Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.3.0.15
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Nov. 21, 2011
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name OXIS INTERNATIONAL INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000109657  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 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   $ 154,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   238,622,616
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011