Inseego (INSG) 10-Q 8 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	2-May-14
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
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	'	34,318,974

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$11,827	$2,911
Marketable securities	15,040	16,612
Restricted marketable securities	298	2,566
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,491 at March 31, 2014 and $2,449 at December 31, 2013	30,028	39,985
Inventories	25,129	27,793
Deferred tax assets, net	100	100
Prepaid expenses and other	2,792	5,662
Total current assets	85,214	95,629
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $64,207 at March 31, 2014 and $62,334 at December 31, 2013	8,246	9,901
Marketable securities	720	3,443
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $13,235 at March 31, 2014 and $12,983 at December 31, 2013	1,879	2,131
Deferred tax assets, net	81	81
Other assets	731	280
Total assets	96,871	111,465
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	23,187	24,538
Accrued expenses	21,141	23,271
Current portion of contingent loss for litigation	4,326	4,326
Short-term margin loan facility	298	2,566
Total current liabilities	48,952	54,701
Other long-term liabilities	1,723	1,848
Long-term portion of contingent loss for litigation	10,000	10,000
Total liabilities	60,675	66,549
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, 34,315 and 34,097 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	34	34
Additional paid-in capital	441,628	441,368
Accumulated other comprehensive income	6	5
Accumulated deficit	-380,472	-371,491
Stockholders' equity before treasury stock	61,196	69,916
Treasury stock at cost; 2,436 common shares at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-25,000	-25,000
Total stockholders' equity	36,196	44,916
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$96,871	$111,465

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,491	$2,449
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	64,207	62,334
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$13,235	$12,983
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000	2,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Common stock, shares issued	34,315	34,097
Common stock, shares outstanding	34,315	34,097
Treasury stock, shares	2,436	2,436

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Net revenues	$48,284	$85,921
Cost of net revenues	38,216	69,073
Gross profit	10,068	16,848
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'
Research and development	8,618	13,811
Sales and marketing	3,995	5,756
General and administrative	5,076	6,326
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	140	140
Restructuring charges	1,166	0
Total operating costs and expenses	18,995	26,033
Operating loss	-8,927	-9,185
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest income, net	15	57
Other expense, net	-44	-77
Loss before income taxes	-8,956	-9,205
Income tax provision (benefit)	25	-83
Net loss	($8,981)	($9,122)
Net loss per share:	'	'
Basic and diluted	($0.26)	($0.27)
Weighted average shares used in computation of basic and diluted net loss per share:	'	'
Basic and diluted	34,172	33,717

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net loss	($8,981)	($9,122)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash equivalents and marketable securities, net of tax	1	-3
Total comprehensive loss	($8,980)	($9,125)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($8,981)	($9,122)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,125	2,310
Provision for bad debts	30	156
Inventory provision	180	65
Share-based compensation expense	477	949
Non-cash income tax benefit	-6	-120
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	9,928	-1,026
Inventories	2,484	8,761
Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,418	55
Accounts payable	-1,175	-644
Accrued expenses, income taxes, and other	-2,085	499
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,395	1,883
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-513	-2,852
Purchases of marketable securities	0	-3,754
Marketable securities maturities / sales	6,564	3,159
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	6,051	-3,447
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from the issuance of short-term debt, net of issuance costs	0	7,000
Principal repayments of short-term debt	-2,268	-2,178
Restricted cash relating to short-term debt	0	-661
Proceeds from stock option exercises and ESPP net of taxes paid on vested restricted stock units	-217	-304
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-2,485	3,857
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	-45	-65
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	8,916	2,228
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	2,911	16,044
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	11,827	18,272
Cash paid during the year for:	'	'
Interest	6	0
Income taxes	$64	$26

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014 and the results of the Company’s operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 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, 2013. 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 and expenses, and disclosure of contingent 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, litigation, provision for warranty costs, income taxes, share-based compensation expense and best estimate of selling price in a multiple element arrangement.
	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, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates, particularly those related to the condition of the economy.

