v2.4.0.8
Document and Entity Information
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2014
Aug. 05, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2014  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2014  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Trading Symbol GALT  
Entity Registrant Name GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001133416  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   22,043,435