Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
May 15, 2012
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name OXIS INTERNATIONAL INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000109657  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2012  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer? No  
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer? No  
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current? Yes  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Entity Public Float   $ 329,799
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   329,799,238
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012