Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Apr. 13, 2012
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name OXIS INTERNATIONAL INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000109657  
Document Type 10-K  
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011  
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   $ 269,299
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   269,299,838
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011