Note 11 - Business Segment Information (Detail) - Reportable Segment Data Reconciled to the Consolidated Financial Statements (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Net Sales	$ 1,854	$ 257
Loss (Income) From Operations	3,529	4,934
Depreciation and Amortization	294	269
Assets	62,352	58,951	66,389
Power And Energy Group [Member]
Net Sales	1,794	197
Loss (Income) From Operations	3,567	4,975
Depreciation and Amortization	275	251
Assets	62,037	58,560
All Other Segments [Member]
Net Sales	60	60
Loss (Income) From Operations	(38)	(41)
Depreciation and Amortization	19	18
Assets	$ 315	$ 391