Telecommunication Systems (TSYS) 10-K 13 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 05, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	TSYS
Entity Registrant Name	TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INC /FA/
Entity Central Index Key	1111665
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$155,083,244
Class A Common Stock
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			55,862,326
Class B Common Stock
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			4,801,245

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$26,922	$41,904
Marketable securities	23,226	20,004
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $605 in 2014 and $388 in 2013	74,051	45,789
Unbilled receivables	22,324	16,009
Inventory	6,253	9,890
Deferred project costs and other current assets	17,977	15,286
Total current assets	170,753	148,882
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $83,645 in 2014 and $73,068 in 2013	33,418	38,355
Software development costs, net of accumulated amortization of $3,072 in 2014 and $1,791 in 2013	4,608	4,178
Acquired intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $13,970 in 2014 and $10,173 in 2013	17,206	21,003
Goodwill	104,241	104,241
Other assets	3,855	4,796
Total assets	334,081	321,455
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	41,599	24,372
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	13,599	14,378
Deferred revenue	22,000	24,809
Current portion of bank borrowings and notes payable, and capital lease obligations	19,291	30,145
Total current liabilities	96,489	93,704
Notes payable and capital lease obligations, less current portion	119,850	117,384
Deferred tax liabilities	3,556
Other liabilities	1,340	1,124
Stockholders’ equity:
Additional paid-in capital	346,277	340,814
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	-114	27
Accumulated deficit	-233,917	-232,186
Total stockholders’ equity	112,846	109,243
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	334,081	321,455
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, value	552	538
Total stockholders’ equity	552	538
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, value	48	50
Total stockholders’ equity	$48	$50

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance	$605	$388
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	83,645	73,068
Software development costs, accumulated amortization	3,072	1,791
Acquired intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$13,970	$10,173
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	225,000,000	225,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	55,144,066	53,763,871
Common Stock, shares outstanding	55,144,066	53,763,871
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	4,801,245	4,997,769
Common Stock, shares outstanding	4,801,245	4,997,769

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue
Services	$260,747	$281,389	$305,118
Systems	99,090	80,902	182,266
Total revenue	359,837	362,291	487,384
Direct costs of revenue
Direct cost of services revenue	142,231	156,285	178,317
Direct cost of systems revenue	70,040	67,038	148,860
Total direct cost of revenue	212,271	223,323	327,177
Services gross profit	118,516	125,104	126,801
Systems gross profit	29,050	13,864	33,406
Total gross profit	147,566	138,968	160,207
Operating expenses
Research and development expense	41,723	34,308	36,602
Sales and marketing expense	25,994	28,495	30,753
General and administrative expense	50,820	54,689	54,277
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	13,032	14,853	14,245
Amortization of acquired intangible assets	3,797	4,570	4,374
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		31,977	125,703
Total operating expenses	135,366	168,892	265,954
Income (loss) from operations	12,200	-29,924	-105,747
Interest expense	-8,264	-8,262	-7,383
Amortization of deferred financing fees	-1,005	-3,403	-757
Gain (loss) on early retirement of debt		-178	431
Other income (expense), net	-1,133	-239	-23
Net income (loss) before income taxes	1,798	-42,006	-113,479
Income tax (expense) benefit	-3,529	-16,591	15,491
Net loss	($1,731)	($58,597)	($97,988)
Net loss per share-basic and diluted	($0.03)	($1)	($1.69)
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic and diluted	59,466	58,611	57,889

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($1,731)	($58,597)	($97,988)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Arising during the period	198	-17	-7
Reclassification to net loss	-17
Net foreign currency translation	181	-17	-7
Unrealized loss on interest rate hedge	-240
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities:
Arising during the period	-89	1	38
Reclassification to net loss	7	-7	-13
Net unrealized gain (loss)	-82	-6	25
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-141	-23	18
Comprehensive loss	($1,872)	($58,620)	($97,970)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Accumulated Deficit
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$250,749	$521	$53	$325,744	$32	($75,601)
Options exercised for the purchase of shares of Class A Common Stock	132			132
Issuance of Class A Common Stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan	868	6		862
Issuance of Restricted Class A Common Stock	3	3
Surrender of shares of Restricted Class A Common Stock	-191			-191
Conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock		1	-1
Stock-based compensation expense	9,021			9,021
Excess tax (deficit) benefit from share-based payment arrangements	-1,510			-1,510
Other comprehensive income (loss)	18				18
Net loss	-97,988					-97,988
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	161,102	531	52	334,058	50	-173,589
Options exercised for the purchase of shares of Class A Common Stock	182	1		181
Issuance of Restricted Class A Common Stock		6		-6
Surrender of shares of Restricted Class A Common Stock	-457	-2		-455
Conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock		2	-2
Stock-based compensation expense	7,036			7,036
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-23				-23
Net loss	-58,597					-58,597
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	109,243	538	50	340,814	27	-232,186
Options exercised for the purchase of shares of Class A Common Stock	539	2		537
Issuance of Class A Common Stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan	338	2		336
Issuance of Restricted Class A Common Stock	-118	11		-129
Surrender of shares of Restricted Class A Common Stock	-833	-3		-830
Conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock		2	-2
Stock-based compensation expense	5,549			5,549
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-141				-141
Net loss	-1,731					-1,731
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$112,846	$552	$48	$346,277	($114)	($233,917)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Options exercised for the purchase of class A common stock	232,448	96,267	54,921
Issuance of class A common stock under employee stock purchase plan	160,115		583,034
Issuance of restricted class A common stock	1,063,993	639,232	301,053
Conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock, shares	196,524	250,000	100,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net loss	($1,731)	($58,597)	($97,988)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		31,977	125,703
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	13,032	14,853	14,245
Stock-based compensation expense	5,549	7,036	9,021
Amortization of acquired intangible assets	3,797	4,570	4,374
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	3,556	16,046	-15,691
Amortization of capitalized software development costs	1,281	7,466	7,660
Amortization of deferred financing fees	1,005	3,403	757
Amortization of investment premiums and accretion of discounts, net	437	246	425
Excess tax deficit from share-based payment arrangements			1,510
Gain (loss) on early retirement of debt		178	-431
Other non-cash adjustments	1,221	-1,339	968
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	-26,296	37,202	-16,062
Unbilled receivables	-4,613	7,086	8,768
Inventory	3,637	1,194	-3,941
Deferred project costs and other current assets	-2,338	108	1,376
Other assets	-64	-2,772	1,316
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,945	-13,464	-10,441
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	-3,665	-4,028	1,063
Deferred revenue	-7,429	-1,718	5,184
Other liabilities	-2,809	-1,254	108
Subtotal - Changes in operating assets and liabilities	-35,632	22,354	-12,629
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-7,485	48,193	37,924
Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-5,663	-10,736	-17,761
Cash received for business wind-down arrangement	15,016
Acquisition, net of cash acquired			-20,786
Purchases of marketable securities	-24,770	-12,697	-6,630
Proceeds from sale and maturity of marketable securities	21,029	7,316	10,587
Capitalized software development costs	-1,687	-1,954	-1,881
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	3,925	-18,071	-36,471
Financing activities:
Payments on bank borrowings, notes payable, and capital lease obligations	-30,642	-91,066	-55,664
Proceeds from bank and other borrowings	19,562	66,500	54,500
Payments of tax withholdings on restricted stock	-833	-457
Earn-out payment related to 2012 acquisition	-268		-3,863
Excess tax deficit from share-based payment arrangements			-1,510
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and sale of stock	759	182	809
Net cash used in financing activities	-11,422	-24,841	-5,728
Net increase (decrease) in cash	-14,982	5,281	-4,275
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	41,904	36,623	40,898
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$26,922	$41,904	$36,623

Supplemental_Financial_Schedul

Supplemental Financial Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	Supplemental Financial Schedule II
	TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	(amounts in thousands)
		Column A	Column B		Column C		Column D			Column E
		Description	Balance Beginning of Year		Additions, Costs, and Expenses		Deductions			Balance End of Year
		Year ended December 31, 2014
		Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	388	$	242	$	(25	)	$	605
		Income tax valuation allowance	$	30,284	$	4,611	$	-		$	34,895
		Year ended December 31, 2013
		Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	394	$	446	$	(452	)	$	388
		Income tax valuation allowance	$	698	$	29,586	$	-		$	30,284
		Year ended December 31, 2012
		Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	368	$	30	$	(4	)	$	394
		Income tax valuation allowance	$	698	$	-	$	-		$	698

