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

Marketable Securities and Fair Value Measurements - Financial Liabilities at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - 2017 Warrants - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	$ 3	$ 954
Basis of Fair Value Measurements, Level 1
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	0	0
Basis of Fair Value Measurements, Level 2
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	0	0
Basis of Fair Value Measurements, Level 3
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total financial liabilities	$ 3	$ 954