Note 13 - Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Note 13. Subsequent Events In April 2013, Altair’s subsidiary in China, Northern Altair Nanotechnologies Co., Ltd. (“Northern Altair”) received a $1.9 million in near term cash incentives from the City of Wu’an, China. In May 2013, Northern Altair bid for, and is expecting to acquire, a conditional 50-year land use right with respect to approximately 40.43 acres of industrial land in Wu’an, China with an acquisition price of approximately $8.5 million, which includes various land transfer taxes and fees that are equal to approximately $1.2 million. In turn, we expect to receive cash incentives as part of our economic development deal, which shall be equal to our acquisition price. A deposit of $4.8 million was made on May 10, 2013, the closing date is expected to be in late May 2013 and the balance due at closing is expected to be approximately $3.7 million.

Note 13 - Subsequent Events

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Note 13. Subsequent Events

In April 2013, Altair’s subsidiary in China, Northern Altair Nanotechnologies Co., Ltd. (“Northern Altair”) received a $1.9 million in near term cash incentives from the City of Wu’an, China.

In May 2013, Northern Altair bid for, and is expecting to acquire, a conditional 50-year land use right with respect to approximately 40.43 acres of industrial land in Wu’an, China with an acquisition price of approximately $8.5 million, which includes various land transfer taxes and fees that are equal to approximately $1.2 million. In turn, we expect to receive cash incentives as part of our economic development deal, which shall be equal to our acquisition price. A deposit of $4.8 million was made on May 10, 2013, the closing date is expected to be in late May 2013 and the balance due at closing is expected to be approximately $3.7 million.