Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses Accumulated Amortization, Debt Issuance Costs Amortization of original issue discount Accumulated Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized interest Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation Additional Deferred Financing Costs Additional Deferred Financing Costs Expenditure in the period Additional Paid in Capital Additional paid in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Unit or Restricted Stock Award, Requisite Service Period Recognition Restricted Stock Units (note 13) Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Series B Preferred Shares issue expenses (note 11) Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to Reconcile Net (Loss) Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Recognized share based compensation expenses Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowances for doubtful accounts Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of original issue discount (note 7) Amortization of deferred financing charges in the period included within interest expense. Amortization Of Deferred Financing Charges In Period Included Within Interest Expense Amortization included within interest expense Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Amortization of deferred financing costs (note 7) Amortization of Intangible Assets Charter Agreements Amortization of Intangible Assets Charter Agreements Amortization in period The amount of intangible lease liability amortized as an increase in time charter revenue during the reporting period. Amortization Of Intangible Liabilities Amortization of intangible liability Amount Accepted On Pro Rata Basis On Completion Of Cash Flow And Collateral Tender Offer Amount Accepted On Pro Rata Basis On Completion Of Cash Flow And Collateral Tender Offer Amount accepted on pro rata basis on completion of cash flow and collateral tender offer Annual ship management fees per vessel. Annual Ship Management Fees Per Vessel Annual ship management fee per vessel Approximate remaining charter term. Approximate Remaining Charter Term Charter Remaining Duration (years) Remaining charter terms Assets Total Assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Noncurrent Total non-current assets At Merger [Member] At Merger [Member] At Merger [Member] Available to allocate pro-rata between class A and class B basic. Available To Allocate Pro Rata Between Class A And Class B Basic Available to- allocate pro-rata between Class A and B Available to allocate pro-rata between class A and class B diluted. Available To Allocate Pro Rata Between Class A And Class B Diluted Available to - allocate pro rata between Class A and B Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Capacity Of Vessels In Twenty Foot Equivalent Units Capacity Of Vessels In Twenty Foot Equivalent Units Capacity in TEUs Capitalized Computer Software, Additions Additions Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Depreciation Capitalized Computer Software, Net Closing balance Opening balance Intangible assets (note 5) The cash outflow for capitalized costs relating to drydocking. Capitalized Costs Relating To Dry Docking Cash paid for drydockings Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year Cash and Cash Equivalents at Start of Year Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and cash equivalents Charter hire future maximum contracted receivable current. Charter Hire Future Maximum Contracted Receivable Current 2017 Charter hire future maximum contracted receivable in five years. Charter Hire Future Maximum Contracted Receivable In Five Years 2021 Charter hire future maximum contracted receivable in four years. Charter Hire Future Maximum Contracted Receivable In Four Years 2020 Charter hire future maximum contracted receivable in three years. Charter Hire Future Maximum Contracted Receivable In Three Years 2019 Charter hire future maximum contracted receivable in two years. Charter Hire Future Maximum Contracted Receivable In Two Years 2018 Charter hire future maximum contracted receivable thereafter. Charter Hire Future Maximum Contracted Receivable Thereafter Thereafter Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] CMA CGM Alcazar [Member] CMA CGM Alcazar [Member] CMA CGM Alcazar [Member] CMA CGM America [Member] CMA CGM America [Member] CMA CGM America [Member] CMA CGM Berlioz [Member] CMA CGM Berlioz [Member] CMA CGM Berlioz [Member] CMA CGM Chateau Dlf [Member] CMA CGM Chateau Dlf [Member] CMA CGM Chateau d'lf [Member] CMA CGM Jamaica [Member] CMA CGM Jamaica [Member] CMA CGM Jamaica [Member] CMA CGM La Tour [Member] CMA CGM La Tour [Member] CMA CGM La Tour [Member] CMA CGM Manet [Member] CMA CGM Manet [Member] CMA CGM Manet [Member] CMA CGM Matisse [Member] CMA CGM Matisse [Member] CMA CGM Matisse [Member] CMA CGM [Member] CMA CGM [Member] CMA CGM [Member] CMA CGM Sambhar [Member] CMA CGM Sambhar [Member] CMA CGM Sambhar [Member] CMA CGM Thalassa [Member] CMA CGM Thalassa [Member] CMA CGM Thalassa [Member] CMA CGM Utrillo [Member] CMA CGM Utrillo [Member] CMA CGM Utrillo [Member] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies (note 10) Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Common Class A [Member] Class A Common Stock [Member] Common Class B [Member] Class B Common Stock [Member] Common Stock, Conversion Features Possible future conversion basis for Class B common shares to Class A common shares Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Common stock dividends paid Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Common stock Component Of Other Operating Income [Line Items] Component Of Other Operating Income [Line Items] Component Of Other Operating Income [Line Items] Component Of Other Operating Income [Table] Component Of Other Operating Income [Table] Component Of Other Operating Income [Table] Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Risks Associated with Concentration Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of consolidation Corporate Income Tax Rate Corporate Income Tax Rate Principal rate of corporate income tax Cost of Services, Depreciation Depreciation expense Costs and Expenses Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating Expenses Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Daily Charter Rate Daily Charter Rate Daily Charter Rate Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt instrument additional repayments made in quarterly installments. Debt instrument additional repayments made in quarterly installments Additional repayments in quarterly installments Debt instrument additional repayments over quarterly installments to provide reserve for potential enhancement expenditure. Debt instrument additional repayments over quarterly installments to provide reserve for potential enhancement expenditure Total additional repayments over quarterly installments to provide reserve for potential enhancement expenditure Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Credit facility margin The original length of the line of credit facility before it terminates, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format Debt Instrument Expiration Period Credit facility maturity period Debt Instrument, Face Amount 2019 Notes Issuance of secured notes Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt instrument, interest rate Debt Instrument, Issuance Date Issuance date of debt instrument Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument maturities month year. Debt Instrument Maturities Month Year Maturity date of credit facility Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt instrument, maturity date Maturity date of credit facility Debt Instrument Maturity Year Debt Instrument Maturity Year Debt instrument, maturity year Debt instrument minimum cash balance. Debt Instrument Minimum Cash Balance Minimum cash balance requirement Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] The amount of debt discount recognized on date of issue. Debt Instrument Original Issue Discount Less original issue discount Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Purchase of secured notes Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Less repurchase of Notes (note 7(b)) Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt instrument termination date. Debt Instrument Termination Date Credit facility termination date Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Less: original issue discount Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium and deferred financing charges, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Debt, Net of Deferred Financing Charges and Original Issue Discount Balance Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Classification of long term debt Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred financing costs Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Deferred Costs Less: deferred financing costs Less: Deferred financing costs (note 7(f)) Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Fees and related costs deferred Debt Issuance Costs, Net Closing balance Opening balance Debt Issuance Costs, Net [Abstract] Debt Issuance Costs, Net [Abstract] Deferred Revenue, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability Deferred tax liability recognized Delmas Keta [Member] Delmas Keta [Member] Delmas Keta [Member] Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative, Loss on Derivative Realized loss on derivative instruments Derivative, Notional Amount Nominal Value of Interest Rate Agreements Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block] Interest Rate Derivatives and Fair Value Measurements Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative instruments Director [Member] Director [Member] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Dividends, Common Stock Dividends on Class A common shares (note 11) Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividend declaration date Dividends Policy [Text Block] Dividends [Policy Text Block] Dividends Dividends, Preferred Stock Dividends on preferred shares Series B Preferred Shares dividend (note 11) Document and entity information. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Drydocking Cost [Policy Text Block] Drydocking Cost [Policy Text Block] Drydocking costs Due from Related Parties, Current Due from related party (note 9) Due to Related Parties, Current Due to related party (note 9) Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net (loss) income per common share Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic (including RSU's without service conditions) (note 15) Earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Net (loss) income per Class B common share Basic and diluted (note 15) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted (note 15) Earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings per share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings per Share Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation cost Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Excess cash flow and collateral sale offers to repurchase notes. Excess Cash Flow And Collateral Sale Offers To Repurchase Notes Excess cash flow and collateral sale offers, amount Excess Cash flow amount offered to repurchase notes to include principle, redemption premium, unpaid and accrued interest. Excess Cash Flow Offered To Repurchase Notes Excess cash flow amount offered Excess cash flow offer, amount Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Software development Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities [Line Items] Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities [Line Items] Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities [Line Items] Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign currency transactions From June two thousand and sixteen. From June Two Thousand And Sixteen [Member] From June 2016 [Member] Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument Gain on purchase of secured notes Gain on repurchase of secured notes (note 7) Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Gain on sale of vessels Gain on sale of vessels (note 4) Gain (Loss) on Sale of Securities, Net Gain on redemption of Series A Preferred Shares (note 11) UNITED KINGDOM United Kingdom [Member] General and Administrative Expense General and administrative General [Text Block] General [Text Block] General Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest (Loss) Income before Income Taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Taxes Paid Total income tax paid Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Other Operating Liabilities (Decrease) increase in accounts payable