<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <Version>2.4.0.6</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>252</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>438</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>85</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>5</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0010 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/BalanceSheet</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0015 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0020 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/StatementOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0030 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock, Non-controlling Interest and Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock, Non-controlling Interest and Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0035 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock, Non-controlling Interest and Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Temporary)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquityTemporary</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock, Non-controlling Interest and Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity (Temporary)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0040 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/CashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1010 - Disclosure - Nature of the Business</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfTheBusiness</Role>
      <ShortName>Nature of the Business</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1030 - Disclosure - Initial Public Offering</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureInitialPublicOffering</Role>
      <ShortName>Initial Public Offering</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1040 - Disclosure - Marketable Securities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureMarketableSecurities</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Securities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1050 - Disclosure - Net Loss Per Common Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureNetLossPerCommonShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Loss Per Common Share</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1060 - Disclosure - License and Collaboration Agreements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureLicenseAndCollaborationAgreements</Role>
      <ShortName>License and Collaboration Agreements</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1070 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value of Financial Instruments</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1080 - Disclosure - Consolidated Subsidiaries</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureConsolidatedSubsidiaries</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Subsidiaries</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1090 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNet</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1100 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment, Net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentNet</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment, Net</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1110 - Disclosure - Accounts Payables, Accrued Expenses and Other</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureAccountsPayablesAccruedExpensesAndOther</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounts Payables, Accrued Expenses and Other</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1120 - Disclosure - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1130 - Disclosure - Convertible Preferred Stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureConvertiblePreferredStock</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Preferred Stock</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1140 - Disclosure - Series F Amount</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSeriesFAmount</Role>
      <ShortName>Series F Amount</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1150 - Disclosure - Stock Warrants</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureStockWarrants</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Warrants</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1160 - Disclosure - Common Stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureCommonStock</Role>
      <ShortName>Common Stock</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1170 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1180 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1190 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1200 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1210 - Disclosure - Retirement Plan</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureRetirementPlan</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement Plan</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1220 - Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialData</Role>
      <ShortName>Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1230 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3040 - Disclosure - Marketable Securities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureMarketableSecuritiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Securities (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3050 - Disclosure - Net Loss Per Common Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureNetLossPerCommonShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Loss Per Common Share (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3060 - Disclosure - License and Collaboration Agreements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureLicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>License and Collaboration Agreements (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3070 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3090 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3100 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentNetTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3110 - Disclosure - Accounts Payables, Accrued Expenses and Other (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureAccountsPayablesAccruedExpensesAndOtherTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounts Payables, Accrued Expenses and Other (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3120 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3130 - Disclosure - Convertible preferred stock (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureConvertiblePreferredStockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible preferred stock (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3150 - Disclosure - Stock Warrants (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureStockWarrantsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Warrants (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3160 - Disclosure - Common Stock (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureCommonStockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Common Stock (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3170 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3180 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3190 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies  (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies  (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3220 - Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4010 - Disclosure - Nature of the Business (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfTheBusinessDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Nature of the Business (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4011 - Disclosure - Nature of the Business (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureNatureOfTheBusinessDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Nature of the Business (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4020 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4021 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4022 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4023 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4024 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails5</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4025 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails6</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4026 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails7</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 7)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4027 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 8)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails8</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 8)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4030 - Disclosure - Initial Public Offering (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureInitialPublicOfferingDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Initial Public Offering (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4040 - Disclosure - Marketable Securities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureMarketableSecuritiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Marketable Securities (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4050 - Disclosure - Net Loss Per Common Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureNetLossPerCommonShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Net Loss Per Common Share (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4060 - Disclosure - License and Collaboration Agreements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureLicenseAndCollaborationAgreementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>License and Collaboration Agreements (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4070 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4071 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4080 - Disclosure - Consolidated Subsidiaries (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureConsolidatedSubsidiariesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Subsidiaries (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4081 - Disclosure - Consolidated Subsidiaries (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureConsolidatedSubsidiariesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Subsidiaries (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4090 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillandIntangibleAssetsNetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4091 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsNetDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4100 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment, Net (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentNetDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment, Net (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4110 - Disclosure - Accounts Payables, Accrued Expenses and Other (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureAccountsPayablesAccruedExpensesAndOtherDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accounts Payables, Accrued Expenses and Other (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4120 - Disclosure - Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4130 - Disclosure - Convertible Preferred Stock (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureConvertiblePreferredStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Preferred Stock (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4131 - Disclosure - Convertible Preferred Stock (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureConvertiblePreferredStockDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Preferred Stock (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4132 - Disclosure - Convertible Preferred Stock (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureConvertiblePreferredStockDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Convertible Preferred Stock (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4140 - Disclosure - Series F Amount (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSeriesFAmountDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Series F Amount (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4150 - Disclosure - Stock Warrants (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureStockWarrantsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Warrants (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4160 - Disclosure - Common Stock (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureCommonStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Common Stock (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4170 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4171 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4172 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4173 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock-Based Compensation (Details 4)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4180 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4181 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4182 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4190 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4200 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Party Transactions (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4210 - Disclosure - Retirement Plan (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureRetirementPlanDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Retirement Plan (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4220 - Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4230 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.merrimackpharma.com/role/Disclosure-SubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element mack_AcquiredInprocessResearchAndDevelopment had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element mack_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalAccruedNonCashInterestRelatedToSeriesF2010ExchangeAgreement had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element mack_NoncontrollingInterestEquityPreferredFairValue had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_Assets had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_EmbeddedDerivativeFairValueOfEmbeddedDerivativeLiability had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_Liabilities had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_Revenues had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '0015 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '0030 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock, Non-controlling Interest and Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '0030 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Convertible Preferred Stock, Non-controlling Interest and Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4060 - Disclosure - License and Collaboration Agreements (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4100 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment, Net (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4120 - Disclosure - Debt (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '4150 - Disclosure - Stock Warrants (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '4160 - Disclosure - Common Stock (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Shares' elements on report '4170 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4173 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Details 4)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4182 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details 3)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0010 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Sep. 30, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2009'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0015 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Apr. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0020 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0040 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>mack-20121231.xml</File>
    <File>mack-20121231.xsd</File>
    <File>mack-20121231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>mack-20121231_def.xml</File>
    <File>mack-20121231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>mack-20121231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
