Operating Segments and Related Information Sales and Revenue by Segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 4,228	$ 8,180	$ 18,323	$ 39,779
Operating Income (Loss) from continuing operations	(2,018)	(1,045)	(5,414)	(1,082)
Solar [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,485	6,177	13,219	33,610
Operating Income (Loss) from continuing operations	(2,197)	(1,437)	(5,740)	(2,197)
Biomedical [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,743	2,003	5,104	6,169
Operating Income (Loss) from continuing operations	$ 179	$ 392	$ 326	$ 1,115