| Cover Page Cover Page | Sep. 09, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 9, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | PIERIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NV |
| Entity File Number | 001-37471 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 30-0784346 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 225 State Street, 9th Floor |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02109 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boston, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| City Area Code | 857 |
| Local Phone Number | 246-8998 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | PIRS |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001583648 |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2020 |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
