Note 5 - Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Other Current Assets [Member] | Forward Freight Agreements [Member]
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash	$ 147,600			$ 147,600
Current Liabilities [Member] | Forward Freight Agreements [Member]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral	15,150			15,150		$ 0
Vessels [Member] | Before Divesture [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		$ 25,317,262				76,332,734
Vessels [Member]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use		6,167,262
Vessels and Vessel Improvements [Member]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use		$ 6,167,262				50,872,734
To Be Divested [member]
Number Of Vessels		6
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use				$ 6,167,262
Number Of Vessels	40			40
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 572,261			$ 572,261		$ 220,509