Note 10 - Long-term Investments (Details) - Movement in Cost Method Investments $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments, balance	$ 1,113
Investments during the year	457
Exchange translation adjustment	6
Cost method investments, balance	1,576
ChinaNet Korea [Member]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments, balance	0
Investments during the year	8
Exchange translation adjustment	0
Cost method investments, balance	8
Beijing Saturday [Member]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments, balance	17
Investments during the year	0
Exchange translation adjustment	0
Cost method investments, balance	17
Chuangshi Meiwei [Member]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments, balance	154
Investments during the year	0
Exchange translation adjustment	1
Cost method investments, balance	155
Guohua Shiji [Member]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments, balance	3
Investments during the year	0
Exchange translation adjustment	0
Cost method investments, balance	3
ChinaNet Chuang Tou [Member]
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Cost method investments, balance	939
Investments during the year	449
Exchange translation adjustment	5
Cost method investments, balance	$ 1,393