Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating activities
Net (loss) income	$ (1,653)	$ 57,224
Net income of discontinued operation, net of noncontrolling interests (including gain on deconsolidation of $53,565 in 2010)		(52,938)
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	(1,653)	4,286
Adjustments to reconcile net loss income from continuing operations to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,343	4,494
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,447	2,768
Stock compensation expense	164	198
Deferred taxes	643	(1,724)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable	(917)	(5,642)
Inventories	(1,352)	(5,133)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	181	(189)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(1,300)	2,614
Income taxes	(1,095)
Other	(1,998)	1,108
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities	(537)	2,780
Investing activities
Investments in property, plant and equipment	(2,569)	(2,001)
Purchase of short-term investments	(4,800)	(4,800)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	4,800	4,800
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,569)	(2,001)
Financing activities
Net short-term borrowings (repayments)	4,402	538
Payments on long-term debt	(1,581)	(1,244)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2
Purchase of treasury stock		(1)
Net cash provided (used) in financing activities	2,823	(707)
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash	395	393
Net increase in cash	112	465
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	867	402
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of year	$ 979	$ 867