Note 28 - Loss Per Share (Details) - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. from continued operations (numerator for basic and diluted loss per share from continued operations)	$ (7,627)	$ (12,267)
Net loss attributable to ChinaNet Online Holdings, Inc. from discontinued operation (numerator for basic and diluted loss per share from discontinued operation)	$ (1,465)	$ (1,471)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – Basic	26,765,673	22,414,523
Effect of diluted securities:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – Diluted	26,765,673	22,414,523
Loss per share-Basic and diluted from continued operations	$ (0.29)	$ (0.55)
Loss per share-Basic and diluted from discontinued operation	$ (0.05)	$ (0.07)