Note 4 - Advances for Vessels Acquisitions Under Construction (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Balance	$ 25,098
Additions	48,681
Transferred to Vessels	(65,062)
Balance	$ 8,717

Gross amount, at the balance sheet date, of long-lived assets under construction that include construction costs to date on capital projects that have not been completed and assets being constructed that are not ready to be placed into service.

No definition available.

Name:	tops_AdvancesForVesselsAcquisitionsUnderConstruction
Namespace Prefix:	tops_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant