| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 30, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001598646 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Minerva Neurosciences, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36517 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-0784194 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1601 Trapelo |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Suite 286 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Waltham |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02451 |
| City Area Code | (617) |
| Local Phone Number | 600-7373 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | NERV |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
