v3.5.0.2
Document And Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016
Aug. 05, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name LIQUIDMETAL TECHNOLOGIES INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001141240  
Trading Symbol lqmt  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   582,332,818
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Amendment Flag false