Balance_Sheet_Details

Balance Sheet Details	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [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):
	March 31, 2014	Maturity			Amortized			Gross		Gross		Estimated
		in Years			Cost			Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
								Gains		Losses		Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		1 or less		$	1,150		$	0	$	0	$	1,150
	Municipal bonds		1 or less			1,762			1		0		1,763
	Certificates of deposit		1 or less			3,220			0		0		3,220
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 or less			9,200			5		0		9,205
	Total short-term marketable securities					15,332			6		0		15,338
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1 to 2			720			0		0		720
	Total long-term marketable securities					720			0		0		720
					$	16,052		$	6	$	0	$	16,058
	December 31, 2013	Maturity			Amortized			Gross		Gross		Estimated
		in Years			Cost			Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
								Gains		Losses		Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		1 or less		$	2,350		$	1	$	0	$	2,351
	Municipal bonds		1 or less			2,828			1		0		2,829
	Certificates of deposit		1 or less			3,360			0		0		3,360
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 or less			10,635			3		0		10,638
	Total short-term marketable securities					19,173			5		0		19,178
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1 to 2			1,300			0		0		1,300
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 to 2			2,143			0		0		2,143
	Total long-term marketable securities					3,443			0		0		3,443
					$	22,616		$	5	$	0	$	22,621
	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.
	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. Borrowings under the facility incur an interest rate at the bank’s base rate plus 1%. At March 31, 2014, the Company had approximately $2.9 million in marketable securities held at this bank, and the Company’s unused borrowing capacity at March 31, 2014 under the credit facility was $2.2 million. Any monies borrowed and interest incurred are payable on demand, and there is no express expiration date to the credit facility. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company did not borrow against the facility, and had outstanding borrowings of $298,000 under this facility at March 31, 2014. 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 March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2014, the Company had no cash equivalents held at this bank.
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company recorded a net unrealized gain of $6,000. The Company’s net unrealized gain 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.
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Finished goods	$	18,506		$	20,870
	Raw materials and components		6,623			6,923
		$	25,129		$	27,793
	Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Royalties	$	3,411		$	4,243
	Payroll and related expenses		4,173			4,828
	Product warranty		1,367			2,244
	Market development funds and price protection		3,287			3,059
	Professional fees		1,533			1,040
	Deferred revenue		2,602			2,999
	Restructuring		775			610
	Other		3,993			4,248
		$	21,141		$	23,271
	Accrued Warranty Obligations
	Accrued warranty obligations consist of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Warranty liability at beginning of period	$	2,244		$	2,329
	Additions charged to operations		405			2,256
	Deductions from/use of liability		(1,282	)		(1,921	)
	Warranty liability at end of period	$	1,367		$	2,664
	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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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):
		March 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Accumulated			Net
				Amortization			Impairment							Amortization			Impairment
	Developed technologies	$	26,000	$	(6,203	)	$	(19,547	)	$	250	$	26,000	$	(6,120	)	$	(19,547	)	$	333
	Trade name		12,800		(2,795	)		(8,582	)		1,423		12,800		(2,665	)		(8,582	)		1,553
	Other		3,720		(1,978	)		(1,620	)		122		3,720		(1,967	)		(1,620	)		133
	Total amortizable purchased intangible assets	$	42,520	$	(10,976	)	$	(29,749	)	$	1,795	$	42,520	$	(10,752	)	$	(29,749	)	$	2,019
	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
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Cost of net revenues	$	84	$	84
	General and administrative expenses		140		140
	Total amortization expense	$	224	$	224
	The following table represents details of the amortization of existing purchased intangible assets that is currently estimated to be expensed in the remainder of 2014 and thereafter (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:	Amount
	2014 (remaining 9 months)	$	671
	2015		562
	2016		562
	Total	$	1,795
	Additionally, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had $84,000 and $112,000, respectively, of acquired software licenses, net of accumulated amortization of $2.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The acquired software licenses represent rights to use certain software necessary for commercial sale of the Company’s products.

Fair_Value_Measurement_of_Asse

Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities	'
	4. Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities
	The Company’s fair value measurements relate to its cash equivalents, marketable debt securities, and marketable equity 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.
	At March 31, 2014 the Company did 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 March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Description	March 31, 2014		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents
	US Treasury securities	$	244	$	0	$	244
	Total cash equivalents		244		0		244
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		1,150		0		1,150
	Municipal bonds		1,763		0		1,763
	Certificates of deposit		3,220		0		3,220
	Corporate debentures / bonds		9,205		0		9,205
	Total short-term marketable securities		15,338		0		15,338
	Long-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		720		0		720
	Total long-term marketable securities		720		0		720
	Total financial assets	$	16,302	$	0	$	16,302
	See Note 2 for discussion of restricted cash and 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, 2013 (in thousands):
	Description	December 31, 2013		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents
	US Treasury securities	$	487	$	0	$	487
	Total cash equivalents		487		0		487
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		2,351		0		2,351
	Municipal bonds		2,829		0		2,829
	Certificates of deposit		3,360		0		3,360
	Corporate debentures / bonds		10,638		0		10,638
	Total short-term marketable securities		19,178		0		19,178
	Long-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1,300		0		1,300
	Corporate debentures / bonds		2,143		0		2,143
	Total long-term marketable securities		3,443		0		3,443
	Total financial assets	$	23,108	$	0	$	23,108

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	5. 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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Cost of net revenues (1)		$	(30	)	$	(24	)
	Research and development			47			291
	Sales and marketing			79			204
	General and administrative			381			478
	Totals		$	477		$	949
	-1	Negative expense resulted from change in the estimated forfeiture rates during the first quarters of 2014 and 2013.

