notes payable and accrued interest to common stock	18,604	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	18,602	'
Conversion of convertible notes payable and accrued interest to common stock, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,860,363	'	'
Issuance of common stock upon net exercise of warrants, value	4,896	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,896	'
Issuance of common stock upon net exercise of warrants, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	483,614	'	'
Reclassification of warrants from liabilities to equity	6,560	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,560	'
Net loss	-31,148	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-31,148
Ending balance, Value at Dec. 31, 2013	$66,976	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$23	$162,021	($95,068)
Ending balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23,285,549	'	'

Statements_of_Stockholders_Equ1

Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Parenthetical) (Convertible Preferred Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2005	Dec. 31, 2005	Dec. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2011
		Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-1 [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-2 [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-3 [Member]	Convertible Preferred Stock Series B [Member]
Issuance cost net	'	$4	$43	$9	$1,160
Underwriting discounts and commissions	5,410	'	'	'	'
Offering costs	$3,644	'	'	'	'

Statements_of_Cash_Flows

Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended			102 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($31,148)	($14,978)	($12,967)	($94,936)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	64	138	120	950
Amortization and accretion costs related to notes payable-related parties	3,207	59	60	4,604
Loss (gain) on conversion of notes payable	2,737	'	-821	1,916
Stock-based compensation	2,858	430	295	3,888
Interest payable-related parties	588	16	60	1,725
Change in fair value measurements	3,717	630	-498	3,718
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	'	'	'	'
Prepaid, current and other assets	-516	9	27	-677
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	2,045	-1,272	1,726	3,501
Net cash used in operating activities	-16,448	-14,968	-11,998	-75,311
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'	'
Purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment	-63	-51	-49	-1,082
Net cash used in investing activities	-63	-51	-49	-1,082
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in initial public offering, net of underwriting discounts	71,870	'	'	71,870
Proceeds from sales of preferred stock	'	'	25,000	45,000
Payments of stock issuance costs	'	'	-1,160	-1,216
Proceeds from notes payable to related parties	15,000	3,000	'	34,778
Dividends paid	'	-130	'	-130
Payments of debt issuance costs	'	'	'	-115
Proceeds from sale of common stock	'	'	'	3
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1	6	6	16
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	8	'	'	8
Payments of long-term debt	'	'	'	-528
Payments of initial public offering costs	-3,644	'	'	-3,644
Net cash provided by financing activities	83,235	2,876	23,846	146,042
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	66,724	-12,143	11,799	69,649
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'
Beginning of period	2,925	15,068	3,269	'
End of period	69,649	2,925	15,068	69,649
Non-cash financing activities	'	'	'	'
Conversion of preferred stock to common stock	61,348	'	'	61,348
Conversion of convertible notes payable and accrued interest to common stock	18,604	'	'	18,604
Issuance of common stock upon net exercise of warrants	4,888	'	'	4,888
Reclassification of warrants from liabilities to equity	6,560	'	'	6,560
Conversion of long-term debt into preferred stock	'	'	16,069	17,364
Debt discount attributable to warrants	'	728	'	7,725
Accretion from conversion of note payable to related parties	240	292	243	775
Accretion of stock issuance costs	$210	$258	$215	$739

The_Company

The Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
The Company	'
	1	The Company
	Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) is a development stage pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of topical, small molecule drugs to treat patients with glaucoma and other diseases of the eye. Incorporated in the State of Delaware on June 22, 2005, the Company has its corporate headquarters in Bedminster, New Jersey, conducts research in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and has an office in Newport Beach, California.
	To date, the Company is in the development stage since it has not yet commenced primary operations or generated product revenue. The Company’s activities since inception primarily consisted of developing product and technology rights, raising capital and performing research and development activities. The Company has no current source of revenue to sustain its present activities, and it does not expect to generate revenue until and unless it receives regulatory approval of and successfully commercializes its product candidates. The Company has incurred losses and experienced negative operating cash flows since inception, and has cumulative net cash flows used in operating activities of $75.3 million and cumulative net losses of $94.9 million for the period from inception (June 22, 2005) to December 31, 2013.
	The Company has funded its operations primarily through the sale of equity securities and issuance of convertible notes. In October 2013, the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) and issued 7,728,000 shares of its common stock at an IPO price of $10.00 per share, including 1,008,000 shares of common stock issued upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares to cover over-allotments. The Company received net proceeds from the IPO of approximately $68.3 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $5.4 million and expenses of $3.6 million. The Company estimates that it has sufficient funding to sustain operations through approximately mid-2016.
	Accordingly, the Company will be required to obtain further funding through other public or private offerings, debt financing, collaboration and licensing arrangements or other sources. Adequate additional funding may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms, or at all. If the Company is unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, it would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate its research and development programs or commercialization efforts.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2	Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the valuation of stock options and warrants and operating expense accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Segment Information
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company views its operations and manages its business in one operating segment. All operations are located in the United States.
	Reverse Stock Split
	The Company effected a 1-for-5 reverse stock split on October 8, 2013. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts for all preceding periods presented in these financial statements and notes thereto, have been adjusted retroactively to reflect this reverse stock split, including reclassifying an amount equal to the reduction in par value to additional paid-in capital.
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with an original term of three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash deposits are in three financial institutions in the United States.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company’s cash and cash equivalent balances with financial institutions exceed the $250,000 amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
	Deferred Financing Costs
	Financing costs incurred in connection with the Company’s related party notes were capitalized at the inception of the notes and amortized over the appropriate expected life based on the terms of the respective note. Financing costs incurred in connection with the Company’s Series A and B Convertible Preferred Stock offerings were recorded as a reduction to the underlying equity instrument’s carrying value and recorded in stockholders’ equity (deficit). Financing costs associated with the Company’s IPO include only those specific incremental costs directly attributable to the IPO, such as legal, accounting, printing, and filing fees. The deferred financing costs were offset against the IPO proceeds within stockholders’ equity (deficit) upon the completion of the offering in October 2013.
	Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment is recorded at historical cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of the assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is included in the determination of net income.
	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and include, but are not limited to:
		•		Employee-related expenses including salaries, benefits, travel and stock-based compensation expense for research and development personnel;
		•		expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, contract manufacturing organizations and consultants that conduct clinical and preclinical studies;
		•		costs associated with preclinical and development activities;
		•		costs associated with regulatory operations; and
		•		depreciation expense for assets used in research and development activities.
	Costs for certain development activities, such as clinical studies, are recognized based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using data such as patient enrollment, clinical site activations, or information provided to the Company by its vendors on their actual costs incurred. Payments for these activities are based on the terms of the individual arrangements, which may differ from the patterns of costs incurred, and are reflected in the financial statements as prepaid or accrued expense, which are reported in accounts payable and other current liabilities (Note 5). No material adjustments to these estimates have been recorded in these financial statements.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Compensation cost of stock-based awards granted to employees is measured at grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense for options granted to non-employees is determined as the fair value of consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measured. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation costs are expensed on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the relevant vesting period. The fair value of awards granted to non-employees is re-measured each period until the related service is complete. Compensation expense for employee stock purchase plan rights (“stock purchase rights”) is measured and recognized on the date that the Company becomes contingently obligated to issue shares of common stock and is based on the difference between the fair value of the Company’s common stock and the purchase price on such date. All stock-based compensation costs are recorded between general and administrative and research and development costs in the statements of operations based upon the underlying employees roles within the Company. No related tax benefits of the stock-based compensation have been recognized.
	Debt Discount
	The Company follows the authoritative guidance for accounting for debt discount and valuation of detachable warrants. The value of detachable warrants issued is recognized in conjunction with issuance of the convertible notes. The Company values the warrants at the estimated fair value. The fair value of the warrants is recorded as a discount against the related debt obligation. Debt discounts attributed to the value of the warrants is amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the underlying debt obligation and reflected in Other income (expense), net.
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company records certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 820 on fair value measurements. As defined in the guidance, fair value, defined as an exit price, represents the amount that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As a result, fair value is a market-based approach that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. As a basis for considering these assumptions, the guidance defines a three-tier value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value.
		•		Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active, accessible markets for identical assets or liabilities.
		•		Level 2—Other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
		•		Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.
	The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	The Company’s material financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, long-term debt and stock purchase warrants liability. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their respective carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has determined its stock purchase warrants liability to be Level 3 fair value measurement. As of December 31, 2013, all outstanding warrants are classified as equity and are recorded within additional paid-in capital on the balance sheet (Note 10).
	Stock Purchase Warrants
	The Company accounts for its stock purchase warrants as either equity or liabilities based upon the characteristics and provisions of the underlying instruments. Warrants classified as equity are recorded as additional paid-in capital on the balance sheet and no further adjustments are made to their valuation. Warrants classified as liabilities are recorded at their fair value on the date of issuance and are re-measured on each subsequent balance sheet date until the earlier of the exercise or expiration of the applicable warrants or until such time that the warrants are no longer determined to be derivative instruments. The fair value changes are recognized as income (decreases in fair value) or expense (increases in fair value) in Other income (expense), net in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The fair value of these liabilities is estimated using the Black-Scholes method, which, under the Company’s facts and circumstances, approximates, in all material respects, the values determined when using a Monte Carlo simulation.
	Comprehensive Loss
	Comprehensive loss consists of net income or loss and changes in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances generated from non-owner sources. The Company’s comprehensive loss is equal to its net loss for all periods presented.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets or liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, using enacted rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
	Tax Valuation Allowance
	A valuation allowance is recorded if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets that primarily consist of cumulative net operating losses of $91.7 million for the period from inception (June 22, 2005) to December 31, 2013. Due to its three year cumulative loss position, history of operating losses and losses expected to be incurred in the foreseeable future, a full valuation allowance was considered necessary (Note 7).
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2013-11 which is an amendment to the accounting guidance on income taxes. This guidance provides clarification on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendment will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02 Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires that public and non-public companies present information about reclassification adjustments for accumulated other comprehensive income in their annual financial statement in a note or on the face of the financial statements. Public companies are also required to provide this information in interim financial statements. The new disclosure requirements are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of the provisions of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position as the Company’s net income is equal to its comprehensive income.
	In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance intended to increase the prominence of items reported on other comprehensive income (loss). This amended guidance requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) be presented in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income (loss) or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amended guidance became effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has applied this guidance beginning with its financial information for the year ended December 31, 2012. This amended guidance affects presentation, but does not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
	Net Loss per Share Attributable to Common Stock
	Basic net loss per share attributable to common stock (“Basic EPS”) is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities with the exception of warrants for common stock with a $0.05 exercise, which are exercisable for nominal consideration, and shares that are unequivocally issuable under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan and are therefore included in the calculation of the weighted-average number of shares of common stock as common stock equivalents. Net loss attributable to common stockholders is calculated by adjusting the Company’s net loss for accretion on convertible preferred stock (Note 8). Diluted net loss per share attributable to common stock (“Diluted EPS”) gives effect to all dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during this period. For Diluted EPS, net loss attributable to common stockholders used in calculating Basic EPS is adjusted for certain items related to the dilutive securities.
	For all periods presented, the Company’s potential common stock equivalents, which include convertible preferred stock, stock options, notes payable to related parties and certain stock purchase warrants, have been excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS as their inclusion would have the effect of reducing the net loss per share of common stock. Therefore, the denominator used to calculate Basic EPS and Diluted EPS is the same in all periods presented.
	The Company’s potential common stock equivalents that have been excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS for all periods presented because of their antidilutive effect consist of the following:
			DECEMBER 31,
			2013		2012		2011
	Convertible preferred stock			—		12,120,531		12,120,531
	Outstanding stock options			3,189,660		1,554,200		1,152,194
	Notes and interest payable to related parties(1)		$	—	$	3,016,000	$	—
	Stock purchase warrants			309,506		595,869		459,506
	Restricted common stock awards			246,068		—		—
	(1)	The 2012 Notes and accrued interest thereon were converted into 1,860,363 shares of common stock in connection with the completion of the Company’s IPO (Note 6).

