Amendment Description Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category EntityIncorporationDateOfIncorporation Date of Incorporation Entity Registrant Name Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer This element is used for the entire Accrued Expenses text block. Accrued Expenses Text Block Accrued Expenses The cash outflow relating to the acquisition of vessels and capital expenditures. Acquisition Of Vessels And Capital Expenditures Acquisition of vessels and capital expenditures Fees charged by the management company for various administrative services. Administrative Fees Management Company Administrative Fees Advances For Vessel Acquisitions And Vessels Under Construction [Abstract] This element represents the disclosure for advances paid to yard and capitalized expenses for the construction of vessels. Advances For Vessel Acquisitions And Vessels Under Construction Text Block Advances for Vessel Acquisitions and Vessels Under Construction Affiliate [Member] Box Ships Inc. Allseas Marine [Member] Allseas Marine SA Amendment of newbuilding program description. Amendment Of Newbuilding Program Amendment of newbuilding program Ardelia Navigation Ltd [Member] Ardelia Navigation Ltd. [Member] Tabular discclosure of the summary of the valuation of available for sale securities. Available For Sale Securites Summary Of Valuation Table Text Block Available For Sale Securites Summary Of Valuation Bank Of Ireland [Member] Bank of Ireland Bank Of Scotland [Member] Bank of Scotland Plc Bank Of Scotland Swap Not Qualifying For Hedge Accounting [Member] Bank of Scotland Plc - Not Qualifying For Hedge Accounting Calm Seas [Member] Camelia Navigation [Member] Camelia Navigation S.A. [Member] Capitalized expenses charged by the management company included in vessels cost and advances for vessels under construction. Capitalized Expenses Related Party Capitalized expenses Charter hire commissions and vessel sale and purchase commissions charged by the management company. Charter Hire And Vessel Sale And Purchase Commisions Total Allseas commissions Chinese Shipyard Contract [Member] Chinese Shipyard Contract Commerzbank [Member] Commerzbank AG Brokerage Commissions on contracted Time Charter Revenues. Commissions Charter hire commissions Commissions (including related party of $918,371 and $480,707 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, respectively) Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable class B common stock. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Common Stock Value Class B Class B common shares, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable class A common stock. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Common Stock Value Class Class A common shares, $0.001 par value; 750,000,000 authorized; 6,089,826 and 6,099,442 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012, respectively Common shares issued and outstanding The vessels' capacity in twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU). Containership Capacity TEU Containerships [Member] Containerships Coral Seas [Member] Disclosure of the company's non compliance with several financial and security coverage ratio covenants in its loan agreements and further actions to obtain waivers or to restructure the affected debt. Covenant Non Compliance Text Block Going Concern Crewcare [Member] Crewcare Current Liabilities Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Current liabilities - Interest rate swaps The cash inflow for the net change associated with funds that are not available for withdrawal or use (such as funds held in escrow) and are associated with underlying transactions that are classified as investing activities. Decrease In Restricted Cash Release of restricted cash Deep Seas [Member] Delphis Shipping [Member] Delphis Shipping S.A. [Member] Date the derivative contract became effective, in CCYY-MM-DD format. Derivative Effective Dates Effective date Amounts included in earnings for the period from the (a) increase (decrease) in fair value of interest rate derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and (b) gain (loss) from the settlement of interest rate derivatives not designated as hedging instruments. Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Earnings Net Net loss on derivatives Loss on derivatives, net The effective portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income during the current period, before any reclassifications to earnings. Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Effective Portion Net Before Reclassification To Earnings Interest rate swaps The fixed rate terms of the derivative or debt instrument, which are based on the variable rate (such as LIBOR and US Treasury rate). Description Of Derivative Fixed Interest Rate Fixed rate Diamond Seas [Member] The dilution effect from the non participation in public offerings of affiliates. Dilution Effect Dilution effect Amount of dividends received from an affiliate. Dividends Received From Affiliate Dividends received Document And Entity Information Dream Seas [Member] Dry-docking costs relate to the regularly scheduled intermediate survey or special survey dry-docking necessary to preserve the quality of our vessels as well as to comply with the regulations, the environmental laws and the international shipping standards. Dry Docking Expenses Dry-docking expenses (including related party of $81,622 and $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, respectively) Superintendent fees Epic Investments Inc [Member] Epic Investments Inc. [Member] Description of the increase in the number of shares to be reserved for issuance under the equity incentive plan of the company and the impact of the reverse stock split. Equity Incentive Plan Description Of Reverse Stock Split Impact Equity incentive plan impact of reverse stock split description This item represents an other than temporary decline in value that has been recognized against an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the investment represents the amount of the write down which is or was reflected in earnings. The written down value is a new cost basis with the adjusted value of the investment becoming its new carrying value subject to the equity accounting method. Evidence of a loss in value might include, but would not necessarily be limited to, absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity which would justify the carrying amount of the investment. This item also includes the dilution effect from the non participation in public offerings of affiliates. Equity Method Investment Other Than Temporary Impairment Including Dilution Effect Loss on investment in affiliate Loss on investment in affiliate Eridanus Trading Co [Member] Eridanus Trading Co. [Member] Fees charged by the management company for the provision of the services of executive officers. Executive Services Agreement Executive services agreement Explorer Shipholding Limited [Member] Fees charged by the management company for legal, accounting and finance services. Fees Charged For Legal Accounting And Finance Services Legal, accounting and finance fees Friendly Seas [Member] Gain from Vessel early Redelivery [Abstract] This element is used for the entire Gain from Vessel Early Redelivery Disclosure text block. Gain from Vessel early Redelivery Text Block Gain from Vessel Early Redelivery Gain from vessel early redelivery represents income recognized in connection with early termination of a period time charter. It includes cash compensation and the unamortized fair value of below / above market acquired time charter on the vessel redelivery date, as a result of the early termination. Gain From Vessel Early Redelivery Gain from vessel early redelivery The net (gain) loss resulting from the sale, transfer, termination, or other disposition of assets during the period. Gain Loss On Sale Assets Loss on sale of assets Gain On Marketable Securities [Member] Gain on marketable securities, net Administrative services fees, executive services fees and rental expenses charged by related parties. General And Administrative Expense Related Party General and administrative expenses related party Tabular disclosure of General and Administrative Expenses. General And Administrative Expense Text Block General and Administrative Expenses Golden Seas [Member] Granitis [Member] Granitis Handysize Vessels [Member] Handysize Vessels Hsbc Bank [Member] HSBC Bank Plc Hsbc Bank Swap Qualifying For Hedge Accounting [Member] HSBC Bank Plc - Qualifying For Hedge Accounting Hsh Nordbank [Member] HSH Nordbank AG Hsh Nordbank Swap 1 Qualifying For Hedge Accounting [Member] HSH Nordbank AG - Qualifying For Hedge Accounting Hsh Nordbank Swap 2 Qualifying For Hedge Accounting [Member] HSH Nordbank AG - Qualifying For Hedge Accounting Hull 612 [Member] Hull 625 [Member] Hull 656 [Member] Hull 657 [Member] Amount of gain (loss) included in earnings for the period from the settlement of interest rate derivatives not designated as hedging instruments. Interest Rate Derivative Gain Loss Realized In Earnings Net Interest rate swaps - Realized Loss This element is used for the entire Interest Rate Swaps Disclosure text block. Interest Rate Swaps Text Block Interest Rate Swaps Tabular disclosure of the summary of the valuation of the Company's investment in an equity affiliate. Investment In Affiliate Summary Of Valuation Table Text Block Investment In Affiliate Summary Of Valuation Related party interest income. Investment Income Interest Related Party Interest income related party Interest income from affiliate Kind Seas [Member] Letitia Shipping Limited [Member] Tabular disclosure of the entity's newbuildings. List Of Newbuildings Table Text Block Newbuildings Tabular disclosure of the entity's non-vessel owning subsidiaries. List Of Non Vessel Owning Subsidiaries Table Text Block Non-Vessel Owning Subsidiaries Tabular disclosure of the entity's vessel owning subsidiaries. List Of Subsidiaries Table Text Block Vessel Owning Subsidiaries Cash inflow from loan repayment from affiliate. Loan Repayment From Affiliate Repayment from equity affiliate Prepayment