Intevac (IVAC) 10-K 20 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 14, 2014	Jun. 29, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'IVAC	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'INTEVAC INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001001902	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	23,919,146	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$68,290,130

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$20,121	$24,261
Short-term investments	48,975	40,591
Trade and other accounts receivable, net of allowances of $0 at both December 31, 2013 and 2012	15,037	19,822
Inventories	22,762	26,193
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,237	2,120
Total current assets	108,132	112,987
Property, plant and equipment, net	12,945	13,426
Long-term investments	12,318	27,317
Intangible assets, net of amortization of $3,485 and $2,887 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	4,902	5,868
Deferred income taxes and other long-term assets	9,979	12,905
Total assets	148,276	172,503
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	4,011	4,479
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	5,034	4,194
Other accrued liabilities	3,263	8,489
Customer advances	3,743	2,193
Deferred income taxes	939	1,281
Total current liabilities	16,990	20,636
Other long-term liabilities	1,715	9,232
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Undesignated preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding	'	'
Common stock, $0.001 par value : Authorized shares - 50,000 issued and outstanding shares - 23,767 and 23,466 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	24	23
Additional paid-in-capital	156,359	151,996
Treasury stock, 241 shares at December 31, 2013	-1,688	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	725	769
Accumulated deficit	-25,849	-10,153
Total stockholders' equity	129,571	142,635
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$148,276	$172,503

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Net of allowances of trade, note and other accounts receivable	$0	$0
Net of amortization of intangible assets	$3,485	$2,887
Undesignated preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Undesignated preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Undesignated preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Undesignated preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Common stock, shares issued	23,767	23,466
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,767	23,466
Treasury stock, shares	241	'

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net revenues:	'	'	'
Systems and components	$55,188	$67,669	$75,850
Technology development	14,444	15,755	7,124
Total net revenues	69,632	83,424	82,974
Cost of net revenues:	'	'	'
Systems and components	36,356	37,932	47,601
Technology development	11,303	11,334	4,942
Total cost of net revenues	47,659	49,266	52,543
Gross profit	21,973	34,158	30,431
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Research and development	21,037	31,762	34,287
Selling, general and administrative	22,278	25,919	25,597
Acquisition-related (benefit), net	-3,727	-219	1,247
Bad debt expense	'	3,017	41
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	'	18,419	'
Total operating expenses	39,588	78,898	61,172
Gain (loss) on divestitures	-208	2,207	'
Operating loss	-17,823	-42,533	-30,741
Interest income	279	806	847
Other income (expense), net	126	-352	-212
Income (loss) before income taxes	-17,418	-42,079	-30,106
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	-1,722	13,240	-8,131
Net loss	($15,696)	($55,319)	($21,975)
Net loss per share:	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	($0.66)	($2.37)	($0.96)
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	23,832	23,336	22,903

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net loss	($15,696)	($55,319)	($21,975)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	'	'	'
Change in unrealized net loss on available-for-sale investments	-41	486	217
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	-3	13	18
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Total	-44	499	235
Income tax expense related to items in other comprehensive income	'	-144	-76
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-44	355	159
Comprehensive loss	($15,740)	($54,964)	($21,816)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$207,243	$23	$139,824	'	$255	$67,141
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	22,558,000	'	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	330,000	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	1,539	'	1,539	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	234,000	234,000	'	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan	1,385	'	1,385	'	'	'
Net income tax detriment from activity in employee stock plans	-471	'	-471	'	'	'
Equity-based compensation expense	4,030	'	4,030	'	'	'
Net loss	-21,975	'	'	'	'	-21,975
Other comprehensive (loss) income	159	'	'	'	159	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	191,910	23	146,307	'	414	45,166
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	23,122,000	'	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	'	43,000	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	143	'	143	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	301,000	301,000	'	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan	1,726	'	1,726	'	'	'
Equity-based compensation expense	3,820	'	3,820	'	'	'
Net loss	-55,319	'	'	'	'	-55,319
Other comprehensive (loss) income	355	'	'	'	355	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	142,635	23	151,996	'	769	-10,153
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	23,466,000	'	'	'	'
Shares issued in connection with:	'	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	70,900	71,000	'	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	276	'	276	'	'	'
Settlement of restricted stock units (RSUs), Shares	'	23,000	'	'	'	'
Settlement of restricted stock units (RSUs)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	457,000	457,000	'	'	'	'
Employee stock purchase plan	1,633	1	1,632	'	'	'
Shares withheld in connection with net share settlement of RSUs	-39	'	-39	'	'	'
Shares withheld in connection with net share settlement of RSUs, Shares	'	-9,000	'	'	'	'
Equity-based compensation expense	2,494	'	2,494	'	'	'
Net loss	-15,696	'	'	'	'	-15,696
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-44	'	'	'	-44	'
Common stock repurchases (in shares)	241,000	241,000	'	241,000	'	'
Common stock repurchases	-1,688	'	'	-1,688	'	'
Common stock repurchases, Shares	-241,000	-241,000	'	-241,000	'	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$129,571	$24	$156,359	($1,688)	$725	($25,849)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	23,767,000	'	241,000	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities	'	'	'
Net loss	($15,696,000)	($55,319,000)	($21,975,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash and cash equivalents (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation & amortization	3,642,000	3,936,000	4,880,000
Net amortization (accretion) of investment premiums and discounts	900,000	1,316,000	1,408,000
Net loss on sale of investments	'	363,000	308,000
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	'	18,419,000	'
Amortization of intangible assets	876,000	543,000	543,000
Bad debt expense	'	3,017,000	41,000
Equity-based compensation	2,494,000	3,820,000	4,030,000
Deferred income taxes	-4,972,000	-10,099,000	-7,140,000
Deferred income taxes valuation allowance	7,201,000	23,437,000	'
Loss (gain) on divestitures	208,000	-2,207,000	'
Change in the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration	-3,727,000	-219,000	1,247,000
Loss (gain) on disposal of equipment	-153,000	190,000	-78,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	4,638,000	-3,531,000	7,309,000
Inventories	1,560,000	-8,738,000	2,601,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,211,000	6,089,000	87,000
Accounts payable	-439,000	-378,000	-705,000
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	-8,259,000	2,492,000	-9,008,000
Customer advances	1,550,000	-2,847,000	173,000
Total adjustments	6,730,000	35,603,000	5,696,000
Net cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities	-8,966,000	-19,716,000	-16,279,000
Investing activities	'	'	'
Purchase of investments	-37,055,000	-47,199,000	-111,940,000
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments	42,729,000	69,360,000	47,039,000
Proceeds from sale of equipment	153,000	'	249,000
Purchase of equipment	-1,772,000	-3,280,000	-5,582,000
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) investing activities	4,555,000	21,881,000	-70,234,000
Financing activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,909,000	1,869,000	2,924,000
Common stock repurchases	-1,598,000	'	'
Payment of acquisition-related contingent consideration	-40,000	-3,345,000	-2,389,000
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) financing activities	271,000	-1,476,000	535,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	'	12,000	18,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-4,140,000	701,000	-85,960,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	24,261,000	23,560,000	109,520,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	20,121,000	24,261,000	23,560,000
Cash paid (received) for:	'	'	'
Income taxes	108,000	24,000	336,000
Income tax refund	-912,000	-4,608,000	-683,000
Non-cash investing activity	'	'	'
Finished goods inventory transferred to property, plant and equipment	1,551,000	'	'
DeltaNu	'	'	'
Investing activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of assets	500,000	'	'
Mainframe Technology	'	'	'
Investing activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of assets	'	$3,000,000	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Intevac, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Intevac or the Company) after elimination of inter-company balances and transactions.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments
	Intevac considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Available-for-sale securities, comprised of commercial paper, obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies, corporate debt securities, municipal bonds, and VRDNs, are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded within other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary, if any, on available-for-sale securities are included in earnings. The cost of investment securities sold is determined by the specific identification method.
	Fair Value Measurement—Definition and Hierarchy
	Intevac reports certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Intevac defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
	Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2—Valuations based on other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	Business Combinations
	Intevac accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. IPR&D costs are capitalized as an intangible asset. Contingent consideration is recorded as a liability at the measurement date with subsequent re-measurements recorded as acquisition-related expense (benefit). Costs for business restructuring and exit activities related to the acquired company are included in the post-combination financial results.
	Trade Accounts and Notes Receivables and Doubtful Accounts
	Intevac evaluates the collectibility of trade accounts receivables and notes receivable on an ongoing basis and provides reserves against potential losses when appropriate. Management analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness, changes in customer payment tendencies and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Customer accounts are written off against the allowance when the amount is deemed uncollectible. Also, accounts determined to be uncollectible are put in nonaccrual status whereby interest is not accrued on those accounts.
	Inventories
	Inventories are generally stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on an average cost basis.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: computers and software, 3 years; machinery and equipment, 5 years; furniture, 7 years; vehicles, 4 years; and leasehold improvements, remaining lease term.
	Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets
	The purchase price of an acquired business is allocated, as applicable, between IPR&D, other identifiable intangible assets, net tangible assets and goodwill. IPR&D is defined as the value assigned to those projects for which the related products have no alternative future use. Determining the portion of the purchase price allocated to IPR&D and other intangible assets requires the Company to make significant estimates. The amount of the purchase price allocated to IPR&D and other intangible assets is determined by estimating the future cash flows of each project or technology and discounting the net cash flows back to their present values. The discount rate used is determined at the time of the acquisition in accordance with accepted valuation methods. For IPR&D, these valuation methodologies include consideration of the risk of the project not achieving commercial feasibility. The IPR&D will be subject to amortization upon commercialization. If the technology is abandoned, the IPR&D will be written-off.
	Contingent consideration is recorded at the acquisition date at the estimated fair value of the contingent payments. The acquisition date fair value is measured based on the consideration expected to be transferred (probability-weighted), discounted back to present value. The discount rate used is determined at the time of the acquisition in accordance with accepted valuation methods. The fair value of the contingent consideration is remeasured at the estimated fair value at each reporting period with the change in fair value recognized as income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net assets, including IPR&D, of acquired businesses. Intevac’s methodology for allocating the purchase price relating to purchase acquisitions is determined through established and generally accepted valuation techniques. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the sum of the amounts assigned to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed. Intevac assigns assets acquired (including goodwill) and liabilities assumed to a reporting unit as of the date of acquisition.
	Purchased intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives unless these lives are determined to be indefinite. Purchased intangible assets are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally one to thirteen years using the straight line method.
	Goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For goodwill, Intevac performs a two-step impairment test. In the first step, Intevac compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. Intevac’s reporting units are consistent with the reportable segments identified in Note 14, based on the manner in which Intevac operates its business and the nature of those operations. Depending on the facts and circumstances Intevac determines the fair value of each of its reporting units based upon the most appropriate valuation technique using the income approach, the market approach or a combination thereof. The income and market approaches were selected as management believes these approaches generally provide the most reliable indications of fair value when the value of the operations is more dependent on the ability to generate earnings than on the value of the assets used in the production process. Under the income approach Intevac calculates the fair value of the reporting units based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Under the market approach Intevac estimates the fair value based on market multiples of revenue or earnings for comparable companies. Each valuation technique has advantages and drawbacks, which must be considered when applying those techniques. The income approach closely correlates to management’s expectations of future results but requires significant assumptions which can be highly sensitive. The market approach is relatively straightforward to measure, but it may be difficult to find directly comparable companies in the marketplace. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then Intevac would perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, Intevac would record an impairment loss equal to the difference. In 2012, as a result of its impairment analysis, Intevac wrote off all of the goodwill in both its Equipment and Photonics reporting units.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	Long-lived assets and certain identifiable finite-lived intangible assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability of long-lived assets is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. When an impairment loss is recognized, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. No impairment charges were recognized in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	On a quarterly basis, Intevac provides for income taxes based upon an annual effective income tax rate. The effective tax rate is highly dependent upon the level of Intevac’s projected earnings, the geographic composition of worldwide earnings, tax regulations governing each region, net operating loss carryforwards, availability of tax credits and the effectiveness of Intevac’s tax planning strategies. Intevac carefully monitors the changes in many factors and adjust its effective income tax rate on a timely basis. If actual results differ from the estimates, this could have a material effect on Intevac’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
	The calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with Intevac’s expectations could have a material effect on Intevac’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Intevac recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.
	In 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. Under the new guidance the Company presents an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to deferred tax assets for certain net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Intevac implemented this new guidance prospectively beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. Implementation of this new guidance resulted in reporting of unrecognized tax benefits in the amount of $3.5 million as a reduction to long term deferred tax assets at December 31, 2013.
	Sales and Value Added Taxes
	Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	Revenue Recognition
	Intevac recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred and title and risk of loss have passed to Intevac’s customer or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Intevac’s shipping terms are customarily FOB shipping point or equivalent terms. Intevac’s revenue recognition policy generally results in revenue recognition at the following points: (1) for all transactions where legal title passes to the customer upon shipment, Intevac recognizes revenue upon shipment for all products that have been demonstrated to meet product specifications prior to shipment; the portion of revenue associated with certain installation-related tasks is deferred, and that revenue is recognized upon completion of the installation-related tasks; (2) for products that have not been demonstrated to meet product specifications prior to shipment, revenue is recognized at customer acceptance; and (3) for arrangements containing multiple elements, the revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred until delivery of the deferred elements. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, Intevac allocates revenue to each element based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its VSOE if available, TPE if VSOE is not available, or best ESP if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Intevac generally utilizes the ESP due to the nature of its products. In certain cases, technology upgrade sales are accounted for as multiple-element arrangements, usually split between delivery of the parts and installation on the customer’s systems. In these cases, Intevac recognizes revenue for the relative sales price of the parts upon shipment and transfer of title, and recognizes revenue for the relative sales price of installation services when those services are completed. Revenue related to sales of spare parts is generally recognized upon shipment. Revenue related to services is generally recognized upon completion of the services. In addition, Intevac uses the installment method to record revenue based on cash receipts in situations where the account receivable is collected over an extended period of time and in management’s judgment the degree of collectibility is uncertain.
	Intevac performs research and development work under various government-sponsored research contracts. Revenue on cost-plus-fee contracts is recognized to the extent of costs actually incurred plus a proportionate amount of the fee earned. Intevac considers fixed fees under cost-plus-fee contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs actually incurred in performance of the contract. Revenue on fixed-price contracts is recognized on a milestone method or percentage-of-completion method of contract accounting. For contracts structured as milestone agreements, revenue is recognized when a specified milestone is achieved, provided that (1) the milestone event is substantive in nature and there is substantial uncertainty about the achievement of the milestone at the inception of the agreement, (2) the milestone payment is non-refundable, and (3) there is no continuing performance obligations associated with the milestone payment. Any milestone payments received prior to satisfying these revenue recognition criteria are deferred. Intevac generally determines the percentage completed based on the percentage of costs incurred to date in relation to total estimated costs expected through completion of the contract. When estimates of total costs to be incurred on a contract exceed estimates of total revenue to be earned, a provision for the entire loss on the contract is recorded in the period the loss is determined.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The functional currency of Intevac’s foreign subsidiaries in Singapore and Hong Kong is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of Intevac’s foreign subsidiaries in China, Malaysia and Korea is the local currency of the country in which the respective subsidiary operates. Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies are translated at year-end exchange rates; revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The effect of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The effects of foreign currency transactions are included in other income in the determination of net income. Net losses from foreign currency transactions were $36,000, $78,000, and $32,000 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were not material for all periods presented.
	Comprehensive Income
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, were as follows for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Foreign			Unrealized			Total
		currency			holding
					gains on
					available-
					for-sale
					investments
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	694		$	75		$	769
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassification		(3	)		(41	)		(44	)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		—			—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(3	)		(41	)		(44	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	691		$	34		$	725
	Employee Stock Plans
	Intevac has equity-based compensation plans that provide for the grant to employees of equity-based awards, including incentive or non-statutory stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs” also referred to as performance units) and performance shares. In addition, these plans provide for the grant of non-statutory stock options and RSUs to non-employee directors and consultants. Intevac also has an employee stock purchase plan, which provides Intevac’s employees with the opportunity to purchase Intevac common stock at a discount through payroll deductions. See Note 2 for a complete description of these plans and their accounting treatment.

