Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Cover Page

v3.20.1
Cover Page - shares
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Apr. 23, 2020
Document and Entity Info [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2020  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-37515  
Entity Registrant Name Aqua Metals, Inc.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 47-1169572  
Entity Address, Address Line One 2500 Peru Dr.  
Entity Address, City or Town McCarran  
Entity Address, State or Province NV  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 89437  
City Area Code 775  
Local Phone Number 525-1936  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock  
Trading Symbol AQMS  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company true  
Entity Ex Transition Period true  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   60,011,653
Entity Central Index Key 0001621832  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020