Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Top Ships Inc. (Parent Company Only) (Detail) - Summary subsidiary distributions to the Parent Company (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Return on Investment One [Member]
Return on Investment	$ 475	$ 3,070	$ 5,992
Return on Investment Two [Member]
Return on Investment		24,142	19,473
Total [Member]
Return on Investment	$ 475	$ 27,212	$ 25,465

Cash dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporations that are returns of capital. Excludes dividends or distributions from equity method investments classified as operating activities.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration