Molecular Templates, Inc. Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Stock Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	$ 1,527	$ 1,197	$ 4,330	$ 2,762
Research and Development
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	655	331	1,690	827
General and Administrative
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	$ 872	$ 866	$ 2,640	$ 1,935