v3.5.0.2
Document And Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Oct. 28, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name AKORN INC  
Document Type 10-Q  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   125,240,731
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Central Index Key 0000003116  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3