| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 100530 - Disclosure - Common Stock Options and Restricted Stock - Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions Using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (Details) (http://www.acorda.com/20161231/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommonStockOptionsAndRestrictedStockScheduleOfWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsingBlackScholesOptionPricingModelDetails) |
| Table | Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award [Table] |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0001008848 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Award Type | Stock Options |
| Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items] | Period [Axis] | ||
|---|---|---|---|
2016-01-01 - 2016-12-31 | 2015-01-01 - 2015-12-31 | 2014-01-01 - 2014-12-31 | |
Estimated volatility (as a percent) | |||
Expected life | |||
Risk free interest rate (as a percent) | |||
Dividend yield | |||