| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 21, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 21, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | PLUS THERAPEUTICS, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001095981 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-34375 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 33-0827593 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4200 Marathon Blvd. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Austin |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 78756 |
| City Area Code | 737 |
| Local Phone Number | 255-7194 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | PSTV |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
