| Document and Entity Information | Mar. 04, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001124105 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 4, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CATALYST BIOSCIENCES, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-51173 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 56-2020050 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 611 Gateway Blvd |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 710 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | South San Francisco |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94080 |
| City Area Code | (650) |
| Local Phone Number | 871-0761 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | CBIO |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
