| Document And Entity Information | Apr. 26, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | ABRAXAS PETROLEUM CORPORATION |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Apr. 26, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | NV |
| Entity, File Number | 1-16071 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 74-2584033 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 18803 Meisner Drive |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | San Antonio |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 78258 |
| City Area Code | 210 |
| Local Phone Number | 490-4788 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | AXAS |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0000867665 |
