Note 7 - Contingencies (Details Textual) - Van Wingerden v. Cadiz Inc., et al. [Member] - Judicial Ruling [Member] $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Litigation Settlement, Amount	$ (3)
Insurance Settlements Receivable	$ 3

Amount due in settlement of a claim for reimbursement from an insurance company when the Company has suffered a loss covered under an insurance policy.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_InsuranceSettlementsReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant