Lime Energy (LMEC) 10-Q 14 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 12, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'LIME ENERGY CO.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001065860	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'No	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	3,593,422
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,647	$2,012	[1]
Restricted cash	500	500	[1]
Accounts receivable, net	9,050	9,564	[1]
Inventories	14	17	[1]
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	5,083	3,327	[1]
Prepaid expenses and other	365	481	[1]
Current assets of discontinued operations	3,983	12,005	[1]
Total Current Assets	21,642	27,906	[1]
Net Property and Equipment	1,630	1,685	[1]
Long-Term Receivables	317	214	[1]
Deferred Financing Costs, Net	'	35	[1]
Long-term assets of discontinued operations	3,553	9,297	[1]
Intangibles, Net	'	10	[1]
Goodwill	6,009	6,009	[1]
Total Assets	33,151	45,156	[1]
Current Liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	12,927	5,710	[1]
Accrued expenses	3,006	2,579	[1]
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	665	1,506	[1]
Customer deposits	116	41	[1]
Current liability to trade creditor	3,484	2,029	[1]
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	5,994	15,978	[1]
Total Current Liabilities	26,192	27,843	[1]
Long-Term Debt	'	4,748	[1]
Long-Term Liability to Trade Creditor	509	3,241	[1]
Long-Term Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	'	5	[1]
Total Liabilities	26,701	35,837	[1]
Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 2,000,000 authorized 927,992 and 0 issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	9	'
Common stock, $.0001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized 3,593,422 and 3,576,855 issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	201,122	191,411	[1]
Accumulated deficit	-194,681	-182,092	[1]
Total Stockholders' Equity	6,450	9,319	[1]
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$33,151	$45,156	[1]
[1]	Derived from audited financial statements in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	927,992	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	927,992	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,593,422	3,576,855
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,593,422	3,576,855

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$13,354	$8,622	$37,513	$25,173
Cost of sales	9,651	6,978	27,433	19,976
Gross Profit	3,703	1,644	10,080	5,197
Selling, general and administrative	5,697	6,461	17,142	16,432
Amortization of intangibles	'	6	10	19
Operating loss	-1,994	-4,823	-7,072	-11,254
Other Income (Expense)	'	'	'	'
Interest income	13	23	39	70
Interest expense	-1,530	-5	-2,052	-21
Total other (expense) income	-1,517	18	-2,013	49
Loss from continuing operations	-3,511	-4,805	-9,085	-11,205
Discontinued Operations:	'	'	'	'
Loss from operation of discontinued business	-329	-1,792	-3,504	-4,242
Net loss	-3,840	-6,597	-12,589	-15,447
Preferred stock dividends	-22	'	-22	'
Net loss available to common stockholders	($3,818)	($6,597)	($12,567)	($15,447)
Basic and diluted loss per common share from	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.98)	($1.34)	($2.53)	($3.20)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.09)	($0.50)	($0.97)	($1.21)
Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share (in dollars per share)	($1.07)	($1.84)	($3.50)	($4.41)
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding (in shares)	3,593	3,578	3,594	3,500

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total		Series A Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)		USD ($)		USD ($)	USD ($)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$9,319	[1]	'	'	$191,411	($182,092)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'		'	3,577	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'		'	'	'	'
Conversion of subordinated notes	6,762		7	'	6,755	'
Conversion of subordinated notes (in shares)	'		678	'	'	'
Issuance of series A preferred stock	2,500		2	'	2,498	'
Issuance of series A preferred stock (in shares)	'		250	'	'	'
Issuance costs	-12		'	'	-12	'
Preferred stock dividends	-22		'	'	-22	'
Shares issued for benefit plans (in shares)	'		'	16	'	'
Share-based compensation	492		'	'	492	'
Net loss	-12,589		'	'	'	-12,589
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$6,450		$9	'	$201,122	($194,681)
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2013	'		928	3,593	'	'
[1]	Derived from audited financial statements in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities	'	'	'		'
Loss Before Stock Dividends	($3,840)	($6,597)	($12,589)		($15,447)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'	'		'
Provision for bad debt	432	615	773		1,143
Share-based compensation	115	200	492		1,675
Depreciation and amortization	261	468	793		1,388
Asset impairment	27	'	27		'
PIK notes issued for interest	191	'	575		'
Preferred stock dividends	-22	'	-22		'
Amortization of deferred financing costs	56	12	108		40
Amortization of original issue discount	1,307	'	1,439		'
Issuance of stock in exchange for services received	'	'	'		20
Loss on disposition of property and equipment	-127	-2	-114		-2
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'		'
Accounts receivable	-626	2,558	-362		12,734
Inventories	'	'	3		-11
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	-32	-2,029	-1,756		-2,658
Prepaid expenses and other	152	28	116		159
Assets of discontinued operations	107	2,434	1,695		3,031
Accounts payable	2,675	4,133	7,217		1,140
Accrued expenses	181	386	428		-824
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	-1,150	-368	-841		-3,061
Other current liabilities	-692	-62	-1,202		-201
Liabilities of discontinued operations	-681	-3,573	-48		-8,069
Net cash used in operating activities	-1,666	-1,797	-3,268		-8,943
Cash Flows From Investing Activities	'	'	'		'
Proceeds from sale of ESCO business	128	'	1,988		'
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	1	'	1		'
Purchases of property and equipment	-150	-54	-437		-787
Increase in restricted cash	'	'	'		225
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-21	-54	1,552		-562
Cash Flows From Financing Activities	'	'	'		'
Payments of long-term debt	-60	-57	-137		-183
Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock	2,500	'	2,500		'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	'	'	'		2,550
Costs related to stock issuances	-12	-93	-12		-13
Proceeds from issuance of shares for benefit plans	'	171	'		171
Net cash provided by financing activities	2,428	21	2,351		2,525
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	741	-1,830	635		-6,980
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at beginning of period	1,906	3,140	2,012	[1]	8,290
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at end of period	2,647	1,310	2,647		1,310
Cash paid during the period for interest (in thousands):	'	'	'		'
Continuing operations	0	'	0		'
Discontinued operations	$65	$53	$151		$202
[1]	Derived from audited financial statements in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 – Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “Financial Statements”) of Lime Energy Co. (“Lime Energy” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  In our opinion, however, the Financial Statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the interim periods.
	The Financial Statements have been prepared on the going concern basis which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.  The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is ultimately dependent on its ability to achieve profitability before it exhausts its currently available capital, sheds non-core assets and/or obtains additional funding.  The Company has decided to focus its resources on its utility business and to reduce overhead costs to the extent possible. Consistent with this strategy, during 2013, it sold its public sector business, its landfill-gas-to-electricity generating facility in Punta Gorda, Florida and its regional service business. It raised $2.5 million during the third quarter of 2013 through the sale of shares of its preferred stock and management continues to closely monitor and forecast its cash requirements and is prepared to attempt to raise additional capital if they foresee a need to do so to fund day-to-day operations. The Company has historically funded its operations through the issuance of additional equity and secured debt. However, there is no assurance that the Company will continue to be successful in obtaining additional funding in the future or improve its operating results. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.
	The results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	The December 31, 2012 balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
	For further information, refer to the audited financial statements and the related footnotes included in the Lime Energy Co. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-Based Compensation	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Note 2 - Share-Based Compensation
	A committee of the Board of Directors grants stock options and restricted stock under the Company’s 2008 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Plan”).  All of the options have been granted at a price equal to or greater than the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Substantially all stock option grants outstanding under the Plan vest ratably over three years and expire 10 years from the date of grant. In addition to the Plan, the Company gave employees the right to purchase shares at a discount to the market price under its employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”).  The ESPP expired on December 31, 2012, but the Company’s Board of Directors has authorized management to seek stockholder approval at the Company’s November 2013 annual meeting to renew the ESPP for a one year period commencing January 1, 2014.
	During the second quarter of 2010, the Company issued options to certain employees that vest upon achievement of certain financial objectives in combination with a minimum market price for its common stock during a five-year period (the “Cliff Options”).  The Company assesses the probability of achieving these objectives at the end of each month and recognizes expense accordingly.
	In addition to the Plan and the ESPP, the Board of Directors grants restricted stock to non-employee directors under the Company’s 2010 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”).  Restricted stock granted to date under the Directors’ Plan vest 50% upon grant and 50% on the first anniversary of the grant date if the director is still serving on the Board of Directors on the vesting date.
	The Company accounts for employee share-based awards in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718. This pronouncement requires companies to measure the cost of employee service received in exchange for a share-based award based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant, with expense recognized over the requisite service period, which is generally equal to the vesting period of the grant.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s total share-based compensation expense for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Stock options	$	72		$	200		$	307		$	1,256
	Restricted stock	43			60			185			438
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	—			(60		)	—			(19		)
		$	115		$	200		$	492		$	1,675
	The Company uses an enhanced Hull-White trinomial model to value its employee options.  The weighted-average, grant-date fair value of stock options granted to employees and the weighted-average significant assumptions used to determine those fair values, using an enhanced Hull-White trinomial model for stock options under ASC 718, are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Weighted average fair-value per option granted	$	1.98		$	11.76		$	1.98		$	12.39
	Significant assumptions
	(weighted average):
	Risk-free rate	0.02		%	0.1		%	0.02		%	0.03		%
	Dividend yield	0		%	0		%	0		%	0		%
	Expected volatility	61.8		%	68.8		%	61.8		%	70.6		%
	Expected life (years)	5.7			6			5.7			6
	Expected turn-over rate	4.8		%	4.8		%	4.8		%	5.2		%
	Expected exercise multiple	2.2			2.2			2.2			2.2
	The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury Bill rates at the time of grant. The dividend yield reflects the fact that the Company has never paid a dividend on its common stock and does not expect to in the foreseeable future. The Company estimated the volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of its stock. The expected term of the options is based on the simplified method as described in the Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, which is the average of the vesting term and the original contract term.  The expected turnover rate represents the expected forfeitures due to employee turnover and is based on historical rates experienced by the Company.  The expected exercise multiple represents the mean ratio of the stock price to the exercise price at which employees are expected to exercise their options and is based on an empirical study completed by S. Huddart and M. Lang (1996).
	Option activity under the Company’s stock option plans as of September 30, 2013 and changes during the three-month and nine-month periods then ended are presented below:
		Shares		Exercise Price Per		Weighted
				Share		Average Exercise
						Price
	Outstanding at June 30, 2013	462,126		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	36.61
	Granted	2,859		$4.27 - $4.27		$	4.27
	Exercised	—		—		—
	Forfeited	(3,103	)	$23.10 - $786.45		$	39.83
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	461,882		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	36.65
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	355,805		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	39.49
		Shares		Exercise Price Per		Weighted
				Share		Average Exercise
						Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	508,636		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	37
	Granted	2,859		$4.27 - $4.27		$	4.27
	Exercised	—		—		—
	Forfeited	(49,613	)	$22.82 - $955.50		$	38.31
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	461,882		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	36.65
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	355,805		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	39.49
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at September 30, 2013:
		Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
	Exercise Price	Number		Weighted		Weighted			Number		Weighted
		Outstanding		Average		Average			Exercisable at		Average
		at September		Remaining		Exercise Price			September 30,		Exercise Price
		30, 2013		Contractual					2013
				Life
	$3.64 - $4.00	14,286		9.2 years		$	3.64		14,286		$	3.64
	$4.01 - $5.00	2,859		10.0 years		$	4.27		0		$	0
	$5.01 - $6.00	7,143		8.9 years		$	5.25		2,381		$	5.25
	$6.01 - $20.00	0		0		$	0		0		$	0
	$20.01 - $50.00	380,274		5.7 years		$	32.18		281,818		$	33.34
	$50.01 - $100.00	57,056		3.4 years		$	73.47		57,056		$	73.47
	$100.01 - $1,844.85	264		.4 years		$	1,509.82		264		$	1,509.82
	$3.64 - $1,844.85	461,882		5.6 years		$	36.65		355,805		$	39.49
	The aggregate intrinsic value of the outstanding options (the difference between the closing stock price on the last trading day of the third quarter of 2013 of $3.43 per share and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on September 30, 2013 was $0. The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options as of September 30, 2013 was $0.  These amounts will change based on changes in the fair market value of the Company’s common stock.
	The compensation expense to be recognized in future periods related to the Company’s employee options and restricted stock is as follows (in thousands):
				Weighted
	Unrecognized			Average
	Compensation			Remaining
	Expense			Life
As of September 30, 2013	(in 000’)			(in Months)
Stock options	$	178		10.2
Restricted stock	$	57		3.8
In addition, there was approximately $784 thousand of unrecognized expense related to the Cliff Options which may be recognized over the next 19 months if vesting requirements are met.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Note 3 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	The Company does not believe any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 4 — Earnings Per Share
	The Company computes income or loss per share under ACS 260 “Earnings Per Share,” which requires presentation of two amounts: basic and diluted loss per common share. Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing income or loss available to common stockholders by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding, and includes all common stock issued.  Diluted earnings include all common stock equivalents.  The Company has not included the outstanding options or warrants as common stock equivalents in the computation of diluted loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, because the effect would be anti-dilutive.
	The following table sets forth the weighted average shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants as of September 30, 2013:
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Weighted average shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options	460,683	619,241	474,533	633,871
	Weighted average shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants	710,543	17,564	701,700	18,802
	Total	1,171,226	636,805	1,176,233	652,673

Revolving_Line_of_Credit

Revolving Line of Credit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Revolving Line of Credit	'
Revolving Line of Credit	'
	Note 5 — Revolving Line of Credit
	On March 9, 2011, the Company entered into a $7 million revolving line of credit agreement with American Chartered Bank.  Availability under the line of credit was tied to eligible receivables and borrowings were secured by all the Company’s assets.  Borrowings were to incur interest at the Prime Rate, plus 0.625%, with a minimum rate of 4.675%, and had an unused fee of 0.30% per annum.  The line expired on March 9, 2013.

Term_Loan

Term Loan	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Term Loan	'
Term Loan	'
	Note 6 — Term Loan
	On November 3, 2011, GES-Port Charlotte, LLC (“GES”), entered into a Loan Agreement with RBC Bank (USA) (“RBC”) (RBC was subsequently acquired by PNC Bank) under which GES borrowed $3.6 million (the ‘Loan Agreement”).  The Loan Agreement was to mature on, and all outstanding balances were due and payable on, October 31, 2016.  The Loan Agreement required the monthly payment of interest and principal based on a 20-year amortization and a mandatory pre-payment at the end of each calendar year, commencing with the calendar year ending December 31, 2012, equal to 50% of GES’s Excess Cash Flow.  Excess Cash Flow was defined in the Loan Agreement as EBITDA less cash taxes paid, less Debt Service, and less up to $10,000 in capital expenditures.  Debt Service was defined to equal the sum of (a) the total of principal and interest payments on funded debt (excluding excess cash flow mandatory prepayments), plus (b) any cash dividends or distributions (excluding the permitted distribution of the US Treasury Grant).  No Excess Cash Flow payment was due for 2012 or 2013.  The loan carried an interest rate equal to 30-day LIBOR plus 500 basis points.  As of September 30, 2013 the 30-day LIBOR rate was 0.1806%.
	Borrowings pursuant to the Loan Agreement were secured by all of the assets of GES and guaranteed by Lime. The Loan Agreement contained customary events of default, including the failure to make required payments, borrower’s failure to comply with certain covenants or other agreements, borrower’s breach of the representations and covenants contained in the agreement, the filing or attachment of a lien to the collateral, the occurrence of a material adverse change, borrower’s default of other certain indebtedness and certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency. Upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, amounts due under the Loan Agreement could have been accelerated.
	The Loan Agreement contained a covenant that required GES to maintain a minimum Debt Service Coverage Ratio to 1.35 to 1.0.  The Debt Service Ratio is defined as the ratio of (a) EBITDA, less cash taxes and unfunded capital expenditures to (b) Debt Service.  As of December 31, 2012, the company was not in compliance with the debt Service Coverage Ratio.  On January 4, 2013, PNC notified the Company that the loan was in default as a result of the failure to meet the minimum debt Coverage Ratio, but that it had chosen not to exercise its rights; however, it reserved the right to do so in the future.  On July 2, 2013, PNC notified the Company that it was requiring the Company to start paying interest at the default rate of LIBOR plus 9.00% per annum.  The Company sold GES on November 1, 2013, and repaid the loan in full.
	The Company had entered into an interest rate swap to fix the interest rate on $1.9 million of the principal amount of the term loan at 6.56% through October 2016.  This interest rate swap was being carried at fair-market value on the Company’s books, with changes in value included in interest expense.  The mark-to-market value of the swap was a liability of $43,673 and $66,000 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  The liability associated with the decline in the fair value has been included in accrued expense.  The swap was terminated on November 1, 2013, when the Company paid off the Term Loan.

