Note 26 - Earnings Per Share (Details) - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss/income attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. (numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share)	$ (234)	$ 2,996
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – Basic	22,284,485	22,185,556
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – Diluted	22,284,485	22,185,556
Loss/earnings per share-Basic	$ (0.01)	$ 0.14
Loss/earnings per share-Diluted	$ (0.01)	$ 0.14

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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Net Income or Loss Available to Common Stockholders plus adjustments resulting from the assumption that dilutive convertible securities were converted, options or warrants were exercised, or that other shares were issued upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.

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The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

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Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

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