| **Note 2 - Long-Term Incentive Plans (Details) - Impact on our Results of Operations of Recording Share-based Compensation Expense (USD $)In Thousands, unless otherwise specified** | 3 Months Ended |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|
||
| **Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]**                                                                                    |           |   |
| Share-based Compensation Expense                                                                                                                                                     | $ 290          | $ 340 |
| Cost of Sales [Member]                                                                                                                                                               |           |   |
| **Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]**                                                                                    |           |   |
| Share-based Compensation Expense                                                                                                                                                     | 24             | 17 |
| Research and Development Expense [Member]                                                                                                                                            |           |   |
| **Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]**                                                                                    |           |   |
| Share-based Compensation Expense                                                                                                                                                     | 98             | 87 |
| Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]                                                                                                                                |           |   |
| **Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]**                                                                                    |           |   |
| Share-based Compensation Expense                                                                                                                                                     | $ 168          | $ 236 |

| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Details**Name:**us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems**Namespace Prefix:**us-gaap_**Data Type:**xbrli:stringItemType**Balance Type:**na**Period Type:**duration |
| X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| - Definition
The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.
+ References
Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585
+ Details**Name:**us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation**Namespace Prefix:**us-gaap_**Data Type:**xbrli:monetaryItemType**Balance Type:**debit**Period Type:**duration |