Intevac (IVAC) 10-Q 5 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	1-May-15
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	4-Apr-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	IVAC
Entity Registrant Name	INTEVAC INC
Entity Central Index Key	1001902
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-2
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,832,388

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$17,068	$21,482
Short-term investments	33,266	29,598
Trade and other accounts receivable, net of allowances of $0 at both April 4, 2015 and at January 3, 2015	11,561	12,087
Inventories	18,966	19,212
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,836	1,727
Total current assets	82,697	84,106
Property, plant and equipment, net	12,784	12,826
Long-term investments	11,189	17,542
Restricted cash	1,780	1,780
Intangible assets, net of amortization of $4,634 at April 4, 2015 and $4,421 at January 3, 2015	3,753	3,966
Deferred income taxes and other long-term assets	99	55
Total assets	112,302	120,275
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	4,767	4,640
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	2,849	3,977
Other accrued liabilities	5,137	8,277
Customer advances	2,365	2,551
Total current liabilities	15,118	19,445
Other long-term liabilities	2,285	2,200
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value	23	23
Additional paid-in capital	163,391	161,271
Treasury stock, 1,870 shares at April 4, 2015 and 1,426 shares at January 3, 2015	-12,976	-9,989
Accumulated other comprehensive income	648	619
Accumulated deficit	-56,187	-53,294
Total stockholders' equity	94,899	98,630
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$112,302	$120,275

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
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	$4,634	$4,421
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Treasury Stock, shares	1,870	1,426

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Net revenues:
Systems and components	$18,082	$13,320
Technology development	1,803	3,695
Total net revenues	19,885	17,015
Cost of net revenues:
Systems and components	11,585	9,736
Technology development	1,378	2,469
Total cost of net revenues	12,963	12,205
Gross profit	6,922	4,810
Operating expenses:
Research and development	4,608	4,273
Selling, general and administrative	5,253	5,261
Total operating expenses	9,861	9,534
Loss from operations	-2,939	-4,724
Interest income and other, net	79	73
Loss before income taxes	-2,860	-4,651
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	33	-130
Net loss	($2,893)	($4,521)
Net loss per share:
Basic and Diluted	($0.12)	($0.19)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic and Diluted	23,229	23,858

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Net loss	($2,893)	($4,521)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Change in unrealized net gain on available-for-sale investments	29	5
Foreign currency translation losses		-31
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	29	-26
Income tax provision related to items in other comprehensive loss	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	29	-26
Comprehensive loss	($2,864)	($4,547)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Operating activities
Net loss	($2,893)	($4,521)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,173	1,190
Net amortization of investment premiums and discounts	131	208
Equity-based compensation	862	697
Change in the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration	-26	51
Deferred income taxes		-163
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	-1,295	-1,909
Total adjustments	845	74
Net cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities	-2,048	-4,447
Investing activities
Purchases of investments	-11,476	-2,996
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments	12,000	16,230
Purchases of leasehold improvements and equipment	-918	-1,401
Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) investing activities	-394	11,833
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	834	1,000
Common stock repurchases	-2,806	-1,140
Net cash and cash equivalents used in financing activities	-1,972	-140
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		-30
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-4,414	7,216
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	21,482	20,121
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$17,068	$27,337

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Basis of Presentation	1	Basis of Presentation
	In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Intevac, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Intevac or the Company) included herein have been prepared on a basis consistent with the January 3, 2015 audited consolidated financial statements and include all material adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly present the information set forth therein. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Intevac’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2015 (“2014 Form 10-K”). Intevac’s results of operations for the three months ended April 4, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of future operating results.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	2	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-02, “Consolidations (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis”, which amends current consolidation guidance including changes to both the variable and voting interest models used by companies to evaluate whether an entity should be consolidated. The amendments in this ASU will be effective for Intevac in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU will not have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, “Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20),” which simplifies income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. This ASU will be effective for Intevac in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this ASU will not have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Inventories	3	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market and consist of the following:
			April 4,		January 3,
			2015		2015
			(In thousands)
	Raw materials		$	10,864	$	10,684
	Work-in-progress			2,541		2,299
	Finished goods			5,561		6,229
			$	18,966	$	19,212
	Finished goods inventory consists primarily of completed systems at customer sites that are undergoing installation and acceptance testing and evaluation inventory.

EquityBased_Compensation

Equity-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Equity-Based Compensation	4	Equity-Based Compensation
	At April 4, 2015, Intevac had equity-based awards outstanding under the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plans”) and the 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). Intevac’s stockholders approved all of these plans. The Plans permit the grant of incentive or non-statutory stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs” also referred to as “performance units”) and performance shares.
	The ESPP provides that eligible employees may purchase Intevac’s 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.
	Compensation Expense
	The effect of recording equity-based compensation for the three-month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 was as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			April 4, 2015			March 29, 2014
			(In thousands)
	Equity-based compensation by type of award:
	Stock options		$	316		$	241
	RSUs			340			292
	Employee stock purchase plan			206			164
	Total equity-based compensation		$	862		$	697
	Equity-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and such amount has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures were estimated based on Intevac’s historical experience, which Intevac believes to be indicative of Intevac’s future experience.
	Stock Options and ESPP
	The fair value of stock options and ESPP awards is estimated at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The determination of fair value of stock options and ESPP awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by Intevac’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual employee stock option exercise behavior.
	Option activity as of April 4, 2015 and changes during the three months ended April 4, 2015 were as follows:
			Shares			Weighted Average
						Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at January 3, 2015			2,584,935		$	8.26
	Options granted			15,375		$	6.74
	Options cancelled and forfeited			(237,151	)	$	7.34
	Options exercised			(21,708	)	$	4.26
	Options outstanding at April 4, 2015			2,341,451		$	8.38
	Vested and expected to vest at April 4, 2015			2,209,644		$	8.48
	Options exercisable at April 4, 2015			1,318,925		$	9.67
	Intevac issued 201,000 shares under the ESPP during the three months ended April 4, 2015.
	Intevac estimated the weighted-average fair value of stock options and employee stock purchase rights using the following weighted-average assumptions:
			Three Months Ended
			April 4, 2015			March 29, 2014
	Stock Options:
	Weighted-average fair value of grants per share		$	2.6		$	4.14
	Expected volatility			49.62	%		54.71	%
	Risk free interest rate			1	%		1.87	%
	Expected term of options (in years)			4			5.2
	Dividend yield			None			None
	Stock Purchase Rights:
	Weighted-average fair value of grants per share		$	2.26		$	2.15
	Expected volatility			44.05	%		43.4	%
	Risk free interest rate			0.39	%		0.11	%
	Expected term of purchase rights (in years)			1.22			0.74
	Dividend yield			None			None
	The computation of the expected volatility assumptions used in the Black-Scholes calculations for new stock option grants and purchase rights is based on the historical volatility of Intevac’s stock price, measured over a period equal to the expected term of the stock option grant or purchase right. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield available on U.S. Treasury Strips with an equivalent remaining term. The expected term 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 equity-based awards and vesting schedules. The expected term of purchase rights represents the period of time remaining in the current offering period. The dividend yield assumption is based on Intevac’s history of not paying dividends and the assumption of not paying dividends in the future.
	RSUs
	A summary of the RSU activity is as follows:
			Shares			Weighted Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Non-vested RSUs at January 3, 2015			350,429		$	6.62
	Granted			144,860		$	6.84
	Vested			(2,689	)	$	7.94
	Cancelled and forfeited			(22,073	)	$	6.29
	Non-vested RSUs at April 4, 2015			470,527		$	6.7
	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. In fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014, the annual bonus for certain participants in the Company’s annual incentive plan will be settled with RSUs with one year vesting. The Company accrued for the payment of bonuses at the expected company-wide payout percentage amount at April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, which amounts were less than the target bonus amounts for each participant. The bonus accrual is classified as a liability until the number of shares is determined on the date the awards are granted, at which time the Company classifies the awards into equity. In February 2015, the annual bonus for certain participants was settled with RSUs with one year vesting, 29 participants were granted stock awards to receive 133,000 shares of common stock with a weighted average grant date fair value of $6.85 per share. The Company recorded equity-based compensation expense related to the annual incentive plans of $(51,000) and $161,000 for the three months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively.
	Performance-based RSUs (“performance-based awards”) granted in fiscal 2013 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 levels measured at the end of two and three-year periods. In early 2015, the Compensation Committee assessed performance against the goals following the completion of the 2-year performance period for Tranche 1 and determined that 5,532 shares of the awards became earned and therefore eligible for time-based vesting.

Purchased_Intangible_Assets

Purchased Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Purchased Intangible Assets	5	Purchased Intangible Assets
	Details of finite-lived intangible assets by segment as of April 4, 2015, are as follows.
			April 4, 2015
			Gross		Accumulated			Net
			Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
			Amount					Amount
			(In thousands)
	Thin-film Equipment		$	7,172	$	(3,822	)	$	3,350
	Photonics			1,215		(812	)		403
			$	8,387	$	(4,634	)	$	3,753
	Total amortization expense of finite-lived intangibles for the three months ended April 4, 2015 was $213,000.
	As of April 4, 2015, future amortization expense is expected to be as follows.
	(In thousands)
	2015		$	640
	2016			853
	2017			756
	2018			615
	2019			615
	Thereafter			274
			$	3,753

AcquisitionRelated_Contingent_

Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration	6	Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration
	In connection with the acquisition of Solar Implant Technologies, Inc. (“SIT”), Intevac 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 April 4, 2015 based on probability-based forecasted revenues reflecting Intevac’s own assumptions concerning future revenue from such products. As of April 4, 2015, 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 observed in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement. 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 three-month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
			Three Months Ended
			April 4,			March 29,
			2015			2014
			(In thousands)
	Opening balance		$	1,134		$	1,384
	Changes in fair value			(26	)		51
	Closing balance		$	1,108		$	1,435
	The following table displays the balance sheet classification of the contingent consideration liability account at April 4, 2015 and at January 3, 2015:
			April 4,			January 3,
			2015			2015
			(In thousands)
	Other accrued liabilities		$	32		$	59
	Other long-term liabilities			1,076			1,075
	Total acquisition-related contingent consideration		$	1,108		$	1,134
	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 April 4, 2015. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
			Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements at April 4, 2015
			Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
			(In thousands, except for percentages)
	Revenue Earnout		$	1,108		Discounted cash flow		Weighted average cost of capital	15.60%
								Probability weighting of achieving revenue forecasts
									20.0% - 80.0% (45.3%)

Warranty

Warranty	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Warranty	7	Warranty
	Intevac provides for the estimated cost of warranty when revenue is recognized. Intevac’s warranty is per contract terms and for its disk manufacturing, PV manufacturing and display cover panel 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 condensed 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 condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	The following table displays the activity in the warranty provision account for the three-month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
			Three Months Ended
			April 4,			March 29,
			2015			2014
			(In thousands)
	Opening balance		$	1,186		$	1,647
	Expenditures incurred under warranties			(130	)		(305	)
	Accruals for product warranties issued during the reporting period			396			284
	Adjustments to previously existing warranty accruals			(100	)		(295	)
	Closing balance		$	1,352		$	1,331
	The following table displays the balance sheet classification of the warranty provision account at April 4, 2015 and at January 3, 2015:
			April 4,			January 3,
			2015			2015
			(In thousands)
	Other accrued liabilities		$	1,111		$	1,022
	Other long-term liabilities			241			164
	Total warranty provision		$	1,352		$	1,186

Guarantees

Guarantees	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Guarantees	8	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 judgments 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.
	Letters of Credit
	As of April 4, 2015, we had letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding totaling $1.8 million, including the standby letter of credit outstanding under the Santa Clara, California facility lease and a banker’s guarantee which guarantees customer advances under a customer contract.

Cash_Cash_Equivalents_and_Inve

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments	9	Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments
	Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments consist of:
			April 4, 2015
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair Value
			Cost		Holding		Holding
					Gains		Losses
			(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash		$	2,712	$	—	$	—	$	2,712
	Money market funds			14,356		—		—		14,356
	Total cash and cash equivalents		$	17,068	$	—	$	—	$	17,068
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper		$	6,991	$	1	$	—	$	6,992
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes			18,489		8		1		18,496
	Municipal bonds			2,770		3		—		2,773
	U.S. treasury and agency securities			4,998		7		—		5,005
	Total short-term investments		$	33,248	$	19	$	1	$	33,266
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		$	2,021	$	2	$	—	$	2,023
	Municipal bonds			3,167		1		6		3,162
	U.S. treasury and agency securities			5,991		13		—		6,004
	Total long-term investments		$	11,179	$	16	$	6	$	11,189
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments		$	61,495	$	35	$	7	$	61,523
			January 3, 2015
			Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair Value
			Cost		Holding		Holding
					Gains		Losses
			(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash		$	4,948	$	—	$	—	$	4,948
	Money market funds			16,534		—		—		16,534
	Total cash and cash equivalents		$	21,482	$	—	$	—	$	21,482
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper		$	2,995	$	2	$	—	$	2,997
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes			21,203		2		6		21,199
	Municipal bonds			5,392		11		1		5,402
	Total short-term investments		$	29,590	$	15	$	7	$	29,598
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		$	6,266	$	1	$	4	$	6,263
	Municipal bonds			2,290		—		8		2,282
	U.S. treasury and agency securities			8,995		3		1		8,997
	Total long-term investments		$	17,551	$	4	$	13	$	17,542
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments		$	68,623	$	19	$	20	$	68,622
	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 April 4, 2015.
			April 4, 2015
			In Loss Position for				In Loss Position for
			Less than 12 Months				Greater than 12 Months
			Fair		Gross		Fair Value		Gross
			Value		Unrealized				Unrealized
					Losses				Losses
			(in thousands)
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		$	8,075	$	1	$	—	$	—
	Municipal bonds			2,669		6		—		—
			$	10,744	$	7	$	—	$	—
	The contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities at April 4, 2015 are presented in the following table.
			Amortized		Fair Value
			Cost
			(In thousands)
	Due in one year or less		$	47,604	$	47,622
	Due after one through two years			11,179		11,189
			$	58,783	$	58,811
	All prices for the fixed maturity securities including U.S. Treasury and agency securities, commercial paper, corporate bonds 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 April 4, 2015.
			Fair Value
Measurements
at April 4, 2015
		Total		Level 1		Level 2
		(In thousands)
Recurring fair value measurements:
Available-for-sale securities
Money market funds		$	14,356	$	14,356	$	—
U.S. treasury and agency securities			11,009		9,008		2,001
Commercial paper			6,992		—		6,992
Corporate bonds and medium-term notes			20,519		—		20,519
Municipal bonds			5,935		—		5,935
Total recurring fair value measurements		$	58,811	$	23,364	$	35,447

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Derivative Instruments	10	Derivative Instruments
	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 and to offset certain operational exposures from the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. 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 original maturities of approximately 30, 60, 210 and 240 days.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments on a gross basis as recorded in its condensed consolidated balance sheets as of April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015:
			Notional Amounts				Derivative Assets										Derivative Liabilities
	Derivative Instrument		April 4,		January 3,		April 4,					January 3,					April 4,					January 3,
			2015		2015		2015					2015					2015					2015
							Balance			Fair		Balance			Fair		Balance			Fair		Balance			Fair
							Sheet			Value		Sheet			Value		Sheet			Value		Sheet			Value
							Line					Line					Line					Line
			(in thousands)
	Undesignated Hedges:
	Forward Foreign Currency Contracts		$	1,520	$	2,647		(a	)	$	16		(a	)	$	10		(b	)	$	3		(b	)	$	4
	Total Hedges		$	1,520	$	2,647				$	16				$	10				$	3				$	4
	(a)	Prepaid expenses and other current assets
	(b)	Other accrued liabilities

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Equity	11	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. At April 4, 2015, $17.0 million remains available for future stock repurchases under the repurchase program.
	The following table summarizes Intevac’s stock repurchases:
			Three Months Ended
			April 4, 2015		March 29, 2014
			(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Shares of common stock repurchased			443		138
	Cost of stock repurchased		$	2,987	$	1,050
	Average price paid per share		$	6.71	$	7.63
	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.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the three months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, are as follows.
			Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended
			April 4, 2015							March 29, 2014
			Foreign		Unrealized			Total		Foreign			Unrealized		Total
			currency		holding gains					currency			holding gains
					on available-								on available-
					for-sale								for-sale
					investments								investments
			(In thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	620	$	(1	)	$	619	$	691		$	34	$	725
	Other comprehensive income			—		29			29		(31	)		5		(26	)
	(loss) before reclassification
	Amounts reclassified from other			—		—			—		—			—		—
	comprehensive income
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)			—		29			29		(31	)		5		(26	)
	Ending balance		$	620	$	28		$	648	$	660		$	39	$	699

