v3.26.1
Cover - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Mar. 02, 2026
Jun. 30, 2025
Document Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Transition Report false    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag false    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2025    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001133416    
Entity File Number 001-31791    
Entity Tax Identification Number 04-3562325    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code NV    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business true    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 109
Entity Contact Personnel [Line Items]      
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    
Entity Phone Fax Numbers [Line Items]      
City Area Code 678    
Local Phone Number 620-3186    
Entity Listings [Line Items]      
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value Per Share    
Trading Symbol GALT    
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   65,827,448