EquityBased_Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity-Based Compensation	'
	2. Equity-Based Compensation
	Intevac accounts for share-based awards in accordance with the provisions of the accounting guidance which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees, consultants and directors based upon the grant-date fair value of those awards. The estimated fair value of Intevac’s equity-based awards, less expected forfeitures, is amortized over the awards’ service periods using the graded vesting attribution method.
	Descriptions of Plans
	Equity Incentive Plans
	At December 31, 2013, Intevac had equity-based awards outstanding under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and the 1995 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plans”) and the 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). Intevac’s stockholders approved all of these plans.
	The Plans are a broad-based, long-term retention program intended to attract and retain qualified management and employees, and align stockholder and employee interests. The Plans permit the grant of incentive or non-statutory stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, RSUs and performance shares. Option price, vesting period, and other terms are determined by the administrator of the Plans, but the option price shall generally not be less than 100% of the fair market value per share on the date of grant. As of December 31, 2013, 4.4 million shares of common stock were authorized for future issuance under the Plans. The 2012 Plan expires no later than May 8, 2022.
	2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	In 2003, Intevac’s stockholders approved adoption of the ESPP, which serves as the successor to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan originally adopted in 1995. Upon adoption of the ESPP, all shares available for issuance under the prior plan were transferred to the ESPP. The ESPP provides that eligible employees may purchase Intevac common stock through payroll deductions at a price equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value at the beginning of the applicable offering period or at the end of each applicable purchase interval. Offering periods are generally two years in length, and consist of a series of six-month purchase intervals. Eligible employees may join the ESPP at the beginning of any six-month purchase interval. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees can choose to have up to 15% of their base earnings withheld to purchase Intevac common stock. As of December 31, 2013, 343,000 shares remained available for issuance under the ESPP.
	The effect of recording equity-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Equity-based compensation by type of award:
	Stock options	$	984		$	2,302		$	2,924
	RSUs		419			201			—
	Employee stock purchase plan		1,091			1,317			1,106
	Total equity-based compensation		2,494			3,820			4,030
	Tax effect on equity-based compensation		(27	)		(870	)		(1,030	)
	Net effect on net loss	$	2,467		$	2,950		$	3,000
	Stock Options
	The exercise price of each stock option equals the market price of Intevac’s stock on the date of grant. Most options are scheduled to vest over four years and expire no later than ten years after the grant date. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model was developed for use in estimating the value of publicly traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Intevac’s employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of publicly traded options. The weighted average assumptions used in the model are outlined in the following table:
		2013			2012			2011
	Stock Options:
	Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$	2.49		$	3.82		$	5.98
	Expected volatility		56.28	%		63.56	%		64.82	%
	Risk free interest rate		1.09	%		0.73	%		1.71	%
	Expected term of options (in years)		4.2			4.6			4.75
	Dividend yield		None			None			None
	The computation of the expected volatility assumption used in the Black-Scholes calculations for new grants is based on historical volatility of Intevac’s stock price. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield available on U.S. Treasury Strips with an equivalent remaining term. The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted-average period that the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the stock-based awards and vesting schedules. The dividend yield assumption is based on Intevac’s history of not paying dividends and the assumption of not paying dividends in the future.
	A summary of the stock option activity is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
					Average			Average			Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining			Value
					Price			Contractual
								Term (years)
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012		3,128,408		$	11.52			4.08		$	181,019
	Options granted		926,770		$	5.64
	Options cancelled and forfeited		(1,346,309	)	$	13.72
	Options exercised		(70,900	)	$	3.91
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013		2,637,969		$	8.53			4.52		$	2,547,939
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013		2,430,735		$	8.73			4.42		$	2,246,125
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013		1,415,848		$	10.31			3.64		$	855,090
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $49,000, $194,000, $1.9 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, Intevac had $1.5 million of total unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock option plans that will be recognized over the weighted average period of 1.54 years.
	The options outstanding and currently exercisable at December 31, 2013 were in the following exercise price ranges:
		Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number of			Weighted			Weighted			Number		Weighted
		Shares			Average			Average			Vested and		Average
		Outstanding			Remaining			Exercise Price			Exercisable		Exercise Price
					Contractual
					Term (In Years)
	$3.91 - $ 6.54		1,034,719			5.12		$	5.12			260,921	$	4.28
	$6.55 - $11.16		958,950			4.44		$	8.41			613,479	$	9.01
	$11.17 - $26.16		644,300			3.68		$	14.19			541,448	$	14.7
	$3.91 - $26.16		2,637,969			4.52		$	8.53			1,415,848	$	10.31
	Stock Option Exchange Program
	During our Annual Stockholder’s Meeting held on May 9, 2013, our stockholders approved a one-time Employee Stock Option Exchange Program (the “Exchange Program”) pursuant to which eligible employees were provided an opportunity to exchange, on a grant-by-grant basis, eligible outstanding stock options for a lesser number of new options, to be granted under our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan. Options eligible for the Exchange Program are those that were granted prior to the 12-month period preceding the start of the Exchange Program offering period, and have exercise prices per share that are greater than $8.49, 50% above our closing per share stock price measured as of July 5, 2013, which is shortly before the start of the Exchange Program. The Exchange Program offering period commenced on July 6, 2013 and closed on August 6, 2013, at which time a total of 87 eligible option holder participants exchanged 766,000 outstanding stock options for 336,000 stock options.
	The Exchange Program was launched to restore the intended retention and incentive value of employee equity awards, reduce the potential dilutive effect of our equity incentive program, and reduce pressure to grant additional equity awards to employees in the short term. Participation in the Exchange Program was made available to all employees in the United States and Singapore except for the Named Executive Officers. Non-employee members of our board of directors were also not eligible to participate. The exchange of options under the Exchange Program resulted in a total incremental charge to compensation expense of $126,000. This incremental charge is being recognized over the vesting periods of the new options. These vesting periods range from one to three years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant.
	RSUs
	A summary of the RSU activity is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
					Average			Average			Intrinsic
					Grant			Remaining			Value
					Date			Contractual
					Fair Value			Term (years)
	Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2012		100,461		$	7.33			1.86		$	459,107
Granted		172,637		$	4.55
Vested		(23,317	)	$	7.42
Cancelled		(11,922	)	$	6.72
Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2013		237,859		$	5.34			1.8		$	1,767,293
RSUs are converted into shares of Intevac common stock upon vesting on a one-for-one basis. RSUs typically are scheduled to vest over four years. Vesting of RSUs is subject to the grantee’s continued service with Intevac. The compensation expense related to these awards is determined using the fair market value of Intevac common stock on the date of the grant, and the compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period. At December 31, 2013, Intevac had $494,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to RSUs that will be recognized over the weighted average period of 1.84 years.
Performance-based RSUs (“performance-based awards”) granted to certain executive officers are also subject to the achievement of specified performance goals. These performance-based awards become eligible to vest only if performance goals are achieved and then actually will vest only if the grantee remains employed by Intevac through each applicable vesting date. The fair value of these performance-based awards is estimated on the date of grant and assumes that the specified performance goals will be achieved. If the goals are achieved, these awards vest over a specified remaining service period, provided that the grantee remains employed by Intevac through each scheduled vesting date. If the performance goals are not met, no compensation expense is recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense is reversed. The expected cost of each award is reflected over the service period and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. For performance-based awards granted during fiscal 2013, the performance goals require the achievement of targeted revenues and adjusted annual operating profit or expense levels measured at the end of two and three-year periods.
ESPP
The fair value of the employee stock purchase right is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
	2013			2012			2011
Stock Purchase Rights:
Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$	1.63		$	3.01		$	4.84
Expected volatility		51.54	%		62.36	%		51.63	%
Risk free interest rate		0.26	%		0.28	%		0.44	%
Expected term of purchase rights (in years)		1.77			1.68			1.36
Dividend yield		None			None			None
The expected life of purchase rights is the period of time remaining in the current offering period.
The ESPP activity during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
	2013			2012			2011
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Shares purchased		457			301			234
Weighted average purchase price per share	$	3.58		$	5.73		$	5.92
Aggregate intrinsic value of purchase rights exercised	$	745		$	304		$	1,361
As of December 31, 2013, Intevac had $432,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures related to purchase rights that will be recognized over the weighted average period of 0.5 years.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share	'
	3. Earnings Per Share
	Intevac calculates basic earnings per share (“EPS”) using net income (loss) and the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS includes the effect from potential issuance of common stock pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options and vesting of RSUs.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share:
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net loss	$	(15,696	)	$	(55,319	)	$	(21,975	)
	Weighted-average shares – basic		23,832			23,336			22,903
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares		—			—			—
	Weighted-average shares – diluted		23,832			23,336			22,903
	Net loss per share –basic and diluted	$	(0.66	)	$	(2.37	)	$	(0.96	)
	Antidilutive shares based on employee awards excluded		2,579			3,008			2,699
	Potentially dilutive common shares consist of shares issuable upon exercise of employee stock options and vesting of RSUs and are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS when their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Concentrations

Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentrations	'
	4. Concentrations
	Credit Risk and Significant Customers
	Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist of cash equivalents, short- and long-term investments, and accounts and notes receivable. Intevac generally invests its excess cash in money market funds, commercial paper, obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies, corporate debt securities, municipal bonds and VRDNs. The Company has adopted an investment policy and established guidelines relating to credit quality, diversification and maturities of its investments in order to preserve principal and maintain liquidity. All investment securities in Intevac’s portfolio have an investment grade credit rating.
	Intevac’s accounts receivable tend to be concentrated in a limited number of customers. The following customers accounted for at least 10 percent of Intevac’s accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
			2013			2012
	Seagate Technology			40	%		24	%
	Northrop Grumman			11	%		*
	U.S. Government			*			29	%
	*	Less than 10%
	Intevac’s largest customers tend to change from period to period. Historically, a significant portion of Intevac’s revenues in any particular period have been attributable to sales to a limited number of customers. Intevac performs credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally requires deposits on system orders but does not generally require collateral or other security to support customer receivables.
	The following customers accounted for at least 10 percent of Intevac’s consolidated net revenues in 2013, 2012, and/or 2011.
			2013			2012			2011
	Seagate Technology			37	%		51	%		41	%
	Northrop Grumman			11	%		*			*
	U.S. Government			*			10	%		*
	HGST			*			*			12	%
	*	Less than 10%
	Products
	Disk manufacturing products contributed a significant portion of Intevac’s revenues in 2013, 2012, and 2011. Intevac expects that the ability to maintain or expand its current levels of revenues in the future will depend upon continuing market demand for its products; its success in enhancing its existing systems and developing and manufacturing competitive disk manufacturing equipment, such as the 200 Lean; Intevac’s success in developing both military and commercial products based on its low-light technology; and its success in utilizing Intevac’s expertise in complex manufacturing equipment to develop and sell new equipment products for PV manufacturing.

Balance_Sheet_Details

Balance Sheet Details	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Details	'
	5. Balance Sheet Details
	Balance sheet details were as follows as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	Trade and Other Accounts receivable, Net
	Receivables consisted of the following components:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Trade receivables and other	$	12,043		$	14,877
	Unbilled costs and accrued profits		2,994			4,945
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		—			—
		$	15,037		$	19,822
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The following table represents a reconciliation of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. There were no activities related to allowance for doubtful accounts as of or for the year ended December 31, 2013.
		2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Opening balance	$	41		$	55
	Bad debt expense		3,017			41
	Write-offs		(3,058	)		(55	)
	Closing balance	$	—		$	41
	Intevac held a promissory note from a customer which was secured by the equipment sold to this customer in a prior year under a product and sales agreement. The note was to be repaid in monthly installment payments ending in March 2015. The revenue associated with this sale had been accounted for under the installment method of accounting whereby revenue was recognized only to the extent cash had been received. During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the customer became delinquent in its monthly installment payments and the note was put on non-accrual status. On September 27, 2012, the customer liquidated its operating assets in an auction. The equipment which collateralized the promissory note was sold in the liquidation auction and Intevac received the proceeds. On September 28, 2012, the customer announced that it was discontinuing its operations effective October 9, 2012 and Intevac concluded that none of the carrying value of the promissory note receivable was collectible and recorded a bad debt charge.
	The following table summarizes the components of the bad debt expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	Promissory note	$	4,085
	Deferred profit on installment sale		(1,028	)
	Cash recovery from liquidation sale		(40	)
	Bad debt expense	$	3,017
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market and consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	13,005		$	14,921
	Work-in-progress		8,196			5,526
	Finished goods		1,561			5,746
		$	22,762		$	26,193
	Finished goods inventory consists primarily of completed systems at customer sites that are undergoing installation and acceptance testing and evaluation inventory.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Leasehold improvements	$	15,090		$	15,254
	Machinery and equipment		39,938			37,373
			55,028			52,627
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		42,083			39,201
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	12,945		$	13,426
	Customer Advances
	Customer advances generally represent nonrefundable deposits invoiced by the Company in connection with receiving customer purchase orders and other events preceding acceptance of systems. Customer advances related to products that have not been shipped to customers and included in accounts receivable were $1.1 million at December 31, 2013 and $1.6 million at December 31, 2012.
	Accounts Payable
	Included in accounts payable is $325,000 and $505,000 of book overdraft at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Other Accrued Liabilities
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Accrued product warranties	$	1,546		$	2,259
	Other taxes payable		551			729
	Deferred revenue		496			4,641
	Acquisition-related contingent consideration		164			265
	Accrued income taxes		—			207
	Other		506			388
	Total other accrued liabilities	$	3,263		$	8,489
	Other Long-Term Liabilities
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	1,220		$	4,886
Accrued income taxes		394			4,256
Accrued product warranties		101			90
Total other long-term liabilities	$	1,715		$	9,232

