Note 19 - Taxation - Reconciliation of the Income Tax (Expense)/Benefit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Loss before income tax benefit, equity method investments, noncontrolling interests and discontinued operation	$ (6,183)	$ (9,212)
U.S. federal rate	35.00%	35.00%
Income tax benefit computed at U.S. federal rate	$ 2,164	$ 3,224
Rate differential for domestic earnings	(354)	(647)
Preferential tax treatments and tax holiday effects	(158)	(16)
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	(1,667)	(1,057)
Others	(87)	(8)
Income tax (expense)/benefit	$ (102)	$ 1,496