Note 13 - Regulatory Matters (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Jan. 01, 2019
Oct. 26, 2016
Oct. 29, 2014
May 31, 2002
Minimum Net Worth Required for Compliance $ 1,000 $ 1,000        
Minimum Net Worth for HUD Approval FHA Originations Excess Fee Rate 1.00%          
Minimum Net Worth Requirement FHA Originations $ 25,000          
Minimum Net Worth Requirement Maximum FHA Origination Fee 2,500          
Deferred Tax Assets, Net $ 25,722 $ 28,971        
Minimum Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio 4.50%          
Minimum Tier 1 Capital Ratio 6.00%          
Minimum Total Capital Ratio 8.00%          
Minimum Leverage Ratio 4.00%          
Total Assets Threshold $ 250,000,000          
Foreign Exposure Threshold $ 10,000,000          
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased       2,650,000 2,200,000  
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares 725,249 201,651        
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share $ 9 $ 6.69        
Memo Liquidation Account $ 4,200 $ 6,600       $ 44,000
New Capital Guidelines [Member]            
Minimum Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio     7.00%      
Minimum Tier 1 Capital Ratio     8.50%      
Minimum Total Capital Ratio     10.50%      
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Conservation Buffer     2.50%      
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Conservation Buffer Incremental     0.625%      
Minimum Tier 1 Leverage Ratio     5.00%      
Minimum Common Equity Tier 1 Riskbased Capital Measure     6.50%      
Minimum Tier 1 Riskbased Capital Ratio     8.00%      
Minimum Total Riskbased Capital Ratio     10.00%      
Disallowed Portion [Member] | Park Sterling Corporation [Member]            
Deferred Tax Assets, Net 3,100 4,200        
Disallowed Portion [Member] | Park Sterling Bank [Member]            
Deferred Tax Assets, Net $ 3,100 $ 4,200