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Note 1 - Organization	9 Months Ended
Note 1 - Organization	Jun. 30, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	1. Organization Nature of Business Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. (Natural Grocers or the holding company) and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) operate retail stores that specialize in natural and organic groceries and dietary supplements. The Company operates its retail stores under its trademark Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage ® . As of June 30, 2016, the Company operated 118 stores in 19 states. The Company also has a bulk food repackaging facility and distribution center in Golden, Colorado. The Company had 103 stores in 18 states as of September 30, 2015.