| Document And Entity Information | Oct. 29, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 001-33678 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 68-0454536 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 2000 Powell Street |
| Entity, Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1150 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Emeryville |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 94608 |
| City Area Code | (510) |
| Local Phone Number | 899-8800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | NBY |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001389545 |