Goodwill_and_Purchased_Intangi

Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets, Net	'
	6. Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets, Net
	Information regarding acquisition-related intangible assets is as follows:
		December 31, 2013									December 31, 2012
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying		Amortization		Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount				Amount
		(in thousands)
	Customer relationships	$	3,119		$	2,206		$	913		$	3,181	$	1,869	$	1,312
	Purchased technology		5,148			1,159			3,989			1,145		679		466
	Covenants not to compete		40			40			—			140		140		—
	Backlog		80			80			—			199		199		—
	Total amortizable intangible assets		8,387			3,485			4,902			4,665		2,887		1,778
	IPR&D		—			—			—			4,000		—		4,000
	Tradename		—			—			—			90		—		90
	Total intangible assets	$	8,387		$	3,485		$	4,902		$	8,755	$	2,887	$	5,868
	Intangible assets by segment as of December 31, 2013 are as follows: Equipment; $4.4 million and Photonics; $535,000.
	Total amortization expense of purchased intangibles for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $876,000, $543,000, $543,000 respectively.
	Estimated future amortization expense related to finite-lived purchased intangible assets as of December 31, 2013, is as follows.
	(In thousands)
	2014	$	935
	2015		853
	2016		853
	2017		757
	2018		615
	Thereafter		889
		$	4,902
	Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets were tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently upon the occurrence of circumstances that indicated that goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets were impaired.
	Intevac performed its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, and, based on step one of the impairment analysis, Intevac determined that the fair values of both its Equipment and Photonics reporting units were less than their carrying value and potential impairment existed. Intevac completed the second step of the goodwill impairment analysis and determined that there would be no remaining implied value attributable to goodwill in either reporting unit and accordingly, Intevac wrote off all of the goodwill in both its Equipment and Photonics reporting units. In the second half of 2012, the Company experienced a significant decline in its stock price which resulted in the Company’s market capitalization falling significantly below the recorded value of its consolidated net assets.
	Intevac’s indefinite-lived intangible asset consisted of IPR&D in the amount of $4.0 million in the Equipment segment. During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the related development project was completed, the product achieved commercialization and Intevac began amortizing the intangible asset over its expected useful life of 7 years. Immediately prior to commencement of amortization Intevac tested the intangible asset for impairment and determined that it was not impaired. Intevac performed its annual impairment tests on its indefinite life intangible assets in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, and, based on the impairment analysis, Intevac determined that the IPR&D was not impaired. Intevac’s indefinite life tradename was impaired and recorded an immaterial impairment charge. This tradename was subsequently sold in March 2013 as part of the sale of the Raman spectroscopy instruments product line.
	Intevac conducted its annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and the results of these tests indicated that Intevac’s goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite useful lives were not impaired.
	Information regarding goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
		Equipment			Photonics			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2010	$	10,484		$	7,905		$	18,389
	Impairment charges		—			—			—
	Balance at December 31, 2011		10,484			7,905			18,389
	Impairment charges		(10,484	)		(7,905	)		(18,389	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—
	There were no activities related to goodwill as of or for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Contingent_Consideration

Contingent Consideration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Contingent Consideration	'
	7. Contingent Consideration
	In connection with the acquisition of SIT, Intevac agreed to pay up to an aggregate of $7.0 million in cash to the selling shareholders if certain milestones were achieved over a specified period. Intevac has made payments to the selling shareholders for achievement of the first milestone in 2011, and for achieved second and third milestones in 2012. The fourth and final milestone was not achieved on the targeted date outlined in the acquisition agreement and will not be paid. There is no remaining contingent consideration obligation associated with the milestone agreement at December 31, 2013.
	In connection with the acquisition of SIT, Intevac also agreed to pay to the selling shareholders in cash a revenue earnout on Intevac’s net revenue from commercial sales of certain products over a specified period up to an aggregate of $9.0 million. Intevac estimated the fair value of this contingent consideration on December 31, 2013 based on probability-based forecasted revenues reflecting Intevac’s own assumptions concerning future revenue from such products. As of December 31, 2013, payments made associated with the revenue earnout obligation have not been significant.
	The fair value measurement of contingent consideration is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement. The following table represents the quantitative range of the significant unobservable inputs used in the calculation of fair value of the continent consideration liability as of December 31, 2013. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs even in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
		(In thousands, except for percentages)
	Revenue Earnout	$	1,384		Discounted cash flow		Weighted average cost of capital	17.20%
							Probability weighting of	20.0% - 55.0% (33.0%)
							achieving revenue forecasts
	Any change in fair value of the contingent consideration subsequent to the acquisition date is recognized in operating income within the statement of operations. The following table represents a reconciliation of the change in the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration liability for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	5,151		$	8,715		$	9,857
	Changes in fair value		(3,727	)		(219	)		1,247
	Cash payments made		(40	)		(3,345	)		(2,389	)
	Ending balance	$	1,384		$	5,151		$	8,715

Divestitures

Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Divestitures	'
	8. Divestitures
	Sale of DeltaNu
	On March 29, 2013, the Company sold certain assets, including existing tangible and intangible assets, which comprised its Raman spectroscopy instruments product line, also known as DeltaNu, for consideration not to exceed $1.5 million. Under the terms of the agreement, the acquirer also assumed certain liabilities related to the purchased assets. Payment terms included $500,000 which was paid on the closing date, with the remaining balance to be paid in the form of an earnout of 5% of the acquirer’s Raman spectroscopy instrument sales for 5 years following the closing date which will be due and payable on or before each anniversary of the closing date or a minimum earnout payment of $100,000 annually, whichever is higher. The maximum earnout payments during the payment period shall not exceed $1.0 million.
	As the earnout is collected over an extended period of time and in management’s judgment the degree of collectibility is uncertain, Intevac did not recognize the minimum earnout payments upon closing, but instead will record income in the period when the minimum earnout payments can be reasonably estimated for that period and payment is assured.
	The following table summarizes the components of the loss (in thousands):
	Cash proceeds	$	500
	Assets sold:
	Accounts receivable		147
	Inventories		320
	Other current assets		27
	Property, plant and equipment		159
	Trade name		90
	Total assets sold		743
	Liabilities divested:
	Accounts payable		59
	Other accrued expenses		6
	Total liabilities divested		65
	Transaction and other costs		30
	Loss on sale	$	(208	)
	Sale of Mainframe Technology
	On January 6, 2012, the Company sold certain assets including intellectual property and residual assets which comprised its semiconductor mainframe technology.
	The following table summarizes the components of the gain (in thousands):
	Cash proceeds	$	3,000
	Assets sold:
	Inventories		589
	Property, plant and equipment		178
	Transaction and other costs		26
	Gain on sale	$	2,207

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Financial Instruments	'
	9. Financial Instruments
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments
	Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments consist of:
		December 31, 2013
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair
		Cost			Holding			Holding		Value
					Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	5,819		$	—		$	—	$	5,819
	Money market funds		14,302			—			—		14,302
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	20,121		$	—		$	—	$	20,121
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	1,998		$	1		$	—	$	1,999
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		27,181			13			3		27,191
	Municipal bonds		6,108			4			—		6,112
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		13,506			7			—		13,513
	VRDNs		160			—			—		160
	Total short-term investments	$	48,953		$	25		$	3	$	48,975
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	$	8,811		$	12		$	—	$	8,823
	Municipal bonds		3,495			2			2		3,495
	Total long-term investments	$	12,306		$	14		$	2	$	12,318
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments	$	81,380		$	39		$	5	$	81,414
		December 31, 2012
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair
		Cost			Holding			Holding		Value
					Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	5,939		$	—		$	—	$	5,939
	Money market funds		18,322			—			—		18,322
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	24,261		$	—		$	—	$	24,261
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	2,495		$	—		$	—	$	2,495
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		19,539			13			4		19,548
	Municipal bonds		1,203			1			—		1,204
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		16,976			23			—		16,999
	VRDNs		345			—			—		345
	Total short-term investments	$	40,558		$	37		$	4	$	40,591
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	$	16,776		$	33		$	7	$	16,802
	Municipal bonds		1,000			2			—		1,002
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		9,499			14			—		9,513
	Total long-term investments	$	27,275		$	49		$	7	$	27,317
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments	$	92,094		$	86		$	11	$	92,169
	The contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2013 are presented in the following table.
		Amortized			Fair
		Cost			Value
		(In thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	61,095		$	61,114
	Due after one through two years		13,306			13,321
	Due after ten years		1,160			1,160
		$	75,561		$	75,595
	The following table provides the fair market value of Intevac’s investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2013.
		December 31, 2013
		In Loss Position for						In Loss Position for
		Less than 12 Months						Greater than
								12 Months
		Fair			Gross			Fair		Gross
		Value			Unrealized			Value		Unrealized
					Losses					Losses
		(In thousands)
Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	$	7,466		$	3		$	—	$	—
Municipal bonds		3,475			2			—		—
	$	10,941		$	5		$	—	$	—
All prices for the fixed maturity securities including U.S. Treasury and agency securities, commercial paper, corporate bonds, VRDNs and municipal bonds are received from independent pricing services utilized by Intevac’s outside investment manager. This investment manager performs a review of the pricing methodologies and inputs utilized by the independent pricing services for each asset type priced by the vendor. In addition, on at least an annual basis, the investment manager conducts due diligence visits and interviews with each pricing vendor to verify the inputs utilized for each asset class. The due diligence visits include a review of the procedures performed by each vendor to ensure that pricing evaluations are representative of the price that would be received to sell a security in an orderly transaction. Any pricing where the input is based solely on a broker price is deemed to be a Level 3 price. Intevac uses the pricing data obtained from its outside investment manager as the primary input to make its assessments and determinations as to the ultimate valuation of the above-mentioned securities and has not made, during the periods presented, any material adjustments to such inputs.
The following table represents the fair value hierarchy of Intevac’s available-for-sale securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013.
	Fair Value Measurements
	at December 31, 2013
	Total			Level 1			Level 2
	(in thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements:
Available-for-sale securities
Money market funds	$	14,302		$	14,302		$	—
U.S. treasury and agency securities		13,513			6,002			7,511
Commercial paper		1,999			—			1,999
Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		36,014			—			36,014
Municipal bonds		9,607			—			9,607
VRDNs		160			—			160
Total recurring fair value measurements	$	75,595		$	20,304		$	55,291
The following table presents the changes in Level 3 instruments which consisted of ARS which were classified as available-for-sale securities and which were measured on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company did not hold any ARS as of or during the year ended December 31, 2013.
	2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Opening balance	$	4,490		$	10,273
Total gains (losses) for the period
Included in earnings		(381	)		(308	)
Included in other comprehensive income		410			217
Proceeds from sales		(1,748	)		—
Proceeds from tender offers		(2,771	)		(5,192	)
Redemptions at par		—			(500	)
Closing balance	$	—		$	4,490
Derivatives
The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate variability in gains and losses generated from the re-measurement of certain monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. These hedges do not qualify for special hedge accounting treatment. These derivatives are carried at fair value with changes recorded in interest income and other, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are largely offset by re-measurement of the underlying assets and liabilities. Cash flows from such derivatives are classified as operating activities. The derivatives have maturities of approximately thirty and sixty days. The notional amount of Company’s foreign currency derivatives was $894,000 at December 31, 2013 and $491,000 at December 31, 2012.

