Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (223,359)	$ (35,603)	$ 11,058
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	19,759	(12,901)
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax			(45)
Reclassification of net losses to net income		119
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	19,759	(12,782)	(45)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.	$ (203,600)	(48,385)	$ 11,013
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests.		$ (110)