Cover - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Aug. 11, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity File Number	0-15327
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 Blvd.
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
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
Trading Symbol	CYTR
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		38,780,038