Note 10 - Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share of Common Stock (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net loss attributable to common stock	$ (7,798,981)	$ (4,717,688)
Controlling Shareholders [Member]
Net loss attributable to common stock	(6,089,764)	(3,632,930)
Deemed dividends related to the Series J Preferred Stock attributable to all shareholders	(8,767,492)	(2,930,787)
Undistributed net loss	$ (14,857,256)	$ (6,563,717)
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding attributable to controlling stockholders (in shares)	375,961,974	327,637,170
Basic and diluted net loss per weighted average common share attributable to controlling stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.02)
Noncontrolling Shareholders [Member]
Net loss attributable to common stock	$ (1,709,624)	$ (1,087,318)
Deemed dividends related to the Series J Preferred Stock attributable to all shareholders	(2,461,363)	(877,170)
Undistributed net loss	$ (4,170,987)	$ (1,964,488)
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding attributable to controlling stockholders (in shares)	105,546,568	98,060,244
Basic and diluted net loss per weighted average common share attributable to controlling stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.02)

LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORP 10-Q