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	1. Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business
	TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. develops and delivers highly reliable and secure wireless communication technology. The Company enables 9-1-1 infrastructure, cybersecurity, deployable wireless terminals, space components, and applications for mobile location-based services and messaging. Principal customers are wireless network operators, defense and public safety government agencies, and Fortune 150 enterprises requiring high reliability and security. While we manage and have historically reported two business segments, Commercial and Government, digital wireless voice and data communication technology is converging, so engineers from either segment are collaborating to address solution needs for customers of the other segment.
	Commercial Segment: We are one of two leading companies that enable 9-1-1 call routing via cellular, VoIP, and next generation technology. Other TCS hosted and managed services include cellular carrier infrastructure for text messaging and location-based platforms and applications. Commercial segment customers include wireless network operators, VoIP, wireless device manufacturers, automotive industry suppliers, and state and local governments.
	Government Segment: For our core segment customers, U.S. Department of Defense agencies, we provide cybersecurity services, support, and training and “C4ISR” (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance) resources, wireless ground terminals and related support, management and resale of satellite bandwidth, and information technology outsource services. TCS engineers, furnishes, and supports ground terminals used for secure satellite-based and other line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications, as well as related components incorporating government-approved cryptologic devices and other hardened components for aerospace and defense.
	Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures. Significant estimates and assumptions in these consolidated financial statements include estimates used in revenue recognition, fair value of business combinations, fair value associated with goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived asset impairment tests, estimated values of software development costs, income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances, the fair value of marketable securities and stock based compensation, and legal and contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	In reporting the values of long-lived assets, the Company reported no impairment charges in 2014. In 2013, TCS’s  Platforms and Applications reporting unit’s goodwill and long-lived assets with a carrying value of $65,406 were written down to estimated fair value of $33,429, resulting in an impairment charge of $31,977 to goodwill and long-lived assets. We valued the existing technology using a discounted cash flow method to determine whether a write-down was necessary, and after concluding that a write-down was necessary, used a relief from royalty method to value the licensable technology. We then used a discounted cash flow method to determine the fair value of our Platforms and Applications reporting unit.
	A summary of the 2013 impairment charge is set forth below:
	Carrying
	Value	Fair Value	Total
	January 1,	December 31,	Impairment
	2013	2013	Charge
	Goodwill – Platforms and Applications	$	36,121	$	27,912	$	8,209
	Property and equipment, including capitalized software for internal use		18,082		5,517		12,565
	Software development costs		9,270		—		9,270
	Acquired intangible assets		599		—		599
	Other assets		1,334		—		1,334
		$	65,406	$	33,429	$	31,977
	In 2012, TCS’s  Navigation reporting unit’s goodwill and long-lived assets with a carrying value of $164,500 were written down to estimated fair value of $38,797, resulting in an impairment charge of $125,703 to Goodwill, Acquired intangibles, and Long-lived (fixed) assets. We used a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of goodwill and an income approach to determine the fair values of acquired intangibles, capitalized software, and long-lived assets.
	Foreign Currency Translation. Financial statements for the Company’s small foreign subsidiaries with functional currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities, and a weighted average rate is used to remeasure revenues and expenses. The resulting adjustments are reported in other comprehensive income. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly rates of exchange. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash equivalents are reported at fair value, which approximates cost.
	Marketable Securities. Our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale. Our primary objectives when investing are to preserve principal, maintain liquidity, and obtain higher yield. Our intent is not specifically to invest and hold securities with longer term maturities. We have the ability and intent, if necessary, to liquidate any of these investments in order to meet our operating needs within the next twelve months. The securities are carried at fair market value based on quoted market price with net unrealized gains and losses in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. If we determine that a decline in fair value of the marketable securities is other than temporary, a realized loss would be recognized in earnings. Gains or losses on securities sold are based on the specific identification method and are recognized in earnings. We recorded immaterial net gains on the sale and maturity of marketable securities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 in Other income (expense), net.
	Interest Rate Hedging Activity. To reduce the risk of variability of cash flows associated with changes in interest rates on a portion of our floating rate debt, we entered into an interest rate swap (“hedge” or “swap”) agreement with our principal bank during the third quarter of 2014. The interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge and its effect is recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. We formally documented the relationship between the interest rate swap and the hedged bank debt, as well as the risk management objective and the strategy for using the hedging instrument. We assess whether the relationship is highly effective at offsetting changes in the fair value both at inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent that the hedge is effective at offsetting the change in the fair value of the hedged item and realized gains and losses are recognized in interest expense.
	Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Receivable. Substantially all of our accounts receivable are trade receivables generated in the ordinary course of our business. We use estimates to determine the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts necessary to reduce accounts receivable to their expected net realizable value. We estimate the amount of the required allowance by reviewing the status of significant past-due receivables and by establishing provisions for estimated losses by analyzing current and historical bad debt trends. Changes to our allowance for doubtful accounts are recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our credit and collection policies and the financial strength of our customers are critical to us in maintaining a relatively small amount of write-offs of receivables. We generally do not require collateral from or enter netting agreements with our customers. Receivables that are ultimately deemed uncollectible are charged-off as a reduction of receivables and the allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Inventory. We maintain inventory of component parts and finished product for our deployable communication systems and aerospace components. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is based on the weighted average method. The cost basis for finished units includes manufacturing cost. We record any amounts required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value as a change to cost of revenue.
	Property and Equipment. Property and equipment represents costs associated with our investment in information technology and telecommunications equipment, software, furniture and fixtures, leasehold improvements, as well as capitalized software developed for internal use, including hosted applications. Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally five years for furniture, fixtures, and leasehold improvements and three to seven years for other types of assets including computers, software, and telephone equipment.
	The carrying value of property and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be fully recoverable. If an impairment indicator is present, we evaluate recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows that we expect to generate from these assets. If the assets are impaired, we recognize an impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets using the appropriate valuation technique of market, income or cost approach. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying values or fair values, less estimated costs of disposal.
	In 2013 and 2012, after adjusting projections for decreased expected revenue from services supported by capitalized software for internal use included in property and equipment, we evaluated the recoverability of our Platforms and Applications and Navigation reporting units’ fixed assets, respectively, by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows that we expect to generate from these assets. As a result of our reviews, we recorded impairment charges of $12,565 in 2013 and $12,987 in 2012.
	Goodwill.  Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is evaluated for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or sooner should there be an indicator of impairment. We may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not an event or circumstance might indicate the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Such indicators include a sustained, significant decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, a decline in the Company’s expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, unanticipated competition, and/or slower expected growth, among others. After completing our assessment of such qualitative factors, and if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value we perform a two-step process. The first step requires a comparison of the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units that have goodwill assigned to them. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of the impairment. In the second step, a fair value for implied goodwill is estimated, based in part on the fair value of the reporting unit used in the first step, and is compared to its carrying value. The shortfall of the fair value below carrying value, if any, would represent the amount of goodwill impairment.
	At December 31, 2014, goodwill was $104,241. Our assessment of goodwill in the current reporting period indicated that the fair value of our reporting units exceeded their carrying value, see Note 9 for additional details.
	For goodwill impairment testing, we have four reporting units. In 2013, we reorganized the Commercial Segment in order to better conform and integrate the product lines and create efficiencies, so that one management team is now responsible for all Commercial Platforms & Applications other than the 9-1-1 Safety and Security part of the Commercial Segment. Previously, our Commercial Segment was comprised of Navigation and Other Commercial reporting units. Our two Government Segment reporting units, the Government Solutions Group unit and the Cyber Intelligence unit, remain the same.
	In 2013, we recorded an $8,209 impairment charge for the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the estimated fair value of our Platform and Applications reporting unit. In 2012, we recorded an $86,332 impairment charge for the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the estimated fair value of our Navigation reporting unit.
	Software Development Costs. Acquired technology, representing the estimated value of the proprietary technology acquired, has been recorded as capitalized software development costs. We also capitalize software development costs after we establish technological feasibility, and amortize those costs over the estimated useful lives of the software beginning on the date when the software is available for general release.
	Costs are capitalized when technological feasibility has been established. For new products, technological feasibility is established when an operative version of the computer software product is completed in the same software language as the product to be ultimately marketed, performs all the major functions planned for the product, and has successfully completed initial customer testing. Technological feasibility for enhancements to an existing product is established when a detail program design is completed. Costs that are capitalized include direct labor and other direct costs. These costs are amortized on a product-by-product basis using the straight-line method over the product’s estimated useful life, between three and five years. Amortization is also computed using the ratio that current revenue for the product bears to the total of current and anticipated future revenue for that product (the revenue curve method). If this revenue curve method results in amortization greater than the amount computed using the straight-line method, amortization is recorded at that greater amount. Our policies to determine when to capitalize software development costs and how much to amortize in a given period require us to make subjective estimates and judgments. If our software products do not achieve the level of market acceptance that we expect and our future revenue estimates for these products change, the amount of amortization that we record may increase compared to prior periods. The amortization of capitalized software development costs is recorded as a cost of revenue. Amortization of capitalized software developments costs included in direct costs of services and systems were respectively $88 and $1,194 in 2014, $2,527 and $4,939 in 2013, and $2,692 and $4,971 in 2012. The decrease in capitalized software development costs included in services is directly related to the 2013 and 2012 write-down of capitalized software development costs associated with the Platforms and Applications and Navigation reporting unit, respectively.
	Acquired technology is amortized over the product’s estimated useful life based on the valuation procedures performed at the time of the acquisition. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method or the revenue curve method, whichever is greater.
	We also capitalize costs related to software developed or obtained for internal use when management commits to funding the project and the project completes the preliminary project stage. Capitalization of such costs ceases when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Capitalized software developed for internal use is reported as part of property and equipment on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During 2013, we recognized a software development cost impairment charge of $9,270 after determining that costs related to our Platforms and Applications reporting unit were not recoverable based on decreased expected revenue from services using the software. During 2012, we recognized a software development cost impairment charge of $12,420 after determining that the costs related our Navigation reporting unit were not recoverable based on decreased projected revenue.
	Acquired Intangible Assets. Our acquired intangible assets have useful lives of four to ten years, including assets acquired in 2009 and 2012. We are amortizing these assets using the straight-line method. We have not incurred costs to renew or extend the term of acquired intangible assets.
	We evaluate acquired intangible assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values of such assets might not be recoverable. Our review of factors present and the resulting appropriate carrying value of our acquired intangible assets are subject to judgments and estimates by management. Future events such as a significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets, and significant negative industry or economic trends could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that our acquired intangible assets might be impaired. In 2013, after adjusting projections for uncertainty at a significant customer, we recorded an impairment charge of $599 to acquired intangible assets related to our Platforms and Applications reporting unit.  In 2012, after adjusting projections for the impact of a customer contract renegotiation, we recorded an impairment charge of $13,964 to acquired intangible assets related to our Navigation reporting unit.
	Deferred Compensation Plan. We have a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement to fund certain supplemental executive retirement and deferred income plans. Under the terms of the arrangement, the participants may elect to defer the receipt of a portion of their compensation and each participant directs the manner in which their investments are deemed invested. The funds are held by us in a rabbi trust which include fixed income funds, equity securities, and money market accounts, or other investments for which there is an active quoted market, and are classified as trading securities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, funds of $1,282 and $1,003, respectively, were included in Other assets and the deferred compensation liabilities of $873 in 2014 and $637 in 2013 were included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) the fee is probable of collection.
	Revenue is reported as described below:
	Services Revenue. Revenue from hosted and subscriber services consists of monthly recurring service fees and is recognized in the month earned. Maintenance fees are generally collected in advance and recognized ratably over the maintenance period. Services revenue for consulting, training and the design, development, deployment, field support and maintenance of communication systems is generated under time and materials contracts, cost plus fee contracts, or fixed price contracts. Revenue is recognized under time and materials contracts and cost plus fee contracts as billable costs are incurred. Fixed-price service contracts are accounted for using the proportional performance method. These contracts generally allow for monthly billing or billing upon achieving certain specified milestones.
	Systems Revenue. We design, develop, and deploy custom communications products, components, and systems. Custom systems typically contain multiple elements, which may include hardware, installation, integration, and product licenses, which are either incidental or provide essential functionality.
	We allocate the fees in a multi-element arrangement to each element based on the relative fair value of each element, using vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the fair value of each of the elements, if available. VSOE is generally determined based on the price charged when an element is sold separately. In the absence of VSOE of fair value, the fee is allocated among each element based on third-party evidence (“TPE”) of fair value, which is determined based on competitor pricing for similar deliverables when sold separately. When we are unable to establish fair value using VSOE or TPE, we use estimated selling price (“ESP”) to allocate value to each element. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold separately. We determine ESP for deliverables by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, prices we charge for similar offerings, market conditions, competitive landscape, and pricing practices.
	Fees from the development and implementation of custom systems are generally performed under time and materials and fixed fee contracts. Revenue is recognized under time and materials contracts and cost plus fee contracts as billable costs are incurred. Fixed-price product delivery contracts are accounted for using the percentage-of-completion or proportional performance method, measured either by total costs incurred as a percentage of total estimated costs at the completion of the contract, or direct labor costs incurred compared to estimated total direct labor costs for projects for which third-party hardware represents a significant portion of the total estimated costs. These contracts generally allow for monthly billing or billing upon achieving certain specified milestones. Any estimated losses under long-term contracts are recognized in their entirety at the date that it becomes probable of occurring. Revenue from hardware sales to monthly subscriber customers is recognized as systems revenue. We have contracts and purchase orders where revenue is recognized at the time products or services are delivered, or when the product is shipped and the risk of the loss is transferred to the buyer, net of discounts.
	Software licenses are generally perpetual licenses for a specified number of users that allow for the purchase of annual maintenance at a specified rate. All fees are recognized as revenue when the four criteria described above are met. For multiple element arrangements that contain only software and software-related elements, we allocate the fees to each element based on the VSOE of fair value of each element. Some systems containing software licenses include a 90-day warranty for defects. We have not incurred significant warranty costs on any software product to date, and no costs are currently accrued upon recording the related revenue.
	Revenue generated from our intellectual property consists of patent infringement liabilities, upfront and non-refundable license fees, royalty fees, and sales of our patents. Revenue from upfront and non-refundable payments is recognized when the arrangement is executed. When patent licensing arrangements include royalties for future sales of products using our licensed patented technology, revenue is recognized when earned during the applicable period. Due to the nature of some of the agreements it may be difficult to establish VSOE of separate elements of an agreement, in these circumstances the appropriate recognition of revenue may require the use of judgment based on the particular facts and circumstances. In all cases, revenue from the licensing of our intellectual property is recognized when all of four of the revenue recognition criteria are met, and included in Commercial systems revenue.
	When a customer is billed or we receive payment and we have not met all of the criteria for revenue recognition, the billed or paid amount is recorded as deferred revenue on our consolidated balance sheet. As the revenue recognition criteria are met, the deferred amounts are recognized as revenue. We defer direct project costs incurred in certain situations as dictated by authoritative accounting literature. We classify deferred revenue and deferred project costs on the consolidated balance sheet as either current or long-term depending on the expected product delivery dates or service coverage periods. Long-term deferred revenue is included in other liabilities and long-term deferred project costs are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Under our contracts with the U.S. Government for both systems and services, contract costs, including the allocated indirect expenses, are subject to audit and adjustment by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. We record revenue under these contracts at estimated net realizable amounts.
	Advertising Costs.  Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $174, $104, and $69, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Capitalized Interest.  Total interest incurred, including amortization of deferred financing fees, was $9,296, $11,780, and $8,278 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Approximately $27, $115, and $138 of total interest incurred was capitalized as a component of software development costs during the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively.
	Stock-Based Compensation.  We have two stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 18. Both the incentive stock option plan and the employee stock purchase plan are considered equity plans. The fair values of stock option grants are estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the options, which is generally three to five years. The employee stock purchase plan gives all employees an opportunity to purchase shares of our Class A common stock at a discount of 15% of the fair market value.
	Research and Development Expense. We incur research and development costs which are primarily comprised of compensation expenses for engineers engaged in the development and enhancement of software and integrated system products. Research and development cost is expensed as incurred or accounted for as set forth in “Software Development Costs” above.
	Income Taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. Our deferred tax assets consist primarily of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards as well as deductible temporary differences. Prior to 2008 and since December 31, 2013, we have provided a full valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based on the evaluation that our ability to realize such assets did not meet the criteria of “more likely than not”. We continuously evaluate additional facts representing positive and negative evidence in determining our ability to realize the deferred tax assets.
	We record the estimated value of uncertain tax positions by reducing the value of certain tax attributes. We would classify any interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the provision for income taxes. There were no interest or penalties recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2014 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014. We do not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase within the next 12 months. We file income tax returns in U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2014, open tax years in the federal and some state jurisdictions date back to 1998, due to the taxing authorities’ ability to adjust operating loss carryforwards.
	The accounting standards require that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. This process requires management to make assessments regarding the timing and probability of the ultimate tax impact and to record valuation allowances on deferred tax assets if determined it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. Management also establishes reserves for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s judgment regarding potential future challenges to those positions. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, significant changes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, our inability to generate sufficient future taxable income or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year’s liability by taxing authorities. These changes could have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position.
	Other Comprehensive Income. Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses that under GAAP are included as a component of shareholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains or losses on interest rate hedge and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale.
	Fair Value Measurements. We apply valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flows), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost) and uses a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
	Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
	Level 3: Observable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
	Our major categories of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements, including cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities that are held as available-for-sale, are measured on a recurring basis. Certain assets and liabilities, including long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Additional disclosures regarding our fair value measurements are included in Note 15.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance for presentation of financial statements for simplifying income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Under the new guidance, items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring should be presented within income from continuing operations or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 including interim periods within those annual periods. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for presentation of financial statements for going-concern, which addresses when and how to disclose going-concern uncertainties in the financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new guidance applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for revenue recognition. The new guidance provides a five-step revenue recognition model which replaces the prior revenue recognition guidance in its entirety. The core principle of the new standard is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The guidance provides alternative methods of initial adoption; retrospectively applied to each prior reporting period or a modified retrospective approach, in which the cumulative effect of initially applying this new guidance is recognized at the date of initial application with additional disclosures. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the alternative transition methods and the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In April 2014, the FASB amended guidance related to reporting discontinued operations and disposals of components of an entity. The amended guidance requires that a disposal representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s financial results or a business activity should be reported as discontinued operations. The amendment also expands the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations and adds new disclosures for individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as discontinued operations. The guidance is for periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted only for disposals that have not been previously reported. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
On January 1, 2014, the FASB adopted amended guidance related to income taxes and the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. Under certain circumstances, unrecognized tax benefits should 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. The amendment did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	2. Acquisitions
	On July 6, 2012, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of privately-held microDATA, GIS, Inc. (“microDATA”), in accordance with a Purchase and Sale Agreement. The microDATA acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method; accordingly, the total purchase price was $35,544 comprised of $20,786 in cash, net of cash acquired, and $14,250 in promissory notes, and performance-based earn-out opportunities. microDATA’s operating results are reflected in the consolidated financial statements and are included in the Commercial Segment. The acquisition cash was funded by incremental bank debt; see Note 12. The valuation has resulted in $22,032 of goodwill, which will be deductible for tax purposes over 15 years.
	There were no material business acquisitions completed in 2014 or 2013.

Loss_Per_Share

Loss Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Loss Per Share	3. Loss Per Share
	Basic loss per share is based upon the average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive securities are stock options and restricted stock, discussed in Notes 1 and 18, which are handled in per-share calculations using the treasury-stock method, and convertible notes as discussed in Note 12, which are handled using the “if converted” method.
	In 2014, we repurchased the remaining $14,562 of outstanding 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes (“2014 Notes”), after which we had $50,000 of 7.75% Convertible Senior Notes still outstanding. For 2014, 2013, and 2012, shares issuable upon conversion of convertible debt at $10.348 per share were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
	Concurrent with the issuance of the 4.5% Convertible Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge and warrant transactions. Because a call option would have been exercised by the company if the warrant exercise price of $12.74 per share had become lower than the market price of our stock, the effect of the convertible note hedge, which expired pro rata as the 2014 Notes were repurchased, was excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, as the impact was always considered anti-dilutive. The warrants expire in 2015 and are considered to have no value.
	Our two classes of common stock (Class A and B) share equally in dividends declared or accumulated and have equal participation rights in undistributed earnings. Additionally our unvested restricted stock does not contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and dividend equivalents. As such, unvested shares of restricted stock are not participating securities and our basic and diluted earnings per share are not impacted by the two class method of computing earnings per share.

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	4. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
	The following table presents supplemental disclosure of cash flow information for the years ended December 31:
		2014		2013			2012
	Property and equipment acquired under capital lease	$	2,750	$	6,022		$	4,930
	Interest paid	$	8,743	$	8,105		$	6,366
	Income taxes paid (refunded)	$	583	$	(497	)	$	1,248

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	5. Marketable Securities
	Available-for-sale marketable securities at December 31, 2014 were:
		Amortized		Gross		Gross			Estimated
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
		Basis		Gains		Losses			Value
	Corporate bonds	$	21,748	$	6	$	(50	)	$	21,704
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		1,226		—		(3	)		1,223
	Agency bonds		300		—		(1	)		299
	Total marketable securities	$	23,274	$	6	$	(54	)	$	23,226
	The estimated fair values of available-for-sale marketable securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2014 were:
		Fair
		Value
	Due within 1 year or less	$	7,483
	Due after 1 through 5 years		14,520
	Mortgage-backed securities not due in a single maturity date		1,223
		$	23,226
	Available-for-sale marketable securities at December 31, 2013 were:
		Amortized		Gross		Gross			Estimated
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
		Basis		Gains		Losses			Value
	Corporate bonds	$	18,798	$	41	$	(6	)	$	18,833
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		1,170		1		—			1,171
	Total marketable securities	$	19,968	$	42	$	(6	)	$	20,004
	The estimated fair values of available-for-sale marketable securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2013 were:
		Fair
		Value
	Due within 1 year or less	$	6,248
	Due after 1 through 5 years		13,449
	Mortgage-backed securities not due in a single maturity date		307
		$	20,004

Unbilled_Receivables

Unbilled Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Unbilled Receivables	6. Unbilled Receivables
	Unbilled receivables consist of the excess of revenue earned in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles over the amounts billed at contract milestones. Substantially all unbilled receivables are expected to be billed and collected within twelve months.

