v3.19.3
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Nov. 08, 2019
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2019  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Trading Symbol MACK  
Entity Registrant Name MERRIMACK PHARMACEUTICALS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001274792  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   13,362,951
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity File Number 001-35409  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 04-3210530  
Entity Address, Address Line One One Broadway, 14th Floor  
Entity Address, City or Town Cambridge  
Entity Address, State or Province MA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 02142  
City Area Code 617  
Local Phone Number 441-1000  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false  
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, $0.01 par value  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