| Document And Entity Information | Aug. 30, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | LIQUIDMETAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Aug. 30, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-31332 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 33-0264467 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 20321 Valencia Circle |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Lake Forest |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 92630 |
| City Area Code | 949 |
| Local Phone Number | 635-2100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001141240 |
