<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.0.8</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>HtmlAndXml</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>296</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>467</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>false</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>96</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>6</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R1.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0010 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/BalanceSheet</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R2.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0015 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R3.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0020 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/StatementOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R4.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0030 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R5.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0040 - Statement - Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/CashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R6.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1010 - Disclosure - Description of Business</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureDescriptionOfBusiness</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R7.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1020 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R8.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1030 - Disclosure - Restatement of Financial Statements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestatementOfFinancialStatements</Role>
      <ShortName>Restatement of Financial Statements</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R9.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1040 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R10.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1050 - Disclosure - GES-Port Charlotte</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureGESPortCharlotte</Role>
      <ShortName>GES-Port Charlotte</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R11.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1060 - Disclosure - Restructuring Charge</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestructuringCharge</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring Charge</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R12.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1070 - Disclosure - Impairment Loss</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureImpairmentLoss</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment Loss</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R13.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1080 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R14.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1090 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R15.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1100 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R16.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1110 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpenses</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R17.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1120 - Disclosure - Revolving Line of Credit</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRevolvingLineOfCredit</Role>
      <ShortName>Revolving Line of Credit</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R18.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1130 - Disclosure - Notes Payable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureNotesPayable</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Payable</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R19.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1140 - Disclosure - Subordinated Convertible Term Notes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSubordinatedConvertibleTermNotes</Role>
      <ShortName>Subordinated Convertible Term Notes</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R20.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1150 - Disclosure - Letter of Credit Agreement</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureLetterOfCreditAgreement</Role>
      <ShortName>Letter of Credit Agreement</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R21.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1160 - Disclosure - Long Term Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Long Term Debt</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R22.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1170 - Disclosure - Interest Expense</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureInterestExpense</Role>
      <ShortName>Interest Expense</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R23.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1180 - Disclosure - Lease Commitments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureLeaseCommitments</Role>
      <ShortName>Lease Commitments</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R24.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1190 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R25.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1200 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R26.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1210 - Disclosure - Equity Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureEquityTransactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Transactions</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R27.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1220 - Disclosure - Stock Options</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureStockOptions</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Options</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R28.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1230 - Disclosure - Restricted Stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestrictedStock</Role>
      <ShortName>Restricted Stock</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R29.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1240 - Disclosure - Employee Stock Purchase Plan</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockPurchasePlan</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Stock Purchase Plan</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R30.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1250 - Disclosure - Delisting Notices</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureDelistingNotices</Role>
      <ShortName>Delisting Notices</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R31.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1260 - Disclosure - Legal Matters</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureLegalMatters</Role>
      <ShortName>Legal Matters</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R32.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1270 - Disclosure - Related Parties</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRelatedParties</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Parties</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R33.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1280 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R34.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1290 - Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialData</Role>
      <ShortName>Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R35.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1300 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R36.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2040 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R37.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3030 - Disclosure - Restatement of Financial Statements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestatementOfFinancialStatementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Restatement of Financial Statements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R38.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3040 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R39.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3060 - Disclosure - Restructuring Charge (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestructuringChargeTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring Charge (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R40.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3080 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperationsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R41.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3090 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R42.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3100 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R43.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3110 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R44.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3160 - Disclosure - Long Term Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long Term Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R45.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3170 - Disclosure - Interest Expense (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureInterestExpenseTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Interest Expense (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R46.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3180 - Disclosure - Lease Commitments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureLeaseCommitmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Lease Commitments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R47.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3190 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R48.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3210 - Disclosure - Equity Transactions (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureEquityTransactionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Transactions (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R49.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3220 - Disclosure - Stock Options (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureStockOptionsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Options (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R50.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3230 - Disclosure - Restricted Stock (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestrictedStockTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Restricted Stock (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R51.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3280 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R52.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3290 - Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R53.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4010 - Disclosure - Description of Business (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureDescriptionOfBusinessDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Description of Business (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R54.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4020 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R55.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4030 - Disclosure - Restatement of Financial Statements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestatementOfFinancialStatementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restatement of Financial Statements (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R56.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4031 - Disclosure - Restatement of Financial Statements (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestatementOfFinancialStatementsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Restatement of Financial Statements (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R57.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4032 - Disclosure - Restatement of Financial Statements (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestatementOfFinancialStatementsDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Restatement of Financial Statements (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R58.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4040 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R59.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4041 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R60.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4042 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R61.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4043 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R62.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4044 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails5</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 5)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R63.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4045 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails6</Role>
      <ShortName>Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 6)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R64.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4050 - Disclosure - GES-Port Charlotte (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureGESPortCharlotteDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>GES-Port Charlotte (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R65.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4060 - Disclosure - Restructuring Charge (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestructuringChargeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructuring Charge (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R66.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4070 - Disclosure - Impairment Loss (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureImpairmentLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Impairment Loss (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R67.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4080 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureDiscontinuedOperationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R68.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4090 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Property and Equipment (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R69.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4100 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTablesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R70.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4101 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndOtherIntangibleAssetsTablesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R71.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4110 - Disclosure - Accrued Expenses (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureAccruedExpensesTablesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Accrued Expenses (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R72.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4120 - Disclosure - Revolving Line of Credit (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRevolvingLineOfCreditDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Revolving Line of Credit (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R73.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4130 - Disclosure - Notes Payable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureNotesPayableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Notes Payable (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R74.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4140 - Disclosure - Subordinated Convertible Term Notes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSubordinatedConvertibleTermNotesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subordinated Convertible Term Notes (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R75.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4150 - Disclosure - Letter of Credit Agreement (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureLetterOfCreditAgreementDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Letter of Credit Agreement (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R76.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4160 - Disclosure - Long Term Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Long Term Debt (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R77.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4170 - Disclosure - Interest Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureInterestExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Interest Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R78.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4180 - Disclosure - Lease Commitments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureLeaseCommitmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Lease Commitments (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R79.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4190 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R80.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4200 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R81.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4210 - Disclosure - Equity Transactions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureEquityTransactionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Transactions (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R82.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4220 - Disclosure - Stock Options (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureStockOptionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Options (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R83.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4221 - Disclosure - Stock Options (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureStockOptionsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Options (Details 2)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R84.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4222 - Disclosure - Stock Options (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureStockOptionsDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Options (Details 3)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R85.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4223 - Disclosure - Stock Options (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureStockOptionsDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Options (Details 4)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R86.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4224 - Disclosure - Stock Options (Details 5)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureStockOptionsDetails5</Role>
      <ShortName>Stock Options (Details 5)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R87.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4230 - Disclosure - Restricted Stock (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRestrictedStockDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restricted Stock (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R88.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4240 - Disclosure - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureEmployeeStockPurchasePlanDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R89.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4250 - Disclosure - Delisting Notices (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureDelistingNoticesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Delisting Notices (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R90.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4260 - Disclosure - Legal Matters (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureLegalMattersDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Legal Matters (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R91.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4270 - Disclosure - Related Parties (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Related Parties (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R92.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4280 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Segment Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R93.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4290 - Disclosure - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSelectedQuarterlyFinancialDataDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R94.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4300 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.lime-energy.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Details)</ShortName>
      <XmlFileName>R95.xml</XmlFileName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element lime_ClassOfWarrantOrRightFairValue had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element lime_IncreaseDecreaseInCostsAndEstimatedEarningsInExcessOfBillingsOnUncompletedContracts had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionPrice1 had a mix of decimals attribute values: 0 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentIncreaseAdditionalBorrowings had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInBillingInExcessOfCostOfEarnings had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_IssuanceOfStockAndWarrantsForServicesOrClaims had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -5.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PaidInKindInterest had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PaymentsOfStockIssuanceCosts had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfSharesUnderIncentiveAndShareBasedCompensationPlans had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfShareOutstandingBasicAndDiluted had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4030 - Disclosure - Restatement of Financial Statements (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4031 - Disclosure - Restatement of Financial Statements (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4032 - Disclosure - Restatement of Financial Statements (Details 3)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4040 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4050 - Disclosure - GES-Port Charlotte (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4070 - Disclosure - Impairment Loss (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4101 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4160 - Disclosure - Long Term Debt (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4180 - Disclosure - Lease Commitments (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4190 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4200 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4210 - Disclosure - Equity Transactions (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4280 - Disclosure - Business Segment Information (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0010 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0015 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0020 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0040 - Statement - Statements of Cash Flows</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>lime-20121231.xml</File>
    <File>lime-20121231.xsd</File>
    <File>lime-20121231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>lime-20121231_def.xml</File>
    <File>lime-20121231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>lime-20121231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
