Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012 OmniMetrix acquistion [Member]
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ (5,187)	$ (4,445)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities (see Schedule A):	453	(269)
Net cash used in operating activities	(4,734)	(4,714)
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Acquisitions of property and equipment	(861)	(228)
Restricted deposits	(53)	(62)
Release of restricted deposits	(132)	(386)
Amounts funded for severance assets	(73)	(84)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(855)	(7,823)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:
Proceeds from employee stock option and warrant exercises	0	1,293
Short-term bank credit, net	158	(208)
Proceeds from borrowings of long-term debt	0	16
Repayments of long-term debt	(38)	(52)
Dividends paid	(517)	(1,496)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities - continuing operations	(397)	(447)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2	105
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(5,984)	(12,879)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	20,163	21,401
A. Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	379	294
Increase in accrued severance	98	112
Stock-based compensation	281	142
Deferred taxes	(34)	(221)
Other	12	34
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, unbilled work-in process, other current assets and other assets	1,730	1,035
Increase in inventory	(255)	(537)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued payroll, payroll taxes and social benefits, other current liabilities and other liabilities	(1,758)	(1,128)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities (see Schedule A):	453	(269)
B. Non-cash items:
Adjustment of Additional Paid In Capital and Noncontrolling Interests from Investment in Noncontrolling Interests From Additional Investment Option by Acorn		273
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Dividend Reinvestment Plan	117	69
C. Assets/liabilities acquired in the acquisition of OmniMetrix
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	$ 0	$ (7,835)	$ 7,835