| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 29, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | AERIE PHARMACEUTICALS INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001337553 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36152 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-3109565 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4301 Emperor Boulevard |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Durham |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 27703 |
| City Area Code | (919) |
| Local Phone Number | 237-5300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | AERI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
