Note 15 - Patents and Other Intangibles (Detail) - Details of intangible assets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets - Cost	$ 2,005,206	$ 2,379,405
Intangible Assets - Accumulated Amortization	383,236	458,831
Intangible Assets - Net	1,621,970	1,920,574
Patents [Member]
Intangible Assets - Cost	1,335,130	1,625,292
Intangible Assets - Accumulated Amortization	383,236	458,831
Intangible Assets - Net	951,894	1,166,461
Deferred Patents [Member]
Intangible Assets - Cost	670,076	754,113
Intangible Assets - Net	$ 670,076	$ 754,113

Accumulated amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7658586&loc=d3e16323-109275

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph a(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant