v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Nov. 07, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2018  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Trading Symbol GALT  
Entity Registrant Name GALECTIN THERAPEUTICS INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001133416  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   41,136,738
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business true