v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Oct. 31, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name APPIAN CORP  
Entity Central Index Key 0001441683  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2017  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Trading Symbol APPN  
Class A Common Stock    
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   7,206,517
Class B Common Stock    
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   53,096,759