v3.19.1
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Mar. 15, 2019
Jun. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2018    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol AKBA    
Entity Registrant Name Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001517022    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company true    
Entity Ex Transition Period true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   117,122,262  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 534,415,547