Note 10 - Business Segment Information (Detail) - Reportable Segment Data Reconciled to the Consolidated Financial Statements (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Net Sales	$ 454	$ 476	$ 711	$ 3,027
Loss (Gain) From Operations	5,009	3,995	9,943	9,899
Depreciation and Amortization	250	379	519	754
Assets	54,635	20,483	54,635	20,483	63,532
Power And Energy Group [Member]
Net Sales	394	229	591	2,525
Loss (Gain) From Operations	5,047	3,918	10,022	9,794
Depreciation and Amortization	230	360	481	716
Assets	54,263	19,973	54,263	19,973
All Other Segments [Member]
Net Sales	60	247	120	502
Loss (Gain) From Operations	(38)	77	(79)	105
Depreciation and Amortization	20	19	38	38
Assets	$ 372	$ 510	$ 372	$ 510