Note 13 - Stock Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Note 13 . Stock Incentive Plans Eagle Bulk Shipping - Predecessor Company 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. In November 2011, our shareholders approved the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) for the purpose of affording an incentive to eligible persons. The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of equity based awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, unrestricted stock, other equity based or equity related awards, and/or performance compensation awards based on or relating to the Company's common shares to eligible non-employee directors, officers, employees or consultants. The 2011 Plan was administered by a compensation committee or such other committee of the Company's board of directors. An aggregate of 5.9 million of the Company's common shares have been authorized for issuance under the 2011 Plan. The shares reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan were not subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split commenced prior to the Company’s 2011 Annual General Meeting. However, the 2011 Plan was approved by shareholders subject to the Company’s confirmation in the proxy materials relating to the approval of the 2011 Plan that no options granted under the plan would, in the aggregate, exceed 10% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares on a fully diluted basis on the date the options first become exercisable. 2009 Equity Incentive Plan . In May 2009, our shareholders approved the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”) for the purpose of affording an incentive to eligible persons. The 2009 Plan provides for the grant of equity based awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, unrestricted stock, other equity based or equity related awards, and/or performance compensation awards based on or relating to the Company’s common shares to eligible non-employee directors, officers, employees or consultants. The 2009 Plan was administered by a compensation committee or such other committee of the Company’s board of directors. A maximum of 1.05 million of the Company’s common shares have been authorized for issuance under the 2009 Plan, which have been adjusted in accordance with the one-for-four reverse stock split effective on May 22, 2012. The Company permits the employees to use vested shares to satisfy the grantee’s United States federal income tax liability resulting from issuance of the shares through the Company’s retention of that number of common shares having a market value as of the vesting date equal to such tax obligation up to the minimum statutory withholding requirements. The amounts related to shares used for such tax withholding obligations were $352,306 for the year ended December 31, 2013, and none for the period ended October 15, 2014. On June 26, 2012, upon the Company’s refinancing of its credit facility, the Company granted options, under the 2012 Plan, to certain members of the Company’s senior management to purchase an aggregate of 1,580,000 of the Company's common shares. The options have an exercise price of $3.34 per share, vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the grant date, and expire between five to ten years from the date of grant. The Company has recorded non-cash compensation charges of $988,502 relating to the fair value of these stock options in 2013 and $555,344 for the period ended October 15, 2014. In December 2011 the Company granted 415,750 Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") to members of its management and certain employees. Each Restricted Stock Unit granted to the participant represents the right to receive one share of the Company's Common Stock as of the date of vesting, with such vesting to occur ratably over three years. The fair value of the non-vested restricted stock at the grant date, equivalent to the market value at the date of grants, is $1,646,370. Amortization of this charge, which is included in non-cash compensation expense, for the year ended December 31, 2013, was $538,898 and $517,039 for the period ended October 15, 2014. As part of the Reorganization Plan, on the effective date all outstanding and unvested RSUs and options have been canceled. Eagle Bulk Shipping - Successor Company 2014 Management Incentive Plan On the Effective Date, in accordance with the Plan, the Company adopted the post-emergence Management Incentive Program, which provides for the distribution of New Eagle MIP Primary Equity in the form of shares of New Eagle Common Stock, and New Eagle MIP Options, to the participating senior management and other employees of the reorganized Company with 2% of the New Eagle Common Stock (on a fully diluted basis) on the Effective Date, and two tiers of options to acquire 5.5% of the New Eagle Common Stock (on a fully diluted basis) with different strike prices based on the equity value for the reorganized Company and a premium to the equity value, each of the foregoing to vest generally over a four year schedule through 25% annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the Effective Date. The New Eagle MIP Primary Equity is subject to vesting, but the holder thereof is entitled to receive all dividends paid with respect to such shares as if such New Eagle MIP Primary Equity had vested on the grant date (subject to forfeiture by the holder in the event that such grant is terminated prior to vesting unless the administrator of the Management Incentive Program determines otherwise). The New Eagle MIP Options will contain adjustment provisions to reflect any transaction involving shares of New Eagle Common Stock, including as a result of any dividend, recapitalization, or stock split, so as to prevent any diminution or enlargement of the holder’s rights under the award. On the Effective Date, the Company granted to its former Chief Executive Officer, 540,540 shares of New Eagle MIP Primary Equity and New Eagle MIP Options exercisable for 675,676 shares at an exercise price of $18 and 810,811 shares at an exercise price of $25.25. The fair value of the New Eagle MIP Primary Equity equivalent to the enterprise value at the grant date was $8.9 million. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the Successor Period ended December 31, 2014, was $970,552. The fair value of each New Eagle MIP Option was $5.80 for the $18 options and $4.12 for the $25.25 options. For the purposes of determining the non-cash compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan using the fair value method of ASC 718 "Compensation-Stock Compensation", the fair value of the New Eagle MIP Options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used included a risk free interest rate of 1.29%, an expected stock price volatility factor of 43% and a dividend rate of 0%.The aggregate fair value of these awards on the date of grant was $7.26 million. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense for the Successor period ended December 31, 2014, was $790,890. On March 9, 2015, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer resigned from the Company. In connection with the resignation, the Company entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release with its former Chief Executive Officer. The Separation Agreement provides, among other things, a vesting of 270,270 of New Eagle MIP Primary Equity of the Company previously granted to its former Chief Executive Officer. All other equity awards previously granted by the Company to its former Chief Executive Officer were forfeited without consideration pursuant to such Separation Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the non-cash compensation related to the separation agreement was $803,420 net of forfeitures. On December 2, 2014, the Company granted 360,360 shares of New Eagle MIP Primary Equity to members of its management and certain employees and New Eagle MIP Options exercisable for 450,450 shares at an exercise price of $18 and 540,540 shares at an exercise price of $25.25. The fair value of the New Eagle MIP Primary Equity equivalent to the market value at the date of grant was $4.97 million. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the Successor period ended December 31, 2014, were $1,565,378 and $210,843, respectively. The fair value of each New Eagle MIP Option at the date of the grant was $4.26 for the $18 options and $2.95 for the $25.25 options. The aggregate fair value of these awards on the date of grant was $3.51 million. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the Successor period ended December 31, 2014 were $887,875 and $149,220, respectively. On April 27, 2015, the Company’s former Chief Operating Officer separated from the Company. On May 1, 2015, the Company and its former Chief Operating Officer entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release. All the equity awards previously granted by the Company to its former Chief Operation Officer were forfeited without consideration pursuant to such Separation Agreement. On June 12, 2015, the Company granted to an employee 55,000 restricted shares. The fair value of the New Eagle MIP Primary Equity equivalent to the market value at the date of grant was $493,900. Amortization of this charge, which is included in General and administrative expenses, for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $142,047. On July 7, 2015, the Company announced that it appointed Gary Vogel as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of September 1, 2015 (the “CEO Effective Date”). The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Vogel on July 6, 2015. Pursuant to the employment agreement, on September 29, 2015, the Company granted to Mr. Vogel 325,000 restricted shares of common stock of the Company, an option to purchase 325,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.87 per share, and an option to purchase 325,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $13.00 per share, in each case, (i) subject to the terms of the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreement and (ii) pursuant to the exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder. The options have a five year term and will vest ratably on each of the first four anniversaries of the CEO Effective Date. All of the restricted shares will vest on the third anniversary of the CEO Effective Date subject to Mr. Vogel’s continued employment. The fair value of Mr. Vogel’s restricted stock award is equivalent to the market value at the date of grant was $1,907,750. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $386,504. The fair value of the options was $623,828 for the $5.87 options and $200,160 for the $13.00 options. For the purposes of determining the non-cash compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan using the fair value method of ASC 718 "Compensation-Stock Compensation", the fair value of the options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used included a risk free interest rate of 1.09%, an expected stock price volatility factor of 41.6% and a dividend rate of 0%. The aggregate fair value of these stock options awards on the date of grant was $823,988. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $142,276. On November 13, 2015, the Company granted to an employee, 100,000 restricted shares of common stock of the Company, an option to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.92 per share, and an option to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $13.00 per share. The fair value of the restricted stock award is equivalent to the market value at the date of grant was $392,000. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $31,897. The fair value of the options was $132,444 for the $3.92 options and $20,287 for the $13.00 options. For the purposes of determining the non-cash compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan using the fair value method of ASC 718 "Compensation-Stock Compensation", the fair value of the options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used included a risk free interest rate of 1.37%, an expected stock price volatility factor of 42.6% and a dividend rate of 0%. The aggregate fair value of these stock options awards on the date of grant was $152,731. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $10,592. The future compensation to be recognized for the aforementioned restricted stock and options for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 will be $2,977,752, $1,479,655 and $605,779, respectively.

Note

. Stock Incentive Plans

Eagle Bulk Shipping -

Predecessor Company

2011 Equity Incentive Plan.

In November 2011, our shareholders approved the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) for the purpose of affording an incentive to eligible persons. The 2011 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of equity based awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, unrestricted stock, other equity based or equity related awards, and/or performance compensation awards based on or relating to the Company's common shares to eligible non-employee directors, officers, employees or consultants. The 2011 Plan was administered by a compensation committee or such other committee of the Company's board of directors. An aggregate of 5.9 million of the Company's common shares have been authorized for issuance under the 2011 Plan. The shares reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan were not subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split commenced prior to the Company’s 2011 Annual General Meeting. However, the 2011 Plan was approved by shareholders subject to the Company’s confirmation in the proxy materials relating to the approval of the 2011 Plan that no options granted under the plan would, in the aggregate, exceed 10% of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares on a fully diluted basis on the date the options first become exercisable.

2009 Equity Incentive Plan

. In May 2009, our shareholders approved the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2009 Plan”) for the purpose of affording an incentive to eligible persons. The 2009 Plan provides for the grant of equity based awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, unrestricted stock, other equity based or equity related awards, and/or performance compensation awards based on or relating to the Company’s common shares to eligible non-employee directors, officers, employees or consultants. The 2009 Plan was administered by a compensation committee or such other committee of the Company’s board of directors. A maximum of 1.05 million of the Company’s common shares have been authorized for issuance under the 2009 Plan, which have been adjusted in accordance with the one-for-four reverse stock split effective on May 22, 2012.

The Company permits the employees to use vested shares to satisfy the grantee’s United States federal income tax liability resulting from issuance of the shares through the Company’s retention of that number of common shares having a market value as of the vesting date equal to such tax obligation up to the minimum statutory withholding requirements. The amounts related to shares used for such tax withholding obligations were $352,306 for the year ended December 31, 2013, and none for the period ended October 15, 2014.

On June 26, 2012, upon the Company’s refinancing of its credit facility, the Company granted options, under the 2012 Plan, to certain members of the Company’s senior management to purchase an aggregate of 1,580,000 of the Company's common shares. The options have an exercise price of $3.34 per share, vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the grant date, and expire between five to ten years from the date of grant. The Company has recorded non-cash compensation charges of $988,502 relating to the fair value of these stock options in 2013 and $555,344 for the period ended October 15, 2014.

In December 2011 the Company granted 415,750 Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") to members of its management and certain employees. Each Restricted Stock Unit granted to the participant represents the right to receive one share of the Company's Common Stock as of the date of vesting, with such vesting to occur ratably over three years. The fair value of the non-vested restricted stock at the grant date, equivalent to the market value at the date of grants, is $1,646,370. Amortization of this charge, which is included in non-cash compensation expense, for the year ended December 31, 2013, was $538,898 and $517,039 for the period ended October 15, 2014.

As part of the Reorganization Plan, on the effective date all outstanding and unvested RSUs and options have been canceled.

Eagle Bulk Shipping - Successor Company

2014 Management Incentive Plan

On the Effective Date, in accordance with the Plan, the Company adopted the post-emergence Management Incentive Program, which provides for the distribution of New Eagle MIP Primary Equity in the form of shares of New Eagle Common Stock, and New Eagle MIP Options, to the participating senior management and other employees of the reorganized Company with 2% of the New Eagle Common Stock (on a fully diluted basis) on the Effective Date, and two tiers of options to acquire 5.5% of the New Eagle Common Stock (on a fully diluted basis) with different strike prices based on the equity value for the reorganized Company and a premium to the equity value, each of the foregoing to vest generally over a four year schedule through 25% annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the Effective Date. The New Eagle MIP Primary Equity is subject to vesting, but the holder thereof is entitled to receive all dividends paid with respect to such shares as if such New Eagle MIP Primary Equity had vested on the grant date (subject to forfeiture by the holder in the event that such grant is terminated prior to vesting unless the administrator of the Management Incentive Program determines otherwise). The New Eagle MIP Options will contain adjustment provisions to reflect any transaction involving shares of New Eagle Common Stock, including as a result of any dividend, recapitalization, or stock split, so as to prevent any diminution or enlargement of the holder’s rights under the award.

