Note 28 - Subsequent Event (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	28. Subsequent Events (Unaudited) In January 2012, we made an additional investment in Tarsa by purchasing convertible promissory notes in the principal amount of $650,571 and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 67,435 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. As a result of such investment, we expect to recognize a loss on the investment as the accumulated losses of Tarsa exceed the carrying value of the original investment. In March 2012, Tarsa announced the closing of a Series B Preferred Stock financing. Prior to such closing, Unigene owned 9,215,000 shares of Tarsa's common stock, three convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $3,469,714, and warrants to purchase Tarsa's Series A Preferred Stock. At the time of the closing of the Series B Preferred Stock financing, the convertible promissory notes, including all principal and accrued interest, were converted into 3,662,305 shares of Tarsa's Series A Preferred Stock. Unigene did not acquire any of Tarsa's Series B Preferred Stock in the financing. As a result, following the closing of Tarsa's Series B Preferred Stock financing, Unigene owned approximately 16% of the outstanding capital stock of Tarsa, on a fully-diluted basis. Unigene's ownership position in Tarsa is subject to potential future dilution, including dilution as a result of a potential second Series B closing.

Note 28 - Subsequent Event (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

28. Subsequent Events (Unaudited)

In January 2012, we made an additional investment in Tarsa by purchasing convertible promissory notes in the principal amount of $650,571 and warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 67,435 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. As a result of such investment, we expect to recognize a loss on the investment as the accumulated losses of Tarsa exceed the carrying value of the original investment.

In March 2012, Tarsa announced the closing of a Series B Preferred Stock financing. Prior to such closing, Unigene owned 9,215,000 shares of Tarsa's common stock, three convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $3,469,714, and warrants to purchase Tarsa's Series A Preferred Stock. At the time of the closing of the Series B Preferred Stock financing, the convertible promissory notes, including all principal and accrued interest, were converted into 3,662,305 shares of Tarsa's Series A Preferred Stock. Unigene did not acquire any of Tarsa's Series B Preferred Stock in the financing. As a result, following the closing of Tarsa's Series B Preferred Stock financing, Unigene owned approximately 16% of the outstanding capital stock of Tarsa, on a fully-diluted basis. Unigene's ownership position in Tarsa is subject to potential future dilution, including dilution as a result of a potential second Series B closing.