VESSEL ACQUISITIONS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 11, 2011 Black Creek Holdings, Inc. [Member] The Vessels [Member] Monthly_Installments Vessels	Jul. 21, 2011 Lower Lakes Towing Ltd. [Member] MARITIME TRADER [Member]	Oct. 14, 2011 Lower Lakes Towing Ltd. [Member] M/V TECUMSEH [Member]	Dec. 01, 2011 Grand River Navigation Company, Inc. [Member] MARY TURNER [Member]	Dec. 01, 2011 Grand River Navigation Company, Inc. [Member] BEVERLY ANDERSON [Member]
Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of vessels purchased	2
Cash paid at closing	$ 35,500
Cash to be paid in installments	3,600
Number of payment installments	72
Monthly payment installment amount	50
Promissory note given as consideration	1,500
Number of common shares given as consideration	1,305,963
Fair Values of Assets Acquired [Abstract]
Current assets	94
Property and equipment	45,000
Other identifiable intangible assets	1,836
Total	46,930
Promissory note interest rate	6.00%
Vessel purchase price		$ 2,667	$ 5,250	$ 11,954	$ 7,796