Equity

Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity	'
	10. Equity
	Stock Repurchase Program
	On November 21, 2013, Intevac’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program authorizing up to $30.0 million in repurchases. Under this authorization, Intevac purchases shares of its common stock under a systematic stock repurchase program and may also make supplemental stock repurchases from time to time, depending on market conditions, stock price and other factors. At December 31, 2013, $28.3 million remains available for future stock repurchases under the new repurchase program.
	The following table summarizes Intevac’s stock repurchases:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Shares of common stock repurchased		241		—		—
	Cost of stock repurchased	$	1,688	$	—	$	—
	Average price paid per share	$	6.97	$	—	$	—
	Intevac records treasury stock purchases under the cost method using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Upon reissuance of treasury stock, amounts in excess of the acquisition cost are credited to additional paid in capital. If Intevac reissues treasury stock at an amount below its acquisition cost and additional paid in capital associated with prior treasury stock transactions is insufficient to cover the difference between the acquisition cost and the reissue price, this difference is recorded against retained earnings.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes	'
	11. Income Taxes
	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes on loss from continuing operations consists of the following (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Federal:
	Current	$	(3,925	)	$	3		$	(899	)
	Deferred		3,387			17,160			(3,633	)
			(538	)		17,163			(4,532	)
	State:
	Current		12			(13	)		8
	Deferred		—			—			—
			12			(13	)		8
	Foreign:
	Current		(38	)		(150	)		141
	Deferred		(1,158	)		(3,760	)		(3,748	)
			(1,196	)		(3,910	)		(3,607	)
	Total	$	(1,722	)	$	13,240		$	(8,131	)
	Loss before income taxes (benefit) consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	U.S	$	(11,478	)	$	(32,128	)	$	(15,078	)
	Foreign		(5,940	)		(9,951	)		(15,028	)
		$	(17,418	)	$	(42,079	)	$	(30,106	)
	Effective tax rate		9.9	%		(31.5	)%		27	%
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Significant components of deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31 ,
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Vacation, warranty and other accruals	$	1,269		$	1,489
	Depreciation and amortization		1,554			1,391
	Intangible amortization		3,235			4,956
	Inventory valuation		1,706			1,547
	Deferred income		43			1,132
	Equity-based compensation		6,242			7,440
	Net operating loss, research and other tax credit carryforwards		43,203			35,693
	Other		49			127
			57,301			53,775
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(45,859	)		(38,998	)
	Total deferred tax assets		11,442			14,777
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Purchased technology		(1,488	)		(1,653	)
	Unbilled revenue		(1,004	)		(1,925	)
	Other		(284	)		(304	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(2,776	)		(3,882	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	8,666		$	10,895
	As reported on the balance sheet:
	Current deferred tax assets	$	103		$	—
	Non-current deferred tax assets		9,502			12,176
	Current deferred tax liability		(939	)		(1,281	)
		$	8,666		$	10,895
	Intevac accounts for income taxes in accordance with accounting standards for such taxes, which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Accounting standards also require that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax assets. A significant element of objective negative evidence evaluated was the cumulative loss incurred over the three-year periods ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Such objective evidence limits the ability to consider other subjective evidence such as Intevac’s projections for future growth. On the basis of this analysis and the significant negative objective evidence, for the year ended December 31, 2012, a valuation allowance of $23.4 million was added to record only the portion of the U.S. federal deferred tax asset that more likely than not will be realized. For the year ended December 31, 2013, a $7.2 million valuation allowance increase for the U.S. federal deferred tax asset was recorded. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased, or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.
	A valuation allowance is recorded against the entire state deferred tax asset which consists of state income tax temporary differences and deferred research and other tax credits that are not realizable in the foreseeable future.
	The difference between the tax provision (benefit) at the statutory federal income tax rate and the tax provision (benefit) was as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income tax (benefit) at the federal statutory rate	$	(6,096	)	$	(14,728	)	$	(10,537	)
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		12			(15	)		5
	Valuation allowance		7,201			23,330			108
	Effect of foreign operations taxes at various rates		983			(428	)		1,653
	Nondeductible goodwill impairment		—			3,670			—
	Research tax credits		(2,284	)		—			(1,200	)
	Effect of tax rate changes, permanent differences and		(1,062	)		367			852
adjustments of prior deferrals
Unrecognized tax benefits		(476	)		1,044			988
Total	$	(1,722	)	$	13,240		$	(8,131	)
Intevac has not provided for U.S. federal income and foreign withholding taxes on approximately $17.7 million of undistributed earnings from non-U.S. operations as of December 31, 2013 because Intevac intends to reinvest such earnings indefinitely outside of the United States. If Intevac were to distribute these earnings, foreign tax credits may become available under current law to reduce the resulting U.S. income tax liability. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable. Intevac will remit the non-indefinitely reinvested earnings, if any, of Intevac’s non-U.S. subsidiaries where excess cash has accumulated and Intevac determines that it is advantageous for business operations, tax or cash reasons.
Intevac benefitted from a tax holiday in Singapore which was scheduled to expire at the end of 2015. The tax holiday provided a lower income tax rate on certain classes of income so long as certain thresholds of business investment and employment levels were met in Singapore. Intevac was granted an early termination of this tax holiday effective January 1, 2013 by the Singapore tax authority. This request for early termination of the holiday was due to current conditions in the hard disk drive business, which will not allow Intevac to be able to meet the conditions required to continue benefitting from the tax holiday. The terms of the early termination include meeting certain agreed upon future annual business spending and staffing levels in Singapore. Per the terms of the early termination, there will not be a clawback of the tax savings resulting from the holiday in previous years. As a result of this incentive, the impact of the tax holiday decreased income taxes by $1.6 million and $1.2 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The benefit of the tax holiday on the net loss per share (diluted) was approximately $0.07 and $0.05 in 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Included in prepaid expenses and other current assets at December 31, 2012 is $912,000, of federal income taxes receivable. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had federal NOL carryforwards available to offset future taxable income of approximately $22.9 million that expire between 2027 and 2033. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had state NOL carryforwards available to offset future state taxable income of approximately $62.2 million that expire between 2015 and 2033. In addition, the Company had various federal and state tax credit carryforwards combined of approximately $22.1 million. Federal research credit carryforwards of $10.4 million are available to offset future tax liabilities and expire between 2019 and 2033. State research credits of $11.3 million and Federal AMT credits are available indefinitely. Certain of these carryforwards, when realized, will be credited to additional paid-in capital.
The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits was $6.5 million as of December 31, 2013, of which $98,000 would affect Intevac’s effective tax rate if realized. The aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	2013			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	6,000		$	5,022		$	4,494
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		597			978			928
Additions for tax positions of prior years		98			—			—
Settlements		—			—			(400	)
Lapse of statute of limitations		(213	)		—			—
Ending balance	$	6,482		$	6,000		$	5,022
The Company does not anticipate any changes in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months. It is Intevac’s policy to include interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes on the consolidated statements of operations. During fiscal 2013 and 2012, Intevac recognized a net tax expense (benefit) for interest of $($13,000) and $65,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 Intevac had $117,000 of accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits, which was classified as a long-term liability in the consolidated balance sheets. Intevac did not accrue any penalties related to these unrecognized tax benefits because Intevac has other tax attributes which would offset any potential taxes due.
Intevac is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. With few exceptions, Intevac is not subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or international jurisdictions income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2009. Tax years 2010 through 2012 generally remain open for examinations by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Tax years 1999 through 2009 are subject to income tax examinations by the IRS to the extent of tax credit carryforwards remaining or utilized in an otherwise open year. Tax years 2009 through 2012 generally remain open for examinations by the California tax authority. Tax years 1999 through 2008 are subject to income tax examinations by California tax authority to the extent of tax credit carryforwards remaining or utilized in an otherwise open year. During fiscal 2011, the California income tax examination for fiscal years ended 2005, 2006 and 2007 was completed. During 2012, the IRS completed its review of the Company’s fiscal year 2009 tax return which arose from an income tax refund generated by a carry-back claim. In 2013, the Singapore Inland Revenue Authority completed its review of the fiscal 2009 and 2010 tax returns of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Intevac Asia Pte. Ltd. Presently, there are no other active income tax examinations in the jurisdictions where Intevac operates.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	12. Employee Benefit Plans
	Employee Savings and Retirement Plan
	In 1991, Intevac established a defined contribution retirement plan with 401(k) plan features. The plan covers all United States employees eighteen years and older. Employees may make contributions by a percentage reduction in their salaries, not to exceed the statutorily prescribed annual limit. Intevac made cash contributions of $422,000, $501,000 and $540,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Employees may choose among several investment options for their contributions and their share of Intevac’s contributions, and they are able to move funds between investment options at any time. Intevac’s common stock is not one of the investment options. Administrative expenses relating to the plan are insignificant.
	Employee Bonus Plans
	Intevac has various employee bonus plans. A profit-sharing plan provides for the distribution of a percentage of pre-tax profits to substantially all of Intevac’s employees not eligible for other performance-based incentive plans, up to a maximum percentage of compensation. Other plans award annual or quarterly bonuses to Intevac’s executives and key contributors based on the achievement of profitability and other specific performance criteria. Charges to expense under these plans were $1.7 million, $210,000 and $720,000, respectively for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	13. Commitments and Contingencies
	Leases
	Intevac leases certain facilities under non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various times up to March 2017 and has options to renew most leases, with rentals to be negotiated. Certain of Intevac’s leases contain provisions for rental adjustments. Included in other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets is $425,000 of prepaid rent related to the effective rent on Intevac’s long-term lease for Intevac’s Santa Clara facility. The facility leases require Intevac to pay for all normal maintenance costs. Gross rental expense was approximately $2.9 million, $3.0 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2013 are as follows.
	(In thousands)
	2014	$	2,283
	2015		2,288
	2016		2,209
	2017		482
		$	7,262
	Guarantees
	Officer and Director Indemnifications
	As permitted or required under Delaware law and to the maximum extent allowable under that law, Intevac has certain obligations to indemnify its current and former officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was serving, at Intevac’s request in such capacity. These indemnification obligations are valid as long as the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The maximum potential amount of future payments Intevac could be required to make under these indemnification obligations is unlimited; however, Intevac has a director and officer insurance policy that mitigates Intevac’s exposure and enables Intevac to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of Intevac’s insurance policy coverage, Intevac believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification obligations is not material.
	Other Indemnifications
	As is customary in Intevac’s industry, many of Intevac’s contracts provide remedies to certain third parties such as defense, settlement, or payment of judgment for intellectual property claims related to the use of its products. Such indemnification obligations may not be subject to maximum loss clauses. Historically, payments made related to these indemnifications have been immaterial.
	Warranty
	Intevac provides for the estimated cost of warranty when revenue is recognized. Intevac’s warranty is per contract terms and for its disk and PV manufacturing systems the warranty typically ranges between 12 and 24 months from customer acceptance. For systems sold through a distributor, Intevac offers a 3 month warranty. The remainder of any warranty period is the responsibility of the distributor. During this warranty period any defective non-consumable parts are replaced and installed at no charge to the customer. The warranty period on consumable parts is limited to their reasonable usable lives. Intevac uses estimated repair or replacement costs along with its historical warranty experience to determine its warranty obligation. Intevac generally provides a twelve month warranty on its Photonics’ products. The provision for the estimated future costs of warranty is based upon historical cost and product performance experience. Intevac exercises judgment in determining the underlying estimates.
	On the consolidated balance sheets, the short-term portion of the warranty provision is included in other accrued liabilities, while the long-term portion is included in other long-term liabilities. The expense associated with product warranties issued or adjusted is included in cost of net revenues on the consolidated statements of operations.
	The following table displays the activity in the warranty provision account for 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	2,349		$	2,724
	Expenditures incurred under warranties		(1,033	)		(1,567	)
	Accruals for product warranties		1,091			1,288
	Adjustments to previously existing warranty accruals		(760	)		(96	)
	Ending balance	$	1,647		$	2,349
	Legal Matters
	From time to time, Intevac receives notification from third parties, including customers and suppliers, seeking indemnification, litigation support, payment of money or other actions in connection with claims made against them. In addition, from time to time, Intevac receives notification from third parties claiming that Intevac may be or is infringing their intellectual property or other rights. Intevac also is subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, both asserted and unasserted, that arise in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of these claims and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, Intevac does not believe that any of these other existing proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa

Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment and Geographic Information	'
	14. Segment and Geographic Information
	Intevac’s two reportable segments are: Equipment and Photonics. Intevac’s chief operating decision-maker has been identified as the President and CEO, who reviews operating results to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance for the entire Company. Segment information is presented based upon Intevac’s management organization structure as of December 31, 2013 and the distinctive nature of each segment. Future changes to this internal financial structure may result in changes to the reportable segments disclosed.
	Each reportable segment is separately managed and has separate financial results that are reviewed by Intevac’s chief operating decision-maker. Each reportable segment contains closely related products that are unique to the particular segment. Segment operating profit is determined based upon internal performance measures used by the chief operating decision-maker.
	Intevac derives the segment results from its internal management reporting system. The accounting policies Intevac uses to derive reportable segment results are substantially the same as those used for external reporting purposes. Management measures the performance of each reportable segment based upon several metrics, including orders, net revenues and operating income. Management uses these results to evaluate the performance of, and to assign resources to, each of the reportable segments. Intevac manages certain operating expenses separately at the corporate level. Intevac allocates certain of these corporate expenses to the segments in an amount equal to 3% of net revenues. Segment operating income excludes interest income/expense and other financial charges and income taxes according to how a particular reportable segment’s management is measured. Management does not consider impairment charges, gains and losses on divestitures and sales of intellectual property, and unallocated costs in measuring the performance of the reportable segments.
	The Equipment segment designs, develops and markets vacuum process equipment solutions for high-volume manufacturing of small substrates with precise thin film properties for hard drive and solar cell manufacturers.
	The Photonics segment develops compact, cost-effective, high-sensitivity digital-optical products for the capture and display of low-light images and the optical analysis of materials. Intevac provides sensors, cameras and systems for government applications such as night vision and long-range target identification.
	Information for each reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Net Revenues
	Equipment		$	39,135		$	52,538		$	54,878
	Photonics			30,497			30,886			28,096
	Total segment net revenues		$	69,632		$	83,424		$	82,974
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Operating Profit (Loss)
	Equipment		$	(12,951	)	$	(19,934	)	$	(20,321	)
	Photonics			1,058			(206	)		(4,141	)
	Total segment operating profit (loss)			(11,893	)		(20,140	)		(24,462	)
	Unallocated costs			(5,722	)		(6,181	)		(6,279	)
	Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets			—			(18,419	)		—
	Gain (loss) on divestitures			(208	)		2,207			—
	Operating loss			(17,823	)		(42,533	)		(30,741	)
	Interest income			279			806			847
	Other income and expense, net			126			(352	)		(212	)
	Loss before income taxes		$	(17,418	)	$	(42,079	)	$	(30,106	)
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Depreciation and amortization
	Equipment		$	2,146		$	2,003		$	2,901
	Photonics			1,900			1,806			1,369
	Total segment depreciation and amortization			4,046			3,809			4,270
	Unallocated costs			472			670			1,153
	Total consolidated depreciation and amortization		$	4,518		$	4,479		$	5,423
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Capital Additions
	Equipment		$	1,857		$	1,260		$	2,717
	Photonics			894			1,535			2,148
	Total segment capital additions			2,751			2,795			4,865
	Unallocated			572			485			717
	Total consolidated capital additions		$	3,323		$	3,280		$	5,582
			2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Segment Assets
	Equipment		$	33,428		$	37,376
	Photonics			21,120			27,052
	Total segment assets			54,548			64,428
	Cash and investments			81,414			92,169
	Deferred income taxes			9,605			12,176
	Other current assets			982			1,870
	Common property, plant and equipment			1,302			1,211
	Other assets			425			649
	Consolidated total assets		$	148,276		$	172,503
	Geographic revenue information for the three years ended December 31, 2013 is based on the location of the customer. Revenue from unaffiliated customers by geographic region/country was as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	United States		$	32,534		$	30,845		$	28,907
	Asia (*)			31,907			47,712			47,325
	Europe			5,191			3,795			6,128
	Rest of world			—			1,072			614
	Total net revenues		$	69,632		$	83,424		$	82,974
	(*)	Revenues are attributable to the geographic area in which Intevac’s customers are located. Net trade revenues in Asia include shipments to Singapore, China, Japan and Malaysia.
Net property, plant and equipment by geographic region at December 31 was as follows:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
United States		$	11,240		$	12,962
Asia			1,705			464
Net property, plant & equipment		$	12,945		$	13,426

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Charges	'
	15. Restructuring Charges
	On February 1, 2013, Intevac announced the 2013 cost reduction plan (the “Plan”) to reduce expenses including a reduction in its workforce. Implementation of the Plan was substantially completed in the first half of fiscal 2013 and the Company reduced its workforce by 18 percent. The cost of implementing the Plan was reported under cost of products sold and operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. Substantially all cash outlays in connection with the Plan occurred in the first half of fiscal 2013. Implementation of the Plan reduced salary, wages and other employee-related expenses by approximately $5.5 million to $6.0 million on an annual basis.
	The changes in restructuring reserves associated with the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2013, are as follows.
		Severance and
		other employee-
		related costs
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—
	Provision for restructuring reserves		742
	Cash payments made		(742	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	—

Selected_Quarterly_Consolidate

Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	16. Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		March 30,			June 29,			Sept. 28,			Dec. 31,
		2013			2013			2013			2013
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales	$	12,982		$	16,983		$	19,115		$	20,552
	Gross profit		3,514			3,829			6,895			7,737
	Net income (loss)		(8,264	)		(6,412	)		(2,745	)		1,725
	Basic and diluted loss per share	$	(0.35	)	$	(0.27	)	$	(0.11	)	$	0.07
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			Sept. 29,			Dec. 31,
		2012			2012			2012			2012
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales	$	17,315		$	31,791		$	16,834		$	17,483
	Gross profit		6,824			14,254			5,732			7,340
	Net loss		(3,161	)		(1,493	)		(8,007	)		(42,658	)
	Basic and diluted loss per share	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.34	)	$	(1.82	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	'
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Intevac, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Intevac or the Company) after elimination of inter-company balances and transactions.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments	'
	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments
	Intevac considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Available-for-sale securities, comprised of commercial paper, obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies, corporate debt securities, municipal bonds, and VRDNs, are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded within other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary, if any, on available-for-sale securities are included in earnings. The cost of investment securities sold is determined by the specific identification method.
Fair Value Measurement-Definition and Hierarchy	'
	Fair Value Measurement—Definition and Hierarchy
	Intevac reports certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Intevac defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
	Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2—Valuations based on other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
	Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Business Combinations	'
	Business Combinations
	Intevac accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. IPR&D costs are capitalized as an intangible asset. Contingent consideration is recorded as a liability at the measurement date with subsequent re-measurements recorded as acquisition-related expense (benefit). Costs for business restructuring and exit activities related to the acquired company are included in the post-combination financial results.
Trade Accounts and Notes Receivables and Doubtful Accounts	'
	Trade Accounts and Notes Receivables and Doubtful Accounts
	Intevac evaluates the collectibility of trade accounts receivables and notes receivable on an ongoing basis and provides reserves against potential losses when appropriate. Management analyzes historical bad debts, customer concentrations, customer creditworthiness, changes in customer payment tendencies and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Customer accounts are written off against the allowance when the amount is deemed uncollectible. Also, accounts determined to be uncollectible are put in nonaccrual status whereby interest is not accrued on those accounts.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are generally stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on an average cost basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: computers and software, 3 years; machinery and equipment, 5 years; furniture, 7 years; vehicles, 4 years; and leasehold improvements, remaining lease term.
Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets
	The purchase price of an acquired business is allocated, as applicable, between IPR&D, other identifiable intangible assets, net tangible assets and goodwill. IPR&D is defined as the value assigned to those projects for which the related products have no alternative future use. Determining the portion of the purchase price allocated to IPR&D and other intangible assets requires the Company to make significant estimates. The amount of the purchase price allocated to IPR&D and other intangible assets is determined by estimating the future cash flows of each project or technology and discounting the net cash flows back to their present values. The discount rate used is determined at the time of the acquisition in accordance with accepted valuation methods. For IPR&D, these valuation methodologies include consideration of the risk of the project not achieving commercial feasibility. The IPR&D will be subject to amortization upon commercialization. If the technology is abandoned, the IPR&D will be written-off.
	Contingent consideration is recorded at the acquisition date at the estimated fair value of the contingent payments. The acquisition date fair value is measured based on the consideration expected to be transferred (probability-weighted), discounted back to present value. The discount rate used is determined at the time of the acquisition in accordance with accepted valuation methods. The fair value of the contingent consideration is remeasured at the estimated fair value at each reporting period with the change in fair value recognized as income or expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net assets, including IPR&D, of acquired businesses. Intevac’s methodology for allocating the purchase price relating to purchase acquisitions is determined through established and generally accepted valuation techniques. Goodwill is measured as the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the sum of the amounts assigned to tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired less liabilities assumed. Intevac assigns assets acquired (including goodwill) and liabilities assumed to a reporting unit as of the date of acquisition.
	Purchased intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives unless these lives are determined to be indefinite. Purchased intangible assets are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is computed over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally one to thirteen years using the straight line method.
	Goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For goodwill, Intevac performs a two-step impairment test. In the first step, Intevac compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. Intevac’s reporting units are consistent with the reportable segments identified in Note 14, based on the manner in which Intevac operates its business and the nature of those operations. Depending on the facts and circumstances Intevac determines the fair value of each of its reporting units based upon the most appropriate valuation technique using the income approach, the market approach or a combination thereof. The income and market approaches were selected as management believes these approaches generally provide the most reliable indications of fair value when the value of the operations is more dependent on the ability to generate earnings than on the value of the assets used in the production process. Under the income approach Intevac calculates the fair value of the reporting units based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Under the market approach Intevac estimates the fair value based on market multiples of revenue or earnings for comparable companies. Each valuation technique has advantages and drawbacks, which must be considered when applying those techniques. The income approach closely correlates to management’s expectations of future results but requires significant assumptions which can be highly sensitive. The market approach is relatively straightforward to measure, but it may be difficult to find directly comparable companies in the marketplace. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired and no further testing is performed. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then Intevac would perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, Intevac would record an impairment loss equal to the difference. In 2012, as a result of its impairment analysis, Intevac wrote off all of the goodwill in both its Equipment and Photonics reporting units.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	Long-lived assets and certain identifiable finite-lived intangible assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability of long-lived assets is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. When an impairment loss is recognized, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its estimated fair value. No impairment charges were recognized in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
	On a quarterly basis, Intevac provides for income taxes based upon an annual effective income tax rate. The effective tax rate is highly dependent upon the level of Intevac’s projected earnings, the geographic composition of worldwide earnings, tax regulations governing each region, net operating loss carryforwards, availability of tax credits and the effectiveness of Intevac’s tax planning strategies. Intevac carefully monitors the changes in many factors and adjust its effective income tax rate on a timely basis. If actual results differ from the estimates, this could have a material effect on Intevac’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
	The calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with Intevac’s expectations could have a material effect on Intevac’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Intevac recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes.
	In 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance on the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. Under the new guidance the Company presents an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction to deferred tax assets for certain net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Intevac implemented this new guidance prospectively beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. Implementation of this new guidance resulted in reporting of unrecognized tax benefits in the amount of $3.5 million as a reduction to long term deferred tax assets at December 31, 2013.
Sales and Value Added Taxes	'
	Sales and Value Added Taxes
	Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Intevac recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred and title and risk of loss have passed to Intevac’s customer or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Intevac’s shipping terms are customarily FOB shipping point or equivalent terms. Intevac’s revenue recognition policy generally results in revenue recognition at the following points: (1) for all transactions where legal title passes to the customer upon shipment, Intevac recognizes revenue upon shipment for all products that have been demonstrated to meet product specifications prior to shipment; the portion of revenue associated with certain installation-related tasks is deferred, and that revenue is recognized upon completion of the installation-related tasks; (2) for products that have not been demonstrated to meet product specifications prior to shipment, revenue is recognized at customer acceptance; and (3) for arrangements containing multiple elements, the revenue relating to the undelivered elements is deferred until delivery of the deferred elements. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, Intevac allocates revenue to each element based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its VSOE if available, TPE if VSOE is not available, or best ESP if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Intevac generally utilizes the ESP due to the nature of its products. In certain cases, technology upgrade sales are accounted for as multiple-element arrangements, usually split between delivery of the parts and installation on the customer’s systems. In these cases, Intevac recognizes revenue for the relative sales price of the parts upon shipment and transfer of title, and recognizes revenue for the relative sales price of installation services when those services are completed. Revenue related to sales of spare parts is generally recognized upon shipment. Revenue related to services is generally recognized upon completion of the services. In addition, Intevac uses the installment method to record revenue based on cash receipts in situations where the account receivable is collected over an extended period of time and in management’s judgment the degree of collectibility is uncertain.
	Intevac performs research and development work under various government-sponsored research contracts. Revenue on cost-plus-fee contracts is recognized to the extent of costs actually incurred plus a proportionate amount of the fee earned. Intevac considers fixed fees under cost-plus-fee contracts to be earned in proportion to the allowable costs actually incurred in performance of the contract. Revenue on fixed-price contracts is recognized on a milestone method or percentage-of-completion method of contract accounting. For contracts structured as milestone agreements, revenue is recognized when a specified milestone is achieved, provided that (1) the milestone event is substantive in nature and there is substantial uncertainty about the achievement of the milestone at the inception of the agreement, (2) the milestone payment is non-refundable, and (3) there is no continuing performance obligations associated with the milestone payment. Any milestone payments received prior to satisfying these revenue recognition criteria are deferred. Intevac generally determines the percentage completed based on the percentage of costs incurred to date in relation to total estimated costs expected through completion of the contract. When estimates of total costs to be incurred on a contract exceed estimates of total revenue to be earned, a provision for the entire loss on the contract is recorded in the period the loss is determined.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The functional currency of Intevac’s foreign subsidiaries in Singapore and Hong Kong is the U.S. dollar. The functional currency of Intevac’s foreign subsidiaries in China, Malaysia and Korea is the local currency of the country in which the respective subsidiary operates. Assets and liabilities recorded in foreign currencies are translated at year-end exchange rates; revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the year. The effect of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The effects of foreign currency transactions are included in other income in the determination of net income. Net losses from foreign currency transactions were $36,000, $78,000, and $32,000 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were not material for all periods presented.
Comprehensive Income	'
	Comprehensive Income
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, were as follows for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Foreign			Unrealized			Total
		currency			holding
					gains on
					available-
					for-sale
					investments
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	694		$	75		$	769
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassification		(3	)		(41	)		(44	)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		—			—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(3	)		(41	)		(44	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	691		$	34		$	725
Employee Stock Plans	'
	Employee Stock Plans
	Intevac has equity-based compensation plans that provide for the grant to employees of equity-based awards, including incentive or non-statutory stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs” also referred to as performance units) and performance shares. In addition, these plans provide for the grant of non-statutory stock options and RSUs to non-employee directors and consultants. Intevac also has an employee stock purchase plan, which provides Intevac’s employees with the opportunity to purchase Intevac common stock at a discount through payroll deductions. See Note 2 for a complete description of these plans and their accounting treatment.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component	'
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, were as follows for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Foreign			Unrealized			Total
		currency			holding
					gains on
					available-
					for-sale
					investments
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	694		$	75		$	769
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassification		(3	)		(41	)		(44	)
	Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income		—			—			—
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(3	)		(41	)		(44	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	691		$	34		$	725

EquityBased_Compensation_Table

Equity-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Effect of Recording Equity-Based Compensation	'
	The effect of recording equity-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012			2011
	Equity-based compensation by type of award:
	Stock options	$	984		$	2,302		$	2,924
	RSUs		419			201			—
	Employee stock purchase plan		1,091			1,317			1,106
	Total equity-based compensation		2,494			3,820			4,030
	Tax effect on equity-based compensation		(27	)		(870	)		(1,030	)
	Net effect on net loss	$	2,467		$	2,950		$	3,000
Employee Stock Options Weighted-Average Assumptions	'
	The weighted average assumptions used in the model are outlined in the following table:
		2013			2012			2011
	Stock Options:
	Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$	2.49		$	3.82		$	5.98
	Expected volatility		56.28	%		63.56	%		64.82	%
	Risk free interest rate		1.09	%		0.73	%		1.71	%
	Expected term of options (in years)		4.2			4.6			4.75
	Dividend yield		None			None			None
		2013			2012			2011
	Stock Purchase Rights:
	Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$	1.63		$	3.01		$	4.84
	Expected volatility		51.54	%		62.36	%		51.63	%
	Risk free interest rate		0.26	%		0.28	%		0.44	%
	Expected term of purchase rights (in years)		1.77			1.68			1.36
	Dividend yield		None			None			None
Option Activity and Changes	'
	A summary of the stock option activity is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
					Average			Average			Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining			Value
					Price			Contractual
								Term (years)
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012		3,128,408		$	11.52			4.08		$	181,019
	Options granted		926,770		$	5.64
	Options cancelled and forfeited		(1,346,309	)	$	13.72
	Options exercised		(70,900	)	$	3.91
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013		2,637,969		$	8.53			4.52		$	2,547,939
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013		2,430,735		$	8.73			4.42		$	2,246,125
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2013		1,415,848		$	10.31			3.64		$	855,090
Options Outstanding and Currently Exercisable	'
	The options outstanding and currently exercisable at December 31, 2013 were in the following exercise price ranges:
		Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices	Number of			Weighted			Weighted			Number		Weighted
		Shares			Average			Average			Vested and		Average
		Outstanding			Remaining			Exercise Price			Exercisable		Exercise Price
					Contractual
					Term (In Years)
	$3.91 - $ 6.54		1,034,719			5.12		$	5.12			260,921	$	4.28
	$6.55 - $11.16		958,950			4.44		$	8.41			613,479	$	9.01
	$11.17 - $26.16		644,300			3.68		$	14.19			541,448	$	14.7
	$3.91 - $26.16		2,637,969			4.52		$	8.53			1,415,848	$	10.31
Summary of Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	A summary of the RSU activity is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted			Weighted			Aggregate
					Average			Average			Intrinsic
					Grant			Remaining			Value
					Date			Contractual
					Fair Value			Term (years)
	Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2012		100,461		$	7.33			1.86		$	459,107
	Granted		172,637		$	4.55
	Vested		(23,317	)	$	7.42
	Cancelled		(11,922	)	$	6.72
	Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2013		237,859		$	5.34			1.8		$	1,767,293
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Activity	'
	The ESPP activity during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Shares purchased		457			301			234
	Weighted average purchase price per share	$	3.58		$	5.73		$	5.92
	Aggregate intrinsic value of purchase rights exercised	$	745		$	304		$	1,361

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Computation of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share:
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net loss	$	(15,696	)	$	(55,319	)	$	(21,975	)
	Weighted-average shares – basic		23,832			23,336			22,903
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares		—			—			—
	Weighted-average shares – diluted		23,832			23,336			22,903
	Net loss per share –basic and diluted	$	(0.66	)	$	(2.37	)	$	(0.96	)
	Antidilutive shares based on employee awards excluded		2,579			3,008			2,699

Concentrations_Tables

Concentrations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable	'
Customers that Accounted for at Least Ten percent of Accounts Receivable/Consolidated Net Revenues	'
	The following customers accounted for at least 10 percent of Intevac’s accounts receivable at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
			2013			2012
	Seagate Technology			40	%		24	%
	Northrop Grumman			11	%		*
	U.S. Government			*			29	%
	*	Less than 10%
Sales Revenue Net	'
Customers that Accounted for at Least Ten percent of Accounts Receivable/Consolidated Net Revenues	'
	The following customers accounted for at least 10 percent of Intevac’s consolidated net revenues in 2013, 2012, and/or 2011.
			2013			2012			2011
	Seagate Technology			37	%		51	%		41	%
	Northrop Grumman			11	%		*			*
	U.S. Government			*			10	%		*
	HGST			*			*			12	%
	*	Less than 10%

