Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	Benefit Plans Defined Contribution Plans Aerie has adopted a 401(k) deferred compensation plan. Eligible employees meeting the participant criteria may contribute up to the statutory limitation ($18,000 for 2016 and 2015). Aerie may contribute a discretionary match if it elects to do so. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, Aerie made no matching contributions to the plan. In October 2015, Aerie Ireland Limited adopted the Aerie Pharmaceuticals Ireland Pension and Life Assurance Scheme. Eligible employees meeting the participation criteria may contribute up to the aggregate statutory limitation of 15% to 40% of remuneration depending on age. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, Aerie Ireland Limited contributed $25,000 and $0, respectively, as a matching contribution to the plan. Employee Stock Purchase Plan On October 30, 2013, the Company adopted the 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”) under which substantially all employees may purchase the Company’s common stock through payroll deductions and lump sum contributions at a price equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market values of the stock as of the beginning or the end of the offering periods. Employees may not purchase more than the fair value equivalent of $25,000 of stock during any calendar year. The Purchase Plan provides for the issuance of up to 645,814 shares in respect of common stock of Aerie.

Benefit Plans

Defined Contribution Plans

Aerie has adopted a 401(k) deferred compensation plan. Eligible employees meeting the participant criteria may contribute up to the statutory limitation ($18,000 for 2016 and 2015). Aerie may contribute a discretionary match if it elects to do so. During the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, Aerie made no matching contributions to the plan.

In October 2015, Aerie Ireland Limited adopted the Aerie Pharmaceuticals Ireland Pension and Life Assurance Scheme. Eligible employees meeting the participation criteria may contribute up to the aggregate statutory limitation of 15% to 40% of remuneration depending on age. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, Aerie Ireland Limited contributed $25,000 and $0, respectively, as a matching contribution to the plan.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On October 30, 2013, the Company adopted the 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”) under which substantially all employees may purchase the Company’s common stock through payroll deductions and lump sum contributions at a price equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market values of the stock as of the beginning or the end of the offering periods. Employees may not purchase more than the fair value equivalent of $25,000 of stock during any calendar year. The Purchase Plan provides for the issuance of up to 645,814 shares in respect of common stock of Aerie.