Inseego (INSG) 10-Q 8 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 05, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'NVTL	'
Entity Registrant Name	'NOVATEL WIRELESS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001022652	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	34,079,214

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$18,138	$16,044
Marketable securities	21,991	38,064
Restricted marketable securities	2,441	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,633 at September 30, 2013 and $627 at December 31, 2012	47,542	42,652
Inventories	27,025	39,016
Deferred tax assets, net	70	126
Prepaid expenses and other	7,342	4,829
Total current assets	124,549	140,731
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $65,659 at September 30, 2013 and $59,702 at December 31, 2012	11,895	15,229
Marketable securities	5,316	1,201
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $12,730 at September 30, 2013 and $11,951 at December 31, 2012	2,383	3,163
Deferred tax assets, net	70	584
Other assets	280	623
Total assets	144,493	161,531
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	46,509	45,732
Accrued expenses	27,960	27,800
Short-term margin loan facility	2,441	0
Total current liabilities	76,910	73,532
Other long-term liabilities	1,932	2,552
Total liabilities	78,842	76,084
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, par value $0.001; 2,000 shares authorized and none outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.001; 50,000 shares authorized, 34,078 and 33,655 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	34	34
Additional paid-in capital	440,812	438,477
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-10	14
Accumulated deficit	-350,185	-328,078
Stockholders' equity before treasury stock	90,651	110,447
Treasury stock at cost; 2,436 common shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	-25,000	-25,000
Total stockholders' equity	65,651	85,447
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$144,493	$161,531

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	$1,633	$627
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	65,659	59,702
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	$12,730	$11,951
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Common stock, shares issued	34,078	33,655
Common stock, shares outstanding	34,078	33,655
Treasury stock, shares	2,436	2,436

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$92,673	$71,017	$269,718	$273,613
Cost of net revenues	72,290	56,371	213,463	214,728
Gross profit	20,383	14,646	56,255	58,885
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Research and development	12,438	14,696	39,267	44,982
Sales and marketing	5,129	6,267	16,739	21,255
General and administrative	5,128	4,825	19,209	16,061
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment	0	20,484	0	49,821
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	141	227	422	891
Restructuring charges	2,411	0	2,411	0
Total operating costs and expenses	25,247	46,499	78,048	133,010
Operating loss	-4,864	-31,853	-21,793	-74,125
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest income, net	31	72	109	238
Other income (expense), net	59	-45	-83	-191
Loss before income taxes	-4,774	-31,826	-21,767	-74,078
Income tax provision	319	107	340	276
Net loss	($5,093)	($31,933)	($22,107)	($74,354)
Net loss per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	($0.15)	($0.97)	($0.65)	($2.28)
Weighted average shares used in computation of basic and diluted net loss per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	34,070	33,074	33,902	32,683

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($5,093)	($31,933)	($22,107)	($74,354)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash equivalents and marketable securities, net of tax	14	27	-24	44
Total comprehensive loss	($5,079)	($31,906)	($22,131)	($74,310)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($22,107)	($74,354)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Loss on sale/disposal of fixed asset	18	90
Depreciation and amortization	6,774	9,747
Impairment of goodwill and purchased intangible assets	0	49,821
Provision for bad debts	1,005	39
Net impairment loss on marketable securities	0	39
Inventory provision	3,069	1,663
Share-based compensation expense	2,848	5,409
Non-cash income tax expense	266	194
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-5,895	-3,460
Inventories	8,922	4,089
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-2,169	-1,238
Accounts payable	2,832	-15,108
Accrued expenses, income taxes, and other	255	233
Net cash used in operating activities	-4,182	-22,836
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-5,048	-4,021
Purchases of marketable securities	-22,238	-31,871
Marketable securities maturities / sales	31,731	27,506
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	4,445	-8,386
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt	13,400	5,000
Principal repayments of short-term debt	-10,969	-5,000
Principal payments under capital lease obligations	0	-46
Proceeds from stock option exercises and ESPP net of taxes paid on vested restricted stock units	-515	583
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,916	537
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-85	-43
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,094	-30,728
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	16,044	47,069
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	18,138	16,341
Cash paid during the year for:	'	'
Interest	31	1
Income taxes	59	100
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing activities:	'	'
Building rent incentives to fund leasehold improvements	$359	$0

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Basis of Presentation
	The information contained herein has been prepared by Novatel Wireless, Inc. (the “Company”) in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information at September 30, 2013 and the results of the Company’s operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 are unaudited. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented. These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes hereto should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements from which they were derived and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The accounting policies used in preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements are the same as those described in the Company’s Form 10-K. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other interim period or for the year as a whole.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, valuation of intangible and long-lived assets, valuation of goodwill, litigation, provision for warranty costs, income taxes and share-based compensation expense.
	Difficult global economic conditions, tight credit markets, volatile equity, foreign currency and energy markets and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, particularly those related to the condition of the economy, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

Balance_Sheet_Details

Balance Sheet Details	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Balance Sheet Details	'
	2. Balance Sheet Details
	Marketable Securities
	The Company’s portfolio of available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity consists of the following (in thousands):
	September 30, 2013	Maturity			Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		in Years			Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
								Gains			Losses			Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		1 or less		$	3,352		$	1		$	0		$	3,353
	Municipal bonds		1 or less			5,875			2			0			5,877
	Certificates of deposit		1 or less			5,000			1			0			5,001
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 or less			10,210			0			(9	)		10,201
	Total short-term marketable securities					24,437			4			(9	)		24,432
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1 to 2			2,740			0			0			2,740
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 to 2			2,581			0			(5	)		2,576
	Total long-term marketable securities					5,321			0			(5	)		5,316
					$	29,758		$	4		$	(14	)	$	29,748
	December 31, 2012	Maturity			Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		in Years			Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
								Gains			Losses			Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		1 or less		$	3,265		$	1		$	0		$	3,266
	Municipal bonds		1 or less			11,246			14			0			11,260
	Certificates of deposit		1 or less			6,200			5			0			6,205
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 or less			17,330			3			0			17,333
	Total short-term marketable securities					38,041			23			0			38,064
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1 to 2			1,200			1			0			1,201
	Total long-term marketable securities					1,200			1			0			1,201
					$	39,241		$	24		$	0		$	39,265
	The Company’s available-for-sale securities are carried on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair market value with the related unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the condensed consolidated balance sheet, which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on the sale of available-for-sale marketable securities are determined using the specific-identification method.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company recorded a net unrealized loss of $10,000. The Company’s net unrealized loss is the result of market conditions affecting its fixed-income, debt and equity securities, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the condensed consolidated balance sheet for the period then ended. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we did not have any investments in marketable securities with a material unrealized loss position for twelve months or greater.
	The Company has a credit facility with a bank to allow margin borrowings based on the Company’s investments in cash equivalents and marketable securities held with the bank. This facility is collateralized by the Company’s cash equivalents and marketable securities held with the bank. At September 30, 2013, the Company had approximately $9.2 million in marketable securities held at this bank. Any monies borrowed and interest incurred are payable on demand, and there is no express expiration date to the credit facility. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company borrowed approximately $3.4 million and $13.4 million, respectively, and had outstanding borrowings of $2.4 million under this facility at September 30, 2013. Under the terms of the credit facility, the bank may liquidate any of the Company’s cash equivalents or marketable securities held at any time in order to recoup the outstanding balance of the facility. Accordingly, a like amount of marketable equity securities have been classified by the Company as restricted marketable securities on the balance sheet at September 30, 2013. At September 30, 2013 the Company had no cash equivalents held at this bank. The restricted marketable securities of $2.4 million are included in the September 30, 2013 marketable securities presented in the table above. During October 2013, the Company borrowed $3.5 million against the facility, which remained outstanding as of the date of this report.
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Finished goods	$	18,624		$	26,776
	Raw materials and components		8,401			12,240
		$	27,025		$	39,016
	Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Royalties	$	5,604		$	4,349
	Payroll and related expenses		5,308			7,788
	Product warranty		2,355			2,329
	Market development funds and price protection		1,958			2,147
	Professional fees		2,063			1,549
	Deferred revenue		3,514			4,630
	Restructuring		2,119			0
	Other		5,039			5,008
		$	27,960		$	27,800
	Accrued Warranty Obligations
	Accrued warranty obligations consist of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Warranty liability at beginning of period	$	2,451		$	2,674		$	2,329		$	1,525
	Additions charged to operations		722			849			4,086			3,579
	Deductions from liability		(818	)		(1,042	)		(4,060	)		(2,623	)
	Warranty liability at end of period	$	2,355		$	2,481		$	2,355		$	2,481
	The Company accrues warranty costs based on estimates of future warranty-related replacement, repairs or rework of products. The Company generally provides one to three years of coverage for products following the date of purchase and the Company accrues the estimated cost of warranty coverage as a component of cost of net revenues in the condensed consolidated statements of operations at the time revenue is recognized. In estimating our future warranty obligations, we consider various relevant factors, including the historical frequency and volume of claims, and the cost to replace or repair products under warranty.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	3. Intangible Assets
	The Company’s amortizable purchased intangible assets resulting from its acquisition of Enfora are composed of (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013										December 31, 2012
		Gross		Accumulated			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Accumulated			Net
				Amortization			Impairment							Amortization			Impairment
	Developed technologies	$	26,000	$	(6,036	)	$	(19,547	)	$	417	$	26,000	$	(5,786	)	$	(19,547	)	$	667
	Trade name		12,800		(2,536	)		(8,582	)		1,682		12,800		(2,147	)		(8,582	)		2,071
	Other		3,720		(1,956	)		(1,620	)		144		3,720		(1,923	)		(1,620	)		177
	Total amortizable purchased intangible assets	$	42,520	$	(10,528	)	$	(29,749	)	$	2,243	$	42,520	$	(9,856	)	$	(29,749	)	$	2,915
	The following table presents details of the amortization of purchased intangible assets included in the cost of net revenues and general and administrative expense categories (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		2012			2013			2012
	Cost of net revenues	$	83	$	289		$	250		$	1,539
	General and administrative expenses		141		227			422			891
	Total amortization expense	$	224	$	516		$	672		$	2,430
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $22.8 million related to a decrease in the estimated fair values of the purchased intangible assets fair values. During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded a further preliminary impairment loss of $7.3 million related to the continued decrease in the estimated fair values of the purchased intangible assets. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company completed the impairment analysis and reduced the third quarter impairment by $300,000.
	The following table represents details of the amortization of existing purchased intangible assets that is currently estimated to be expensed in the remainder of 2013 and thereafter (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:	Amount
	2013 (remaining 3 months)	$	224
	2014		895
	2015		562
	2016		562
	Total	$	2,243
	Additionally, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had $140,000 and $248,000, respectively, of acquired software licenses, net of accumulated amortization of $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The acquired software licenses represent rights to use certain software necessary for commercial sale of the Company’s products.

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	4. Goodwill
	As a result of goodwill impairment charges recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, the carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013 was zero. The carrying amount of goodwill at December 31, 2011 was $19.8 million.
	During the first and third quarters of 2012, based on actual operating results, and reductions in management’s then estimates of forecasted operating results of the M2M Products and Solutions reporting unit principally due to updated views of competitive pressures impacting average selling prices, customer product and technology selections, and the loss of certain customers, the Company determined there were sufficient indicators of impairment present to require an interim impairment analysis during the respective impacted quarters.
	Based upon fair value tests performed with the assistance of third party independent appraisals, during the first and third quarters of 2012 the Company recorded pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $6.6 million and $13.2 million, respectively, and a purchased intangible asset impairment charge of $22.8 million during the first quarter of 2012.

Fair_Value_Measurement_of_Asse

Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities	'
	5. Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities
	The Company’s fair value measurements relate to its cash equivalents and marketable debt securities, which are classified pursuant to authoritative guidance for fair value measurements. The Company places its cash equivalents and marketable debt securities in instruments that meet credit quality standards, as specified in its investment policy guidelines. These guidelines also limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issue, issuer or type of instrument.
	Our financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, and short-term and long-term marketable debt securities. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents consist of its investment in money market securities and treasury bills. The Company’s marketable debt securities consist primarily of government agency securities, municipal bonds, time deposits and investment-grade corporate bonds.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are categorized based on whether or not the inputs are observable in the market and the degree to which the inputs are observable. The categorization of financial instruments within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is prioritized into three levels (with Level 3 being the lowest) defined as follows:
	Level 1: Pricing inputs are based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (e.g., NYSE). Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
	Level 2: Pricing inputs include benchmark yields, trade data, reported trades and broker dealer quotes, two-sided markets and industry & economic events, yield to maturity, Municipal Securities Rule Making Board reported trades and vendor trading platform data. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using various pricing services and broker pricing information including Electronic Communication Networks and broker feeds.
	Level 3: Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable from objective sources, including the Company’s own assumptions.
	The fair value of our cash and cash equivalents were determined based on Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. The fair value of our marketable debt securities was determined based on Level 2 inputs. We do not have any securities in the Level 3 category. The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the observability of valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Description	September 30, 2013		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents
	Money market funds	$	47	$	47	$	0
	US Treasury securities		2,208		0		2,208
	Total cash equivalents		2,255		47		2,208
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		3,353		0		3,353
	Municipal bonds		5,877		0		5,877
	Certificates of deposit		5,001		0		5,001
	Corporate debentures / bonds		10,201		0		10,201
	Total short-term marketable securities		24,432		0		24,432
	Long-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		2,740		0		2,740
	Corporate debentures / bonds		2,576		0		2,576
	Total long-term marketable securities		5,316		0		5,316
	Total financial assets	$	32,003	$	47	$	31,956
	See Note 2 for discussion of restricted marketable securities related to our credit facility.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	Description	December 31, 2012		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents
	Money market funds	$	47	$	47	$	0
	US Treasury securities		3,429		0		3,429
	Total cash equivalents		3,476		47		3,429
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		3,266		0		3,266
	Municipal bonds		11,260		0		11,260
	Certificates of deposit		6,205		0		6,205
	Corporate debentures / bonds		17,333		0		17,333
	Total short-term marketable securities		38,064		0		38,064
	Long-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1,201		0		1,201
	Total long-term marketable securities		1,201		0		1,201
	Total financial assets	$	42,741	$	47	$	42,694

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	6. Share-Based Compensation
	The Company included the following amounts for share-based compensation awards in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013			2012		2013		2012
	Cost of net revenues (1)		$	(7	)	$	167	$	49	$	543
	Research and development			329			645		908		2,033
	Sales and marketing			215			334		618		1,067
	General and administrative			422			606		1,273		1,766
	Totals		$	959		$	1,752	$	2,848	$	5,409
	-1	Negative expense resulted from change in the estimated forfeiture rate during the third quarter of 2013.

Segment_Information_and_Concen

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk	'
	7. Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk
	Segment Information
	The Company reports segment information based on the “management” approach. The management approach designates the internal reporting used by senior management for making decisions and assessing performance as the source of the Company’s reportable segments.
	The Company operates in the wireless broadband technology industry and senior management makes decisions about allocating resources based on the following reportable segments:
		•		Mobile Computing Products segment — includes our MiFi products, USB and PC-card modems and embedded modules that enable data transmission and services via cellular wireless networks.
		•		The M2M Products and Solutions segment was established as a result of our acquisition of Enfora in 2010. It includes our intelligent asset-management solutions utilizing cellular wireless technology, and M2M communication devices, and embedded modules that enable M2M data transmission and services via cellular wireless networks.
	Segment revenues and segment operating income (loss) represent the primary financial measures used by senior management to assess performance and include the net revenues, cost of net revenues, sales and other operating expenses for which management is held accountable. Segment expenses include sales and marketing, research and development, administration, and amortization expenses that are directly related to individual segments. Segment earnings (loss) also includes acquisition-related costs, purchase price amortization, restructuring, impairment and integration costs. The table below presents net revenues from external customers, operating loss and identifiable assets for our reportable segments (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net revenues by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products		$	84,067		$	65,189		$	240,510		$	248,620
	M2M Products and Solutions			8,606			5,828			29,208			24,993
	Total		$	92,673		$	71,017		$	269,718		$	273,613
	Operating loss by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products		$	(953	)	$	(7,513	)	$	(9,801	)	$	(11,701	)
	M2M Products and Solutions			(3,911	)		(24,340	)		(11,992	)		(62,424	)
	Total		$	(4,864	)	$	(31,853	)	$	(21,793	)	$	(74,125	)
			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Identifiable assets by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products		$	128,111		$	141,045
	M2M Products and Solutions			16,382			20,486
	Total		$	144,493		$	161,531
	The Company has operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The following table details the geographic concentration of the Company’s assets in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia (in thousands):
			September 30,			December 31,
			2013			2012
	United States		$	141,937		$	157,661
	Canada			1,489			2,836
	Europe, Latin America and Asia			1,067			1,034
			$	144,493		$	161,531
	The following table details the concentration of the Company’s net revenues by geographic region:
			Three months ended						Nine months ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	United States and Canada			96.5	%		94	%		95.9	%		92.7	%
	Latin America			0.8			0			0.7			2.2
	Europe, Middle East and Africa			2.4			5.7			3.2			4.7
	Asia and Australia			0.3			0.3			0.2			0.4
				100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
	Concentrations of Risk
	Substantially all of the Company’s net revenues are derived from sales of cellular wireless access products. Any significant decline in market acceptance of the Company’s products or in the financial condition of the Company’s existing customers would have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
	A significant portion of the Company’s net revenues are derived from a small number of customers. For the three months ended September 30, 2013, sales to our largest customer accounted for 59% of net revenues. In the same period in 2012, sales to our two largest customers accounted for 57% and 10% of net revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, sales to our largest customer accounted for 61% of net revenues. In the same period in 2012, sales to our two largest customers accounted for 58% and 10% of net revenues, respectively. The Company outsources its manufacturing to several third-party contract manufacturers. If one or more of these manufacturers were to experience delays, disruptions, capacity constraints or quality control problems in manufacturing operations, product shipments to the Company’s customers could be delayed or its customers could consequently elect to cancel the underlying product purchase order, which would negatively impact the Company’s revenues and results of operations.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	8. Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities (consisting of options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) withholdings using the treasury stock method) are excluded from the diluted EPS computation in loss periods and when the applicable exercise price is greater than the market price on the period end date as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, basic and diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were 34,070,211 and 33,902,038, respectively. During these same periods, weighted-average options and RSUs to acquire a total of 5,668,752 and 5,885,100 shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect was anti-dilutive.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, basic and diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were 33,073,701 and 32,682,781, respectively. During these same periods, weighted-average options, RSUs, and ESPP shares to acquire a total of 6,068,910 and 6,164,954 shares of common stock, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect was anti-dilutive.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	9. Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Matters
	The Company is, from time to time, party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. For example, the Company is currently named as a defendant or co-defendant in a number of patent infringement lawsuits in the U.S. and is indirectly participating in other U.S. patent infringement actions pursuant to its contractual indemnification obligations to certain customers. Based on evaluation of these matters and discussions with Company’s intellectual property litigation counsel, the Company believes that potential liabilities arising from or sums paid in settlement of these existing matters would not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
	On September 15, 2008 and September 18, 2008, two putative securities class action lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California on behalf of persons who allegedly purchased our stock between February 5, 2007 and August 19, 2008. On December 11, 2008, these lawsuits were consolidated into a single action entitled Backe v. Novatel Wireless, Inc., et al., Case No. 08-CV-01689-H (RBB) (Consolidated with Case No. 08-CV-01714-H (RBB)) (U.S.D.C., S.D. Cal.). In May 2010, the district court re-captioned the case In re Novatel Wireless Securities Litigation. The plaintiffs filed the consolidated complaint on behalf of persons who allegedly purchased our stock between February 27, 2007 and November 10, 2008. The consolidated complaint names the Company and certain of our current and former officers as defendants. The consolidated complaint alleges generally that we issued materially false and misleading statements during the relevant time period regarding the strength of our products and market share, our financial results and our internal controls. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of damages and costs. The court has denied defendants’ motions to dismiss. In May 2010, the court entered an order granting the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and certified a class of purchasers of our common stock between February 27, 2007 and September 15, 2008. On February 14, 2011, following extensive discovery, we filed a motion for summary judgment on all of plaintiffs’ claims. A trial date had been set for May 10, 2011. On March 15, 2011, the case was reassigned to a new district judge, the Honorable Anthony J. Battaglia. Following the reassignment, the court vacated the trial date pending the court’s consideration of dispositive motions. Oral argument on the motion for summary judgment was heard by the court on June 17, 2011. On November 23, 2011, the court issued an order granting in part and denying in part the motion for summary judgment. On July 9, 2012, the court vacated the final pretrial conference date. On December 14, 2012, the court issued an order denying defendants’ motion to exclude the testimony of plaintiffs’ loss causation expert. The court set a pretrial conference for March 8, 2013 and a trial date of June 3, 2013. On February 7, 2013, the court reconsidered its December 14, 2012 order and granted defendants’ motion to exclude plaintiffs’ expert on loss causation. The court, however, gave plaintiffs the opportunity to provide a new report from the expert seeking to cure the deficiencies in the expert’s testimony. The court provided a schedule for the cure process and ordered plaintiffs to bear the burden of defendants’ expenses incurred in this process. The plaintiffs moved for reconsideration of the court’s February 7, 2013 order. On March 6, 2013, the court denied the plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration with respect to the plaintiffs’ expert report, but granted the motion with respect to shifting the costs of the defendants’ expenses. On October 25, 2013, the court denied defendants’ motion to exclude plaintiffs’ expert on loss causation and vacated its order that plaintiffs pay defendants’ expenses incurred in redoing the expert reports. The court set the pretrial conference for November 20, 2013 and a trial date of January 6, 2014. The Company intends to defend this litigation vigorously. At this time, there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation. We have not recorded any significant accruals for contingent liabilities associated with this matter based on our belief that a liability, while possible, is not probable. Further, any possible range of loss cannot be estimated at this time.
	On September 24, 2010, NovAtel, Inc., a Canadian company (“NovAtel Canada”) filed a trademark infringement lawsuit entitled NovAtel, Inc. v. Novatel Wireless Technologies, Ltd., et al, Action No. 1001-14265 in the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta Canada, Judicial District of Calgary. The Statement of Claim alleges that Novatel Wireless Technologies, Ltd., Novatel Wireless Solutions, Inc. and Novatel Wireless, Inc., or collectively, the Company, are infringing NovAtel Canada’s purported rights in the “Novatel” trademark in breach of a settlement agreement between NovAtel Canada and the Company. The parties resolved all claims alleged in this matter without any payment by the Company. The matter was dismissed on March 12, 2013.
	Indemnification
	In the normal course of business, the Company periodically enters into agreements that require the Company to indemnify and defend its customers for, among other things, claims alleging that the Company’s products infringe third-party patents or other intellectual property rights. The Company’s maximum exposure under these indemnification provisions cannot be estimated but the Company does not believe that there are any matters individually or collectively that would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operation or cash flows.
	The Company recorded approximately $37,000 and $793,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, related to settlements on legal matters.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	10. Income Taxes
	The Company recognizes federal, state and foreign current tax liabilities or assets based on its estimate of taxes payable to or refundable by tax authorities in the current fiscal year. The Company also recognizes federal, state and foreign deferred tax liabilities or assets based on the Company’s estimate of future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carry forwards. The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce any deferred tax assets by the amount of any tax benefits that, based on available evidence and judgment, are not expected to be realized.
	The Company assesses whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against its deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more-likely-than-not” realization standard. The four sources of taxable income that must be considered in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized are: (1) future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences (i.e., offset of gross deferred tax assets against gross deferred tax liabilities); (2) taxable income in prior carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the applicable tax law; (3) tax planning strategies and (4) future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards.
	In assessing whether a valuation allowance is required, significant weight is to be given to evidence that can be objectively verified. A significant factor in the Company’s assessment is that the Company is in a three-year historical cumulative loss position. This fact, combined with uncertain near-term market and economic conditions, reduced the Company’s ability to rely on projections of future taxable income in assessing the realizability of its deferred tax assets.
	After a review of the four sources of taxable income as of September 30, 2013 (as described above), the Company recognized increases in the valuation allowance related to its domestic deferred tax amounts, resulting from carryforward net operating losses generated during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	The Company also recognized an increase in the valuation allowance of $321,000 related to research and development tax credits associated with the Company’s Canadian subsidiary. The Canadian subsidiary is expecting a decrease in taxable income due to the Company’s recent restructuring initiatives.
	The deferred tax benefits, combined with a corresponding charge to income tax expense related to increased valuation allowances of $1.3 million and $10.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, resulted in an insignificant effective income tax rate. The Company’s valuation allowance was $74.0 million on net deferred tax assets of $74.1 million at September 30, 2013.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded income tax expense, including discrete items, of $319,000 and $340,000, respectively. These amounts vary from the income tax benefit that would be computed at the U.S. statutory rate resulting from its operating losses during those same periods primarily due to the aforementioned offsetting increases in the Company’s deferred tax assets valuation allowance.
	The Company follows the accounting guidance related to financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of uncertain tax positions. The Company recognizes the impact of an uncertain income tax position on an income tax return at the largest amount that is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the total liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $62,000 and $367,000, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company included an insignificant amount of interest expense related to uncertain tax positions in its condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company expects to release $71,000 of its liability for unrecognized tax benefits due to the expiration of the statute of limitations applicable to the 2008 taxable year.
	The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S., state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with various statutes of limitations. The California Franchise Tax Board is currently conducting an examination of the Company’s California income tax returns for 2006 and 2007. The Company is also subject to various Federal income tax examinations for the 2003 through 2010 calendar years due to the availability of net operating loss carryforwards. The Company believes appropriate provisions for all outstanding issues have been made for all jurisdictions and all open years. However, because audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements are subject to significant uncertainty, the Company’s current estimate of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits could increase or decrease for all open years.

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring	'
	11. Restructuring
	In September 2013, the Company commenced certain restructuring initiatives including the closure of the Company’s development site in Calgary, Canada, and the consolidation of certain supply chain management activities, resulting in a reduction in force of 72 employees across all functional areas of the Company. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $2.4 million consisting primarily of employee-related compensation charges. The restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 consisted of $2.3 million in employee severance costs and $138,000 in other restructuring charges. Of the $2.4 million of restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, $2.2 million relates to the Mobile Computing Products segment, and $206,000 relates to the M2M Products and Solutions segment.
	The following table sets forth activity in the restructuring liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which is primarily comprised of employee severance costs (in thousands):
		Employee			Other		Total
		Severance			Restructuring
		Costs			Charges
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	0		$	0	$	0
	Accruals		2,273			138		2,411
	Payments		(292	)		0		(292	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	1,981		$	138	$	2,119
	The balance of the restructuring liability at September 30, 2013 is anticipated to be fully distributed by the end of 2013. We also expect to incur additional employee severance expenses in the fourth quarter of 2013 of approximately $0.6 million and expenses from vacating all or a portion of certain facilities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom in the fourth quarter of 2013 at a cost of approximately $0.5 million, all of which relates to the Mobile Computing Products segment.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, valuation of intangible and long-lived assets, valuation of goodwill, litigation, provision for warranty costs, income taxes and share-based compensation expense.
	Difficult global economic conditions, tight credit markets, volatile equity, foreign currency and energy markets and declines in consumer spending have combined to increase the uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, particularly those related to the condition of the economy, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates.

Balance_Sheet_Details_Tables

Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Marketable Securities Available-for-Sale	'
	The Company’s portfolio of available-for-sale securities by contractual maturity consists of the following (in thousands):
	September 30, 2013	Maturity			Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		in Years			Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
								Gains			Losses			Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		1 or less		$	3,352		$	1		$	0		$	3,353
	Municipal bonds		1 or less			5,875			2			0			5,877
	Certificates of deposit		1 or less			5,000			1			0			5,001
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 or less			10,210			0			(9	)		10,201
	Total short-term marketable securities					24,437			4			(9	)		24,432
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1 to 2			2,740			0			0			2,740
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 to 2			2,581			0			(5	)		2,576
	Total long-term marketable securities					5,321			0			(5	)		5,316
					$	29,758		$	4		$	(14	)	$	29,748
	December 31, 2012	Maturity			Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		in Years			Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
								Gains			Losses			Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		1 or less		$	3,265		$	1		$	0		$	3,266
	Municipal bonds		1 or less			11,246			14			0			11,260
	Certificates of deposit		1 or less			6,200			5			0			6,205
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 or less			17,330			3			0			17,333
	Total short-term marketable securities					38,041			23			0			38,064
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1 to 2			1,200			1			0			1,201
	Total long-term marketable securities					1,200			1			0			1,201
					$	39,241		$	24		$	0		$	39,265
Summary of Inventories	'
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Finished goods	$	18,624		$	26,776
	Raw materials and components		8,401			12,240
		$	27,025		$	39,016
Summary of Accrued Expenses	'
	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Royalties	$	5,604		$	4,349
	Payroll and related expenses		5,308			7,788
	Product warranty		2,355			2,329
	Market development funds and price protection		1,958			2,147
	Professional fees		2,063			1,549
	Deferred revenue		3,514			4,630
	Restructuring		2,119			0
	Other		5,039			5,008
		$	27,960		$	27,800
Summary of Accrued Warranty Obligations	'
	Accrued warranty obligations consist of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Warranty liability at beginning of period	$	2,451		$	2,674		$	2,329		$	1,525
	Additions charged to operations		722			849			4,086			3,579
	Deductions from liability		(818	)		(1,042	)		(4,060	)		(2,623	)
	Warranty liability at end of period	$	2,355		$	2,481		$	2,355		$	2,481

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Amortizable Purchased Intangible Assets from Acquisition	'
	The Company’s amortizable purchased intangible assets resulting from its acquisition of Enfora are composed of (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013										December 31, 2012
		Gross		Accumulated			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Accumulated			Net
				Amortization			Impairment							Amortization			Impairment
	Developed technologies	$	26,000	$	(6,036	)	$	(19,547	)	$	417	$	26,000	$	(5,786	)	$	(19,547	)	$	667
	Trade name		12,800		(2,536	)		(8,582	)		1,682		12,800		(2,147	)		(8,582	)		2,071
	Other		3,720		(1,956	)		(1,620	)		144		3,720		(1,923	)		(1,620	)		177
	Total amortizable purchased intangible assets	$	42,520	$	(10,528	)	$	(29,749	)	$	2,243	$	42,520	$	(9,856	)	$	(29,749	)	$	2,915
Summary of Amortization Expenses of Purchased Intangible Assets	'
	The following table presents details of the amortization of purchased intangible assets included in the cost of net revenues and general and administrative expense categories (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		2012			2013			2012
	Cost of net revenues	$	83	$	289		$	250		$	1,539
	General and administrative expenses		141		227			422			891
	Total amortization expense	$	224	$	516		$	672		$	2,430
Schedule of Amortization Expense of Purchased Intangible Assets Expected to be Recognized	'
	The following table represents details of the amortization of existing purchased intangible assets that is currently estimated to be expensed in the remainder of 2013 and thereafter (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:	Amount
	2013 (remaining 3 months)	$	224
	2014		895
	2015		562
	2016		562
	Total	$	2,243

Fair_Value_Measurement_of_Asse1

Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Summary of Company's Financial Instruments, Fair Value on a Recurring Basis	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Description	September 30, 2013		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents
	Money market funds	$	47	$	47	$	0
	US Treasury securities		2,208		0		2,208
	Total cash equivalents		2,255		47		2,208
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		3,353		0		3,353
	Municipal bonds		5,877		0		5,877
	Certificates of deposit		5,001		0		5,001
	Corporate debentures / bonds		10,201		0		10,201
	Total short-term marketable securities		24,432		0		24,432
	Long-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		2,740		0		2,740
	Corporate debentures / bonds		2,576		0		2,576
	Total long-term marketable securities		5,316		0		5,316
	Total financial assets	$	32,003	$	47	$	31,956
	Description	December 31, 2012		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents
	Money market funds	$	47	$	47	$	0
	US Treasury securities		3,429		0		3,429
	Total cash equivalents		3,476		47		3,429
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		3,266		0		3,266
	Municipal bonds		11,260		0		11,260
	Certificates of deposit		6,205		0		6,205
	Corporate debentures / bonds		17,333		0		17,333
	Total short-term marketable securities		38,064		0		38,064
	Long-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1,201		0		1,201
	Total long-term marketable securities		1,201		0		1,201
	Total financial assets	$	42,741	$	47	$	42,694

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Payment for Share-Based Compensation Awards	'
	The Company included the following amounts for share-based compensation awards in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
			September 30,					September 30,
			2013			2012		2013		2012
	Cost of net revenues (1)		$	(7	)	$	167	$	49	$	543
	Research and development			329			645		908		2,033
	Sales and marketing			215			334		618		1,067
	General and administrative			422			606		1,273		1,766
	Totals		$	959		$	1,752	$	2,848	$	5,409
	-1	Negative expense resulted from change in the estimated forfeiture rate during the third quarter of 2013.

Segment_Information_and_Concen1

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Revenues, Operating Loss and Identifiable Assets of Segments	'
	The table below presents net revenues from external customers, operating loss and identifiable assets for our reportable segments (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net revenues by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products	$	84,067		$	65,189		$	240,510		$	248,620
	M2M Products and Solutions		8,606			5,828			29,208			24,993
	Total	$	92,673		$	71,017		$	269,718		$	273,613
	Operating loss by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products	$	(953	)	$	(7,513	)	$	(9,801	)	$	(11,701	)
	M2M Products and Solutions		(3,911	)		(24,340	)		(11,992	)		(62,424	)
	Total	$	(4,864	)	$	(31,853	)	$	(21,793	)	$	(74,125	)
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Identifiable assets by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products	$	128,111		$	141,045
	M2M Products and Solutions		16,382			20,486
	Total	$	144,493		$	161,531
Schedule of Geographic Concentration of the Assets	'
	The following table details the geographic concentration of the Company’s assets in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	United States	$	141,937		$	157,661
	Canada		1,489			2,836
	Europe, Latin America and Asia		1,067			1,034
		$	144,493		$	161,531
Schedule of Geographic Concentration of Net Revenues	'
	The following table details the concentration of the Company’s net revenues by geographic region:
		Three months ended						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	United States and Canada		96.5	%		94	%		95.9	%		92.7	%
	Latin America		0.8			0			0.7			2.2
	Europe, Middle East and Africa		2.4			5.7			3.2			4.7
	Asia and Australia		0.3			0.3			0.2			0.4
			100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary of Restructuring Liability	'
	The following table sets forth activity in the restructuring liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which is primarily comprised of employee severance costs (in thousands):
		Employee			Other		Total
		Severance			Restructuring
		Costs			Charges
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	0		$	0	$	0
	Accruals		2,273			138		2,411
	Payments		(292	)		0		(292	)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	1,981		$	138	$	2,119

Balance_Sheet_Details_Summary_

Balance Sheet Details - Summary of Marketable Securities Available-for-Sale (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$29,758	$39,241
Gross Unrealized Gains	4	24
Gross Unrealized Losses	-14	0
Estimated Fair Value	29,748	39,265
Short-term marketable securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	24,437	38,041
Gross Unrealized Gains	4	23
Gross Unrealized Losses	-9	0
Estimated Fair Value	24,432	38,064
Long-term marketable securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	5,321	1,200
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	-5	0
Estimated Fair Value	5,316	1,201
Government agency securities [Member] | Short-term marketable securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity in Years	'1 or less	'1 or less
Amortized Cost	3,352	3,265
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	3,353	3,266
Municipal bonds [Member] | Short-term marketable securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity in Years	'1 or less	'1 or less
Amortized Cost	5,875	11,246
Gross Unrealized Gains	2	14
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	5,877	11,260
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Short-term marketable securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity in Years	'1 or less	'1 or less
Amortized Cost	5,000	6,200
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	5
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	5,001	6,205
Certificates of deposit [Member] | Long-term marketable securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity in Years	'1 to 2	'1 to 2
Amortized Cost	2,740	1,200
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	2,740	1,201
Corporate debentures / bonds [Member] | Short-term marketable securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity in Years	'1 or less	'1 or less
Amortized Cost	10,210	17,330
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	3
Gross Unrealized Losses	-9	0
Estimated Fair Value	10,201	17,333
Corporate debentures / bonds [Member] | Long-term marketable securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity in Years	'1 to 2	'
Amortized Cost	2,581	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-5	'
Estimated Fair Value	$2,576	'

Balance_Sheet_Details_Addition

Balance Sheet Details - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
				Subsequent Event [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Balance Sheet Details [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized loss	$10,000	$10,000	'	'	'	'
Investments in marketable securities with unrealized loss position	0	0	0	'	'	'
Marketable securities held at bank	9,200,000	9,200,000	'	'	'	'
Amount borrowed against the facility	3,400,000	13,400,000	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility	2,400,000	2,400,000	'	3,500,000	'	'
Restricted marketable securities	$2,441,000	$2,441,000	$0	'	'	'
Product warranty description	'	'One to three years of coverage for products following the date of purchase	'	'	'	'
Product warranty period	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'3 years

Balance_Sheet_Details_Summary_1

Balance Sheet Details - Summary of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$18,624	$26,776
Raw materials and components	8,401	12,240
Total inventory	$27,025	$39,016

Balance_Sheet_Details_Summary_2

Balance Sheet Details - Summary of Accrued Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Royalties	$5,604	'	$4,349	'	'	'
Payroll and related expenses	5,308	'	7,788	'	'	'
Product warranty	2,355	2,451	2,329	2,481	2,674	1,525
Market development funds and price protection	1,958	'	2,147	'	'	'
Professional fees	2,063	'	1,549	'	'	'
Deferred revenue	3,514	'	4,630	'	'	'
Restructuring	2,119	'	0	'	'	'
Other	5,039	'	5,008	'	'	'
Accrued expenses, Total	$27,960	'	$27,800	'	'	'

Balance_Sheet_Details_Summary_3

Balance Sheet Details - Summary of Accrued Warranty Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Guarantees [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Warranty liability at beginning of period	$2,451	$2,674	$2,329	$1,525
Additions charged to operations	722	849	4,086	3,579
Deductions from liability	-818	-1,042	-4,060	-2,623
Warranty liability at end of period	$2,355	$2,481	$2,355	$2,481

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Amortizable Purchased Intangible Assets from Acquisition (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross	$42,520,000	$42,520,000
Accumulated Amortization	-10,528,000	-9,856,000
Accumulated Impairment	-29,749,000	-29,749,000
Net	2,243,000	2,915,000
Developed technologies [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross	26,000,000	26,000,000
Accumulated Amortization	-6,036,000	-5,786,000
Accumulated Impairment	-19,547,000	-19,547,000
Net	417,000	667,000
Trade name [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross	12,800,000	12,800,000
Accumulated Amortization	-2,536,000	-2,147,000
Accumulated Impairment	-8,582,000	-8,582,000
Net	1,682,000	2,071,000
Other [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross	3,720,000	3,720,000
Accumulated Amortization	-1,956,000	-1,923,000
Accumulated Impairment	-1,620,000	-1,620,000
Net	$144,000	$177,000

Intangible_Assets_Summary_of_A

Intangible Assets - Summary of Amortization Expenses of Purchased Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	$141	$227	$422	$891
Cost of net revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	83	289	250	1,539
General and administrative expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	141	227	422	891
Total amortization expense [Member]	'	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	$224	$516	$672	$2,430

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment loss	'	'	'	$22,800,000	'	'
Loss on goodwill and purchased intangible assets impairment	0	'	20,484,000	'	0	49,821,000
Deduction on impairment charges	'	300,000	'	'	'	'
Purchased intangible assets net	2,243,000	2,915,000	'	'	2,243,000	'
Intangible assets accumulated amortization	10,528,000	9,856,000	'	'	10,528,000	'
Intangible assets [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss on goodwill and purchased intangible assets impairment	'	'	7,300,000	'	'	'
Acquired software licenses [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchased intangible assets net	140,000	248,000	'	'	140,000	'
Intangible assets accumulated amortization	$2,200,000	$2,100,000	'	'	$2,200,000	'

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_1

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Amortization Expense of Purchased Intangible Assets Expected to be Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
2013 (remaining 3 months)	$224	'
2014	895	'
2015	562	'
2016	562	'
Net	$2,243	$2,915

Goodwill_Additional_Informatio

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying amount of goodwill	$0	'	'	$0	'	$0	$19,800,000
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment	0	20,484,000	'	0	49,821,000	'	'
Purchases of intangible assets	'	'	22,800,000	'	'	'	'
Goodwill [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and intangible assets impairment	'	$13,200,000	$6,600,000	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurement_of_Asse2

Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities - Summary of Company's Financial Instruments, Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	$2,255	$3,476
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	24,432	38,064
Total long-term marketable securities	5,316	1,201
Total financial assets	32,003	42,741
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government agency securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	3,353	3,266
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	5,877	11,260
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	5,001	6,205
Total long-term marketable securities	2,740	1,201
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate debentures / bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	10,201	17,333
Total long-term marketable securities	2,576	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	47	47
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US Treasury securities [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	2,208	3,429
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	47	47
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	0	0
Total long-term marketable securities	0	0
Total financial assets	47	47
Level 1 [Member] | Government agency securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	0	0
Total long-term marketable securities	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Corporate debentures / bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	0	0
Total long-term marketable securities	0	'
Level 1 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	47	47
Level 1 [Member] | US Treasury securities [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	0	0
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	2,208	3,429
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	24,432	38,064
Total long-term marketable securities	5,316	1,201
Total financial assets	31,956	42,694
Level 2 [Member] | Government agency securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	3,353	3,266
Level 2 [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	5,877	11,260
Level 2 [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	5,001	6,205
Total long-term marketable securities	2,740	1,201
Level 2 [Member] | Corporate debentures / bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	10,201	17,333
Total long-term marketable securities	2,576	'
Level 2 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury securities [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	$2,208	$3,429

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Payment for Share-Based Compensation Awards (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amounts for share-based compensation awards	$959	$1,752	$2,848	$5,409
Cost of net revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amounts for share-based compensation awards	-7	167	49	543
Research and development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amounts for share-based compensation awards	329	645	908	2,033
Sales and marketing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amounts for share-based compensation awards	215	334	618	1,067
General and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amounts for share-based compensation awards	$422	$606	$1,273	$1,766

Segment_Information_and_Concen2

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk - Schedule of Net Revenues, Operating Loss and Identifiable Assets of Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Net revenues by reportable segment:	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$92,673	$71,017	$269,718	$273,613	'
Operating loss by reportable segment:	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	-4,864	-31,853	-21,793	-74,125	'
Identifiable assets by reportable segment:	'	'	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	144,493	'	144,493	'	161,531
Operating Segments [Member] | Mobile Computing Products [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues by reportable segment:	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	84,067	65,189	240,510	248,620	'
Operating loss by reportable segment:	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	-953	-7,513	-9,801	-11,701	'
Identifiable assets by reportable segment:	'	'	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	128,111	'	128,111	'	141,045
Operating Segments [Member] | M2M Products and Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues by reportable segment:	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	8,606	5,828	29,208	24,993	'
Operating loss by reportable segment:	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss	-3,911	-24,340	-11,992	-62,424	'
Identifiable assets by reportable segment:	'	'	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	$16,382	'	$16,382	'	$20,486

Segment_Information_and_Concen3

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk - Schedule of Geographic Concentration of the Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets by Geographic Concentration, Total	$144,493	$161,531
Operating Segments [Member] | United States [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets by Geographic Concentration, Total	141,937	157,661
Operating Segments [Member] | Canada [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets by Geographic Concentration, Total	1,489	2,836
Operating Segments [Member] | Europe, Latin America and Asia [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets by Geographic Concentration, Total	$1,067	$1,034

Segment_Information_and_Concen4

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk - Schedule of Geographic Concentration of Net Revenues (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues by geographic region	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | United States and Canada [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues by geographic region	96.50%	94.00%	95.90%	92.70%
Operating Segments [Member] | Latin America [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues by geographic region	0.80%	0.00%	0.70%	2.20%
Operating Segments [Member] | Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues by geographic region	2.40%	5.70%	3.20%	4.70%
Operating Segments [Member] | Asia and Australia [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues by geographic region	0.30%	0.30%	0.20%	0.40%

Segment_Information_and_Concen5

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
			Customer One [Member]	Customer One [Member]	Customer Two [Member]	Customer Two [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenue, percentage	59.00%	61.00%	57.00%	58.00%	10.00%	10.00%

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic and Diluted weighted-average common and potential common shares outstanding	34,070,000	33,074,000	33,902,000	32,683,000
Weighted-average options RSUs, and unissued ESPP shares outstanding	5,668,752	6,068,910	5,885,100	6,164,954

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Settlements on legal matters	$37,000	$793,000
September Fifteenth Two Thousand Eight [Member]	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
"Lawsuit" filed date	'	'September 15, 2008
September Eighteenth Two Thousand Eight [Member]	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
"Lawsuit" filed date	'	'September 18, 2008
September Twenty Fourth Two Thousand Ten [Member]	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
"Lawsuit" filed date	'	'September 24, 2010

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
						Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carry Forwards Research [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Valuation allowance	$74,000,000	'	$74,000,000	'	'	$321,000	'
Deferred tax benefits including income tax expense	1,300,000	'	10,100,000	'	'	'	'
Net deferred tax assets	74,100,000	'	74,100,000	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense (benefit), including discrete items	319,000	107,000	340,000	276,000	'	'	'
Uncertain income tax (less than)	'	'	'Less than a 50% likelihood	'	'	'	'
Total liability for unrecognized tax benefits included other long-term liabilities	'	'	62,000	'	367,000	'	'
Expected unrecognized tax benefits due to expiration of limitations applicable to the 2008 taxable year	'	'	'	'	'	'	$71,000

Restructuring_Additional_Infor

Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Employees

Mobile Computing Products [Member]

M2M Products and Solutions [Member]

Employee Severance Costs [Member]

Employee Severance Costs [Member]

Employee Severance Costs [Member]

Other Restructuring Charges [Member]

Other Restructuring Charges [Member]

Facility Closing [Member]

Mobile Computing Products [Member]

Mobile Computing Products [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Scenario, Forecast [Member]

Restructuring And Related Activity Line Items

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in number of employees after restructuring

'

'

72

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional employee severance expenses

$2,411,000

$0

$2,411,000

$0

$2,200,000

$206,000

$2,300,000

$2,273,000

$600,000

$138,000

$138,000

$500,000

Restructuring_Summary_of_Restr

Restructuring - Summary of Restructuring Liability (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	$0	'
Accruals	2,411,000	0	2,411,000	0
Payments	'	'	-292,000	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	2,119,000	'	2,119,000	'
Employee Severance Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	0	'
Accruals	2,300,000	'	2,273,000	'
Payments	'	'	-292,000	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	1,981,000	'	1,981,000	'
Other Restructuring Charges [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	'	'	0	'
Accruals	138,000	'	138,000	'
Payments	'	'	0	'
Balance at September 30, 2013	$138,000	'	$138,000	'