Inventory

Inventory	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	7. Inventory
	Inventory consisted of the following at December 31:
		2014		2013
	Component parts	$	4,848	$	7,710
	Finished goods		1,405		2,180
	Total inventory	$	6,253	$	9,890

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	8. Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
		2014			2013
	Computer equipment	$	63,378		$	59,499
	Computer software		40,870			38,097
	Furniture and fixtures		3,421			3,648
	Leasehold improvements		8,312			9,097
	Land		1,000			1,000
	Vehicles		82			82
	Total property and equipment at cost		117,063			111,423
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(83,645	)		(73,068	)
	Net property and equipment	$	33,418		$	38,355

Acquired_Intangible_Assets_Cap

Acquired Intangible Assets, Capitalized Software Development Costs, and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Acquired Intangible Assets, Capitalized Software Development Costs, and Goodwill	9. Acquired Intangible Assets, Capitalized Software Development Costs, and Goodwill
	Our acquired intangible assets and capitalized software development cost balances consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
		Gross								Gross
		Carrying			Accumulated					Carrying		Accumulated
		Amount			Amortization		Net			Amount		Amortization		Net
	Acquired intangible assets and capitalized software development costs:
	Acquired intangible assets, including customer lists	$	31,176		$	13,970	$	17,206		$	31,176	$	10,173	$	21,003
	Capitalized software development costs		7,680			3,072		4,608			5,969		1,791		4,178
	Total acquired intangible assets and capitalized software development costs	$	38,856		$	17,042	$	21,814		$	37,145	$	11,964	$	25,181
	Estimated future amortization expense:
	Year ending December 31, 2015	$	5,203
	Year ending December 31, 2016		5,007
	Year ending December 31, 2017		4,110
	Year ending December 31, 2018		2,955
	Year ending December 31, 2019		2,280
	Thereafter		2,259
	Total estimated future amortization expense	$	21,814
	Acquired intangibles
	In 2013 we recorded a $599 Platforms and Applications reporting unit impairment charge for the excess of the carrying value of acquired intangible assets over the estimated fair value. The weighted average remaining amortization period for acquired intangible assets, including customer lists and other as well as acquired technology included in software development costs is 3.9 years.
	Capitalized software development costs
	In 2014, 2013, and 2012 we capitalized $1,712, $1,987, and $1,890, respectively, of software development costs for software projects after the point of technological feasibility had been reached but before the products were available for general release. We routinely update our estimates of the recoverability of the software products that have been capitalized as the basis for evaluating the carrying values and remaining useful lives of the respective assets. In 2013, we recorded an impairment charge of $9,270 related to our Platforms and Applications reporting unit. In 2012, we recorded an impairment charge related to our Navigation reporting unit of $12,420.
	Goodwill
	The balances and changes in amount of goodwill are as follows:
		Commercial			Government
		Segment			Segment		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	58,154		$	54,296	$	112,450
	2013 Impairment charge related to the adjusted fair value of the Platforms and Applications reporting unit		(8,209	)		—		(8,209	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013 and 2014	$	49,945		$	54,296	$	104,241
	We assess goodwill for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or sooner should there be an indicator of impairment. We periodically analyze whether any such indicators of impairment exist. Such indicators include a sustained, significant decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, a decline in the Company’s expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, unanticipated competition, and/or slower expected growth, among others. For goodwill impairment testing, we have four reporting units. In 2013, we reorganized the Commercial Segment so that one management team is now responsible for all Commercial Platforms & Applications other than the 9-1-1 Safety and Security part of the Commercial Segment. Previously, our Commercial Segment was comprised of Navigation and Other Commercial reporting units. Our two Government Segment reporting units, the Government Solutions Group unit and the Cyber Intelligence unit, remain the same.
	Goodwill balances by reporting unit at December 31:
		2014			2013
	Platforms and Applications	$	27,912		$	27,912
	Safety and Security Group		22,033			22,033
	Government Solutions Group		26,141			26,141
	Cyber Intelligence		28,155			28,155
	Total goodwill	$	104,241		$	104,241
	In performing our 2014 testing for all of our reporting units, we used a discounted cash flow method as well as a market approach based on observable public comparable company multiples of revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and amortization of non-cash stock-based compensation (“Adjusted EBITDA”) and weighted the results from the two methods to estimate the reporting units’ fair values.
	Our discounted cash flow models are based on our most recent long-range forecast and, for years beyond the forecast, we estimated terminal values based on perpetual cash flow growth rates ranging from 2.5% to 4.0%. The models reflect management’s expectation of future market conditions and expected levels of financial performance for our reporting units, as well as discount rates and estimated terminal values that would be used by market participants in an arms-length transaction. Business operational risks which could impact profits are detailed in our “Risk Factors” disclosures. Discount rates used were intended to reflect the risks inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting units and were between 13% and 15%.
	For the market comparable approaches, we evaluated comparable company public trading values, and valued our reporting units using multiples of Adjusted EBITDA ranging from approximately 5 to 13 times and multiples of revenue ranging from 0.4 to 1.5 times. Comparable company public trading values are based on the market’s view of future industry conditions and the comparable companies’ future financial results. Adverse changes in any of these variables would negatively influence the valuation of our reporting units. It is not possible to determine the impact of such potential adverse changes on the valuation of our reporting units.
	Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about appropriate discount rates, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, as well as relevant comparable company multiples for the market comparable approach and the relevant weighting of the methods utilized. For fiscal 2014, all of our reporting units passed the first step of the goodwill impairment testing, indicating no impairment.
	Our fourth quarter 2013 impairment testing resulted in the write-down of our Platforms and Applications reporting unit’s goodwill from a carrying value of $36,121 to the estimated fair value of $27,912 at December 31, 2013, resulting in an impairment charge of $8,209. We used a discounted cash flow method to determine the fair value of the goodwill of the Platforms and Applications Reporting Unit.  In performing our 2013 testing for our Safety and Security and Cyber Intelligence reporting units, we used a discounted cash flow method as well as a market approach based on observable public comparable company multiples of Adjusted EBITDA and weighted the results from the two methods to estimate the reporting units’ fair values. For our Government Solutions Group we used only a discounted cash flow method.
	In the second quarter of 2012, due to a triggering event we recorded a goodwill impairment charge was of $86,332 for the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the estimated fair value. There was no indication of any further impairment in any of our reporting units during the 2012 annual testing.

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	10. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31 were:
		2014		2013
	Accounts payable	$	22,790	$	10,341
	Accrued expenses		18,809		14,031
	Total accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	41,599	$	24,372
	Accrued expenses consist primarily of costs incurred for which we have not yet been invoiced, accrued sales taxes, accrued property taxes, and amounts due to our E9-1-1 customers that we have billed and collected from regulating agencies on their behalf under cost recovery arrangements.

Line_of_Credit

Line of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Line of Credit	11. Line of Credit
	We have maintained a line of credit arrangement with our principal bank since 2003. On June 25, 2013, we closed on a new senior secured credit facility, as amended on June 9, 2014 (the “Senior Credit Facility” or “Credit Agreement”), with the Silicon Valley Bank and a syndicate of lenders. The Credit Agreement includes a revolving loan facility (“Revolving Loan Facility”) up to $30,000 through March 31, 2018, unless extended by as provided in the Credit Agreement. The principal amount outstanding under the Revolving Loan Facility is payable prior to or on the maturity date. Interest on the Revolving Loan Facility is payable monthly and accrues at Eurodollar/LIBOR (beginning at L+3.75%) or Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) (beginning at ABR +2.75%), which may be adjusted as provided in the Credit Agreement.
	The Revolving Loan Facility includes two sub-facilities: (i) a $10,000 letter of credit sub-facility pursuant to which the bank may issue letters of credit, and (ii) a $5,000 swingline sub-facility.
	As of December 31, 2014, we had $5,000 of borrowings outstanding under the Line of Credit and had approximately $25,000 of unused borrowing availability under our Line of Credit. As of December 31, 2013, there were no borrowings on our Revolving Loan Facility, and we had $30,000 of unused borrowing availability.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	12. Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of at December 31:
		2014			2013
	Senior credit facility	$	74,567		$	66,084
	7.75% Convertible notes due 2018		50,000			50,000
	4.5% Convertible notes due 2014		—			14,562
	Promissory notes payable to microDATA sellers		—			4,809
	Total long-term debt		124,567			135,455
	Less: current portion		(10,049	)		(25,089	)
	Non-current portion of long-term debt	$	114,518		$	110,366
	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	2015	$	10,049
	2016		4,358
	2017		6,295
	2018		103,865
	Total long-term debt	$	124,567
	Senior credit facilities
	Our senior credit facilities under a June 25, 2013 agreement, as amended on June 9, 2014 (the “Senior Credit Facilities” or “Credit Agreement”) include (i) a $56,500 term loan A facility (“Term Loan A Facility”), and (ii) a $43,500 delayed draw term loan facility (“Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility”). The Senior Credit Facilities also include a $25,000 incremental loan arrangement subject to the Company’s future needs and bank approval, although no assurances can be given that this incremental loan amount will be available to us when and if needed.
	We borrowed $56,500 under the Term Loan A Facility at closing for (i) repayment of the remaining balance under 2012 Term Loan, which was terminated, (ii) approximately $16,000 for on-going working capital and other general corporate purposes, and (iii) fees and expenses associated with the new facility. On September 30, 2013, we borrowed $10,000 under the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility and used the proceeds towards the retirement of the 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes, discussed below. On July 23, 2014, we borrowed $3,360 under our Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility and the proceeds were used towards the retirement of a portion of our 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes. On November 3, 2014, we used $11,202 of the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility to retire the remaining 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes. Under the agreement, $18,938 of the remaining Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility may be available to us in the second quarter of 2015 subject to our meeting certain financial covenants. Any amount of the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility not drawn on April 30, 2015 will expire unused. The Credit Agreement provides that the banks hold at least $35,000 of the Company’s cash and marketable securities until December 31, 2015.
	Additional liquidity is available through the $30,000 Revolving Loan Facility, of which $25,000 is undrawn at December 31, 2014, to be used for our on-going working capital and other general corporate purposes. See Line of Credit Note 11.
	Loans borrowed under the Term Loan A Facility, the Revolving Loan Facility or the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility may be borrowed at rates based on the Eurodollar/LIBOR (beginning at L +3.75%) or Alternate Base Rate (ABR) (beginning at ABR + 2.75%), which may be adjusted as provided in the Credit Agreement.
	The Term Loan A Facility, the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility, and the Revolving Loan Facility have a maturity date of March 31, 2018, unless extended as provided in the Credit Agreement. The Term Loan A and Delayed Draw facilities are payable in quarterly installments on the first day of each quarter beginning October 1, 2013. We made $416 of scheduled principal payments on the Term Loan A and Delayed Draw facilities in 2013, and $2,045 in 2014. Beginning with the first quarter of 2015, $968 is payable in the quarter increasing to $1,453 in the fourth quarter of 2016 and to $1,937 in the fourth quarter of 2017, with the remaining principal due at maturity. Additional Delayed Draw Term Loan borrowings would be repaid in consecutive quarterly installment payments in the same proportion as the installment payments for the Term Loan A and existing Delayed Draw Term Loan borrowings, with the remaining principal due at maturity. The Senior Credit Facilities are also subject to mandatory repayments from excess cash flow and other sources, such as net cash proceeds of debt or equity issuances, asset sales, casualty insurance claims and other recovery events, as described in the Credit Agreement. In, 2014, a mandatory repayment of $3,859 was made based on 2013 results. Based on 2014 excess cash flow as defined, the company will make a mandatory repayment of $5,929 in the first quarter of 2015.
	The Senior Credit Facilities are secured by substantially all of the Company’s tangible and intangible assets, including intellectual property. The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties of the Company and customary covenants and events of default. Availability under the Revolving Loan Facility and the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility is subject to certain conditions, including the continued accuracy of the Company’s representations and warranties and compliance with covenants. During the continuance of an event of default, at the request of the required lenders, all outstanding loans shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the rate that would otherwise be applicable thereto plus 2%, and shall be payable from time to time on demand.
	Interest Rate Hedging Activities
	In August 2014, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with our principal bank to reduce the variability of interest expense due to fluctuations in market interest rates. Its $32,094 initial notional amount represents about half of the outstanding balances of the floating rate Term Loan A and Delayed Term Loan Facilities. The interest rate swap results in a fixed rate of 5.165% on the notional amount of the swap until its June 25, 2018 maturity. The notional amount of the swap will change over time to reflect approximately 50% of the outstanding expected Senior Credit Facility balances; interest rate re-set and interest rate payment dates mirror those of the underlying Senior Credit Facilities. The swap is expected to offset changes in expected cash flows due to fluctuations in the one month LIBOR rate over the term of the hedge. The interest rate swap fair value as of December 31, 2014 was a $240 liability. For the three months ended December 31, 2014, the hedge was highly effective and no gains or losses were recognized in earnings.
	7.75% Convertible notes
	On May 8, 2013, we completed privately-negotiated exchange agreements with noteholders under which we retired $50,000 of our outstanding 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014 issued in 2009 (the “2014 Notes”) in exchange for $50,000 of new 7.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”).
	The 2018 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of May 8, 2013 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”). We offered the 2018 Notes to certain holders of the 2014 Notes in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The 2018 Notes bear interest at 7.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears in cash on June 30 and December 30 of each year, beginning on December 30, 2013. The 2018 Notes are TCS’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of its present and future senior unsecured debt and senior to any future subordinated debts and will be effectively subordinate to all of TCS’s present and future secured debt to the extent of the collateral securing that debt.
	Holders may convert the 2018 Notes at their option on any day prior to the close of business on the second “scheduled trading day” (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding June 30, 2018. The conversion rate will initially be 96.637 shares of Class A common stock per $1 (one thousand) principal amount of 2018 Notes, equivalent to an initial conversion price of $10.348 per share of Class A common stock, which is the same conversion price as the 2014 Notes. Shares of the Company’s Class A common stock into which the 2018 Notes are convertible have been reserved for issuance by the Company. We may redeem some or all of the 2018 Notes at any time on or after June 30, 2014 at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, holders may require us to repurchase, for cash, all or part of their 2018 Notes upon a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture) at a price equal to the purchase prices set forth in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. The Indenture contains customary terms and covenants, including that upon certain events of default occurring and continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes then outstanding may declare the entire principal amount of all the 2018 Notes plus accrued interest, if any, to be immediately due and payable.
	4.5% Convertible notes
	In 2009, we sold $103,500 aggregate principal amount of 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2014, which have now been fully retired.
	During the fourth quarter of 2012, we repurchased $10,000 of the outstanding 2014 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and recorded a gain of $431 gain on the retirement. During the second half of 2013, we repurchased an additional $28,938 of the outstanding 2014 Notes and recorded a loss of $178 on the retirement including transaction costs. On May 8, 2013, we retired $50,000 in aggregate principal of these 2014 Notes, in exchange for $50,000 of new 7.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2018, as discussed above. During 2014, we repurchased the remaining $14,562 balance of the 2014 Notes.
	Concurrent with the issuance of the 2014 Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions and warrant transactions, that were expected to reduce the potential dilution associated with the conversion of the 2014 Notes. Holders may have converted the 2014 Notes at their option on any day prior to the close of business on the second “scheduled trading day” (as defined in the Indenture) immediately preceding November 1, 2014. The conversion rate would have initially been 96.637 shares of Class A common stock per $1 (one thousand) principal amount of 2014 Notes, equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $10.35 per share of Class A common stock. The effect of the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions is an increase in the effective conversion premium of the 2014 Notes to $12.74 per share. The convertible note hedge and the warrant transactions are separate transactions, each entered into by the Company with the counterparties, which are not part of the terms of the 2014 Notes and will not affect the holders’ rights under the 2014 Notes. The cost of the convertible note hedge transactions to the Company was approximately $23,800, and was accounted for as an equity transaction in accordance with ASC 815-40, Contracts in Entity’s own Equity. The Company received proceeds of approximately $13,000 related to the sale of the warrants, which has also been classified as equity as the warrants meet the classification criteria under ASC 815-40-25, in which the warrants and the convertible note hedge transactions require settlements in shares and provide the Company with the choice of a net cash or common shares settlement. As the convertible note hedge and warrants are indexed to our common stock, we recognized them in permanent equity in Additional paid-in capital, and will not recognize subsequent changes in fair value as long as the instruments remain classified as equity. The note hedge transaction expired pro rata as the 2014 Notes were repurchased. The warrants, which expire in 2015, were not affected by the retirements of the 2014 Notes.
	Promissory notes payable to microDATA sellers
	In July, 2012, we issued $14,250 in 6% promissory notes as part of the consideration for our acquisition of microDATA. The remaining outstanding balance of $4,750 was paid in accordance with the note terms on June 30, 2014.

Capital_Leases

Capital Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases Capital [Abstract]
Capital Leases	13. Capital Leases
	We lease certain equipment under capital leases. Property and equipment included the following amounts for capital leases at December 31:
		2014			2013
	Computer equipment	$	16,764		$	20,409
	Computer software		3,036			3,304
	Furniture and fixtures		41			90
	Leasehold improvements		42			42
	Total property and equipment under capital lease at cost		19,883			23,845
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(8,702	)		(9,886	)
	Net property and equipment under capital lease	$	11,181		$	13,959
	Capital leases are collateralized by the leased assets. Our capital leases generally contain provisions whereby we can purchase the equipment at the end of the lease for a one dollar buyout. Amortization of leased assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense.
	Future minimum payments under capital lease obligations consisted of the following at December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	4,607
	2016		3,082
	2017		1,969
	2018		552
	2019		14
	Total minimum lease payments		10,224
	Less: amounts representing interest		(649	)
	Present value of net minimum lease payments (including current portion of $4,243)	$	9,575

Common_Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock	14. Common Stock
	Our Class A common stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share of stock held for all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Our Class B stockholders are entitled to three votes for each share owned.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	15. Fair Value Measurements
	Our assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis and the required disclosures are:
		Fair			Fair Value Measurements
		Value			Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	As of December 31, 2014	Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	26,922		$	26,922	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds		21,704			21,704		—		—
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		1,223			1,223		—		—
	Agency bonds		299			299		—		—
	Marketable securities		23,226			23,226		—		—
	Deferred compensation plan investments		1,282			1,282		—		—
	Assets at fair value	$	51,430		$	51,430	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap	$	240			—	$	240		—
	Deferred compensation		873			873		—		—
	Liabilities at fair value	$	1,113		$	873	$	240	$	—
		Fair			Fair Value Measurements
		Value			Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	As of December 31, 2013	Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	41,904		$	41,904	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds		18,833			18,833		—		—
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		1,171			1,171		—		—
	Marketable securities		20,004			20,004		—		—
	Deferred compensation plan investments		1,003			1,003		—		—
	Assets at fair value	$	62,911		$	62,911	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation	$	637		$	637	$	—	$	—
	Contractual acquisition earn-outs		369			—		—		369
	Liabilities at fair value	$	1,006		$	637	$	—	$	369
	The carrying values of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, unbilled receivables, and accounts payable, approximate their fair values due to their short-term maturities.
	We hold marketable securities that are investment grade and are classified as available-for-sale. The securities include corporate bonds, agency bonds, mortgage and asset backed securities that are carried at fair market value based on quoted market prices; see Note 5.
	We hold trading securities as part of a rabbi trust to fund supplemental executive retirement plans and deferred income plans. The funds held are all managed by a third party and include fixed income funds, equity securities, and money market accounts, or other investments for which there is an active quoted market. The related deferred compensation liabilities are valued based on the underlying investment selections in each participant’s account.
	The interest rate swap was valued based on forward curves observable in the market, using Level 2 inputs; see Note 12. The effectiveness of the interest rate swap is computed by comparing the present value of the cumulative change in the expected future cash flows of the variable leg of the swap and the present value of the cumulative change in the expected future variable interest payments designated in the hedging relationship.
	The contractual acquisition earn-outs were part of the consideration paid for the 2012 microDATA acquisition. The fair value of the earn-outs was based on probability-weighted payouts under different scenarios, discounted using a discount rate commensurate with the risk.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the contractual acquisition earn-outs measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2014:
		Fair Value
		Measurements
		Using Significant
		Unobservable
		Inputs (Level 3)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	508
	Fair value adjustment recognized in earnings		(139	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		369
	Fair value adjustment recognized in earnings		(101	)
	Settlements		(268	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	—
	Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include long-lived assets, intangible assets, and goodwill. These items are recognized at fair value when they are considered to be other than temporarily impaired using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). In 2013, Our Platforms and Applications reporting unit’s goodwill and long-lived assets with a carrying value of $65,406 were written down to their estimated fair value of $33,429, resulting in an impairment charge of $31,977.
	Long-term debt, excluding leases, consists of borrowings under a commercial bank term loan agreement, 7.75% convertible senior notes, and promissory notes; see Note 12. The long-term debt, excluding leases, is currently reported at the borrowed amount outstanding. At December 31, 2014, the estimated fair value of the long-term debt, excluding leases, was approximately $123,000 versus a carrying value of $124,567. At December 31, 2013, the fair value of long-term debt, including 4.5% convertible senior notes and excluding leases, was approximately $133,000 versus a carrying value of $135,455. The estimated fair value is based on a market approach using quoted market prices or current market rates for similar debt with approximately the same remaining maturities, where possible.
	There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 (as defined in Note 1) during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	16. Income Taxes
	Our income tax provisions (benefits) for the years ended December 31 were:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	(2	)	$	32		$	(82	)
	Foreign		154			300			—
	State		51			228			47
	Total current		203			560			(35	)
	Deferred:
	Federal		4,043			12,953			(14,107	)
	Foreign		—			(87	)		—
	State		(717	)		3,165			(1,349	)
	Total deferred		3,326			16,031			(15,456	)
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,529		$	16,591		$	(15,491	)
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	4,874		$	6,416
	Research and development tax credit carryforwards		9,329			8,790
	Stock-based compensation expense		6,263			6,153
	Deferred revenue		8,551			7,040
	Reserves and accrued expenses		2,113			1,745
	Alternative minimum tax credit		2,250			2,091
	Goodwill and intangibles		3,905			110
	Deferred compensation		157			372
	Deferred financing fees		433			482
	Other		1,346			1,197
	Total deferred tax assets		39,221			34,396
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Capitalized software development costs		(3,999	)		(2,103	)
	Cash to accrual adjustment		(132	)		—
	Depreciation and amortization		(3,751	)		(2,009	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(7,882	)		(4,112	)
	Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance		31,339			30,284
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(34,895	)		(30,284	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,556	)	$	—
	We account for income taxes using the asset and liability approach. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.  Net deferred tax assets are recorded when it is more likely than not that the tax benefits will be realized. In accordance with ASC 740, in 2013 we determined that recent losses were significant evidence of the need for a $30,284 valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets and that near-term full realization of these assets was not more likely than not.  In 2014, we determined that a $34,895 valuation allowance was needed. For 2014, a valuation allowance is needed against all deferred tax assets except those state deferred tax assets of affiliates that file separate state tax returns. There is a net deferred tax liability because of tax deductible goodwill from asset acquisitions which cannot be assumed to reverse and offset deductible temporary differences and thus cannot be considered a source of future taxable income for valuation allowance purposes. However, as noted below, our deferred tax assets have expiry dates many years into the future, and we expect to be able to use these assets to offset prospective tax liabilities.
	At December 31, 2014, we had $8,271 of U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards reflected in deferred tax assets plus $4,282 of net operating loss carryforwards from excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation which will be recognized as an increase to additional paid in capital, when the benefit is realized through a reduction of income taxes payable. Of the total $12,553 loss carryforwards, $3,228 is the remaining net operating loss carryforwards acquired with Xypoint in 2001, usable at the rate of $1,401 per year, and which will begin to expire in 2021 if unused at that time. The remaining $9,325 of U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards which were generated in 2007 and 2013 will begin to expire in 2027 and 2033.The timing and manner in which we may utilize net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits in future tax years will be limited by the amounts and timing of future taxable income and by the application of the ownership change rules under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
	We have state net operating loss carryforwards available which expire through 2027, utilization of which will be limited in a manner similar to the federal net operating loss carryforwards. At December 31, 2014, we had federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $2,250, which are available to offset future regular federal taxes. Federal research and development credits of approximately $8,115 will begin to expire in 2019.
	Reconciliations of the reported income tax provision to the amount that would result by applying the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate to the income for the years ended December 31 follow:
		2014						2013					2012
	Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate	$	629			35	%	$	(14,702	)	35	%	$	(39,718	)	35	%
	Goodwill impairment charge		—			—			1,758		(4.2	%)		30,136		(26.6	%)
	Change in valuation allowance		4,886			271.7	%		30,284		(72.1	%)		—		—
	Nondeductible stock-based compensation expense		1,039			57.8	%		1,258		(3.0	%)		1,849		(1.6	%)
	Research and development tax credit		(496	)		(27.6	%)		(639	)	1.5	%		(858	)	0.8	%
	Worthless stock deduction		—			—			—		—			(1,646	)	1.5	%
	State income tax benefit		(322	)		(17.9	%)		(692	)	1.7	%		(1,156	)	1	%
	Original issue discount amortization		(241	)		(13.4	%)		(2,993	)	7.1	%		(1,678	)	1.5	%
	Other		(1,966	)		(109.4	%)		2,317		(5.5	%)		(2,420	)	2.1	%
	Income tax provision (benefit)	$	3,529			196.2	%	$	16,591		(39.5	%)	$	(15,491	)	13.7	%
	We do not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase within the next 12 months. We record the estimated value of uncertain tax positions by adjusting the value of certain tax assets.
	The following table summarizes the 2014 and 2013 activity related to the unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest, penalties and related tax carryforwards):
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	3,446
	Increases related to prior year tax positions		1,040
	Increases related to current year tax positions		294
	Balance at December 31, 2013		4,780
	Increases related to prior year tax positions	52
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(415	)
	Increases related to current year tax positions	165
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	4,582
	If the Company’s positions are sustained by the taxing authority in favor of the Company, $4,582 (excluding interest and penalties) of uncertain tax positions would favorably impact the effective tax rate. Our policy is to classify any interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax positions as a component of the provision for income taxes. There were no interest or penalties recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	We file income tax returns in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2014, open tax years in the federal and some state jurisdictions date back to 1998, due to the taxing authorities’ ability to adjust operating loss and credit carryforwards.

Employee_Retirement_Plan

Employee Retirement Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Retirement Plan	17. Employee Retirement Plan
	We maintain a 401(k) plan covering defined employees who meet established eligibility requirements. Under the provisions of the plan, we may contribute a discretionary match. The plan may also contribute a non-elective contribution. Company contributions matched 40% of employee deferrals in 2012 through August 2013, when the employer match was temporarily suspended.  Matching resumed at a 25% rate in July 2014. Company contributions were $71, $1,868, and $2,853 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Stockbased_Compensation_Plans

Stock-based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation Plans	18. Stock-based Compensation Plans
	We maintain two stock-based compensation plans: a stock incentive plan and an employee stock purchase plan.
	Stock Incentive Plan. We maintain a stock incentive plan that is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Options granted under the plan vest over periods ranging from one to five years and expire ten years from the date of grant. Under the plans, we may grant certain employees, directors and consultants options to purchase common stock, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units. Options are rights to purchase our common stock at the fair market value on the date of the grant. Stock appreciation rights are equity settled share-based compensation arrangements whereby the number of shares that will ultimately be issued is based upon the appreciation of our common stock and the number of awards granted to an individual. Restricted stock units are equity settled share-based compensation arrangements of a number of share of our common stock. Restricted stock unit holders do not have voting rights until the restrictions lapse.
	We recognize compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of 5 years. We estimate the fair value of each stock option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of our stock. We estimate forfeitures based on historical experience and the expected term of the options granted are derived from historical data on employee exercises. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. We have not paid and do not anticipate paying dividends in the near future.
	Our assumptions in calculating the fair value of our stock options using Black-Scholes our assumptions for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected file (in years)	5.5			5.5			5.5
	Risk-free interest rate (%)	1.5%-1.9%			1%-1.5%			1%-1.1%
	Volatility (%)	55%-62%			63%-64%			61%-64%
	Dividend yield (%)		0%			0%			0%
	A summary of stock option activity and related information follows (all share amounts in thousands):
		Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)				Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		17,177		$	4.47
	Granted		2,656			2.62
	Exercised		(232	)		2.36
	Expired		(2,399	)		6.29
	Forfeited		(1,601	)		2.89
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014		15,601		$	4		5.3				$	4,787
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014		10,978		$	4.53			4			$	2,136
	Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014		14,453		$	4.11			5			$	4,128
	Exercise prices for options outstanding at December 31, 2014 as follows (all share amounts in thousands):
	Exercise Prices	Options Outstanding			Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Outstanding					Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Outstanding (years)				Options Vested and Exercisable		Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Vested and Exercisable		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Vested and Exercisable (years)
	$ 1.39 – $ 2.18		281		$		1.46				7.2				137	$	1.49		6.9
	$ 2.20 – $ 3.47		8,926		$		2.65				5.8				4,877	$	2.73		3.3
	$ 3.69 – $ 5.96		3,484		$		4.08				4.4				3,103	$	4.05		4.2
	$ 6.77 – $ 9.86		2,910		$		8.27				4.7				2,861	$	8.27		4.6
	Total end of year		15,601												10,978
	The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $1.41, $1.33, and $1.30, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was $186, $60, and $15, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, was $3,816, $5,948, and $7,813, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, we estimate that we will recognize $4,000 in expense for outstanding, unvested options over their weighted average remaining vesting period of 3 years.
	A summary of restricted stock activity follows (all share amounts in thousands):
		Nonvested Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		2,218		$	2.68
	Granted		830			2.3
	Vested		(1,064	)		2.9
	Forfeited		(19	)		2.4
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014		1,965		$	2.4
	The restrictions expire at the end of one year for directors and expire in annual increments over two and three years for employees and executives, respectively, conditional on continued employment. The fair value of the restricted stock on the date of issuance is recognized as non-cash stock based compensation expense, net of forfeiture adjustments, over the period over which the restrictions expire. The total fair value of restricted stock of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $2,510, $1,959, and $1,058. We recognized $2,907, $2,589, and $1,873 of non-cash stock compensation expense related to these grants for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. We expect to record future stock compensation expense of $2,600 as a result of these restricted stock grants that will be recognized over the remaining vesting period.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan. We have an employee stock purchase plan (the Plan) that gives all employees an opportunity to purchase shares of our Class A Common Stock. The Plan allows for the purchase of 4,384 shares of our Class A Common Stock at a discount of 15% of the fair market value. The discount of 15% is calculated based on the average daily share price on either the first or the last day of each quarterly enrollment period, whichever date is more favorable to the employee. Option periods are three months in duration. As of December 31, 2014, 2,544 shares of Class A Common Stock have been issued under the Plan. The Plan will continue until the earlier of termination by the board of directors or the date on which all of the share available for issuance under the plan have been issued. Compensation expense related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan was $107 for the year ended December 31, 2014. We did not recognize any compensation expense related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan in 2013. Compensation expense relating to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan was $288 for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	As of December 31, 2014, the shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for future issuance are:
			(in thousands)
	Stock incentive plan			3,118
	Outstanding stock options			15,601
	Note warrant hedge (see Note 12)			10,001
	For Series B to A conversion			4,801
	Employee stock purchase plan			1,840
	Total shares restricted for future use			35,361
	Non-cash stock based compensation expense was included in the following income statement captions for the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013			2012
	Direct costs of revenue	$	3,602		$	4,802		$	6,131
	Research and development expenses		1,244			1,106			1,599
	Sales and marketing expense		278			513			483
	General and administrative expense		425			615			808
	Total non-cash stock compensation expense	$	5,549		$	7,036		$	9,021

