| Cover | Sep. 19, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 19, 2022 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity File Number | 000-15327 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CYTRX CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000799698 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 58-1642740 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 11726 San Vicente Boulevard |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 650 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Los Angeles |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 90049 |
| City Area Code | (310) |
| Local Phone Number | 826-5648 |
| 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 Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock Purchase Rights |
| Trading Symbol | CYTR |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
