| Document And Entity Information | Dec. 01, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
| Document, Type | S-1 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 68-0454536 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 2000 Powell Street, 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 |
| Entity, Filer Category | Non-accelerated Filer |
| Entity, Small Business | true |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001389545 |