Segment_Information_and_Concen

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk	'
	6. 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 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
			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Net revenues by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products		$	36,198		$	75,620
	M2M Products and Solutions			12,086			10,301
	Total		$	48,284		$	85,921
	Operating loss by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products		$	(6,126	)	$	(5,500	)
	M2M Products and Solutions			(2,801	)		(3,685	)
	Total		$	(8,927	)	$	(9,185	)
			March 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Identifiable assets by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products		$	80,235		$	96,516
	M2M Products and Solutions			16,636			14,949
	Total		$	96,871		$	111,465
	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):
			March 31,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	United States		$	94,572		$	108,932
	Canada			857			808
	Europe, Latin America and Asia			1,442			1,725
			$	96,871		$	111,465
	The following table details the concentration of the Company’s net revenues by geographic region:
			Three months ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
	United States and Canada			91.6	%		95.2	%
	Latin America			1.2			0.4
	Europe, Middle East and Africa			5.5			4.2
	Asia and Australia			1.7			0.2
				100	%		100	%
	Concentrations of Risk
	Substantially all of the Company’s net revenues are derived from sales of wireless access products. Any significant decline in market acceptance of the Company’s products or in the financial condition of the Company’s 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 March 31, 2014, sales to our largest customer accounted for 39% of net revenues. In the same period in 2013, sales to our largest customer accounted for 60% of net revenues. 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	7. 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.
	As of March 31, 2014 and 2013, basic and diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were 34,171,921 and 33,716,594, respectively. As of March 31, 2014 and 2013, weighted-average options, RSUs, and ESPP shares to acquire a total of 5,120,187 and 6,027,732 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	8. 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 some 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 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 (the “Court) on behalf of alleged stockholders of the Company. On December 11, 2008, these lawsuits were consolidated into a single action and in May 2010, the consolidated lawsuits were captioned the case In re Novatel Wireless Securities Litigation (the “Litigation”). The Litigation is being pursued on behalf of persons who purchased the Company’s common stock between February 27, 2007 and September 15, 2008. As previously disclosed, on December 6, 2013, to avoid the costs, disruption and distraction of further litigation, legal counsel for the defendants entered into a binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with legal counsel for the lead plaintiffs, reflecting a proposed agreement to settle the Litigation. The proposed agreement did not admit any liability and the Company and the individual defendants continue to deny any and all liability. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, the Company would pay $6 million in cash, $5 million in the Company’s common stock and a $5 million secured promissory note, to resolve all claims asserted in the Litigation on behalf of class members. A portion of the $6 million in cash would be funded by insurers for the Company. The $5 million in shares of the Company’s common stock would be unrestricted and freely tradable shares and either registered or exempt from registration at the time of issuance and distribution to class members, which would occur within 10 business days after the entry of a final order of approval by the Court. The $5 million secured note, with a 5% interest rate, would have a 30 month maturity and be secured by the Company’s accounts receivables. The Company has the right, at its sole option, to substitute cash for the note prior to the entry of final approval by the Court. The settlement is subject to the following conditions: (1) the funding by the Company of the settlement; (2) the Company’s right to terminate the settlement if an agreed upon portion of the class members deliver timely and valid requests for exclusion from the class; (3) entry of final judgment by the Court approving the settlement; and (4) satisfaction of waiver of all covenants in the MOU.
	On March 7, 2014, the Court entered an order giving preliminary approval to the settlement. The Court set a hearing on June 20, 2014, for final approval of the settlement of the Litigation.
	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.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	9. 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 carryforwards. 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 March 31, 2014 (as described above), the Company recognized increases in the valuation allowance primarily related to its U.S.-based deferred tax amounts, resulting from carryforward net operating losses generated during the three months ended March 31, 2014. These deferred tax benefits, combined with a corresponding charge to income tax expense related to an increase in the valuation allowance of $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, resulted in an insignificant effective income tax rate. The Company’s valuation allowance was $83.0 million on net deferred tax assets of $83.1 million at March 31, 2014. The net unreserved portion of the Company’s remaining deferred tax assets at March 31, 2014 primarily related to research and development tax credits associated with the Company’s Canadian subsidiary.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded an income tax expense, including discrete items, of $25,000. This amount varies from the income tax expense that would be computed at the U.S. statutory rate resulting from its operating loss during the period primarily due to the aforementioned offsetting increase in the Company’s deferred tax assets valuation allowance.
	Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Sections 382 and 383, annual use of the Company’s net operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards may be limited in the event a cumulative change in ownership of more than 50% occurs within a three-year period. The Company is in the process of completing a IRC Section 382 analysis, and the Company expects to have this analysis completed within the next three months.
	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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $62,000 and $62,000, respectively, and is included in other long-term liabilities. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company included $0 of interest benefit related to uncertain tax positions in its condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company expects to release $62,000 of its liability for unrecognized tax benefits due to the expiration of the statute of limitations applicable to the 2009 taxable year.
	The Company and its subsidiaries file U.S., state, and foreign income tax returns in jurisdictions with various statutes of limitations. The Company is also subject to various Federal income tax examinations for the 2003 through 2013 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring	'
	10. 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. During February and March 2014, the Company commenced additional reduction in force initiatives resulting in headcount reductions of 41 employees and 21 employees, respectively. During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $1.2 million consisting primarily of employee-related compensation charges, as well as ongoing expenses related to vacating all or a portion of certain facilities in the United States and Canada during the fourth quarter of 2013. The restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2014 consisted of $1.1 million in employee severance costs and $72,000 in facility exit related costs. Of the $1.2 million of restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2014, $1.1 million relates to the Mobile Computing Products segment, and $42,000 relates to the M2M Products and Solutions segment. The restructuring charges incurred to date related to these restructuring initiatives total approximately $4.5 million, including restructuring charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2013 of $3.3 million. Of the $4.5 million of restructuring charges recorded to date, $4.2 million relates to the Mobile Computing Products segment, and $248,000 relates to the M2M Products and Solutions segment.
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, as a result of the September 2013 restructuring initiatives, the Company exited its development site in Calgary, Canada, and a portion of its San Diego facility. The Company has not yet entered into sublease agreements for these facilities. The Company recorded an additional $72,000 in restructuring expense during the three months ended March 31, 2014 relating to exiting these facilities, which is included in operating expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.
	The Company accounts for facility exit costs in accordance with ASC 420 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations,” which requires that a liability for such costs be recognized and measured initially at fair value on the cease-use date based on remaining lease rentals, adjusted for the effects of any prepaid or deferred items recognized, reduced by the estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained even if it is not the intent to sublease.
	The Company is required to estimate future sublease income and future net operating expenses of the facilities, among other expenses. The most significant of these estimates relate to the timing and extent of future sublease income which reduce lease obligations, and the probability for which the sublease income can be expected. The Company based estimates of sublease income, in part, on information from third party real estate experts, current market conditions and rental rates, an assessment of the time period over which reasonable estimates could be made, and the location of the respective facility, among other factors. Further adjustments to the facility exit liability accrual will be required in future periods if actual exit costs or sublease income differ from amounts currently expected. Exit costs the Company records under these provisions are neither associated with, nor do they benefit, continuing activities.
	The following table sets forth activity in the restructuring liability for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which is primarily comprised of employee severance costs (in thousands):
		Employee			Facility Exit			Total
		Severance			Related Costs
		Costs
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	0		$	881		$	881
	Accruals		1,094			72			1,166
	Payments		(763	)		(243	)		(1,006	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	331		$	710		$	1,041
	The balance of the restructuring liability at March 31, 2014 consists of $775,000 in short-term and $266,000 in long-term. The balance of the restructuring liability at March 31, 2014 is anticipated to be fully distributed by the end of the third quarter of 2017, at the expiration of our facility lease in Canada. We do not expect to incur significant additional expenses related to the September 2013 restructuring initiatives.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [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 March 31, 2014 and the results of the Company’s operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 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, 2013. 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	'
	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 and expenses, and disclosure of contingent 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, litigation, provision for warranty costs, income taxes, share-based compensation expense and best estimate of selling price in a multiple element arrangement.
	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, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates, particularly those related to the condition of the economy.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	The Company’s fair value measurements relate to its cash equivalents, marketable debt securities, and marketable equity 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.
	At March 31, 2014 the Company did 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.
Segment Information	'
	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 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.

Balance_Sheet_Details_Tables

Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [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):
	March 31, 2014	Maturity			Amortized			Gross		Gross		Estimated
		in Years			Cost			Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
								Gains		Losses		Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		1 or less		$	1,150		$	0	$	0	$	1,150
	Municipal bonds		1 or less			1,762			1		0		1,763
	Certificates of deposit		1 or less			3,220			0		0		3,220
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 or less			9,200			5		0		9,205
	Total short-term marketable securities					15,332			6		0		15,338
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1 to 2			720			0		0		720
	Total long-term marketable securities					720			0		0		720
					$	16,052		$	6	$	0	$	16,058
	December 31, 2013	Maturity			Amortized			Gross		Gross		Estimated
		in Years			Cost			Unrealized		Unrealized		Fair
								Gains		Losses		Value
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		1 or less		$	2,350		$	1	$	0	$	2,351
	Municipal bonds		1 or less			2,828			1		0		2,829
	Certificates of deposit		1 or less			3,360			0		0		3,360
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 or less			10,635			3		0		10,638
	Total short-term marketable securities					19,173			5		0		19,178
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1 to 2			1,300			0		0		1,300
	Corporate debentures / bonds		1 to 2			2,143			0		0		2,143
	Total long-term marketable securities					3,443			0		0		3,443
					$	22,616		$	5	$	0	$	22,621
Summary of Inventories	'
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Finished goods	$	18,506		$	20,870
	Raw materials and components		6,623			6,923
		$	25,129		$	27,793
Summary of Accrued Expenses	'
	Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Royalties	$	3,411		$	4,243
	Payroll and related expenses		4,173			4,828
	Product warranty		1,367			2,244
	Market development funds and price protection		3,287			3,059
	Professional fees		1,533			1,040
	Deferred revenue		2,602			2,999
	Restructuring		775			610
	Other		3,993			4,248
		$	21,141		$	23,271
Summary of Accrued Warranty Obligations	'
	Accrued warranty obligations consist of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2014			March 31, 2013
	Warranty liability at beginning of period	$	2,244		$	2,329
	Additions charged to operations		405			2,256
	Deductions from/use of liability		(1,282	)		(1,921	)
	Warranty liability at end of period	$	1,367		$	2,664

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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):
		March 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Accumulated			Net
				Amortization			Impairment							Amortization			Impairment
	Developed technologies	$	26,000	$	(6,203	)	$	(19,547	)	$	250	$	26,000	$	(6,120	)	$	(19,547	)	$	333
	Trade name		12,800		(2,795	)		(8,582	)		1,423		12,800		(2,665	)		(8,582	)		1,553
	Other		3,720		(1,978	)		(1,620	)		122		3,720		(1,967	)		(1,620	)		133
	Total amortizable purchased intangible assets	$	42,520	$	(10,976	)	$	(29,749	)	$	1,795	$	42,520	$	(10,752	)	$	(29,749	)	$	2,019
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
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Cost of net revenues	$	84	$	84
	General and administrative expenses		140		140
	Total amortization expense	$	224	$	224
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 2014 and thereafter (in thousands):
	Fiscal year:	Amount
	2014 (remaining 9 months)	$	671
	2015		562
	2016		562
	Total	$	1,795

Fair_Value_Measurement_of_Asse1

Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	Description	March 31, 2014		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents
	US Treasury securities	$	244	$	0	$	244
	Total cash equivalents		244		0		244
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		1,150		0		1,150
	Municipal bonds		1,763		0		1,763
	Certificates of deposit		3,220		0		3,220
	Corporate debentures / bonds		9,205		0		9,205
	Total short-term marketable securities		15,338		0		15,338
	Long-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		720		0		720
	Total long-term marketable securities		720		0		720
	Total financial assets	$	16,302	$	0	$	16,302
	Description	December 31, 2013		Level 1		Level 2
	Assets:
	Cash equivalents
	US Treasury securities	$	487	$	0	$	487
	Total cash equivalents		487		0		487
	Short-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Government agency securities		2,351		0		2,351
	Municipal bonds		2,829		0		2,829
	Certificates of deposit		3,360		0		3,360
	Corporate debentures / bonds		10,638		0		10,638
	Total short-term marketable securities		19,178		0		19,178
	Long-term marketable securities:
	Available-for-sale:
	Certificates of deposit		1,300		0		1,300
	Corporate debentures / bonds		2,143		0		2,143
	Total long-term marketable securities		3,443		0		3,443
	Total financial assets	$	23,108	$	0	$	23,108

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of 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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Cost of net revenues (1)		$	(30	)	$	(24	)
	Research and development			47			291
	Sales and marketing			79			204
	General and administrative			381			478
	Totals		$	477		$	949
	-1	Negative expense resulted from change in the estimated forfeiture rates during the first quarters of 2014 and 2013.

Segment_Information_and_Concen1

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net revenues by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products	$	36,198		$	75,620
	M2M Products and Solutions		12,086			10,301
	Total	$	48,284		$	85,921
	Operating loss by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products	$	(6,126	)	$	(5,500	)
	M2M Products and Solutions		(2,801	)		(3,685	)
	Total	$	(8,927	)	$	(9,185	)
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Identifiable assets by reportable segment:
	Mobile Computing Products	$	80,235		$	96,516
	M2M Products and Solutions		16,636			14,949
	Total	$	96,871		$	111,465
Schedule of Geographic Concentration of the Assets	'
	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):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	United States	$	94,572		$	108,932
	Canada		857			808
	Europe, Latin America and Asia		1,442			1,725
		$	96,871		$	111,465
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
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	United States and Canada		91.6	%		95.2	%
	Latin America		1.2			0.4
	Europe, Middle East and Africa		5.5			4.2
	Asia and Australia		1.7			0.2
			100	%		100	%

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary of Restructuring Liability	'
	The following table sets forth activity in the restructuring liability for the three months ended March 31, 2014, which is primarily comprised of employee severance costs (in thousands):
		Employee			Facility Exit			Total
		Severance			Related Costs
		Costs
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	0		$	881		$	881
	Accruals		1,094			72			1,166
	Payments		(763	)		(243	)		(1,006	)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	331		$	710		$	1,041

Balance_Sheet_Details_Summary_

Balance Sheet Details - Summary of Marketable Securities Available-for-Sale (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$16,052	$22,616
Gross Unrealized Gains	6	5
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	16,058	22,621
Short-term marketable securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	15,332	19,173
Gross Unrealized Gains	6	5
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	15,338	19,178
Long-term marketable securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	720	3,443
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	720	3,443
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	1,150	2,350
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	1,150	2,351
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	1,762	2,828
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	1
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	1,763	2,829
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	3,220	3,360
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	3,220	3,360
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	720	1,300
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	720	1,300
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	9,200	10,635
Gross Unrealized Gains	5	3
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Estimated Fair Value	9,205	10,638
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	'	2,143
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	'	$2,143

Balance_Sheet_Details_Addition

Balance Sheet Details - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Borrowings under the facility interest rate	1.00%
Marketable securities held at bank	$2,900,000
Company's unused borrowing capacity under credit facility	2,200,000
Outstanding borrowings under the credit facility	298,000
Net unrealized gains (losses)	$6,000
Product warranty description	'One to three years of coverage for products following the date of purchase
Minimum [Member]	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Product warranty period	'1 year
Maximum [Member]	'
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'
Product warranty period	'3 years

Balance_Sheet_Details_Summary_1

Balance Sheet Details - Summary of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$18,506	$20,870
Raw materials and components	6,623	6,923
Total inventory	$25,129	$27,793

