Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net loss $ (40,118) $ (25,107) $ (20,681)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:      
Depreciation 4,490 3,689 3,559
Provision for doubtful accounts 1,566 436  
Inventory provision (1,264)    
Amortization 655 1,244 557
Deferred income tax benefits (473) (155) (42)
Share-based compensation expense 2,421 4,063 8,955
Loss/(gain) from disposal of property and equipment (11) 838 14
Assets impairment 6,599    
Gain on sale of marketable equity securities (1,517) (367) (2,461)
Equity in profit of an unconsolidated affiliate, net of tax     (3)
Loss from discontinued operations 205 6,481  
Loss attributable to non-controlling interest (11,918) (6,463) (1,914)
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Restricted cash 1,438   (132)
Accounts and notes receivable (656) (9,603) (2,335)
Amount due from related party 621 (10,465)  
Inventories (3,789) (4,947) 5,763
Prepayments and other current assets (10) (64) (1,750)
Other assets   (230) (62)
Accounts payable 1,903 2,420 (3,113)
Amount due to related party (3,886) 4,848  
Notes payable 983 30  
Taxes payable 208 122 120
Advances from customers 1,625 (358) 593
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 720 1,713 1,361
Product warranty 158 117 25
Deferred government grants 1,360 706 3,844
Net cash used in operating activities (26,772) (31,052) (5,788)
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Short-term time deposits placed with financial institutions     (43,913)
Maturity of short-term time deposits 12,380 31,555 14,892
Purchase of marketable equity securities     (627)
Change in restricted cash   (4,826) 73,157
Proceeds from disposal of marketable equity securities 1,585 387 3,759
Purchase of property, equipment and software (11,685) (5,524) (2,697)
Cash payment for business acquisition     (8,198)
Land use rights payments   (9,423) (3,584)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (1,422) (87)  
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment 24   1
Proceeds from disposal of assets in discontinued operations 4,426    
Proceeds from sale of equity interest in discontinued operation 1,734    
Proceeds from disposal of an unconsolidated affiliate     171
Net cash provided by investing activities 7,042 12,082 32,961
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Repurchase of shares (2,654) (1,172) (1,014)
Proceeds from exercise of share options   78 36
Capital contributions from non-controlling interests 718 2,898 29
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (1,936) 1,804 (949)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 1,402 2,147 71
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (20,264) (15,019) 26,295
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 69,491 84,510 58,215
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 49,227 69,491 84,510
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:      
Payable for purchase of property and equipment 805    
Software acquired in exchange for equity interests in subsidiary     $ 1,098