7. Prepayments and other current assets (Details) (CNY) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN
Contracts costs incurred plus estimated earnings	548,026	198,706
Less: Progress billings	(424,397)	(98,957)
Cost and estimated earnings in excess of billings	123,629	99,749
ZHEJIANG JIAHUAN
Prepayments and other receivables	5,141	2,965
Deposits	3,185	4,267
Prepayments and other current assets	8,326	7,232

The carrying amount of the asset transferred to a third party to serve as a deposit, which typically serves as security against failure by the transferor to perform under terms of an agreement.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 17

-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 8

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.8,17)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Name:	us-gaap_DepositAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant