Cover - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	May 12, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity File Number	000-22333
Entity Registrant Name	Nanophase Technologies Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	0000883107
Entity Tax Identification Number	36-3687863
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Address Line One	1319 Marquette Drive
Entity Address, City or Town	Romeoville
Entity Address, State or Province	IL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	60446
City Area Code	630
Local Phone Number	771-6708
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		49,576,704