and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable and Other Operating Assets Decrease in accounts receivable and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Increase in unearned revenue Increase (Decrease) in Due to Related Parties Increase (decrease) in related party balances Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Decrease (increase) in inventory Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Variation in restricted cash (note 11) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of share-based incentive awards Installment 3 FY 2014 [Member] Installment 3 FY 2014 [Member] Third Quarter, 2014 [Member] Installment4 F- Y- 2016. Installment4 F- Y- 2016 [Member] Fourth Quarter, 2016 [Member] Insurance Policy [Text Block] Insurance Policy [Text Block] Insurance Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets Intangible Liabilities Charter Agreements [Policy Text Block] Intangible Liabilities Charter Agreements [Policy Text Block] Intangible liabilities - charter agreements Intangible Liability Charter Agreements, Net Of Accumulated Amortization Intangible Liability Charter Agreements Closing balance Opening balance Intangible Liability Charter Agreements [Abstract] Intangible Liability Charter Agreements [Abstract] Intangible Liability Charter Agreements [Abstract] Current portion of the excess of the market value of vessel charters over contracted value of the charters at the date of merger. The intangible lease liability is amortized as an increase in time charter revenue over the remaining term of the relevant charter. Intangible Liability Charter Agreements Current Intangible liability - charter agreements (note 6) Non current portion of the excess of the market value of vessel charters over contracted value of the charters at the date of merger. The intangible lease liability is amortized as an increase in time charter revenue over the remaining term of the relevant charter. Intangible Liability Charter Agreements Noncurrent Intangible liability - charter agreements (note 6) Disclosure on Intangible Liabilities relating to Charter Agreements. Intangible Liability Charter Agreements [Text Block] Intangible Liability - Charter Agreements Intangible Liability Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Liability Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Liability Disclosure [Abstract] Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Income, Deposits with Financial Institutions Interest income The amount of cash paid for interest on debt and for Series A preferred dividends during the period. Interest Paid in Period Total interest paid Interest Rate Derivatives, at Fair Value, Net Derivative instruments fair value (liability) Interest Rate Libor Plus Margin After November Thirty Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Interest Rate Libor Plus Margin After November Thirty Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Margin After November 30, 2018 [Member] Interest Rate Libor Plus Margin Until November Thirty Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Interest Rate Libor Plus Margin Until November Thirty Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Margin Until November 30, 2018 [Member] Inventory, Gross Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Julie Delmas [Member] Julie Delmas [Member] Julie Delmas [Member] Kumasi and Marie Delmas. Kumasi and Marie Delmas [Member] Kumasi and Marie Delmas [Member] Kumasi [Member] Kumasi [Member] Kumasi [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities Total Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities Liabilities and Equity Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Long-term Line of Credit Amount of secured term loan drawn Revolving Credit Facility (note 7(c)) Line of credit facility covenant minimum shareholders equity. Line Of Credit Facility Covenant Minimum Shareholders Equity Line of credit facility covenant, minimum shareholders equity Line of Credit Facility, Description Credit facility description Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Credit facility termination date Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description Interest on notes Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Secured term loan facility Senior secured revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage Line of Credit, Current Less: Current portion of Revolving Credit Facility (note 7(c)) Amount of long-term debt, estimated or scheduled to be repaid within one year of the balance sheet date. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Long Term Debt Current Repayment Current portion of long-term debt (note 7) Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2018 Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of items such as unamortized discount, premium or deferred financing charges, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Long Term Debt Noncurrent Net Of Discount Deferred Financing Charges Or Premium Long-term debt (note 7) Non-current portion of Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long Term Debt Term of the incentive plan. Long Term Incentive Plan Term Term of Equity Incentive Plan Maintenance Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] Repairs and maintenance Management [Member] Management [Member] Marie Delmas [Member] Marie Delmas [Member] Marie Delmas [Member] Maximum contracted charter hire receivable. Maximum Contracted Charter Hire Receivable Maximum contracted charter hire receivable Maximum Future Contracted charter Hire Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum number of shares available for issuance under plan. Maximum Number Of Shares Available For Issuance Under Plan Maximum issuance shares Maximum period available to make collateral tender offer. Maximum Period Available To Make Collateral Tender Offer Maximum period available to make tender offer Merger cash flow projections discount rate. Merger Cash Flow Projections Discount Rate Discount rate of projected lease cash flow Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Line Items] Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Line Items] Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Line Items] Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Table] Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Table] Nature Of Operations And Basis Of Preparation [Table] Nature Of