Note 11 - Business Segment Information (Details) - Reportable Segment Data Reconciled to the Consolidated Financial Statements (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,132	$ 360	$ 6,138	[1]	$ 1,071	[1]
Loss (Income) From Operations	3,755	4,439	10,392		14,382
Depreciation and Amortization	444	252	1,063		771
Assets	66,607	54,440	66,607		54,440		66,389
Power And Energy Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	1,072	296	5,958		886
Loss (Income) From Operations	3,796	4,483	10,515		14,507
Depreciation and Amortization	425	233	1,006		714
Assets	66,330	54,087	66,330		54,087
Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	60	64	180		185
Loss (Income) From Operations	(41)	(44)	(123)		(125)
Depreciation and Amortization	19	19	57		57
Assets	$ 277	$ 353	$ 277		$ 353

[1] Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of customer.