v3.26.1
Document And Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
May 08, 2026
Document Information Line Items    
Entity Central Index Key 0001133416  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2026  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-31791  
Entity Registrant Name GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC.  
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   65,856,898
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31