v3.23.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2023
May 05, 2023
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Central Index Key 0001427925  
Entity Registrant Name ACELRX PHARMACEUTICALS INC  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2022  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2023  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-35068  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 41-2193603  
Entity Address, Address Line One 25821 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 400  
Entity Address, City or Town Hayward  
Entity Address, State or Province CA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 94545  
City Area Code 650  
Local Phone Number 216-3500  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.001 par value  
Trading Symbol ACRX  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   10,924,294