Balance_Sheet_Details_Tables

Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Receivables	'
	Receivables consisted of the following components:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Trade receivables and other	$	12,043		$	14,877
	Unbilled costs and accrued profits		2,994			4,945
	Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		—			—
		$	15,037		$	19,822
Reconciliation of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	The following table represents a reconciliation of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. There were no activities related to allowance for doubtful accounts as of or for the year ended December 31, 2013.
		2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Opening balance	$	41		$	55
	Bad debt expense		3,017			41
	Write-offs		(3,058	)		(55	)
	Closing balance	$	—		$	41
Bad Debt Expense	'
	The following table summarizes the components of the bad debt expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	Promissory note	$	4,085
	Deferred profit on installment sale		(1,028	)
	Cash recovery from liquidation sale		(40	)
	Bad debt expense	$	3,017
Summary of Inventories	'
	Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market and consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	13,005		$	14,921
	Work-in-progress		8,196			5,526
	Finished goods		1,561			5,746
		$	22,762		$	26,193
Property Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Leasehold improvements	$	15,090		$	15,254
	Machinery and equipment		39,938			37,373
			55,028			52,627
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		42,083			39,201
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	12,945		$	13,426
Other Accrued Liabilities	'
	Other Accrued Liabilities
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Accrued product warranties	$	1,546		$	2,259
	Other taxes payable		551			729
	Deferred revenue		496			4,641
	Acquisition-related contingent consideration		164			265
	Accrued income taxes		—			207
	Other		506			388
	Total other accrued liabilities	$	3,263		$	8,489
Other Long Term Liabilities	'
	Other Long-Term Liabilities
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	1,220		$	4,886
	Accrued income taxes		394			4,256
	Accrued product warranties		101			90
	Total other long-term liabilities	$	1,715		$	9,232

Goodwill_and_Purchased_Intangi1

Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Information Regarding Other Acquisition Related Intangible Assets	'
	Information regarding acquisition-related intangible assets is as follows:
		December 31, 2013									December 31, 2012
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross		Accumulated		Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying		Amortization		Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount				Amount
		(in thousands)
	Customer relationships	$	3,119		$	2,206		$	913		$	3,181	$	1,869	$	1,312
	Purchased technology		5,148			1,159			3,989			1,145		679		466
	Covenants not to compete		40			40			—			140		140		—
	Backlog		80			80			—			199		199		—
	Total amortizable intangible assets		8,387			3,485			4,902			4,665		2,887		1,778
	IPR&D		—			—			—			4,000		—		4,000
	Tradename		—			—			—			90		—		90
	Total intangible assets	$	8,387		$	3,485		$	4,902		$	8,755	$	2,887	$	5,868
Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Finite-Lived Purchased Intangible Assets	'
	Estimated future amortization expense related to finite-lived purchased intangible assets as of December 31, 2013, is as follows.
	(In thousands)
	2014	$	935
	2015		853
	2016		853
	2017		757
	2018		615
	Thereafter		889
		$	4,902
Information Regarding Goodwill by Reportable Segment	'
	Information regarding goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
		Equipment			Photonics			Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2010	$	10,484		$	7,905		$	18,389
	Impairment charges		—			—			—
	Balance at December 31, 2011		10,484			7,905			18,389
	Impairment charges		(10,484	)		(7,905	)		(18,389	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—		$	—		$	—

Contingent_Consideration_Table

Contingent Consideration (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quantitative Information of Significant Unobservable Inputs of Contingent Consideration Liability	'
	The following table represents the quantitative range of the significant unobservable inputs used in the calculation of fair value of the continent consideration liability as of December 31, 2013. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs even in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
		(In thousands, except for percentages)
	Revenue Earnout	$	1,384		Discounted cash flow		Weighted average cost of capital	17.20%
							Probability weighting of	20.0% - 55.0% (33.0%)
							achieving revenue forecasts
Reconciliation of Change in Fair Value Measurement of Contingent Consideration Liability	'
	The following table represents a reconciliation of the change in the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration liability for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	5,151		$	8,715		$	9,857
	Changes in fair value		(3,727	)		(219	)		1,247
	Cash payments made		(40	)		(3,345	)		(2,389	)
	Ending balance	$	1,384		$	5,151		$	8,715

Divestitures_Tables

Divestitures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DeltaNu	'
Summary of Components of Gain (Loss)	'
	The following table summarizes the components of the loss (in thousands):
	Cash proceeds	$	500
	Assets sold:
	Accounts receivable		147
	Inventories		320
	Other current assets		27
	Property, plant and equipment		159
	Trade name		90
	Total assets sold		743
	Liabilities divested:
	Accounts payable		59
	Other accrued expenses		6
	Total liabilities divested		65
	Transaction and other costs		30
	Loss on sale	$	(208	)
Mainframe Technology	'
Summary of Components of Gain (Loss)	'
	The following table summarizes the components of the gain (in thousands):
	Cash proceeds	$	3,000
	Assets sold:
	Inventories		589
	Property, plant and equipment		178
	Transaction and other costs		26
	Gain on sale	$	2,207

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments and Long-Term Investments	'
	Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments consist of:
		December 31, 2013
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair
		Cost			Holding			Holding		Value
					Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	5,819		$	—		$	—	$	5,819
	Money market funds		14,302			—			—		14,302
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	20,121		$	—		$	—	$	20,121
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	1,998		$	1		$	—	$	1,999
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		27,181			13			3		27,191
	Municipal bonds		6,108			4			—		6,112
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		13,506			7			—		13,513
	VRDNs		160			—			—		160
	Total short-term investments	$	48,953		$	25		$	3	$	48,975
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	$	8,811		$	12		$	—	$	8,823
	Municipal bonds		3,495			2			2		3,495
	Total long-term investments	$	12,306		$	14		$	2	$	12,318
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments	$	81,380		$	39		$	5	$	81,414
		December 31, 2012
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair
		Cost			Holding			Holding		Value
					Gains			Losses
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	5,939		$	—		$	—	$	5,939
	Money market funds		18,322			—			—		18,322
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	24,261		$	—		$	—	$	24,261
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	2,495		$	—		$	—	$	2,495
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		19,539			13			4		19,548
	Municipal bonds		1,203			1			—		1,204
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		16,976			23			—		16,999
	VRDNs		345			—			—		345
	Total short-term investments	$	40,558		$	37		$	4	$	40,591
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	$	16,776		$	33		$	7	$	16,802
	Municipal bonds		1,000			2			—		1,002
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		9,499			14			—		9,513
	Total long-term investments	$	27,275		$	49		$	7	$	27,317
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments	$	92,094		$	86		$	11	$	92,169
Contractual Maturities of Available-for-Sale Securities	'
	The contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2013 are presented in the following table.
		Amortized			Fair
		Cost			Value
		(In thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	61,095		$	61,114
	Due after one through two years		13,306			13,321
	Due after ten years		1,160			1,160
		$	75,561		$	75,595
Fair Market Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Not Deemed to be Other-Than Temporarily Impaired	'
	The following table provides the fair market value of Intevac’s investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2013.
		December 31, 2013
		In Loss Position for						In Loss Position for
		Less than 12 Months						Greater than
								12 Months
		Fair			Gross			Fair		Gross
		Value			Unrealized			Value		Unrealized
					Losses					Losses
		(In thousands)
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	$	7,466		$	3		$	—	$	—
	Municipal bonds		3,475			2			—		—
		$	10,941		$	5		$	—	$	—
Fair Value Hierarchy of Available-for-Sale Securities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table represents the fair value hierarchy of Intevac’s available-for-sale securities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013.
		Fair Value Measurements
		at December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2
		(in thousands)
	Recurring fair value measurements:
	Available-for-sale securities
	Money market funds	$	14,302		$	14,302		$	—
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		13,513			6,002			7,511
	Commercial paper		1,999			—			1,999
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		36,014			—			36,014
	Municipal bonds		9,607			—			9,607
	VRDNs		160			—			160
	Total recurring fair value measurements	$	75,595		$	20,304		$	55,291
Changes in Level Three Instruments Consisting of Auction Rate Securities Classified As Available-for-Sale Securities and Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents the changes in Level 3 instruments which consisted of ARS which were classified as available-for-sale securities and which were measured on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company did not hold any ARS as of or during the year ended December 31, 2013.
		2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Opening balance	$	4,490		$	10,273
	Total gains (losses) for the period
	Included in earnings		(381	)		(308	)
	Included in other comprehensive income		410			217
	Proceeds from sales		(1,748	)		—
	Proceeds from tender offers		(2,771	)		(5,192	)
	Redemptions at par		—			(500	)
	Closing balance	$	—		$	4,490

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Repurchases	'
	The following table summarizes Intevac’s stock repurchases:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Shares of common stock repurchased		241		—		—
	Cost of stock repurchased	$	1,688	$	—	$	—
	Average price paid per share	$	6.97	$	—	$	—

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes	'
	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes on loss from continuing operations consists of the following (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Federal:
	Current	$	(3,925	)	$	3		$	(899	)
	Deferred		3,387			17,160			(3,633	)
			(538	)		17,163			(4,532	)
	State:
	Current		12			(13	)		8
	Deferred		—			—			—
			12			(13	)		8
	Foreign:
	Current		(38	)		(150	)		141
	Deferred		(1,158	)		(3,760	)		(3,748	)
			(1,196	)		(3,910	)		(3,607	)
	Total	$	(1,722	)	$	13,240		$	(8,131	)
Loss Before Income Taxes (Benefit)	'
	Loss before income taxes (benefit) consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	U.S	$	(11,478	)	$	(32,128	)	$	(15,078	)
	Foreign		(5,940	)		(9,951	)		(15,028	)
		$	(17,418	)	$	(42,079	)	$	(30,106	)
	Effective tax rate		9.9	%		(31.5	)%		27	%
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets	'
	Significant components of deferred tax assets are as follows (in thousands):
		December 31 ,
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Vacation, warranty and other accruals	$	1,269		$	1,489
	Depreciation and amortization		1,554			1,391
	Intangible amortization		3,235			4,956
	Inventory valuation		1,706			1,547
	Deferred income		43			1,132
	Equity-based compensation		6,242			7,440
	Net operating loss, research and other tax credit carryforwards		43,203			35,693
	Other		49			127
			57,301			53,775
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(45,859	)		(38,998	)
	Total deferred tax assets		11,442			14,777
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Purchased technology		(1,488	)		(1,653	)
	Unbilled revenue		(1,004	)		(1,925	)
	Other		(284	)		(304	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(2,776	)		(3,882	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	8,666		$	10,895
	As reported on the balance sheet:
	Current deferred tax assets	$	103		$	—
	Non-current deferred tax assets		9,502			12,176
	Current deferred tax liability		(939	)		(1,281	)
		$	8,666		$	10,895
Difference Between Tax Provision (Benefit) at Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate and Tax Provision	'
	The difference between the tax provision (benefit) at the statutory federal income tax rate and the tax provision (benefit) was as follows (in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Income tax (benefit) at the federal statutory rate	$	(6,096	)	$	(14,728	)	$	(10,537	)
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		12			(15	)		5
	Valuation allowance		7,201			23,330			108
	Effect of foreign operations taxes at various rates		983			(428	)		1,653
	Nondeductible goodwill impairment		—			3,670			—
	Research tax credits		(2,284	)		—			(1,200	)
	Effect of tax rate changes, permanent differences and		(1,062	)		367			852
	adjustments of prior deferrals
	Unrecognized tax benefits		(476	)		1,044			988
	Total	$	(1,722	)	$	13,240		$	(8,131	)
Aggregate Changes in Balance of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	The aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	6,000		$	5,022		$	4,494
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		597			978			928
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		98			—			—
	Settlements		—			—			(400	)
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(213	)		—			—
	Ending balance	$	6,482		$	6,000		$	5,022

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Future Minimum Lease Payments	'
	Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2013 are as follows.
	(In thousands)
	2014	$	2,283
	2015		2,288
	2016		2,209
	2017		482
		$	7,262
Summary of Activity in Warranty Provision Account	'
	The following table displays the activity in the warranty provision account for 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	2,349		$	2,724
	Expenditures incurred under warranties		(1,033	)		(1,567	)
	Accruals for product warranties		1,091			1,288
	Adjustments to previously existing warranty accruals		(760	)		(96	)
	Ending balance	$	1,647		$	2,349

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa1

Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Information for Each Reportable Segment	'
	Information for each reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Net Revenues
	Equipment		$	39,135		$	52,538		$	54,878
	Photonics			30,497			30,886			28,096
	Total segment net revenues		$	69,632		$	83,424		$	82,974
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Operating Profit (Loss)
	Equipment		$	(12,951	)	$	(19,934	)	$	(20,321	)
	Photonics			1,058			(206	)		(4,141	)
	Total segment operating profit (loss)			(11,893	)		(20,140	)		(24,462	)
	Unallocated costs			(5,722	)		(6,181	)		(6,279	)
	Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets			—			(18,419	)		—
	Gain (loss) on divestitures			(208	)		2,207			—
	Operating loss			(17,823	)		(42,533	)		(30,741	)
	Interest income			279			806			847
	Other income and expense, net			126			(352	)		(212	)
	Loss before income taxes		$	(17,418	)	$	(42,079	)	$	(30,106	)
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Depreciation and amortization
	Equipment		$	2,146		$	2,003		$	2,901
	Photonics			1,900			1,806			1,369
	Total segment depreciation and amortization			4,046			3,809			4,270
	Unallocated costs			472			670			1,153
	Total consolidated depreciation and amortization		$	4,518		$	4,479		$	5,423
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Capital Additions
	Equipment		$	1,857		$	1,260		$	2,717
	Photonics			894			1,535			2,148
	Total segment capital additions			2,751			2,795			4,865
	Unallocated			572			485			717
	Total consolidated capital additions		$	3,323		$	3,280		$	5,582
Segment Assets	'
			2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Segment Assets
	Equipment		$	33,428		$	37,376
	Photonics			21,120			27,052
	Total segment assets			54,548			64,428
	Cash and investments			81,414			92,169
	Deferred income taxes			9,605			12,176
	Other current assets			982			1,870
	Common property, plant and equipment			1,302			1,211
	Other assets			425			649
	Consolidated total assets		$	148,276		$	172,503
Revenue by Geographic Region/Country	'
	Geographic revenue information for the three years ended December 31, 2013 is based on the location of the customer. Revenue from unaffiliated customers by geographic region/country was as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	United States		$	32,534		$	30,845		$	28,907
	Asia (*)			31,907			47,712			47,325
	Europe			5,191			3,795			6,128
	Rest of world			—			1,072			614
	Total net revenues		$	69,632		$	83,424		$	82,974
	(*)	Revenues are attributable to the geographic area in which Intevac’s customers are located. Net trade revenues in Asia include shipments to Singapore, China, Japan and Malaysia.
Net Property, Plant and Equipment by Geographic Region	'
	Net property, plant and equipment by geographic region at December 31 was as follows:
			2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	United States		$	11,240		$	12,962
	Asia			1,705			464
	Net property, plant & equipment		$	12,945		$	13,426

