Operating Segments and Related Information Narrative Revenue (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]
Revenue from contracts with United States Government Agencies	$ 392	$ 90	$ 1,300	$ 8,400
Percentage of Total Revenue	9.27152%	1.10024%	6.89843%	21.16695%
Solar Equipment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
The Number of Major Customers That Account for 10% or Greater of the Company's Revenue		2	2	2
Solar Equipment [Member] | Customer A [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage				14.00%
Solar Equipment [Member] | Customer C [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage			12.00%
Solar Equipment [Member] | Customer D [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage			10.00%
Solar Equipment [Member] | Customer J [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage		30.00%
Solar Equipment [Member] | Customer K [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage		14.00%
Solar Equipment [Member] | Customer R [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage				2.00%
Solar Equipment [Member] | Customer S [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage				19.00%
Biomedical Service [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
The Number of Major Customers That Account for 10% or Greater of the Company's Revenue	1		1
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage	19.00%		12.00%
Solar Cell Material [Member] | Customer R [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage				18.00%