Pixelworks (PXLW) 10-K 5 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Pixelworks, Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001040161	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	22,447,262	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float, Share Price	'	'	$3.42
Entity Public Float	'	'	$41,797,212

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$20,805	$13,404
Accounts receivable, net	4,761	3,772
Inventories	1,663	2,702
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,858	1,727
Total current assets	30,087	21,605
Property and equipment, net	4,084	6,283
Other assets, net	2,573	1,653
Total assets	36,744	29,541
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	1,327	2,224
Accrued liabilities and current portion of long-term liabilities	10,505	8,666
Current portion of income taxes payable	92	207
Short-term line of credit	3,000	0
Total current liabilities	14,924	11,097
Long-term liabilities, net of current portion	677	1,445
Income taxes payable, net of current portion	2,201	2,331
Total liabilities	17,802	14,873
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized, 22,006,932 and 18,400,783 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	362,644	349,531
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-82	-113
Accumulated deficit	-343,620	-334,750
Total shareholders’ equity	18,942	14,668
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$36,744	$29,541

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	22,006,932	18,400,783
Common stock, shares outstanding	22,006,932	18,400,783

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue, net	$48,118		$59,710		$64,609
Cost of revenue (1)	21,708	[1]	29,862	[1]	34,242	[1]
Gross profit	26,410		29,848		30,367
Operating expenses:	'		'		'
Research and development (2)	20,664	[2]	20,757	[2]	22,906	[2]
Selling, general and administrative (3)	13,883	[3]	14,944	[3]	15,266	[3]
Total operating expenses	34,547		35,701		38,172
Loss from operations	-8,137		-5,853		-7,805
Interest expense and other, net	-405		-412		-484
Gain on sale of patents	0		0		1,600
Gain on sale of marketable securities	0		0		264
Total other income (expense), net	-405		-412		1,380
Loss before income taxes	-8,542		-6,265		-6,425
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	328		-571		141
Net loss	($8,870)		($5,694)		($6,566)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted:	($0.45)		($0.31)		($0.40)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted	19,816		18,252		16,330
[1]	Includes: Additional amortization of non-cancelable prepaid royalty 369 565 441 Stock-based compensation 164 162 129
[2]	Includes stock-based compensation 1,204 893 845
[3]	Includes stock-based compensation 1,640 1,109 1,037

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cost of revenue	'	'	'
Additional amortization of non-cancelable prepaid royalty	$369	$565	$441
Stock-based compensation	164	162	129
Research and development	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,204	893	845
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	$1,640	$1,109	$1,037

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net loss	($8,870)	($5,694)	($6,566)
Other comprehensive loss:	'	'	'
Reclassification of unrealized gain upon sale of available-for-sale securities	0	0	-255
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities	0	0	-2
Pension adjustment	37	-56	-4
Tax effect of reclassification of unrealized gain upon sale of available-for-sale securities	0	0	26
Tax effect of pension adjustment	-6	10	1
Total comprehensive loss	($8,839)	($5,740)	($6,800)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net loss	($8,870)	($5,694)	($6,566)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	4,409	4,735	5,114
Stock-based compensation	3,008	2,164	2,011
Reversal of uncertain tax positions	-452	-1,455	-967
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	154	-110	23
(Gain) loss on asset disposal	-12	187	0
Gain on sale of patents	0	0	-1,600
Gain on sale of marketable securities	0	0	-264
Amortization of debt issuance costs	0	0	31
Other non-cash tax expense	0	0	26
Amortization on marketable securities	0	0	17
Other	61	63	11
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-989	785	-70
Inventories	1,039	1,405	751
Prepaid expenses and other current and long-term assets, net	-637	1,368	875
Accounts payable	-937	-2,410	-399
Accrued current and long-term liabilities	1,837	187	-274
Income taxes payable	207	559	546
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-1,182	1,784	-735
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-1,694	-1,835	-2,636
Purchases of licensed technology	-598	0	-100
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment	13	0	11
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities	0	0	12,961
Proceeds from sale of patents	0	0	1,600
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-2,279	-1,835	11,836
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Net proceeds from equity offering	9,625	0	8,327
Proceeds (payments) from line of credit	3,000	0	-3,000
Payments on asset financings	-2,243	-2,081	-2,760
Proceeds from issuances of common stock	480	444	331
Repurchase of debentures	0	0	-15,779
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	10,862	-1,637	-12,881
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	7,401	-1,688	-1,780
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	13,404	15,092	16,872
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$20,805	$13,404	$15,092

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	Accumulated Deficit
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$13,931	$336,254	$167	($322,490)
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	13,566,021	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under stock option and stock purchase plans	331	331	0	0
Stock issued under stock option and stock purchase plans, shares	'	202,649	'	'
Equity offering	8,327	8,327	0	0
Equity offering, shares	4,197,500	4,197,500	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,011	2,011	0	0
Net loss	-6,566	0	0	-6,566
Reclassification of unrealized gain upon sale of available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $(26)	-229	0	-229	0
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $0	-2	0	-2	0
Pension adjustment, net of tax	-3	0	-3	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2011	17,800	346,923	-67	-329,056
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	17,966,170	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under stock option and stock purchase plans	444	444	0	0
Stock issued under stock option and stock purchase plans, shares	'	434,613	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,164	2,164	0	0
Net loss	-5,694	0	0	-5,694
Pension adjustment, net of tax	-46	0	-46	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	14,668	349,531	-113	-334,750
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	18,400,783	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under stock option and stock purchase plans	480	480	0	0
Stock issued under stock option and stock purchase plans, shares	'	581,649	'	'
Equity offering	9,625	9,625	0	0
Equity offering, shares	3,024,500	3,024,500	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	3,008	3,008	0	0
Net loss	-8,870	0	0	-8,870
Pension adjustment, net of tax	31	0	31	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$18,942	$362,644	($82)	($343,620)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	22,006,932	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Tax effect of reclassification of unrealized gain upon sale of available-for-sale securities	$0	$0	($26)
Tax effect of pension adjustment	$6	($10)	($1)