Net_Loss_Per_Share

Net Loss Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Net Loss Per Share	12	Net Loss Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share:
			Three Months Ended
			April 4,			March 29,
			2015			2014
			(In thousands)
	Net loss		$	(2,893	)	$	(4,521	)
	Weighted-average shares – basic			23,229			23,858
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares			—			—
	Weighted-average shares – diluted			23,229			23,858
	Net loss per share – basic		$	(0.12	)	$	(0.19	)
	Net loss per share – diluted		$	(0.12	)	$	(0.19	)
	Antidilutive shares based on employee awards excluded			2,178			1,844
	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.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Segment Reporting	13	Segment Reporting
	Intevac’s two reportable segments are: Thin-film Equipment and Photonics. Effective in the first quarter of 2015, Intevac renamed the Equipment segment Thin-film Equipment. 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 April 4, 2015 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 Thin-film 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, solar cell and cell phone manufacturers as well as other adjacent thin-film deposition applications.
	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 three months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 is as follows:
	Net Revenues
			Three Months Ended
			April 4,			March 29,
			2015			2014
			(In thousands)
	Thin-film Equipment		$	10,628		$	9,047
	Photonics			9,257			7,968
	Total segment net revenues		$	19,885		$	17,015
	Operating Loss
			Three Months Ended
			April 4,			March 29,
			2015			2014
			(In thousands)
	Thin-film Equipment		$	(3,297	)	$	(4,141	)
	Photonics			1,477			908
	Total segment operating profit (loss)			(1,820	)		(3,233	)
	Unallocated costs			(1,119	)		(1,491	)
	Loss from operations			(2,939	)		(4,724	)
	Interest income and other, net			79			73
	Loss before income taxes		$	(2,860	)	$	(4,651	)
	Total assets for each reportable segment as of April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015 are as follows:
	Assets
			April 4,			January 3,
			2015			2015
			(In thousands)
	Thin-film Equipment		$	29,647		$	30,670
	Photonics			17,260			17,126
	Total segment assets			46,907			47,796
	Cash, cash equivalents and investments			61,523			68,622
	Restricted cash			1,780			1,780
	Deferred income taxes			52			5
	Other current assets			840			989
	Common property, plant and equipment			1,200			1,083
	Consolidated total assets		$	112,302		$	120,275

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Restructuring Charges	14	Restructuring Charges
	During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, Intevac substantially completed implementation of the 2015 cost reduction plan (the “Plan”), which was intended to reduce expenses and reduce its workforce by 3 percent. The cost of implementing the Plan was reported under cost of net revenues and operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Substantially all cash outlays in connection with the Plan occurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Implementation of the Plan is expected to reduce salary, wages and other employee-related expenses by approximately $1.4 million on an annual basis.
	During the first half of fiscal 2014, Intevac substantially completed implementation of the 2014 cost reduction plan (the “2014 Plan”), which was intended to reduce expenses and reduce its workforce by 6 percent. The cost of implementing the 2014 Plan was reported under cost of net revenues and operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Substantially all cash outlays in connection with the Plan occurred in the first half of fiscal 2014. Implementation of the 2014 Plan is expected to reduce salary, wages and other employee-related expenses by approximately $2.1 million on an annual basis. As of April 4, 2015, activities related to the 2014 Plan were complete.
	The changes in restructuring reserves associated with the Plans for the three months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 are as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			April 4,			March 29,
			2015			2014
			Severance and			Severance and
			other			other
			employee-			employee-
			related costs			related costs
			(In thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	—		$	—
	Provision for restructuring reserves			148			227
	Cash payments made			(148	)		(227	)
	Ending balance		$	—		$	—

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Income Taxes	15	Income Taxes
	Intevac recorded an income tax provision of $33,000 for the three months ended April 4, 2015 and an income tax benefit of $130,000 for the three months ended March 29, 2014. The income tax provisions for the three month periods are based upon estimates of annual income (loss), annual permanent differences and statutory tax rates in the various jurisdictions in which Intevac operates. Intevac did not recognize a benefit on the U.S. net operating loss for the three month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 due to having full valuation allowances on the U.S. deferred tax assets. Intevac did not recognize a benefit on the Singapore net operating loss for the three months ended April 4, 2015 due to having full valuation allowances on the Singapore deferred tax assets. Intevac’s tax rate differs from the applicable statutory rates due primarily to establishment of a valuation allowance, the utilization of deferred and current credits and the effect of permanent differences and adjustments of prior permanent differences. Intevac’s future effective income tax rate depends on various factors including, 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. Management carefully monitors these factors and timely adjusts the effective income tax rate.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies	16	Commitments and Contingencies
	From time to time, Intevac may have certain contingent liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of its business activities. Intevac accounts for contingent liabilities when it is probable that future expenditures will be made and such expenditures can be reasonably estimated.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Summary of Inventories	Inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market and consist of the following:
		April 4,		January 3,
		2015		2015
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	10,864	$	10,684
	Work-in-progress		2,541		2,299
	Finished goods		5,561		6,229
		$	18,966	$	19,212

EquityBased_Compensation_Table

Equity-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Effect of Recording Equity-Based Compensation	The effect of recording equity-based compensation for the three-month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 was as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		April 4, 2015			March 29, 2014
		(In thousands)
	Equity-based compensation by type of award:
	Stock options	$	316		$	241
	RSUs		340			292
	Employee stock purchase plan		206			164
	Total equity-based compensation	$	862		$	697
Option Activity and Changes	Option activity as of April 4, 2015 and changes during the three months ended April 4, 2015 were as follows:
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at January 3, 2015		2,584,935		$	8.26
	Options granted		15,375		$	6.74
	Options cancelled and forfeited		(237,151	)	$	7.34
	Options exercised		(21,708	)	$	4.26
	Options outstanding at April 4, 2015		2,341,451		$	8.38
	Vested and expected to vest at April 4, 2015		2,209,644		$	8.48
	Options exercisable at April 4, 2015		1,318,925		$	9.67
Weighted-Average Fair Value of Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Rights using Weighted-Average Assumptions	Intevac estimated the weighted-average fair value of stock options and employee stock purchase rights using the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended
		April 4, 2015			March 29, 2014
	Stock Options:
	Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$	2.6		$	4.14
	Expected volatility		49.62	%		54.71	%
	Risk free interest rate		1	%		1.87	%
	Expected term of options (in years)		4			5.2
	Dividend yield		None			None
	Stock Purchase Rights:
	Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$	2.26		$	2.15
	Expected volatility		44.05	%		43.4	%
	Risk free interest rate		0.39	%		0.11	%
	Expected term of purchase rights (in years)		1.22			0.74
	Dividend yield		None			None
Summary of Restricted Stock Units Activity	A summary of the RSU activity is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Non-vested RSUs at January 3, 2015		350,429		$	6.62
	Granted		144,860		$	6.84
	Vested		(2,689	)	$	7.94
	Cancelled and forfeited		(22,073	)	$	6.29
	Non-vested RSUs at April 4, 2015		470,527		$	6.7

Purchased_Intangible_Assets_Ta

Purchased Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Details of Finite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment	Details of finite-lived intangible assets by segment as of April 4, 2015, are as follows.
		April 4, 2015
		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount					Amount
		(In thousands)
	Thin-film Equipment	$	7,172	$	(3,822	)	$	3,350
	Photonics		1,215		(812	)		403
		$	8,387	$	(4,634	)	$	3,753
Future Amortization Expense	As of April 4, 2015, future amortization expense is expected to be as follows.
	(In thousands)
	2015	$	640
	2016		853
	2017		756
	2018		615
	2019		615
	Thereafter		274
		$	3,753

AcquisitionRelated_Contingent_1

Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
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 three-month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
		Three Months Ended
		April 4,			March 29,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Opening balance	$	1,134		$	1,384
	Changes in fair value		(26	)		51
	Closing balance	$	1,108		$	1,435
Balance Sheet Classification of Contingent Consideration Liability	The following table displays the balance sheet classification of the contingent consideration liability account at April 4, 2015 and at January 3, 2015:
		April 4,			January 3,
		2015			2015
		(In thousands)
	Other accrued liabilities	$	32		$	59
	Other long-term liabilities		1,076			1,075
	Total acquisition-related contingent consideration	$	1,108		$	1,134
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 April 4, 2015. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
		Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements at April 4, 2015
		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input	Range (Weighted Average)
		(In thousands, except for percentages)
	Revenue Earnout	$	1,108		Discounted cash flow		Weighted average cost of capital	15.60%
							Probability weighting of achieving revenue forecasts
								20.0% - 80.0% (45.3%)

Warranty_Tables

Warranty (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Activity in Warranty Provision Account	The following table displays the activity in the warranty provision account for the three-month periods ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014:
		Three Months Ended
		April 4,			March 29,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Opening balance	$	1,186		$	1,647
	Expenditures incurred under warranties		(130	)		(305	)
	Accruals for product warranties issued during the reporting period		396			284
	Adjustments to previously existing warranty accruals		(100	)		(295	)
	Closing balance	$	1,352		$	1,331
	The following table displays the balance sheet classification of the warranty provision account at April 4, 2015 and at January 3, 2015:
		April 4,			January 3,
		2015			2015
		(In thousands)
	Other accrued liabilities	$	1,111		$	1,022
	Other long-term liabilities		241			164
	Total warranty provision	$	1,352		$	1,186

Cash_Cash_Equivalents_and_Inve1

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments and Long-Term Investments	Cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments consist of:
		April 4, 2015
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair Value
		Cost		Holding		Holding
				Gains		Losses
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	2,712	$	—	$	—	$	2,712
	Money market funds		14,356		—		—		14,356
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	17,068	$	—	$	—	$	17,068
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	6,991	$	1	$	—	$	6,992
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		18,489		8		1		18,496
	Municipal bonds		2,770		3		—		2,773
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		4,998		7		—		5,005
	Total short-term investments	$	33,248	$	19	$	1	$	33,266
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	$	2,021	$	2	$	—	$	2,023
	Municipal bonds		3,167		1		6		3,162
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		5,991		13		—		6,004
	Total long-term investments	$	11,179	$	16	$	6	$	11,189
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments	$	61,495	$	35	$	7	$	61,523
		January 3, 2015
		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair Value
		Cost		Holding		Holding
				Gains		Losses
		(In thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash	$	4,948	$	—	$	—	$	4,948
	Money market funds		16,534		—		—		16,534
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	21,482	$	—	$	—	$	21,482
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper	$	2,995	$	2	$	—	$	2,997
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		21,203		2		6		21,199
	Municipal bonds		5,392		11		1		5,402
	Total short-term investments	$	29,590	$	15	$	7	$	29,598
	Long-term investments:
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	$	6,266	$	1	$	4	$	6,263
	Municipal bonds		2,290		—		8		2,282
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		8,995		3		1		8,997
	Total long-term investments	$	17,551	$	4	$	13	$	17,542
	Total cash, cash equivalents, and investments	$	68,623	$	19	$	20	$	68,622
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 April 4, 2015.
		April 4, 2015
		In Loss Position for				In Loss Position for
		Less than 12 Months				Greater than 12 Months
		Fair		Gross		Fair Value		Gross
		Value		Unrealized				Unrealized
				Losses				Losses
		(in thousands)
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes	$	8,075	$	1	$	—	$	—
	Municipal bonds		2,669		6		—		—
		$	10,744	$	7	$	—	$	—
Contractual Maturities of Available-for-Sale Securities	The contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities at April 4, 2015 are presented in the following table.
		Amortized		Fair Value
		Cost
		(In thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	47,604	$	47,622
	Due after one through two years		11,179		11,189
		$	58,783	$	58,811
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 April 4, 2015.
		Fair Value
		Measurements
		at April 4, 2015
		Total		Level 1		Level 2
		(In thousands)
	Recurring fair value measurements:
	Available-for-sale securities
	Money market funds	$	14,356	$	14,356	$	—
	U.S. treasury and agency securities		11,009		9,008		2,001
	Commercial paper		6,992		—		6,992
	Corporate bonds and medium-term notes		20,519		—		20,519
	Municipal bonds		5,935		—		5,935
	Total recurring fair value measurements	$	58,811	$	23,364	$	35,447

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Summary of Outstanding Derivative Instruments on Gross Basis as Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding derivative instruments on a gross basis as recorded in its condensed consolidated balance sheets as of April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015:
			Notional Amounts				Derivative Assets										Derivative Liabilities
	Derivative Instrument		April 4,		January 3,		April 4,					January 3,					April 4,					January 3,
			2015		2015		2015					2015					2015					2015
							Balance			Fair		Balance			Fair		Balance			Fair		Balance			Fair
							Sheet			Value		Sheet			Value		Sheet			Value		Sheet			Value
							Line					Line					Line					Line
			(in thousands)
	Undesignated Hedges:
	Forward Foreign Currency Contracts		$	1,520	$	2,647		(a	)	$	16		(a	)	$	10		(b	)	$	3		(b	)	$	4
	Total Hedges		$	1,520	$	2,647				$	16				$	10				$	3				$	4
	(a)	Prepaid expenses and other current assets
	(b)	Other accrued liabilities

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Stock Repurchases	The following table summarizes Intevac’s stock repurchases:
		Three Months Ended
		April 4, 2015		March 29, 2014
		(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Shares of common stock repurchased		443		138
	Cost of stock repurchased	$	2,987	$	1,050
	Average price paid per share	$	6.71	$	7.63
Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component for the three months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014, are as follows.
		Three Months Ended							Three Months Ended
		April 4, 2015							March 29, 2014
		Foreign		Unrealized			Total		Foreign			Unrealized		Total
		currency		holding gains					currency			holding gains
				on available-								on available-
				for-sale								for-sale
				investments								investments
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	620	$	(1	)	$	619	$	691		$	34	$	725
	Other comprehensive income		—		29			29		(31	)		5		(26	)
	(loss) before reclassification
	Amounts reclassified from other		—		—			—		—			—		—
	comprehensive income
	Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		—		29			29		(31	)		5		(26	)
	Ending balance	$	620	$	28		$	648	$	660		$	39	$	699

Net_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Net Loss Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Computation of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share:
		Three Months Ended
		April 4,			March 29,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Net loss	$	(2,893	)	$	(4,521	)
	Weighted-average shares – basic		23,229			23,858
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares		—			—
	Weighted-average shares – diluted		23,229			23,858
	Net loss per share – basic	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.19	)
	Net loss per share – diluted	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.19	)
	Antidilutive shares based on employee awards excluded		2,178			1,844

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Information for Each Reportable Segment	Information for each reportable segment for the three months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 is as follows:
	Net Revenues
		Three Months Ended
		April 4,			March 29,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Thin-film Equipment	$	10,628		$	9,047
	Photonics		9,257			7,968
	Total segment net revenues	$	19,885		$	17,015
	Operating Loss
		Three Months Ended
		April 4,			March 29,
		2015			2014
		(In thousands)
	Thin-film Equipment	$	(3,297	)	$	(4,141	)
	Photonics		1,477			908
	Total segment operating profit (loss)		(1,820	)		(3,233	)
	Unallocated costs		(1,119	)		(1,491	)
	Loss from operations		(2,939	)		(4,724	)
	Interest income and other, net		79			73
	Loss before income taxes	$	(2,860	)	$	(4,651	)
Assets for Each Reportable Segment	Total assets for each reportable segment as of April 4, 2015 and January 3, 2015 are as follows:
	Assets
		April 4,			January 3,
		2015			2015
		(In thousands)
	Thin-film Equipment	$	29,647		$	30,670
	Photonics		17,260			17,126
	Total segment assets		46,907			47,796
	Cash, cash equivalents and investments		61,523			68,622
	Restricted cash		1,780			1,780
	Deferred income taxes		52			5
	Other current assets		840			989
	Common property, plant and equipment		1,200			1,083
	Consolidated total assets	$	112,302		$	120,275

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Changes in Restructuring Reserves	The changes in restructuring reserves associated with the Plans for the three months ended April 4, 2015 and March 29, 2014 are as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		April 4,			March 29,
		2015			2014
		Severance and			Severance and
		other			other
		employee-			employee-
		related costs			related costs
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	—		$	—
	Provision for restructuring reserves		148			227
	Cash payments made		(148	)		(227	)
	Ending balance	$	—		$	—

Inventories_Stated_at_Lower_of

Inventories Stated at Lower of Average Cost or Market (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	$10,864	$10,684
Work-in-progress	2,541	2,299
Finished goods	5,561	6,229
Inventories	$18,966	$19,212

EquityBased_Compensation_Addit

Equity-Based Compensation - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
	Employee
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
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%
Number of shares issued under employee stock purchase plan		201,000
RSU conversion ratio		100.00%
Stock awards granted		15,375
Share awards eligible for time based vesting		2,209,644
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award, vesting period		4 years
Equity-based compensation expense		($51,000)	$161,000
Number of participants in restricted stock grants awarded	29
Stock awards granted	133,000
Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$6.85
Performance Shares | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share awards eligible for time based vesting		5,532

Effect_of_Recording_EquityBase

Effect of Recording Equity-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Equity Based Compensation Related to Employee Stock Purchase Programs [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation	$862	$697
Stock Options
Equity Based Compensation Related to Employee Stock Purchase Programs [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation	316	241
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Equity Based Compensation Related to Employee Stock Purchase Programs [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation	340	292
ESPP awards
Equity Based Compensation Related to Employee Stock Purchase Programs [Line Items]
Total equity-based compensation	$206	$164