Balance_Sheet_Details_Summary_2

Balance Sheet Details - Summary of Accrued Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Royalties	$3,411	$4,243	'	'
Payroll and related expenses	4,173	4,828	'	'
Product warranty	1,367	2,244	2,664	2,329
Market development funds and price protection	3,287	3,059	'	'
Professional fees	1,533	1,040	'	'
Deferred revenue	2,602	2,999	'	'
Restructuring	775	610	'	'
Other	3,993	4,248	'	'
Accrued expenses, Total	$21,141	$23,271	'	'

Balance_Sheet_Details_Summary_3

Balance Sheet Details - Summary of Accrued Warranty Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'	'
Warranty liability at beginning of period	$2,244	$2,329
Additions charged to operations	405	2,256
Deductions from/use of liability	-1,282	-1,921
Warranty liability at end of period	$1,367	$2,664

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Amortizable Purchased Intangible Assets from Acquisition (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross	$42,520	$42,520
Accumulated Amortization	-10,976	-10,752
Accumulated Impairment	-29,749	-29,749
Net	1,795	2,019
Developed technologies [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross	26,000	26,000
Accumulated Amortization	-6,203	-6,120
Accumulated Impairment	-19,547	-19,547
Net	250	333
Trade name [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross	12,800	12,800
Accumulated Amortization	-2,795	-2,665
Accumulated Impairment	-8,582	-8,582
Net	1,423	1,553
Other [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross	3,720	3,720
Accumulated Amortization	-1,978	-1,967
Accumulated Impairment	-1,620	-1,620
Net	$122	$133

Intangible_Assets_Summary_of_A

Intangible Assets - Summary of Amortization Expenses of Purchased Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	$140	$140
Cost of net revenues [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	84	84
General and administrative expenses [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	140	140
Total amortization expense [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization of purchased intangible assets	$224	$224

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_of_1

Intangible Assets - Schedule of Amortization Expense of Purchased Intangible Assets Expected to be Recognized (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
2014 (remaining 9 months)	$671	'
2015	562	'
2016	562	'
Net	$1,795	$2,019

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Purchased intangible assets net	$1,879,000	$2,131,000
Intangible assets accumulated amortization	13,235,000	12,983,000
Acquired software licenses [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Purchased intangible assets net	84,000	112,000
Intangible assets accumulated amortization	$2,300,000	$2,200,000

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 $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	$244	$487
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	15,338	19,178
Total long-term marketable securities	720	3,443
Total financial assets	16,302	23,108
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Government agency securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	1,150	2,351
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	1,763	2,829
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	3,220	3,360
Total long-term marketable securities	720	1,300
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate debentures / bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	9,205	10,638
Total long-term marketable securities	'	2,143
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | US Treasury securities [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	244	487
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	0	0
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	0	0
Total long-term marketable securities	0	0
Total financial assets	0	0
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] | US Treasury securities [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	0	0
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	244	487
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	15,338	19,178
Total long-term marketable securities	720	3,443
Total financial assets	16,302	23,108
Level 2 [Member] | Government agency securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	1,150	2,351
Level 2 [Member] | Municipal bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	1,763	2,829
Level 2 [Member] | Certificates of deposit [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	3,220	3,360
Total long-term marketable securities	720	1,300
Level 2 [Member] | Corporate debentures / bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale:	'	'
Total short-term marketable securities	9,205	10,638
Total long-term marketable securities	'	2,143
Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury securities [Member]	'	'
Cash equivalents	'	'
Total cash equivalents	$244	$487

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Share-Based Compensation Awards (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts for share-based compensation awards	$477	$949
Cost of net revenues [Member]	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts for share-based compensation awards	-30	-24
Research and development [Member]	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts for share-based compensation awards	47	291
Sales and marketing [Member]	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts for share-based compensation awards	79	204
General and administrative [Member]	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Amounts for share-based compensation awards	$381	$478