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Nature of Business
	Pixelworks designs, develops and markets video and pixel processing semiconductors, intellectual property cores, software and custom ASIC solutions for high-end digital video applications. Our products allow manufacturers and developers of digital display and projection devices to manufacture screens of all sizes that display the highest video quality with minimum power consumption. Our core video display processing technology intelligently processes video signals from a variety of sources and optimizes the image for the viewer. The continued advancement of display technology and rapid growth of video consumption on digital delivery systems and mobile applications has increased the demand for video display processing technology in recent years. Our products are used in a range of devices from large flat panel displays to small low power mobile applications. Our products are designed to reduce overall system power requirements and reduce costs for our customers by minimizing bandwidth. Our primary target markets include digital projection systems, digital televisions, UltrabookTM devices, tablets, and smartphones.
	We have an intellectual property portfolio of 125 patents related to the visual display of digital image data.  We focus our research and development efforts on developing video enhancement solutions for our target markets that increase performance, video quality and device functionality while reducing power consumed.  We seek to expand our technology portfolio through internal development and co-development with business partners, and we continually evaluate acquisition opportunities and other ways to leverage our technology into other high-value markets.
	Pixelworks was founded in 1997 and is incorporated under the laws of the state of Oregon.
	Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pixelworks and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. All foreign subsidiaries use the U.S. dollar as the functional currency, and as a result, transaction gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations. Transaction gains (losses) were $123, $84 and $(9) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Our significant estimates and judgments include those related to revenue recognition, product returns, warranty obligations, bad debts, inventories, property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets, amortization of prepaid royalties, valuation of share-based payments, income taxes, litigation and other contingencies. The actual results experienced could differ materially from our estimates.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We classify all cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents, which consist of U.S. denominated money market funds totaled $20,396 and $13,104 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amount and do not bear interest when recorded or accrue interest when past due. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that may result from the inability of our customers to make required payments. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on an account-by-account risk analysis of outstanding receivable balances. The determination to write-off specific accounts receivable balances is made based on the likelihood of collection and past due status. Past due status is based on invoice date and terms specific to each customer.
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of finished goods and work-in-process, and are stated at the lower of standard cost (which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis) or market (net realizable value).
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets which are generally as follows:
		Software	Lesser of 3 years or contractual license term
		Equipment, furniture and fixtures	2 years
		Tooling	2 to 4 years
		Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or estimated useful life
	The cost of property and equipment repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred.
	Licensed Technology
	We have capitalized licensed technology assets in other long-term assets. These assets are stated at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the license or the estimated life of the asset, if the license is not contractually limited, which is generally two to five years.
	Useful Lives and Recoverability of Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets
	We evaluate the remaining useful life and recoverability of equipment and other assets, including identifiable intangible assets with definite lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If there is an indicator of impairment, we prepare an estimate of future, undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of each asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we adjust the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value.
	Revenue Recognition
	We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. For product sales, we require customers to provide purchase orders prior to shipment and we consider delivery to occur upon shipment provided title and risk of loss have passed to the customer based on the shipping terms. These conditions are generally satisfied upon shipment of the underlying product.
	There are no customer acceptance provisions associated with our products, and except for replacement of defective products under our warranty program discussed below, we have no obligation to accept product returns from end customers; however, we have accepted returns on a case-by-case basis as customer accommodations in the past. As a result, we provide for estimated reductions to gross profit for these sales returns in our reserve for sales returns and allowances. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the reserve based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. The reserve is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
	A portion of our sales are made to distributors under agreements that grant the distributor limited stock rotation rights and price protection on in-stock inventory. The stock rotation rights allow these distributors to exchange a limited amount of their in-stock inventory for other Pixelworks product. As a result, we provide for estimated reductions to gross profit for these stock rotations in our reserve for sales returns and allowances. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the reserve based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. The reserve is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Under price protection provisions, we grant distributors credit if they purchased product for a specific end customer and we subsequently lower the price to the end customer such that the distributor can no longer earn its negotiated margin on in-stock inventory. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate a reserve for price protection credits based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions.
	On occasion, we derive revenue from the license of our internally developed intellectual property ("IP"). IP licensing agreements that we enter into generally provide licensees the right to incorporate our IP components in their products with terms and conditions that vary by licensee. Our license fee arrangements generally include multiple deliverables and we are required to determine whether there is more than one unit of accounting. To the extent that the deliverables are separable into multiple units of accounting, we allocate the total fee on such arrangements to the individual units of accounting using management’s best estimate of selling price ("ESP"), if third party evidence ("TPE") or vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") does not exist. We defer revenue recognition for consideration that is contingent upon future performance or other contractual terms.
	The Company’s process for determining its ESP for deliverables without VSOE or TPE considers multiple factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. The key factors considered by the Company in developing the ESPs include the nature and complexity of the licensed technologies, our cost to provide the deliverables, the availability of substitute technologies in the marketplace and the Company’s historical pricing practices. We then recognize revenue for each unit of accounting depending on the nature of the deliverable(s) comprising the unit of accounting in accordance with the revenue recognition criteria mentioned above.
	Fees under these agreements generally include (a) license fees relating to our IP, (b) engineering services, and (c) support services. Historically, each of these elements have standalone value and therefore each are treated as separate units of accounting. Any future licensing arrangements will be analyzed based on the specific facts and circumstances which may be different than our historical licensing arrangements.
	For deliverables related to licenses of our technology that involve significant engineering services, we recognize revenue in accordance with the provisions of the proportional performance method. We determine costs associated with engineering services using actual labor dollars incurred and estimated other direct or incremental costs allocated based on the percentage of time the engineer(s) spent on the project. These costs are deferred until revenue recognition criteria have been met, at which time they are reclassified as cost of revenue.
	Warranty Program
	We warrant that our products will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve months from delivery. Warranty repairs are guaranteed for the remainder of the original warranty period. Our warranty is limited to repairing or replacing products, or refunding the purchase price. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate a reserve for warranty returns based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. The reserve for warranty returns is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	We currently sponsor a stock incentive plan that allows for issuance of employee stock options and restricted stock awards, including restricted stock units. We also have an employee stock purchase plan for all eligible employees. The fair value of share-based payment awards is expensed straight-line over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, for the entire award. Additionally, any modification of an award that increases its fair value will require us to recognize additional expense.
	The fair value of our stock option grants and purchase rights under our employee stock purchase plan are estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model which is affected by our estimates of the risk free interest rate, our expected dividend yield, expected term and the expected share price volatility of our common shares over the expected term. The fair values of our restricted stock awards are based on the market value of our stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the effect of estimated forfeitures.
	Research and Development
	Costs associated with research and development activities are expensed as incurred, except for items with alternate future uses which are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life.
	On occasion, we enter into co-development arrangements with current or prospective IC customers to defray a portion of the research and development expenses we expect to incur in connection with our development of an IC product As amounts become due and payable without recourse under co-development agreements, they are offset against research and development expense up to the amount of related costs incurred.
	Interest Expense and Other, Net
	Interest expense and other, consists of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest expense	$	(409	)	$	(417	)	$	(468	)
	Interest income	4			5			15
	Amortization of debt issuance costs	—			—			(31		)
	Interest expense and other, net	$	(405	)	$	(412	)	$	(484	)
	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We establish a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets if it is "more likely than not" that a portion or all of the asset will not be realized in future tax returns.
	An uncertain tax position represents our expected treatment of a tax position taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return, that has not been reflected in measuring income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. Until these positions are sustained by the taxing authorities, we do not recognize the tax benefits resulting from such positions and report the tax effects for uncertain tax positions in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Actuarial loss on pension obligation	$	(52	)	$	(80	)
	Accumulated transition pension obligation	(30		)	(33		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(82	)	$	(113	)
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	See Note 4 for information regarding accounting policies related to the fair value of our financial instruments.
	Risks and Uncertainties
	Concentration of Suppliers
	We do not own or operate a semiconductor fabrication facility and do not have the resources to manufacture our products internally. We rely on a limited number of foundries and assembly and test vendors to produce all of our wafers and for completion of finished products. We do not have any long-term agreements with any of these suppliers. In light of these dependencies, it is reasonably possible that failure to perform by one of these suppliers could have a severe impact on our results of operations. Additionally, the concentration of these vendors within Taiwan, the People’s Republic of China and Singapore increases our risk of supply disruption due to natural disasters, economic instability, political unrest or other regional disturbances.
	Risk of Technological Change
	The markets in which we compete, or seek to compete, are subject to rapid technological change, frequent new product introductions, changing customer requirements for new products and features, and evolving industry standards. The introduction of new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards could render our products less desirable or obsolete, which could harm our business.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We limit our exposure to credit risk associated with cash equivalent balances by holding our funds in high quality, highly liquid money market accounts. We limit our exposure to credit risk associated with accounts receivable by carefully evaluating creditworthiness before offering terms to customers.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”), which will require an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, unless an exception applies. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company will reflect the impact of these amendments beginning with the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2014. The Company does not anticipate a material impact to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows as a result of this change.

Balance_Sheet_Components

Balance Sheet Components	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Balance Sheet Components	'
	BALANCE SHEET COMPONENTS
	Accounts Receivable, Net
	Accounts receivable consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Accounts receivable, gross	$	5,076		$	4,124
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(315		)	(352		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	4,761		$	3,772
	The following is a summary of the change in our allowance for doubtful accounts:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	352		$	361		$	399
	Additions charged (reductions credited)	10			(9		)	(10		)
	Accounts written-off, net of recoveries	(47		)	—			(28		)
	Balance at end of year	$	315		$	352		$	361
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Finished goods	$	793		$	1,090
	Work-in-process	870			1,612
	Inventories	$	1,663		$	2,702
	We recorded inventory write-downs of $24, $106 and $289 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The inventory write-downs were for lower of cost or market and excess and obsolescence exposure, net of sales of previously reserved inventory of $66, $15 and $74 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of current prepaid expenses, deposits, income taxes receivable, other receivables, deferred costs and deferred tax assets.
	Property and Equipment, Net
	Property and equipment consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Equipment, furniture and fixtures	$	8,353		$	8,150
	Software	8,282			8,835
	Tooling	2,886			2,254
	Leasehold improvements	2,212			2,212
		21,733			21,451
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(17,649		)	(15,168		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	4,084		$	6,283
	Software amortization was $2,426, $2,157 and $1,882 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense for equipment, furniture, fixtures, tooling and leasehold improvements was $1,590, $1,908 and $1,707 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Other Assets, Net
	Other assets consist primarily of licensed technology, prepaid royalties and deposits. Amortization of licensed technology was $393, $670 and $1,525 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Accrued Liabilities and Current Portion of Long-Term Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities and current portion of long-term liabilities consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$	2,261		$	2,305
	Current portion of accrued liabilities for asset financings	2,251			1,688
	Accrued commissions and royalties	1,862			1,708
	Deferred revenue	1,271			73
	Accrued interest payable	1,087			808
	Reserve for warranty returns	329			457
	Other	1,444			1,627
	Accrued liabilities and current portion of long-term liabilities	$	10,505		$	8,666
	The following is a summary of the change in our reserve for warranty returns:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Reserve for warranty returns:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	457		$	439		$	723
	Provision (benefit)	84			588			(8		)
	Charge-offs	(212		)	(570		)	(276		)
	Balance at end of year	$	329		$	457		$	439
	Short-Term Line of Credit
	On December 21, 2010, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the "Revolving Loan Agreement") with Silicon Valley Bank (the "Bank"). On December 14, 2012, we and the Bank entered into Amendment No. 1 (the "Amendment No. 1") to the Revolving Loan Agreement. The Revolving Loan Agreement, as amended, provides a secured working capital-based revolving line of credit (the "Revolving Line") in an aggregate amount of up to the lesser of $10,000, or (ii) $1,000 plus 80% of eligible domestic accounts receivable and certain foreign accounts receivable. On December 4, 2013, we and the Bank entered into Amendment No. 2 (the "Amendment No. 2") to the Revolving Loan Agreement which changes the maturity date of the revolving line of credit provided pursuant to the Revolving Loan Agreement to January 1, 2016. The maturity date was previously December 14, 2014, as provided by Amendment No. 1 to the Revolving Loan Agreement. In addition, the Revolving Loan Agreement, as amended, provides for non-formula advances of up to $10,000 which may be made solely during the last five business days of any fiscal month or quarter and which must be repaid by the Company on or before the fifth business day after the applicable fiscal month or quarter end.
	Amounts advanced under the Revolving Line bear interest at an annual rate equal to the lender’s prime rate plus 0.25%. The Revolving Loan Agreement, as amended also provides an option for LIBOR advances that bear interest based on the LIBOR rate. Interest on the Revolving Line is due monthly, with the balance due on January 1, 2016, which is the scheduled maturity date for the Revolving Line.
	The Revolving Loan Agreement, as amended contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including with respect to the following: compliance with laws, provision of financial statements and periodic reports, payment of taxes, maintenance of inventory and insurance, maintenance of operating accounts at the Bank, the Bank’s access to collateral, formation or acquisition of subsidiaries, incurrence of indebtedness, dispositions of assets, granting liens, changes in business, ownership or business locations, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, making investments or distributions and affiliate transactions. The covenants also require that the Company maintain a minimum ratio of qualifying financial assets to the sum of qualifying financial obligations.
The Revolving Loan Agreement, as amended also contains customary events of default, including the following: defaults with respect to covenant compliance, the occurrence of a material adverse change, the occurrence of certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, cross-defaults, judgment defaults and material misrepresentations. The occurrence of an event of default could result in the acceleration of the Company’s obligations under the Revolving Loan Agreement, as amended and an increase to the applicable interest rate, and would permit the Bank to exercise remedies with respect to its security interest.
To secure the repayment of any amounts borrowed under the Revolving Loan Agreement, as amended, the Company granted to the Bank a security interest in substantially all of its assets, excluding its intellectual property assets. The Company has agreed not to pledge or otherwise encumber its intellectual property assets without prior written permission from the Bank.
As of December 31, 2013, short-term borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Line were non-formula advances in the aggregate of $3,000 which were repaid within required terms. The weighted-average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2013 was 3.5%. We had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Line as of December 31, 2012.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1:	Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
	Level 2:	Valuations based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3:	Valuations based on unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The following table presents information about our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Money market funds	$	20,396	$	—	$	—	$	20,396
	As of December 31, 2012:
	Money market funds	$	13,104	$	—	$	—	$	13,104
	We primarily use the market approach to determine the fair value of our financial assets. The fair value of our current assets and liabilities, including accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates the carrying value due to the short-term nature of these balances. We have currently chosen not to elect the fair value option for any items that are not already required to be measured at fair value in accordance with GAAP.

Research_and_Development

Research and Development	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Research and Development [Abstract]	'
Research and Development	'
	RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
	During the second quarter of 2012, we entered into a best efforts co-development agreement (the "Co-development Agreement") with a customer to defray a portion of the research and development expenses that we expect to incur in connection with our development of an IC product to be sold exclusively to the customer. We expect to begin selling units of the product developed under the Co-development Agreement during 2014, however, there is no commitment or agreement from the customer for such sales at this time. Additionally, we retain ownership of any modifications or improvements to our pre-existing intellectual property and may use such improvements in products sold to other customers.
	The initial $3,500 due under the Co-development Agreement was received within sixty days of contract signing and a second payment of $1,750 was received during the third quarter of 2013 upon completion of a development milestone. The final payment of $1,750 was invoiced during the fourth quarter of 2013 upon completion of the final development milestone. We recognized offsets to research and development expense related to the Co-development Agreement of $3,500 in each of 2012 and 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	INCOME TAXES
	Current and Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
	Domestic and foreign pre-tax income (loss) is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Domestic	$	(9,705	)		$	(7,510	)		$	(8,175	)
	Foreign	1,163				1,245				1,750
	Domestic and foreign pre-tax loss	$	(8,542	)		$	(6,265	)		$	(6,425	)
	Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations is comprised of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	55			$	55			$	55
	State	(17		)		1				3
	Foreign	136				(517		)		60
	Total current	174				(461		)		118
	Deferred:
	Federal	—				—				(3		)
	State	—				—				1
	Foreign	154				(110		)		25
	Total deferred	154				(110		)		23
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	328			$	(571	)		$	141
	The reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rate is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Federal statutory rate	34	%		34	%		34	%
	Expiration of tax attributes	(38	)		(9	)		(63	)
	Change in valuation allowance	8			(13	)		29
	Stock-based compensation	(6	)		(14	)		(4	)
	Tax contingencies, net of reversals	(5	)		6			—
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	2			2			2
	Impact of foreign earnings	2			(2	)		3
	Other	(1	)		5			(3	)
	Effective income tax rate	(4	)%		9	%		(2	)%
	Deferred Tax Assets, Liabilities and Valuation Allowance
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts for income tax purposes. Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	67,630			$	66,348
	Research and experimentation credit carryforwards	10,868				12,505
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	4,044				4,499
	Deferred stock-based compensation	2,520				2,338
	Capital loss carryforwards	2,222				2,218
	Depreciation and amortization	2,098				2,348
	Reserves and accrued expenses	740				670
	Other	395				459
	Total gross deferred tax assets	90,517				91,385
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Foreign earnings	(471		)		(633		)
	Other	(485		)		(327		)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(956		)		(960		)
	Less valuation allowance	(89,136		)		(89,841		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	425			$	584
	The current portion of the net deferred tax asset balance was $234 and $216 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The non-current portion of the net deferred tax asset balance was $191 and $368 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets.
	We continue to record a full valuation allowance against our U.S. net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2013 and against our U.S. and Canadian net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2012 as it is not more likely than not that we will realize a benefit from these assets in a future period. We have not provided a valuation allowance against any of our other foreign net deferred tax assets as we have concluded it is more likely than not that we will realize a benefit from these assets in a future period because our subsidiaries in these jurisdictions are cost-plus taxpayers. The net valuation allowance decreased $705, increased $832 and decreased $1,857 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, we had federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $194,141 and $20,981 respectively, which will expire between 2014 and 2033. As of December 31, 2013, we had available federal and state research and experimentation tax credit carryforwards of approximately $7,810 and $3,058, respectively, which begin expiring in 2019. We have a general foreign tax credit of $3,074 which will begin expiring in 2016. Our ability to utilize our federal net operating losses may be limited by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), which imposes an annual limit on the ability of a corporation that undergoes an "ownership change" to use its net operating loss carryforwards to reduce its tax liability. An ownership change is generally defined as a greater than 50% point increase in equity ownership by 5% shareholders in any three-year period.
	We had undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries of approximately $2,647 as of December 31, 2013, for which we have recorded a deferred tax liability.
	Our Chinese subsidiary is designated as an Advanced Technology Service Enterprise, allowing it to benefit from a Chinese tax holiday resulting in a reduction of its tax rates to 15% for 2012 and 2013. The tax rate will return to 25% in 2014 upon expiration of the tax holiday, however, we are currently in the process of applying for an extension of the tax holiday.  The impact of the extension of the tax holiday will be recognized in the quarter in which the extension has been approved by the tax authorities.
	The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which reinstated the United States federal research and development tax credit retroactively from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2013, was not enacted into law until the first quarter of 2013. Therefore, the deferred tax asset resulting from such reinstatement for 2012 was reflected in 2013.
	Uncertain Tax Positions
	We have recorded tax reserves to address potential exposures involving positions that could be challenged by taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the amount of our uncertain tax positions was a liability of $1,897 and $2,090, respectively.
	The following is a summary of the change in our liability for uncertain tax positions and interest and penalties:
	2013				2012
Uncertain tax positions:
Balance at beginning of year	$	1,653			$	2,255
Accrual for positions taken in a prior year	10				27
Accrual for positions taken in current year	222				356
Reversals due to lapse of statute of limitations	(293		)		(985		)
Balance at end of year	$	1,592			$	1,653
Interest and penalties:
Balance at beginning of year	$	437			$	850
Accrual for positions taken in prior year	27				56
Accrual for positions taken in current year	—				1
Reversals due to lapse of statute of limitations	(159		)		(470		)
Balance at end of year	$	305			$	437
During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recognized $27, $57 and $205, respectively, of interest and penalties in income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is resolved by settlement or statute of limitations. Settlement of any particular position could require the use of cash. If the uncertain tax positions we have accrued for are sustained by the taxing authorities in our favor, the reduction of the liability will reduce our effective tax rate. We reasonably expect reductions in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and interest and penalties of approximately $270 within the next twelve months due to the expiration of statutes of limitation in foreign jurisdictions.
We are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, and foreign examinations for years before 2010, 2009 and 2006, respectively. We do not anticipate that any potential tax adjustments will have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.
We were not subject to, nor had we received any notice of, income tax examinations as of December 31, 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Royalties
	We license technology from third parties and have agreed to pay certain suppliers a royalty based on the number of chips sold or manufactured, the net sales price of the chips containing the licensed technology or a fixed non-cancelable fee. Royalty expense is recognized based on our estimated average unit cost for royalty contracts with non-cancelable prepayments and the stated contractual per unit rate for all other agreements. Royalty expense was $1,094, $1,386 and $1,746 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, which is included in cost of revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.
	401(k) Plan
	We sponsor a 401(k) plan for eligible employees. Participants may defer a percentage of their annual compensation on a pre-tax basis, not to exceed the dollar limit that is set by law. A discretionary matching contribution by the Company is allowed and is equal to a uniform percentage of the amount of salary reduction elected to be deferred, which percentage will be determined each year by the Company. We made no contributions to the 401(k) plan during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	Leases
	We acquire rights to use certain software engineer design tools under software licenses, accounting for such arrangements is similar to capital leases.
	Our various office space and equipment leases are classified as operating leases. Certain of our leases for office space contain provisions under which monthly rent escalates over time and certain leases also contain provisions for reimbursement of a specified amount of leasehold improvements. When lease agreements contain escalating rent clauses, we recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. When lease agreements provide allowances for leasehold improvements, we capitalize the leasehold improvement assets and amortize them on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset, and reduce rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease by the amount of the asset capitalized. When lease agreements provide rent holidays, we reduce rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease by the amount of the rent holiday.
	As of December 31, 2013, future minimum payments under non-cancelable software licenses and operating lease agreements are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,	Software licenses			Operating leases		Total
	2014	$	2,416		$	1,727	$	4,143
	2015	194			681		875
	2016	—			668		668
	2017	—			562		562
	2018	—			578		578
		2,610			$	4,216	$	6,826
	Less: Interest component	(185		)
	Present value of minimum software license payments	2,425
	Less: Current portion	(2,251		)
	Long-term portion of obligations	$	174
	Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $1,822, $1,976 and $2,155, respectively.
	Contract Manufacturers
	In the normal course of business, we commit to purchase products from our contract manufacturers to be delivered within the next 90 days. In certain situations, should we cancel an order, we could be required to pay cancellation fees. Such obligations could impact our immediate results of operations but would not materially affect our business.
	Indemnifications
	Certain of our agreements include limited indemnification provisions for claims from third-parties relating to our intellectual property. It is not possible for us to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments or indemnification costs under these or similar agreements due to the conditional nature of our obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. We have not made any payments under these agreements in the past, and as of December 31, 2013, we have not incurred any material liabilities arising from these indemnification obligations. In the future, however, such obligations could immediately impact our results of operations but are not expected to materially affect our business.
	Legal Proceedings
	We are subject to legal matters that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. Although we currently believe that resolving such matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, our results of operations, or our cash flows, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and our view of these matters may change in the future.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share amounts are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding include the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period.
	The following schedule reconciles the computation of basic net loss per share and diluted net loss per share (in thousands, except per share data):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Net loss	$	(8,870	)		$	(5,694	)	$	(6,566	)
	Shares used in computing net loss per share - basic and diluted	19,816				18,252			16,330
	Net loss per common share - basic and diluted	$	(0.45	)		$	(0.31	)	$	(0.40	)
	The following weighted average shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Employee equity incentive plans	4,338			4,173			3,728
	Potentially dilutive common shares from employee equity incentive plans are determined by applying the treasury stock method to the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options, the assumed vesting of outstanding restricted stock awards and units, and the assumed issuance of common stock under the stock purchase plan.