of loan from affiliate Cash outflow relating to loan to affiliate. Loan To Affiliate Cash Outflow Loan to equity affiliate Amount of receivables due from an entity that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership, due after 1 year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Loan To Affiliate Loan to affiliate Long Term Liabilities Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Long-Term Liabilities - Interest rate swaps The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, attributable to non-vested share awards. Loss Attributable To Non Vested Share Awards Less: Loss attributable to non-vested share awards Management Fees [Abstract] Management fees - related party Fees relating to management, legal, accounting and finance services, including share based compensation to the management company. Management Fees Management fees - related party Total Management fees Fees charged by a related party for the provision of manning services. Manning Agency Fees Manning expenses Initial measurement of the valuation of the marketable securities. Marketable Securities Initial Measurement Marketable Securities - Initial measurement The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, less the proportion attributable to non-vested share awards. Net Loss Attributable To Common Shareholders Net loss attributable to common shareholders Time Charter Revenue net of Commissions. Net Revenue Net Revenue The contract price installment paid to shipyard. Newbuilding Contract Price Installment Newbuilding contract price installment The number of newbuilding vessels. Newbuildings Program Number Of Vessels Number of newbuildings Non Vested Shares [Member] Non Vested Shares Nordea Bank Finland 1 Qualifying For Hedge Accounting [Member] Nordea Bank Finland Plc - Qualifying For Hedge Accounting Nordea Bank Finland 2 Qualifying For Hedge Accounting [Member] Nordea Bank Finland Plc - Qualifying For Hedge Accounting Nordea Bank Finland [Member] Nordea Bank Finland Plc Opera Navigation Co [Member] Opera Navigation Co. [Member] This element is used for the entire Other Assets text block. Other Assets Non Current Text Block Other Assets Other Fixed Assets Net [Abstract This element is used for the entire Other Fixed Assets text block. Other Fixed Assets Net Text Block Other Fixed Assets, Net Other Fixed Assets consist of Property Plant and Equipment other than vessels and advances for vessels under construction and acquisitions. Other fixed assets are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Other Fixed Assets Net Other fixed assets, net This element is used for the entire Other Receivables Disclosure as a block of text. Other Receivables Text Block Other Receivables Ovation Services Ltd [Member] Ovation Services Ltd. [Member] Cash paid for the acquisition of Other Fixed Assets which consist of Property Plant and Equipment other than vessels and advances for vessels under construction and acquisitions. Payments For Other Fixed Assets Other fixed assets Pearl Seas [Member] Precious Seas [Member] The cash inflow from the sale of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. It also includes net proceeds from the sale of vessel acquisition option. Proceeds From Sale Of Assets Vessel Acquisition Option Net proceeds from sale of assets / vessel acquisition option Net proceeds from sale of assets The cash inflow from the issuance of common and resticted shares net of issuance costs. Proceeds Received Costs Paid From Issuance Common Shares Issuance of Class A common / restricted shares, net Prosperous Seas [Member] Reclassification adjustment for change in fair value of marketable securities. Reclassification Adjustment For Change In Fair Value Marketable Securities Reclassification adjustment for change in fair value of marketable securities The reduction in the notional amount of the derivative on a quarterly basis. Reduction Of Derivative Notional Amount Reduction in notional amount Related Party [Member] Represents commissions incurred in the period based upon the sale or purchase of vessels. Sale Purchase Commissions Vessel sale & purchase commissions Sapphire Seas [Member] Tabular disclosure of the effective portion of gains and losses on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedges Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Table Text Block Effect of Derivative Instruments designated as hedging instruments (Recognised in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain / (Loss)) Tabular disclosure of derivatives designated as hedging instruments. The disclosure may include , but not limited to, the fair value, the maturity date and the notional amount. Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Table Text Block Interest Rate Swaps that qualified for Hedge Accounting Tabular disclosure of derivative instruments, both designated as hedging instruments and not designated, and the location and fair value amounts of the instruments reported in the statement of financial position. Schedule Of Derivate Instruments Statement Of Financial Position Location Table Text Block Derivative Instruments ? Balance Sheet Location Tabular disclosure of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments. The disclosure may include, but not limited to, the fair value, the maturity date and the notional amount. Schedule Of Derivatives Not Designated As Cash Flow Hedging Instruments Table Text Block Interest rate swaps that did not qualify for Hedge Accounting Tabular disclosure of the gains and losses on derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges recognized in income/(loss). Schedule Of Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments Gain Loss In Statement Of Financial Performance Text Block Effect of Derivative Instruments not designated as hedging instruments Share based compensation relating to the award of shares to the management company. Share Based Compensation Management Company Loretto agreement The share of profits of the affiliate net of dividends received. Share Of Profit Of Affiliate Net Of Dividends Equity in net income of affiliates net of dividends received The share of profits of the affiliate. Share Of Profit Of Affiliate Equity in net income of affiliate The number of shares received as part of the Settlement Agreement. Shares Received Settlement Agreement Number of shares received from KLC The ratio of the reverse stock split. Stockholders Equity Reverse Stock Split Ratio Ten for one reverse stock split Superintendent fees charged by the management company, included in dry docking expenses. Superintendent Fees Drydocking Expenses Superintendent fees Dry-docking expenses related party Superintendent fees charged by the management company, included in vessel operating expenses. Superintendent Fees Vessel Operating Expenses Superintendent fees Total Not Qualifying For Hedge Accounting [Member] Total Not Qualifying For Hedge Accounting The total amount of the fixed and determinable portion of the unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation to be paid within and after one year from the balance sheet date. Total Of Contractual Purchase Obligation Total Total Qualifying For Hedge Accounting [Member] Total Qualifying For Hedge Accounting Unicredit Bank [Member] Unicredit Bank AG Unicredit Bank Swap Not Qualifying For Hedge Accounting [Member] Unicredit Bank AG - Not Qualifying For Hedge Accounting Vessel Accumulated Depreciation [Member] Accumulated Depreciation The vessels' capacity in Deadweight Tonnage. Vessel Capacity DWT Vessel Cost [Member] Vessel Cost The gross amount of vessel cost which consists of the contract price and any expenses incurred upon acquisition that were capitalized. Balance September 30, 2012 Balance December 31, 2011 Vessel Cost The date the vessel was delivered to the Company. Vessel Delivery Date Delivery Date The date the vessel is expected to be delivered to the Company. Vessel Expected Delivery Date Expected Delivery Vessel Net Book Value [Member] Net Book Value Vessel Operating Expenses [Abstract] Superintendent and manning services fees charged by related parties. Vessel Operating Expenses Related Party Vessels operating expenses related party Tabular disclosure of operating expenses of vessels. Vessel Operating Expenses Text Block Vessel Operating Expenses Reclassification from vessel operating expenses to voyage expenses. Vessel Operating Expenses To Voyage Expenses Reclassification Reclassification from Vessel Operating Expenses to Voyage Expenses Vessel operating expenses include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance, the cost of spares and consumable stores, and other miscellaneous expenses. Vessel operating expenses Vessel Operating Expenses Vessels operating expenses (including related party of $462,891 and $516,198 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, respectively) The date the vessel was built. Vessel Year Built Built The gross amount of vessel cost which consists of the contract price and any expenses incurred upon acquisition that were capitalized, for vessels delivered within the period. Vessels Delivered Newbuilding deliveries Vessels Net [Abstract] Disclosure of vessels that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Vessels Net Text Block Vessels, Net Vessel cost net of accumulated depreciation. Balance September 30, 2012 Balance December 31, 2011 Vessels Net Vessels, net Tabular disclosure of the cost, accumulated depreciation and net book value for vessels that are used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Vessels Table Text Block Vessels Table Costs relating to the voyages performed by the vessels and may include port expenses, canal dues, war risk insurances, fuel costs and other expenses, net of gains or losses from the sale of bunkers to charterers. Voyage Expenses Voyage expenses Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Non Vested Shares [Abstract] Weighted Average Fair Value Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Trade accounts payable Trade receivables, net Accrued Expenses [Abstract] Accrued expenses current Accrued expenses AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment Balance September 30, 2012 Balance December 31, 2011 Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Comprehensive Loss Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Share based Compensation Share based compensation Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Affiliated Entity [Member] Box Ships Inc. Amortization of financing costs Amortization and write off of financing costs AmountOfDilutiveSecuritiesStockOptionsAndRestrictiveStockUnits Anti-dilutive securities Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share By Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Impairment loss Assets Abstract Assets Current assets Total current assets Total current assets Assets held for sale Total Assets Total Assets Unrealized loss on change in fair value of marketable securities Marketable Securities - Realized Loss KLC Shares - Marketable Securities (Loss) Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value Table Text Block Marketable Securities Location of Gain / (Loss) Recognized Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Borrowings [Member] All company's Lenders Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Text Block Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies BS Commitments and Contingencies Common Class A [Member] Common Shares - Class A Class A Shares Common Class B [Member] Common Shares - Class B Dividend per share paid Common Stock [Member] Class A Shares Common Stock - par value Common stock - shares authorized Common stock - shares issued Common stock - shares outstanding Common Stock Value Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive Loss Advances for vessel acquisitions and vessels under construction Expenses / (Income) Costs And Expenses Related Party Manning expenses Credit Derivatives By Contract Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Debt Disclosure Text Block Long-Term Debt Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Table] Deferred income, current Deferred income Deferred Income [Abstract] Deferred Income Text Block Deferred Income Deferred income non current Deferred income Depreciation Depreciation for the period Derivative Assets Liabilities At Fair Value Net Total derivatives Interest rate swaps - liability Derivative By Nature [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] DerivativeDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis Floating rate DerivativeFixedInterestRate Fixed rate Unrealized loss/(gain) on interest rate swap Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps Derivative Inception Dates Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Cash flow hedge losses to be reclassified into statement of operations within the next 12 months Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges Interest rate swaps Derivative Instruments In Hedges At Fair Value Net [Abstract] Derivatives designated as hedging instruments DerivativeInstrumentsInHedgesLiabilitiesAtFairValue Subtotal Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Abstract] Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue Subtotal Interest rate swaps, current Interest rate swaps Interest rate swaps, non current Interest rate swaps Derivative Liabilities Total derivatives Interest rate swaps - liability Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Maturity Dates Termination Date Derivative Name [Domain] Derivative [Table] Fair Value Disclosures Text Block Fair Value Disclosures Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Share Based Payments Text Block Share Based Payments Share Based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Of Share Based Compensation Arrangements By ShareBased Payment Award Text Block Non Vested Shares Activity Going Concern [Abstract] Dividends paid (0,20$) Dividends paid Dividends paid ($0.05 per share) Due from affiliate current Loan to affiliate Due from related parties current Due from related parties Due from Allseas Due to Related Parties Current Due to related parties Earnings Per Share (EPS) [Abstract] Earnings / (Loss) per Class A common share, basic and diluted Basic and diluted Loss per Class A common share, basic and diluted Earnings per share, basic Earnings per share, diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) Text Block Earnings Per Share (EPS) Expected period of recognition for unrecognized compensation cost EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized Unrecognized compensation cost Equity Component [Domain] Equity Interest Issued Or Issuable By Type [Axis] Equity Interest Issued Or Issuable Type [Domain] EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment Impairment in investment in affiliate Investment in equity affiliate - Box Ships Inc. (Loss) Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Percentage of ownership in Box Ships Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Significant Other Observable Iputs (Level 2) Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Financial Instruments Text Block Financial Instruments Financial Instruments [Abstract] Foreign currency (loss) / gain Foreign currency (loss) / gain Foreign currency gain / (loss) Gain Loss On Derivatives [Member] Loss on derivatives, net GainLossOnInterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstruments Interest rate swaps - Fair value General and Administrative Expenses [Abstract] Included in General and Administrative expenses General and administrative expenses including related party General and administrative expenses (including related party of $2,709,452 and $2,465,856 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, respectively) Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Tax Disclosure Abstract Income Taxes Text Block Income Taxes Income Taxes [Abstract] Trade Accounts Payable Trade accounts payable Trade receivables (net) Trade receivables, net Increase Decrease in Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses Deferred Revenue Deferred income Due from Management Company Due from related parties Increase Decrease In Due To Related Parties Current Due to related parties Inventories Inventories Increase Decrease In Marketable Securities Marketable securities Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase Decrease in Other Receivables Other receivables Prepaid Expenses Prepaid expenses Increase Decrease In Restricted Cash Release of restricted cash Interest and finance costs Interest and finance costs Interest Expense [Member] Interest and finance costs (Location of Gain / (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain /(Loss) in Statement of Operations (Effective Portion)) Cash paid during the year for interest Cash paid during the year for interest (excluding capitalized interest) InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassifiedToEarningsNet Interest rate swaps - Realized Loss InterestRateCashFlowHedgeLiabilityAtFairValue Interest rate swaps InterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue Interest rate swaps Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract] Inventories, net Inventories Interest income Interest income (including related party of $339,494 and $511,747 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, respectively) Investment in Equity Affiliate [Abstract] Balance, September 30, 2012 Balance, December 31, 2011 Investment in equity affiliate Investment in equity affiliate - Box Ships Inc. Investments In And Advances To Affiliates Categorization [Axis] Investments In And Advances To Affiliates Categorization [Domain] InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesDividendsOrInterest Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Line Items] Investments In And Advances To Affiliates [Table] Investment in Equity Affiliate Text Block Investment in Equity Affiliate Rent expense Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term liabilities Total long-term liabilities Total long-term liabilities Liability associated with vessel held for sale Total liabilities Total Liabilities Covenant Compliance Line Of Credit Facility Covenant Terms Amended Facilities Conditions Current portion of long-term debt Loans Payable To Bank Total long-term debt Loan to affiliate interest rate spread Loan to affiliate interest rate basis Long-term debt Long Term Purchase Commitment Text Block Newbuilding Commitments Marketable Securities [Abstract] Marketable Securities Current KLC Shares - Marketable Securities Marketable securities Marketable Securities Gain Loss Net gain on marketable securities Gain from marketable securities, net Net gain on marketable securities MarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainLoss Minority Interest Ownership Percentage By Parent Cash flows from financing activities Net cash from / (used in) financing activities Net cash (used in) / from financing activities Cash flows from investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash from / (used in) investing activities Cash flows from operating activities Net cash from operating activities Net cash from operating activities Net loss per common share: NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic Recent Accounting Pronouncements Other Income / (Expenses) Total Other Expenses, net Total Other Expenses, net NotionalAmountOfInterestRateDerivatives Notional amount OperatingCostsAndExpensesAbstract Included in Vessel operating expenses OperatingExpensesAbstract Included in Dry-docking expenses Operating Income Operating (Loss) / Income Basis of Presentation and General Information [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and General Information Text Block Basis of Presentation and General Information Other Assets Current Other assets Other Assets [Abstract] Other assets Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Other comprehensive loss Total Other Comprehensive Loss Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Gain / (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain / (Loss) (Effective Portion) Other Income Other income Other Receivables [Abstract] Other receivables current Other receivables Payments for constuction in progress Payments for vessels under construction Dividends paid Dividends paid