| Document And Entity Information | Oct. 13, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | IMAGEWARE SYSTEMS, INC. |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Oct. 13, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-15757 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 33-0224167 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 11440 W. Bernardo Court |
| Entity, Address, Address Line Two | Suite 300 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | San Diego |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 92127 |
| City Area Code | 858 |
| Local Phone Number | 673-8600 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Trading Symbol | IWSY |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0000941685 |