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'
	SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Cash paid during the year for:
	Interest	$	149	$	118	$	265
	Income taxes, net of refunds received	382		382		484
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Acquisitions of property and equipment and other	$	1,266	$	1,231	$	2,598
	assets under extended payment terms

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Preferred Stock
	The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix or alter the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to, or imposed on, each series of preferred stock. There are no shares of preferred stock issued as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Common Stock
	The Company is authorized to issue 250,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. Shareholders of common stock have unlimited voting rights and are entitled to receive the net assets of the Company upon dissolution, subject to the rights of the preferred shareholders, if any.
	Equity Offering
	On August 21, 2013, we completed the sale of 3,024,500 shares of common stock, in an underwritten registered offering at a price to the public of $3.50 per share. Net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and other expenses, were approximately $9,625.
	On May 11, 2011, we completed the sale of 3,650,000 shares of common stock in an underwritten registered offering. On May 27, 2011, an additional 547,500 shares were issued pursuant to the 30-day over-allotment option exercised by the underwriter. With the over-allotment shares, a total of 4,197,500 shares of common stock were sold in the offering at a price to the public of $2.24 per share. Net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and other expenses, were approximately $8,327.
	Employee Equity Incentive Plans
	On May 23, 2006, our shareholders approved the adoption of the Pixelworks, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan"). Our shareholders approved increases to the total authorized shares of 1,000,000 1,000,000, 1,000,000, 1,150,000, and 1,000,000 on May 9, 2013, May 15, 2012, May 18, 2010, May 19, 2009, and May 20, 2008, respectively, increasing the total authorized shares available for issuance as equity awards to employees and non-employee directors to 6,483,333 shares. The 2006 Plan replaced our previously existing stock incentive plans including our 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, our 2001 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, the Equator Technologies, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, and Equator Technologies, Inc. stand-alone option plans (collectively, "Old Stock Incentive Plans"). Upon adoption of the 2006 Plan, no additional options could be issued under the Old Stock Incentive Plans, although awards previously granted under the Old Stock Incentive Plans remain outstanding according to their original terms. As of December 31, 2013, 163,990 shares were available for grant under the 2006 Plan.
	Stock Options
	Options granted must generally be exercised while the individual is an employee. In May 2009, the 2006 Plan was modified to reduce the contractual life of newly issued stock awards from ten to six years. Our new hire vesting schedule provides that each option becomes exercisable at a rate of 25% on the first anniversary date of the grant and 2.083% on the last day of every month thereafter for a total of 36 additional increments. Our merit vesting schedule provides that merit-type awards become exercisable monthly over a period of three years.
	The following is a summary of stock option activity:
		Number of		Weighted
		shares		average
				exercise
				price
	Options outstanding as of December 31, 2012:	3,953,786		$	4.2
	Granted	66,000		3.09
	Exercised	(90,271	)	3.11
	Canceled and forfeited	(31,462	)	2.94
	Expired	(182,046	)	15.91
	Options outstanding as of December 31, 2013:	3,716,007		$	3.65
	The following table summarizes information about options outstanding as of December 31, 2013:
			Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
	Range of exercise prices		Number		Weighted	Weighted			Number	Weighted
			outstanding as of		average	average			exercisable as of	average
			December 31,		remaining	exercise			December 31,	exercise
			2013		contractual	price			2013	price
					life
	$0.55 - $2.01		730,601		4.84	$	0.89		675,767	$	0.8
	2.08 - 2.60		887,043		4.14	2.34			615,775	2.33
	2.74 - 3.26		951,036		3.24	3.13			690,922	3.15
	3.27 - 4.04		717,272		2.8	3.45			654,868	3.44
	4.05 - 47.40		430,055		2.56	12.51			411,849	12.87
	$0.55 - $47.40		3,716,007		3.6	$	3.65		3,049,181	$	3.84
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 the total intrinsic value of options exercised was $112, $251 and $85, respectively, for which no income tax benefit has been recorded because a full valuation allowance has been provided for our U.S. deferred tax assets. As of December 31, 2013, options outstanding had a total intrinsic value of $7,701.
	Options outstanding that have vested and are expected to vest as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Number of		Weighted			Weighted	Aggregate
		shares		average			average	intrinsic
				exercise			remaining	value
				price			contractual
							term
	Vested	3,049,181		$	3.84		3.45	$	6,338
	Expected to vest	611,725		2.76			4.29	1,259
	Total	3,660,906		$	3.66		3.59	$	7,597
	The fair value of options vested in each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 approximates total stock-based compensation expense recorded in our statement of operations during each of the respective years.
	Restricted Stock
	The 2006 Plan provides for the issuance of restricted stock, including restricted stock units, to employees and non-employee directors. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 we granted 1,030,673, 336,150, and 218,000 shares, respectively, of restricted stock with a weighted average grant date fair value of $3.95, $2.56, and $3.19 per share, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the activities for our unvested restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Number of		Weighted average grant date fair value
		shares
	Unvested at December 31, 2012:	377,650		$	2.63
	Granted	1,030,673		3.95
	Vested	(404,620	)	2.7
	Canceled	(5,450	)	3.13
	Unvested at December 31, 2013:	998,253		$	4.06
	Expected to vest after December 31, 2013	920,507		$	4.06
	Employee Stock Purchase Plans
	On May 18, 2010, our shareholders approved the adoption of the 2010 Pixelworks, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") for U.S. employees and for certain foreign subsidiary employees. The ESPP provides for separate offering periods commencing on February 1 and August 1, with the first offering period beginning August 1, 2010. Each offering period continues for a period of 18 months with purchases every six months. Each eligible employee may purchase up to 3,000 shares of stock on each purchase date, with a maximum annual purchase amount of $25. The purchase price is equal to 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the shares on the offering date or on the purchase date. A total of 1,300,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under the ESPP. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we issued 101,068, 96,299 and 110,038 shares, respectively for proceeds of $198, $186 and $265, respectively, under the ESPP.
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	The fair value of stock-based compensation was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions:
		Year Ended December 31,
	2013		2012		2011
Stock Option Plans:
Risk free interest rate	1.08	%	0.79	%	1.97	%
Expected dividend yield	0	%	0	%	0	%
Expected term (in years)	4.93		4.69		4.66
Volatility	82	%	89	%	92	%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
Risk free interest rate	0.19	%	0.19	%	0.15	%
Expected dividend yield	0	%	0	%	0	%
Expected term (in years)	1.03		1.04		1.06
Volatility	62	%	52	%	52	%
The weighted average fair value of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $1.96, $1.79 and $2.20, respectively. The risk free interest rate is estimated using an average of treasury bill interest rates. The expected dividend yield is zero as we have not paid any dividends to date and do not expect to pay dividends in the future. Expected volatility is estimated based on the historical volatility of our common stock over the expected term as this represents our best estimate of future volatility. Subsequent to the May 2009 amendment of our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, which shortened the contractual life of newly issued stock options from ten to six years, we have elected to use the "simplified method" to estimate expected term. Under the simplified method, an option’s expected term is calculated as the average of its vesting period and original contractual life. The expected term of ESPP purchase rights is based on the estimated weighted average time to purchase.
As of December 31, 2013, unrecognized stock-based compensation cost is $3,582, which is expected to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over a weighted average period of 1.90 years.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We have identified a single operating segment: the design and development of integrated circuits for use in electronic display devices. Substantially all of our assets are located in the U.S.
	Geographic Information
	Revenue by geographic region, attributed to countries based on the domicile of the bill-to customer, was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Japan	$	19,824			$	35,198			$	43,207
	U.S.	8,407				5,996				2,477
	Taiwan	7,337				10,163				10,742
	China	6,329				3,627				2,294
	Korea	3,241				1,118				1,597
	Europe	1,515				1,871				2,355
	Other	1,465				1,737				1,937
		$	48,118			$	59,710			$	64,609
	Significant Customers
	The percentage of revenue attributable to our distributors, top five end customers, and individual distributors or end customers that represented more than 10% of revenue in at least one of the periods presented, is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Distributors:
	All distributors	65	%		74	%		69	%
	Distributor A	31	%		50	%		53	%
	Distributor B	10	%		5	%		3	%
	End Customers:(1)
	Top five end customers	57	%		53	%		51	%
	End customer A	17	%		—	%		—	%
	End customer B	12	%		13	%		13	%
	End customer C	12	%		8	%		8	%
	End customer D	4	%		17	%		14	%
	End customer E	3	%		5	%		14	%
	________________
	(1) End customers include customers who purchase directly from us, as well as customers who purchase our products indirectly through distributors.
	Each of the following accounts represented 10% or more of total accounts receivable in at least one of the periods presented:
				December 31,
				2013			2012
	Account A			45	%		—	%
	Account B			14	%		1	%
	Account C			11	%		35	%
	Account D			8	%		15	%
	Account E			4	%		15	%