Operating_Leases

Operating Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases Operating [Abstract]
Operating Leases	19. Operating Leases
	We lease office space and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases that expire on various dates through 2022. Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial terms of one year or more consisted of the following at December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	6,370
	2016		6,091
	2017		5,222
	2018		1,772
	2019		1,719
	Beyond		1,434
	Total operating lease obligations	$	22,608
	Our leases include offices in Annapolis, Maryland under a lease expiring in July 2019, office space in Hanover, Maryland expiring August 2017, a facility in Seattle, Washington under a lease expiring in October 2017, and we lease a production facility in Tampa, Florida under a lease expiring in December 2022.
	We also lease office space in Aliso Viejo, California under a lease expiring in December 2017, a facility near Atlanta, Georgia under a lease expiring August 2020, a facility in Richardson, Texas under a lease expiring April 2015, a facility in North Wollongong, Australia under a lease expiring April 2017 and office space in Torrance, California expiring January 2018. As a result of the 2012 acquisition of microDATA, we lease office space in Danville, Vermont expiring June 2017 and office space in Greenwood Village, Colorado expiring May 2020. Future payments on all of our leases are estimated including the minimum future rent escalations, if any, stipulated in the respective agreements.
	Rent expense was $6,556, $7,634 and $7,490 for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk_

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers	20. Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of accounts receivable and unbilled receivables. Customers that comprised 10% or more of our revenue, accounts receivable and unbilled receivables are as follows:
	Percentage of total revenue for the year ended December 31:
	Customer	Segment	2014		2013		2012
	U.S. Government agencies and departments	Government		22%		32%		44%
	Verizon Wireless (various divisions, directly and through channel)	Commercial		16%		16%		13%
	Percentage of receivables (billed and unbilled) as of December 31:
	Customer	Segment	2014		2013
	U.S. Government agencies and departments	Government		31%		10%
	Verizon Wireless (various divisions, directly and through channel)	Commercial		15%		17%
	AT&T (various divisions)	Commercial	<10%			13%
	As of December 31, 2014, our total exposure to credit risk from the above customers was $22,908. As of December 31, 2013, our exposure to such risks was $26,643. We did not experience significant losses from amounts due to us by any customers for the year ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.

Geographic_and_Business_Segmen

Geographic and Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Geographic and Business Segment Information	21. Geographic and Business Segment Information
	For 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively, our revenue includes $40,666, $38,220, and $41,782 of revenue generated from customers outside of the United States.
	Our two reporting segments are the Commercial Segment and the Government Segment.
	Commercial Segment: We are one of two leading companies that enable 9-1-1 call delivery via cellular, VoIP, and next generation technology. Other TCS hosted and managed services include cellular network and device platforms and applications for text messaging and location-based services. We are also engaged in patent monetization activity which is included in this segment. Commercial Segment customers include wireless network operators, VoIP service providers, wireless device manufacturers, automotive industry suppliers, and state and local governments.
	Government Segment: For our core segment customers, U.S. Department of Defense agencies, we provide cybersecurity services, support, and training and “C4ISR” (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance) resources, wireless ground terminals and related support, management and resale of satellite bandwidth, and information technology outsource services. TCS engineers, furnishes, and supports ground terminals used for secure satellite-based and other line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications, as well as related components incorporating government-approved cryptologic devices and other hardened components for aerospace and defense.
	Management evaluates segment performance based on gross profit and all revenues reported below are from external customers. We do not maintain information regarding segment assets. Accordingly, asset information by reportable segment is not presented.
	The following tables set forth the results of our reportable segments and a reconciliation of segment gross profit to net loss for the years ended December 31:
		2014									2013						2012
		Comm.			Gvmt			Total			Comm.		Gvmt		Total		Comm.		Gvmt		Total
	Revenue
	Services	$	154,388		$	106,359		$	260,747		$	150,311	$	131,078	$	281,389	$	159,054	$	146,064	$	305,118
	Systems		25,114			73,976			99,090			19,749		61,153		80,902		23,690		158,576		182,266
	Total revenue		179,502			180,335			359,837			170,060		192,231		362,291		182,744		304,640		487,384
	Direct costs of revenue
	Direct cost of services		60,241			81,990			142,231			63,984		92,301		156,285		70,438		107,879		178,317
	Direct cost of systems		12,461			57,579			70,040			16,593		50,445		67,038		15,222		133,638		148,860
	Total direct cost of revenue		72,702			139,569			212,271			80,577		142,746		223,323		85,660		241,517		327,177
	Gross profit
	Services gross profit		94,147			24,369			118,516			86,327		38,777		125,104		88,616		38,185		126,801
	Systems gross profit		12,653			16,397			29,050			3,156		10,708		13,864		8,468		24,938		33,406
	Total gross profit	$	106,800		$	40,766		$	147,566		$	89,483	$	49,485	$	138,968	$	97,084	$	63,123	$	160,207
		2014			2013			2012
	Total segment gross profit	$	147,566		$	138,968		$	160,207
	Research and development expense		(41,723	)		(34,308	)		(36,602	)
	Sales and marketing expense		(25,994	)		(28,495	)		(30,753	)
	General and administrative expense		(50,820	)		(54,689	)		(54,277	)
	Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment		(13,032	)		(14,853	)		(14,245	)
	Amortization of acquired intangible assets		(3,797	)		(4,570	)		(4,374	)
	Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		—			(31,977	)		(125,703	)
	Interest expense		(8,264	)		(8,262	)		(7,383	)
	Amortization of deferred finance fees		(1,005	)		(3,403	)		(757	)
	Gain (loss) on early retirement of debt		—			(178	)		431
	Other income (expense), net		(1,133	)		(239	)		(23	)
	Net income (loss) before income taxes		1,798			(42,006	)		(113,479	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(3,529	)		(16,591	)		15,491
	Net loss	$	(1,731	)	$	(58,597	)	$	(97,988	)

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	22. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
	The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for 2014 and 2013. The quarterly information has not been audited, but in our opinion, includes all normal adjustments, which are, in the opinion of the management, necessary for fair statement of the results of the interim periods.
	2014 quarters (unaudited)
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenue2	$	85,090		$	86,221		$	95,332		$	93,194
	Gross profit	$	34,799		$	38,235		$	35,906		$	38,626
	Net income (loss)	$	(477	)	$	1,058		$	(1,964	)	$	(348	)
	Net loss per share basic	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02		$	(0.03	)	$	(0.01	)
	Net loss per share diluted1	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02		$	(0.03	)	$	(0.01	)
	2013 quarters (unaudited)
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenue	$	94,794		$	92,842		$	96,033		$	78,622
	Gross profit	$	35,481		$	35,907		$	35,783		$	31,797
	Net loss	$	(829	)	$	(1,871	)	$	(155	)	$	(55,742	)
	Net loss per share basic and diluted1	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.03	)	$	—		$	(0.95	)
	1	Shares issuable via the convertible notes are included if dilutive, in which case tax-effected interest expense on the debt is excluded from the determination of net income (loss) per share - diluted. For all periods reported in 2014 and 2013 the shares issuable via the convertible notes were anti-dilutive and the tax-effected interest expense was excluded in determining net income (loss) per share.
	2	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a one-time favorable 2014 change in estimate of approximately $4,700 associated with our applications subscriber-based revenue.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	23. Commitments and Contingencies
	Some customers seek indemnification under their contractual arrangements with the Company for claims and other costs associated with defending lawsuits alleging infringement of patents through their use of our products and services, and the use of our products and services in combination with products and services of other vendors. In some cases we have agreed to assume the defense of the case. In others, the Company will negotiate with these customers in good faith because the Company believes its technology does not infringe the cited patents and due to specific clauses within the customer contractual arrangements that may or may not give rise to an indemnification obligation. The Company cannot predict the outcome of such matters and the resolutions could have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows. Due to the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation and other legal proceedings and uncertainties regarding the Company’s existing litigation and other legal proceedings, the Company is unable to estimate the amount or range of reasonably possible loss in excess of amounts accrued. The Company’s assessments are based on estimates and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management, but that may prove to be incomplete or inaccurate, and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that might cause the Company to change those estimates and assumptions. Therefore, it is possible that an unfavorable resolution of one or more pending litigation or other contingencies could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements in a future fiscal period.
	The application and interpretation of applicable state and local sales and other tax laws to certain of our service and system offerings in certain jurisdictions is uncertain. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company makes a provision for a liability for taxes when it is both probable that the liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability or range of liability can be reasonably estimated. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted if necessary. At December 31, 2014, the Company is subject to an ongoing state and local tax audit by the Washington State Department of Revenue. As this and other tax audits progress in the normal course of business, the Company will review and adjust a provision any estimated liability as appropriate.
	Other than the items discussed immediately above, we are not currently subject to any other material legal proceedings. However, we may from time to time become a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business
	TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. develops and delivers highly reliable and secure wireless communication technology. The Company enables 9-1-1 infrastructure, cybersecurity, deployable wireless terminals, space components, and applications for mobile location-based services and messaging. Principal customers are wireless network operators, defense and public safety government agencies, and Fortune 150 enterprises requiring high reliability and security. While we manage and have historically reported two business segments, Commercial and Government, digital wireless voice and data communication technology is converging, so engineers from either segment are collaborating to address solution needs for customers of the other segment.
	Commercial Segment: We are one of two leading companies that enable 9-1-1 call routing via cellular, VoIP, and next generation technology. Other TCS hosted and managed services include cellular carrier infrastructure for text messaging and location-based platforms and applications. Commercial segment customers include wireless network operators, VoIP, wireless device manufacturers, automotive industry suppliers, and state and local governments.
	Government Segment: For our core segment customers, U.S. Department of Defense agencies, we provide cybersecurity services, support, and training and “C4ISR” (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance) resources, wireless ground terminals and related support, management and resale of satellite bandwidth, and information technology outsource services. TCS engineers, furnishes, and supports ground terminals used for secure satellite-based and other line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications, as well as related components incorporating government-approved cryptologic devices and other hardened components for aerospace and defense.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures. Significant estimates and assumptions in these consolidated financial statements include estimates used in revenue recognition, fair value of business combinations, fair value associated with goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived asset impairment tests, estimated values of software development costs, income taxes and deferred tax valuation allowances, the fair value of marketable securities and stock based compensation, and legal and contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	In reporting the values of long-lived assets, the Company reported no impairment charges in 2014. In 2013, TCS’s  Platforms and Applications reporting unit’s goodwill and long-lived assets with a carrying value of $65,406 were written down to estimated fair value of $33,429, resulting in an impairment charge of $31,977 to goodwill and long-lived assets. We valued the existing technology using a discounted cash flow method to determine whether a write-down was necessary, and after concluding that a write-down was necessary, used a relief from royalty method to value the licensable technology. We then used a discounted cash flow method to determine the fair value of our Platforms and Applications reporting unit.
	A summary of the 2013 impairment charge is set forth below:
	Carrying
	Value	Fair Value	Total
	January 1,	December 31,	Impairment
	2013	2013	Charge
	Goodwill – Platforms and Applications	$	36,121	$	27,912	$	8,209
	Property and equipment, including capitalized software for internal use		18,082		5,517		12,565
	Software development costs		9,270		—		9,270
	Acquired intangible assets		599		—		599
	Other assets		1,334		—		1,334
		$	65,406	$	33,429	$	31,977
	In 2012, TCS’s  Navigation reporting unit’s goodwill and long-lived assets with a carrying value of $164,500 were written down to estimated fair value of $38,797, resulting in an impairment charge of $125,703 to Goodwill, Acquired intangibles, and Long-lived (fixed) assets. We used a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value of goodwill and an income approach to determine the fair values of acquired intangibles, capitalized software, and long-lived assets.
Foreign Currency Transaction	Foreign Currency Translation. Financial statements for the Company’s small foreign subsidiaries with functional currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities, and a weighted average rate is used to remeasure revenues and expenses. The resulting adjustments are reported in other comprehensive income. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly rates of exchange. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recorded in other income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying financial statements include the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash and highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Cash equivalents are reported at fair value, which approximates cost.
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities. Our marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale. Our primary objectives when investing are to preserve principal, maintain liquidity, and obtain higher yield. Our intent is not specifically to invest and hold securities with longer term maturities. We have the ability and intent, if necessary, to liquidate any of these investments in order to meet our operating needs within the next twelve months. The securities are carried at fair market value based on quoted market price with net unrealized gains and losses in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. If we determine that a decline in fair value of the marketable securities is other than temporary, a realized loss would be recognized in earnings. Gains or losses on securities sold are based on the specific identification method and are recognized in earnings. We recorded immaterial net gains on the sale and maturity of marketable securities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 in Other income (expense), net.
Interest Rate Hedging Activity	Interest Rate Hedging Activity. To reduce the risk of variability of cash flows associated with changes in interest rates on a portion of our floating rate debt, we entered into an interest rate swap (“hedge” or “swap”) agreement with our principal bank during the third quarter of 2014. The interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge and its effect is recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. We formally documented the relationship between the interest rate swap and the hedged bank debt, as well as the risk management objective and the strategy for using the hedging instrument. We assess whether the relationship is highly effective at offsetting changes in the fair value both at inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the extent that the hedge is effective at offsetting the change in the fair value of the hedged item and realized gains and losses are recognized in interest expense.
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	Allowances for Doubtful Accounts Receivable. Substantially all of our accounts receivable are trade receivables generated in the ordinary course of our business. We use estimates to determine the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts necessary to reduce accounts receivable to their expected net realizable value. We estimate the amount of the required allowance by reviewing the status of significant past-due receivables and by establishing provisions for estimated losses by analyzing current and historical bad debt trends. Changes to our allowance for doubtful accounts are recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our credit and collection policies and the financial strength of our customers are critical to us in maintaining a relatively small amount of write-offs of receivables. We generally do not require collateral from or enter netting agreements with our customers. Receivables that are ultimately deemed uncollectible are charged-off as a reduction of receivables and the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Inventory	Inventory. We maintain inventory of component parts and finished product for our deployable communication systems and aerospace components. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is based on the weighted average method. The cost basis for finished units includes manufacturing cost. We record any amounts required to reduce the carrying value of inventory to net realizable value as a change to cost of revenue.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment. Property and equipment represents costs associated with our investment in information technology and telecommunications equipment, software, furniture and fixtures, leasehold improvements, as well as capitalized software developed for internal use, including hosted applications. Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally five years for furniture, fixtures, and leasehold improvements and three to seven years for other types of assets including computers, software, and telephone equipment.
	The carrying value of property and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be fully recoverable. If an impairment indicator is present, we evaluate recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows that we expect to generate from these assets. If the assets are impaired, we recognize an impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the assets using the appropriate valuation technique of market, income or cost approach. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying values or fair values, less estimated costs of disposal.
	In 2013 and 2012, after adjusting projections for decreased expected revenue from services supported by capitalized software for internal use included in property and equipment, we evaluated the recoverability of our Platforms and Applications and Navigation reporting units’ fixed assets, respectively, by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows that we expect to generate from these assets. As a result of our reviews, we recorded impairment charges of $12,565 in 2013 and $12,987 in 2012.
Goodwill	Goodwill.  Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead is evaluated for impairment in the fourth quarter of each year, or sooner should there be an indicator of impairment. We may assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not an event or circumstance might indicate the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Such indicators include a sustained, significant decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, a decline in the Company’s expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, unanticipated competition, and/or slower expected growth, among others. After completing our assessment of such qualitative factors, and if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value we perform a two-step process. The first step requires a comparison of the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units that have goodwill assigned to them. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of the impairment. In the second step, a fair value for implied goodwill is estimated, based in part on the fair value of the reporting unit used in the first step, and is compared to its carrying value. The shortfall of the fair value below carrying value, if any, would represent the amount of goodwill impairment.
	At December 31, 2014, goodwill was $104,241. Our assessment of goodwill in the current reporting period indicated that the fair value of our reporting units exceeded their carrying value, see Note 9 for additional details.
	For goodwill impairment testing, we have four reporting units. In 2013, we reorganized the Commercial Segment in order to better conform and integrate the product lines and create efficiencies, so that one management team is now responsible for all Commercial Platforms & Applications other than the 9-1-1 Safety and Security part of the Commercial Segment. Previously, our Commercial Segment was comprised of Navigation and Other Commercial reporting units. Our two Government Segment reporting units, the Government Solutions Group unit and the Cyber Intelligence unit, remain the same.
	In 2013, we recorded an $8,209 impairment charge for the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the estimated fair value of our Platform and Applications reporting unit. In 2012, we recorded an $86,332 impairment charge for the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the estimated fair value of our Navigation reporting unit.
Software Development Costs	Software Development Costs. Acquired technology, representing the estimated value of the proprietary technology acquired, has been recorded as capitalized software development costs. We also capitalize software development costs after we establish technological feasibility, and amortize those costs over the estimated useful lives of the software beginning on the date when the software is available for general release.
	Costs are capitalized when technological feasibility has been established. For new products, technological feasibility is established when an operative version of the computer software product is completed in the same software language as the product to be ultimately marketed, performs all the major functions planned for the product, and has successfully completed initial customer testing. Technological feasibility for enhancements to an existing product is established when a detail program design is completed. Costs that are capitalized include direct labor and other direct costs. These costs are amortized on a product-by-product basis using the straight-line method over the product’s estimated useful life, between three and five years. Amortization is also computed using the ratio that current revenue for the product bears to the total of current and anticipated future revenue for that product (the revenue curve method). If this revenue curve method results in amortization greater than the amount computed using the straight-line method, amortization is recorded at that greater amount. Our policies to determine when to capitalize software development costs and how much to amortize in a given period require us to make subjective estimates and judgments. If our software products do not achieve the level of market acceptance that we expect and our future revenue estimates for these products change, the amount of amortization that we record may increase compared to prior periods. The amortization of capitalized software development costs is recorded as a cost of revenue. Amortization of capitalized software developments costs included in direct costs of services and systems were respectively $88 and $1,194 in 2014, $2,527 and $4,939 in 2013, and $2,692 and $4,971 in 2012. The decrease in capitalized software development costs included in services is directly related to the 2013 and 2012 write-down of capitalized software development costs associated with the Platforms and Applications and Navigation reporting unit, respectively.
	Acquired technology is amortized over the product’s estimated useful life based on the valuation procedures performed at the time of the acquisition. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method or the revenue curve method, whichever is greater.
	We also capitalize costs related to software developed or obtained for internal use when management commits to funding the project and the project completes the preliminary project stage. Capitalization of such costs ceases when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Capitalized software developed for internal use is reported as part of property and equipment on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	During 2013, we recognized a software development cost impairment charge of $9,270 after determining that costs related to our Platforms and Applications reporting unit were not recoverable based on decreased expected revenue from services using the software. During 2012, we recognized a software development cost impairment charge of $12,420 after determining that the costs related our Navigation reporting unit were not recoverable based on decreased projected revenue.
Acquired Intangible Assets	Acquired Intangible Assets. Our acquired intangible assets have useful lives of four to ten years, including assets acquired in 2009 and 2012. We are amortizing these assets using the straight-line method. We have not incurred costs to renew or extend the term of acquired intangible assets.
	We evaluate acquired intangible assets when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values of such assets might not be recoverable. Our review of factors present and the resulting appropriate carrying value of our acquired intangible assets are subject to judgments and estimates by management. Future events such as a significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets, and significant negative industry or economic trends could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that our acquired intangible assets might be impaired. In 2013, after adjusting projections for uncertainty at a significant customer, we recorded an impairment charge of $599 to acquired intangible assets related to our Platforms and Applications reporting unit.  In 2012, after adjusting projections for the impact of a customer contract renegotiation, we recorded an impairment charge of $13,964 to acquired intangible assets related to our Navigation reporting unit.
Deferred Compensation Plan	Deferred Compensation Plan. We have a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement to fund certain supplemental executive retirement and deferred income plans. Under the terms of the arrangement, the participants may elect to defer the receipt of a portion of their compensation and each participant directs the manner in which their investments are deemed invested. The funds are held by us in a rabbi trust which include fixed income funds, equity securities, and money market accounts, or other investments for which there is an active quoted market, and are classified as trading securities. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, funds of $1,282 and $1,003, respectively, were included in Other assets and the deferred compensation liabilities of $873 in 2014 and $637 in 2013 were included in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue when all of the following criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) the fee is probable of collection.
	Revenue is reported as described below:
	Services Revenue. Revenue from hosted and subscriber services consists of monthly recurring service fees and is recognized in the month earned. Maintenance fees are generally collected in advance and recognized ratably over the maintenance period. Services revenue for consulting, training and the design, development, deployment, field support and maintenance of communication systems is generated under time and materials contracts, cost plus fee contracts, or fixed price contracts. Revenue is recognized under time and materials contracts and cost plus fee contracts as billable costs are incurred. Fixed-price service contracts are accounted for using the proportional performance method. These contracts generally allow for monthly billing or billing upon achieving certain specified milestones.
	Systems Revenue. We design, develop, and deploy custom communications products, components, and systems. Custom systems typically contain multiple elements, which may include hardware, installation, integration, and product licenses, which are either incidental or provide essential functionality.
	We allocate the fees in a multi-element arrangement to each element based on the relative fair value of each element, using vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the fair value of each of the elements, if available. VSOE is generally determined based on the price charged when an element is sold separately. In the absence of VSOE of fair value, the fee is allocated among each element based on third-party evidence (“TPE”) of fair value, which is determined based on competitor pricing for similar deliverables when sold separately. When we are unable to establish fair value using VSOE or TPE, we use estimated selling price (“ESP”) to allocate value to each element. The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact a sale if the product or service were sold separately. We determine ESP for deliverables by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, prices we charge for similar offerings, market conditions, competitive landscape, and pricing practices.
	Fees from the development and implementation of custom systems are generally performed under time and materials and fixed fee contracts. Revenue is recognized under time and materials contracts and cost plus fee contracts as billable costs are incurred. Fixed-price product delivery contracts are accounted for using the percentage-of-completion or proportional performance method, measured either by total costs incurred as a percentage of total estimated costs at the completion of the contract, or direct labor costs incurred compared to estimated total direct labor costs for projects for which third-party hardware represents a significant portion of the total estimated costs. These contracts generally allow for monthly billing or billing upon achieving certain specified milestones. Any estimated losses under long-term contracts are recognized in their entirety at the date that it becomes probable of occurring. Revenue from hardware sales to monthly subscriber customers is recognized as systems revenue. We have contracts and purchase orders where revenue is recognized at the time products or services are delivered, or when the product is shipped and the risk of the loss is transferred to the buyer, net of discounts.
	Software licenses are generally perpetual licenses for a specified number of users that allow for the purchase of annual maintenance at a specified rate. All fees are recognized as revenue when the four criteria described above are met. For multiple element arrangements that contain only software and software-related elements, we allocate the fees to each element based on the VSOE of fair value of each element. Some systems containing software licenses include a 90-day warranty for defects. We have not incurred significant warranty costs on any software product to date, and no costs are currently accrued upon recording the related revenue.
	Revenue generated from our intellectual property consists of patent infringement liabilities, upfront and non-refundable license fees, royalty fees, and sales of our patents. Revenue from upfront and non-refundable payments is recognized when the arrangement is executed. When patent licensing arrangements include royalties for future sales of products using our licensed patented technology, revenue is recognized when earned during the applicable period. Due to the nature of some of the agreements it may be difficult to establish VSOE of separate elements of an agreement, in these circumstances the appropriate recognition of revenue may require the use of judgment based on the particular facts and circumstances. In all cases, revenue from the licensing of our intellectual property is recognized when all of four of the revenue recognition criteria are met, and included in Commercial systems revenue.
	When a customer is billed or we receive payment and we have not met all of the criteria for revenue recognition, the billed or paid amount is recorded as deferred revenue on our consolidated balance sheet. As the revenue recognition criteria are met, the deferred amounts are recognized as revenue. We defer direct project costs incurred in certain situations as dictated by authoritative accounting literature. We classify deferred revenue and deferred project costs on the consolidated balance sheet as either current or long-term depending on the expected product delivery dates or service coverage periods. Long-term deferred revenue is included in other liabilities and long-term deferred project costs are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Under our contracts with the U.S. Government for both systems and services, contract costs, including the allocated indirect expenses, are subject to audit and adjustment by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. We record revenue under these contracts at estimated net realizable amounts.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs.  Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $174, $104, and $69, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
Capitalized Interest	Capitalized Interest.  Total interest incurred, including amortization of deferred financing fees, was $9,296, $11,780, and $8,278 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Approximately $27, $115, and $138 of total interest incurred was capitalized as a component of software development costs during the year ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation.  We have two stock-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 18. Both the incentive stock option plan and the employee stock purchase plan are considered equity plans. The fair values of stock option grants are estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model and expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the options, which is generally three to five years. The employee stock purchase plan gives all employees an opportunity to purchase shares of our Class A common stock at a discount of 15% of the fair market value.
Research and Development Expense	Research and Development Expense. We incur research and development costs which are primarily comprised of compensation expenses for engineers engaged in the development and enhancement of software and integrated system products. Research and development cost is expensed as incurred or accounted for as set forth in “Software Development Costs” above.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. Our deferred tax assets consist primarily of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards as well as deductible temporary differences. Prior to 2008 and since December 31, 2013, we have provided a full valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based on the evaluation that our ability to realize such assets did not meet the criteria of “more likely than not”. We continuously evaluate additional facts representing positive and negative evidence in determining our ability to realize the deferred tax assets.
	We record the estimated value of uncertain tax positions by reducing the value of certain tax attributes. We would classify any interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the provision for income taxes. There were no interest or penalties recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for 2014 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014. We do not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase within the next 12 months. We file income tax returns in U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2014, open tax years in the federal and some state jurisdictions date back to 1998, due to the taxing authorities’ ability to adjust operating loss carryforwards.
	The accounting standards require that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. This process requires management to make assessments regarding the timing and probability of the ultimate tax impact and to record valuation allowances on deferred tax assets if determined it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. Management also establishes reserves for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s judgment regarding potential future challenges to those positions. Actual income taxes could vary from these estimates due to future changes in income tax law, significant changes in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, our inability to generate sufficient future taxable income or unpredicted results from the final determination of each year’s liability by taxing authorities. These changes could have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position.
Other Comprehensive Income	Other Comprehensive Income. Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses that under GAAP are included as a component of shareholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. Other comprehensive income consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains or losses on interest rate hedge and unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value Measurements. We apply valuation techniques, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flows), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost) and uses a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The following is a brief description of those three levels:
	Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
	Level 3: Observable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions.
	Our major categories of financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements, including cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities that are held as available-for-sale, are measured on a recurring basis. Certain assets and liabilities, including long-lived assets, intangible assets and goodwill, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Additional disclosures regarding our fair value measurements are included in Note 15.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance for presentation of financial statements for simplifying income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Under the new guidance, items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring should be presented within income from continuing operations or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 including interim periods within those annual periods. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for presentation of financial statements for going-concern, which addresses when and how to disclose going-concern uncertainties in the financial statements. The new standard requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued. An entity must provide certain disclosures if conditions or events raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The new guidance applies to all entities and is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, with early adoption permitted. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance for revenue recognition. The new guidance provides a five-step revenue recognition model which replaces the prior revenue recognition guidance in its entirety. The core principle of the new standard is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. The standard also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The guidance provides alternative methods of initial adoption; retrospectively applied to each prior reporting period or a modified retrospective approach, in which the cumulative effect of initially applying this new guidance is recognized at the date of initial application with additional disclosures. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the alternative transition methods and the impact that this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB amended guidance related to reporting discontinued operations and disposals of components of an entity. The amended guidance requires that a disposal representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s financial results or a business activity should be reported as discontinued operations. The amendment also expands the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations and adds new disclosures for individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as discontinued operations. The guidance is for periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted only for disposals that have not been previously reported. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	On January 1, 2014, the FASB adopted amended guidance related to income taxes and the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. Under certain circumstances, unrecognized tax benefits should 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. The amendment did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Impairment Charge	A summary of the 2013 impairment charge is set forth below:
	Carrying
	Value	Fair Value	Total
	January 1,	December 31,	Impairment
	2013	2013	Charge
	Goodwill – Platforms and Applications	$	36,121	$	27,912	$	8,209
	Property and equipment, including capitalized software for internal use		18,082		5,517		12,565
	Software development costs		9,270		—		9,270
	Acquired intangible assets		599		—		599
	Other assets		1,334		—		1,334
		$	65,406	$	33,429	$	31,977

Supplement_Disclosure_of_Cash_

Supplement Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplement Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	The following table presents supplemental disclosure of cash flow information for the years ended December 31:
		2014		2013			2012
	Property and equipment acquired under capital lease	$	2,750	$	6,022		$	4,930
	Interest paid	$	8,743	$	8,105		$	6,366
	Income taxes paid (refunded)	$	583	$	(497	)	$	1,248

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities	Available-for-sale marketable securities at December 31, 2014 were:
		Amortized		Gross		Gross			Estimated
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
		Basis		Gains		Losses			Value
	Corporate bonds	$	21,748	$	6	$	(50	)	$	21,704
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		1,226		—		(3	)		1,223
	Agency bonds		300		—		(1	)		299
	Total marketable securities	$	23,274	$	6	$	(54	)	$	23,226
	Available-for-sale marketable securities at December 31, 2013 were:
		Amortized		Gross		Gross			Estimated
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
		Basis		Gains		Losses			Value
	Corporate bonds	$	18,798	$	41	$	(6	)	$	18,833
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		1,170		1		—			1,171
	Total marketable securities	$	19,968	$	42	$	(6	)	$	20,004
Summary of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities by Contractual Maturity	The estimated fair values of available-for-sale marketable securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2014 were:
		Fair
		Value
	Due within 1 year or less	$	7,483
	Due after 1 through 5 years		14,520
	Mortgage-backed securities not due in a single maturity date		1,223
		$	23,226
	The estimated fair values of available-for-sale marketable securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2013 were:
		Fair
		Value
	Due within 1 year or less	$	6,248
	Due after 1 through 5 years		13,449
	Mortgage-backed securities not due in a single maturity date		307
		$	20,004

Inventory_Tables

Inventory (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventory	Inventory consisted of the following at December 31:
		2014		2013
	Component parts	$	4,848	$	7,710
	Finished goods		1,405		2,180
	Total inventory	$	6,253	$	9,890

