Noncontrolling Interests - Summary of CBLI Equity Changes from Ownership Changes in Incuron (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to CBLI	$ (365,247)	$ (4,091,196)	$ (3,042,111)	$ (9,764,323)	$ 3,109,524	$ (10,877,836)	$ (5,078,684)	$ (5,387,146)	$ (17,262,877)	$ (18,234,142)	$ (4,013,670)
Increase in CBLI's additional paid-in capital due to the issuance of additional membership interests to the noncontrolling interest of Incuron										1,081,040	176,092
Change from net income attributable to CBLI and issuance of additional membership interests to the noncontrolling interest of Incuron									$ (17,262,877)	$ (17,153,102)	$ (3,837,578)