Note 5 - Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long Term Assets (Details) - Goodwill activity by segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at	$ 16,391	$ 16,344	$ 18,379	$ 18,356
Sale of RedBlack Communications		(2,025)
Effect of foreign currency translations	47	(10)	23
Battery & Energy Products [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at	4,898	4,851	4,861	4,838
Effect of foreign currency translations	47	(10)	23
Communications Systems [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at	11,493	11,493	11,493	11,493
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at			2,025	2,025
Sale of RedBlack Communications		$ (2,025)