Note 14 - Accrued payroll and other accruals (Detail) - Accrued payroll and other accruals (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Accrued payroll and other accruals	$ 877	[1]	$ 904	[1]
Accrued Payroll and Staff Welfare [Member]
Accrued payroll and other accruals	460		538
Accrued Operating Expenses [Member]
Accrued payroll and other accruals	$ 417		$ 366

[1] All of the VIEs' assets can be used to settle obligations of their primary beneficiary. Liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on the Company's general assets (Note 2).