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
		Quarterly Period Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	2013
	Revenue, net	$	8,271		$	9,554		$	15,309		$	14,984
	Gross profit	3,977			4,622			9,322			8,489
	Income (loss) from operations	(5,505		)	(4,662		)	1,792			238
	Income (loss) before income taxes	(5,603		)	(4,759		)	1,691			129
	Net income (loss)	(5,405		)	(4,924		)	1,509			(50		)
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	(0.29		)	(0.26		)	0.07			(0.00		)
	Diluted	(0.29		)	(0.26		)	0.07			(0.00		)
	2012
	Revenue, net	$	14,330		$	15,524		$	16,285		$	13,571
	Gross profit	7,809			7,659			7,788			6,592
	Loss from operations	(1,303		)	(848		)	(471		)	(3,231		)
	Loss before income taxes	(1,401		)	(949		)	(576		)	(3,339		)
	Net loss	(638		)	(1,099		)	(400		)	(3,557		)
	Net loss per share - basic and diluted:	(0.04		)	(0.06		)	(0.02		)	(0.19		)

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Use of Estimates, Policy	'
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Our significant estimates and judgments include those related to revenue recognition, product returns, warranty obligations, bad debts, inventories, property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets, amortization of prepaid royalties, valuation of share-based payments, income taxes, litigation and other contingencies. The actual results experienced could differ materially from our estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	'
	We classify all cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase as cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents, which consist of U.S. denominated money market funds totaled $20,396 and $13,104 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Accounts Receivable, Policy	'
	Accounts receivable are recorded at invoiced amount and do not bear interest when recorded or accrue interest when past due. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that may result from the inability of our customers to make required payments. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on an account-by-account risk analysis of outstanding receivable balances. The determination to write-off specific accounts receivable balances is made based on the likelihood of collection and past due status. Past due status is based on invoice date and terms specific to each customer.
Inventories, Policy	'
	Inventories consist of finished goods and work-in-process, and are stated at the lower of standard cost (which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis) or market (net realizable value).
Property and Equipment, Policy	'
	Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets which are generally as follows:
		Software	Lesser of 3 years or contractual license term
		Equipment, furniture and fixtures	2 years
		Tooling	2 to 4 years
		Leasehold improvements	Lesser of lease term or estimated useful life
	The cost of property and equipment repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred.
Licensed Technology, Policy	'
	We have capitalized licensed technology assets in other long-term assets. These assets are stated at cost and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the license or the estimated life of the asset, if the license is not contractually limited, which is generally two to five years.
Useful Lives and Recoverability of Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets, Policy	'
	We evaluate the remaining useful life and recoverability of equipment and other assets, including identifiable intangible assets with definite lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If there is an indicator of impairment, we prepare an estimate of future, undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of each asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we adjust the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value.
Revenue Recognition, Policy	'
	We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured. For product sales, we require customers to provide purchase orders prior to shipment and we consider delivery to occur upon shipment provided title and risk of loss have passed to the customer based on the shipping terms. These conditions are generally satisfied upon shipment of the underlying product.
	There are no customer acceptance provisions associated with our products, and except for replacement of defective products under our warranty program discussed below, we have no obligation to accept product returns from end customers; however, we have accepted returns on a case-by-case basis as customer accommodations in the past. As a result, we provide for estimated reductions to gross profit for these sales returns in our reserve for sales returns and allowances. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the reserve based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. The reserve is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
	A portion of our sales are made to distributors under agreements that grant the distributor limited stock rotation rights and price protection on in-stock inventory. The stock rotation rights allow these distributors to exchange a limited amount of their in-stock inventory for other Pixelworks product. As a result, we provide for estimated reductions to gross profit for these stock rotations in our reserve for sales returns and allowances. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate the reserve based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. The reserve is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
	Under price protection provisions, we grant distributors credit if they purchased product for a specific end customer and we subsequently lower the price to the end customer such that the distributor can no longer earn its negotiated margin on in-stock inventory. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate a reserve for price protection credits based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions.
	On occasion, we derive revenue from the license of our internally developed intellectual property ("IP"). IP licensing agreements that we enter into generally provide licensees the right to incorporate our IP components in their products with terms and conditions that vary by licensee. Our license fee arrangements generally include multiple deliverables and we are required to determine whether there is more than one unit of accounting. To the extent that the deliverables are separable into multiple units of accounting, we allocate the total fee on such arrangements to the individual units of accounting using management’s best estimate of selling price ("ESP"), if third party evidence ("TPE") or vendor specific objective evidence ("VSOE") does not exist. We defer revenue recognition for consideration that is contingent upon future performance or other contractual terms.
	The Company’s process for determining its ESP for deliverables without VSOE or TPE considers multiple factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each deliverable. The key factors considered by the Company in developing the ESPs include the nature and complexity of the licensed technologies, our cost to provide the deliverables, the availability of substitute technologies in the marketplace and the Company’s historical pricing practices. We then recognize revenue for each unit of accounting depending on the nature of the deliverable(s) comprising the unit of accounting in accordance with the revenue recognition criteria mentioned above.
	Fees under these agreements generally include (a) license fees relating to our IP, (b) engineering services, and (c) support services. Historically, each of these elements have standalone value and therefore each are treated as separate units of accounting. Any future licensing arrangements will be analyzed based on the specific facts and circumstances which may be different than our historical licensing arrangements.
	For deliverables related to licenses of our technology that involve significant engineering services, we recognize revenue in accordance with the provisions of the proportional performance method. We determine costs associated with engineering services using actual labor dollars incurred and estimated other direct or incremental costs allocated based on the percentage of time the engineer(s) spent on the project. These costs are deferred until revenue recognition criteria have been met, at which time they are reclassified as cost of revenue.
Warranty Program, Policy	'
	We warrant that our products will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve months from delivery. Warranty repairs are guaranteed for the remainder of the original warranty period. Our warranty is limited to repairing or replacing products, or refunding the purchase price. At the end of each reporting period, we estimate a reserve for warranty returns based on historical experience and knowledge of any applicable events or transactions. The reserve for warranty returns is included in accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
Share-Based Compensation, Policy	'
	We currently sponsor a stock incentive plan that allows for issuance of employee stock options and restricted stock awards, including restricted stock units. We also have an employee stock purchase plan for all eligible employees. The fair value of share-based payment awards is expensed straight-line over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, for the entire award. Additionally, any modification of an award that increases its fair value will require us to recognize additional expense.
	The fair value of our stock option grants and purchase rights under our employee stock purchase plan are estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model which is affected by our estimates of the risk free interest rate, our expected dividend yield, expected term and the expected share price volatility of our common shares over the expected term. The fair values of our restricted stock awards are based on the market value of our stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the effect of estimated forfeitures.
Research and Development, Policy	'
	Costs associated with research and development activities are expensed as incurred, except for items with alternate future uses which are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life.
	On occasion, we enter into co-development arrangements with current or prospective IC customers to defray a portion of the research and development expenses we expect to incur in connection with our development of an IC product As amounts become due and payable without recourse under co-development agreements, they are offset against research and development expense up to the amount of related costs incurred.
Income Taxes, Policy	'
	We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We establish a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets if it is "more likely than not" that a portion or all of the asset will not be realized in future tax returns.
	An uncertain tax position represents our expected treatment of a tax position taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return, that has not been reflected in measuring income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. Until these positions are sustained by the taxing authorities, we do not recognize the tax benefits resulting from such positions and report the tax effects for uncertain tax positions in our consolidated balance sheets.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	'
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1:	Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
	Level 2:	Valuations based on inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3:	Valuations based on unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Interest Expense and Other, Net	'
	Interest expense and other, consists of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Interest expense	$	(409	)	$	(417	)	$	(468	)
	Interest income	4			5			15
	Amortization of debt issuance costs	—			—			(31		)
	Interest expense and other, net	$	(405	)	$	(412	)	$	(484	)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Actuarial loss on pension obligation	$	(52	)	$	(80	)
	Accumulated transition pension obligation	(30		)	(33		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(82	)	$	(113	)

Balance_Sheet_Components_Table

Balance Sheet Components (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable, Net	'
	Accounts receivable consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Accounts receivable, gross	$	5,076		$	4,124
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(315		)	(352		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	4,761		$	3,772
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	The following is a summary of the change in our allowance for doubtful accounts:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	352		$	361		$	399
	Additions charged (reductions credited)	10			(9		)	(10		)
	Accounts written-off, net of recoveries	(47		)	—			(28		)
	Balance at end of year	$	315		$	352		$	361
Inventories	'
	Inventories consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Finished goods	$	793		$	1,090
	Work-in-process	870			1,612
	Inventories	$	1,663		$	2,702
Property and Equipment, Net	'
	Property and equipment consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Equipment, furniture and fixtures	$	8,353		$	8,150
	Software	8,282			8,835
	Tooling	2,886			2,254
	Leasehold improvements	2,212			2,212
		21,733			21,451
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(17,649		)	(15,168		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	4,084		$	6,283
Accrued Liabilities and Current Portion of Long-Term Liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities and current portion of long-term liabilities consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$	2,261		$	2,305
	Current portion of accrued liabilities for asset financings	2,251			1,688
	Accrued commissions and royalties	1,862			1,708
	Deferred revenue	1,271			73
	Accrued interest payable	1,087			808
	Reserve for warranty returns	329			457
	Other	1,444			1,627
	Accrued liabilities and current portion of long-term liabilities	$	10,505		$	8,666
Reserve for Warranty Returns	'
	The following is a summary of the change in our reserve for warranty returns:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Reserve for warranty returns:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	457		$	439		$	723
	Provision (benefit)	84			588			(8		)
	Charge-offs	(212		)	(570		)	(276		)
	Balance at end of year	$	329		$	457		$	439

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents information about our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Money market funds	$	20,396	$	—	$	—	$	20,396
	As of December 31, 2012:
	Money market funds	$	13,104	$	—	$	—	$	13,104

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income (Loss) before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	'
	Domestic and foreign pre-tax income (loss) is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Domestic	$	(9,705	)		$	(7,510	)		$	(8,175	)
	Foreign	1,163				1,245				1,750
	Domestic and foreign pre-tax loss	$	(8,542	)		$	(6,265	)		$	(6,425	)
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations is comprised of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Current:
	Federal	$	55			$	55			$	55
	State	(17		)		1				3
	Foreign	136				(517		)		60
	Total current	174				(461		)		118
	Deferred:
	Federal	—				—				(3		)
	State	—				—				1
	Foreign	154				(110		)		25
	Total deferred	154				(110		)		23
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	328			$	(571	)		$	141
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	The reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rate is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Federal statutory rate	34	%		34	%		34	%
	Expiration of tax attributes	(38	)		(9	)		(63	)
	Change in valuation allowance	8			(13	)		29
	Stock-based compensation	(6	)		(14	)		(4	)
	Tax contingencies, net of reversals	(5	)		6			—
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	2			2			2
	Impact of foreign earnings	2			(2	)		3
	Other	(1	)		5			(3	)
	Effective income tax rate	(4	)%		9	%		(2	)%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets, Liabilities, and Valuation Allowance	'
	Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	67,630			$	66,348
	Research and experimentation credit carryforwards	10,868				12,505
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards	4,044				4,499
	Deferred stock-based compensation	2,520				2,338
	Capital loss carryforwards	2,222				2,218
	Depreciation and amortization	2,098				2,348
	Reserves and accrued expenses	740				670
	Other	395				459
	Total gross deferred tax assets	90,517				91,385
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Foreign earnings	(471		)		(633		)
	Other	(485		)		(327		)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(956		)		(960		)
	Less valuation allowance	(89,136		)		(89,841		)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	425			$	584
Summary of Uncertain Tax Positions and Interest and Penalties	'
	The following is a summary of the change in our liability for uncertain tax positions and interest and penalties:
		2013				2012
	Uncertain tax positions:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,653			$	2,255
	Accrual for positions taken in a prior year	10				27
	Accrual for positions taken in current year	222				356
	Reversals due to lapse of statute of limitations	(293		)		(985		)
	Balance at end of year	$	1,592			$	1,653
	Interest and penalties:
	Balance at beginning of year	$	437			$	850
	Accrual for positions taken in prior year	27				56
	Accrual for positions taken in current year	—				1
	Reversals due to lapse of statute of limitations	(159		)		(470		)
	Balance at end of year	$	305			$	437

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Future Minimum Payments Disclosure	'
	As of December 31, 2013, future minimum payments under non-cancelable software licenses and operating lease agreements are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,	Software licenses			Operating leases		Total
	2014	$	2,416		$	1,727	$	4,143
	2015	194			681		875
	2016	—			668		668
	2017	—			562		562
	2018	—			578		578
		2,610			$	4,216	$	6,826
	Less: Interest component	(185		)
	Present value of minimum software license payments	2,425
	Less: Current portion	(2,251		)
	Long-term portion of obligations	$	174

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following schedule reconciles the computation of basic net loss per share and diluted net loss per share (in thousands, except per share data):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Net loss	$	(8,870	)		$	(5,694	)	$	(6,566	)
	Shares used in computing net loss per share - basic and diluted	19,816				18,252			16,330
	Net loss per common share - basic and diluted	$	(0.45	)		$	(0.31	)	$	(0.40	)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	The following weighted average shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive (in thousands):
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Employee equity incentive plans	4,338			4,173			3,728

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas1

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Cash paid during the year for:
	Interest	$	149	$	118	$	265
	Income taxes, net of refunds received	382		382		484
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Acquisitions of property and equipment and other	$	1,266	$	1,231	$	2,598
	assets under extended payment terms

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	'
	The following is a summary of stock option activity:
		Number of		Weighted
		shares		average
				exercise
				price
	Options outstanding as of December 31, 2012:	3,953,786		$	4.2
	Granted	66,000		3.09
	Exercised	(90,271	)	3.11
	Canceled and forfeited	(31,462	)	2.94
	Expired	(182,046	)	15.91
	Options outstanding as of December 31, 2013:	3,716,007		$	3.65
Schedue of Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range	'
	The following table summarizes information about options outstanding as of December 31, 2013:
			Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
	Range of exercise prices		Number		Weighted	Weighted			Number	Weighted
			outstanding as of		average	average			exercisable as of	average
			December 31,		remaining	exercise			December 31,	exercise
			2013		contractual	price			2013	price
					life
	$0.55 - $2.01		730,601		4.84	$	0.89		675,767	$	0.8
	2.08 - 2.60		887,043		4.14	2.34			615,775	2.33
	2.74 - 3.26		951,036		3.24	3.13			690,922	3.15
	3.27 - 4.04		717,272		2.8	3.45			654,868	3.44
	4.05 - 47.40		430,055		2.56	12.51			411,849	12.87
	$0.55 - $47.40		3,716,007		3.6	$	3.65		3,049,181	$	3.84
Schedule of Stock Options Outstanding, Vested and Expected to Vest	'
	Options outstanding that have vested and are expected to vest as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Number of		Weighted			Weighted	Aggregate
		shares		average			average	intrinsic
				exercise			remaining	value
				price			contractual
							term
	Vested	3,049,181		$	3.84		3.45	$	6,338
	Expected to vest	611,725		2.76			4.29	1,259
	Total	3,660,906		$	3.66		3.59	$	7,597
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the activities for our unvested restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Number of		Weighted average grant date fair value
		shares
	Unvested at December 31, 2012:	377,650		$	2.63
	Granted	1,030,673		3.95
	Vested	(404,620	)	2.7
	Canceled	(5,450	)	3.13
	Unvested at December 31, 2013:	998,253		$	4.06
	Expected to vest after December 31, 2013	920,507		$	4.06
Stock-Based Compensation, Valuation Assumptions	'
	The fair value of stock-based compensation was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Stock Option Plans:
	Risk free interest rate	1.08	%	0.79	%	1.97	%
	Expected dividend yield	0	%	0	%	0	%
	Expected term (in years)	4.93		4.69		4.66
	Volatility	82	%	89	%	92	%
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
	Risk free interest rate	0.19	%	0.19	%	0.15	%
	Expected dividend yield	0	%	0	%	0	%
	Expected term (in years)	1.03		1.04		1.06
	Volatility	62	%	52	%	52	%

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue by Geographic Region	'
	Revenue by geographic region, attributed to countries based on the domicile of the bill-to customer, was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Japan	$	19,824			$	35,198			$	43,207
	U.S.	8,407				5,996				2,477
	Taiwan	7,337				10,163				10,742
	China	6,329				3,627				2,294
	Korea	3,241				1,118				1,597
	Europe	1,515				1,871				2,355
	Other	1,465				1,737				1,937
		$	48,118			$	59,710			$	64,609
Schedule of Revenue from Significant Customers	'
	The percentage of revenue attributable to our distributors, top five end customers, and individual distributors or end customers that represented more than 10% of revenue in at least one of the periods presented, is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Distributors:
	All distributors	65	%		74	%		69	%
	Distributor A	31	%		50	%		53	%
	Distributor B	10	%		5	%		3	%
	End Customers:(1)
	Top five end customers	57	%		53	%		51	%
	End customer A	17	%		—	%		—	%
	End customer B	12	%		13	%		13	%
	End customer C	12	%		8	%		8	%
	End customer D	4	%		17	%		14	%
	End customer E	3	%		5	%		14	%
	________________
	(1) End customers include customers who purchase directly from us, as well as customers who purchase our products indirectly through distributors.
Schedule of Accounts Receivable Percentages from Significant Customers	'
	Each of the following accounts represented 10% or more of total accounts receivable in at least one of the periods presented:
				December 31,
				2013			2012
	Account A			45	%		—	%
	Account B			14	%		1	%
	Account C			11	%		35	%
	Account D			8	%		15	%
	Account E			4	%		15	%

