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Note 13 - Commitments and contingencies:
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
13. Commitments and contingencies:

(a)           The Company has several non-cancelable lease and purchase obligations primarily for general office facilities and equipment that expire over the next ten years. Future minimum payments under these agreements are as follows:

2012
  $ 2,199,000  
2013
    828,000  
2014
    466,000  
2015
    464,000  
2016
    516,000  
Thereafter
    2,064,000  

Rental expense under operating lease agreements was $0.9 million, $0.6 million, and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 respectively.

(b)           In the normal course of its operations, the Company becomes involved in various legal claims and lawsuits. The Company intends to vigorously defend these claims. While the final outcome with respect to any actions outstanding or pending as at December 31, 2011 cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that their resolution will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position.