Note 9 - Earnings Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Providence	$ 3,915	$ 4,623	$ (411)	$ 6,858
Less dividends on convertible preferred stock	(1,102)	(1,099)	(2,191)	(2,198)
Less income allocated to participating securities	(379)	(420)	(435)	(552)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	2,434	3,104	(3,037)	4,108
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 2,434	$ 3,104	$ (3,037)	$ 4,108
Denominator for basic earnings per share -- weighted-average shares (in shares)	13,553,704	14,893,595	13,628,572	14,975,582
Effect of dilutive securities:
Denominator for diluted earnings per share -- adjusted weighted-average shares assumed conversion (in shares)	13,607,576	15,019,312	13,687,183	15,098,945
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.07	$ 0.22	$ 0.09
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0.14	(0.44)	0.18
(in dollars per share)	0.18	0.21	(0.22)	0.27
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.19	0.07	0.22	0.09
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0.14	(0.44)	0.18
(in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.21	$ (0.22)	$ 0.27
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities:
Common stock options (in shares)	48,836	125,717	53,575	123,363
Performance Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Effect of dilutive securities:
Performance-based restricted stock units (in shares)	5,036		5,036
Continuing Operations [Member]
Numerator:
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 2,551	$ 1,016	$ 2,947	$ 1,355
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	2,551	1,016	2,947	1,355
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Numerator:
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	(117)	2,088	(5,984)	2,753
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ (117)	$ 2,088	$ (5,984)	$ 2,753