Operations [Line Items] Nature Of Operations [Line Items] Nature Of Operations [Line Items] Nature Of Operations [Table] Nature Of Operations [Table] Nature Of Operations [Table] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net income available to class A share holders for arrears. Net Income Available To Class A Share Holders For Arrears Available to - Class A shareholders for arrears Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net (loss) income Net (Loss) Income Net income for the year Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net (loss) income available to common shareholders Net (Loss) Income available to Common Shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net (loss) income available to common shareholders Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock. Net Proceeds From Issuance Of Preferred Stock Net proceeds from issuance New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently issued accounting standards Nominal Value Of Companies Interest Rate Agreements Qualify For Hedge Accounting Nominal Value Of Companies Interest Rate Agreements Qualify For Hedge Accounting Nominal value of company's interest rate agreements qualify for hedge accounting Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Non Operating Income (Expense) Notes Payable 2019 Notes (note 7(b)), total balance Notes Payable, Current Less: Current portion of 2019 Notes (note 7(b)) Amount of Notes tendered and accepted pursuant to excess cash flow offer. Notes Tendered and Accepted Pursuant to Excess Cash Flow Offer Amount of Notes tendered and accepted Number of banks holding deposits of cash and cash equivalents Number of Banks Holding Deposits Number of banks in which cash and cash equivalents deposited Number of classes of common stock. Number Of Classes Of Common Stock Classes of common shares Number of consecutive trading days. Number Of Consecutive Trading Days Number of consecutive trading days Number of intangible asset vessels to be purchased. Number Of Intangible Asset Vessels To Be Purchased Number of vessels yet to be purchased Number of members. Number Of Members Number of members granted with restricted stock units Number of Preferred Shares Installments Number of Preferred Shares Installments Redeemable preference shares, quarterly installments Number Of Quarterly Installments Number Of Quarterly Installments Number of repayable quarterly installments Number of quarterly installments to provide reserve for potential enhancement expenditure. Number Of Quarterly Installments To Provide Reserve For Potential Enhancement Expenditure Number of additional repayable quarterly installments to provide reserve for potential enhancement expenditure Number Of Subsidiaries. Number Of Subsidiaries Number of subsidiaries owned by the Company Number of tranches. Number Of Tranches Number of tranches Number of vessels chartered. Number Of Vessels Chartered Number of vessels Number of vessels contracted with finite lived intangible liability. Number of vessels contracted with Finite Lived Intangible Liability Number of vessels Number of vessels owned. Number Of Vessels Owned Number of vessels Number of vessels owned with finite lived intangible liability. Number Of Vessels Owned With Finite Lived Intangible Liability Number of vessels Number of vessels pledged as collateral under credit facilities. Number Of Vessels Pledged As Collateral Under Credit Facilities Number of vessels pledged as collateral under 2019 notes, revolving credit facility and secured term loan Number of vessels secured to notes. Number of Vessels Secured to Notes Number of vessels secured to notes Number Of Vessels Sold Number Of Vessels Sold Number of vessels sold Number Of Vessels Tested For Potential Impairment Number Of Vessels Tested For Potential Impairment Number of vessels tested for potential impairment Number of vessels under technical management. Number Of Vessels Under Technical Management Number of vessels under technical management OOCL [Member] OOCL [Member] OOCL [Member] OOCL Ningbo [Member] OOCL Ningbo [Member] OOCL Ningbo [Member] OOCL Qingdao [Member] OOCL Qingdao [Member] OOCL Qingdao [Member] OOCL Tianjin [Member] OOCL Tianjin [Member] OOCL Tianjin [Member] Operating Income (Loss) Operating (Loss) Income Option periods daily charter rate. Option Periods Daily Charter Rate Daily charter rate for option periods Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Nature of Operations and Basis of Preparation Other Assets, Noncurrent Other long term assets (note 7) Other Comprehensive Income Loss Policy [Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income Loss Policy [Text Block] Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Other Operating Income Other Income [Member] Other Sundry Income [Member] Other Operating Income Total other operating income Other operating income (note 8) Other Receivables, Net, Current Other receivables Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Redemption of Series A Preferred Shares (note 11) Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Class A common shares - dividends paid (note 11) Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Series B Preferred Shares - dividends paid (note 11) Payments of Financing Costs Deferred financing costs incurred (note 7) Payments to Acquire Other Property, Plant, and Equipment Cash paid for other assets Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Cash paid for vessels (note 4) Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Credit facility requirement for percentage of debt to be hedged Period between scheduled drydockings Period Between Scheduled Drydockings Period between scheduled regulatory drydockings Number of days after Financial Year End during which Excess Cash Flow Offer has to be made. Period For Excess Cash Flow Offer Period within which Excess Cash Flow Offer is to be made The period from the impairment test date in which, after the current charter expires, forecast rates are adopted. Period From Impairment Test Date In Which After Current Charter Expires Forecast Rates Adopted Forecast Rate Period following charter expiry Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Preferred Shares Policy [Text Block] Preferred Shares [Policy Text Block] Preferred shares Preferred Stock Depository Shares Issued Preferred Stock Depository Shares Issued Depositary shares