Note 2 - Variable Interest Entities - Consolidated VIEs' Assets and Liabilities (Details) ¥ in Thousands, $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 CNY (¥)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 CNY (¥)
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 5,919		$ 2,952		$ 1,234	$ 3,035
Accounts receivable, net		7,519		7,215
Other receivables, net		247		2,646
Prepayment and deposit to suppliers		2,183		4,073
Due from Related Parties, Current, Total				14
Total current assets		15,868		16,900
Property and equipment, net		176		299
Intangible assets, net		50		3,808
Goodwill				5,277
Deferred tax assets, net		527		1,358
Total Assets		20,345		28,560
Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable	[1]	1,163		765
Accounts payable	[1]	3,745		2,851
Advances from customers	[1]	2,032		3,559
Accrued payroll and other accruals	[1]	396		559
Payable for acquisition of noncontrolling interest		218
Payable for Purchasing of Software Technology			[1]	436	¥ 2,850		$ 400	¥ 2,850
Taxes payable	[1]	2,955		3,168
Other payables	[1]	124		687
Total current liabilities		10,633		12,963
Total Liabilities		11,586		13,097
VIEs [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents		3,494		2,904
Accounts receivable, net		7,519		7,215
Other receivables, net		34		2,629
Prepayment and deposit to suppliers		2,033		4,009
Due from Related Parties, Current, Total				14
Total current assets		13,080		16,771
Property and equipment, net		102		177
Intangible assets, net		46		2,112
Goodwill				5,277
Deferred tax assets, net		527		975
Total Assets		13,755		25,312
Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable		1,163		765
Accounts payable		3,745		2,848
Advances from customers		2,030		3,559
Accrued payroll and other accruals		181		159
Due to Control Group		10		11
Payable for acquisition of noncontrolling interest		218
Payable for Purchasing of Software Technology				436
Taxes payable		2,521		2,711
Other payables		63		155
Total current liabilities		9,931		10,644
Total Liabilities		$ 9,931		$ 10,644

[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).