v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
Apr. 25, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Trading Symbol CERU  
Entity Registrant Name CERULEAN PHARMA INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001401914  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   27,363,965