| Cover | Feb. 14, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 14, 2022 |
| Entity File Number | 1-10113 |
| Entity Registrant Name | ACURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000786947 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 11-0853640 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NY |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 616 N. North Court |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 120 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Palatine |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60067 |
| City Area Code | 847 |
| Local Phone Number | 705-7709 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | ACUR |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
