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

Research and Development Agreements - Schedule of Impact of Adoption on Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Net loss	$ 8,714	$ 1,195
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other current assets	(71)	0
Net cash used in operating activities	(8,983)	$ (2,654)
ASC 2014-09 \| Effect of Adoption of ASC 606
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Net loss	68
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other current assets	(68)
Net cash used in operating activities	0
ASC 2014-09 \| Balance without Adoption of ASC 606
Revenue Recognition [Line Items]
Net loss	8,782
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other current assets	(3)
Net cash used in operating activities	$ (8,983)