On the Effective Date, the Company granted to its former Chief Executive Officer, 540,540 shares of New Eagle MIP Primary Equity and New Eagle MIP Options exercisable for 675,676 shares at an exercise price of $18 and 810,811 shares at an exercise price of $25.25. The fair value of the New Eagle MIP Primary Equity equivalent to the enterprise value at the grant date was $8.9 million. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the Successor Period ended December 31, 2014, was $970,552. The fair value of each New Eagle MIP Option was $5.80 for the $18 options and $4.12 for the $25.25 options. For the purposes of determining the non-cash compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan using the fair value method of ASC 718 "Compensation-Stock Compensation", the fair value of the New Eagle MIP Options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used included a risk free interest rate of 1.29%, an expected stock price volatility factor of 43% and a dividend rate of 0%.The aggregate fair value of these awards on the date of grant was $7.26 million. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense for the Successor period ended December 31, 2014, was $790,890.

On March 9, 2015, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer resigned from the Company. In connection with the resignation, the Company entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release with its former Chief Executive Officer. The Separation Agreement provides, among other things, a vesting of 270,270 of New Eagle MIP Primary Equity of the Company previously granted to its former Chief Executive Officer. All other equity awards previously granted by the Company to its former Chief Executive Officer were forfeited without consideration pursuant to such Separation Agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the non-cash compensation related to the separation agreement was $803,420 net of forfeitures.

On December 2, 2014, the Company granted 360,360 shares of New Eagle MIP Primary Equity to members of its management and certain employees and New Eagle MIP Options exercisable for 450,450 shares at an exercise price of $18 and 540,540 shares at an exercise price of $25.25. The fair value of the New Eagle MIP Primary Equity equivalent to the market value at the date of grant was $4.97 million. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the Successor period ended December 31, 2014, were $1,565,378 and $210,843, respectively. The fair value of each New Eagle MIP Option at the date of the grant was $4.26 for the $18 options and $2.95 for the $25.25 options. The aggregate fair value of these awards on the date of grant was $3.51 million. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015 and for the Successor period ended December 31, 2014 were $887,875 and $149,220, respectively.

On April 27, 2015, the Company’s former Chief Operating Officer separated from the Company. On May 1, 2015, the Company and its former Chief Operating Officer entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release. All the equity awards previously granted by the Company to its former Chief Operation Officer were forfeited without consideration pursuant to such Separation Agreement.

On June 12, 2015, the Company granted to an employee 55,000 restricted shares. The fair value of the New Eagle MIP Primary Equity equivalent to the market value at the date of grant was $493,900. Amortization of this charge, which is included in General and administrative expenses, for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $142,047.

On July 7, 2015, the Company announced that it appointed Gary Vogel as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective as of September 1, 2015 (the “CEO Effective Date”). The Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Vogel on July 6, 2015. Pursuant to the employment agreement, on September 29, 2015, the Company granted to Mr. Vogel 325,000 restricted shares of common stock of the Company, an option to purchase 325,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $5.87 per share, and an option to purchase 325,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $13.00 per share, in each case, (i) subject to the terms of the Company’s 2014 Equity Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreement and (ii) pursuant to the exemption from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder. The options have a five year term and will vest ratably on each of the first four anniversaries of the CEO Effective Date. All of the restricted shares will vest on the third anniversary of the CEO Effective Date subject to Mr. Vogel’s continued employment. The fair value of Mr. Vogel’s restricted stock award is equivalent to the market value at the date of grant was $1,907,750. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $386,504. The fair value of the options was $623,828 for the $5.87 options and $200,160 for the $13.00 options. For the purposes of determining the non-cash compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan using the fair value method of ASC 718 "Compensation-Stock Compensation", the fair value of the options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used included a risk free interest rate of 1.09%, an expected stock price volatility factor of 41.6% and a dividend rate of 0%. The aggregate fair value of these stock options awards on the date of grant was $823,988. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $142,276.

On November 13, 2015, the Company granted to an employee, 100,000 restricted shares of common stock of the Company, an option to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.92 per share, and an option to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $13.00 per share. The fair value of the restricted stock award is equivalent to the market value at the date of grant was $392,000. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $31,897. The fair value of the options was $132,444 for the $3.92 options and $20,287 for the $13.00 options. For the purposes of determining the non-cash compensation cost for the Company's stock option plan using the fair value method of ASC 718 "Compensation-Stock Compensation", the fair value of the options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used included a risk free interest rate of 1.37%, an expected stock price volatility factor of 42.6% and a dividend rate of 0%. The aggregate fair value of these stock options awards on the date of grant was $152,731. Amortization of this charge, which is included in general and administrative expense, for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $10,592.

The future compensation to be recognized for the aforementioned restricted stock and options for the years ending December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 will be $2,977,752, $1,479,655 and $605,779, respectively.