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in Restructuring Reserves	'
	The changes in restructuring reserves associated with the Plan for the year ended December 31, 2013, are as follows.
		Severance and
		other employee-
		related costs
		(In thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	—
	Provision for restructuring reserves		742
	Cash payments made		(742	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	—

Selected_Quarterly_Consolidate1

Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data	'
		Three Months Ended
		March 30,			June 29,			Sept. 28,			Dec. 31,
		2013			2013			2013			2013
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales	$	12,982		$	16,983		$	19,115		$	20,552
	Gross profit		3,514			3,829			6,895			7,737
	Net income (loss)		(8,264	)		(6,412	)		(2,745	)		1,725
	Basic and diluted loss per share	$	(0.35	)	$	(0.27	)	$	(0.11	)	$	0.07
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,			June 30,			Sept. 29,			Dec. 31,
		2012			2012			2012			2012
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net sales	$	17,315		$	31,791		$	16,834		$	17,483
	Gross profit		6,824			14,254			5,732			7,340
	Net loss		(3,161	)		(1,493	)		(8,007	)		(42,658	)
	Basic and diluted loss per share	$	(0.14	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.34	)	$	(1.82	)

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$3,500,000	'	'
Net loss from foreign currency transactions	$36,000	$78,000	$32,000
Minimum	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets estimated useful life	'1 year	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets estimated useful life	'13 years	'	'
Computers and Software	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of asset	'3 years	'	'
Machinery and Equipment	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of asset	'5 years	'	'
Furniture and Fixtures	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of asset	'7 years	'	'
Vehicles	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of asset	'4 years	'	'
Leasehold Improvements	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Lease and leasehold improvements estimated useful lives	'Remaining lease term	'	'

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$769	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	-44	'	'
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-44	355	159
Ending Balance	725	769	'
Accumulated Translation Adjustment	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	694	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	-3	'	'
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-3	'	'
Ending Balance	691	'	'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	75	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	-41	'	'
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	'	'	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	-41	'	'
Ending Balance	$34	'	'

EquityBased_Compensation_Addit

Equity-Based Compensation - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	EquityPlan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of option price related to fair market value	100.00%	'	'
Common stock shares authorized for further issuance	4,400,000	'	'
2012 plan options expiration date	8-May-22	'	'
Purchase of common stock through payroll deductions	85.00%	'	'
Offering periods	'2 years	'	'
Purchase intervals of a series	'6 months	'	'
Maximum employee salary withholdings for purchase of common stock under the terms of the ESPP	15.00%	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$49,000	$194,000	$1,900,000
Total unrecognized compensation expense	1,500,000	'	'
Number of outstanding stock options	2,637,969	3,128,408	'
Compensation expense	2,494,000	3,820,000	4,030,000
RSU conversion ratio	1	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options, expiration period	'10 years	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award, vesting period	'4 years	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expenses recognition period	'1 year 10 months 2 days	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense	494,000	'	'
Stock Options	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award, vesting period	'4 years	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expenses recognition period	'1 year 6 months 15 days	'	'
Employee Stock	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares available under issuance of ESPP	343,000	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation expense	432,000	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expenses recognition period	'6 months	'	'
Stock Option Exchange Program	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of option holders exchanged options	87	'	'
Number of stock options exchanged	766,000	'	'
Compensation expense	$126,000	'	'
Stock Option Exchange Program | Maximum	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award, vesting period	'3 years	'	'
Stock Option Exchange Program | Minimum	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Award, vesting period	'1 year	'	'
Options exercise price per share	$8.49	'	'
Minimum percentage of closing stock price for exchange to occur	50.00%	'	'
2012 Equity Incentive Plan	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of outstanding stock options	336,000	'	'

Effect_of_Recording_EquityBase

Effect of Recording Equity-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity Based Compensation Related to Employee Stock Purchase Programs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total equity-based compensation	$2,494,000	$3,820,000	$4,030,000
Tax effect on equity-based compensation	-27,000	-870,000	-1,030,000
Net effect on net loss	2,467,000	2,950,000	3,000,000
Stock Options	'	'	'
Equity Based Compensation Related to Employee Stock Purchase Programs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total equity-based compensation	984,000	2,302,000	2,924,000
RSUs	'	'	'
Equity Based Compensation Related to Employee Stock Purchase Programs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total equity-based compensation	419,000	201,000	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'	'
Equity Based Compensation Related to Employee Stock Purchase Programs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total equity-based compensation	$1,091,000	$1,317,000	$1,106,000

WeightedAverage_Fair_Value_of_

Weighted-Average Fair Value of Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Rights using Weighted-Average Assumptions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options	'	'	'
Employee stock options weighted-average assumptions	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$2.49	$3.82	$5.98
Expected volatility	56.28%	63.56%	64.82%
Risk free interest rate	1.09%	0.73%	1.71%
Expected term of options/purchase rights (in years)	'4 years 2 months 12 days	'4 years 7 months 6 days	'4 years 9 months
Dividend yield	'	'	'
Stock Purchase Rights	'	'	'
Employee stock options weighted-average assumptions	'	'	'
Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$1.63	$3.01	$4.84
Expected volatility	51.54%	62.36%	51.63%
Risk free interest rate	0.26%	0.28%	0.44%
Expected term of options/purchase rights (in years)	'1 year 9 months 7 days	'1 year 8 months 5 days	'1 year 4 months 10 days
Dividend yield	'	'	'

Option_Activity_and_Changes_De

Option Activity and Changes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares	'
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	3,128,408
Options granted	926,770
Options cancelled and forfeited	-1,346,309
Options exercised	-70,900
Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,637,969
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	2,430,735
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,415,848
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	$11.52
Options granted	$5.64
Options cancelled and forfeited	$13.72
Options exercised	$3.91
Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	$8.53
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	$8.73
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	$10.31
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	'4 years 29 days
Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	'4 years 6 months 7 days
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	'4 years 5 months 1 day
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	'3 years 7 months 21 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	$181,019
Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,547,939
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013	2,246,125
Options exercisable at December 31, 2013	$855,090

Options_Outstanding_and_Curren

Options Outstanding and Currently Exercisable (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Exercise Price Range Range One	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$3.91
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$6.54
Number of Shares Outstanding	1,034,719
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years)	'5 years 1 month 13 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$5.12
Number Vested and Exercisable	260,921
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.28
Exercise Price Range Range Two	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$6.55
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$11.16
Number of Shares Outstanding	958,950
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years)	'4 years 5 months 9 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.41
Number Vested and Exercisable	613,479
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$9.01
Exercise Price Range Range Three	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$11.17
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$26.16
Number of Shares Outstanding	644,300
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years)	'3 years 8 months 5 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$14.19
Number Vested and Exercisable	541,448
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$14.70
Exercise Price Range Range Four	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum	$3.91
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum	$26.16
Number of Shares Outstanding	2,637,969
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In Years)	'4 years 6 months 7 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.53
Number Vested and Exercisable	1,415,848
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$10.31

Summary_of_Restricted_Stock_Un

Summary of Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'
Shares	'
Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2012	100,461
Granted	172,637
Vested	-23,317
Cancelled	-11,922
Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2013	237,859
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2012	$7.33
Granted	$4.55
Vested	$7.42
Cancelled	$6.72
Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2013	$5.34
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'
Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2012	'1 year 10 months 10 days
Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2013	'1 year 9 months 18 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'
Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2012	$459,107
Non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2013	$1,767,293

Employee_Stock_Purchase_Plan_A

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares purchased	457	301	234
Weighted average purchase price per share	$3.58	$5.73	$5.92
Aggregate intrinsic value of purchase rights exercised	$745	$304	$1,361

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Computation of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	$1,725	($2,745)	($6,412)	($8,264)	($42,658)	($8,007)	($1,493)	($3,161)	($15,696)	($55,319)	($21,975)
Weighted-average shares - basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23,832	23,336	22,903
Effect of dilutive potential common shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average shares - diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	23,832	23,336	22,903
Net loss per share -basic and diluted	$0.07	($0.11)	($0.27)	($0.35)	($1.82)	($0.34)	($0.06)	($0.14)	($0.66)	($2.37)	($0.96)
Antidilutive shares based on employee awards excluded	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,579	3,008	2,699

Customers_That_Accounted_for_a

Customers That Accounted for at Least Ten percent of Accounts Receivable (Detail) (Accounts Receivable)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Seagate Technology	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	40.00%	24.00%
Northrop Grumman Corporation	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	11.00%	'
U.S. Government	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	29.00%

Customers_That_Accounted_for_a1

Customers That Accounted for at Least Ten percent of Consolidated Net Revenues (Detail) (Sales Revenue Net)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Seagate Technology	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	37.00%	51.00%	41.00%
Northrop Grumman Corporation	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	11.00%	'	'
U.S. Government	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	10.00%	'
HGST	'	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	'	12.00%

Components_of_Receivables_Deta

Components of Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts and Other Receivables [Line Items]	'	'
Trade receivables and other	$12,043	$14,877
Unbilled costs and accrued profits	2,994	4,945
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	0	0
Trade and other accounts receivable, net of allowances of $0 at both December 31, 2013 and 2012	$15,037	$19,822

Reconciliation_of_Allowance_fo

Reconciliation of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Provisions for Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]	'	'
Opening balance	$41	$55
Bad debt expense	3,017	41
Write-offs	-3,058	-55
Closing balance	'	$41

Balance_Sheet_Details_Addition

Balance Sheet Details - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Balance Sheet Details [Line Items]	'	'
Notes receivable maturity month and year	'	'2015-03
Customer advances	$1,100,000	$1,600,000
Accounts payable, book overdraft	$325,000	$505,000

Bad_Debt_Expense_Detail

Bad Debt Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Sales Return and Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]	'	'
Bad debt expense	$3,017	$41
Promissory note	'	'
Allowance for Sales Return and Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]	'	'
Bad debt expense	4,085	'
Deferred profit on installment sale	'	'
Allowance for Sales Return and Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]	'	'
Bad debt expense	-1,028	'
Cash recovery from liquidation sale	'	'
Allowance for Sales Return and Doubtful Accounts [Line Items]	'	'
Bad debt expense	($40)	'

Inventories_Stated_at_Lower_of

Inventories Stated at Lower of Average Cost or Market (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]	'	'
Raw materials	$13,005	$14,921
Work-in-progress	8,196	5,526
Finished goods	1,561	5,746
Inventories	$22,762	$26,193

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property plant and equipment	$55,028	$52,627
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	42,083	39,201
Total property, plant and equipment, net	12,945	13,426
Leasehold Improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property plant and equipment	15,090	15,254
Machinery and Equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property plant and equipment	$39,938	$37,373

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Deta

Other Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Accrued product warranties	$1,546	$2,259
Other taxes payable	551	729
Deferred revenue	496	4,641
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	164	265
Accrued income taxes	'	207
Other	506	388
Total other accrued liabilities	$3,263	$8,489

Other_Long_Term_Liabilities_De

Other Long Term Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	$1,220	$4,886
Accrued income taxes	394	4,256
Accrued product warranties	101	90
Total other long-term liabilities	$1,715	$9,232

Information_Regarding_Other_Ac

Information Regarding Other Acquisition Related Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	$8,387,000	'	$4,665,000
Gross Carrying Amount	8,387,000	'	8,755,000
Accumulated Amortization	3,485,000	'	2,887,000
Finite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	4,902,000	'	1,778,000
Net Carrying Amount	4,902,000	'	5,868,000
Customer Relationships	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	3,119,000	'	3,181,000
Accumulated Amortization	2,206,000	'	1,869,000
Finite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	913,000	'	1,312,000
Purchased technology	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	5,148,000	'	1,145,000
Accumulated Amortization	1,159,000	'	679,000
Finite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	3,989,000	'	466,000
Covenants not to compete	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	40,000	'	140,000
Accumulated Amortization	40,000	'	140,000
Backlog	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	80,000	'	199,000
Accumulated Amortization	80,000	'	199,000
IPR&D	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	'	4,000,000	4,000,000
Accumulated Amortization	'	'	'
Indefinite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	'	'	4,000,000
Trade Names	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'
Indefinite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	'	'	90,000
Accumulated Amortization	'	'	'
Indefinite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	'	'	$90,000

Goodwill_and_Purchased_Intangi2

Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets, Net - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 29, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				IPR&D	IPR&D	Equipment	Equipment	Photonics
Intangible Assets And Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	$4,902,000	$5,868,000	'	'	'	'	$4,400,000	$535,000
Total amortization expense of finite-lived intangibles	876,000	543,000	543,000	'	'	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangible asset	'	'	'	$4,000,000	$4,000,000	'	'	'
Intangible assets, expected useful life	'	'	'	'	'	'7 years	'	'

Estimated_Future_Amortization_

Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Finite-Lived Purchased Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived Intangible Assets And Liabilities Future Amortization Expense [Line Items]	'	'
2014	$935	'
2015	853	'
2016	853	'
2017	757	'
2018	615	'
Thereafter	889	'
Finite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	$4,902	$1,778

Information_Regarding_Goodwill

Information Regarding Goodwill by Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	$18,389	$18,389
Impairment charges	-18,389	'
Ending balance	'	18,389
Equipment	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	10,484	10,484
Impairment charges	-10,484	'
Ending balance	'	10,484
Photonics	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	7,905	7,905
Impairment charges	-7,905	'
Ending balance	'	$7,905

Contingent_Consideration_Addit

Contingent Consideration - Additional Information (Detail) (Solar Implant Technologies, USD $)	Nov. 19, 2010
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Milestone	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Maximum amount of cash potentially earned in contingent compensation arrangements	$7
Revenue Earnout	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Maximum amount of cash potentially earned in contingent compensation arrangements	$9

Quantitative_Range_of_Signific

Quantitative Range of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used in Calculation of Fair Value of Continent Consideration Liability (Detail) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3, Revenue Earnout, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'
Valuation technique	'Discounted cash flow
Fair Value	$1,384
Weighted Average	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'
Weighted average cost of capital	17.20%
Probability weighting of achieving revenue forecasts	33.00%
Minimum	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'
Probability weighting of achieving revenue forecasts	20.00%
Maximum	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'
Probability weighting of achieving revenue forecasts	55.00%

Reconciliation_of_Change_in_Fa

Reconciliation of Change in Fair Value Measurement of Contingent Consideration Liability (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$5,151	$8,715	$9,857
Changes in fair value	-3,727	-219	1,247
Cash payments made	-40	-3,345	-2,389
Ending balance	$1,384	$5,151	$8,715

Divestitures_Additional_Inform

Divestitures - Additional Information (Detail) (DeltaNu, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2013
Divestitures [Line Items]	'
Proceeds from sale of assets	$500,000
Percentage of Earn-out receivable	5.00%
Earn-out period	'5 years
Maximum earn-out payments during payment period	1,000,000
Maximum	'
Divestitures [Line Items]	'
Maximum consideration receivable from assets sold	1,500,000
Minimum	'
Divestitures [Line Items]	'
Annual minimum earn-out payment receivable	$100,000

Components_of_Gain_Loss_Detail

Components of Gain (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 30, 2013	Jan. 06, 2012
			DeltaNu	Mainframe Technology
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash proceeds	'	'	$500	$3,000
Assets sold:	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	147	'
Inventories	'	'	320	589
Other current assets	'	'	27	'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	159	178
Trade name	'	'	90	'
Total assets sold	'	'	743	'
Liabilities divested:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	'	'	59	'
Other accrued expenses	'	'	6	'
Total liabilities divested	'	'	65	'
Transaction and other costs	'	'	30	26
Gain (Loss) on sale	($208)	$2,207	($208)	$2,207

Cash_Cash_Equivalents_and_Shor

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments and Long-Term Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$81,380	$92,094
Unrealized Holdings Gains	39	86
Unrealized Holdings Losses	5	11
Fair Value	81,414	92,169
Cash	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	5,819	5,939
Fair Value	5,819	5,939
Money market funds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	14,302	18,322
Fair Value	14,302	18,322
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	20,121	24,261
Fair Value	20,121	24,261
Short-term Investments	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	48,953	40,558
Unrealized Holdings Gains	25	37
Unrealized Holdings Losses	3	4
Fair Value	48,975	40,591
Short-term Investments | Commercial Paper	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,998	2,495
Unrealized Holdings Gains	1	'
Fair Value	1,999	2,495
Short-term Investments | Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	27,181	19,539
Unrealized Holdings Gains	13	13
Unrealized Holdings Losses	3	4
Fair Value	27,191	19,548
Short-term Investments | Municipal bonds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	6,108	1,203
Unrealized Holdings Gains	4	1
Fair Value	6,112	1,204
Short-term Investments | US Government Agencies Debt Securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	13,506	16,976
Unrealized Holdings Gains	7	23
Fair Value	13,513	16,999
Short-term Investments | Variable rate demand notes ("VRDNs")	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	160	345
Fair Value	160	345
Other Long-term Investments	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	12,306	27,275
Unrealized Holdings Gains	14	49
Unrealized Holdings Losses	2	7
Fair Value	12,318	27,317
Other Long-term Investments | Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	8,811	16,776
Unrealized Holdings Gains	12	33
Unrealized Holdings Losses	'	7
Fair Value	8,823	16,802
Other Long-term Investments | Municipal bonds	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	3,495	1,000
Unrealized Holdings Gains	2	2
Unrealized Holdings Losses	2	'
Fair Value	3,495	1,002
Other Long-term Investments | US Government Agencies Debt Securities	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	'	9,499
Unrealized Holdings Gains	'	14
Fair Value	'	$9,513

Contractual_Maturities_of_Avai

Contractual Maturities of Available-For-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized Cost	'
Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$61,095
Amortized Cost, Due after one through two years	13,306
Amortized Cost, Due after ten years	1,160
Amortized Cost	75,561
Fair Value	'
Fair Value, Due in one year or less	61,114
Fair Value, Due after one through two years	13,321
Fair Value, Due after ten years	1,160
Fair Value	$75,595

Fair_Market_Value_of_Investmen

Fair Market Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Not Deemed to be Other-Than Temporarily Impaired (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$10,941
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	5
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Fair Value	'
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	'
Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	7,466
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	3
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Fair Value	'
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	'
Municipal bonds	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	3,475
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	2
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Fair Value	'
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	'

Fair_Value_Hierarchy_of_Availa

Fair Value Hierarchy of Available-for-Sale Securities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	$75,595
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	75,595
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Money market funds	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	14,302
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US treasury and agency securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	13,513
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commercial Paper	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	1,999
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	36,014
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	9,607
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Variable rate demand notes ("VRDNs")	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	160
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	20,304
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Money market funds	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	14,302
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | US treasury and agency securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	6,002
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	55,291
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | US treasury and agency securities	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	7,511
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Commercial Paper	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	1,999
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	36,014
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Municipal bonds	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	9,607
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Variable rate demand notes ("VRDNs")	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'
Total recurring fair value measurements	$160

Changes_in_Level_Three_Instrum

Changes in Level Three Instruments Consisting of Auction Rate Securities Classified As Available-for-Sale Securities and Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, Auction rate securities ("ARS"), Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Auction rate securities ("ARS") | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Instruments Classified in Shareholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Opening balance	$4,490	$10,273
Total gains (losses) for the period Included in earnings	-381	-308
Included in other comprehensive income	410	217
Proceeds from sales	-1,748	'
Proceeds from tender offers	-2,771	-5,192
Redemptions at par	'	-500
Closing balance	'	$4,490

Financial_Instruments_Addition

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Minimum	Maximum	Foreign currency forward contracts	Foreign currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maturity of foreign currency derivative	'30 days	'60 days	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative	'	'	$894,000	$491,000

Equity_Additional_Information_

Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 21, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Stock repurchase authorized amount	$30	'
Stock repurchase remains available for future stock repurchase	'	$28.30

Stock_Repurchases_Detail

Stock Repurchases (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]	'
Shares of common stock repurchased	241
Cost of stock repurchased	$1,688
Average price paid per share	$6.97

Provision_for_Benefit_from_Inc

Provision for (Benefit from) Income Tax (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Federal:	'	'	'
Current	($3,925)	$3	($899)
Deferred	3,387	17,160	-3,633
Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total	-538	17,163	-4,532
State:	'	'	'
Current	12	-13	8
Deferred	'	'	'
State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total	12	-13	8
Foreign:	'	'	'
Current	-38	-150	141
Deferred	-1,158	-3,760	-3,748
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total	-1,196	-3,910	-3,607
Total	($1,722)	$13,240	($8,131)

Loss_Before_Income_Taxes_Benef

Loss Before Income Taxes (Benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Components of Income Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]	'	'	'
U.S	($11,478)	($32,128)	($15,078)
Foreign	-5,940	-9,951	-15,028
Income (loss) before income taxes	($17,418)	($42,079)	($30,106)
Effective tax rate	9.90%	-31.50%	27.00%

Significant_Components_of_Defe

Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Vacation, warranty and other accruals	$1,269	$1,489
Depreciation and amortization	1,554	1,391
Intangible amortization	3,235	4,956
Inventory valuation	1,706	1,547
Deferred income	43	1,132
Equity-based compensation	6,242	7,440
Net operating loss, research and other tax credit carryforwards	43,203	35,693
Other	49	127
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total	57,301	53,775
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	-45,859	-38,998
Total deferred tax assets	11,442	14,777
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Purchased technology	-1,488	-1,653
Unbilled revenue	-1,004	-1,925
Other	-284	-304
Total deferred tax liabilities	-2,776	-3,882
Net deferred tax assets	8,666	10,895
As reported on the balance sheet:	'	'
Current deferred tax assets	103	'
Non-current deferred tax assets	9,502	12,176
Current deferred tax liability	-939	-1,281
Net deferred tax assets	$8,666	$10,895

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Foreign Tax Authority

Foreign Tax Authority

Foreign Tax Authority

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

State and Local Jurisdiction

State and Local Jurisdiction

State and Local Jurisdiction

State and Local Jurisdiction

Domestic Tax Authority

Minimum

Maximum

Research Tax Credit Carryforward

Research Tax Credit Carryforward

Research Tax Credit Carryforward

Minimum

Maximum

Research Tax Credit Carryforward

Minimum

Maximum

Income Taxes [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax benefit from valuation allowance

$7,201,000

$23,437,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Undistributed earnings

'

'

'

'

17,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Tax holiday ending years

'

'

'

'

'2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduced income tax benefit

'

'

'

'

'

1,600,000

1,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax benefit on net income loss per share

'

'

'

'

'

$0.07

$0.05

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Federal income taxes receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

912,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

NOL carryforwards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

62,200,000

'

'

'

'

NOL carryforwards, expiration year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2027

'2033

'

'

'

'

'2015

'2033

'

'

Tax credit carryforwards

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

11,300,000

22,100,000

Tax Credit carryforwards are available to offset future tax liabilities, expiration year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2019

'2033

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized tax benefits

6,482,000

6,000,000

5,022,000

4,494,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate

98,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognized net tax expense(benefit) for interest

-13,000

65,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued interest related to unrealized tax benefits

$117,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Difference_Between_Tax_Provisi

Difference Between Tax Provision (Benefit) at Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate and Tax Provision (Benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation Of Income Taxes [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income tax (benefit) at the federal statutory rate	($6,096)	($14,728)	($10,537)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	12	-15	5
Valuation allowance	7,201	23,330	108
Effect of foreign operations taxes at various rates	983	-428	1,653
Nondeductible goodwill impairment	'	3,670	'
Research tax credits	-2,284	'	-1,200
Effect of tax rate changes, permanent differences and adjustments of prior deferrals	-1,062	367	852
Unrecognized tax benefits	-476	1,044	988
Total	($1,722)	$13,240	($8,131)

Aggregate_Changes_in_Balance_o

Aggregate Changes in Balance of Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Line Items]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$6,000	$5,022	$4,494
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	597	978	928
Additions for tax positions of prior years	98	'	'
Settlements	'	'	-400
Lapse of statute of limitations	-213	'	'
Ending balance	$6,482	$6,000	$5,022

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Age
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Defined contribution retirement plan, employee eligibility age	18	'	'
Cash contributions	$422,000	$501,000	$540,000
Defined bonus plan, charges to expenses	$1,700,000	$210,000	$720,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Prepaid rent, included in other long-term assets	$425,000	'	'
Gross rental expense	$2,900,000	$3,000,000	$2,900,000
Minimum product warranty range	'12 months	'	'
Maximum product warranty range	'24 months	'	'
Product warranty offer on sale	'3 months	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Operating lease expiration date	'2017-03	'	'

Future_Minimum_Lease_Payments_

Future Minimum Lease Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]	'
2014	$2,283
2015	2,288
2016	2,209
2017	482
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	$7,262

Warranty_Provision_Account_Det

Warranty Provision Account (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accrued Warranty [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	$2,349	$2,724
Expenditures incurred under warranties	-1,033	-1,567
Accruals for product warranties	1,091	1,288
Adjustments to previously existing warranty accruals	-760	-96
Ending balance	$1,647	$2,349

Segment_and_Geographic_Informa2

Segment and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of reportable segments	2
Allocation of corporate expenses to the segments	3.00%

Information_for_Each_Reportabl

Information for Each Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment net revenues	$20,552	$19,115	$16,983	$12,982	$17,483	$16,834	$31,791	$17,315	$69,632	$83,424	$82,974
Unallocated costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,722	-6,181	-6,279
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-18,419	'
Gain (loss) on divestitures	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-208	2,207	'
Operating loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-17,823	-42,533	-30,741
Interest income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	279	806	847
Other income and expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	126	-352	-212
Loss before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-17,418	-42,079	-30,106
Operating Segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-11,893	-20,140	-24,462
Equipment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment net revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	39,135	52,538	54,878
Equipment | Operating Segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-12,951	-19,934	-20,321
Photonics	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total segment net revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30,497	30,886	28,096
Photonics | Operating Segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,058	($206)	($4,141)

Depreciation_and_Amortization_

Depreciation and Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	$4,518	$4,479	$5,423
Operating Segments	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	4,046	3,809	4,270
Operating Segments | Equipment	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,146	2,003	2,901
Operating Segments | Photonics	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,900	1,806	1,369
Unallocated Amount to Segment	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	$472	$670	$1,153

Capital_Additions_Detail

Capital Additions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital additions	$3,323	$3,280	$5,582
Operating Segments	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital additions	2,751	2,795	4,865
Operating Segments | Equipment	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital additions	1,857	1,260	2,717
Operating Segments | Photonics	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital additions	894	1,535	2,148
Unallocated Amount to Segment	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital additions	$572	$485	$717

Assets_for_Each_Reportable_Seg

Assets for Each Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and investments	$81,414	$92,169
Deferred income taxes	9,605	12,176
Other current assets	982	1,870
Common property, plant and equipment	1,302	1,211
Other assets	425	649
Consolidated total assets	148,276	172,503
Operating Segments	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Consolidated total assets	54,548	64,428
Operating Segments | Equipment	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Consolidated total assets	33,428	37,376
Operating Segments | Photonics	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Consolidated total assets	$21,120	$27,052

Revenue_from_Unaffiliated_Cust

Revenue from Unaffiliated Customers by Geographic Region/Country (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 28, 2013

Jun. 29, 2013

Mar. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 29, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total net revenues

$20,552

$19,115

$16,983

$12,982

$17,483

$16,834

$31,791

$17,315

$69,632

$83,424

$82,974

United States

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total net revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,534

30,845

28,907

Asia

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total net revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,907

[1]

47,712

[1]

47,325

[1]

Europe

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total net revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,191

3,795

6,128

Rest of World

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total net revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,072

$614

[1]

Revenues are attributable to the geographic area in which Intevac's customers are located. Net trade revenues in Asia include shipments to Singapore, China, Japan and Malaysia.

Net_Property_Plant_and_Equipme

Net Property, Plant and Equipment by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net property, plant & equipment	$12,945	$13,426
United States	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net property, plant & equipment	11,240	12,962
Asia	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net property, plant & equipment	$1,705	$464

Restructuring_Charges_Addition

Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 01, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Percentage of reduction of global workforce	18.00%
Minimum	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Reduction in salary, wages and other employee-related expenses due to implementation of plan	5.5
Maximum	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Reduction in salary, wages and other employee-related expenses due to implementation of plan	6

Changes_in_Restructuring_Reser

Changes in Restructuring Reserves (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance	'
Provision for restructuring reserves	742
Cash payments made	-742
Ending balance	'

Selected_Quarterly_Consolidate2

Selected Quarterly Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 29, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$20,552	$19,115	$16,983	$12,982	$17,483	$16,834	$31,791	$17,315	$69,632	$83,424	$82,974
Gross profit	7,737	6,895	3,829	3,514	7,340	5,732	14,254	6,824	21,973	34,158	30,431
Net income (loss)	$1,725	($2,745)	($6,412)	($8,264)	($42,658)	($8,007)	($1,493)	($3,161)	($15,696)	($55,319)	($21,975)
Basic and diluted loss per share	$0.07	($0.11)	($0.27)	($0.35)	($1.82)	($0.34)	($0.06)	($0.14)	($0.66)	($2.37)	($0.96)