Option_Activity_and_Changes_De

Option Activity and Changes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Shares
Options outstanding at January 3, 2015	2,584,935
Options granted	15,375
Options cancelled and forfeited	-237,151
Options exercised	-21,708
Options outstanding at April 4, 2015	2,341,451
Vested and expected to vest at April 4, 2015	2,209,644
Options exercisable at April 4, 2015	1,318,925
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at January 3, 2015	$8.26
Options granted	$6.74
Options cancelled and forfeited	$7.34
Options exercised	$4.26
Options outstanding at April 4, 2015	$8.38
Vested and expected to vest at April 4, 2015	$8.48
Options exercisable at April 4, 2015	$9.67

WeightedAverage_Fair_Value_of_

Weighted-Average Fair Value of Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Rights using Weighted-Average Assumptions (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Stock Options
Employee stock options weighted-average assumptions
Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$2.60	$4.14
Expected volatility	49.62%	54.71%
Risk free interest rate	1.00%	1.87%
Expected term of options (in years)	4 years	5 years 2 months 12 days
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Stock Purchase Rights
Employee stock options weighted-average assumptions
Weighted-average fair value of grants per share	$2.26	$2.15
Expected volatility	44.05%	43.40%
Risk free interest rate	0.39%	0.11%
Expected term of options (in years)	1 year 2 months 19 days	8 months 27 days
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%

Summary_of_Restricted_Stock_Un

Summary of Restricted Stock Units Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Shares
Non-vested RSUs at January 3, 2015	350,429
Granted	144,860
Vested	-2,689
Cancelled and forfeited	-22,073
Non-vested RSUs at April 4, 2015	470,527
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested RSUs at January 3, 2015	$6.62
Granted	$6.84
Vested	$7.94
Cancelled and forfeited	$6.29
Non-vested RSUs at April 4, 2015	$6.70

Details_of_Finitelived_Intangi

Details of Finite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	$8,387
Accumulated Amortization	-4,634	-4,421
Finite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	3,753	3,966
Thin-film Equipment Segment
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	7,172
Accumulated Amortization	-3,822
Finite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	3,350
Photonics
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived, Gross Carrying Amount	1,215
Accumulated Amortization	-812
Finite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	$403

Purchased_Intangible_Assets_Ad

Purchased Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total amortization expense of finite-lived intangibles	$213,000

Estimated_Future_Amortization_

Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related to Finite-Lived Purchased Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived Intangible Assets And Liabilities Future Amortization Expense [Line Items]
2015	$640
2016	853
2017	756
2018	615
2019	615
Thereafter	274
Finite Lived, Net Carrying Amount	$3,753	$3,966

AcquisitionRelated_Contingent_2

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

Reconciliation_of_Change_in_Fa

Reconciliation of Change in Fair Value Measurement of Contingent Consideration Liability (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Opening balance	$1,134	$1,384
Changes in fair value	-26	51
Closing balance	$1,108	$1,435

Balance_Sheet_Classification_o

Balance Sheet Classification of Contingent Consideration Liability (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Combination, Transactions [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability	$1,108	$1,134
Other accrued liabilities
Business Combination, Transactions [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability	32	59
Other long-term liabilities
Business Combination, Transactions [Line Items]
Contingent consideration liability	$1,076	$1,075

Quantitative_Range_of_Signific

Quantitative Range of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used in Calculation of Fair Value of Continent Consideration Liability (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Fair Value	$1,108	$1,134
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Revenue Earnout
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Valuation technique	Discounted cash flow
Fair Value	$1,108
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Revenue Earnout | Weighted Average
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Weighted average cost of capital	15.60%
Probability weighting of achieving revenue forecasts	45.30%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Revenue Earnout | Minimum
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Probability weighting of achieving revenue forecasts	20.00%
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Revenue Earnout | Maximum
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Probability weighting of achieving revenue forecasts	80.00%

Warranty_Additional_Informatio

Warranty - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Warranties [Line Items]
Minimum product warranty range	12 months
Maximum product warranty range	24 months
Product warranty offer on sale	3 months

Warranty_Provision_Account_Det

Warranty Provision Account (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Accrued Warranty [Line Items]
Opening balance	$1,186	$1,647
Expenditures incurred under warranties	-130	-305
Accruals for product warranties issued during the reporting period	396	284
Adjustments to previously existing warranty accruals	-100	-295
Closing balance	$1,352	$1,331

Balance_Sheet_Classification_o1

Balance Sheet Classification of Warranty Provision Account (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Product Warranty [Line Items]
Other accrued liabilities	$1,111	$1,022
Other long-term liabilities	241	164
Total warranty provision	$1,352	$1,186	$1,331	$1,647

Guarantees_Additional_Informat

Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Letters of credit and bank guarantees outstanding, amount	$1.80

