Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

License Agreements (Details)

v3.7.0.1
License Agreements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Aug. 14, 2017
Sep. 22, 2016
Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event      
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]      
Proceeds from definitive agreement for the assignment of CERC 501 $ 25,000    
Portion of proceeds deposited in escrow $ 3,750    
Escrow deposit, term 12 months    
Milestone payment from definitive agreement for the assignment of CERC 501 $ 20,000    
Lilly | CERC-611      
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]      
Initial license acquisition payments   $ 2,000  
Upfront payment due within 30 days   $ 750  
Term within execution of license agreement   30 days  
Upfront payment due after first subject dosed   $ 1,250  
Merck | CERC-301      
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]      
Total initial payments     $ 1,500
Additional payments     750
Merck | CERC-301 | Research and development      
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]      
Initial license acquisition payments     750
Merck | COMTi      
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others [Line Items]      
Initial license acquisition payments     $ 200