Molecular Templates, Inc. Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Equity Incentive Plans and Stock Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,089	$ 6,801	$ 5,488
Research and Development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	1,281	4,090	3,123
General and Administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,808	$ 2,711	$ 2,365