Conversion_of_Subordinated_Deb

Conversion of Subordinated Debt and Sale of Preferred Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Conversion of Subordinated Debt and Sale of Preferred Stock	'
Conversion of Subordinated Debt and Sale of Preferred Stock	'
	Note 7 — Conversion of Subordinated Debt and Sale of Preferred Stock
	On September 23, 2013, the Company entered into a Preferred Stock and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with a group of investors including Mr. Richard Kiphart, the Company’s Chairman and largest individual stockholder, and Mr. Christopher Capps, a member of its Board of Directors (collectively with the other investors, the “Investors”).  Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Investors purchased 927,992 shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Shares”) at a price per Preferred Share of $10.00.  The purchase price was paid with (a) $2,500,000 in cash and (b) the exchange of $6,779,950 (principal amount and accrued interest) of the Company’s Subordinated Secured Convertible Pay-In-Kind Note (the “Notes”), representing all of the outstanding Notes.
	The Preferred Shares are entitled to an accruing dividend of 12.5% per annum of their original issue price (subject to adjustment for stock splits, combinations and similar recapitalizations), payable semi-annually in arrears.  Such dividends shall be paid in additional shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the original issue price (subject to adjustment for stock splits, combinations and similar recapitalizations) or, at the sole discretion of the Company’s board of directors, in cash.
	The Preferred Shares may be converted, at any time following the approval of such conversion by the Company’s common stockholders, at the election of the holder of such share, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price equal to $3.78 per share (the “Conversion Price’).  The Conversion Price shall be proportionately adjusted for stock splits, combinations and similar recapitalizations, and, subject to a floor of $3.50, shall be adjusted for future issuances of common stock (excluding certain issuances) at a price per share less than the Conversion Price on a broad based, weighted average basis.  The Company can require conversion of the Preferred Shares if the weighted average price for the its common stock is at least two hundred percent (200%) of the Conversion Price, or $7.56, for at least 20 trading days during a 30 trading day period ending within 5 trading days prior to the Company sending a notice of forced conversion to the holders of the Notes.
	The Company may redeem all or a portion of the Preferred Shares at its option at any time unless prohibited by Delaware law governing distributions to stockholders.  The redemption price for each Preferred Share shall be its original issue price (subject to adjustment for stock splits, combinations and similar recapitalizations) plus any accrued but unpaid dividends multiplied by a factor based on the date of the notice of such redemption is sent to holders of the Preferred Shares. If such notice is sent before the first anniversary of the issuance of the Preferred Shares, the factor shall be 103%, if thereafter but before the second such anniversary, the factor shall be 102%, if thereafter but before the third such anniversary, the factor shall be 101% and thereafter, the factor shall be 100%.
	In connection with the entry into the Purchase Agreement, the Company issued the Investors warrants to purchase 264,551 shares of its common stock at $3.78 per share (the “Warrants”).  These warrants expire on the 5th anniversary of their issuance and contain a cashless-exercise option.  The Warrants may not be exercised until the Company’s common stockholders approve the exercise of the Warrants.
	The Purchase Agreement requires that the Company seek stockholder approval of the conversion of the Preferred Shares and the exercise of the Warrants on or before December 31, 2013.  The Company is seeking such approval at its annual meeting of stockholders scheduled for November 21, 2013.
	The Company intends to use the cash proceeds from the sale of the Preferred Shares for general corporate purposes.

Sale_of_ESCO_Business

Sale of ESCO Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Sale of ESCO Business	'
Sale of ESCO Business	'
	Note 8 — Sale of ESCO Business
	On February 28, 2013, the Company sold its ESCO business to Powersecure, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PowerSecure International, Inc. (“Powersecure”).  The ESCO business, which represented the largest portion of the Company’s public sector business, designed, installed and maintained energy conservation measures, primarily as a subcontractor to large energy service company providers (“ESCOs”), for the benefit of public sector, commercial, industrial and institutional customers as end users.  The sale was structured as an asset sale.  The total purchase price for the assets sold was $4.0 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment, and the assumption of approximately $9.8 million of liabilities, comprising certain other debts, liabilities and obligations relating to the acquired business and assumed contracts.  After application of the working capital adjustment in accordance with the Purchase Agreement, the cash purchase price is approximately $1.9 million, subject to post-closing confirmation of the working capital adjustment, resulting in an effective purchase price, including the assumption of liabilities, of approximately $11.7 million.  In connection with the acquisition of the ESCO business, PowerSecure assumed certain unfinished contracts and projects in the acquired business, along with the accounts receivables and accounts payables associated with those projects.
	During the fourth quarter of 2012, utilizing the purchase price received for the sale of the ESCO business as an indication of its fair market value, the Company determined that its carrying value associated with the business exceeded the fair market value by approximately $3.2 million.  Accordingly, it reduced the carrying value to the fair market value, recording a $3.2 million impairment loss in the process.
	The value of assets and liabilities sold to Powersecure on February 28, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
	As of February 28, 2013
	Accounts receivable	$	4,680
	Retention receivable	1,048
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	591
	Precontract cost	8
	Goodwill	5,337
	Total Assets	$	11,664
	Accounts payable	$	1,226
	Accrued expenses	133
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	8,432
	Vehicle loans	11
	Other liabilities	1
	Total Liabilities	$	9,803
	After adjusting the carrying value of the assets during the fourth quarter of 2012, the net carrying value of the assets and liabilities of the ESCO business was equal to the proceeds received for the sale of the business on February 28, 2013, therefore there was no gain or loss resulting from the sale recorded during the third quarter of 2013.  However, the Asset Purchase Agreement provided that within 90 days of the closing the seller provide the buyer a final calculation of the Closing Net Working Capital as of February 28, 2013.  To the extent that this calculation showed an increase in the Closing Net Working Capital from the amount estimated on the closing date, the buyer would owe the seller an amount equal to the increase and to the extent the Closing Net Working Capital was less than the amount estimated on the closing date, the seller would owe the buyer an amount equal to the reduction.  The calculation of the final Closing Net Working Capital was completed in August 2013 and it was determined that the buyer owed the seller an additional $128 thousand.  This additional consideration has been included in income from discontinued operations during the quarter ended September 30, 2013.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Note 9 — Discontinued Operations
	As discussed in Note 8, the Company sold the majority of its public sector business on February 28, 2013 to Powersecure.  During the third quarter of 2013, the Company’s board of directors authorized management to sell or dispose of GES-Port Charlotte, its contract with the Army Corp. of Engineers under the Federal Renewal and Renovation program (the FRR contract), and the regional service business located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  These businesses, along with the remaining public sector business, which it is in the process of exiting, and Asset Development business, which the Company shut down at the end of 2012, have all been reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements.
	The revenue and operating loss related to discontinued operations was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenue	$	1,546		$	9,543		$	6,018		$	40,500
	Operating loss (1)	$	(252	)	$	(1,718	)	$	(3,301	)	$	(4,015	)
	(1)                  Excludes interest expense
	The assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Cash	$	31		$	380
	Accounts Receivable	2,123			10,017
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	1,814			1,567
	Prepaid expenses and other	15			41
	Total current assets	3,983			12,005
	Deferred financing costs	154			229
	Net Property and Equipment, net	3,399			3,731
	Goodwill	—			5,337
	Intangible assets	—			—
	Total long-term assets	3,553			9,297
	Total Assets	$	7,536		$	21,302
	Current portion of long-term debt	3,270			3,413
	Accounts Payable	1,289			1,568
	Accrued Expense	1,078			3,447
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	357			7,550
	Total current liabilities	5,994			15,978
	Long-Term Debt, less current portion	—			5
	Total Liabilities	$	5,994		$	15,983

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Segment Information	'
Business Segment Information	'
	Note 10 — Business Segment Information
	With the sale of the public sector business and renewable energy business during 2013, all of the Company’s remaining operations are focused on one business segment, its energy efficiency segment.

Other_Equity_Issuances

Other Equity Issuances	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Equity Issuances	'
Other Equity Issuances	'
	Note 11 — Other Equity Issuances
	During the first quarter of 2013, the Company granted 132,540 shares of restricted stock to five of its outside directors pursuant to the 2010 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan as compensation for their service on the Board, of which 13,254 were forfeited when a director resigned from the Board in March 2013.  The shares granted under the 2010 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan vest 50% upon grant and 50% on the first anniversary of the grant date if the director is still serving on the Company’s board of directors on the vesting date.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Note 12 — Subsequent Events
	Holders of a majority of the Company’s outstanding common stock, acting by written consent, approved amending the Company’s certificate of incorporation to effect a one-for seven reverse split of the Company’s stock in order for the Company to continue to meet the NASDAQ Stock Exchange’s requirement that it maintain a $1.00 minimum closing bid price for continued listing on the exchange.  The reverse stock split was effective October 10, 2013.  All share amounts presented in these financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.
	On November 1, 2013, Lime Energy Asset Development, LLC (“LEAD), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, sold 100% of the membership interests in GES-Port Charlotte, LLC (“GESPC”) to Green Gas Americas, Inc. (“Green Gas” or the “Buyer”).  GESPC owns and operates the 2.8 MW Zemel Road landfill-gas to electricity generating facility in Punta Gorda, Florida.
	The sale was consummated pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the ‘Purchase Agreement”), dated November 1, 2013, by and between LEAD, as the seller, and Green Gas, as the purchaser.  The total purchase price paid for the membership interest was $3.3 million, less: (1) a $152,300 contribution on the part of the Seller toward the cost of wellfield improvements.  The agreement also provides for a 5%, or $165,000, hold-back of the purchase price (the ‘Hold-Back’) to be held in escrow to cover the indemnification obligations of the seller and any additional pre-closing liabilities.  The Hold-Back will be reduced by $60,000 on February 2, 2014; $40,000 on July 2, 2014; and $65,000 on November 2, 2014, to the extent it has not been applied by the Buyer to any obligations of the Seller.  The Seller also entered into a promissory note (the “Sellers Note”) for $3.3 million of which $330,000 is secured by a lien on the assets of Lime Energy Services Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Lime’s, to further support LEAD’s indemnification obligations to the Buyer.  The Seller’s Note has a term of one year and the Buyer has agreed to subordinate its lien to that of a senior lender to the Company after six months and following the payment of the interconnection costs described below.
	As part of the Purchase Agreement, Lime agreed to assume GESPC’s obligation to Florida Power and Light (“FP&L”) for the cost of completing an interconnect between GESPC’s facility and the FP&L’s transmission system.  This obligation totaled $400,000 as of November 1, 2013, and requires monthly payments of $50,000 to FP&L.
	The Company will recognize a $27,000 loss on the sale of GESPC.  In recognition of this, it reduced the carrying value of GESPC’s assets by this amount during the third quarter of 2013, incurring a $27,000 impairment charge as a result.
	Upon the closing of the transaction, Lime repaid in full the PNC Bank term loan it used to fund the construction of the Zemel Road facility.  The repayment cures the on-going default under the loan and releases Lime and LEAD from all obligations to the bank.
	On November 6, 2013, the Company sold the assets of its regional service business located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-Based Compensation	'
Summary of share-based compensation expense	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Stock options	$	72		$	200		$	307		$	1,256
	Restricted stock	43			60			185			438
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan	—			(60		)	—			(19		)
		$	115		$	200		$	492		$	1,675
Schedule of weighted-average significant assumptions used to determine fair values of stock options	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Weighted average fair-value per option granted	$	1.98		$	11.76		$	1.98		$	12.39
	Significant assumptions
	(weighted average):
	Risk-free rate	0.02		%	0.1		%	0.02		%	0.03		%
	Dividend yield	0		%	0		%	0		%	0		%
	Expected volatility	61.8		%	68.8		%	61.8		%	70.6		%
	Expected life (years)	5.7			6			5.7			6
	Expected turn-over rate	4.8		%	4.8		%	4.8		%	5.2		%
	Expected exercise multiple	2.2			2.2			2.2			2.2
Schedule of stock option activity	'
		Shares		Exercise Price Per		Weighted
				Share		Average Exercise
						Price
	Outstanding at June 30, 2013	462,126		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	36.61
	Granted	2,859		$4.27 - $4.27		$	4.27
	Exercised	—		—		—
	Forfeited	(3,103	)	$23.10 - $786.45		$	39.83
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	461,882		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	36.65
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	355,805		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	39.49
		Shares		Exercise Price Per		Weighted
				Share		Average Exercise
						Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	508,636		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	37
	Granted	2,859		$4.27 - $4.27		$	4.27
	Exercised	—		—		—
	Forfeited	(49,613	)	$22.82 - $955.50		$	38.31
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	461,882		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	36.65
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	355,805		$3.64 - $1,844.85		$	39.49
Summary of information on options outstanding and exercisable, by exercise price range	'
		Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
	Exercise Price	Number		Weighted		Weighted			Number		Weighted
		Outstanding		Average		Average			Exercisable at		Average
		at September		Remaining		Exercise Price			September 30,		Exercise Price
		30, 2013		Contractual					2013
				Life
	$3.64 - $4.00	14,286		9.2 years		$	3.64		14,286		$	3.64
	$4.01 - $5.00	2,859		10.0 years		$	4.27		0		$	0
	$5.01 - $6.00	7,143		8.9 years		$	5.25		2,381		$	5.25
	$6.01 - $20.00	0		0		$	0		0		$	0
	$20.01 - $50.00	380,274		5.7 years		$	32.18		281,818		$	33.34
	$50.01 - $100.00	57,056		3.4 years		$	73.47		57,056		$	73.47
	$100.01 - $1,844.85	264		.4 years		$	1,509.82		264		$	1,509.82
	$3.64 - $1,844.85	461,882		5.6 years		$	36.65		355,805		$	39.49
Schedule of compensation expense to be recognized in future periods	'
	The compensation expense to be recognized in future periods related to the Company’s employee options and restricted stock is as follows (in thousands):
					Weighted
		Unrecognized			Average
		Compensation			Remaining
		Expense			Life
	As of September 30, 2013	(in 000’)			(in Months)
	Stock options	$	178		10.2
	Restricted stock	$	57		3.8

