Galectin Science LLC - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule Of Investments In Joint Venture [Line Items]
Initial capital contribution for research and development	$ 400,000
Fair value of research and development services	400,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		50.00%	50.00%
Loss from equity method investment in Galectin Sciences, LLC		(53,000)	(390,000)
Non-cash charge for in-process research and development			$ 200,000