NOTE 12 INCOME TAXES - Deferred tax assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred Tax Assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 13,900	$ 6,700	$ 22,800
Research credits	2,300	2,100	3,200
Stock compensation expense	2,600	600	900
Other	400	900	700
Total deferred tax assets	19,200	10,300	27,600
Valuation allowance	(19,200)	(10,300)	(27,600)
Net deferred tax assets

The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of future tax deductions arising from all unused tax credit carryforwards which have been reduced by a valuation allowance.

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Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from share-based compensation.

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- Definition

Amount of an unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward. This amount is presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset in the balance sheet if that deferred tax asset is not used. This amount is presented separately from the deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward if this unrelated tax benefit is associated with a different tax position.

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- Definition

The amount of the valuation allowance recorded as of the balance sheet date pertaining to the specified deferred tax asset for which an assessment was made that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of such deferred tax asset will not be realized through related deductions on future tax returns.

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