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
Schedule of weighted average shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants	'
		Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2013	2012	2013	2012
	Weighted average shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options	460,683	619,241	474,533	633,871
	Weighted average shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants	710,543	17,564	701,700	18,802
	Total	1,171,226	636,805	1,176,233	652,673

Sale_of_ESCO_Business_Tables

Sale of ESCO Business (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Sale of ESCO Business	'
Schedule of value of assets and liabilities sold to Powersecure	'
	The value of assets and liabilities sold to Powersecure on February 28, 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
	As of February 28, 2013
	Accounts receivable	$	4,680
	Retention receivable	1,048
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	591
	Precontract cost	8
	Goodwill	5,337
	Total Assets	$	11,664
	Accounts payable	$	1,226
	Accrued expenses	133
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	8,432
	Vehicle loans	11
	Other liabilities	1
	Total Liabilities	$	9,803

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations	'
Schedule of revenue and operating loss related to discontinued operations	'
	The revenue and operating loss related to discontinued operations was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months						Nine Months
		Ended September 30,						Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenue	$	1,546		$	9,543		$	6,018		$	40,500
	Operating loss (1)	$	(252	)	$	(1,718	)	$	(3,301	)	$	(4,015	)
	(1)                  Excludes interest expense
Schedule of assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations	'
	The assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Cash	$	31		$	380
	Accounts Receivable	2,123			10,017
	Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	1,814			1,567
	Prepaid expenses and other	15			41
	Total current assets	3,983			12,005
	Deferred financing costs	154			229
	Net Property and Equipment, net	3,399			3,731
	Goodwill	—			5,337
	Intangible assets	—			—
	Total long-term assets	3,553			9,297
	Total Assets	$	7,536		$	21,302
	Current portion of long-term debt	3,270			3,413
	Accounts Payable	1,289			1,568
	Accrued Expense	1,078			3,447
	Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	357			7,550
	Total current liabilities	5,994			15,978
	Long-Term Debt, less current portion	—			5
	Total Liabilities	$	5,994		$	15,983

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation	'
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock	$2.50

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Cliff Options	Plan	Directors' Plan	ESPP
		Stock options	Restricted stock
			Outside directors
Share-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'5 years	'3 years	'	'
Expiration term	'	'10 years	'	'
Renewal period of plan to be approved at November 2013 annual meeting	'	'	'	'1 year
Portion of award vesting upon grant date (as a percent)	'	'	50.00%	'
Portion of award vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date (as a percent)	'	'	50.00%	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail1

Share-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based compensation	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation expense	$115	$200	$492	$1,675
Stock options	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation expense	72	200	307	1,256
Restricted stock	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation expense	43	60	185	438
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation expense	'	($60)	'	($19)

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail2

Share-Based Compensation (Details 3) (Stock options, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-Based Compensation	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value per option granted (in dollars per share)	$1.98	$11.76	$1.98	$12.39
Significant assumptions (weighted average):	'	'	'	'
Risk-free rate (as a percent)	0.02%	0.10%	0.02%	0.03%
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	61.80%	68.80%	61.80%	70.60%
Expected life	'5 years 8 months 12 days	'6 years	'5 years 8 months 12 days	'6 years
Expected turn-over rate (as a percent)	4.80%	4.80%	4.80%	5.20%
Expected exercise multiple	0.022	0.022	0.022	0.022
Shares	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	462,126	'	508,636	'
Granted (in shares)	2,859	'	2,859	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-3,103	'	-49,613	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	461,882	'	461,882	'
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	355,805	'	355,805	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$36.61	'	$37	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$4.27	'	$4.27	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$39.83	'	$38.31	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$36.65	'	$36.65	'
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$39.49	'	$39.49	'
Minimum	'	'	'	'
Exercise Price Per Share	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$3.64	'	$3.64	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$4.27	'	$4.27	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$23.10	'	$22.82	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$3.64	'	$3.64	'
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$3.64	'	$3.64	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'
Exercise Price Per Share	'	'	'	'
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$1,844.85	'	$1,844.85	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$4.27	'	$4.27	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$786.45	'	$955.50	'
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$1,844.85	'	$1,844.85	'
Options exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$1,844.85	'	$1,844.85	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail3

Share-Based Compensation (Details 4) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
$3.64 - $4.00	'
Stock options outstanding	'
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$3.64
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$4
Options Outstanding	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	14,286
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'9 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$3.64
Options Exercisable	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	14,286
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$3.64
$4.01 - $5.00	'
Stock options outstanding	'
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$4.01
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$5
Options Outstanding	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	2,859
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'10 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$4.27
Options Exercisable	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$0
$5.01 - $6.00	'
Stock options outstanding	'
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$5.01
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$6
Options Outstanding	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	7,143
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$5.25
Options Exercisable	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	2,381
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$5.25
$6.01 - $20.00	'
Stock options outstanding	'
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$6.01
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$20
Options Outstanding	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	0
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'0 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$0
Options Exercisable	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$0
$20.01 - $50.00	'
Stock options outstanding	'
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$20.01
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$50
Options Outstanding	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	380,274
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'5 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$32.18
Options Exercisable	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	281,818
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$33.34
$50.01 - $100.00	'
Stock options outstanding	'
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$50.01
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$100
Options Outstanding	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	57,056
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'3 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$73.47
Options Exercisable	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	57,056
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$73.47
$100.01 - $1,844.85	'
Stock options outstanding	'
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$100.01
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$1,844.85
Options Outstanding	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	264
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$1,509.82
Options Exercisable	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	264
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$1,509.82
$3.64 - $1,844.85	'
Stock options outstanding	'
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$3.64
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$1,844.85
Options Outstanding	'
Number Outstanding (in shares)	461,882
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	'5 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$36.65
Options Exercisable	'
Number Exercisable (in shares)	355,805
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$39.49

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail4

Share-Based Compensation (Details 5) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-Based Compensation	'
Closing stock price (in dollars per share)	$3.43
Stock options	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
Aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options if exercised	$0
Aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options	0
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	178
Weighted Average Remaining Life	'10 years 2 months 12 days
Restricted stock	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	57
Weighted Average Remaining Life	'3 years 9 months 18 days
Cliff Options	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
Unrecognized Compensation Expense	$784
Weighted Average Remaining Life	'19 months

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares not included in the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive	1,171,226	636,805	1,176,233	652,673
Options	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares not included in the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive	460,683	619,241	474,533	633,871
Warrants	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares not included in the computation of diluted loss per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive	710,543	17,564	701,700	18,802

Revolving_Line_of_Credit_Detai

Revolving Line of Credit (Details) (Revolving line of credit, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 09, 2011
Revolving Line of Credit	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	$7
Interest rate, minimum	4.68%	'
Unused fee rate	0.30%	'
Prime Rate	'	'
Revolving Line of Credit	'	'
Basis of interest rate	'Prime Rate	'
Percentage points added to interest rate	0.63%	'

Term_Loan_Details

Term Loan (Details) (GES, Term loan, USD $)	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 02, 2013	Nov. 03, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Notes Payable	'	'	'	'	'
Amount borrowed	'	$3,600,000	'	'	'
Amortization period used for calculating the monthly payment of principal and interest	'	'	'20 years	'	'
Mandatory pre-payment as a percentage of Excess Cash Flow	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Excess Cash Flow payment	'	'	'	0	0
Reference rate for variable interest rate	'LIBOR	'	'30-day LIBOR	'	'
Percentage points added to the reference rate	9.00%	'	5.00%	'	'
Principal amount of debt hedged under interest rate swap	'	'	1,900,000	'	'
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)	'	'	6.56%	'	'
Fair market value of the interest rate swap	'	'	43,673	'	66,000
30-day LIBOR	'	'	'	'	'
Notes Payable	'	'	'	'	'
Reference rate for variable interest rate	'	'	'30-day LIBOR	'	'
30-day LIBOR rate (as a percent)	'	'	0.18%	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Notes Payable	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of capital expenditure used in calculation of Excess Cash Flow	'	'	$10,000	'	'
Minimum	'	'	'	'	'
Notes Payable	'	'	'	'	'
Debt service coverage ratio	'	'	1.35	'	'

Conversion_of_Subordinated_Deb1

Conversion of Subordinated Debt and Sale of Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 23, 2013	Sep. 23, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 23, 2013
			Warrants	Preferred Shares	Preferred Shares	Preferred Shares	Preferred Shares
						Minimum	Notes
						D
Conversion of Subordinated Debt and Sale of Preferred Stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares purchased by investors	927,992	0	'	927,992	'	'	'
Sale price per share (in dollars per share)	$3.43	'	'	$10	'	'	'
Purchase price received in cash	$2,500,000	'	'	$2,500,000	'	'	'
Purchase price for preferred shares through exchange of principal amount and accrued interest of convertible debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	$6,779,950
Accruing dividend per annum on preferred shares (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	12.50%	'	'
Conversion Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$3.78	$3.50	'
Percentage of common stock closing price that triggers conversion	'	'	'	'	'	200.00%	'
Weighted average price of common stock required for conversion of preferred stock (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$7.56	'	'
Number of days within trading period in which closing price equals or exceeds threshold to trigger conversion	'	'	'	'	'	20	'
Number of days in trading period used to determine conversion	'	'	'	'	'30 days	'	'
Number of days within trading period in which closing price equals or exceeds threshold prior to forced conversion by the company	'	'	'	'	'5 days	'	'
Percentage of redemption factor at which preferred shares are redeemable if notice is sent before the first anniversary of the issuance	'	'	'	'	103.00%	'	'
Percentage of redemption factor at which preferred shares are redeemable if notice is sent after first anniversary but before the second anniversary	'	'	'	'	102.00%	'	'
Percentage of redemption factor at which preferred shares are redeemable if notice is sent after second anniversary but before the third anniversary	'	'	'	'	101.00%	'	'
Percentage of redemption factor at which preferred shares are redeemable if notice is sent after third anniversary	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'
Warrant issued to purchase shares of common stock (in shares)	'	'	264,551	'	'	'	'
Exercise price of warrant to purchase shares of common stock (in dollars per share)	'	'	$3.78	'	'	'	'
Term of warrants	'	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'

Sale_of_ESCO_Business_Details

Sale of ESCO Business (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
Assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	$2,123,000	$10,017,000	'
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	'	1,814,000	1,567,000	'
Goodwill	'	'	5,337,000	'
Total Assets	'	7,536,000	21,302,000	'
Accounts payable	'	1,289,000	1,568,000	'
Accrued expenses	'	1,078,000	3,447,000	'
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	'	357,000	7,550,000	'
Total Liabilities	'	5,994,000	15,983,000	'
ESCO business	'	'	'	'
Sale of ESCO business	'	'	'	'
Purchase price of assets sold, subject to working capital adjustment	4,000,000	'	'	'
Liabilities assumed	9,800,000	'	'	'
Purchase price of assets sold, after application of working capital adjustment	1,900,000	'	'	'
Effective purchase price	11,700,000	'	'	'
Excess of carrying value over fair market value of business sold	'	'	3,200,000	'
Assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	4,680,000	'	'	'
Retention receivable	1,048,000	'	'	'
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	591,000	'	'	'
Precontract cost	8,000	'	'	'
Goodwill	5,337,000	'	'	'
Total Assets	11,664,000	'	'	'
Accounts payable	1,226,000	'	'	'
Accrued expenses	133,000	'	'	'
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	8,432,000	'	'	'
Vehicle loans	11,000	'	'	'
Other liabilities	1,000	'	'	'
Total Liabilities	9,803,000	'	'	'
Gain or loss resulting from sale of business	'	0	'	'
Maximum period from the closing for determining a final calculation of the Closing Net Working Capital to be provided by the seller	'90 days	'	'	'
Additional consideration the buyer owed the seller determined based on the final Closing Net Working Capital	'	'	'	$128,000

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue and loss related to discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$1,546	$9,543	$6,018	$405,000	'
Operating loss	-252	-1,718	-3,301	-4,015	'
Assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	31	'	31	'	380
Accounts Receivable	2,123	'	2,123	'	10,017
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	1,814	'	1,814	'	1,567
Prepaid expenses and other	15	'	15	'	41
Total current assets	3,983	'	3,983	'	12,005	[1]
Deferred financing costs	154	'	154	'	229
Net Property and Equipment, net	3,399	'	3,399	'	3,731
Goodwill	'	'	'	'	5,337
Total long-term assets	3,553	'	3,553	'	9,297	[1]
Total Assets	7,536	'	7,536	'	21,302
Current portion of long-term debt	3,270	'	3,270	'	3,413
Accounts Payable	1,289	'	1,289	'	1,568
Accrued Expense	1,078	'	1,078	'	3,447
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	357	'	357	'	7,550
Total current liabilities	5,994	'	5,994	'	15,978	[1]
Long-Term Debt, less current portion	'	'	'	'	5
Total Liabilities	$5,994	'	$5,994	'	$15,983
[1]	Derived from audited financial statements in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012

Business_Segment_Information_D

Business Segment Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	item
Business Segment Information	'
Number of operating segments	1

Other_Equity_Issuances_Details

Other Equity Issuances (Details) (2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan, Restricted stock, Outside directors)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		item
2010 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan | Restricted stock | Outside directors	'	'	'
Shares that vest at the grant date (as a percent)	'	132,540	'
Number of directors to whom shares are granted	'	5	'
Shares forfeited	13,254	'	'
Portion of award vesting upon grant date (as a percent)	'	'	50.00%
Portion of award vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date (as a percent)	'	'	50.00%

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent event, USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 10, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
		GESPC	GESPC
		LEAD	LEAD
		MW	Secured and unsecured debt
Subsequent events	'	'	'
Reverse stock split ratio	0.1429	'	'
Minimum share price requirement for continued listing on NASDAQ (in dollars per share)	$1	'	'
Membership interests sold (as percentage)	'	100.00%	'
Landfill-gas to electricity generating facility owned and operated (in megawatts)	'	2.8	'
Price paid for the membership interest	'	$3,300,000	'
Contribution on part of the seller toward cost of wellfield improvements	'	152,300	'
Hold-back amount of the purchase price for the membership interest (as a percentage)	'	5.00%	'
Hold-back amount of the purchase price for the membership interest	'	165,000	'
Hold-back amount of the purchase price reduction on February 2, 2014	'	60,000	'
Hold-back amount of the purchase price reduction on July 2, 2014	'	40,000	'
Hold-back amount of the purchase price reduction on November 2, 2014	'	65,000	'
Amount of purchase price for which seller has entered into a debt	'	'	3,300,000
Amount of purchase price for which seller has entered into a debt, secured by a lien on assets of subsidiary	'	'	330,000
Term of the debt instrument	'	'1 year	'
Period for which buyer has agreed to subordinate its lien to that of a senior lender to the entity	'	'6 months	'
Total obligation assumed	'	400,000	'
Total obligation assumed monthly payments	'	50,000	'
Loss on sale of GESPC	'	27,000	'
Impairment charge due to reduction in carrying value of GESPC's assets	'	$27,000	'