Note 1 - Basis of Presentation, Business Plan and Liquidity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 08, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Total		$ (10,225)	$ 6,134
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total		(5,168)	(5,056)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance		(72,059)	(62,956)	$ (57,882)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance		2,032	9,249
Liabilities, Total		$ 91,476	$ 94,086
Senior Notes [Member] | The 2017 Notes [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.50%	3.50%
NovaStar Mortgage LLC [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance		$ 700