Note 11 - Business Segment Information (Details) - Revenues and Accounts Receivable by Major Customers (Prior Period) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Power and Energy Group:
Sales	$ 1,132	$ 360	$ 6,138	[1]	$ 1,071	[1]
Emrol [Member]
Power and Energy Group:
Sales					139
Hybricon [Member]
Power and Energy Group:
Sales					131
Proterra, LLC [Member]
Power and Energy Group:
Sales			1,529		121
Accounts Receivable	676	121	676		121
ABB Secheron [Member]
Power and Energy Group:
Sales					111
Accounts Receivable		$ 2			$ 2

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