Cash_Cash_Equivalents_and_Shor

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments and Long-Term Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$61,495	$68,623
Unrealized Holdings Gains	35	19
Unrealized Holdings Losses	7	20
Fair Value	61,523	68,622
Money market funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	14,356	16,534
Fair Value	14,356	16,534
Cash
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,712	4,948
Fair Value	2,712	4,948
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	17,068	21,482
Fair Value	17,068	21,482
Short-term Investments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	33,248	29,590
Unrealized Holdings Gains	19	15
Unrealized Holdings Losses	1	7
Fair Value	33,266	29,598
Short-term Investments | Commercial Paper
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	6,991	2,995
Unrealized Holdings Gains	1	2
Fair Value	6,992	2,997
Short-term Investments | Corporate bonds and medium-term notes
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	18,489	21,203
Unrealized Holdings Gains	8	2
Unrealized Holdings Losses	1	6
Fair Value	18,496	21,199
Short-term Investments | Municipal bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,770	5,392
Unrealized Holdings Gains	3	11
Unrealized Holdings Losses		1
Fair Value	2,773	5,402
Short-term Investments | U.S. treasury and agency securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	4,998
Unrealized Holdings Gains	7
Fair Value	5,005
Other Long-term Investments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	11,179	17,551
Unrealized Holdings Gains	16	4
Unrealized Holdings Losses	6	13
Fair Value	11,189	17,542
Other Long-term Investments | Corporate bonds and medium-term notes
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,021	6,266
Unrealized Holdings Gains	2	1
Unrealized Holdings Losses		4
Fair Value	2,023	6,263
Other Long-term Investments | Municipal bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	3,167	2,290
Unrealized Holdings Gains	1
Unrealized Holdings Losses	6	8
Fair Value	3,162	2,282
Other Long-term Investments | U.S. treasury and agency securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	5,991	8,995
Unrealized Holdings Gains	13	3
Unrealized Holdings Losses		1
Fair Value	$6,004	$8,997

Fair_Market_Value_of_Investmen

Fair Market Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses Not Deemed to be Other-Than Temporarily Impaired (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$10,744
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	7
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Fair Value	0
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Corporate bonds and medium-term notes
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	8,075
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	1
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Fair Value	0
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Municipal bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,669
Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	6
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Fair Value	0
Unrealized Loss Position, Greater than 12 Months, Gross Unrealized Losses	$0

Contractual_Maturities_of_Avai

Contractual Maturities of Available-For-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized Cost
Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$47,604
Amortized Cost, Due after one through two years	11,179
Amortized Cost	58,783
Fair Value
Fair Value, Due in one year or less	47,622
Fair Value, Due after one through two years	11,189
Fair Value	$58,811

Fair_Value_Hierarchy_of_Availa

Fair Value Hierarchy of Available-for-Sale Securities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total recurring fair value measurements	$58,811
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total recurring fair value measurements	58,811
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	14,356
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. treasury and agency securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total recurring fair value measurements	11,009
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Commercial Paper
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total recurring fair value measurements	6,992
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	20,519
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total recurring fair value measurements	5,935
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	23,364
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	14,356
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | U.S. treasury and agency securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total recurring fair value measurements	9,008
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	35,447
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | U.S. treasury and agency securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total recurring fair value measurements	2,001
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	6,992
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	20,519
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	$5,935

Derivative_Instruments_Additio

Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Maturity Period One
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity of foreign currency derivative	30 days
Maturity Period Two
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity of foreign currency derivative	60 days
Maturity Period Three
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity of foreign currency derivative	210 days
Maturity Period Four
Derivative [Line Items]
Maturity of foreign currency derivative	240 days

Summary_of_Outstanding_Derivat

Summary of Outstanding Derivative Instruments on Gross Basis as Recorded in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (Undesignated Hedges, USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015		Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amounts	$1,520		$2,647
Derivative Assets	16	[1]	10	[1]
Derivative Liabilities	3	[2]	4	[2]
Foreign currency forward contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amounts	1,520		2,647
Derivative Assets	16	[1]	10	[1]
Derivative Liabilities	$3	[2]	$4	[2]
[1]	Prepaid expenses and other current assets
[2]	Other accrued liabilities

Equity_Additional_Information_

Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Nov. 21, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase authorized amount		$30
Stock repurchase remains available for future stock repurchase	$17

Stock_Repurchases_Detail

Stock Repurchases (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Shares of common stock repurchased	443	138
Cost of stock repurchased	$2,987	$1,050
Average price paid per share	$6.71	$7.63

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$619	$725
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	29	-26
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	29	-26
Ending balance	648	699
Accumulated Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	620	691
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification		-31
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)		-31
Ending balance	620	660
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-1	34
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	29	5
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	29	5
Ending balance	$28	$39

Computation_of_Basic_and_Dilut

Computation of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Schedule Of Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Common Share [Line Items]
Net loss	($2,893)	($4,521)
Weighted-average shares - basic	23,229	23,858
Effect of dilutive potential common shares	0	0
Weighted-average shares - diluted	23,229	23,858
Net loss per share - basic	($0.12)	($0.19)
Net loss per share - diluted	($0.12)	($0.19)
Antidilutive shares based on employee awards excluded	2,178	1,844

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
	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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment net revenues	$19,885	$17,015
Unallocated costs	-1,119	-1,491
Loss from operations	-2,939	-4,724
Interest income and other, net	79	73
Loss before income taxes	-2,860	-4,651
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss from operations	-1,820	-3,233
Thin-film Equipment Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment net revenues	10,628	9,047
Thin-film Equipment Segment | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss from operations	-3,297	-4,141
Photonics
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment net revenues	9,257	7,968
Photonics | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss from operations	$1,477	$908

Assets_for_Each_Reportable_Seg

Assets for Each Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 04, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Cash, cash equivalents and investments	$61,523	$68,622
Restricted cash	1,780	1,780
Deferred income taxes	52	5
Other current assets	840	989
Common property, plant and equipment	1,200	1,083
Consolidated total assets	112,302	120,275
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Consolidated total assets	46,907	47,796
Operating Segments | Thin-film Equipment Segment
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Consolidated total assets	29,647	30,670
Operating Segments | Photonics
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Consolidated total assets	$17,260	$17,126

Restructuring_Charges_Addition

Restructuring Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Jun. 28, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Percentage of reduction of global workforce	3.00%	6.00%
Reduction in salary, wages and other employee-related expenses due to implementation of plan	$1.40	$2.10

Changes_in_Restructuring_Reser

Changes in Restructuring Reserves (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$0	$0
Provision for restructuring reserves	148	227
Cash payments made	-148	-227
Ending balance	$0	$0

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 04, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	$33	($130)