| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 2418403 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Principal Payments Under Note Payable (Detail) (http://www.alimerasciences.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesScheduleOfFutureMinimumPrincipalPaymentsUnderNotePayableDetail) |
| Table | (Implied) |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0001267602 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | Period [Axis] |
|---|---|
2016-12-31 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] | |
2018 | |
2019 | |
2020 | |
Total |