Note 7 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2016
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 1,878	$ 1,011	$ 865
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	2,035
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	2,035
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	2,019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	2,015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	1,593
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Capitalized Internal Software, Amount	$ 630	2,297
Cambrex High Point, Inc. [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill				$ 6,900
Cambrex High Point, Inc. [Member] | Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill		$ 6,900