| Property, plant and equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Sep. 30, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | 
|---|---|---|
| Property, plant and equipment | ||
| Total property, plant and equipment | $ 48,535 | $ 47,860 | 
| Less accumulated depreciation | (28,289) | (26,520) | 
| Net property, plant and equipment | 20,246 | 21,340 | 
| Land | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||
| Total property, plant and equipment | 960 | 960 | 
| Land improvements | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||
| Total property, plant and equipment | 1,768 | 1,768 | 
| Buildings | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||
| Total property, plant and equipment | 12,852 | 12,660 | 
| Machinery and equipment | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||
| Total property, plant and equipment | 23,801 | 23,253 | 
| Furniture and fixtures | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||
| Total property, plant and equipment | 7,300 | 7,255 | 
| Mobile equipment and other | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||
| Total property, plant and equipment | 1,227 | 1,216 | 
| Construction-in-process | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | ||
| Total property, plant and equipment | $ 627 | $ 748 |