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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Net revenues by reportable segment:	'	'	'
Net revenues	$48,284	$85,921	'
Operating loss by reportable segment:	'	'	'
Operating loss	-8,927	-9,185	'
Identifiable assets by reportable segment:	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	96,871	'	111,465
Mobile Computing Products [Member]	'	'	'
Net revenues by reportable segment:	'	'	'
Net revenues	36,198	75,620	'
Operating loss by reportable segment:	'	'	'
Operating loss	-6,126	-5,500	'
Identifiable assets by reportable segment:	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	80,235	'	96,516
M2M Products and Solutions [Member]	'	'	'
Net revenues by reportable segment:	'	'	'
Net revenues	12,086	10,301	'
Operating loss by reportable segment:	'	'	'
Operating loss	-2,801	-3,685	'
Identifiable assets by reportable segment:	'	'	'
Identifiable assets	$16,636	'	$14,949

Segment_Information_and_Concen3

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk - Schedule of Geographic Concentration of Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets by Geographic Concentration, Total	$96,871	$111,465
United States [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets by Geographic Concentration, Total	94,572	108,932
Canada [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets by Geographic Concentration, Total	857	808
Europe, Latin America and Asia [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets by Geographic Concentration, Total	$1,442	$1,725

Segment_Information_and_Concen4

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk - Schedule of Geographic Concentration of Net Revenues (Detail) (Net Revenues [Member], Geographic Concentration [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration percentage	100.00%	100.00%
United States and Canada [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration percentage	91.60%	95.20%
Latin America [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration percentage	1.20%	0.40%
Europe, Middle East and Africa [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration percentage	5.50%	4.20%
Asia and Australia [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration percentage	1.70%	0.20%

Segment_Information_and_Concen5

Segment Information and Concentrations of Risk - Additional Information (Detail) (Net Revenues [Member], Customer Concentration [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Revenues [Member] | Customer Concentration [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Concentration percentage	39.00%	60.00%

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Basic and diluted weighted-average common and potential common shares outstanding	34,172,000	33,717,000
Weighted-average options, RSUs, and ESPP shares outstanding	5,120,187	6,027,732

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Settlements on legal matters	$6
Common Stock [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Settlements on legal matters	5
Secured Promissory Note [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Settlements on legal matters	$5
Secured note interest rate percentage	5.00%
Secured note maturity period	'30 months
September Fifteenth Two Thousand Eight [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Lawsuit filing date	'September 15, 2008
September Eighteenth Two Thousand Eight [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Lawsuit filing date	'September 18, 2008

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
				Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax benefits including income tax expense	$3,600,000	'	'	'
Valuation allowance	83,000,000	'	'	'
Net deferred tax assets	83,100,000	'	'	'
Income tax benefit including discrete items	25,000	-83,000	'	'
Internal revenue code related to annual use of operating loss carry forwards	'Annual use of the Company's net operating loss and research and development credit carryforwards may be limited in the event a cumulative change in ownership of more than 50% occurs within a three-year period.	'	'	'
Internal revenue code, cumulative change in ownership	50.00%	'	'	'
Uncertain income tax position unrecognized	'Less than a 50% likelihood	'	'	'
Total liability for unrecognized tax benefits included other long-term liabilities	62,000	'	62,000	'
Interest benefit on uncertain tax positions	0	'	'	'
Expected unrecognized tax benefits due to expiration of limitations applicable to the 2009 taxable year	'	'	'	$62,000

Restructuring_Additional_Infor

Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Employees

Employees

Employee Severance Costs [Member]

Employee Severance Costs [Member]

Facility Exit Related Costs [Member]

Restructuring Charges [Member]

Restructuring Charges [Member]

Mobile Computing Products [Member]

Mobile Computing Products [Member]

M2M Products and Solutions [Member]

M2M Products and Solutions [Member]

Short-term [Member]

Long-term [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in number of employees after restructuring

21

41

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring charges

'

'

$1,166,000

$0

'

$1,100,000

'

$72,000

$4,500,000

$3,300,000

$1,100,000

$4,200,000

$42,000

$248,000

'

'

Restructuring liability

$1,041,000

'

$1,041,000

'

$881,000

$331,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$775,000

$266,000

Restructuring_Summary_of_Restr

Restructuring - Summary of Restructuring Liability (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$881
Accruals	1,166
Payments	-1,006
Balance at March 31, 2014	1,041
Employee Severance Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	0
Accruals	1,094
Payments	-763
Balance at March 31, 2014	331
Facility Exit Related Costs [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	881
Accruals	72
Payments	-243
Balance at March 31, 2014	$710