PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET (Details 2) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Impairment of construction in progress $ 3,549 $ 0 $ 11,590
Recognition of impairment loss of long-lived assets 4,098    
Amount of insurance recovery recognized upon the receipt of insurance proceeds 549    
Interest costs from continuing operations qualifying for capitalization 0 0 10
Liyuan
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Long-lived assets and recognition of impairment loss 4,098    
Construction in progress, net
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Balance at the beginning of the period 140 1,190  
Addition to construction in progress 523 5,523  
Transfer from property, plant and equipment   623  
Transfer to property, plant and equipment (300) (7,198)  
Impairment of construction in progress (134)    
Foreign currency translation adjustment 16 2  
Balance at the end of the period 245 140  
Construction in progress, net | Jiulongshan
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Balance at the end of the period 13 13 13
Construction in progress, net | Liyuan
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Balance at the beginning of the period 94 1,158  
Addition to construction in progress 29 1,350  
Transfer to property, plant and equipment   (2,416)  
Impairment of construction in progress (134)    
Foreign currency translation adjustment 11 2  
Balance at the end of the period   94  
Construction in progress, net | Binglangjiang
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Balance at the beginning of the period   1  
Transfer to property, plant and equipment   (1)  
Construction in progress, net | Banzhu
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Addition to construction in progress 411    
Transfer to property, plant and equipment (300)    
Foreign currency translation adjustment 2    
Balance at the end of the period 113    
Construction in progress, net | Wangkeng
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Addition to construction in progress 83    
Foreign currency translation adjustment 1    
Balance at the end of the period 84    
Construction in progress, net | Wuliting
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Addition to construction in progress   1,316  
Transfer to property, plant and equipment   (1,316)  
Construction in progress, net | Yingchuan
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Balance at the end of the period 9 9 9
Construction in progress, net | Xineng
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Addition to construction in progress   278  
Transfer from property, plant and equipment   610  
Transfer to property, plant and equipment   (888)  
Construction in progress, net | Hengda
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Addition to construction in progress   11  
Transfer to property, plant and equipment   (11)  
Construction in progress, net | Ruiyang
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Balance at the beginning of the period 24 9  
Addition to construction in progress   1,091  
Transfer to property, plant and equipment   (1,076)  
Foreign currency translation adjustment 2    
Balance at the end of the period 26 24  
Construction in progress, net | Zhougongyuan
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Addition to construction in progress   1,429  
Transfer to property, plant and equipment   (1,429)  
Construction in progress, net | Dazhaihe
     
Changes in construction in progress, net of impairment charge      
Addition to construction in progress   48  
Transfer from property, plant and equipment   13  
Transfer to property, plant and equipment   $ (61)