<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.20.2</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>158</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>286</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>43</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>8</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-document-and-entity-information</Role>
      <ShortName>Document And Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>002 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Sttaements of Operations (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-sttaements-of-operations-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Sttaements of Operations (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-stockholders-equity-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>005 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-stockholders-equity-unaudited-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>006 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-cash-flows-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>007 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Organization</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-1-organization</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Organization</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>008 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>009 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Revenue Recognition</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-3-revenue-recognition</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Revenue Recognition</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Inventory</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-4-inventory</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Inventory</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>011 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-5-property-and-equipment-net</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>012 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Asset Retirement Obligation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-6-asset-retirement-obligation</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Asset Retirement Obligation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>013 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Convertible Note Payable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-7-convertible-note-payable</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Convertible Note Payable</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>014 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Notes Payable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-8-notes-payable</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Notes Payable</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>015 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-9-leases</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>016 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Stockholder's Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-10-stockholders-equity</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Stockholder's Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>017 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-11-commitments-and-contingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>018 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-12-subsequent-events</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Subsequent Events</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>019 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies</ParentRole>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>020 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies</ParentRole>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>021 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Inventory (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-4-inventory-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Inventory (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-4-inventory</ParentRole>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>022 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-5-property-and-equipment-net-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-5-property-and-equipment-net</ParentRole>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>023 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Notes Payable (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-8-notes-payable-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Notes Payable (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-8-notes-payable</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>024 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-9-leases-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-9-leases</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>025 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Stockholder's Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-10-stockholders-equity-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Stockholder's Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-10-stockholders-equity</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>026 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Organization (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-1-organization-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Organization (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-1-organization</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>027 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>028 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Earnings Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-antidilutive-securities-excluded-from-computation-of-earnings-per-share-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Earnings Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>029 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Credit Risk (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-concentration-of-credit-risk-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Credit Risk (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Revenue Recognition (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-3-revenue-recognition-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Revenue Recognition (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-3-revenue-recognition</ParentRole>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>031 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Inventory - Inventory (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-4-inventory-inventory-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Inventory - Inventory (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>032 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-5-property-and-equipment-net-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-5-property-and-equipment-net-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>033 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net - Property and Equipment, Net (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-5-property-and-equipment-net-property-and-equipment-net-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net - Property and Equipment, Net (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>034 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Asset Retirement Obligation (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-6-asset-retirement-obligation-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Asset Retirement Obligation (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-6-asset-retirement-obligation</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>035 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Convertible Note Payable (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-7-convertible-note-payable-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Convertible Note Payable (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-7-convertible-note-payable</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>036 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Notes Payable (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-8-notes-payable-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Notes Payable (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-8-notes-payable-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>037 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Notes Payable - Schedule of Notes Payable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-8-notes-payable-schedule-of-notes-payable-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Notes Payable - Schedule of Notes Payable (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>038 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Leases (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-9-leases-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Leases (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-9-leases-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>039 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Leases - Right-of-Use Assets and Related Lease Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-9-leases-rightofuse-assets-and-related-lease-liabilities-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Leases - Right-of-Use Assets and Related Lease Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-9-leases-maturities-of-lease-liabilities-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>041 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Stockholder's Equity (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-10-stockholders-equity-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Stockholder's Equity (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-10-stockholders-equity-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>042 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Stockholder's Equity - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-10-stockholders-equity-stockbased-compensation-expense-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Stockholder's Equity - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>043 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Stockholder's Equity - Valuation Assumptions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-10-stockholders-equity-valuation-assumptions-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Stockholder's Equity - Valuation Assumptions (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>044 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-11-commitments-and-contingencies-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-11-commitments-and-contingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="aqms20200930_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>045 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-12-subsequent-events-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.aquametals.com/20200930/role/statement-note-12-subsequent-events</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 doctype="10-Q" original="aqms20200930_10q.htm">aqms20200930_10q.htm</File>
    <File>aqms-20200930.xsd</File>
    <File>aqms-20200930_cal.xml</File>
    <File>aqms-20200930_def.xml</File>
    <File>aqms-20200930_lab.xml</File>
    <File>aqms-20200930_pre.xml</File>
    <File>ex_203019.htm</File>
    <File>ex_203020.htm</File>
    <File>ex_203021.htm</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2020-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2020-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
