Note 13 - Income Taxes (Detail) - Effective Tax Rate Analysis and Reconciliation of Expected Statutory Rate (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Expected income tax provision at U.S. statutory rate	$ 1,038	$ 2,604
Current year tax credits (foreign and research)	(523)	(349)
Foreign income tax rate differences	(36)	94
Changes in valuation allowance	89	(3,110)
Deemed dividend from foreign subsidiaries	212	90
Domestic tax expense, net of Federal benefit	72	260
Nondeductible expenses	20	48
Effects of NOL carryforwards	103	(1,803)
Other	(78)	(38)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 897	$ (2,204)