issued Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Preferred shares dividend rate percentage Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Shares (note 11) Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Preferred stock dividends per share declared Preferred stock issue description. Preferred Stock Issue Description Preferred stock issuance term description Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount Redemption amount Preferred stock redemption commencement date. Preferred Stock Redemption Commencement Date Redeemable preference shares, redemption commencement date Preferred Stock Redemption Discount Gain on redemption of Series A Preferred Shares (note 11) Preferred Stock Redemption Price Per Depository Share Preferred Stock Redemption Price Per Depository Share Redemption price per depositary share Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share Redemption price per share Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Outstanding Preferred stock Prepaid Expense, Current Prepaid expenses Price percentage for excess cash flow and collateral sale offers to repurchase notes. Price Percentage For Excess Cash Flow And Collateral Sale Offers To Repurchase Notes Price in percent at which excess cash flow and collateral sale offers are made Price in percent at which Excess Cash Flow Offer is made to Repurchase Notes Price Percentage For Excess Cash Flow Offer To Repurchase Notes Price in percent at which excess cash flow offer are made Price in percent at which excess cash flow offer is made Proceeds from debt net of original discount and before costs related to issuance. Proceeds From Debt Net Of Original Discount And Before Costs Related to Issuance Proceeds from debt issuance, net of costs Proceeds from issuance of secured notes (note 7) Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Net proceeds from issuance of Series B Preferred Shares (note 11) Proceeds from Lines of Credit Proceeds from drawdown of credit facilities (note 7) Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions Additions in the period Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Vessels in Operation, less Accumulated Depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, Disposals Disposals Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment [Policy Text Block] Long-lived assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Closing balance Opening balance Net book value Vessels in operation (note 4) Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Net Other fixed assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Vessels Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Vessels in Operation, Less Accumulated Depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Vessel estimated useful life Purchase Date Purchase Date Purchase Date by GSL Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Realized loss and termination sum for interest rate derivatives. Realized Loss and Termination Sum for Interest Rate Derivatives Settlements and termination of derivative instruments which do not qualify for hedge accounting (note 12) Realized loss on interest rate derivatives which do not qualify for hedge accounting. Realized Loss On Interest Rate Derivatives Settlements of derivative instruments which do not qualify for hedge accounting (note 12) Realized loss on interest rate derivatives Reduction in proceeds and proceeds from sale of property plant and equipment. Reduction In Proceeds And Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment Net proceeds from sale of vessels (note 4) Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayment of credit facilities (note 7) Repayments of Secured Debt Repurchase of secured notes (note 7) Required Class A common shares dividend per quarter. Required Class A- Common Shares Dividend Per Quarter Required Class A common shares dividend per quarter Restricted stock share based compensation initial vesting period. Restricted Stock Share Based Compensation Initial Vesting Period Restricted stock share based compensation vesting period Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted stock units share based compensation awards share value on vesting date. Restricted Stock Units Share Based Compensation Awards Share Value On Vesting Date Actual Fair Value on Vesting Date Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) (Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings/ (Accumulated Deficit) [Member] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue recognition and related operating expense Revenues Total operating revenues Revenues [Abstract] Operating Revenues Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Revenue, Net Time charter revenue Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies Table [Text Block] Schedule Of Commitments And Contingencies [Table Text Block] Maximum Contracted Future Annual Charter Hire Receivable Before Allowance for Any Off-Hire Periods Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long Term Debt Schedule Of Deferred Financing Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Deferred Financing Costs[Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Financing Cost Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Earnings per Share Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities [Table] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities [Table] Schedule of intangible liabilities charter agreements. Schedule Of Intangible Liabilities Charter Agreements [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Liability Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Repayment of Long Term Debt Schedule of Other Operating Income Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Other Operating Income Expense Table [Text Block] Schedule of Other Operating Income Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of Issued Share Based Awards Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Vessels and Charters Table [Text Block] Schedule of Vessels and Charters Table [Text Block] Schedule of Vessels Chartered Secured Debt Secured Term Loan (note 7(d)) Secured Debt, Current Less: Current portion of Secured Term Loan (note 7(d)) Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Term Loan [Member] Secured Term Loan [Member] Secured Term Loan [Member] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Shares [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Share