| Document and Entity Information | Dec. 29, 2020 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 3, 2021 |
| Entity File Number | 001-35182 |
| Entity Registrant Name | AMPIO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-0179592 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 373 Inverness Parkway, Suite 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Englewood |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80112 |
| City Area Code | 720 |
| Local Phone Number | 437-6500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.0001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AMPE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSEAMER |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001411906 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
