Note 9 - Discontinued Operations (Details) - Operating Results for Discontinued Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Closure charges of welding business			$ 100
Welding Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	744	2,288	8,864	8,045
Gross profit	(837)	(157)	(4,077)	164
Operating expenses	210	556	1,828	1,466
Closure charges of welding business	0	0	5,019	0
Operating loss	(1,047)	(723)	(10,924)	(1,302)
Loss before tax benefits	(1,047)	(741)	(10,742)	(1,500)
Tax benefits	489	306	4,286	620
Net loss	$ (558)	$ (435)	$ (6,456)	$ (880)