v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Jul. 31, 2012
Document and Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name MERRIMACK PHARMACEUTICALS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001274792  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2012  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   93,718,994
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2