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Australia Research and Development Tax Incentive - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Research and Development Tax Incentive [Line Items]      
Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains (losses) $ (29,000) $ 14,000  
Zafgen Australia Pty Limited [Member]      
Research and Development Tax Incentive [Line Items]      
Research and development expense 0    
Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains (losses) (200,000)    
Zafgen Australia Pty Limited [Member] | Australia [Member]      
Research and Development Tax Incentive [Line Items]      
Tax incentive receivable $ 200,000   $ 200,000
Zafgen Australia Pty Limited [Member] | Maximum [Member]      
Research and Development Tax Incentive [Line Items]      
Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains (losses)   $ 100,000  
Research and Development [Member] | Zafgen Australia Pty Limited [Member]      
Research and Development Tax Incentive [Line Items]      
Percentage of refundable tax incentive 43.50% 43.50%  
Reduction to research and development expenses   $ 100,000  
Percentage of reduction in research and development costs   43.50%