Commitments and contingencies (Details Narrative) ¥ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 CNY (¥)
Rental expenses \| $	$ 276		$ 324		$ 297
ZHEJIANG TIANLAN
Rental expenses \| ¥		¥ 0		¥ 0		¥ 0

Amount of rent expense incurred for leased assets, including but not limited to, furniture and equipment, that is not directly or indirectly associated with the manufacture, sale or creation of a product or product line.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration