| Document and Entity Information | Mar. 16, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Marin Software Incorporated |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001389002 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 16, 2022 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35838 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-4647180 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 123 Mission Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 27th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | San Francisco |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94105 |
| City Area Code | 415 |
| Local Phone Number | 399-2580 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | MRIN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