Other_Income_Expense_Net

Other Income (Expense), Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Other Income (Expense), Net	'
	3	Other Income (Expense), Net
	Other income (expense), net consist of the following:
			YEAR ENDED									PERIOD FROM
			DECEMBER 31,									INCEPTION
												(JUNE 22,
												2005) TO
												DECEMBER 31,
			2013			2012			2011			2013
	Interest expense		$	(3,795	)	$	(75	)	$	(109	)	$	(6,329	)
	(Loss)/gain on conversion of notes payable to related parties (Note 6)			(2,737	)		—			821			(1,916	)
	Sale of New Jersey state tax benefit			1,268			—			—			1,268
	(Expense)/income due to change in fair value measurements(1)			(3,717	)		(630	)		498			(3,718	)
	Other income, net			3			20			39			975
			$	(8,978	)	$	(685	)	$	1,249		$	(9,720	)
	(1)	Includes change in fair value of warrant liabilities and change in fair value of a certain conversion feature related to the 2012 Notes that was determined to be an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation and separate accounting. See Note 10 and Note 6, respectively.

Furniture_Fixtures_and_Equipme

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net	'
	4	Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net consist of the following:
	(in thousands)		ESTIMATED		DECEMBER 31,
			USEFUL LIVES
			(YEARS)		2013			2012
	Laboratory equipment			7	$	789		$	782
	Software and computer equipment			3		142			118
	Furniture and fixtures			5		151			119
						1,082			1,019
	Less: Accumulated depreciation					(950	)		(886	)
					$	132		$	133
	Depreciation expense was $64,000, $138,000 and $120,000 for years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; and $950,000 for the period from inception (June 22, 2005) to December 31, 2013, respectively.

Accounts_Payable_Other_Current

Accounts Payable & Other Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable & Other Current Liabilities	'
	5	Accounts Payable & Other Current Liabilities
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities consist of the following:
			DECEMBER 31,
	(in thousands)		2013		2012
	Accounts payable		$	1,442	$	174
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities:
	Employee benefits and compensation related accruals(1)			966		400
	General and administrative related accruals			411		364
	Research and development related accruals			663		499
			$	3,482	$	1,437
	(1)	Comprised of accrued bonus, accrued vacation, accrued severance liabilities, and liabilities under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan.

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
	6	Notes Payable
	The issuance of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (Note 8) on February 23, 2011 resulted in the conversion of all outstanding convertible notes that were issued in 2009 and 2010. The Company accounted for the conversion in accordance with ASC 470 Debt. The carrying value of convertible notes issued during 2009 (the “2009 Notes”) was credited to the Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock account at a rate of $5.00 per share, or a total of 2,195,895 shares. No gain or loss resulted from the conversion of the 2009 Notes.
	The Company accounted for the conversion of the convertible notes issued during 2010 (the “2010 Notes”) into Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock as an extinguishment of debt, since the 2010 Notes had a bifurcated embedded derivative with a non-traditional conversion option. The carrying value of the notes of $4.9 million was adjusted for deferred charges, unamortized discount and the fair value of the embedded derivative liability of $68,000, $425,000 and immaterial, respectively. The fair value of the Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock was determined to be $4.1 million. The difference between the carrying and fair value of $821,000 resulted in a gain and is included in Other income (expense), net. The difference between stated value of $5.4 million including accrued interest of $135,000 and fair value was accreted to the Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock capital account through the completion of the Company’s IPO (Note 8).
	For the period January 1, 2011 to the conversion date, the amortization of deferred charges, accretion of debt discounts and accrued interest amounted to $5,000, $55,000 and $54,000 respectively, and are included in Other income (expense), net.
	On December 7, 2012, the Company authorized the sale of convertible notes (the “2012 Notes”) to related parties in the aggregate principal amount of $15.0 million. The 2012 Notes accrued interest at a rate of 8% per annum, with principal plus accrued interest thereon due upon maturity at September 30, 2013. The initial closing comprised of five individual convertible notes with an aggregate principal balance of $3.0 million. As of December 31, 2012, $12.0 million of 2012 Notes were authorized and available for sale. On March 28, 2013, May 23, 2013 and August 9, 2013, the Company completed the second, third and fourth closing of the 2012 Notes, respectively. The closings each comprised of five individual convertible notes with aggregate principal balances of $3.0 million, $4.5 million and $4.5 million, respectively. On August 9, 2013, the Company amended the agreements relating to the 2012 Notes. The amendment authorized the sale of an additional $3.0 million of convertible notes to related parties, resulting in an aggregate principal amount of $18.0 million being authorized. In addition, the amendment extended the maturity date of the 2012 Notes from September 30, 2013 to December 31, 2013 and the issuance period through November 30, 2013. No other terms and conditions of the agreements were changed as part of the amendment. In accordance with ASC 470 Debt, the amendment met the criteria of a troubled debt restructuring and the amortization of the debt discount was revised to align with a new effective interest rate determined as of the amendment date. No gain was recorded as part of the restructuring. On September 30, 2013, the Company completed the fifth closing of the 2012 Notes. Aggregate proceeds to the Company were $3.0 million.
	On October 30, 2013, upon closing of the IPO, the principal and accrued interest outstanding under the 2012 Notes were converted into 1,860,363 shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to the IPO price of $10.00 per share. The Company accounted for the conversion as an extinguishment of debt.
	Debt discounts are amortized using the effective interest method through the earlier of the date of maturity or the conversion of the debt. As of October 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company recognized unamortized debt discounts of $2.7 million and $669,000, respectively, relating to the detachable warrants issued in conjunction with the 2012 Notes (Note 10). As of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, amortization of debt discounts amounted to $3.2 million and $59,000, respectively. Upon closing of the IPO and conversion of the principal and accrued interest under the 2012 Notes into common stock, the Company recognized a loss of $2.7 million representing the remaining unamortized debt discount on the 2012 Notes.
	In connection with the issuance of the 2012 Notes, the Company determined that a certain conversion feature was an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation and separate accounting. To estimate the fair value, the Company compared the net present value of expected cash flows of the issued 2012 Notes with and without the conversion feature comprising the embedded derivative. The Company determined that the fair value of the embedded derivative was immaterial as of August 9, 2013, May 23, 2013, March 28, 2013 and December 7, 2012, representing the fourth, third, second and initial closing dates, and as of December 31, 2012. As of September 30, 2013, the fair value of the embedded derivative was $96,000. The Company determined that upon the closing of the IPO on October 30, 2013, at which time the 2012 Notes were converted into common stock, no embedded derivative existed. The Company recorded the change in fair value as a component of Other income (expense), net.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	7	Income Taxes
	No provision for U.S. federal or state income taxes has been recorded as the Company has incurred net operating losses since inception. Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income tax assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following:
			DECEMBER 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012
	Net deferred tax assets:
	Tax loss carry-forwards		$	35,428		$	24,365
	Other assets			1,742			1,787
	Research and development credits			556			400
	Other liabilities			(782	)		(698	)
	Valuation allowance			(36,944	)		(25,854	)
	Total net deferred income taxes		$	—		$	—
	A reconciliation of the statutory tax rates and the effective tax rates for the years ended December 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
			YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	U.S. federal tax rate			35	%		35	%		35	%
	State tax rate			5.36	%		5.17	%		5.17	%
	Other			(0.03	)%		(0.02	)%		(0.01	)%
	Valuation allowance			(40.33	)%		(40.15	)%		(40.16	)%
	Effective tax rate			0	%		0	%		0	%
	Realization of the future tax benefits is dependent on the Company’s ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carry-forward period. Due to the Company’s history of operating losses, the deferred tax assets arising from the aforementioned future tax benefits are currently not likely to be realized and, accordingly, are offset by a full valuation allowance. The income tax provision varies from the expected provision determined by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to income (loss). The reasons for the difference in the expected provision, as determined by applying the federal statutory income tax rate to net income (loss) is primarily due to the increase in the deferred income tax valuation allowance of $11.1 million, $6.1 million and $5.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The net increase in the deferred income tax valuation allowance of $11.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, reflects a reduction of $1.4 million attributable to the transfer of deferred state tax benefits to an unrelated third party as permitted by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s sponsored Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company has net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $91.7 million and federal research and development tax credit carry-forwards of $0.6 million available to offset federal and state income tax, which expire from 2024 through 2032. Utilization of the net operating loss carry-forwards and credits may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the IRC, and similar state provisions. The effect of an ownership change could be an imposition of an annual limitation on the use of net operating loss carry-forwards attributable to periods before the change.

Convertible_Preferred_Stock

Convertible Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Convertible Preferred Stock	'
	8	Convertible Preferred Stock
	On October 30, 2013, immediately prior to the closing of the Company’s IPO, all outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock automatically were converted into an aggregate 12,120,531 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2013, the Company does not have any convertible preferred stock authorized, issued or outstanding.
	On February 23, 2011, the Company received $23.8 million in proceeds from the issuance of its Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, net of $1.2 million of transaction costs.
	In connection with the issuance of the 2012 Notes, the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation was amended on December 7, 2012, to authorize the issuance of 16,534,582 shares of preferred stock, of which 400,000 were designated as Series A-1 Preferred Stock; 2,002,006 were designated as Series A-2 Preferred Stock; 4,495,895 were designated as Series A-3 Preferred Stock; 1,136,681 were designated as Series A-4 Preferred Stock; and 8,500,000 were designated as Series B Preferred Stock.
	Carrying Value
	The convertible preferred stock was originally recorded at the net proceeds received by the Company at issuance. The difference between the net proceeds and the total redemption price was being accreted on a straight-line basis over the period from issuance until the earliest redemption date and was accreted to the convertible preferred stock capital account through the completion of the IPO. Accretion amounted to $210,000, $258,000, $215,000 and $739,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and for the period from inception (June 22, 2005) to December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock issued in connection with the conversion of the 2010 Notes (Note 6) on February 23, 2011 was recorded at fair value. The difference between stated and fair value of $1.3 million was being accreted on a straight-line basis of the period from February 23, 2011 until the earliest redemption date and was accreted to the Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock capital account through the completion of the IPO. Accretion amounted to $240,000, $292,000 and $775,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the period from February 23, 2011 to December 31, 2013, respectively. The Company determined that the straight-line method approximates the effective interest method.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	9	Stockholders’ Equity
	On October 30, 2013, the Company completed its IPO and issued 7,728,000 shares of its common stock at an IPO price of $10.00 per share, including 1,008,000 shares of common stock issued upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares to cover over-allotments. The shares began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market on October 25, 2013. The Company received net proceeds from the IPO of approximately $68.3 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $5.4 million and expenses of $3.6 million.
	In connection with the IPO, the following events occurred:
		•	On October 24, 2013, 297,366 warrants to purchase convertible preferred stock were net exercised and were subsequently automatically converted into 297,366 shares of common stock on October 30, 2013 (Note 10);
		•	On October 30, 2013, 186,248 warrants to purchase convertible preferred stock were net exercised and were subsequently automatically converted into 186,248 shares of common stock on October 30, 2013 (Note 10);
		•	On October 30, 2013, the outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock were automatically converted into an aggregate 12,120,531 shares of common stock (Note 8);
		•	On October 30, 2013, 717,801 warrants to purchase convertible preferred stock were automatically converted into 717,801 warrants to purchase common stock, at which time the liabilities were re-measured and reclassified to equity (Note 10);
		•	On October 30, 2013, the principal and interest outstanding under $18.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 8% convertible notes due December 31, 2013 were converted into 1,860,363 shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to the IPO price of $10.00 per share (Note 6);
		•	On October 30, 2013, the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan became effective under which 3,229,068 equity awards for common stock of the Company may be distributed (Note 11); and
		•	On October 30, 2013, the 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan became effective under which a maximum of 645,814 shares of common stock of the Company may be issued (Note 14).
	Additionally, on October 30, 2013, the Company’s certificate of incorporation was amended to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock to 150,000,000 with a par value of $0.001 per share and decrease the number of authorized preferred stock to 15,000,000 with a par value of $0.001 per share.
	Holders of common stock are entitled to dividends when and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors subject to prior rights of the holders of any preferred stock. The holder of each share of common stock is entitled to one vote.

Stock_Purchase_Warrants

Stock Purchase Warrants	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Stock Purchase Warrants	'
	10	Stock Purchase Warrants
	During 2006, in connection with a long-term debt agreement, the Company granted warrants to purchase 2,006 shares of Series A-2 Convertible Preferred Stock. The term of the warrants extends ten years from the grant date and the warrants are exercisable at any time during that ten-year period.
	In connection with the convertible notes issued in 2012, 2010 and 2009 (Note 6), the Company sold warrants to purchase 1,275,680 and 593,863 shares of Series B, Series A-4 or Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The term of the warrants issued in 2010 and 2009 extends ten years from the grant date. The term of the warrants issued in 2012 extends seven years from the grant date. All warrants were issued with certain provisions that protect holders from a decline in stock price.
	On October 24, 2013, warrants to purchase 297,366 shares of Series B and Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock were net exercised and were subsequently automatically converted into 297,366 shares of common stock on October 30, 2013. On October 30, 2013, warrants to purchase 186,248 shares of Series B, Series A-4 and Series A-3 Convertible Preferred Stock were net exercised and were subsequently automatically converted into 186,248 shares of common stock on October 30, 2013.
	On October 30, 2013, upon closing of the IPO, the remaining 717,801 outstanding warrants to purchase convertible preferred stock were automatically converted into 717,801 warrants to purchase common stock and all price protection provisions associated with the warrants were removed, at which time the liabilities were revalued and reclassified to equity.
	As of December 31, 2013, the following warrants were outstanding:
	NUMBER OF		EXERCISE			WARRANT			TYPE OF EQUITY
	UNDERLYING		PRICE PER			EXPIRATION			SECURITY
	SHARES		SHARE			DATE
	2,006		$	5			Mar-16			Common Stock
	75,000		$	5			Feb-19			Common Stock
	75,000		$	5			November 2019			Common Stock
	157,500		$	5			Aug-20			Common Stock
	408,295		$	0.05			December 2019			Common Stock
	The warrants outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are all currently exercisable with weighted-average remaining lives of 5.99 and 6.89 years, respectively.
	Prior to the IPO, the Company recognized all of its outstanding warrants as liabilities on its balance sheet as they were subject to price protection provisions. The liability was revalued at each reporting period and changes in the fair value of the warrant liability were included as a component of Other income (expense), net. The initial recognition and subsequent changes in fair value of the warrant liability have no effect on the Company’s cash flows.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the value of the warrant liability:
	(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011		$	1,098
	Issuance of warrants in connection with 2012 Notes			728
	Change in fair value of warrant liability			630
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	2,456
	Issuance of warrants in connection with 2012 Notes			5,275
	Change in fair value of warrant liability			3,717
	Exercise of warrants			(4,888	)
	Reclassification of warrant liability to equity			(6,560	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	—
	The Company estimates the fair value of the warrants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model utilizing the fair value of underlying preferred and common stock. Black-Scholes has inherent limitations for use in the case of a warrant with a price protection provision, since the model is designed to be used when the inputs to the model are static throughout the life of a security. Management concluded, under the Company’s facts and circumstances, that the estimated fair values of the warrants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model approximates, in all material respects, the values determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The estimates in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the Monte Carlo valuation model are based, in part, on assumptions, including but not limited to stock price volatility, the expected life of the warrants, the risk free rate and the fair value of the equity stock underlying the warrants.
	Key assumptions utilized in the fair value calculation as of October 30, 2013, the IPO closing date, and December 31, 2012 and 2011 appear in the table below. The volatility of comparable companies was more stable in 2012 than in 2011, resulting in a lower volatility assumption in 2012 when compared to that in 2011.
						DECEMBER 31,
			OCTOBER 30, 2013			2012			2011
	Expected term (years)			5.32-6.84			6.13-7.66			7.13-8.65
	Volatility			65	%		60	%		108.74	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.51%-2.00	%		0.98%-1.31	%		1.37%-1.64	%
	Dividend yield			0	%		0	%		0	%

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-based Compensation	'
	11	Stock-based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation expense for options granted, restricted stock, and stock purchase rights are reflected in the statement of operations as follows:
												PERIOD FROM
												INCEPTION
			YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,									(JUNE 22, 2005) TO
												DECEMBER 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2011			2013
	Research and development		$	222		$	89		$	41		$	400
	General and administrative			2,636			341			254			3,488
	Total		$	2,858		$	430		$	295		$	3,888
	Stock Option Plan
	The Company maintains two equity compensation plans, the 2005 Aerie Pharmaceutical Stock Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and the 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2013 Equity Plan” and, together with the 2005 Plan, the “Plans”). On July 13, 2005, the Company’s board of directors adopted and approved the 2005 Plan, which, as amended in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013, provides for the granting of up to 3,586,277 stock-based awards to employees, directors and consultants of the Company. The board of directors determines price, term and vesting conditions of all stock-based awards at their grant date. Absent a public market price for the Company’s common stock prior to completion of the IPO, the board of directors determined the estimated fair market value for the underlying common stock based on their appraisal of the Company’s fair value. Stock-based awards vest over variable periods, generally ranging from one to five years, and expire not more than ten years after the date of grant. On October 30, 2013, the effective date of the 2013 Equity Plan, the 2005 Plan was frozen and no additional awards will be made under the 2005 Plan. Any shares remaining available for future grant under the 2005 Plan were allocated to the 2013 Equity Plan. The 2013 Equity Plan provides for the granting of up to 3,229,068 equity awards for common stock of the Company. As of December 31, 2013, no grants have been made under the 2013 Equity Plan.
	The following table summarizes the stock option activity under the Plans:
			NUMBER OF			WEIGHTED AVERAGE
			SHARES			EXERCISE PRICE
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2010			700,816		$	0.3865
	Granted			494,356			0.2195
	Exercised			(27,297	)		0.439
	Cancelled			(15,681	)		0.324
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2011			1,152,194		$	0.3145
	Granted			575,200			1.447
	Exercised			(12,907	)		0.387
	Cancelled			(160,287	)		0.231
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012			1,554,200		$	1.389
	Granted			2,009,551			3.1121
	Exercised			(3,195	)		0.3722
	Cancelled			(370,896	)		1.3844
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013			3,189,660		$	2.1634
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,044,933		$	0.6254
	The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $9,000, $10,000 and $28,000, respectively. Intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the fair value of the common stock for which the options were exercised.
	The following table provides additional information about the Company’s stock options that are outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013:
	EXERCISE		OPTIONS			WEIGHTED			AGGREGATE			WEIGHTED		OPTIONS		WEIGHTED		AGGREGATE
	PRICE		OUTSTANDING			AVERAGE			INTRINSIC			AVERAGE		EXERCISABLE		AVERAGE		INTRINSIC
						EXERCISE			VALUE			REMAINING				EXERCISE		VALUE
						PRICE						CONTRACTUAL				PRICE
												LIFE (YEARS)
									(000’s)									(000’s)
	$0.01			46,668									1.6		46,668
	0.395			73,601									4.1		73,601
	0.405			465,813									5.9		465,813
	0.440			2,400									4.5		2,400
	0.500			58,651									1.9		58,651
	0.195			236,775									7.3		179,720
	0.305			67,600									7.9		36,630
	1.435			154,000									8		73,791
	1.470			74,600									8.3		45,000
	2.900			304,800									9.2		43,325
	3.150			1,704,752									9.7		19,334
				3,189,660		$	2.1634		$	50,386					1,044,933	$	0.6254	$	18,113
	(A)	345,000 options that were issued on October 15, 2012 were cancelled on March 21, 2013, and were concurrently replaced with 174,939 options and 371,034 shares of restricted stock.
	The following table provides additional information about the Company’s stock options that are outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012:
	EXERCISE		OPTIONS			WEIGHTED			AGGREGATE			WEIGHTED		OPTIONS		WEIGHTED		AGGREGATE
	PRICE		OUTSTANDING			AVERAGE			INTRINSIC			AVERAGE		EXERCISABLE		AVERAGE		INTRINSIC
						EXERCISE			VALUE			REMAINING				EXERCISE		VALUE
						PRICE						CONTRACTUAL				PRICE
												LIFE (YEARS)
									(000’s)									(000’s)
	$0.01			46,668									2.6		46,668
	0.395			77,201									5.1		77,201
	0.405			467,151									6.9		385,627
	0.440			2,400									5.9		2,400
	0.500			56,651									2.8		56,651
	0.195			262,129									8.3		114,699
0.305			67,600									8.9		19,700
1.435			154,000									9		38,500
1.470			420,400									9.4		35,988
			1,554,200		$	1.389		$	2,348					777,434	$	0.4915	$	1,872
(A)	345,000 options that were issued on October 15, 2012 were cancelled on March 21, 2013, and were concurrently replaced with 174,939 options and 371,034 shares of restricted stock.
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $13.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share options granted under the Plans. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.2 years as of December 31, 2013. The weighted average remaining contractual life on all outstanding options as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was 8.4 and 5.7 years, respectively.
The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the estimated fair market value and the exercise price per share of the stock options. The estimated fair market value per share of common stock as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $17.96 and $2.90, respectively.
The estimated fair value of options granted is determined on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Options granted to non-employees are revalued at each financial reporting period until required service is performed.
Key assumptions utilized in the fair value calculation for the underlying common stock as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and 2011 appear on the table below. The volatility of comparable companies was more stable in 2012 than in 2011, resulting in a lower volatility assumption in 2012 when compared to that in 2011.
		YEAR ENDED
		DECEMBER 31,
		2013			2012			2011
Expected term (years)			6.25			6.25			6.25
Expected stock price volatility			79.2	%		60	%		126.9	%
Risk-free interest rate			1.78	%		1.05	%		1.15	%
Dividend yield			0	%		0	%		0	%
The Company utilized the guidance set forth in the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 107, Share-Based Payment (“SAB 107”), to determine the expected term of options. The Company utilized the simplified method as prescribed by SAB 107, as it does not have sufficient historical exercise and post vesting termination data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected term of stock options granted to employees. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yields of U.S. Treasury securities with maturities similar to the expected time to liquidity.
Volatility is based on historical volatility of several public entities that are similar to the Company as the Company does not have sufficient historical transactions of its own shares on which to base expected volatility. This peer group of companies utilized in 2013 remained consistent with that of 2012. The expected stock price volatility changed from 2011 to 2012 as a result of a change in this group of representative companies as some of the member companies in the historical group ceased to exist. Other than a one-time dividend in October 2012 related to the spin-off of certain non-core intellectual property rights (Note 13), the Company has not historically issued any dividends and does not expect to in the foreseeable future.
In the context of its IPO, the Company determined that the probability of the conversion of preferred stock into common stock, based on the consent from the holders of the requisite number of preferred shares, was high as of September 30, 2013. As a result, the allocation of the determined equity value assumed conversion of all preferred stock into common stock. For financial reporting purposes, based on recommendations from management and taking into account advice and assistance provided by third-party valuation consultants engaged to assist in such valuations, the Company’s board of directors determined that the fair value of its common stock for all equity transactions during the quarter ended September 30, 2013 and up to our IPO was equal to the IPO price of $10.00.
Restricted Common Stock
On March 21, 2013, concurrent with the cancellation of 345,000 stock options, the Company issued 371,034 shares of restricted stock to an employee. The vesting of these awards is time-based with terms of two to four years. These restricted stock awards are subject to repurchase, such that the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to repurchase unvested shares upon the employee’s termination. As of December 31, 2013, 246,068 shares of restricted stock awards were unvested and subject to repurchase.
Compensation expense related to these restricted stock awards is based on the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and is expensed on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the vesting period. The weighted average remaining contractual term for restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2013 was 2.0 years. Compensation expense related to restricted stock awards for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $346,000 and was included in general and administrative expense. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $ 632,000 and $0, respectively, of unrecognized compensation expense, related to unvested restricted stock awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years as of December 31, 2013.
Stock Purchase Rights
On October 30, 2013, the Company’s 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”) became effective (Note 14). Compensation expense for stock purchase rights under the Purchase Plan is measured and recognized on the date that the Company becomes contingently obligated to issue shares of common stock and is based on the difference between the fair value of the Company’s common stock and the purchase price on such date. Compensation expense related to stock purchase rights for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $66,000.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	12	Commitments and Contingencies
	Lease Commitment Summary
	The following table presents future minimum commitments of the Company due under non-cancelable operating leases with original or remaining terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2013.
	Minimum lease payments were as follows at December 31, 2013:
	(in thousands)
	2014		$	311
	2015			243
	2016			135
	2017			139
	2018			82
	2019 and thereafter			—
	Total minimum lease payments		$	910
	Rent expense was $403,000, $333,000, $210,000 and $1.8 million for 2013, 2012, 2011 and the period from inception (June 22, 2005) to December 31, 2013, respectively, and is reflected in General and administrative expenses.
	Litigation
	The Company is not party to any known litigation, is not aware of any unasserted claims and does not have contingency reserves established for any litigation liabilities.
	Contract Service Providers
	In the course of the Company’s normal business operations, it has agreements with contract service providers to assist in the performance of its research and development, clinical research and manufacturing. Substantially all of these contracts are on an as needed basis.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related-Party Transactions	'
	13	Related-Party Transactions
	Prior to their conversion into common stock in connection with the IPO (Note 6), the 2012 Notes were due to holders of the Company’s convertible preferred stock. Interest expense on those obligations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $588,000 and $16,000, respectively.
	In October 2012, the Company formed Novaer Holding, Inc. (“Novaer”), a wholly-owned entity, and contributed certain non-core, non-competitive intellectual property, including an exclusive license for Aerie’s intellectual property for non-ophthalmic indications, and $0.1 million in cash for initial funding. The Board of Directors declared a dividend and distributed 100% of Novaer’s equity interests to Aerie’s stockholders and warrant holders of record as of September 6, 2012. The book value of the non-core intellectual property was $0. The cash included in the transaction was recorded as a $0.1 million cash dividend. Following this spin-off, Novaer is an independent company. Aerie does not own an equity interest and has no significant influence by contract or other means. In addition, Aerie does not retain any rights or obligations and has no share in profits or earnings. On September 6, 2013, the Company terminated its agreement to exclusively license to Novaer its intellectual property for non-ophthalmic indications. No consideration, or future obligation thereof, was exchanged in connection with this termination. As of December 31, 2013, the Company owns all of the worldwide rights to its current product candidates for all indications, both ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and for the period from inception (June 22, 2005) to December 31, 2013, the respective amounts of approximately $190,000, $34,000, $4,000 and $422,000 were paid to board members, some of whom served as consultants of the Company through consulting agreements containing arm’s-length terms typical of agreements entered into with unaffiliated third parties.

Benefit_Plan

Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]	'
Benefit Plan	'
	14	Benefit Plan
	401 (k) Plan
	The Company has adopted a 401(k) deferred compensation plan. Eligible employees meeting the participant criteria may contribute up to the statutory limitation ($17,500 for 2013 and $17,000 for 2012). The Company may contribute a discretionary match if it elects to do so. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and the period from inception (June 22, 2005) to December 31, 2013, the Company contributed $0 as a matching contribution to the plan.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	On October 30, 2013, the Company adopted the Purchase Plan under which substantially all employees may purchase the Company’s common stock through payroll deductions and lump sum contributions at a price equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market values of the stock as of the beginning or the end of the offering periods. Employees may not purchase more than $25,000 of stock during any calendar year. As of December 31, 2013, approximately 645,814 shares were reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	15	Subsequent Events
	In January 2014, the Company participated in the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s sponsored Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program to transfer $2.4 million in state tax benefits to unrelated profitable businesses with operations in the state of New Jersey. The Company received net proceeds of $2.3 million from the transfer.
	On March 13, 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors authorized common stock option grants to the officers of the Company in the aggregate amount of 751,000. These options have an exercise price of $20.70 per share, a term of ten years and are subject to vesting conditions over a four-year period. The aggregate fair value of these option grants was $11.1 million.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Selected Quarterly Financial Data	'
	16	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of future quarterly results and, accordingly, period to period comparisons should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
			FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
	(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)		DECEMBER 31,			SEPTEMBER 30,			JUNE 30,			MARCH 31,
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Operating expenses		$	(6,750	)	$	(5,686	)	$	(5,113	)	$	(4,621	)
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders		$	(10,319	)	$	(10,887	)	$	(6,465	)	$	(3,927	)
	Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted		$	(0.62	)	$	(10.81	)	$	(6.59	)	$	(4.07	)
			DECEMBER 31,			SEPTEMBER 30,			JUNE 30,			MARCH 31,
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Operating expenses		$	(3,287	)	$	(2,789	)	$	(4,443	)	$	(3,774	)
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders		$	(3,804	)	$	(3,730	)	$	(4,528	)	$	(3,587	)
	Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted		$	(4.01	)	$	(3.87	)	$	(4.75	)	$	(3.77	)

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the valuation of stock options and warrants and operating expense accruals. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company views its operations and manages its business in one operating segment. All operations are located in the United States.
Reverse Stock Split	'
	Reverse Stock Split
	The Company effected a 1-for-5 reverse stock split on October 8, 2013. Accordingly, all share and per share amounts for all preceding periods presented in these financial statements and notes thereto, have been adjusted retroactively to reflect this reverse stock split, including reclassifying an amount equal to the reduction in par value to additional paid-in capital.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with an original term of three months or less at the date of purchase. Cash deposits are in three financial institutions in the United States.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company’s cash and cash equivalent balances with financial institutions exceed the $250,000 amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Deferred Financing Costs	'
	Deferred Financing Costs
	Financing costs incurred in connection with the Company’s related party notes were capitalized at the inception of the notes and amortized over the appropriate expected life based on the terms of the respective note. Financing costs incurred in connection with the Company’s Series A and B Convertible Preferred Stock offerings were recorded as a reduction to the underlying equity instrument’s carrying value and recorded in stockholders’ equity (deficit). Financing costs associated with the Company’s IPO include only those specific incremental costs directly attributable to the IPO, such as legal, accounting, printing, and filing fees. The deferred financing costs were offset against the IPO proceeds within stockholders’ equity (deficit) upon the completion of the offering in October 2013.
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net	'
	Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment is recorded at historical cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred. Upon retirement or sale, the cost of the assets disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is included in the determination of net income.
Research and Development Costs	'
	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and include, but are not limited to:
		•		Employee-related expenses including salaries, benefits, travel and stock-based compensation expense for research and development personnel;
		•		expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, contract manufacturing organizations and consultants that conduct clinical and preclinical studies;
		•		costs associated with preclinical and development activities;
		•		costs associated with regulatory operations; and
		•		depreciation expense for assets used in research and development activities.
	Costs for certain development activities, such as clinical studies, are recognized based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using data such as patient enrollment, clinical site activations, or information provided to the Company by its vendors on their actual costs incurred. Payments for these activities are based on the terms of the individual arrangements, which may differ from the patterns of costs incurred, and are reflected in the financial statements as prepaid or accrued expense, which are reported in accounts payable and other current liabilities (Note 5). No material adjustments to these estimates have been recorded in these financial statements.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Compensation cost of stock-based awards granted to employees is measured at grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award. The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense for options granted to non-employees is determined as the fair value of consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measured. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Stock-based compensation costs are expensed on a straight-line basis (net of estimated forfeitures) over the relevant vesting period. The fair value of awards granted to non-employees is re-measured each period until the related service is complete. Compensation expense for employee stock purchase plan rights (“stock purchase rights”) is measured and recognized on the date that the Company becomes contingently obligated to issue shares of common stock and is based on the difference between the fair value of the Company’s common stock and the purchase price on such date. All stock-based compensation costs are recorded between general and administrative and research and development costs in the statements of operations based upon the underlying employees roles within the Company. No related tax benefits of the stock-based compensation have been recognized.
Debt Discount	'
	Debt Discount
	The Company follows the authoritative guidance for accounting for debt discount and valuation of detachable warrants. The value of detachable warrants issued is recognized in conjunction with issuance of the convertible notes. The Company values the warrants at the estimated fair value. The fair value of the warrants is recorded as a discount against the related debt obligation. Debt discounts attributed to the value of the warrants is amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the underlying debt obligation and reflected in Other income (expense), net.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company records certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 820 on fair value measurements. As defined in the guidance, fair value, defined as an exit price, represents the amount that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As a result, fair value is a market-based approach that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. As a basis for considering these assumptions, the guidance defines a three-tier value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value.
		•		Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active, accessible markets for identical assets or liabilities.
		•		Level 2—Other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
		•		Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.
	The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
	The Company’s material financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, long-term debt and stock purchase warrants liability. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their respective carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has determined its stock purchase warrants liability to be Level 3 fair value measurement. As of December 31, 2013, all outstanding warrants are classified as equity and are recorded within additional paid-in capital on the balance sheet (Note 10).
Stock Purchase Warrants	'
	Stock Purchase Warrants
	The Company accounts for its stock purchase warrants as either equity or liabilities based upon the characteristics and provisions of the underlying instruments. Warrants classified as equity are recorded as additional paid-in capital on the balance sheet and no further adjustments are made to their valuation. Warrants classified as liabilities are recorded at their fair value on the date of issuance and are re-measured on each subsequent balance sheet date until the earlier of the exercise or expiration of the applicable warrants or until such time that the warrants are no longer determined to be derivative instruments. The fair value changes are recognized as income (decreases in fair value) or expense (increases in fair value) in Other income (expense), net in the statements of operations and comprehensive loss. The fair value of these liabilities is estimated using the Black-Scholes method, which, under the Company’s facts and circumstances, approximates, in all material respects, the values determined when using a Monte Carlo simulation.
Comprehensive Loss	'
	Comprehensive Loss
	Comprehensive loss consists of net income or loss and changes in equity during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances generated from non-owner sources. The Company’s comprehensive loss is equal to its net loss for all periods presented.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets or liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, using enacted rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
Tax Valuation Allowance	'
	Tax Valuation Allowance
	A valuation allowance is recorded if it is more likely than not that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company has provided a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets that primarily consist of cumulative net operating losses of $91.7 million for the period from inception (June 22, 2005) to December 31, 2013. Due to its three year cumulative loss position, history of operating losses and losses expected to be incurred in the foreseeable future, a full valuation allowance was considered necessary (Note 7).
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2013-11 which is an amendment to the accounting guidance on income taxes. This guidance provides clarification on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The amendment will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02 Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires that public and non-public companies present information about reclassification adjustments for accumulated other comprehensive income in their annual financial statement in a note or on the face of the financial statements. Public companies are also required to provide this information in interim financial statements. The new disclosure requirements are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of the provisions of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position as the Company’s net income is equal to its comprehensive income.
	In June 2011, the FASB issued amended guidance intended to increase the prominence of items reported on other comprehensive income (loss). This amended guidance requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity (deficit) be presented in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income (loss) or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amended guidance became effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company has applied this guidance beginning with its financial information for the year ended December 31, 2012. This amended guidance affects presentation, but does not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.
Net Loss per Share Attributable to Common Stock	'
	Net Loss per Share Attributable to Common Stock
	Basic net loss per share attributable to common stock (“Basic EPS”) is calculated by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities with the exception of warrants for common stock with a $0.05 exercise, which are exercisable for nominal consideration, and shares that are unequivocally issuable under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan and are therefore included in the calculation of the weighted-average number of shares of common stock as common stock equivalents. Net loss attributable to common stockholders is calculated by adjusting the Company’s net loss for accretion on convertible preferred stock (Note 8). Diluted net loss per share attributable to common stock (“Diluted EPS”) gives effect to all dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during this period. For Diluted EPS, net loss attributable to common stockholders used in calculating Basic EPS is adjusted for certain items related to the dilutive securities.
	For all periods presented, the Company’s potential common stock equivalents, which include convertible preferred stock, stock options, notes payable to related parties and certain stock purchase warrants, have been excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS as their inclusion would have the effect of reducing the net loss per share of common stock. Therefore, the denominator used to calculate Basic EPS and Diluted EPS is the same in all periods presented.
	The Company’s potential common stock equivalents that have been excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS for all periods presented because of their antidilutive effect consist of the following:
			DECEMBER 31,
			2013		2012		2011
	Convertible preferred stock			—		12,120,531		12,120,531
	Outstanding stock options			3,189,660		1,554,200		1,152,194
	Notes and interest payable to related parties(1)		$	—	$	3,016,000	$	—
	Stock purchase warrants			309,506		595,869		459,506
	Restricted common stock awards			246,068		—		—
	(1)	The 2012 Notes and accrued interest thereon were converted into 1,860,363 shares of common stock in connection with the completion of the Company’s IPO (Note 6).

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Computation of Diluted EPS	'
	The Company’s potential common stock equivalents that have been excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS for all periods presented because of their antidilutive effect consist of the following:
			DECEMBER 31,
			2013		2012		2011
	Convertible preferred stock			—		12,120,531		12,120,531
	Outstanding stock options			3,189,660		1,554,200		1,152,194
	Notes and interest payable to related parties(1)		$	—	$	3,016,000	$	—
	Stock purchase warrants			309,506		595,869		459,506
	Restricted common stock awards			246,068		—		—
	(1)	The 2012 Notes and accrued interest thereon were converted into 1,860,363 shares of common stock in connection with the completion of the Company’s IPO (Note 6).

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Table

Other Income (Expense), Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Income (Expense), Net	'
	Other income (expense), net consist of the following:
			YEAR ENDED									PERIOD FROM
			DECEMBER 31,									INCEPTION
												(JUNE 22,
												2005) TO
												DECEMBER 31,
			2013			2012			2011			2013
	Interest expense		$	(3,795	)	$	(75	)	$	(109	)	$	(6,329	)
	(Loss)/gain on conversion of notes payable to related parties (Note 6)			(2,737	)		—			821			(1,916	)
	Sale of New Jersey state tax benefit			1,268			—			—			1,268
	(Expense)/income due to change in fair value measurements(1)			(3,717	)		(630	)		498			(3,718	)
	Other income, net			3			20			39			975
			$	(8,978	)	$	(685	)	$	1,249		$	(9,720	)
	(1)	Includes change in fair value of warrant liabilities and change in fair value of a certain conversion feature related to the 2012 Notes that was determined to be an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation and separate accounting. See Note 10 and Note 6, respectively.

Furniture_Fixtures_and_Equipme1

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net	'
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment, net consist of the following:
	(in thousands)	ESTIMATED		DECEMBER 31,
		USEFUL LIVES
		(YEARS)		2013			2012
	Laboratory equipment		7	$	789		$	782
	Software and computer equipment		3		142			118
	Furniture and fixtures		5		151			119
					1,082			1,019
	Less: Accumulated depreciation				(950	)		(886	)
				$	132		$	133

Accounts_Payable_Other_Current1

Accounts Payable & Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'
Summary of Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	'
	Accounts payable and other current liabilities consist of the following:
			DECEMBER 31,
	(in thousands)		2013		2012
	Accounts payable		$	1,442	$	174
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities:
	Employee benefits and compensation related accruals(1)			966		400
	General and administrative related accruals			411		364
	Research and development related accruals			663		499
			$	3,482	$	1,437
	(1)	Comprised of accrued bonus, accrued vacation, accrued severance liabilities, and liabilities under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Components of Company's Net Deferred Income Tax Assets	'
	Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income tax assets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of the following:
		DECEMBER 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Net deferred tax assets:
	Tax loss carry-forwards	$	35,428		$	24,365
	Other assets		1,742			1,787
	Research and development credits		556			400
	Other liabilities		(782	)		(698	)
	Valuation allowance		(36,944	)		(25,854	)
	Total net deferred income taxes	$	—		$	—
Reconciliation of U.S. Statutory Rate and Effective Tax Rate	'
	A reconciliation of the statutory tax rates and the effective tax rates for the years ended December 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
		YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	U.S. federal tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State tax rate		5.36	%		5.17	%		5.17	%
	Other		(0.03	)%		(0.02	)%		(0.01	)%
	Valuation allowance		(40.33	)%		(40.15	)%		(40.16	)%
	Effective tax rate		0	%		0	%		0	%

Stock_Purchase_Warrants_Tables

Stock Purchase Warrants (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Warrants Outstanding	'
	As of December 31, 2013, the following warrants were outstanding:
	NUMBER OF	EXERCISE			WARRANT			TYPE OF EQUITY
	UNDERLYING	PRICE PER			EXPIRATION			SECURITY
	SHARES	SHARE			DATE
	2,006	$	5			Mar-16			Common Stock
	75,000	$	5			Feb-19			Common Stock
	75,000	$	5			November 2019			Common Stock
	157,500	$	5			Aug-20			Common Stock
	408,295	$	0.05			December 2019			Common Stock
Schedule of Warrant Liability	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in the value of the warrant liability:
	(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	1,098
	Issuance of warrants in connection with 2012 Notes		728
	Change in fair value of warrant liability		630
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,456
	Issuance of warrants in connection with 2012 Notes		5,275
	Change in fair value of warrant liability		3,717
	Exercise of warrants		(4,888	)
	Reclassification of warrant liability to equity		(6,560	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	—
Schedule of Key Assumptions Utilized in Fair Value Calculation	'
	Key assumptions utilized in the fair value calculation as of October 30, 2013, the IPO closing date, and December 31, 2012 and 2011 appear in the table below. The volatility of comparable companies was more stable in 2012 than in 2011, resulting in a lower volatility assumption in 2012 when compared to that in 2011.
					DECEMBER 31,
		OCTOBER 30, 2013			2012			2011
	Expected term (years)		5.32-6.84			6.13-7.66			7.13-8.65
	Volatility		65	%		60	%		108.74	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.51%-2.00	%		0.98%-1.31	%		1.37%-1.64	%
	Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%

Stockbased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation Expense for Options Granted and Restricted Stock as Reflected in the Statement of Operations	'
	Stock-based compensation expense for options granted, restricted stock, and stock purchase rights are reflected in the statement of operations as follows:
												PERIOD FROM
												INCEPTION
			YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,									(JUNE 22, 2005) TO
												DECEMBER 31,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2011			2013
	Research and development		$	222		$	89		$	41		$	400
	General and administrative			2,636			341			254			3,488
	Total		$	2,858		$	430		$	295		$	3,888
Schedule of Stock Options Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the stock option activity under the Plans:
			NUMBER OF			WEIGHTED AVERAGE
			SHARES			EXERCISE PRICE
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2010			700,816		$	0.3865
	Granted			494,356			0.2195
	Exercised			(27,297	)		0.439
	Cancelled			(15,681	)		0.324
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2011			1,152,194		$	0.3145
	Granted			575,200			1.447
	Exercised			(12,907	)		0.387
	Cancelled			(160,287	)		0.231
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012			1,554,200		$	1.389
	Granted			2,009,551			3.1121
	Exercised			(3,195	)		0.3722
	Cancelled			(370,896	)		1.3844
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013			3,189,660		$	2.1634
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013			1,044,933		$	0.6254
Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable Option Plans	'
	The following table provides additional information about the Company’s stock options that are outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013:
	EXERCISE		OPTIONS			WEIGHTED			AGGREGATE			WEIGHTED		OPTIONS		WEIGHTED		AGGREGATE
	PRICE		OUTSTANDING			AVERAGE			INTRINSIC			AVERAGE		EXERCISABLE		AVERAGE		INTRINSIC
						EXERCISE			VALUE			REMAINING				EXERCISE		VALUE
						PRICE						CONTRACTUAL				PRICE
												LIFE (YEARS)
									(000’s)									(000’s)
	$0.01			46,668									1.6		46,668
	0.395			73,601									4.1		73,601
	0.405			465,813									5.9		465,813
	0.440			2,400									4.5		2,400
	0.500			58,651									1.9		58,651
	0.195			236,775									7.3		179,720
	0.305			67,600									7.9		36,630
	1.435			154,000									8		73,791
	1.470			74,600									8.3		45,000
	2.900			304,800									9.2		43,325
	3.150			1,704,752									9.7		19,334
				3,189,660		$	2.1634		$	50,386					1,044,933	$	0.6254	$	18,113
	(A)	345,000 options that were issued on October 15, 2012 were cancelled on March 21, 2013, and were concurrently replaced with 174,939 options and 371,034 shares of restricted stock.
	The following table provides additional information about the Company’s stock options that are outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2012:
	EXERCISE		OPTIONS			WEIGHTED			AGGREGATE			WEIGHTED		OPTIONS		WEIGHTED		AGGREGATE
	PRICE		OUTSTANDING			AVERAGE			INTRINSIC			AVERAGE		EXERCISABLE		AVERAGE		INTRINSIC
						EXERCISE			VALUE			REMAINING				EXERCISE		VALUE
						PRICE						CONTRACTUAL				PRICE
												LIFE (YEARS)
									(000’s)									(000’s)
	$0.01			46,668									2.6		46,668
	0.395			77,201									5.1		77,201
	0.405			467,151									6.9		385,627
	0.440			2,400									5.9		2,400
	0.500			56,651									2.8		56,651
	0.195			262,129									8.3		114,699
	0.305			67,600									8.9		19,700
	1.435			154,000									9		38,500
	1.470			420,400									9.4		35,988
				1,554,200		$	1.389		$	2,348					777,434	$	0.4915	$	1,872
	(A)	345,000 options that were issued on October 15, 2012 were cancelled on March 21, 2013, and were concurrently replaced with 174,939 options and 371,034 shares of restricted stock.
Schedule of Key Assumptions Utilized in Fair Value Calculation	'
	Key assumptions utilized in the fair value calculation for the underlying common stock as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and 2011 appear on the table below. The volatility of comparable companies was more stable in 2012 than in 2011, resulting in a lower volatility assumption in 2012 when compared to that in 2011.
			YEAR ENDED
			DECEMBER 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Expected term (years)			6.25			6.25			6.25
	Expected stock price volatility			79.2	%		60	%		126.9	%
	Risk-free interest rate			1.78	%		1.05	%		1.15	%
	Dividend yield			0	%		0	%		0	%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments	'
	Minimum lease payments were as follows at December 31, 2013:
	(in thousands)
	2014	$	311
	2015		243
	2016		135
	2017		139
	2018		82
	2019 and thereafter		—
	Total minimum lease payments	$	910

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	The following table presents selected unaudited quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of future quarterly results and, accordingly, period to period comparisons should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
		FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
	(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	DECEMBER 31,			SEPTEMBER 30,			JUNE 30,			MARCH 31,
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Operating expenses	$	(6,750	)	$	(5,686	)	$	(5,113	)	$	(4,621	)
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(10,319	)	$	(10,887	)	$	(6,465	)	$	(3,927	)
	Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted	$	(0.62	)	$	(10.81	)	$	(6.59	)	$	(4.07	)
		DECEMBER 31,			SEPTEMBER 30,			JUNE 30,			MARCH 31,
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Operating expenses	$	(3,287	)	$	(2,789	)	$	(4,443	)	$	(3,774	)
	Net loss attributable to common stockholders	$	(3,804	)	$	(3,730	)	$	(4,528	)	$	(3,587	)
	Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders—basic and diluted	$	(4.01	)	$	(3.87	)	$	(4.75	)	$	(3.77	)

The_Company_Additional_Informa

The Company - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

102 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2005

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2007

Dec. 31, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Organization And Nature Of Business [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash flows used in operating activities

'

'

'

($16,448)

($14,968)

($11,998)

'

'

'

'

'

($75,311)

Cumulative net losses

'

'

-766

-31,148

-14,978

-12,967

-8,528

-7,998

-7,795

-6,668

-4,078

-94,936

Common stock initial public offering

7,728,000

7,728,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Public offering price of the shares sold

$10

$10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds from initial public offering

68,300

68,300

'

71,870

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

71,870

Underwriting discounts and commissions

5,400

5,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expenses for initial public offering

$3,600

$3,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Offering Underwriter Over-Allotments Option [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Organization And Nature Of Business [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock initial public offering

1,008,000

1,008,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Financial_Institution
	Segment
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Number of operating segments	1
Reverse stock split ratio	'1-for-5
Number of financial institutions	3
Cash equivalents maturity period	'3 months
Amount insured by FDIC	$250,000
Tax benefits recognized for stock-based compensation	'
Net operating loss carry-forwards	$91,700,000
Warrants exercise price	0.05

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Computation of Diluted EPS (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes and interest payable to related parties	'	$3,016,000	'
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Potential common stock equivalents excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share	'	12,120,531	12,120,531
Outstanding Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Potential common stock equivalents excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share	3,189,660	1,554,200	1,152,194
Stock Purchase Warrants [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Potential common stock equivalents excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share	309,506	595,869	459,506
Unvested Restricted Common Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Potential common stock equivalents excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share	246,068	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Computation of Diluted EPS (Parenthetical) (Detail)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Common shares issued on conversion of 2012 Notes and accrued interest	1,860,363	1,860,363

Other_Income_Expense_Net_Sched

Other Income (Expense), Net - Schedule of Other Income (Expense), Net (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			102 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	($3,795)	($75)	($109)	($6,329)
(Loss)/gain on conversion of notes payable to related parties (Note 6)	-2,737	'	821	-1,916
Sale of New Jersey state tax benefit	1,268	'	'	1,268
(Expense)/income due to change in fair value measurements	-3,717	-630	498	-3,718
Other income, net	3	20	39	975
Other income (expense), net	($8,978)	($685)	$1,249	($9,720)

Furniture_Fixtures_and_Equipme2

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net - Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$1,082	$1,019
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-950	-886
Property and equipment, net	132	133
Laboratory Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'7 years	'
Property and equipment, gross	789	782
Software and Computer Equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'3 years	'
Property and equipment, gross	142	118
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'5 years	'
Property and equipment, gross	$151	$119

Furniture_Fixtures_and_Equipme3

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			102 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Depreciation expense	$64	$138	$120	$950

Accounts_Payable_Other_Current2

Accounts Payable & Other Current Liabilities - Summary of Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts payable	$1,442	$174
Accrued expenses and other liabilities:	'	'
Employee benefits and compensation related accruals	966	400
General and administrative related accruals	411	364
Research and development related accruals	663	499
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$3,482	$1,437

Notes_Payable_Additional_Infor

Notes Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

102 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 23, 2011

Feb. 23, 2011

Oct. 30, 2013

Feb. 23, 2011

Dec. 07, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 09, 2013

23-May-13

Mar. 28, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 23, 2011

Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-4 [Member]

Other Income (Expense), Net [Member]

Initial Public Offer [Member]

2009 Notes [Member]

2012 Notes [Member]

2012 Notes [Member]

2012 Notes [Member]

2012 Notes [Member]

2012 Notes [Member]

2012 Notes [Member]

2012 Notes [Member]

2012 Notes [Member]

2012 Notes [Member]

2010 Notes [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-3 [Member]

Note

Initial Public Offer [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-4 [Member]

Short-term Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible preferred shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,195,895

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt conversion date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23-Feb-11

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible preferred stock, par value

'

$0.00

$0.00

'

$0.00

'

'

'

$5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss (Gain) on conversion of notes payable

'

($2,737,000)

'

$821,000

($1,916,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$2,700,000

'

Carrying value of Notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,900,000

Amortization of deferred charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

68,000

Unamortized debt discounts

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

669,000

2,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

425,000

Fair value of the convertible preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,100,000

Difference between carrying value of notes and the fair value of preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

821,000

Difference between stated and fair value of preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,400,000

Accrued interest

'

'

16,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

135,000

Accretion of debt discounts

'

'

'

'

'

'

55,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument accrued interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

54,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible notes authorized and available for sale

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

'

12,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible notes, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible notes, maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Sep-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of individual convertible notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible notes, aggregate principal balance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

4,500,000

4,500,000

3,000,000

'

'

Additional convertible notes authorized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

Aggregate convertible notes authorized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,000,000

'

'

'

'

Convertible notes, amendment maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Dec-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on restructuring of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate proceeds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Principal and accrued interest outstanding shares converted into common stock

1,860,363

1,860,363

'

'

'

'

'

1,860,363

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

conversion price of notes

$10

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of debt discounts and accrued interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,200,000

59,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of embedded derivative

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

$96,000

'

'

'

'

'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'	'	'
Increase in deferred income tax valuation allowance	$11.10	$6.10	$5.70
Reduction attributable to transfer of deferred state tax benefits to an unrelated third party	1.4	'	'
Net operating loss carry-forwards	91.7	'	'
Net operating loss and research and development tax credits carry-forwards, offset period	'Expire from 2024 through 2032	'	'
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]	'	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'	'	'
Federal research and development tax credit carryforward	0.6	'	'
U.S. Federal State and Local Tax [Member]	'	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'	'	'
Provision for U.S. federal or state income taxes	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Signif

Income Taxes - Summary of Significant Components of Company's Net Deferred Income Tax Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Net deferred tax assets:	'	'
Tax loss carry-forwards	$35,428	$24,365
Other assets	1,742	1,787
Research and development credits	556	400
Other liabilities	-782	-698
Valuation allowance	-36,944	-25,854
Total net deferred income taxes	'	'

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of U.S. Statutory Rate and Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
U.S. federal tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax rate	5.36%	5.17%	5.17%
Other	-0.03%	-0.02%	-0.01%
Valuation allowance	-40.33%	-40.15%	-40.16%
Effective tax rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Convertible_Preferred_Stock_Ad

Convertible Preferred Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

102 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

102 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

34 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2005

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2007

Dec. 31, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 07, 2012

Feb. 23, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 07, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 07, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 07, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 07, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 07, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 23, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Convertible Preferred Stock Series B [Member]

Series A-1 Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-1 Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-1 Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-2 Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-2 Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-2 Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-3 Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-3 Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-3 Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Series A-4 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Series B Preferred Stock [Member]

Series B Preferred Stock [Member]

Series B Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-4 [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-4 [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-4 [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-4 [Member]

Permanent And Temporary Equity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of preferred stock into common stock

12,120,531

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock

'

'

'

'

$25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

$45,000,000

'

$23,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock issuance costs

'

'

'

'

1,160,000

'

'

'

'

'

1,216,000

'

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, shares authorized

'

'

0

16,534,582

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

16,534,582

'

0

400,000

400,000

0

2,002,006

2,002,006

0

4,495,895

4,495,895

0

1,136,681

1,136,681

0

8,500,000

8,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accretion amount

'

2,000

210,000

258,000

215,000

12,000

11,000

11,000

10,000

10,000

739,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

210,000

258,000

215,000

739,000

'

'

'

'

Difference between stated and fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

Accretion amount

'

'

$240,000

$292,000

$243,000

'

'

'

'

'

$775,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$240,000

$292,000

$775,000

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

102 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 24, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Conversion Four [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Stock Offering Underwriter Over-Allotments Option [Member]

Stock Offering Underwriter Over-Allotments Option [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member]

Conversion One [Member]

Conversion One [Member]

Conversion Two [Member]

Conversion Three [Member]

Conversion Four [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares issued

7,728,000

7,728,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,008,000

1,008,000

'

'

Common stock, offering price per share

$10

$10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net proceeds from initial public offering

$68,300

$68,300

$71,870

'

$71,870

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Underwriting discounts and commissions

5,400

5,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expenses for initial public offering

3,600

3,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants exercise to purchase convertible preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

297,366

186,248

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion of convertible securities to common stock

12,120,531

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

297,366

'

186,248

12,120,531

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants to purchase common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

717,801

1,275,680

593,863

'

'

'

'

717,801

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, aggregate principal amount

$18,000

'

'

$16,069

$17,364

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, interest rate

8.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt conversion, shares issued

1,860,363

'

1,860,363

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt conversion, conversion price per share

$10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, maturity date

31-Dec-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

645,814

3,229,068

Common stock, shares authorized

150,000,000

'

150,000,000

'

150,000,000

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, par value

$0.00

'

$0.00

'

$0.00

$0.00

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in preferred stock

15,000,000

'

15,000,000

'

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, par value

$0.00

'

$0.00

'

$0.00

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Purchase_Warrants_Additi

Stock Purchase Warrants - Additional Information (Detail)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Oct. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2006

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 24, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Conversion Four [Member]

Two Thousand Six Warrants [Member]

Two Thousand Nine Warrants [Member]

Two Thousand Ten Warrants [Member]

Two Thousand Twelve Warrants [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock Series A-2 [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]

Conversion One [Member]

Conversion One [Member]

Conversion Two [Member]

Conversion Four [Member]

Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares of convertible preferred stock into which the warrants may be converted

'

'

'

717,801

'

'

'

'

2,006

1,275,680

593,863

'

'

'

717,801

Term of warrant

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'10 years

'10 years

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants exercise to purchase convertible preferred stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

297,366

186,248

'

Conversion of convertible securities to common stock

12,120,531

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

297,366

'

186,248

'

Weighted average remaining lives

'

'5 years 11 months 27 days

'6 years 10 months 21 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Purchase_Warrants_Schedu