Payment of financing costs Payment of financing costs Preferred stock par value Preferred stock shares authorized Preferred stock shares issued Preferred stock shares outstanding Preferred shares, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding Prepaid expenses Proceeds From Collection Of Advance To Affiliate Proceeds from the issuance of Class A common shares (net) Proceeds from the issuance of Class A common shares Issuance of Class A common shares / restricted shares, net Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds from sale of property plant and equipment Professional And Contract Services Expense Net loss Net Income Net Loss Net Loss Net Loss Property Plant And Equipment By Type [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] Non-Vessel Owning Subsidiaries [Line Items] Fixed assets Total fixed assets, net Total fixed assets, net Property Plant And Equipment Type [Domain] Bad debt provisions Related Party [Domain] Transactions with Related Parties [Abstract] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Axis] Transactions with Related Parties Text Block Transactions with Related Parties Repayment of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Restricted cash current Restricted cash Restricted cash, non current Restricted cash Retained earnings / (Accumulated deficit) Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings / (Accumulated Deficit) Revenue Time charter revenue SalesCommissionsAndFees Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule Of Cash Flow Hedges Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Table Text Block Effect of Derivative Instruments designated as hedging instruments (Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain / (Loss) in Statement of Operations) Schedule Of Debt Table Text Block Schedule of Debt Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table Text Block Basic EPS ? Class A Common Shares Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table Text Block Summuary of Valuation of Interest Rate Swaps Schedule Of Investments In And Advances To Affiliates Schedule Of Investments Table Text Block Investment In Equity Affiliate Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment [Table] Schedule Of Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Table] Schedule Of Related Party Transactions Table Text Block Related Party Transactions Class of Stock [Table] Segment Information (Abstract) Segment Information ServiceManagementCosts Management fees ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod Cancelled ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue Cancelled ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue Granted ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod Granted Non-vested, September 30, 2012 Non-vested, December 31, 2011 ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward Number of Shares Non-vested, September 30, 2012 Non-vested, December 31, 2011 ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue Vested ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod Vested Share based compensation, value Share based compensation Price of Box Ships common stock Shares issued, ending balance Shares issued, beginning balance Shares Issued Significant Accounting Policies Text Block Significant Accounting Policies SignificantAcquisitionsAndDisposalsDateOfTransactionForAcquisitionsOrDisposals Delivery Date Class of Stock [Axis] Statement of Equity [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement of Equity [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Operations [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) [Abstract] Statement [Table] Issuance of Class A common shares, net of issuance costs (number of shares) Public offering by Box Ships, number of shares Shares of affiliate held Cancellation of non-vested Class A common share awards (number of shares) Cancellation of non-vested Class A common share awards (number of shares) Issuance of non-vested Class A common share awards (number of shares) Share based compensation Issuance of Class A common shares, net of issuance costs Cancellation of non-vested Class A common share awards Cancellation of non-vested Class A common share awards Issuance of non-vested Class A common share awards Stock Option [Member] Stock Option Shareholders' equity Shareholders' Equity Capital Structure [Abstract] Capital Structure Text Block Capital Structure Ten for one reverse stock split description Balance Balance Total shareholders' equity Total Shareholders' Equity Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Text Block Subsequent Events Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information To September 30, UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueInNextRollingTwelveMonths 2013 UnrecordedUnconditionalPurchaseObligationDueInRollingYearTwo 2014 Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted Weighted average number of Class A common shares, basic and diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted Denominators Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic