Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement	On January 1, 2018 CytRx adopted Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606") using the modified retrospective method for contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. The cumulative effect of initially applying ASC 606 was an adjustment to decrease the opening balance of Accumulated Deficit by $6.7 million as of January 1, 2018. The guidance provides for a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of the time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers. Under the new standard the NantCell Licensing Agreement, which was determined to be a functional license agreement, as the underlying intellectual property had standalone functionality, was recognizable in 2017 when NantCell obtained the right to use the intellectual property. The subsequent Reimbursement Agreement was determined to be a contract modification that introduced variable contra revenue for the Company's reimbursement obligations. In accordance with ASC 606, management estimated its obligations under the Reimbursement Agreement to be $3.2 million which is recognized as a contract liability at the time of revenue recognition. These costs were previously recognized as research and development expense in 2017 in accordance with prior accounting standards.This contract liability was reduced to $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2018 and March 31, 2018, as a result of costs incurred under the Reimbursement Agreement. The contract liability is included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed balance sheet as of March 31, 2018. Under prior revenue recognition standards, no revenue was recognized in 2017 under the NantCell Licensing Agreement as a result of revenue recognition criteria not being met, resulting in a deferred revenue balance of $6.9 million as of December 31, 2017.

On January 1, 2018 CytRx adopted Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606") using the modified retrospective method for contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. The cumulative effect of initially applying ASC 606 was an adjustment to decrease the opening balance of Accumulated Deficit by $6.7 million as of January 1, 2018.

The guidance provides for a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of the time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity's contracts with customers.

Under the new standard the NantCell Licensing Agreement, which was determined to be a functional license agreement, as the underlying intellectual property had standalone functionality, was recognizable in 2017 when NantCell obtained the right to use the intellectual property. The subsequent Reimbursement Agreement was determined to be a contract modification that introduced variable contra revenue for the Company's reimbursement obligations. In accordance with ASC 606, management estimated its obligations under the Reimbursement Agreement to be $3.2 million which is recognized as a contract liability at the time of revenue recognition. These costs were previously recognized as research and development expense in 2017 in accordance with prior accounting standards.This contract liability was reduced to $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2018 and March 31, 2018, as a result of costs incurred under the Reimbursement Agreement. The contract liability is included within accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the condensed balance sheet as of March 31, 2018. Under prior revenue recognition standards, no revenue was recognized in 2017 under the NantCell Licensing Agreement as a result of revenue recognition criteria not being met, resulting in a deferred revenue balance of $6.9 million as of December 31, 2017.