| Cover | Mar. 08, 2023 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 08, 2023 |
| Entity File Number | 0-50626 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CYCLACEL PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001130166 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 91-1707622 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 200 Connell Drive |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1500 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Berkeley Heights |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NJ |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 07922 |
| City Area Code | 908 |
| Local Phone Number | 517-7330 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CYCC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Preferred Stock [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | CYCCP |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
