Note 10 - Stock-Based Compensation (Detail) - Additional information regarding options outstanding (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Options Outstanding - Shares	3,924,207
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	5 years 317 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.49
Options Exercisable - Shares	2,955,982
Options Exercisable -Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.57
Range of $0.15 - $0.37 [Member]
Options Outstanding - Shares	2,223,957
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	7 years 361 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.28
Options Exercisable - Shares	1,255,732
Options Exercisable -Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.28
Range of $0.40 - $0.57 [Member]
Options Outstanding - Shares	795,000
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	4 years 14 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.49
Options Exercisable - Shares	795,000
Options Exercisable -Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.49
Range of $0.70 - $1.00 [Member]
Options Outstanding - Shares	724,000
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 127 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.88
Options Exercisable - Shares	724,000
Options Exercisable -Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.88
Range of $1.20 - $1.80 [Member]
Options Outstanding - Shares	181,250
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	2 years 10 days
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.56
Options Exercisable - Shares	181,250
Options Exercisable -Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.56

- Definition

The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options.

+ References+ Details

HELIX BIOMEDIX INC 10-Q