Note 11 - Business Segment Information (Detail) - Revenues by Geographic Area (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Sales	$ 360	$ 855	$ 1,071	$ 3,882
United States [Member]
Sales			251	1,861
Germany [Member]
Sales			145
Belgiem [Member]
Sales			139
Sweden [Member]
Sales			131
Switzerland [Member]
Sales			111
Other Foreign Countries [Member]
Sales			294	242
China [Member]
Sales				$ 1,779