v3.6.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Feb. 07, 2017
Document and Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name LIQUIDITY SERVICES INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001235468  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2016  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   31,390,549
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1