Note 1 - Basis of Presentation, Business Plan and Liquidity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Total	$ 6,134	$ (10,865)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Total	(5,056)	(8,726)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance	(62,956)	(57,882)	$ (49,199)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance	9,249	2,740
Liabilities, Total	94,086	$ 97,719
NovaStar Mortgage LLC [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance	1,300
Mortgage-backed Securities, Issued by US Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member]
Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	13,000
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain	$ 12,900