Class of warrant or right, exercise price description.

No definition available.

Name:	omex_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceDescription
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Eligible employee threshold percentage.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_EligibleEmployeeThresholdPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of outside directors granted quarterly fees.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_NumberOfOutsideDirectorsGrantedQuarterlyFees
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of stock incentive plans.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_NumberOfStockIncentivePlans
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Preferred Stock Accretion at Annualized Rate

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_PreferredStockAccretionAtAnnualizedRate
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Purchase price of common stock per share.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_PurchasePriceOfCommonStockPerShare
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award equity instruments other than options unvested fair value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsUnvestedFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award exercise price condition.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExercisePriceCondition
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award maximum amount payable in cash per employee.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumAmountPayableInCashPerEmployee
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Share based compensation awards options estimated weighted average grant date fair value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_ShareBasedCompensationAwardsOptionsEstimatedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, non-option equity instruments, excersisable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardNonoptionEquityInstrumentsExcersisable
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, non-option equity instruments, vested and outstanding, number.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardNonoptionEquityInstrumentsVestedAndOutstandingNumber
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Share-based compensation arrangements by share-based payment award, stock appreciation rights, price per share of underlying shares.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_SharebasedCompensationArrangementsBySharebasedPaymentAwardStockAppreciationRightsPricePerShareOfUnderlyingShares
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Warrant expiration date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	omex_WarrantExpirationDate
Namespace Prefix:	omex_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of expense for award under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes amount capitalized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 14.F)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115993241&loc=d3e301413-122809

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (h)(1)(i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of shares of equity interests issued or issuable to acquire entity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestsIssuedOrIssuableNumberOfSharesIssued
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of voting equity interests acquired at the acquisition date in the business combination.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Exercise price per share or per unit of warrants or rights outstanding.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(i)(4))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Price of the entity's common stock which would be required to be attained for the conversion feature embedded in the debt instrument to become effective.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleStockPriceTrigger
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Threshold period of specified consecutive trading days within which common stock price to conversion price of convertible debt instrument must exceed threshold percentage for specified number of trading days to trigger conversion feature.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities for all deferred compensation arrangements. Represents currently earned compensation under compensation arrangements that is not actually paid until a later date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of cost to be recognized for option under share-based payment arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Face amount or stated value per share of preferred stock nonredeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average remaining contractual term for equity-based awards excluding options, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (e)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Fair value of share-based awards for which the grantee gained the right by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (d)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Date the equity-based award expires, in CCYY-MM-DD format.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardExpirationDate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The highest quantity of shares an employee can purchase under the plan per period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardMaximumNumberOfSharesPerEmployee
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of additional shares authorized for issuance under share-based payment arrangement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfAdditionalSharesAuthorized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of shares authorized for issuance under share-based payment arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of accumulated difference between fair value of underlying shares on dates of exercise and exercise price on options exercised (or share units converted) into shares.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (d)(2)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Gross number of share options (or share units) granted during the period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (d)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount by which the current fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of options outstanding.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of difference between fair value of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise price of vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value of options vested. Excludes equity instruments other than options, for example, but not limited to, share units, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedInPeriodFairValue1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Purchase price of common stock expressed as a percentage of its fair value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of new stock issued during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total number of shares issued during the period, including shares forfeited, as a result of Restricted Stock Awards.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of shares that have been repurchased during the period and have not been retired and are not held in treasury. Some state laws may govern the circumstances under which an entity may acquire its own stock and prescribe the accounting treatment therefore. This element is used when state law does not recognize treasury stock.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109259400&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(28))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201701Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=omex_BismarckMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=omex_TwoThousandFifteenStockIncentivePlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=omex_DirectorFeesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=omex_EntityControlledByIndependentDirectorMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=omex_TwoThousandNineteenStockIncentivePlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=omex_SeriesAaTwoConvertiblePreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=omex_PenelopeMiningLlcMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis=omex_SeriesAaOneConvertiblePreferredStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=omex_IncentiveStockOptionsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis=omex_ShareAppreciationRightsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=omex_KeyEmployeePlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=omex_NonEmployeeDirectorPlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VestingAxis=omex_CarryingValueMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VestingAxis=omex_FairValueMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_PlanNameAxis=omex_DirectorPlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - Additional Information (Detail)					1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019 $ / shares	Jul. 09, 2019 shares	Oct. 31, 2018 $ / shares shares	Jun. 09, 2015 USD ($) shares	Jan. 31, 2020 shares	Sep. 30, 2019 shares	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) d Incentive_Plan Directors $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) Directors $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Directors $ / shares shares	Mar. 26, 2019 shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value \| $ / shares							$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized							24,984,166	24,984,166
Number of stock incentive plans \| Incentive_Plan							3
Stock incentive plan expiration date							Aug. 31, 2015
Compensation costs associated \| $							$ 756,596	$ 415,615	$ 833,985
Weighted average fair value of options granted \| $ / shares							$ 0
Number of outside directors granted quarterly fees \| Directors							0	0	0
Weighted average estimated fair value of stock options \| $ / shares							$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic values of options exercisable \| $							$ 15,564	$ 15,564	$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic values of options outstanding \| $							15,564	15,564	0
Aggregate intrinsic values of options exercised \| $							0	0	0
Total fair value of shares vested \| $							0	$ 231,952	$ 828,497
Total unrecognized compensation related to unvested share-based compensation awards \| $							$ 0
Shares issued to independent directors							0	0	0
Accounting Standards Update 2017-01 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent of ownership acquired						79.90%
Business combination number of shares issued or issuable						249,584
Bismarck [Member] \| Accounting Standards Update 2017-01 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percent of ownership acquired		79.90%
Business combination number of shares issued or issuable		249,584
Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued to independent directors					64,440
2015 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award authorized by board				450,000
Director Fees [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation costs associated \| $							$ 675,000
Entity Controlled By Independent Director [Member] \| 2019 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock issued					301,686
Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value \| $ / shares							$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized							7,223,145
Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] \| Penelope Mining LLC [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of trading days \| d							20
Series AA-1 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value \| $ / shares							$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized							8,427,004
Preferred stock Liquidation preference accretion rate							8.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Series AA-2 Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] \| Penelope Mining LLC [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Closing price of common stock \| $ / shares							$ 15.12
Incentive Stock Options [Member] \| 2015 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award authorized by board				450,000
Additional shares authorized for stock-based compensation							200,000
Incentive Stock Options [Member] \| 2019 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award authorized by board										800,000
Unvested Restricted Stock Awards Excluded from EPS [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation related to unvested share-based compensation awards \| $							$ 13,800
Fair value of restricted stock, awards vested \| $							0	$ 323,614	$ 408,466
Fair value of unvested restricted stock awards \| $							$ 132,917	$ 460,000	$ 500,754
Weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards \| $ / shares							$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted-average remaining contractual term							9 months 18 days	9 months 18 days	1 year
Cuota Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation costs associated \| $							$ 0
Liability associated \| $							$ 0
Cuota Appreciation Rights [Member] \| Key Employee Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Excersisable							0
Vested and Outstanding							614,299
Cuota Appreciation Rights [Member] \| Non Employee Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vested and Outstanding							600,000
Cuota Appreciation Rights [Member] \| Carrying Value [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of cuotas of Oceanica \| $ / shares							$ 3.00
Cuota Appreciation Rights [Member] \| Fair Value [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Value of cuotas of Oceanica \| $ / shares	$ 1.00
Cuota Appreciation Rights [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Key Employee Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award authorized by board							750,000
Cuota Appreciation Rights [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Director Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award authorized by board							600,000
Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock and warrants sold			700,000
Repurchases of common stock, shares			700,000
Purchase price of repurchased shares \| $ / shares			$ 7.155
Warrants, right exercise price \| $ / shares			$ 7.155
Warrant Expiration Date			Nov. 02, 2023
Warrant right exercise price description			The warrants have an exercise price of $7.155 per share of common stock and are exercisable in accordance with their terms at any time on or before the close of business on November 2, 2023.
Common Stock [Member] \| Incentive Stock Options [Member] \| 2015 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price of incentive option granted							With respect to each grant of an ISO to a participant who is not a ten percent stockholder, the exercise price shall not be less than the fair market value of a share on the date the ISO is granted. With respect to each grant of an ISO to a participant who is a ten percent stockholder, the exercise price shall not be less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the fair market value of a share on the date the ISO is granted.
Maximum aggregate number of Shares with respect to one or more Awards that may be granted to any one person during any calendar year				83,333
Maximum aggregate amount of cash that may be paid in cash to any person during any calendar year \| $				$ 2,000,000
Common Stock [Member] \| Incentive Stock Options [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| 2015 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Eligible employee threshold percentage							0.00%
Purchase price of common stock percentage							110.00%