| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 05, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001517022 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 5, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | AKEBIA THERAPEUTICS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36352 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-8756903 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 245 First Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Cambridge |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02142 |
| City Area Code | (617) |
| Local Phone Number | 871-2098 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.00001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | AKBA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
