| Document and Entity Information | Mar. 02, 2021 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 2, 2021 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36177 |
| Entity Registrant Name | GlycoMimetics, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 06-1686563 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 9708 Medical Center Drive |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Rockville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20850 |
| City Area Code | 240 |
| Local Phone Number | 243-1201 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | GLYC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001253689 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
