This letter proposes a simplified maximum likelihood detection (SMLD) scheme to improve the detection performance of multiple-input multiple-output receivers. The SMLD detects V streams according to the first detected V sub-streams. Through an ML test, the most probable stream is selected. Moreover, to detect the layer with the worst post-detection SNR accurately, reverse ordering is applied to the SMLD. Simulation results show that the performance of the Vertical Bell Laboratories layered space-time (V-BLAST) system can be improved by adopting the SMLD technique. In the case of reverse ordering, the SMLD can achieve a similar ML performance with significant reduction in computational complexity.