Note 10 - Business Segment Information (Detail) - Revenues by Geographic Area (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Sales	$ 454	$ 476	$ 711	$ 3,027
United States [Member]
Sales			205	1,211
Germany [Member]
Sales			142
Sweden [Member]
Sales			131
Switzerland [Member]
Sales			103
Other Foreign Countries [Member]
Sales			130	103
China [Member]
Sales				$ 1,713