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
		Quarterly Period Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
	2013
	Revenue, net	$	8,271		$	9,554		$	15,309		$	14,984
	Gross profit	3,977			4,622			9,322			8,489
	Income (loss) from operations	(5,505		)	(4,662		)	1,792			238
	Income (loss) before income taxes	(5,603		)	(4,759		)	1,691			129
	Net income (loss)	(5,405		)	(4,924		)	1,509			(50		)
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	(0.29		)	(0.26		)	0.07			(0.00		)
	Diluted	(0.29		)	(0.26		)	0.07			(0.00		)
	2012
	Revenue, net	$	14,330		$	15,524		$	16,285		$	13,571
	Gross profit	7,809			7,659			7,788			6,592
	Loss from operations	(1,303		)	(848		)	(471		)	(3,231		)
	Loss before income taxes	(1,401		)	(949		)	(576		)	(3,339		)
	Net loss	(638		)	(1,099		)	(400		)	(3,557		)
	Net loss per share - basic and diluted:	(0.04		)	(0.06		)	(0.02		)	(0.19		)

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Patents
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of patents held	125	'	'
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss), realized	$123	$84	($9)

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Cash and cash equivalents) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'	'
Cash equivalents, at carrying value	$20,396	$13,104

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property and equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Software [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'Lesser of 3 years or contractual license term
Equipment, furniture and fixtures [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'2 years
Tooling [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'2 to 4 years
Leasehold improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Estimated useful life	'Lesser of lease term or estimated useful life

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Licensed Technology) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Years of amortization period of licensed technology, lower limit	'2 years
Years of amortization period of licensed technology, upper limit	'5 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Interest Expense and Other, net) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest expense	($409)	($417)	($468)
Interest income	4	5	15
Amortization of debt issuance costs	0	0	-31
Interest expense and other, net	($405)	($412)	($484)

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Actuarial loss on pension obligation	($52)	($80)
Accumulated transition pension obligation	-30	-33
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($82)	($113)

Balance_Sheet_Components_Accou

Balance Sheet Components (Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, gross	$5,076	$4,124	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-315	-352	-361	-399
Accounts receivable, net	$4,761	$3,772	'	'

Balance_Sheet_Components_Allow

Balance Sheet Components (Allowance for Doubtful Accounts) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$352	$361	$399
Additions charged (reductions credited)	10	-9	-10
Accounts written-off, net of recoveries	-47	0	-28
Balance at end of year	$315	$352	$361

Balance_Sheet_Components_Inven

Balance Sheet Components (Inventories) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$793	$1,090
Work-in-process	870	1,612
Inventories	$1,663	$2,702

Balance_Sheet_Components_Inven1

Balance Sheet Components (Inventories) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Inventory write-downs	$24	$106	$289
Sale of previously reserved inventory	$66	$15	$74

Balance_Sheet_Components_Prope

Balance Sheet Components (Property and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Equipment, furniture and fixtures	$8,353	$8,150
Software	8,282	8,835
Tooling	2,886	2,254
Leasehold improvements	2,212	2,212
Gross carrying amount	21,733	21,451
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-17,649	-15,168
Property and equipment, net	$4,084	$6,283

Balance_Sheet_Components_Prope1

Balance Sheet Components (Property and Equipment) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Software amortization	$2,426	$2,157	$1,882
Depreciation and amortization	$1,590	$1,908	$1,707

Balance_Sheet_Components_Other

Balance Sheet Components (Other Assets, Net) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization of licensed technology	$393	$670	$1,525

Balance_Sheet_Components_Accru

Balance Sheet Components (Accrued Liabilities and Current Portion of Long-Term Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	$2,261	$2,305	'	'
Current portion of accrued liabilities for asset financings	2,251	1,688	'	'
Accrued commissions and royalties	1,862	1,708	'	'
Deferred revenue	1,271	73	'	'
Accrued interest payable	1,087	808	'	'
Reserve for warranty returns	329	457	439	723
Other	1,444	1,627	'	'
Accrued liabilities and current portion of long-term liabilities	$10,505	$8,666	'	'

Balance_Sheet_Components_Reser

Balance Sheet Components (Reserve for Warranty Returns) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reserve for Warranty Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$457	$439	$723
Provision (benefit)	84	588	-8
Charge-offs	-212	-570	-276
Balance at end of year	$329	$457	$439

Balance_Sheet_Components_Short

Balance Sheet Components (Short-Term Line of Credit) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$10,000	'
Line of credit facility, component of calculation for maximum borrowing amount under formula advances	1,000	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, limited by eligible A/R	80.00%	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity under non-formula advances	10,000	'
Line of credit facility, borrowing terms for non-formula advances	'5 days	'
Line of credit facility, annual interest rate equal to lender's prime rate plus	0.25%	'
Short-term line of credit, amount outstanding	$3,000	$0
Short-term line of credit, weighted average interest rate	3.50%	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value Measurements) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets, Recurring [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds	$20,396	$13,104
Level 1	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Recurring [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds	20,396	13,104
Level 2	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Recurring [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds	0	0
Level 3	'	'
Fair Value, Assets, Recurring [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds	$0	$0

Research_and_Development_Resea

Research and Development (Research and Development) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Research and Development [Abstract]	'
Amount receivable as of date of development agreement	$3,500
Payment terms associated with development agreement	'60 days
Amount receivable upon reaching first milestone	1,750
Amount receivable upon completion of final milestone	1,750
Research and development benefit recognized	$3,500

Income_Taxes_Domestic_and_Fore

Income Taxes (Domestic and Foreign Pre-Tax Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Domestic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($9,705)	($7,510)	($8,175)
Foreign	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,163	1,245	1,750
Loss before income taxes	$129	$1,691	($4,759)	($5,603)	($3,339)	($576)	($949)	($1,401)	($8,542)	($6,265)	($6,425)

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Expens

Income Taxes (Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
Federal	$55	$55	$55
State	-17	1	3
Foreign	136	-517	60
Total current	174	-461	118
Deferred:	'	'	'
Federal	0	0	-3
State	0	0	1
Foreign	154	-110	25
Total deferred	154	-110	23
Income tax expense (benefit)	$328	($571)	$141

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statuatory Rate to our Effective Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal statutory rate	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Expiration of tax attributes	-38.00%	-9.00%	-63.00%
Change in valuation allowance	8.00%	-13.00%	29.00%
Stock-based compensation	-6.00%	-14.00%	-4.00%
Tax contingencies, net of reversals	-5.00%	6.00%	0.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Impact of foreign earnings	2.00%	-2.00%	3.00%
Other	-1.00%	5.00%	-3.00%
Effective income tax rate	-4.00%	9.00%	-2.00%

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets, Liabilities and Valuation Allowance) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$67,630	$66,348
Research and experimentation credit carryforwards	10,868	12,505
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	4,044	4,499
Deferred stock-based compensation	2,520	2,338
Capital loss carryforwards	2,222	2,218
Depreciation and amortization	2,098	2,348
Reserves and accrued expenses	740	670
Other	395	459
Total gross deferred tax assets	90,517	91,385
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Foreign earnings	-471	-633
Other	-485	-327
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	-956	-960
Less valuation allowance	-89,136	-89,841
Net deferred tax assets	$425	$584

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse1

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets, Liabilities and Valuation Allowance) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance, current	$234	$216	'
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance, noncurrent	191	368	'
Change in net valuation allowance	-705	832	-1,857
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$2,647	'	'

Income_Taxes_Net_Operating_Los

Income Taxes (Net Operating Loss Carryforwards and Tax Credits) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Federal [Member]	'
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'
Operating loss carryforwards	$194,141
Tax credit carryforwards, research	7,810
Ownership change, percent increase in equity ownership by 5% shareholder	50.00%
Minimum percent equity ownership by shareholder for ownership change considerations	5.00%
State [Member]	'
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'
Operating loss carryforwards	20,981
Tax credit carryforwards, research	3,058
Foreign [Member]	'
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'
General foreign tax credit	$3,074
China, Income tax holiday, reduced statutory rate	15.00%
China, Income tax holiday, expiration date	'2013
China, Statutory income tax rate in foreign country	25.00%

Income_Taxes_Uncertain_Tax_Pos

Income Taxes (Uncertain Tax Positions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at end of year	$1,897	$2,090
Uncertain Tax Positions [Member]	'	'
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	1,653	2,255
Accrual for positions taken in a prior year	10	27
Accrual for positions taken in current year	222	356
Reversals due to lapse of statute of limitations	-293	-985
Balance at end of year	1,592	1,653
Interest and Penalties [Member]	'	'
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	437	850
Accrual for positions taken in a prior year	27	56
Accrual for positions taken in current year	0	1
Reversals due to lapse of statute of limitations	-159	-470
Balance at end of year	$305	$437

Income_Taxes_Uncertain_Tax_Pos1

Income Taxes (Uncertain Tax Positions) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Liability for uncertain tax positions, noncurrent	$1,897	$2,090	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest expense	27	57	205
Anticipated decrease of unrecognized tax liability, within twelve months	$270	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Royalties) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Royalty Expense	$1,094	$1,386	$1,746

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Software licenses, 2014	$2,416
Operating leases, 2014	1,727
Total, 2014	4,143
Software licenses, 2015	194
Operating leases, 2015	681
Total, 2015	875
Software licenses, 2016	0
Operating leases, 2016	668
Total, 2016	668
Software licenses, 2017	0
Operating leases, 2017	562
Total, 2017	562
Software licenses, 2018	0
Operating leases, 2018	578
Total, 2018	578
Software licenses, total	2,610
Operating leases, total	4,216
Total	6,826
Software licenses, future minimum payments due, interest component	-185
Software licenses, future minimum payments due, present value	2,425
Software licenses, future minimum payments due, current portion of present value	-2,251
Software licenses, future minimum payments due, long-term portion of present value	$174

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Leases) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rent expense, net	$1,822	$1,976	$2,155

