| Cover | May 07, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 10, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CHIMERIX INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35867 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 33-0903395 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2505 Meridian Parkway |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Durham |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 27713 |
| City Area Code | 919 |
| Local Phone Number | 806-1074 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CMRX |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001117480 |
