v3.8.0.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Nov. 10, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2017  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Entity Registrant Name ACURA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000786947  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Trading Symbol ACUR  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   20,795,994