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, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,476	$ 1,198	$ 4,792	$ 3,932
Research and Development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	846	663	2,837	2,180
General and Administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 630	$ 535	$ 1,955	$ 1,752