| Cover Page | Jun. 07, 2021 | May 06, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 14, 2021 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | Z4 | |
| Entity File Number | 001-36421 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-4129078 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | #1203-4464 Markham Street | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Victoria | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | BC | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | V8Z 7X8 | |
| City Area Code | 250 | |
| Local Phone Number | 708-4272 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares, without par value | |
| Trading Symbol | AUPH | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001600620 | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
