v3.22.2.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2022
Nov. 10, 2022
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2022  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2022  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-31791  
Entity Registrant Name GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001133416  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code NV  
Entity Tax Identification Number 04-3562325  
Entity Address, Address Line One 4960 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.  
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 240  
Entity Address, City or Town Norcross  
Entity Address, State or Province GA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 30071  
City Area Code 678  
Local Phone Number 620 -3186  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock  
Trading Symbol GALT  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   59,426,005