| Cover | Sep. 28, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 28, 2021 |
| Entity File Number | 001-33170 |
| Entity Registrant Name | NETLIST INC |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001282631 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 95-4812784 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 175 Technology Drive |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 150 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Irvine |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92618 |
| City Area Code | 949 |
| Local Phone Number | 435-0025 |
| 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 | NLST |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