based compensation (note 13) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Description Equity Incentive Plan description Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Granted, Number of Units Number of stock granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Unvested, Number of Units, closing balance Unvested, Number of Units, opening balance Unvested restricted stock units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Unvested, Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date, closing balance Unvested, Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date, opening balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested, Number of Units Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, Weighted Average Fair Value on Grant Date Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Number of Shares Per Employee Maximum number of shares which may be granted to any participant in any fiscal year Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Maximum number of shares approved under Equity Incentive Plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Common stock shares awarded Shares issued Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award shares issued in period notional value per share. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Shares Issued In Period Notional Value Per Share Shares issued notional value per share Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award shares issued percentage of directors fee. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Shares Issued Percentage Of Directors Fee Shares issued as percentage of directors base fee Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member] First Tranche [Member] Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member] Second Tranche [Member] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share based compensation Share Price Stock price Shares, Outstanding Balance, shares Balance, shares Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Settlement Terms, Share Value, Amount Remaining Shares liquidation value at redemption Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract] Statement of Partners' Capital [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance Balance Total Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Share Capital Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Shares issued, shares (notes 11, 13) Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Shares issued (notes 11, 13) Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent events Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Sundry Shipping Income [Member] Sundry Shipping Income [Member] Sundry Shipping Income [Member] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Information Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Vessel impairment charge Impairment of vessels (note 4) Vessel impairment (note 4) Vessel impairment Ten Point Zero Percent First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 [Member] Ten Point Zero Percent First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 [Member] 10.0 % First Priority Secured Notes Due 2019 [Member] Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] The aggregate amount of time charter revenue from related parties where one party can exercise control or significant influence over another party; including affiliates, owners or officers and their immediate families, pension trusts, and so forth, at the financial statement date. Time Charter Revenue From Related Party Time charter revenue - related party (note 9) Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Tonnage Tax Expense Included In Operating Expense Tonnage Tax Expense Included In Operating Expense Tonnage tax included within operating expenses Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts receivable Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Two Thousand And Fifteen Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand And Fifteen Equity Incentive Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] Two Thousand Eight Equity Incentive Plan [Member] Two Thousand Eight Equity Incentive Plan [Member] 2008 Plan [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Unrealized gain / (loss) on interest rate derivatives Unrealized gain on interest rate derivatives (note 12) Change in fair value of derivative instruments (note 12) Up to December two thousand fifteen. Up To December Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] Up to December 2015 [Member] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of estimates Vessel Net Book Value Variations [Table Text Block] Vessel Net Book Value Variations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variations in Net Book Value of Vessels, Including Drydocking The aggregate vessel operating expenses incurred during the reporting period. Vessel Operating Expenses Vessel operating expenses Vessel operating expenses from transactions with related party. Vessel Operating Expenses From Transactions With Related Party Vessel operating expenses - related party (note 9) Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Ville D Aquarius [Member] Ville D Aquarius [Member] Ville d' Aquarius [Member] Ville D Orion [Member] Ville D Orion [Member] Ville d' Orion [Member] Voting interest. Voting Interest Voting interest Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Diluted (note 15) Common shares and common share equivalents Weighted average number of Restricted Stick Units (RSUs) without service conditions. Weighted Average Number Of Restricted Stock Units Without Service Conditions Weighted average number of RSU's without service conditions (note 13) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Weighted average number of Class B common shares outstanding Basic and diluted (note 15) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average number of common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding Number of [basic] shares or units, including adjustment for contingently issuable units and units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Including Restricted Stock Units Without Service Conditions Basic (including RSU's without service conditions) (note 15) Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Unamortized balance of deferred financing costs written off Year Built Year Built Year Built