Note 12 - Segment Information (Detail) - Segment Information (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers	$ 8,973	$ 10,731
Intersegment sales	3	10
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	370	(71)
Net earnings (loss)	292	(43)
Thermal Products [Member]
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers	5,898	6,111
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	1,158	317
Net earnings (loss)	914	190
Mechanical Products [Member]
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers	1,796	2,514
Intersegment sales	3	10
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	(686)	(552)
Net earnings (loss)	(542)	(331)
Electrical Products [Member]
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers	1,282	2,116
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	(8)	365
Net earnings (loss)	(6)	219
Intersegment Sales [Member]
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers	(3)	(10)
Corporate [Member]
Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	(94)	(201)
Net earnings (loss)	(74)	(121)
UNITED STATES
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers	3,214	4,196
Foreign [Member]
Net revenues from unaffiliated customers	$ 5,759	$ 6,535