Note 11 - Business Segment Information (Detail) - Reportable Segment Data Reconciled to the Consolidated Financial Statements (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Net Sales	$ 360	$ 855	$ 1,071	$ 3,882
Loss (Gain) From Operations	4,439	5,096	14,382	14,995
Depreciation and Amortization	252	259	771	1,013
Assets	54,440	71,590	54,440	71,590	63,532
Power And Energy Group [Member]
Net Sales	296	795	886	3,219
Loss (Gain) From Operations	4,483	5,136	14,507	15,028
Depreciation and Amortization	233	240	714	956
Assets	54,087	71,166	54,087	71,166
All Other Segments [Member]
Net Sales	64	60	185	663
Loss (Gain) From Operations	(44)	(40)	(125)	(33)
Depreciation and Amortization	19	19	57	57
Assets	$ 353	$ 424	$ 353	$ 424