Earnings_Per_Share_Earnings_Pe

Earnings Per Share (Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($50)	$1,509	($4,924)	($5,405)	($3,557)	($400)	($1,099)	($638)	($8,870)	($5,694)	($6,566)
Shares used in computing net loss per share - basic and diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,816	18,252	16,330
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted	'	'	'	'	($0.19)	($0.02)	($0.06)	($0.04)	($0.45)	($0.31)	($0.40)

Earnings_Per_Share_Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share (Antidilutive Effect on Weighted Average Shares) (Details) (Employee equity incentive plans)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee equity incentive plans	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	4,338	4,173	3,728

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas2

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash paid during the year for:	'	'	'
Interest	$149	$118	$265
Income taxes, net of refunds received	382	382	484
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Acquisitions of property and equipment and other assets under extended payment terms	$1,266	$1,231	$2,598

Shareholders_Equity_Narrative_

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9-May-13	15-May-12	27-May-11	11-May-11	18-May-10	19-May-09	20-May-08	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50,000,000	'	50,000,000
Preferred stock, par value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.00	'	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	250,000,000	'	250,000,000
Common stock, par value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.00	'	$0.00
Equity offering, shares	'	'	547,500	3,650,000	'	'	'	3,024,500	4,197,500	'
Offering price per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3.50	$2.24	'
Equity offering, value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$9,625	$8,327	'
Employee equity incentive plans, new authorized shares during the period	1,000,000	1,000,000	'	'	1,000,000	1,150,000	1,000,000	'	'	'
Common stock, shares reserved for future issuance	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,483,333	'	'
2006 Plan, number of shares available for grant	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	163,990	'	'

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti

Shareholders' Equity (Stock Options) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	31-May-09	31-May-09	31-May-09
				Stock Option Plans:	Stock Option Plans:	Stock Option Plans:
					Original	Modified
					2006 Plan	2006 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Plan modification, contractual life	'	'	'	'	'10 years	'6 years
Options, percent vested on one year anniversary of grant	25.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Options, monthly vesting percentage beginning after year one anniversary	2.08%	'	'	'	'	'
Options, number of months vesting after one year anniversary	36	'	'	'	'	'
Options, merit vesting period	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$112	$251	$85	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of outstanding options	$7,701	'	'	'	'	'

Shareholders_Equity_Stock_Opti1

Shareholders' Equity (Stock Options Activity Roll-forward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Options Outstanding - Number of Shares	'
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2012:	3,953,786
Granted	66,000
Exercised	-90,271
Canceled and forfeited	-31,462
Expired	-182,046
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2013:	3,716,007
Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2012:	$4.20
Granted	$3.09
Exercised	$3.11
Canceled and forfeited	$2.94
Expired	$15.91
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2013:	$3.65

Shareholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Shareholders' Equity (Schedule of Shares Authorized Under Equity Compensation Plans, By Exercise Price) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			$0.55 - $2.01	2.08 - 2.60	2.74 - 3.26	3.27 - 4.04	4.05 - 47.40	$0.55 - $47.40
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number outstanding as of end of year	3,716,007	3,953,786	730,601	887,043	951,036	717,272	430,055	3,716,007
Options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life	'	'	'4 years 10 months 2 days	'4 years 1 month 20 days	'3 years 2 months 26 days	'2 years 9 months 18 days	'2 years 6 months 22 days	'3 years 7 months 6 days
Options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$0.89	$2.34	$3.13	$3.45	$12.51	$3.65
Number exercisable as of end of year	'	'	675,767	615,775	690,922	654,868	411,849	3,049,181
Options exerciseable, weighted average exercise price	'	'	$0.80	$2.33	$3.15	$3.44	$12.87	$3.84

Shareholders_Equity_Options_Ve

Shareholders' Equity (Options Vested and Expected to Vest as of December 31, 2012) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Vested, number of shares	3,049,181
Expected to vest, number of shares	611,725
Total, number of shares	3,660,906
Vested, weighted average exercise price	$3.84
Expected to vest, weighted average exercise price	$2.76
Total, weighted average exercise price	$3.66
Vested, weighted average remaining contractual term	'3 years 5 months 12 days
Expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual term	'4 years 3 months 14 days
Total, weighted average remaining contractual term	'3 years 7 months 2 days
Vested, aggregate intrinsic value	$6,338
Expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	1,259
Total, aggregate intrinsic value	$7,597

Shareholders_Equity_Restricted

Shareholders' Equity (Restricted Stock) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restricted stock grants, number of shares	1,030,673	336,150	218,000
Restricted stock grants, weighted average grant date fair value	$3.95	$2.56	$3.19

Shareholders_Equity_Unvested_R

Shareholders' Equity (Unvested Restricted Stock Units Activity Roll-Forward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Unvested Restricted Stock Units - Number of Shares	'	'	'
Unvested at December 31, 2012:	377,650	'	'
Granted	1,030,673	'	'
Vested	-404,620	'	'
Canceled	-5,450	'	'
Unvested at December 31, 2013:	998,253	377,650	'
Expected to vest after December 31, 2013	920,507	'	'
Unvested Restricted Stock Units - Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'
Unvested at December 31, 2012:	$2.63	'	'
Granted	$3.95	$2.56	$3.19
Vested	$2.70	'	'
Canceled	$3.13	'	'
Unvested at December 31, 2013:	$4.06	$2.63	'
Expected to vest after December 31, 2013	$4.06	'	'

Shareholders_Equity_Employee_S

Shareholders' Equity (Employee Stock Purchase Plans) (Narrative) (Details) (2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	18-May-10	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity in Period [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, offering period	'18 months	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, purchase period	'6 months	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, maximum number of shares per employee	3,000	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, maximum annual purchase amount per employee	$25	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, purchase price of common stock, percent	'	85.00%	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, number of shares authorized	1,300,000	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plans, shares issued	'	101,068	96,299	110,038
Employee Stock Purchase Plans, proceeds from shares issued	'	$198	$186	$265

Shareholders_Equity_Schedule_o1

Shareholders' Equity (Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Option Plans:	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]	'	'	'
Risk free interest rate	1.08%	0.79%	1.97%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected term (in years)	'4 years 11 months 5 days	'4 years 8 months 9 days	'4 years 7 months 28 days
Volatility	82.00%	89.00%	92.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan:	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]	'	'	'
Risk free interest rate	0.19%	0.19%	0.15%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected term (in years)	'1 year 10 days	'1 year 15 days	'1 year 22 days
Volatility	62.00%	52.00%	52.00%

Shareholders_Equity_Stockbased

Shareholders' Equity (Stock-based Compensation Expense) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'	'	'
Options, grants in period, weighted average grant date fair value	$1.96	$1.79	$2.20
Nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized	$3,582	'	'
Nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized, period for recognition	'1 year 10 months 24 days	'	'

Segment_Information_Geographic

Segment Information (Geographic Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue, net	$14,984	$15,309	$9,554	$8,271	$13,571	$16,285	$15,524	$14,330	$48,118	$59,710	$64,609
Japan	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	19,824	35,198	43,207
U.S.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,407	5,996	2,477
Taiwan	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,337	10,163	10,742
China	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,329	3,627	2,294
Korea	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,241	1,118	1,597
Europe	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,515	1,871	2,355
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,465	$1,737	$1,937

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information (Schedule of Revenue by Major Customer) (Details) (Sales [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
All distributors	'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of revenue	65.00%		74.00%		69.00%
Distributor A	'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of revenue	31.00%		50.00%		53.00%
Distributor B	'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of revenue	10.00%		5.00%		3.00%
Top five end customers	'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of revenue	57.00%	[1]	53.00%	[1]	51.00%	[1]
End customer A	'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of revenue	17.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]
End customer B	'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of revenue	12.00%	[1]	13.00%	[1]	13.00%	[1]
End customer C	'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of revenue	12.00%	[1]	8.00%	[1]	8.00%	[1]
End customer D	'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of revenue	4.00%	[1]	17.00%	[1]	14.00%	[1]
End customer E	'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'
Percentage of revenue	3.00%	[1]	5.00%	[1]	14.00%	[1]
[1]	End customers include customers who purchase directly from us, as well as customers who purchase our products indirectly through distributors.

Segment_Information_Accounts_R

Segment Information (Accounts Receivable by Major Customer) (Details) (Accounts receivable)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Account A	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of accounts receivable	45.00%	0.00%
Account B	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of accounts receivable	14.00%	1.00%
Account C	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of accounts receivable	11.00%	35.00%
Account D	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of accounts receivable	8.00%	15.00%
Account E	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of accounts receivable	4.00%	15.00%

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue, net	$14,984	$15,309	$9,554	$8,271	$13,571	$16,285	$15,524	$14,330	$48,118	$59,710	$64,609
Gross profit	8,489	9,322	4,622	3,977	6,592	7,788	7,659	7,809	26,410	29,848	30,367
Income (loss) from operations	238	1,792	-4,662	-5,505	-3,231	-471	-848	-1,303	-8,137	-5,853	-7,805
Income (loss) before income taxes	129	1,691	-4,759	-5,603	-3,339	-576	-949	-1,401	-8,542	-6,265	-6,425
Net income (loss)	($50)	$1,509	($4,924)	($5,405)	($3,557)	($400)	($1,099)	($638)	($8,870)	($5,694)	($6,566)
Net income (loss) per share, basic	$0	$0.07	($0.26)	($0.29)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$0	$0.07	($0.26)	($0.29)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss per share - basic and diluted:	'	'	'	'	($0.19)	($0.02)	($0.06)	($0.04)	($0.45)	($0.31)	($0.40)