Cyanotech (CYAN) 10-K 23 Jun 16 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Jun. 23, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Cyanotech Corp
Entity Central Index Key	768,408
Trading Symbol	cyan
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--03-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		5,648,264
Entity Public Float			$ 33,244,974
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,240	$ 2,226
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $136 in 2016 and $6 in 2015	2,983	3,258
Inventories, net	7,856	5,678
Deferred tax assets	74	315
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	502	317
Total current assets	12,655	11,794
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$ 17,796	14,754
Restricted cash		486
Deferred tax assets		3,035
Other assets	$ 696	846
Total assets	31,147	30,915
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	574	234
Customer deposits	117	31
Accounts payable	4,000	2,926
Accrued expenses	1,430	1,124
Total current liabilities	6,121	4,315
Long-term debt, less current maturities	7,094	$ 5,109
Deferred tax liabilities	74
Deferred rent	30	$ 8
Total liabilities	$ 13,319	$ 9,432
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock of $0.01 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock of $0.02 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 5,599,797 shares at March 31, 2016 and 5,564,799 shares at March 31, 2015	$ 112	$ 111
Additional paid-in capital	31,585	30,846
Accumulated deficit	(13,869)	(9,474)
Total stockholders’ equity	17,828	21,483
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 31,147	$ 30,915

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 136	$ 6
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.02
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	5,599,797	5,564,799
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	5,599,797	5,564,799

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net sales	$ 31,840	$ 33,809	$ 28,178
Cost of sales	19,974	19,343	16,989
Gross profit	11,866	14,466	11,189
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	5,785	7,864	6,415
Sales and marketing	6,222	5,667	4,469
Research and development	633	517	469
Loss on sale or disposal of assets	11	96	46
Total operating expense	12,651	14,144	11,399
(Loss) income from operations	(785)	322	(210)
Other expense:
Interest expense, net	(282)	(93)	(118)
Total other expense, net	(282)	(93)	(118)
Income before income tax expense	(1,067)	229	(328)
Income tax expense	(3,328)	(253)	(92)
Net loss	$ (4,395)	$ (24)	$ (420)
Net loss per share:
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.79)	$ 0	$ (0.08)
Shares used in calculation of net loss per share:
Basic and diluted (in shares)	5,581	5,517	5,478

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2013	5,463,938
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 109	$ 29,077	$ (9,030)	$ 20,156
Issuances of common stock for Director Stock Grants (in shares)	9,000
Issuances of common stock for Director Stock Grants	$ 1	50		$ 51
Issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options for cash (in shares)	15,100			15,100
Issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options for cash		36		$ 36
Compensation expense related to stock options		$ 728		728
Net loss			$ (420)	(420)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2014	5,488,038
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$ 110	$ 29,891	$ (9,450)	20,551
Issuances of common stock for Director Stock Grants (in shares)	16,561
Issuances of common stock for Director Stock Grants		78		$ 78
Issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options for cash (in shares)	60,200			60,200
Issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options for cash	$ 1	214		$ 215
Compensation expense related to stock options		$ 663		663
Net loss			$ (24)	(24)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015	5,564,799
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$ 111	$ 30,846	$ (9,474)	21,483
Issuances of common stock for Director Stock Grants (in shares)	13,198
Issuances of common stock for Director Stock Grants		78		$ 78
Issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options for cash (in shares)	21,800			21,800
Issuance of common stock for exercise of stock options for cash	$ 1	74		$ 75
Compensation expense related to stock options		$ 587		587
Net loss			$ (4,395)	(4,395)
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2016	5,599,797
Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 112	$ 31,585	$ (13,869)	$ 17,828

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (4,395,000)	$ (24,000)	$ (420,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on sale or disposal of assets	11,000	96,000	46,000
Depreciation and amortization	1,546,000	1,243,000	1,086,000
Amortization of debt issue costs and other assets	57,000	56,000	43,000
Share based compensation expense	665,000	$ 741,000	$ 770,000
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts	130,000
Deferred income tax expense	3,350,000	$ 163,000	$ 68,000
Net (increase) decrease in assets:
Accounts receivable	145,000	(882,000)	1,132,000
Inventories	(2,149,000)	(337,000)	(1,513,000)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(39,000)	22,000	(249,000)
Net increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Customer deposits	86,000	1,000	(3,000)
Accounts payable	1,036,000	(219,000)	1,332,000
Accrued expenses	306,000	$ 348,000	(130,000)
Deferred rent	22,000		(13,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	745,000	$ 1,208,000	2,149,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in equipment and leasehold improvements	(4,303,000)	(4,179,000)	(4,117,000)
Proceeds from restricted cash	486,000	882,000	1,992,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,817,000)	$ (3,297,000)	$ (2,125,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from short term notes payable	500,000
Payment of short term notes payable	(500,000)
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of costs	2,407,000
Payments on capitalized leases	(44,000)	$ (2,000)
Principal payments on long-term debt	(352,000)	(210,000)	$ (116,000)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and exercise of stock options	75,000	215,000	40,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,086,000	3,000	(76,000)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(986,000)	(2,086,000)	(52,000)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,226,000	4,312,000	4,364,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	1,240,000	2,226,000	4,312,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Interest	362,000	294,000	259,000
Income taxes	$ 47,000	$ 8,000	$ 132,000

Note 1 - Description of Busines

Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 1 Description of Business and Summary of Accounting Policies Description of Business Cyanotech Corporation (the “Company”) cultivates and produces high-value, high-quality natural products derived from microalgae for the nutritional supplements market. The Company currently cultivates, on a large-scale basis, two microalgal species from which its two major product lines are derived. The Company manufactures all of its products in the United States and sells its products worldwide. As the Company’s operations are solely related to microalgae-based products, management of the Company considers its operations to be in one industry segment. Correspondingly, the Company records revenue and cost of sales information by product category. Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cyanotech Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Nutrex Hawaii, Inc. (“Nutrex Hawaii” or “Nutrex”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period reported. Management reviews these estimates and assumptions periodically and reflects the effect of revisions in the period that they are determined to be necessary. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions. Significant estimates include inventory valuation and determination of production capacity and abnormal product costs, reserve for inventory, allowance for bad debts and valuation of deferred tax assets. Financial Instruments Cash primarily consists of cash on hand and cash in bank deposits. The Company applies a framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: Level 1 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 — Inputs to the valuation methodology include: ● Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; ● Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; ● Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and ● Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Long-Term Debt Concentration of Credit Risk The Company maintains its cash accounts with several banks located in Hawaii. The total cash balances are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000 per bank. The Company had cash balances at March 31, 2016 that exceeded the balance insured by the FDIC by $979 ,000. Two customers accounted for 19% and 11%, respectively, of total net sales in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 . Two customers accounted for 44% of accounts receivable at March 31, 2016. One customer accounted for 13% of revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. Two customers each accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable at March 31, 2015. Our top ten customers generated 58% and 55% of our net sales during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not accrue interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects management’s best estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the allowance based on historical experience, specifically identified nonpaying accounts and other currently available evidence. Management reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts monthly with a focus on significant individual past due balances over 90 days. All other balances are reviewed on a pooled basis. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. Inventories, net Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Market is defined as sales price less cost to dispose and a normal profit margin. Inventory costs include materials, labor, overhead and third party costs. Management provides a reserve against inventory for known or expected inventory obsolescence. The reserve is determined by specific review of inventory items for product age and quality which may affect salability. At March 31, 2016 and 2015, the inventory reserve was $8,000 and $4,000, respectively. The Company recognizes abnormal production costs, including fixed cost variances from normal production capacity, as an expense in the period incurred. Abnormal amounts of freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) are recognized as current period charges and fixed production overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on the normal capacity of production facilities. Normal capacity is defined as “the production expected to be achieved over a number of periods or seasons under normal circumstances, taking into account the loss of capacity resulting from planned maintenance.” The Company expensed abnormal production costs of $395 ,000, $639,000 and $306,000 to cost of sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-inventoriable fixed costs were $149,000, $182,000 and $91,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and have been classified in cost of sales. Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, net Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives for equipment and furniture and fixtures, and the shorter of the land lease term (see Notes 3 and 6) or estimated useful lives for leasehold improvements as follows: Equipment (in years) 3 to 10 Furniture and fixtures (in years) 3 to 7 Leasehold improvements (in years) 10 to 25 Capital project costs are accumulated in construction-in-progress until completed, at which time the costs are transferred to the relevant asset and commence depreciation. Repairs and Maintenance costs are expensed in the period incurred. Repairs and maintenance that significantly increase the useful life or value of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the asset. The Company capitalizes interest cost incurred on funds used to construct property, plant, and equipment. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Interest cost capitalized was $173 ,000, $228,000 and $199,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Management reviews long-lived assets, such as equipment, leasehold improvements and purchased intangibles subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. Assets to be disposed of and related liabilities would be separately presented in the consolidated balance sheet. Assets to be disposed of would be reported at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less costs to sell and would not be depreciated. Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations Management evaluates quarterly the potential liability for asset retirement obligations under the Company’s lease for its principal facility and corporate headquarters. No liability has been recognized as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 (see Note 6). Revenue Recognition We recognize revenues when the customer takes ownership and assumes the risk of loss. We have determined that transfer of title and risk of loss generally occurs when product is received by the customer, except in instances where the shipment terms are explicitly FOB Origin, and accordingly we recognize revenue at the point of delivery to the customer. For shipments with terms of FOB Origin where transfer of title and risk of loss occurs at the point of shipping, revenue is recognized upon shipment to the customer. Sales returns and allowances are estimated and recorded as a reduction to sales in the period in which sales are recorded. We record net shipping charges and sales tax in cost of goods sold. Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of labor, benefits and outside research. Advertising Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $942,000, $1,082,000 and $1,126,000, respectively. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using income tax rates applicable to the period in which the tax difference is expected to reverse. Judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets, specifically net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and deductible temporary differences that may reduce taxable income in future periods. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income and tax planning opportunities. In the event we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made. In evaluating a tax position for recognition, management evaluates whether it is more-likely-than-not that a position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. If the tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the tax position is measured and recognized in the Company’s financial statements as the largest amount of tax benefit that, in management’s judgment, is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. As of March 31, 2016 and 2015, there was no significant liability for income tax associated with unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as well as any related penalties in interest expense in its condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of the date of adoption and during the years ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, there was no accrual for the payment of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. Share-Based Compensation The Company accounts for share-based payment arrangements using fair value. If an award vests or becomes exercisable based on the achievement of a condition other than service, such as for meeting certain performance or market condition, the award is classified as a liability. Liability-classified awards are remeasured to fair value at each balance sheet date until the award is settled. The Company currently has no liability-classified awards. Equity-classified awards, including grants of employee stock options, are measured at the grant-date fair value of the award and are not subsequently remeasured unless an award is modified. The cost of equity-classified awards is recognized in the income statement over the period during which an employee is required to provide the service in exchange for the award, or the vesting period. All of the Company’s stock options are service-based awards, and considered equity-classified awards; as such, they are reflected only in Equity and Compensation Expense accounts. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of each option award. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock over a period consistent with that of the expected term of the options. The expected term of the options are estimated based on factors such as vesting periods, contractual expiration dates and historical exercise behavior. The risk-free rates for periods within the contractual life of the options are based on the yields of U.S. Treasury instruments with terms comparable to the estimated option terms. Per Share Amounts Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income for the year by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income for the year by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year plus the number of potentially dilutive common shares (“dilutive securities”) that were outstanding during the year. Dilutive securities include options granted pursuant to the Company’s stock option plans, potential shares related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Restricted Stock grants to employees and non-employees. Dilutive securities related to the Company’s stock option plans are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the computation of earnings per share in periods in which a net loss is reported, as their effect would be antidilutive. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per common share calculations for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is presented in Note 10. New Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016 , the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, “ Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ ”) In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842)” (“ In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “ Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11,” Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “ Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs

Note 2 - Inventories

Note 2 - Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 2 Inventories, net Inventories consist of the following as of March 31, 2016 and 2015: 201 6 201 5 (in thousands) Raw materials $ 375 $ 931 Work in process 3,782 1,509 Finished goods(1) 3,543 2,895 Supplies 156 343 $ 7,856 $ 5,678 (1) Net of reserve for obsolescence of $8,000 and $4,000 at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Note 3 - Equipment and Leasehol

Note 3 - Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3 Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, net Equipment and leasehold improvements consists of the following as of March 31, 2016 and 2015: 201 6 201 5 (in thousands) Equipment(1) $ 17,040 $ 9,782 Leasehold improvements 13,797 10,216 Furniture and fixtures 354 298 31,191 20,296 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (14,067 ) (12,549 ) Construction in-progress 672 7,007 $ 17,796 $ 14,754 (1) Includes $314,000 of equipment under capital lease at March 31, 2016, with accumulated amortization of $41,000. The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. No such event occurred during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The Company recognized a loss on disposal of equipment and leasehold improvements in the amount of $11,000, $96,000 and $46,000 in fiscal 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,546,000, $1,270,000 and $1,086,000 for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company has capitalized interest in the amount of $173,000, $228,000 and $199,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note 4 - Accrued Expenses

Note 4 - Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4 Accrued Expenses Components of accrued expenses as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: 2016 201 5 (in thousands) Wages, commissions, bonus and profit sharing $ 972 $ 930 Use tax 140 — Customer rebates 74 74 Rent and utilities 49 118 Other accrued expenses 195 2 $ 1,430 $ 1,124

Note 5 - Long-term Debt

Note 5 - Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	Note 5 Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 as follows: 2016 201 5 (in thousands) Long-term debt $ 7,668 $ 5,343 Less current maturities (574 ) (234 ) Long-term debt, excluding current maturities $ 7,094 $ 5,109 Term Loans The Company executed a loan agreement with a lender providing for $2,500,000 in aggregate credit facilities (the “2015 Loan”) secured by substantially all the Company’s assets, pursuant to a Term Loan Agreement dated July 30, 2015 (the “2015 Loan Agreement”). The 2015 Loan Agreement is evidenced by a promissory note in the amount of $2,500,000, the repayment of which is partially guaranteed under the provisions of a United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Rural Development Guarantee program. The proceeds of the 2015 Loan were used to pay off a $500,000 short term note payable that matured on September 18, 2015, acquire new processing equipment and leasehold improvements at the Company’s Kona, Hawaii facility. The provisions of the 2015 Loan require the payment of principal and interest until its maturity on September 1, 2022, the obligation fully amortizes over seven (7) years. Interest on the 2015 Loan accrues on the outstanding principal balance at an annual variable rate equal to the published Wall Street Journal prime rate (3.50% at March 31, 2016) plus 2.0% and is adjustable on the first day of each calendar quarter and fixed for that quarter. At no time shall the annual interest rate be less than 6.00%. The 2015 Loan has a prepayment penalty of 5% for any prepayment made prior to the first anniversary of the date of the 2015 Loan Agreement, which penalty is reduced by 1% each year thereafter until the fifth anniversary of such date, after which there is no prepayment penalty. The balance under the 2015 Loan was $2,354,000 at March 31, 2016. The 2015 Loan includes a one-time origination and guaranty fee totaling $113,900 and an annual renewal fee payable in the amount of 0.50% of the USDA guaranteed portion of the outstanding principal balance as of December 31 of each year, beginning December 31, 2015. The USDA has guaranteed 80% of all amounts owing under the 2015 Loan. The Company is subject to financial covenants and customary affirmative and negative covenants. The Company executed a loan agreement with a lender providing for $5,500,000 in aggregate credit facilities (the “Loan”) secured by substantially all the Company’s assets, including a mortgage on the Company's interest in its lease at the National Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, pursuant to a Term Loan Agreement dated August 14, 2012 (the “Loan Agreement”). The Loan Agreement is evidenced by promissory notes in the amounts of $2,250,000 and $3,250,000, the repayment of which is partially guaranteed under the provisions of a USDA Rural Development Guarantee. The proceeds of the Loan have been used to acquire new processing equipment and leasehold improvements at its Kona, Hawaii facility. The provisions of the Loan required the payment of interest only for the first 12 months of the term; thereafter, and until its maturity on August 14, 2032, the obligation fully amortizes over nineteen (19) years. Interest on the Loan accrues on the outstanding principal balance at an annual variable rate equal to the published Wall Street Journal prime rate (3.50% at March 31, 2016) plus 1.0% and is adjustable on the first day of each calendar quarter and fixed for that quarter. At no time shall the annual interest rate be less than 5.50%. The Loan has a prepayment penalty of 5% for any prepayment made prior to the first anniversary of the date of the Loan Agreement, which penalty is reduced by 1% each year thereafter until the fifth anniversary of such date, after which there is no prepayment penalty. The balance under this Loan was $5,049,000 and $5,236,000 at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Proceeds from the Loan were classified as restricted cash until drawn upon to acquire new processing equipment and leasehold improvements. The Loan included a one-time origination and guaranty fees totaling $214,500 and an annual renewal fee payable in the amount of 0.25% of the USDA guaranteed portion of the outstanding principal balance as of December 31 of each year, beginning December 31, 2012. The USDA has guaranteed 80% of all amounts owing under the Loan. The Company is subject to financial covenants and customary affirmative and negative covenants. The Company’s current ratio of 1.97 fell short of the bank’s requirement of 2.10; however, the Company has received a letter from its bank stating they found the Company to be in compliance with this and all other financial covenants as of March 31, 2016 and does not consider this shortfall to be a default under the Loan Agreements . On May 27, 2016, we executed a short-term loan agreement with First Foundation Bank in the amount of $600,000, with an interest rate of 5.5%, to be repaid by December 3, 2016. Capital Lease s In February 2016, the Company executed a capital lease agreement with Bank of the West providing for $51,000 in equipment, secured by the equipment financed. The capital lease matures in March 2021 and is payable in 60 equal monthly payments. The interest rate under this capital lease is 4.18%. The balance under this lease was $50,000 and $0 at March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively. In July 2015, the Company executed a capital lease agreement with Huntington Technology Finance providing for $174,000 in equipment, secured by the equipment financed. The capital lease matures in July 2020 and is payable in 60 equal monthly payments. The interest rate under this capital lease is 6.57%. The balance under this lease was $152,000 and $0 at March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively. In March 2015, the Company executed a capital lease agreement with Thermo Fisher Financial providing for $86,000 in equipment, secured by the equipment financed. The capital lease matures in March 2018 and is payable in 36 equal monthly payments. The interest rate under this capital lease is 6.5%. The balance under this lease was $59,000 and $84,000 at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Future principal payments under the loan and capital lease agreements as of March 31, 2016 are as follows: Year ending March 31 (in thousands) 2017 $ 574 2018 604 2019 608 2020 643 2021 654 Thereafter 4,585 Total principal payments $ 7,668

