| Document and Entity Information | Nov. 13, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Heron Therapeutics, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000818033 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-33221 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-2875566 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4242 Campus Point Court |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Diego |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92121 |
| City Area Code | (858) |
| Local Phone Number | 251-4400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | HRTX |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
