<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.19.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>115</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>150</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>40</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>5</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-document-and-entity-information</Role>
      <ShortName>Document And Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>002 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-operations-and-comprehensive-loss-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-cash-flows-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>005 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Description of Business</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-1-description-of-business</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Description of Business</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>006 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-2-basis-of-presentation-and-recent-accounting-pronouncements</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>007 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Significant Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-3-significant-transactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Significant Transactions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>008 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-4-prepaid-expenses-and-other-current-assets</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>009 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Inventory</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-5-inventory</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Inventory</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-6-property-and-equipment-net</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>011 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Patents and Trademarks, Net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-7-patents-and-trademarks-net</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Patents and Trademarks, Net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>012 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Other Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-8-other-assets</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Other Assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>013 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-9-accrued-liabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>014 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Other Long-term Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-10-other-longterm-liabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Other Long-term Liabilities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>015 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-11-stock-compensation-plans</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>016 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-12-consolidated-statements-of-changes-in-equity</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>017 - Disclosure - Note 13 - Loss Per Common Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-13-loss-per-common-share</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Loss Per Common Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>018 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-14-commitments-and-contingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>019 - Disclosure - Note 15 - Related Party Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-15-related-party-transactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 15 - Related Party Transactions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>020 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-2-basis-of-presentation-and-recent-accounting-pronouncements</ParentRole>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>021 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-2-basis-of-presentation-and-recent-accounting-pronouncements-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-2-basis-of-presentation-and-recent-accounting-pronouncements</ParentRole>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>022 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-4-prepaid-expenses-and-other-current-assets-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-4-prepaid-expenses-and-other-current-assets</ParentRole>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>023 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Inventory (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-5-inventory-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Inventory (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-5-inventory</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>024 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-6-property-and-equipment-net-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-6-property-and-equipment-net</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>025 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-9-accrued-liabilities-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-9-accrued-liabilities</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>026 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-12-consolidated-statements-of-changes-in-equity-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-12-consolidated-statements-of-changes-in-equity</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>027 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-2-basis-of-presentation-and-recent-accounting-pronouncements-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-2-basis-of-presentation-and-recent-accounting-pronouncements-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>028 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-2-basis-of-presentation-and-recent-accounting-pronouncements-adoption-of-new-accounting-pronouncement-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>029 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Significant Transactions (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-3-significant-transactions-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Significant Transactions (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-3-significant-transactions</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-4-prepaid-expenses-and-other-current-assets-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-4-prepaid-expenses-and-other-current-assets-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>031 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-4-prepaid-expenses-and-other-current-assets-prepaid-expenses-and-other-current-assets-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets - Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>032 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Inventory (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-5-inventory-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Inventory (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-5-inventory-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>033 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Inventory - Schedule of Inventory (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-5-inventory-schedule-of-inventory-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Inventory - Schedule of Inventory (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>034 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-6-property-and-equipment-net-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-6-property-and-equipment-net-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>035 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net - Property and Equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-6-property-and-equipment-net-property-and-equipment-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Property and Equipment, Net - Property and Equipment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>036 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Patents and Trademarks, Net (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-7-patents-and-trademarks-net-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Patents and Trademarks, Net (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-7-patents-and-trademarks-net</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>037 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Other Assets (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-8-other-assets-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Other Assets (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-8-other-assets</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>038 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-9-accrued-liabilities-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-9-accrued-liabilities-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>039 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-9-accrued-liabilities-schedule-of-accrued-liabilities-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Accrued Liabilities - Schedule of Accrued Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Other Long-term Liabilities (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-10-other-longterm-liabilities-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Other Long-term Liabilities (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-10-other-longterm-liabilities</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>041 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-11-stock-compensation-plans-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Stock Compensation Plans (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-11-stock-compensation-plans</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>042 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - Changes in Equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-12-consolidated-statements-of-changes-in-equity-changes-in-equity-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - Changes in Equity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>043 - Disclosure - Note 13 - Loss Per Common Share (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-13-loss-per-common-share-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Loss Per Common Share (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-13-loss-per-common-share</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>044 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-14-commitments-and-contingencies-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-14-commitments-and-contingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="lqmt-20190331.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>045 - Disclosure - Note 15 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-15-related-party-transactions-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 15 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://liquidmetal.com/20190331/role/statement-note-15-related-party-transactions</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>lqmt-20190331.xml</File>
    <File>lqmt-20190331.xsd</File>
    <File>lqmt-20190331_cal.xml</File>
    <File>lqmt-20190331_def.xml</File>
    <File>lqmt-20190331_lab.xml</File>
    <File>lqmt-20190331_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
