v3.23.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
Aug. 03, 2023
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2023  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-36279  
Entity Registrant Name CARA THERAPEUTICS, INC.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 75-3175693  
Entity Address, Address Line One 4 Stamford Plaza  
Entity Address, Address Line Two 107 Elm Street  
Entity Address, Address Line Three 9th Floor  
Entity Address, City or Town Stamford  
Entity Address, State or Province CT  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 06902  
City Area Code 203  
Local Phone Number 406-3700  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share  
Trading Symbol CARA  
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   54,077,681
Entity Central Index Key 0001346830  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Amendment Flag false