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
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	$ 4,066	$ 2,192
Research and Development
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	2,268	1,128
General and Administrative
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation	$ 1,798	$ 1,064