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31:
		2014			2013
	Computer equipment	$	63,378		$	59,499
	Computer software		40,870			38,097
	Furniture and fixtures		3,421			3,648
	Leasehold improvements		8,312			9,097
	Land		1,000			1,000
	Vehicles		82			82
	Total property and equipment at cost		117,063			111,423
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(83,645	)		(73,068	)
	Net property and equipment	$	33,418		$	38,355

Acquired_Intangible_Assets_Cap1

Acquired Intangible Assets, Capitalized Software Development Costs, and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Acquired Intangible Assets and Capitalized Software Development Costs	Our acquired intangible assets and capitalized software development cost balances consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
		Gross								Gross
		Carrying			Accumulated					Carrying		Accumulated
		Amount			Amortization		Net			Amount		Amortization		Net
	Acquired intangible assets and capitalized software development costs:
	Acquired intangible assets, including customer lists	$	31,176		$	13,970	$	17,206		$	31,176	$	10,173	$	21,003
	Capitalized software development costs		7,680			3,072		4,608			5,969		1,791		4,178
	Total acquired intangible assets and capitalized software development costs	$	38,856		$	17,042	$	21,814		$	37,145	$	11,964	$	25,181
Estimated Future Amortization Expense
	Estimated future amortization expense:
	Year ending December 31, 2015	$	5,203
	Year ending December 31, 2016		5,007
	Year ending December 31, 2017		4,110
	Year ending December 31, 2018		2,955
	Year ending December 31, 2019		2,280
	Thereafter		2,259
	Total estimated future amortization expense	$	21,814
Balances and Changes in Amount of Goodwill	The balances and changes in amount of goodwill are as follows:
		Commercial			Government
		Segment			Segment		Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	58,154		$	54,296	$	112,450
	2013 Impairment charge related to the adjusted fair value of the Platforms and Applications reporting unit		(8,209	)		—		(8,209	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013 and 2014	$	49,945		$	54,296	$	104,241
Goodwill Balances by Reporting Unit	Goodwill balances by reporting unit at December 31:
		2014			2013
	Platforms and Applications	$	27,912		$	27,912
	Safety and Security Group		22,033			22,033
	Government Solutions Group		26,141			26,141
	Cyber Intelligence		28,155			28,155
	Total goodwill	$	104,241		$	104,241

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	Accounts payable and accrued expenses at December 31 were:
		2014		2013
	Accounts payable	$	22,790	$	10,341
	Accrued expenses		18,809		14,031
	Total accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	41,599	$	24,372

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of at December 31:
		2014			2013
	Senior credit facility	$	74,567		$	66,084
	7.75% Convertible notes due 2018		50,000			50,000
	4.5% Convertible notes due 2014		—			14,562
	Promissory notes payable to microDATA sellers		—			4,809
	Total long-term debt		124,567			135,455
	Less: current portion		(10,049	)		(25,089	)
	Non-current portion of long-term debt	$	114,518		$	110,366
Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Debt	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	2015	$	10,049
	2016		4,358
	2017		6,295
	2018		103,865
	Total long-term debt	$	124,567

Capital_Leases_Tables

Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases Capital [Abstract]
Capital Leases Included in Property and Equipment	We lease certain equipment under capital leases. Property and equipment included the following amounts for capital leases at December 31:
		2014			2013
	Computer equipment	$	16,764		$	20,409
	Computer software		3,036			3,304
	Furniture and fixtures		41			90
	Leasehold improvements		42			42
	Total property and equipment under capital lease at cost		19,883			23,845
	Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(8,702	)		(9,886	)
	Net property and equipment under capital lease	$	11,181		$	13,959
Future Minimum Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations	Future minimum payments under capital lease obligations consisted of the following at December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	4,607
	2016		3,082
	2017		1,969
	2018		552
	2019		14
	Total minimum lease payments		10,224
	Less: amounts representing interest		(649	)
	Present value of net minimum lease payments (including current portion of $4,243)	$	9,575

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Subject to Fair Value Measurements on Recurring Basis and Required Disclosures	Our assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis and the required disclosures are:
		Fair			Fair Value Measurements
		Value			Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	As of December 31, 2014	Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	26,922		$	26,922	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds		21,704			21,704		—		—
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		1,223			1,223		—		—
	Agency bonds		299			299		—		—
	Marketable securities		23,226			23,226		—		—
	Deferred compensation plan investments		1,282			1,282		—		—
	Assets at fair value	$	51,430		$	51,430	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap	$	240			—	$	240		—
	Deferred compensation		873			873		—		—
	Liabilities at fair value	$	1,113		$	873	$	240	$	—
		Fair			Fair Value Measurements
		Value			Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	As of December 31, 2013	Total			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	41,904		$	41,904	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds		18,833			18,833		—		—
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		1,171			1,171		—		—
	Marketable securities		20,004			20,004		—		—
	Deferred compensation plan investments		1,003			1,003		—		—
	Assets at fair value	$	62,911		$	62,911	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation	$	637		$	637	$	—	$	—
	Contractual acquisition earn-outs		369			—		—		369
	Liabilities at fair value	$	1,006		$	637	$	—	$	369
Summary of Changes in Contractual Acquisition Earn-Outs Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs	The following table summarizes the changes in the contractual acquisition earn-outs measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2014:
		Fair Value
		Measurements
		Using Significant
		Unobservable
		Inputs (Level 3)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	508
	Fair value adjustment recognized in earnings		(139	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		369
	Fair value adjustment recognized in earnings		(101	)
	Settlements		(268	)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	—

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provisions (Benefits) for Income Taxes	Our income tax provisions (benefits) for the years ended December 31 were:
		2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	(2	)	$	32		$	(82	)
	Foreign		154			300			—
	State		51			228			47
	Total current		203			560			(35	)
	Deferred:
	Federal		4,043			12,953			(14,107	)
	Foreign		—			(87	)		—
	State		(717	)		3,165			(1,349	)
	Total deferred		3,326			16,031			(15,456	)
	Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,529		$	16,591		$	(15,491	)
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were:
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	4,874		$	6,416
	Research and development tax credit carryforwards		9,329			8,790
	Stock-based compensation expense		6,263			6,153
	Deferred revenue		8,551			7,040
	Reserves and accrued expenses		2,113			1,745
	Alternative minimum tax credit		2,250			2,091
	Goodwill and intangibles		3,905			110
	Deferred compensation		157			372
	Deferred financing fees		433			482
	Other		1,346			1,197
	Total deferred tax assets		39,221			34,396
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Capitalized software development costs		(3,999	)		(2,103	)
	Cash to accrual adjustment		(132	)		—
	Depreciation and amortization		(3,751	)		(2,009	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(7,882	)		(4,112	)
	Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance		31,339			30,284
	Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(34,895	)		(30,284	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,556	)	$	—
Reconciliations of Reported Income Tax Provision to Amount that would Result by Applying Federal Statutory Rate	Reconciliations of the reported income tax provision to the amount that would result by applying the 35% U.S. federal statutory rate to the income for the years ended December 31 follow:
		2014						2013					2012
	Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate	$	629			35	%	$	(14,702	)	35	%	$	(39,718	)	35	%
	Goodwill impairment charge		—			—			1,758		(4.2	%)		30,136		(26.6	%)
	Change in valuation allowance		4,886			271.7	%		30,284		(72.1	%)		—		—
	Nondeductible stock-based compensation expense		1,039			57.8	%		1,258		(3.0	%)		1,849		(1.6	%)
	Research and development tax credit		(496	)		(27.6	%)		(639	)	1.5	%		(858	)	0.8	%
	Worthless stock deduction		—			—			—		—			(1,646	)	1.5	%
	State income tax benefit		(322	)		(17.9	%)		(692	)	1.7	%		(1,156	)	1	%
	Original issue discount amortization		(241	)		(13.4	%)		(2,993	)	7.1	%		(1,678	)	1.5	%
	Other		(1,966	)		(109.4	%)		2,317		(5.5	%)		(2,420	)	2.1	%
	Income tax provision (benefit)	$	3,529			196.2	%	$	16,591		(39.5	%)	$	(15,491	)	13.7	%
Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits Excluding Interest, Penalties, and Related Tax Carry Forwards	The following table summarizes the 2014 and 2013 activity related to the unrecognized tax benefits (excluding interest, penalties and related tax carryforwards):
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	3,446
	Increases related to prior year tax positions		1,040
	Increases related to current year tax positions		294
	Balance at December 31, 2013		4,780
	Increases related to prior year tax positions	52
	Decreases related to prior year tax positions		(415	)
	Increases related to current year tax positions	165
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	4,582

Stockbased_Compensation_Plans_

Stock-based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Assumptions in Calculating Fair Value of Stock Options Using Black Scholes	Our assumptions in calculating the fair value of our stock options using Black-Scholes our assumptions for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected file (in years)	5.5			5.5			5.5
	Risk-free interest rate (%)	1.5%-1.9%			1%-1.5%			1%-1.1%
	Volatility (%)	55%-62%			63%-64%			61%-64%
	Dividend yield (%)		0%			0%			0%
Summary of Stock Option Activity and Related Information	A summary of stock option activity and related information follows (all share amounts in thousands):
		Number of Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price			Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)				Aggregate Intrinsic Value ($000)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		17,177		$	4.47
	Granted		2,656			2.62
	Exercised		(232	)		2.36
	Expired		(2,399	)		6.29
	Forfeited		(1,601	)		2.89
	Outstanding, December 31, 2014		15,601		$	4		5.3				$	4,787
	Exercisable, December 31, 2014		10,978		$	4.53			4			$	2,136
	Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2014		14,453		$	4.11			5			$	4,128
Schedule of Exercise Prices for Options Outstanding
	Exercise prices for options outstanding at December 31, 2014 as follows (all share amounts in thousands):
	Exercise Prices	Options Outstanding			Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Outstanding					Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Outstanding (years)				Options Vested and Exercisable		Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Vested and Exercisable		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Vested and Exercisable (years)
	$ 1.39 – $ 2.18		281		$		1.46				7.2				137	$	1.49		6.9
	$ 2.20 – $ 3.47		8,926		$		2.65				5.8				4,877	$	2.73		3.3
	$ 3.69 – $ 5.96		3,484		$		4.08				4.4				3,103	$	4.05		4.2
	$ 6.77 – $ 9.86		2,910		$		8.27				4.7				2,861	$	8.27		4.6
	Total end of year		15,601												10,978
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity	A summary of restricted stock activity follows (all share amounts in thousands):
		Nonvested Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		2,218		$	2.68
	Granted		830			2.3
	Vested		(1,064	)		2.9
	Forfeited		(19	)		2.4
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014		1,965		$	2.4
Class A Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance	As of December 31, 2014, the shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for future issuance are:
			(in thousands)
	Stock incentive plan			3,118
	Outstanding stock options			15,601
	Note warrant hedge (see Note 12)			10,001
	For Series B to A conversion			4,801
	Employee stock purchase plan			1,840
	Total shares restricted for future use			35,361
Non-Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense	Non-cash stock based compensation expense was included in the following income statement captions for the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013			2012
	Direct costs of revenue	$	3,602		$	4,802		$	6,131
	Research and development expenses		1,244			1,106			1,599
	Sales and marketing expense		278			513			483
	General and administrative expense		425			615			808
	Total non-cash stock compensation expense	$	5,549		$	7,036		$	9,021

Operating_Leases_Tables

Operating Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases Operating [Abstract]
Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases with Initial Terms of One Year or More	We lease office space and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases that expire on various dates through 2022. Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial terms of one year or more consisted of the following at December 31, 2014:
	2015	$	6,370
	2016		6,091
	2017		5,222
	2018		1,772
	2019		1,719
	Beyond		1,434
	Total operating lease obligations	$	22,608

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk_1

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]
Summary of Customers Revenue, Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Receivables	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of accounts receivable and unbilled receivables. Customers that comprised 10% or more of our revenue, accounts receivable and unbilled receivables are as follows:
	Percentage of total revenue for the year ended December 31:
	Customer	Segment	2014		2013		2012
	U.S. Government agencies and departments	Government		22%		32%		44%
	Verizon Wireless (various divisions, directly and through channel)	Commercial		16%		16%		13%
	Percentage of receivables (billed and unbilled) as of December 31:
	Customer	Segment	2014		2013
	U.S. Government agencies and departments	Government		31%		10%
	Verizon Wireless (various divisions, directly and through channel)	Commercial		15%		17%
	AT&T (various divisions)	Commercial	<10%			13%

Geographic_and_Business_Segmen1

Geographic and Business Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information by Segment	The following tables set forth the results of our reportable segments and a reconciliation of segment gross profit to net loss for the years ended December 31:
		2014									2013						2012
		Comm.			Gvmt			Total			Comm.		Gvmt		Total		Comm.		Gvmt		Total
	Revenue
	Services	$	154,388		$	106,359		$	260,747		$	150,311	$	131,078	$	281,389	$	159,054	$	146,064	$	305,118
	Systems		25,114			73,976			99,090			19,749		61,153		80,902		23,690		158,576		182,266
	Total revenue		179,502			180,335			359,837			170,060		192,231		362,291		182,744		304,640		487,384
	Direct costs of revenue
	Direct cost of services		60,241			81,990			142,231			63,984		92,301		156,285		70,438		107,879		178,317
	Direct cost of systems		12,461			57,579			70,040			16,593		50,445		67,038		15,222		133,638		148,860
	Total direct cost of revenue		72,702			139,569			212,271			80,577		142,746		223,323		85,660		241,517		327,177
	Gross profit
	Services gross profit		94,147			24,369			118,516			86,327		38,777		125,104		88,616		38,185		126,801
	Systems gross profit		12,653			16,397			29,050			3,156		10,708		13,864		8,468		24,938		33,406
	Total gross profit	$	106,800		$	40,766		$	147,566		$	89,483	$	49,485	$	138,968	$	97,084	$	63,123	$	160,207
		2014			2013			2012
	Total segment gross profit	$	147,566		$	138,968		$	160,207
	Research and development expense		(41,723	)		(34,308	)		(36,602	)
	Sales and marketing expense		(25,994	)		(28,495	)		(30,753	)
	General and administrative expense		(50,820	)		(54,689	)		(54,277	)
	Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment		(13,032	)		(14,853	)		(14,245	)
	Amortization of acquired intangible assets		(3,797	)		(4,570	)		(4,374	)
	Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		—			(31,977	)		(125,703	)
	Interest expense		(8,264	)		(8,262	)		(7,383	)
	Amortization of deferred finance fees		(1,005	)		(3,403	)		(757	)
	Gain (loss) on early retirement of debt		—			(178	)		431
	Other income (expense), net		(1,133	)		(239	)		(23	)
	Net income (loss) before income taxes		1,798			(42,006	)		(113,479	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(3,529	)		(16,591	)		15,491
	Net loss	$	(1,731	)	$	(58,597	)	$	(97,988	)

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations	The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for 2014 and 2013. The quarterly information has not been audited, but in our opinion, includes all normal adjustments, which are, in the opinion of the management, necessary for fair statement of the results of the interim periods.
	2014 quarters (unaudited)
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenue2	$	85,090		$	86,221		$	95,332		$	93,194
	Gross profit	$	34,799		$	38,235		$	35,906		$	38,626
	Net income (loss)	$	(477	)	$	1,058		$	(1,964	)	$	(348	)
	Net loss per share basic	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02		$	(0.03	)	$	(0.01	)
	Net loss per share diluted1	$	(0.01	)	$	0.02		$	(0.03	)	$	(0.01	)
	2013 quarters (unaudited)
		First			Second			Third			Fourth
	Revenue	$	94,794		$	92,842		$	96,033		$	78,622
	Gross profit	$	35,481		$	35,907		$	35,783		$	31,797
	Net loss	$	(829	)	$	(1,871	)	$	(155	)	$	(55,742	)
	Net loss per share basic and diluted1	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.03	)	$	—		$	(0.95	)
	(i)	Shares issuable via the convertible notes are included if dilutive, in which case tax-effected interest expense on the debt is excluded from the determination of net income (loss) per share - diluted. For all periods reported in 2014 and 2013 the shares issuable via the convertible notes were anti-dilutive and the tax-effected interest expense was excluded in determining net income (loss) per share.
	(ii)	During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a one-time favorable 2014 change in estimate of approximately $4,700 associated with our applications subscriber-based revenue.

