9. Property, plant and equipment (Details 1) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 ZHEJIANG CNY	Dec. 31, 2011 ZHEJIANG CNY	Dec. 31, 2010 ZHEJIANG CNY
Depreciation charge	$ 130	$ 182	$ 170	3,017	2,694	2,398

- Definition

The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production.

+ References+ Details