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, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Mar. 19, 2013
Common Stock [Member]
Mar. 19, 2013
Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Mar. 19, 2013
Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]          
Entity Registrant Name ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS INC        
Entity Central Index Key 0000318306        
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31        
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No        
Entity Voluntary Filers No        
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes        
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company        
Entity Public Float   $ 15,637,000      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     24,732,312 2,913.3617 1,000.0
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012        
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY        
Document Type 10-K        
Amendment Flag false        
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012