Stock Purchase Warrants - Schedule of Warrants Outstanding (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE	0.05
March 2016 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
NUMBER OF UNDERLYING SHARES	2,006
EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE	5
WARRANT EXPIRATION DATE	'2016-03
February 2019 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
NUMBER OF UNDERLYING SHARES	75,000
EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE	5
WARRANT EXPIRATION DATE	'2019-02
November 2019 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
NUMBER OF UNDERLYING SHARES	75,000
EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE	5
WARRANT EXPIRATION DATE	'2019-11
August 2020 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
NUMBER OF UNDERLYING SHARES	157,500
EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE	5
WARRANT EXPIRATION DATE	'2020-08
December 2019 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'
NUMBER OF UNDERLYING SHARES	408,295
EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE	0.05
WARRANT EXPIRATION DATE	'2019-12

Stock_Purchase_Warrants_Summar

Stock Purchase Warrants - Summary of Changes in Warrant Liability (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			102 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Changes In Fair Value Of Warrant Liability [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$2,456	$1,098	'	'
Change in fair value of warrant liability	3,717	630	-498	3,718
Exercise of warrants	-4,888	'	'	-4,888
Reclassification of warrant liability to equity	-6,560	'	'	-6,560
Ending balance	'	2,456	1,098	'
2012 Notes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule Of Changes In Fair Value Of Warrant Liability [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Issuance of warrants in connection with 2012 Notes	$5,275	$728	'	'

Stock_Purchase_Warrants_Schedu1

Stock Purchase Warrants - Schedule of Key Assumptions Utilized in Fair Value Calculation (Detail) (Convertible Preferred Stock Warrants [Member])	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'	'
Volatility	65.00%	60.00%	108.74%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected term (years)	'5 years 3 months 26 days	'6 years 1 month 17 days	'7 years 1 month 17 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.51%	0.98%	1.37%
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected term (years)	'6 years 10 months 2 days	'7 years 7 months 28 days	'8 years 7 months 24 days
Risk-free interest rate	2.00%	1.31%	1.64%

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb

Stock-based Compensation - Stock-based Compensation Expense for Options Granted and Restricted Stock as Reflected in the Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			102 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$2,858,000	$430,000	$295,000	$3,888,000
Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	222,000	89,000	41,000	400,000
General and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$2,636,000	$341,000	$254,000	$3,488,000

Stockbased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

102 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

102 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 21, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

General and Administrative [Member]

General and Administrative [Member]

General and Administrative [Member]

General and Administrative [Member]

2005 Aerie Pharmaceutical Stock Plan [Member]

2005 Aerie Pharmaceutical Stock Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member]

Two Thousand And Thirteen Omni Bus Incentive Plan [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Initial Public Offer [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

2005 Aerie Pharmaceutical Stock Plan [Member]

2005 Aerie Pharmaceutical Stock Plan [Member]

General and Administrative [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity awards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

645,814

3,229,068

'

'

3,586,277

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based awards, vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'4 years

Stock-based awards, expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock-based awards, shares granted

174,939

2,009,551

575,200

494,356

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised

'

$9,000

$10,000

$28,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,700,000

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Compensation cost, weighted average recognition period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 2 months 12 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'8 years 4 months 24 days

'5 years 8 months 12 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated fair value of common stock

'

$17.96

$2.90

'

$17.96

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of common stock

'

$0.00

$0.00

'

$0.00

$0.00

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$10

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options cancelled

345,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock, shares issued

371,034

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

371,034

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock, unvested shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

246,068

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock awards, weighted average remaining contractual term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

Stock-based compensation expense

'

$2,858,000

$430,000

$295,000

$3,888,000

'

$2,636,000

$341,000

$254,000

$3,488,000

'

'

$66,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$632,000

$0

$346,000

'

'

Stockbased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Options Activity (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding at December 31, 2010 , Number of Shares	'	1,554,200	1,152,194	700,816
Granted, Number of Shares	174,939	2,009,551	575,200	494,356
Exercised, Number of Shares	'	-3,195	-12,907	-27,297
Cancelled, Number of Shares	'	-370,896	-160,287	-15,681
Options outstanding at December 31, 2011, Number of Shares	'	3,189,660	1,554,200	1,152,194
Options outstanding at December 31, 2010, Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$1.39	$0.31	$0.39
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013 , Number of Shares	'	1,044,933	'	'
Granted ,Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$3.11	$1.45	$0.22
Exercised , Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$0.37	$0.39	$0.44
Cancelled ,Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$1.38	$0.23	$0.32
Options outstanding at December 31, 2011 ,Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$2.16	$1.39	$0.31
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013 ,Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	$0.63	'	'

Stockbased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable Option Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Options outstanding	3,189,660	1,554,200
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.16	$1.39
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$50,386	$2,348
Options Exercisable	1,044,933	777,434
Weighted Average Exercisable Price	$0.63	$0.49
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$18,113	$1,872
Exercise Price One [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$0.01	$0.01
Options outstanding	46,668	46,668
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'1 year 7 months 6 days	'2 years 7 months 6 days
Options Exercisable	46,668	46,668
Exercise Price Two [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$0.40	$0.40
Options outstanding	73,601	77,201
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 1 month 6 days	'5 years 1 month 6 days
Options Exercisable	73,601	77,201
Exercise Price Three [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$0.41	$0.41
Options outstanding	465,813	467,151
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'5 years 10 months 24 days	'6 years 10 months 24 days
Options Exercisable	465,813	385,627
Exercise Price Four [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$0.44	$0.44
Options outstanding	2,400	2,400
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 6 months	'5 years 10 months 24 days
Options Exercisable	2,400	2,400
Exercise Price Five [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$0.50	$0.50
Options outstanding	58,651	56,651
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'1 year 10 months 24 days	'2 years 9 months 18 days
Options Exercisable	58,651	56,651
Exercise Price Six [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$0.20	$0.20
Options outstanding	236,775	262,129
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 3 months 18 days	'8 years 3 months 18 days
Options Exercisable	179,720	114,699
Exercise Price Seven [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$0.31	$0.31
Options outstanding	67,600	67,600
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 10 months 24 days	'8 years 10 months 24 days
Options Exercisable	36,630	19,700
Exercise Price Eight [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$1.44	$1.44
Options outstanding	154,000	154,000
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years	'9 years
Options Exercisable	73,791	38,500
Exercise Price Nine [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$1.47	$1.47
Options outstanding	74,600	420,400
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 3 months 18 days	'9 years 4 months 24 days
Options Exercisable	45,000	35,988
Exercise Price Ten [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$2.90	'
Options outstanding	304,800	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'9 years 2 months 12 days	'
Options Exercisable	43,325	'
Exercise Price Eleven [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'
Exercise Price	$3.15	'
Options outstanding	1,704,752	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'9 years 8 months 12 days	'
Options Exercisable	19,334	'

Stockbased_Compensation_Schedu2

Stock-based Compensation - Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable Option Plans (Parenthetical) (Detail)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 21, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock options cancelled	345,000	'	'	'
Restricted stock, shares issued	371,034	'	'	'
Options, shares issued	174,939	2,009,551	575,200	494,356
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock, shares issued	371,034	'	'	'

Stockbased_Compensation_Schedu3

Stock-based Compensation - Schedule of Key Assumptions Utilized in Fair Value Calculation (Detail) (Stock Options [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected term (years)	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months
Expected stock price volatility	79.20%	60.00%	126.90%
Risk-free interest rate	1.78%	1.05%	1.15%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014	$311
2015	243
2016	135
2017	139
2018	82
2019 and thereafter	'
Total minimum lease payments	$910

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			102 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Rent expense	$403	$333	$210	$1,800

RelatedParty_Transactions_Addi

Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			102 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 30, 2012	Sep. 06, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 30, 2012	Sep. 06, 2012
					Novaer [Member]	Novaer [Member]	Novaer [Member]	Intellectual Property [Member]	Intellectual Property [Member]
								Novaer [Member]	Novaer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	$588,000	$16,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Related party description	'	'	'	'	'	'	'The Board of Directors declared a dividend and distributed 100% of Novaer's equity interests to Aerie's stockholders and warrant holders of record as of September 6, 2012.	'	'
Cash for initial funding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100,000	'
Book value of non-core intellectual property	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0
Cash dividend	'	130,000	'	'	100,000	'	'	'	'
Percentage of dividend distribution	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'
Agreement with related party, termination date	'	'	'	'	'	'	6-Sep-13	'	'
Payment made to board members	$190,000	$34,000	$4,000	$422,000	'	'	'	'	'

Benefit_Plan_Additional_Inform

Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			102 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
		401 (K) Plan [Member]	401 (K) Plan [Member]	401 (K) Plan [Member]	401 (K) Plan [Member]	Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employee contribution, statutory limitation	'	$17,500	$17,000	'	'	'	'
Company matching contribution	'	0	0	0	0	'	'
Purchase price of stock as a percentage of fair market value	'	'	'	'	'	85.00%	'
Maximum value of shares that can be purchased	$25,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares reserved for future issuance	'	'	'	'	'	'	645,814

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 21, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 13, 2014
					Subsequent Events [Member]	Subsequent Events [Member]
						Officer [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Transfer to state tax benefit	'	'	'	'	$2.40	'
Net proceeds from transfer of tax benefit	'	'	'	'	2.3	'
Common stock option grants	174,939	2,009,551	575,200	494,356	'	751,000
Option exercise price	'	$3.11	$1.45	$0.22	'	$20.70
Option term	'	'	'	'	'	'10 years
Option vesting period	'	'	'	'	'	'4 years
Aggregate fair value of option grants	'	'	'	'	'	$11.10

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data - Summary of Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			102 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses	($6,750)	($5,686)	($5,113)	($4,621)	($3,287)	($2,789)	($4,443)	($3,774)	($22,170)	($14,293)	($14,216)	($85,216)
Net loss attributable to common stockholders	($10,319)	($10,887)	($6,465)	($3,927)	($3,804)	($3,730)	($4,528)	($3,587)	($31,598)	($15,643)	($13,419)	'
Net loss per share attributable to common stockholders-basic and diluted	($0.62)	($10.81)	($6.59)	($4.07)	($4.01)	($3.87)	($4.75)	($3.77)	($6.38)	($16.39)	($14.50)	'