Note 6 - Leases

Note 6 - Leases	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 6 Leases The Company’s principal facility and its corporate headquarters are located at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (“NELHA”) at Keahole Point in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The property is leased from the State of Hawaii under a 40-year commercial lease expiring in 2035. Under the terms of the existing NELHA lease, the Company could be required to remove improvements at the end of the lease term. Under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, an entity should recognize the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which the retirement obligation is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. If such an estimate cannot be made in the period the asset retirement obligation is incurred, the liability should be recognized when the fair value can be reasonably estimated. Based on communications with NELHA, management does not believe the projected cost for such removal to be material to the consolidated financial statements, or likely, given historical practices. However, conditions could change in the future. It is not possible to predict such changes or estimate any impact thereof. The Company leases facilities, equipment and land under operating leases expiring through 2035. The land lease provides for contingent rentals in excess of minimum rental commitments based on a percentage of the Company’s sales. Contingent rental payments for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $65,000, $67,000 and $73,000, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at March 31, 2016 are as follows: Year ending March 31 (in thousands) 2017 $ 614 2018 607 2019 613 2020 622 2021 532 Thereafter 4,820 Total minimum lease payments $ 7,808 Rent expense, including contingent rent, under operating leases amounted to $622,000, $626,000 and $578,000 for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note 7 - Commitments and Contin

Note 7 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 7 Commitments and Contingencies On May 24, 2016, a shareholder of the Company, Meridian OHC Partners, LP, filed a complaint in the United States District Court, District of Nevada, entitled Meridian OHC Partners, LP vs. Cyanotech Corporation, Michael Davis and Rudolf Steiner Foundation (RSF), Inc. The Board of Directors of the Company has formed a Special Committee comprised of independent directors to investigate, review and analyze the Meridian allegations and provide its recommendations to the Board. On March 31, 2016, the Company entered into a Separation Agreement and Release of Claims, pursuant to which Brent Bailey, now-former CEO, resigned from the Company effective as of the date of the Separation Agreement. Under the Separation Agreement, Mr. Bailey is eligible to receive (1) an aggregate of $325,000 in separation payments, payable monthly through the end of April 2017, and (2) up to 155,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, to be granted in two tranches. On April 29, 2016, the Company issued 48,467 shares of its Common Stock to Mr. Bailey in accordance with the Separation Agreement. In connection with the Separation and Release of Claims, the Company accrued separation expenses of $360,000 as of March 31, 2016.

Note 8 - Share-based Compensati

Note 8 - Share-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Note 8 Share-Based Compensation Stock Options As of March 31, 2016, the Company had one equity-based compensation plan: the Independent Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Grant Plan (the “2014 Directors Plan”) . The Company has also issued stock options, which remain outstanding as of March 31, 2016, under two equity-based compensation plans which have expired according to their terms: the 2005 Stock Option Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and the 2004 Independent Director Stock Option and Stock Grant Plan (the “2004 Directors Plan”). These plans allowed the Company to award stock options and shares of restricted common stock to eligible employees, certain outside consultants and independent directors. On August 28, 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2014 Directors Plan authorizing the Board of Directors to provide incentive to the Company’s independent directors through equity based compensation in the form of stock options and restricted stock. Awards under the 2014 Directors Plan are limited to the authorized amount of 350,000 shares. As of March 31, 2016, there were 314,241 shares available for grant under the 2014 Directors Plan. The 2005 Plan and the 2004 Directors Plan have expired, and therefore no additional awards will be issued under those plans. The following table presents shares authorized, available for future grant and outstanding under each of the Company’s plans: As of March 31, 2016 Authorized Available Outstanding 2014 Directors Plan 350,000 314,241 6,000 2005 Plan — — 667,000 2004 Directors Plan — — 12,000 Total 350,000 314,241 685,000 All st ock option grants made under the equity-based compensation plans were issued at exercise prices no less than the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant. Options under the 2005 Plan and 2014 Directors Plan were determined by the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors in accordance with the provisions of the respective plans. The terms of each option grant include vesting, exercise, and other conditions are set forth in a Stock Option Agreement evidencing each grant. No option can have a life in excess of ten (10) years. The Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The model requires various assumptions, including a risk-free interest rate, the expected term of the options, the expected stock price volatility over the expected term of the options, and the expected dividend yield. Compensation expense for employee stock options is recognized ratably over the vesting term. Compensation expense recognized for options issued under the 2005 Plan was $581,000, $663,000 and $715,000 for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Compensation expense recognized for restricted stock and stock options issued under the 2014 Directors Plan and the 2004 Directors Plan was $84,000, $78,000 and $50,000 for the three years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. All stock-based compensation has been classified as general and administrative expense in the consolidated statement of operations. A summary of option activity under the Company’s stock plans for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is presented below: Option Activity Shares Weighted Weighted Average (in years) Aggregate Outstanding at March 31, 2013 1,495,856 $ 4.03 8.3 $ 1,174,810 Granted 6,000 $ 5.56 Exercised (15,100 ) $ 2.43 Forfeited (17,450 ) $ 4.53 Outstanding at March 31, 2014 1,469,306 $ 4.04 7.3 $ 2,034,303 Granted 45,000 $ 4.72 Exercised (60,200 ) $ 3.58 Forfeited (20,890 ) $ 4.28 Outstanding at March 31, 2015 1,433,216 $ 4.08 6.4 $ 6,221,909 Granted 6,000 $ 5.91 Exercised (21,800 ) $ 3.26 Forfeited (732,416 ) $ 3.59 Outstanding at March 31, 2016 685,000 $ 4.65 5.7 $ 566,323 Exercisable at March 31, 2016 513,750 $ 4.29 5.4 $ 527,203 The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is before applicable income taxes and represents the excess amount over the exercise price optionees would have received if all options had been exercised on the last business day of the period indicated, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $4.98, $8.42, $5.24 and $4.47 at March 31, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $58,000, $167,000 and $51,000, respectively. A summary of the Company’s non-vested options for the year ended March 31, 2016 is presented below: Nonvested Options Shares Weighted Nonvested at March 31, 2015 614,416 $ 3.25 Granted 6,000 1.18 Vested (204,250 ) 3.19 Forfeited (244,916 ) 2.92 Nonvested at March 31, 2016 171,250 $ 3.75 The weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $7,000, $123,000 and $5,000, respectively. The total grant-date fair values of stock options that vested during fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $651,000, $809,000 and $763,000, respectively. The following table summarizes the weighted average characteristics of outstanding stock options as of March 31, 2016: Outstanding Options Exercisable Options Range of Exercise Prices Number Remaining Weighted Exercise Price Number of Weighted Exercise Price $1.60 - $3.70 148,220 4.0 $ 2.76 148,220 $ 2.76 $3.71 - $4.42 194,780 5.4 $ 3.82 167,780 $ 3.82 $4.43 - $5.40 117,500 6.9 $ 5.00 69,500 $ 5.07 $5.41 - $7.08 224,500 6.4 $ 6.42 128,250 $ 6.26 Total stock options 685,000 5.7 $ 4.65 513,750 $ 4.29 The range of fair value assumptions related to options granted during the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Exercise Price $ 5.91 $ 4.72 $5.56 Volatility 50.00 % 64.00 % 38.00% Risk Free Rate 0.22 % 1.74 % 0.14% Vesting Period (in years) 0.5 3 5 - 7 Forfeiture Rate 0.00 % 4.51 % 0.00 Expected Life (in years) 1.00 5.73 1.00 Dividend Rate 0 % 0 % 0 As of March 31, 2016, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to all unvested stock options was $373,000, which is expected to be expensed over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.

Note 9 - Common and Preferred S

Note 9 - Common and Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9 Common and Preferred Stock The Company has authorized a total of sixty million shares of which fifty million shares are authorized common stock and ten million shares are authorized preferred stock. None of the preferred stock was issued or outstanding at March 31, 2016 and 2015. Under the terms of the Company’s Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors is authorized to determine or alter the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the Company’s authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock.

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 10 Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the potentially dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and warrants using the treasury stock method. Reconciliations between the numerator and the denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: Net Income Shares Per Share (in thousands, except per share amounts) Year ended March 31, 2016: Basic and diluted loss per share $ (4,395 ) 5,581 $ (0.79 ) Year ended March 31, 2015: Basic and diluted loss per share $ (24 ) 5,517 $ (0.00 ) Year ended March 31, 2014: Basic and diluted loss per share $ (420 ) 5,478 $ (0.08 ) Basic and diluted loss per share are the same in periods of a net loss, because common share equivalents are anti-dilutive when a net loss is recorded. Diluted earnings per share does not include the impact of common stock options totaling 58,000, 634,000 and 725,000 for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as the effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Note 11 - Profit Sharing Plan a

Note 11 - Profit Sharing Plan and 401k Plan	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Profit Sharing Plan and 401 Plan Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11 Profit Sharing Plan and 401k Plan The Company sponsors a profit sharing plan for all employees not covered under a separate management incentive plan. Under the profit sharing plan, a percentage determined by the Board of Directors of pre-tax profits on a quarterly basis may be allocated to non-management employees at management’s discretion. The profit sharing bonus may be distributed all in cash on an after-tax basis or distributed half in cash (on an after-tax basis) and the remainder deposited in an employee’s 401(k) account on a pre-tax basis. Employees may also make voluntary pre-tax contributions to their 401(k) accounts. Compensation expense under this plan was approximately $0, $46,000 and $17,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Additionally, the Company makes a retirement contribution to all employees individual 401(k) accounts equal to two percent of each employee’s base pay for each bi-weekly pay period on a pre-tax basis. Retirement expense under this plan was approximately $147,000, $113,000 and $110,000 for fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note 12 - Major Customers and G

Note 12 - Major Customers and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 12 Major Customers and Geographic Information Net sales by product line for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: 201 6 201 5 201 4 (in thousands) Net sales: Natural astaxanthin products BioAstin® $ 19,829 $ 22,087 $ 19,056 Spirulina products 12,011 11,722 9,122 $ 31,840 $ 33,809 $ 28,178 The following table presents sales for the years 2016, 2015 and 2014 by geographic region: 2016 201 5 201 4 (dollars in thousands) Net sales(1): United States $ 22,711 71 % $ 24,049 71 % $ 17,355 62 % Asia / Pacific 4,130 13 % 3,149 8 % 3,106 10 % Europe 2,990 9 % 4,302 13 % 5,237 19 % Other 2,009 7 % 2,309 8 % 2,480 9 % $ 31,840 100 % $ 33,809 100 % $ 28,178 100 % (1) Net sales are attributed to countries based on location of customer.

Note 13 - Income Taxes

Note 13 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 13 Income Taxes Income tax (expense) benefit for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 consisted of: 201 6 201 5 201 4 (in thousands) Current: Federal $ (1 ) $ (12 ) $ 19 State 23 (78 ) (43 ) Total current benefit (expense) 22 (90 ) (24 ) Deferred: Federal (3,027 ) (170 ) (25 ) State (323 ) 7 (43 ) Total deferred expense (3,350 ) (163 ) (68 ) Income tax expense $ (3,328 ) $ (253 ) $ (92 ) The following table reconciles the amount of income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate of 34%, for all periods presented, to the amount reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: 201 6 201 5 201 4 (in thousands) Tax provision at federal statutory income tax rate $ 363 $ (78 ) $ 111 State income taxes benefit (expense), net of federal income tax effect 25 (49 ) (17 ) Increase in valuation allowance (3,564 ) — — Stock based compensation (127 ) (108 ) (199 ) State rate adjustment 1 (4 ) (41 ) R&D credit — — 24 Other, net (26 ) (14 ) 30 Income tax expense $ (3,328 ) $ (253 ) $ (92 ) The tax effects of temporary differences related to various assets, liabilities and carry forwards that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: 201 6 201 5 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards $ 3,862 $ 3,687 Compensation accrual 535 382 Tax credit carry forwards 147 157 Inventory 3 90 Other 72 46 Gross deferred tax assets 4,619 4,362 Less valuation allowance (3,564 ) — Net deferred tax assets 1,055 4,362 Deferred tax liability - Depreciation and amortization (1,055 ) (1,012 ) Net deferred tax assets $ — $ 3,350 In assessing the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Ultimately, the realization of deferred tax assets will depend on the existence future taxable income during the periods. In making this assessment, management considers past operating results, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, estimates of future taxable income and tax planning strategies. In fiscal 2016, the Company recorded a $3,564,000 valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. The Company concluded that a valuation allowance was appropriate in light of the significant negative evidence, which was objective and verifiable, primarily the cumulative losses in recent years. While the Company’s long-term financial outlook remains positive, the Company concluded that its ability to rely on its long-term outlook as to future taxable income was limited due to the relative weight of the negative evidence from its recent cumulative losses. The Company’s conclusion regarding the need for a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets could change in the future based on improvements in operating performance, which may result in the full or partial reversal of the valuation allowance. There was no valuation allowance against deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2015. At March 31, 2016, the Company has net operating loss carry forwards and tax credit carry forwards available to offset future federal income tax as follows (in thousands): Expires March 31, Net Operating Research and 2020 $ — $ 8 2021 — 2 2022 2,852 — 2023 1,863 1 2026 159 — 2027 2,665 1 2028 1,612 16 2031 389 — 2032 44 — 2033 76 — 2034 392 — 2035 18 2036 535 $ 10,605 $ 28 In addition, at March 31, 2016, the Company has alternative minimum tax credit carry forwards of approximately $120,000 available to reduce future federal regular income taxes over an indefinite period. At March 31, 2016, the Company has state tax net operating loss carry forwards available to offset future California state taxable income of $363,000. These carry forwards expire March 31, 2036. At March 31, 2016, the Company has state tax net operating loss carry forwards available to offset future Hawaii state taxable income of $5,575,000. These carry forwards expire March 31, 2030 through 2036. The following represents the open tax years and jurisdictions that the Company used in its evaluation of tax positions: Open tax years ending March 31, Jurisdiction 2013 - 2016 U.S. Federal 2013 - 2016 State of Hawaii 2012 - 2016 State of California

Note 14 - Selected Quarterly Fi

Note 14 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Note 14 Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) First Second Third Fourth Year (in thousands, except per share data) 201 6 Net sales $ 7,594 $ 8,516 $ 7,534 $ 8,196 $ 31,840 Gross profit 2,924 3,100 3,084 2,758 11,866 Net income (loss) (105 ) 14 (250 ) (4,054 ) (4,395 ) Net income (loss) per share Basic and diluted (0.02 ) 0.00 (0.04 ) (0.73 ) (0.79 ) 201 5 Net sales $ 7,624 $ 7,946 $ 9,691 $ 8,547 $ 33,809 Gross profit 3,059 3,935 4,798 2,674 14,466 Net income (381 ) 64 463 (170 ) (24 ) Net income per share Basic and diluted (0.07 ) 0.01 0.08 (0.02 ) (0.00 ) (1) The first, second and third quarters of 2016 include abnormal costs of $214,000, $308,000 and $21,000, respectively. The first, third and fourth quarters of 2015 include abnormal costs of $81,000, $196,000 and $607,000, respectively.

Note 15 - Subsequent Events

Note 15 - Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 15 Subsequent Events In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 855, the Company has evaluated through June 23, 2016, which is the date these consolidated financial statements were issued. All required recognition as of March 31, 2016 have been incorporated into these consolidated financial statements herein.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes to Financial Statements
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Schedule II Cyanotech Corporation and Subsidiary Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Years Ended March 31, 201 6 , 201 5 and 201 4 (in thousands) Additions Description Balance at Charged to Charged to Deductions Balance at Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: 2016 $ 6 130 — — $ 136 2015 6 — — — 6 2014 6 10 — (10 ) 6

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Cyanotech Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Nutrex Hawaii, Inc. (“Nutrex Hawaii” or “Nutrex”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period reported. Management reviews these estimates and assumptions periodically and reflects the effect of revisions in the period that they are determined to be necessary. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and assumptions. Significant estimates include inventory valuation and determination of production capacity and abnormal product costs, reserve for inventory, allowance for bad debts and valuation of deferred tax assets.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Financial Instruments Cash primarily consists of cash on hand and cash in bank deposits. The Company applies a framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: Level 1 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 — Inputs to the valuation methodology include: ● Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; ● Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; ● Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and ● Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 — Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Long-Term Debt
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentration of Credit Risk The Company maintains its cash accounts with several banks located in Hawaii. The total cash balances are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000 per bank. The Company had cash balances at March 31, 2016 that exceeded the balance insured by the FDIC by $979 ,000 Two customers accounted for 19% and 11%, respectively, of total net sales in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 . Two customers accounted for 44% of accounts receivable at March 31, 2016. One customer accounted for 13% of revenue for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. Two customers each accounted for 10% or more of accounts receivable at March 31, 2015. Our top ten customers generated 58% and 55% of our net sales during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not accrue interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects management’s best estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the allowance based on historical experience, specifically identified nonpaying accounts and other currently available evidence. Management reviews its allowance for doubtful accounts monthly with a focus on significant individual past due balances over 90 days. All other balances are reviewed on a pooled basis. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories, net Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Market is defined as sales price less cost to dispose and a normal profit margin. Inventory costs include materials, labor, overhead and third party costs. Management provides a reserve against inventory for known or expected inventory obsolescence. The reserve is determined by specific review of inventory items for product age and quality which may affect salability. At March 31, 2016 and 2015, the inventory reserve was $8,000 and $4,000, respectively. The Company recognizes abnormal production costs, including fixed cost variances from normal production capacity, as an expense in the period incurred. Abnormal amounts of freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage) are recognized as current period charges and fixed production overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on the normal capacity of production facilities. Normal capacity is defined as “the production expected to be achieved over a number of periods or seasons under normal circumstances, taking into account the loss of capacity resulting from planned maintenance.” The Company expensed abnormal production costs of $395 ,000, $639,000 and $306,000 to cost of sales for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-inventoriable fixed costs were $149,000, $182,000 and $91,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and have been classified in cost of sales.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, net Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives for equipment and furniture and fixtures, and the shorter of the land lease term (see Notes 3 and 6) or estimated useful lives for leasehold improvements as follows: Equipment (in years) 3 to 10 Furniture and fixtures (in years) 3 to 7 Leasehold improvements (in years) 10 to 25 Capital project costs are accumulated in construction-in-progress until completed, at which time the costs are transferred to the relevant asset and commence depreciation. Repairs and Maintenance costs are expensed in the period incurred. Repairs and maintenance that significantly increase the useful life or value of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the asset. The Company capitalizes interest cost incurred on funds used to construct property, plant, and equipment. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Interest cost capitalized was $173 ,000, $228,000 and $199,000 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Management reviews long-lived assets, such as equipment, leasehold improvements and purchased intangibles subject to amortization for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. Assets to be disposed of and related liabilities would be separately presented in the consolidated balance sheet. Assets to be disposed of would be reported at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less costs to sell and would not be depreciated.
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations Management evaluates quarterly the potential liability for asset retirement obligations under the Company’s lease for its principal facility and corporate headquarters. No liability has been recognized as of March 31, 2016 and 2015 (see Note 6).
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition We recognize revenues when the customer takes ownership and assumes the risk of loss. We have determined that transfer of title and risk of loss generally occurs when product is received by the customer, except in instances where the shipment terms are explicitly FOB Origin, and accordingly we recognize revenue at the point of delivery to the customer. For shipments with terms of FOB Origin where transfer of title and risk of loss occurs at the point of shipping, revenue is recognized upon shipment to the customer. Sales returns and allowances are estimated and recorded as a reduction to sales in the period in which sales are recorded. We record net shipping charges and sales tax in cost of goods sold.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of labor, benefits and outside research.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $942,000, $1,082,000 and $1,126,000, respectively.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using income tax rates applicable to the period in which the tax difference is expected to reverse. Our judgment is required in determining any valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets, specifically net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and deductible temporary differences that may reduce taxable income in future periods. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence including past operating results, estimates of future taxable income and tax planning opportunities. In the event we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made. In evaluating a tax position for recognition, management evaluates whether it is more-likely-than-not that a position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. If the tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the tax position is measured and recognized in the Company’s financial statements as the largest amount of tax benefit that, in management’s judgment, is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. As of March 31, 2016 and 2015, there was no significant liability for income tax associated with unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as well as any related penalties in interest expense in its condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of the date of adoption and during the years ended March 31, 2016, and 2015, there was no accrual for the payment of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation The Company accounts for share-based payment arrangements using fair value. If an award vests or becomes exercisable based on the achievement of a condition other than service, such as for meeting certain performance or market condition, the award is classified as a liability. Liability-classified awards are remeasured to fair value at each balance sheet date until the award is settled. The Company currently has no liability-classified awards. Equity-classified awards, including grants of employee stock options, are measured at the grant-date fair value of the award and are not subsequently remeasured unless an award is modified. The cost of equity-classified awards is recognized in the income statement over the period during which an employee is required to provide the service in exchange for the award, or the vesting period. All of the Company’s stock options are service-based awards, and considered equity-classified awards; as such, they are reflected only in Equity and Compensation Expense accounts. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of each option award. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock over a period consistent with that of the expected term of the options. The expected term of the options are estimated based on factors such as vesting periods, contractual expiration dates and historical exercise behavior. The risk-free rates for periods within the contractual life of the options are based on the yields of U.S. Treasury instruments with terms comparable to the estimated option terms.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Per Share Amounts Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income for the year by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income for the year by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year plus the number of potentially dilutive common shares (“dilutive securities”) that were outstanding during the year. Dilutive securities include options granted pursuant to the Company’s stock option plans, potential shares related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Restricted Stock grants to employees and non-employees. Dilutive securities related to the Company’s stock option plans are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per common share using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the computation of earnings per share in periods in which a net loss is reported, as their effect would be antidilutive. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted earnings per common share calculations for the years ended March 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is presented in Note 10.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016 , the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, “ Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ ”) In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842)” (“ In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “ Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date” In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11,” Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “ Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs

Note 1 - Description of Busin24

Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block]	Equipment (in years) 3 to 10 Furniture and fixtures (in years) 3 to 7 Leasehold improvements (in years) 10 to 25

Note 2 - Inventories (Tables)

Note 2 - Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 (in thousands) Raw materials $ 375 $ 931 Work in process 3,782 1,509 Finished goods(1) 3,543 2,895 Supplies 156 343 $ 7,856 $ 5,678

Note 3 - Equipment and Leaseh26

Note 3 - Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 (in thousands) Equipment(1) $ 17,040 $ 9,782 Leasehold improvements 13,797 10,216 Furniture and fixtures 354 298 31,191 20,296 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (14,067 ) (12,549 ) Construction in-progress 672 7,007 $ 17,796 $ 14,754

Note 4 - Accrued Expenses (Tabl

Note 4 - Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2016 201 5 (in thousands) Wages, commissions, bonus and profit sharing $ 972 $ 930 Use tax 140 — Customer rebates 74 74 Rent and utilities 49 118 Other accrued expenses 195 2 $ 1,430 $ 1,124

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Tables

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	2016 201 5 (in thousands) Long-term debt $ 7,668 $ 5,343 Less current maturities (574 ) (234 ) Long-term debt, excluding current maturities $ 7,094 $ 5,109
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Year ending March 31 (in thousands) 2017 $ 574 2018 604 2019 608 2020 643 2021 654 Thereafter 4,585 Total principal payments $ 7,668

Note 6 - Leases (Tables)

Note 6 - Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Year ending March 31 (in thousands) 2017 $ 614 2018 607 2019 613 2020 622 2021 532 Thereafter 4,820 Total minimum lease payments $ 7,808

Note 8 - Share-based Compensa30

Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Shares Authorized Available and Outstanding by Plan [Table Text Block]	As of March 31, 2016 Authorized Available Outstanding 2014 Directors Plan 350,000 314,241 6,000 2005 Plan — — 667,000 2004 Directors Plan — — 12,000 Total 350,000 314,241 685,000
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Option Activity Shares Weighted Weighted Average (in years) Aggregate Outstanding at March 31, 2013 1,495,856 $ 4.03 8.3 $ 1,174,810 Granted 6,000 $ 5.56 Exercised (15,100 ) $ 2.43 Forfeited (17,450 ) $ 4.53 Outstanding at March 31, 2014 1,469,306 $ 4.04 7.3 $ 2,034,303 Granted 45,000 $ 4.72 Exercised (60,200 ) $ 3.58 Forfeited (20,890 ) $ 4.28 Outstanding at March 31, 2015 1,433,216 $ 4.08 6.4 $ 6,221,909 Granted 6,000 $ 5.91 Exercised (21,800 ) $ 3.26 Forfeited (732,416 ) $ 3.59 Outstanding at March 31, 2016 685,000 $ 4.65 5.7 $ 566,323 Exercisable at March 31, 2016 513,750 $ 4.29 5.4 $ 527,203
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	Nonvested Options Shares Weighted Nonvested at March 31, 2015 614,416 $ 3.25 Granted 6,000 1.18 Vested (204,250 ) 3.19 Forfeited (244,916 ) 2.92 Nonvested at March 31, 2016 171,250 $ 3.75
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	Outstanding Options Exercisable Options Range of Exercise Prices Number Remaining Weighted Exercise Price Number of Weighted Exercise Price $1.60 - $3.70 148,220 4.0 $ 2.76 148,220 $ 2.76 $3.71 - $4.42 194,780 5.4 $ 3.82 167,780 $ 3.82 $4.43 - $5.40 117,500 6.9 $ 5.00 69,500 $ 5.07 $5.41 - $7.08 224,500 6.4 $ 6.42 128,250 $ 6.26 Total stock options 685,000 5.7 $ 4.65 513,750 $ 4.29
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	2016 2015 2014 Exercise Price $ 5.91 $ 4.72 $5.56 Volatility 50.00 % 64.00 % 38.00% Risk Free Rate 0.22 % 1.74 % 0.14% Vesting Period (in years) 0.5 3 5 - 7 Forfeiture Rate 0.00 % 4.51 % 0.00 Expected Life (in years) 1.00 5.73 1.00 Dividend Rate 0 % 0 % 0

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share (T

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Net Income Shares Per Share (in thousands, except per share amounts) Year ended March 31, 2016: Basic and diluted loss per share $ (4,395 ) 5,581 $ (0.79 ) Year ended March 31, 2015: Basic and diluted loss per share $ (24 ) 5,517 $ (0.00 ) Year ended March 31, 2014: Basic and diluted loss per share $ (420 ) 5,478 $ (0.08 )

Note 12 - Major Customers and32

Note 12 - Major Customers and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 201 4 (in thousands) Net sales: Natural astaxanthin products BioAstin® $ 19,829 $ 22,087 $ 19,056 Spirulina products 12,011 11,722 9,122 $ 31,840 $ 33,809 $ 28,178
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]	2016 201 5 201 4 (dollars in thousands) Net sales(1): United States $ 22,711 71 % $ 24,049 71 % $ 17,355 62 % Asia / Pacific 4,130 13 % 3,149 8 % 3,106 10 % Europe 2,990 9 % 4,302 13 % 5,237 19 % Other 2,009 7 % 2,309 8 % 2,480 9 % $ 31,840 100 % $ 33,809 100 % $ 28,178 100 %

Note 13 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 13 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 201 4 (in thousands) Current: Federal $ (1 ) $ (12 ) $ 19 State 23 (78 ) (43 ) Total current benefit (expense) 22 (90 ) (24 ) Deferred: Federal (3,027 ) (170 ) (25 ) State (323 ) 7 (43 ) Total deferred expense (3,350 ) (163 ) (68 ) Income tax expense $ (3,328 ) $ (253 ) $ (92 )
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 201 4 (in thousands) Tax provision at federal statutory income tax rate $ 363 $ (78 ) $ 111 State income taxes benefit (expense), net of federal income tax effect 25 (49 ) (17 ) Increase in valuation allowance (3,564 ) — — Stock based compensation (127 ) (108 ) (199 ) State rate adjustment 1 (4 ) (41 ) R&D credit — — 24 Other, net (26 ) (14 ) 30 Income tax expense $ (3,328 ) $ (253 ) $ (92 )
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	201 6 201 5 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards $ 3,862 $ 3,687 Compensation accrual 535 382 Tax credit carry forwards 147 157 Inventory 3 90 Other 72 46 Gross deferred tax assets 4,619 4,362 Less valuation allowance (3,564 ) — Net deferred tax assets 1,055 4,362 Deferred tax liability - Depreciation and amortization (1,055 ) (1,012 ) Net deferred tax assets $ — $ 3,350
Schedule of Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carry Forwards [Table Text Block]	Expires March 31, Net Operating Research and 2020 $ — $ 8 2021 — 2 2022 2,852 — 2023 1,863 1 2026 159 — 2027 2,665 1 2028 1,612 16 2031 389 — 2032 44 — 2033 76 — 2034 392 — 2035 18 2036 535 $ 10,605 $ 28
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	Open tax years ending March 31, Jurisdiction 2013 - 2016 U.S. Federal 2013 - 2016 State of Hawaii 2012 - 2016 State of California

Note 14 - Selected Quarterly 34

Note 14 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	First Second Third Fourth Year (in thousands, except per share data) 201 6 Net sales $ 7,594 $ 8,516 $ 7,534 $ 8,196 $ 31,840 Gross profit 2,924 3,100 3,084 2,758 11,866 Net income (loss) (105 ) 14 (250 ) (4,054 ) (4,395 ) Net income (loss) per share Basic and diluted (0.02 ) 0.00 (0.04 ) (0.73 ) (0.79 ) 201 5 Net sales $ 7,624 $ 7,946 $ 9,691 $ 8,547 $ 33,809 Gross profit 3,059 3,935 4,798 2,674 14,466 Net income (381 ) 64 463 (170 ) (24 ) Net income per share Basic and diluted (0.07 ) 0.01 0.08 (0.02 ) (0.00 )

Schedule II - Valuation and Q35

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Notes Tables
Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Table Text Block]	Additions Description Balance at Charged to Charged to Deductions Balance at Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: 2016 $ 6 130 — — $ 136 2015 6 — — — 6 2014 6 10 — (10 ) 6

Note 1 - Description of Busin36

Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Accounting Policies (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Number 1 [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage							19.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Number 2 [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage							11.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | One Customer [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage								13.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Number of Major Customers							2	1
Concentration Risk, Percentage							58.00%	55.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member] | Two Customers [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage							44.00%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Number of Major Customers							2	2
Asset Retirement Obligation				$ 0			$ 0	$ 0
Number of Microalgal Species Cultivated							2
Number of Product Lines							2
Unrecognized Tax Benefits				0			$ 0	0
Number of Operating Segments							1
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued				0			$ 0	0
Cash FDIC Insured Amount Limit Per Bank							250,000
Cash Uninsured Amount One							979,000
Inventory Valuation Reserves				4,000			8,000	4,000
Inventory Abnormal Production Costs	$ 21,000	$ 308,000	$ 214,000	$ 607,000	$ 196,000	$ 81,000	395,000	639,000	$ 306,000
Non Inventoriable Fixed Costs							149,000	182,000	91,000
Interest Costs Capitalized							173,000	228,000	199,000
Advertising Expense							$ 942,000	$ 1,082,000	$ 1,126,000

Note 1 - Estimated Useful Lives

Note 1 - Estimated Useful Lives (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful lives	3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful lives	10 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful lives	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful lives	7 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Useful lives	10 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Useful lives	25 years

Note 2 - Inventories (Details T

Note 2 - Inventories (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Valuation Reserves	$ 8,000	$ 4,000

Note 2 - Components of Inventor

Note 2 - Components of Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Raw materials		$ 375	$ 931
Work in process		3,782	1,509
Finished goods(1)	[1]	3,543	2,895
Supplies		156	343
Total		$ 7,856	$ 5,678
[1]	Net of reserve for obsolescence of $8,000 and $4,000 at March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Note 3 - Equipment and Leaseh40

Note 3 - Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	$ 314,000
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation	41,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	(11,000)	$ (96,000)	$ (46,000)
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	1,546,000	1,243,000	1,086,000
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 173,000	$ 228,000	$ 199,000

Note 3 - Components of Equipmen

Note 3 - Components of Equipment and Leasehold Improvements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Equipment [Member]
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	[1]	$ 17,040	$ 9,782
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross		13,797	10,216
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross		354	298
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross		31,191	20,296
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(14,067)	(12,549)
Construction in-progress		672	7,007
Net		$ 17,796	$ 14,754
[1]	Includes $314,000 of equipment under capital lease at March 31, 2016, with accumulated amortization of $41,000.

Note 4 - Components of Accrued

Note 4 - Components of Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Wages, commissions, bonus and profit sharing	$ 972	$ 930
Use tax	140
Customer rebates	74	$ 74
Rent and utilities	49	118
Other accrued expenses	195	2
	$ 1,430	$ 1,124

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Detail

Note 5 - Long-term Debt (Details Textual)	Aug. 14, 2012USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 27, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2015USD ($)
2015 Loan Agreement [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument Reference Rate					3.50%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					2.00%
2015 Loan Agreement [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					6.00%
2015 Loan Agreement [Member]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt			$ 2,500,000
Debt Instrument, Term			7 years
Debt Instrument Prepayment Penalty Percentage					5.00%
Debt Instrument Prepayment Penalty Percentage Reduction During Each Year					1.00%
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current and Noncurrent					$ 2,354,000
Debt Instrument One Time Origination and Guaranty Fees					$ 113,900
Debt Instrument Annual Renewal Fee Payable Percentage					0.50%
Debt Instrument Guaranteed Portion					80.00%
Term Loan Agreement, Maturing on August 14, 2032 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period					5.50%
Term Loan Agreement, Maturing on August 14, 2032 [Member]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$ 5,500,000
Debt Instrument Reference Rate					3.50%
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.00%
Debt Instrument Prepayment Penalty Percentage					5.00%
Debt Instrument Prepayment Penalty Percentage Reduction During Each Year					1.00%
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current and Noncurrent				$ 5,236,000	$ 5,049,000	$ 5,236,000
Debt Instrument One Time Origination and Guaranty Fees					$ 214,500
Debt Instrument Annual Renewal Fee Payable Percentage					0.25%
Debt Instrument Guaranteed Portion					80.00%
Debt Instrument Interest Payment Period	1 year
Debt Instrument Amortization Period	19 years
Current Ratio					1.97
Debt Covenant, Minimum Current Ratio					2.1
Term Loan Agreement, Promissory Note One [Member]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$ 2,250,000
Term Loan Agreement, Promissory Note Two [Member]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$ 3,250,000
First Foundation Bank [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								5.50%
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 600,000
Bank of the West Finance [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		4.18%
Bank of the West Finance [Member]
Capital Leased Assets, Gross		$ 51,000
Capital Lease Term		5 years
Capital Lease Obligations				0	$ 50,000	0
Hungtington Technology Finance [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			6.57%
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current and Noncurrent			$ 174,000	$ 0	152,000	$ 0
Debt Instrument Periodic Payments Number			60
Thermo Fisher Financial [Member] | Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				6.50%		6.50%
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current and Noncurrent				$ 84,000	59,000	$ 84,000			$ 86,000
Debt Instrument Periodic Payments Number				36
Repayments of Notes Payable			$ 500,000		500,000
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current and Noncurrent				$ 5,343,000	7,668,000	$ 5,343,000
Capital Leased Assets, Gross					$ 314,000

Note 5 - Summary of Long-Term D

Note 5 - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Total principal payments	$ 7,668	$ 5,343
Less current maturities	(574)	(234)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	$ 7,094	$ 5,109

Note 5 - Future Payments (Detai

Note 5 - Future Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
2,017	$ 574
2,018	604
2,019	608
2,020	643
2,021	654
Thereafter	4,585
Total principal payments	$ 7,668	$ 5,343

Note 6 - Leases (Details Textua

Note 6 - Leases (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Leases Term	40 years
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Contingent Rentals	$ 65,000	$ 67,000	$ 73,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$ 622,000	$ 626,000	$ 578,000

Note 6 - Summary of Future Mini

Note 6 - Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
2,017	$ 614
2,018	607
2,019	613
2,020	622
2,021	532
Thereafter	4,820
Total minimum lease payments	$ 7,808

Note 7 - Commitments and Cont48

Note 7 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Separation Payments [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Other Commitment		$ 325,000
Maximum Shares Under Separation Agreement		155,000
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	48,467
Separation Expense		$ 360,000

Note 8 - Share-based Compensa49

Note 8 - Share-based Compensation (Details Textual)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Aug. 28, 2015shares	Mar. 31, 2013$ / shares
2014 Directors Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	350,000			350,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	314,241
2005 Plan [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $	$ 581,000	$ 663,000	$ 715,000
2005 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	0
2004 Directors Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	0
2014 Directors Plan and 2004 Directors Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock and Employee Stock Option [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense | $	$ 84,000	$ 78,000	$ 50,000
Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized | $	$ 373,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 73 days
Number of Shareholder Approved Share-based Compensation Plans	1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	350,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	314,241
Share Price | $ / shares	$ 4.98	$ 8.42	$ 5.24		$ 4.47
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value | $	$ 58,000	$ 167,000	$ 51,000
ShareBased Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Options Granted | $	7,000	123,000	5,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value | $	$ 651,000	$ 809,000	$ 763,000

Note 8 - Shares Authorized, Ava

Note 8 - Shares Authorized, Available for Future Grant and Outstanding Under Each Plan (Details) - shares	Mar. 31, 2016	Aug. 28, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
2014 Directors Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	350,000	350,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	314,241
Outstanding (in shares)	6,000
2005 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Outstanding (in shares)	667,000
2004 Directors Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Outstanding (in shares)	12,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	350,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	314,241
Outstanding (in shares)	685,000		1,433,216	1,469,306	1,495,856

Note 8 - Summary of Option Acti

Note 8 - Summary of Option Activity Under Stock Plans (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Outstanding (in shares)	1,433,216	1,469,306	1,495,856
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.08	$ 4.04	$ 4.03
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term	5 years 255 days	6 years 146 days	7 years 109 days	8 years 109 days
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 566,323	$ 6,221,909	$ 2,034,303	$ 1,174,810
Granted (in shares)	6,000	45,000	6,000
Granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 5.91	$ 4.72	$ 5.56
Exercised (in shares)	(21,800)	(60,200)	(15,100)
Exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.26	$ 3.58	$ 2.43
Forfeited (in shares)	(732,416)	(20,890)	(17,450)
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.59	$ 4.28	$ 4.53
Outstanding (in shares)	685,000	1,433,216	1,469,306	1,495,856
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.65	$ 4.08	$ 4.04	$ 4.03
Exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.26	$ 3.58	$ 2.43
Exercisable (in shares)	513,750
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.29
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term	5 years 146 days
Exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 527,203

Note 8 - Summary of Non-Vested

Note 8 - Summary of Non-Vested Options (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Nonvested (in shares)	614,416
Nonvested (in dollars per share)	$ 3.25
Granted (in shares)	6,000	45,000	6,000
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.18
Vested (in shares)	(204,250)
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 3.19
Forfeited (in shares)	(244,916)
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$ 2.92
Nonvested (in shares)	171,250	614,416
Nonvested (in dollars per share)	$ 3.75	$ 3.25

Note 8 - Summary of the Weighte

Note 8 - Summary of the Weighted-Average Characteristics of Outstanding Stock Options (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Range 01 [Member]
Lower Range of Exercise Prices (in dollars per share)	$ 1.60
Upper Range of Exercise Prices (in dollars per share)	$ 3.70
Outstanding Options Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	148,220
Outstanding Options Remaining Life	4 years
Outstanding Options Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 2.76
Exercisable Options Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	148,220
Exercisable Options Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 2.76
Range 02 [Member]
Lower Range of Exercise Prices (in dollars per share)	3.71
Upper Range of Exercise Prices (in dollars per share)	$ 4.42
Outstanding Options Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	194,780
Outstanding Options Remaining Life	5 years 146 days
Outstanding Options Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.82
Exercisable Options Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	167,780
Exercisable Options Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 3.82
Range 03 [Member]
Lower Range of Exercise Prices (in dollars per share)	4.43
Upper Range of Exercise Prices (in dollars per share)	$ 5.40
Outstanding Options Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	117,500
Outstanding Options Remaining Life	6 years 328 days
Outstanding Options Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 5
Exercisable Options Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	69,500
Exercisable Options Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 5.07
Range 04 [Member]
Lower Range of Exercise Prices (in dollars per share)	5.41
Upper Range of Exercise Prices (in dollars per share)	$ 7.08
Outstanding Options Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	224,500
Outstanding Options Remaining Life	6 years 146 days
Outstanding Options Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.42
Exercisable Options Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	128,250
Exercisable Options Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.26
Outstanding Options Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	685,000
Outstanding Options Remaining Life	5 years 255 days
Outstanding Options Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.65
Exercisable Options Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	513,750
Exercisable Options Weighted Average Price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.29

Note 8 - Summary of Valuation A

Note 8 - Summary of Valuation Assumptions Related to Options Granted (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Vesting Period (in years)			5 years
Maximum [Member]
Vesting Period (in years)			7 years
Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 5.91	$ 4.72	$ 5.56
Volatility	50.00%	64.00%	38.00%
Risk Free Rate	0.22%	1.74%	0.14%
Vesting Period (in years)	182 days	3 years
Forfeiture Rate	0.00%	4.51%	0.00%
Expected Life (in years)	1 year	5 years 266 days	1 year
Dividend Rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Note 9 - Common and Preferred55

Note 9 - Common and Preferred Stock (Details Textual) - shares	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Shares Authorized	60,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share (D

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	58,000	634,000	725,000

Note 10 - Summary of Reconcilia

Note 10 - Summary of Reconciliations Between the Numerator and the Denominator of the Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	[1]	Dec. 31, 2015	[1]	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	[1]	Dec. 31, 2014	[1]	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net loss	$ (4,054)		$ (250)		$ 14	$ (105)	$ (170)		$ 463		$ 64	$ (381)	$ (4,395)	$ (24)	$ (420)
Shares (in shares)													5,581	5,517	5,478
Per Share Amount (in dollars per share)	$ (0.73)		$ (0.04)		$ 0	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)		$ 0.08		$ 0.01	$ (0.07)	$ (0.79)	$ 0	$ (0.08)
[1]	The first, second and third quarters of 2016 include abnormal costs of $214,000, $308,000 and $21,000, respectively. The first, third and fourth quarters of 2015 include abnormal costs of $81,000, $196,000 and $607,000, respectively.

Note 11 - Profit Sharing Plan58

Note 11 - Profit Sharing Plan and 401k Plan (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Profit Sharing Defined Contribution Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 0	$ 46,000	$ 17,000
Defined Contribution 401K Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 147,000	$ 113,000	$ 110,000

Note 12 - Net Sales by Product

Note 12 - Net Sales by Product Line (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	[1]	Dec. 31, 2015	[1]	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	[1]	Dec. 31, 2014	[1]	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Natural Astaxanthin Products Bio Astin [Member]
Net sales													$ 19,829	$ 22,087	$ 19,056
Spirulina Products [Member]
Net sales													12,011	11,722	9,122
Net sales	$ 8,196		$ 7,534		$ 8,516	$ 7,594	$ 8,547		$ 9,691		$ 7,946	$ 7,624	$ 31,840	$ 33,809	$ 28,178
[1]	The first, second and third quarters of 2016 include abnormal costs of $214,000, $308,000 and $21,000, respectively. The first, third and fourth quarters of 2015 include abnormal costs of $81,000, $196,000 and $607,000, respectively.

Note 12 - Sales by Geographic R

Note 12 - Sales by Geographic Region (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	[1]	Dec. 31, 2015	[1]	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	[1]	Dec. 31, 2014	[1]	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | UNITED STATES
Net sales(1):
Net sales													$ 22,711	$ 24,049	$ 17,355
Concentration Risk, Percentage													71.00%	71.00%	62.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Net sales(1):
Net sales													$ 4,130	$ 3,149	$ 3,106
Concentration Risk, Percentage													13.00%	8.00%	10.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Europe [Member]
Net sales(1):
Net sales													$ 2,990	$ 4,302	$ 5,237
Concentration Risk, Percentage													9.00%	13.00%	19.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Other Countries [Member]
Net sales(1):
Net sales													$ 2,009	$ 2,309	$ 2,480
Concentration Risk, Percentage													7.00%	8.00%	9.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Net sales(1):
Net sales													$ 31,840	$ 33,809	$ 28,178
Concentration Risk, Percentage													100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Net sales	$ 8,196		$ 7,534		$ 8,516	$ 7,594	$ 8,547		$ 9,691		$ 7,946	$ 7,624	$ 31,840	$ 33,809	$ 28,178
[1]	The first, second and third quarters of 2016 include abnormal costs of $214,000, $308,000 and $21,000, respectively. The first, third and fourth quarters of 2015 include abnormal costs of $81,000, $196,000 and $607,000, respectively.

Note 13 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 13 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Alternative Minimum Tax [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	$ 120,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | California Franchise Tax Board [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	363,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Hawaii Department of Taxation [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 5,575,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 3,564,000	$ 0
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	28,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 10,605,000

Note 13 - Components of Income

Note 13 - Components of Income Tax Benefit (Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Federal	$ (1)	$ (12)	$ 19
State	23	(78)	(43)
Total current benefit (expense)	22	(90)	(24)
Federal	(3,027)	(170)	(25)
State	(323)	7	(43)
Total deferred expense	(3,350)	(163)	(68)
Income tax expense	$ (3,328)	$ (253)	$ (92)

Note 13 - Reconciliation of the

Note 13 - Reconciliation of the Amount of Income Taxes Computed at the Federal Statutory Rate to the Amount Reflected in Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Tax provision at federal statutory income tax rate	$ 363	$ (78)	$ 111
State income taxes benefit (expense), net of federal income tax effect	25	$ (49)	$ (17)
Increase in valuation allowance	(3,564)
Stock based compensation	(127)	$ (108)	$ (199)
State rate adjustment	$ 1	$ (4)	(41)
R&D credit			24
Other, net	$ (26)	$ (14)	30
Income tax expense	$ (3,328)	$ (253)	$ (92)

Note 13 - Tax Effects of Tempor

Note 13 - Tax Effects of Temporary Differences Related to Various Assets, Liabilities and Carry Forwards That Give Rise to Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 3,862,000	$ 3,687,000
Compensation accrual	535,000	382,000
Tax credit carry forwards	147,000	157,000
Inventory	3,000	90,000
Other	72,000	46,000
Gross deferred tax assets	4,619,000	4,362,000
Less valuation allowance	(3,564,000)	0
Net deferred tax assets	1,055,000	4,362,000
Deferred tax liability- Depreciation and amortization	$ (1,055,000)	(1,012,000)
Net deferred tax assets		$ 3,350,000

Note 13 - Net Operating Loss Ca

Note 13 - Net Operating Loss Carry Forwards and Tax Credit Carry Forwards Available to Offset Future Federal Income Tax (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Expiration Tax Year 2020 [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	$ 8
Expiration Tax Period 2021 [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	2
Expiration Tax Year 2022 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,852
Expiration Tax Year 2023 [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	1
Operating Loss Carryforwards	1,863
Expiration Tax Year 2026 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	159
Expiration Tax Year 2027 [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	1
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,665
ExpirationTax Year 2028 [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	16
Operating Loss Carryforwards	1,612
Expiration Tax Year 2031 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	389
Expiration Tax Year 2032 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 44
Expiration Tax Year 2033 [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 76
Expiration Tax Year 2034 [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 392
Expiration Tax Year 2035 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	18
Expiration Tax Year 2036 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	535
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	28
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 10,605

Note 13 - Open Tax Years and Ju

Note 13 - Open Tax Years and Jurisdictions That the Company Used In Its Evaluation of Tax Positions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Open tax year	2,013
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Latest Tax Year [Member]
Open tax year	2,016
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Hawaii Department of Taxation [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Open tax year	2,013
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Hawaii Department of Taxation [Member] | Latest Tax Year [Member]
Open tax year	2,016
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | California Franchise Tax Board [Member] | Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Open tax year	2,012
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | California Franchise Tax Board [Member] | Latest Tax Year [Member]
Open tax year	2,016

Note 14 - Selected Quarterly 67

Note 14 - Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Abnormal Production Costs	$ 21,000	$ 308,000	$ 214,000	$ 607,000	$ 196,000	$ 81,000	$ 395,000	$ 639,000	$ 306,000

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial I

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	[1]	Dec. 31, 2015	[1]	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	[1]	Dec. 31, 2014	[1]	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net sales	$ 8,196		$ 7,534		$ 8,516	$ 7,594	$ 8,547		$ 9,691		$ 7,946	$ 7,624	$ 31,840	$ 33,809	$ 28,178
Gross profit	2,758		3,084		3,100	2,924	2,674		4,798		3,935	3,059	11,866	14,466	11,189
Net income (loss)	$ (4,054)		$ (250)		$ 14	$ (105)	$ (170)		$ 463		$ 64	$ (381)	$ (4,395)	$ (24)	$ (420)
Basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.73)		$ (0.04)		$ 0	$ (0.02)	$ (0.02)		$ 0.08		$ 0.01	$ (0.07)	$ (0.79)	$ 0	$ (0.08)
[1]	The first, second and third quarters of 2016 include abnormal costs of $214,000, $308,000 and $21,000, respectively. The first, third and fourth quarters of 2015 include abnormal costs of $81,000, $196,000 and $607,000, respectively.

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 6	$ 6	$ 6
Additions Charged to Costs and Expense	$ 130		$ 10
Additions Charged to Other Accounts
Deductions			$ (10)
Balance at End of Year	$ 136	$ 6	$ 6