Supplemental_Financial_Schedul1

Supplemental Financial Schedule II, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Year	$388	$394	$368
Additions, Costs, and Expenses	242	446	30
Deductions	-25	-452	-4
Balance End of Year	605	388	394
Income tax valuation allowance
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Year	30,284	698	698
Additions, Costs, and Expenses	4,611	29,586	0
Deductions	0	0	0
Balance End of Year	$34,895	$30,284	$698

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
		Segment
		CompensationPlan
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments		2
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets			$31,977,000	$125,703,000
Goodwill		104,241,000	104,241,000	112,450,000	104,241,000
Impairment charge related to goodwill	86,332,000		8,209,000
Advertising expenses		174,000	104,000	69,000
Interest incurred, including amortization of deferred financing fees		9,296,000	11,780,000	8,278,000
Interest capitalized as a component of software development costs		27,000	115,000	138,000
Number of stock-based employee compensation plans		2
Rabbi trust | Other assets
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred compensation assets		1,282,000	1,003,000		1,003,000
Deferred Compensation Plan | Rabbi trust | Other long-term liabilities
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred compensation liabilities		873,000	637,000		637,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan member , Class A common stock
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Employee stock purchase plan, purchase price, discount on fair market value		15.00%
Service | Software development costs
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization of capitalized software developments costs		88,000	2,527,000	2,692,000
Systems | Software development costs
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amortization of capitalized software developments costs		1,194,000	4,939,000	4,971,000
Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful lives of intangible assets		4 years
Stock option plan grants, requisite service period		3 years
Minimum | Software development costs
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful lives of intangible assets		3 years
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful lives of intangible assets		19 years
Stock option plan grants, requisite service period		5 years
Maximum | Software development costs
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful lives of intangible assets		5 years
Furniture, fixtures, and leasehold improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		5 years
Computers, software, and telephone equipment | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		3 years
Computers, software, and telephone equipment | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Estimated useful lives		7 years
Platforms and applications
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment charges, long-lived assets		0
Goodwill and long-lived assets, carrying value			65,406,000	65,406,000	65,406,000
Goodwill and long-lived assets, fair value			33,429,000		33,429,000
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets			31,977,000
Impairment charge related to property and equipment			12,565,000
Goodwill		27,912,000	27,912,000	36,121,000	27,912,000
Impairment charge related to goodwill			8,209,000		8,209,000
Impairment charge related to capitalized software development			9,270,000
Impairment charge related to acquired intangible assets			599,000
Navigation reporting Unit
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill and long-lived assets, carrying value				164,500,000
Goodwill and long-lived assets, fair value				38,797,000
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets				125,703,000
Impairment charge related to property and equipment				12,987,000
Impairment charge related to goodwill				86,332,000
Impairment charge related to capitalized software development				12,420,000
Impairment charge related to acquired intangible assets				$13,964,000
Systems
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Warranty for defects		90 days

Summary_of_Impairment_Charge_D

Summary of Impairment Charge (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	$31,977	$125,703
Platforms and applications
Goodwill And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill and long-lived assets, carrying value	65,406	65,406
Goodwill and long-lived assets, fair value	33,429
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	31,977
Platforms and applications | Goodwill – platforms and applications
Goodwill And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill and long-lived assets, carrying value		36,121
Goodwill and long-lived assets, fair value	27,912
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	8,209
Platforms and applications | Property and equipment, including capitalized software for internal use
Goodwill And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill and long-lived assets, carrying value		18,082
Goodwill and long-lived assets, fair value	5,517
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	12,565
Platforms and applications | Software development costs
Goodwill And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill and long-lived assets, carrying value		9,270
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	9,270
Platforms and applications | Acquired intangible assets
Goodwill And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill and long-lived assets, carrying value		599
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	599
Platforms and applications | Other assets
Goodwill And Long Lived Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill and long-lived assets, carrying value		1,334
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	$1,334

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (microDATA, USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 06, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
microDATA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition acquired entity		microDATA, GIS, Inc.
Purchase price	$35,544
Purchase price paid in cash	20,786
Purchase price paid in Promissory notes	14,250
Goodwill acquired	$22,032
Period over which goodwill will be tax deductible	15 years

Loss_Per_Share_Additional_Info

Loss Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 03, 2014	Jul. 23, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	8-May-13
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$124,567	$135,455
Warrant exercise price	$12.74	$12.74	$12.74
Earnings per share, dilutive effect, description	Because a call option would have been exercised by the company if the warrant exercise price of $12.74 per share had become lower than the market price of our stock, the effect of the convertible note hedge, which expired pro rata as the 2014 Notes were repurchased, was excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, as the impact was always considered anti-dilutive.
4.5% Convertible notes due 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Amount of outstanding Notes repurchased	14,562		10,000	11,202	3,360	28,938
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	4.50%	4.50%					4.50%
Long-term debt		14,562
7.75% Convertible notes due 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	7.75%	7.75%					7.75%
Long-term debt	$50,000	$50,000

Schedule_of_Supplement_Disclos

Schedule of Supplement Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Property and equipment acquired under capital lease	$2,750	$6,022	$4,930
Interest paid	8,743	8,105	6,366
Income taxes paid (refunded)	$583	($497)	$1,248

Summary_of_AvailableforSale_Ma

Summary of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$23,274	$19,968
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	6	42
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-54	-6
Marketable securities	23,226	20,004
Corporate bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Amortized Cost Basis	21,748	18,798
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	6	41
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-50	-6
Marketable securities	21,704	18,833
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,226	1,170
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		1
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-3
Marketable securities	1,223	1,171
Agency bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Amortized Cost Basis	300
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1
Marketable securities	$299

Summary_of_AvailableforSale_Ma1

Summary of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities, contractual maturity, Due within 1 year or less, Fair Value	$7,483	$6,248
Available-for-sale securities, contractual maturity, Due after 1 through 5 years, Fair Value	14,520	13,449
Available-for-sale securities, Mortgage-backed securities not due in a single maturity date, Fair Value	1,223	307
Marketable securities	$23,226	$20,004

Components_of_Inventory_Detail

Components of Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Component parts	$4,848	$7,710
Finished goods	1,405	2,180
Total inventory	$6,253	$9,890

Components_of_Property_and_Equ

Components of Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment at cost	$117,063	$111,423
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-83,645	-73,068
Net property and equipment	33,418	38,355
Computer equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment at cost	63,378	59,499
Computer software
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment at cost	40,870	38,097
Furniture and fixtures
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment at cost	3,421	3,648
Leasehold improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment at cost	8,312	9,097
Land
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment at cost	1,000	1,000
Vehicles
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment at cost	$82	$82

Acquired_Intangible_Assets_and

Acquired Intangible Assets and Capitalized Software Development Costs (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$13,970	$10,173
Acquired intangible assets, Net	17,206	21,003
Capitalized software development costs, Gross Carrying Amount	7,680	5,969
Capitalized software development costs, accumulated amortization	3,072	1,791
Capitalized software development costs, Net	4,608	4,178
Intangible assets and capitalized software development costs, Gross Carrying Amount	38,856	37,145
Intangible assets and capitalized software development costs, Accumulated Amortization	17,042	11,964
Intangible assets and capitalized software development costs, Net	21,814	25,181
Acquired intangible assets including customer lists
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	31,176	31,176
Acquired intangible assets, accumulated amortization	13,970	10,173
Acquired intangible assets, Net	$17,206	$21,003

Estimated_Future_Amortization_

Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated future amortization expense:
Year ending December 31, 2015	$5,203
Year ending December 31, 2016	5,007
Year ending December 31, 2017	4,110
Year ending December 31, 2018	2,955
Year ending December 31, 2019	2,280
Thereafter	2,259
Intangible assets and capitalized software development costs, Net	$21,814	$25,181

Acquired_Intangible_Assets_Cap2

Acquired Intangible Assets, Capitalized Software Development Costs, and Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Capitalized software development costs		$1,712	$1,987	$1,890
Goodwill impairment method for determination of fair value description		Our discounted cash flow models are based on our most recent long-range forecast and, for years beyond the forecast, we estimated terminal values based on perpetual cash flow growth rates ranging from 2.5% to 4.0%. The models reflect management’s expectation of future market conditions and expected levels of financial performance for our reporting units, as well as discount rates and estimated terminal values that would be used by market participants in an arms-length transaction. Business operational risks which could impact profits are detailed in our “Risk Factors” disclosures. Discount rates used were intended to reflect the risks inherent in the future cash flows of the respective reporting units and were between 13% and 15%
Goodwill		104,241	104,241	112,450	104,241
Impairment charge related to goodwill	86,332		8,209
Minimum | Discounted Cash Flow Approach
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Discounted rate used to estimate terminal value		13.00%
Growth rate used to estimate terminal value		2.50%
Minimum | Market Comparable Approach
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA multiples used to evaluate fair value of reporting units		5
Revenue multiples used to evaluate fair value of reporting units		0.4
Maximum | Discounted Cash Flow Approach
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Discounted rate used to estimate terminal value		15.00%
Growth rate used to estimate terminal value		4.00%
Maximum | Market Comparable Approach
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Adjusted EBITDA multiples used to evaluate fair value of reporting units		13
Revenue multiples used to evaluate fair value of reporting units		1.5
Platforms and applications
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment charge related to acquired intangible assets			599
Impairment charge related to capitalized software development			9,270
Goodwill		27,912	27,912	36,121	27,912
Goodwill, fair value			27,912		27,912
Impairment charge related to goodwill			8,209		8,209
Navigation reporting Unit
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment charge related to acquired intangible assets				13,964
Impairment charge related to capitalized software development				12,420
Impairment charge related to goodwill				$86,332
Acquired intangible assets including customer lists and other
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated weighted average amortization period		3 years 10 months 24 days

Balances_and_Changes_in_Amount

Balances and Changes in Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		$112,450	$104,241
2013 Impairment charge related to the adjusted fair value of the Platforms and Applications reporting unit	-86,332	-8,209
Goodwill, Ending Balance		104,241	104,241
Commercial Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		58,154	49,945
2013 Impairment charge related to the adjusted fair value of the Platforms and Applications reporting unit		-8,209
Goodwill, Ending Balance		49,945	49,945
Government Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			54,296	54,296
Goodwill, Ending Balance		$54,296	$54,296	$54,296

Goodwill_Balances_by_Reporting

Goodwill Balances by Reporting Unit (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Reporting Units For Goodwill Impairment Testing [Line Items]
Goodwill	$104,241	$104,241	$112,450
Platforms and applications
Reporting Units For Goodwill Impairment Testing [Line Items]
Goodwill	27,912	27,912	36,121
Safety and Security Group
Reporting Units For Goodwill Impairment Testing [Line Items]
Goodwill	22,033	22,033
Government Solutions Group
Reporting Units For Goodwill Impairment Testing [Line Items]
Goodwill	26,141	26,141
Cyber Intelligence
Reporting Units For Goodwill Impairment Testing [Line Items]
Goodwill	$28,155	$28,155

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$22,790	$10,341
Accrued expenses	18,809	14,031
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses	$41,599	$24,372

Line_of_Credit_Additional_Info

Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) (Revolving Credit Facility, USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 09, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, interest rate description		The principal amount outstanding under the Revolving Loan Facility is payable prior to or on the maturity date. Interest on the Revolving Loan Facility is payable monthly and accrues at Eurodollar/LIBOR (beginning at L+3.75%) or Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”) (beginning at ABR +2.75%), which may be adjusted as provided in the Credit Agreement.
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$30,000
Line of credit, maturity date	18-Mar-18
Line of credit facility, unused borrowing capacity		25,000	30,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding		5,000	0
Letter Of Credit Subfacility
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		10,000
Swingline Subfacility
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$5,000
Eurodollar
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate above base		3.75%
LIBOR
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate above base		3.75%
Alternate Base Rate (ABR)
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate above base		2.75%

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Comp

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Components of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$124,567	$135,455
Less: current portion	-10,049	-25,089
Non-current portion of long-term debt	114,518	110,366
Senior Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	74,567	66,084
7.75% Convertible notes due 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	50,000	50,000
4.5% Convertible notes due 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		14,562
Promissory notes payable to microDATA sellers
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$4,809

Longterm_Debt_Parenthetical_De

Long-term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	8-May-13
7.75% Convertible notes due 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%
4.5% Convertible notes due 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Aggr

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$10,049
2016	4,358
2017	6,295
2018	103,865
Long-term debt	$124,567	$135,455

LongTerm_Debt_Senior_Credit_Fa

Long-Term Debt - Senior Credit Facilities (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 25, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 03, 2014	Jul. 23, 2014	Jun. 09, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	8-May-13	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 16, 2009
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount	30,000
Line of credit facility, unused borrowing capacity	25,000
Senior Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Cash and Marketable Securities Requirements						35,000
Debt instrument, description of basis of interest rate		During the continuance of an event of default, at the request of the required lenders, all outstanding loans shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the rate that would otherwise be applicable thereto plus 2%, and shall be payable from time to time on demand.
Interest rate above base	2.00%
Repayments of Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less		5,929	3,859
Senior Credit Facilities | 2013 Term Loan Quarterly Installment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date		31-Mar-18
Term loan installments payable		416
Senior Credit Facilities | 2014 Term Loan Quarterly Installment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan installments payable		2,045
Senior Credit Facilities | 2015 Term Loan Quarterly Installment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan installments payable		968
Senior Credit Facilities | 2016 Term Loan Quarterly Installment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan installments payable		1,453
Senior Credit Facilities | 2017 Term Loan Quarterly Installment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan installments payable		1,937
Senior Credit Facilities | Eurodollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, description of basis of interest rate		LIBOR (beginning at L +3.75%)
Interest rate above base		3.75%
Senior Credit Facilities | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, description of basis of interest rate		LIBOR (beginning at L +3.75%)
Interest rate above base		3.75%
Senior Credit Facilities | Alternate Base Rate (ABR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, description of basis of interest rate		(beginning at ABR + 2.75%)
Interest rate above base		2.75%
Senior Credit Facilities | Term Loan A Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount	56,500
Debt instrument proceeds used for working capital, amount	16,000
Proceeds from issuance of debt	56,500
Senior Credit Facilities | Delayed Draw Loan Facility As Amended
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount	43,500
Proceeds from issuance of debt				11,202	3,360		10,000
Debt instrument, unused borrowing capacity, amount						18,938
Debt instrument, maturity date						30-Apr-15
Senior Credit Facilities | Incremental Loan Arrangement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount	25,000
4.5% Convertible notes due 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount										103,500
Amount of outstanding Notes repurchased		$14,562		$11,202	$3,360		$28,938		$10,000
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage		4.50%	4.50%					4.50%

LongTerm_Debt_Interest_Rate_He

Long-Term Debt - Interest Rate Hedging Activities (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative liabilities, fair value	$240	$240
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount			32,094
Derivative, fixed interest rate			5.17%
Percentage of balance to be reflected			50.00%
Interest rate derivative liabilities, fair value	240	240
Derivative, maturity date		25-Jun-18
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings, effective portion	$0

LongTerm_Debt_775_Convertible_

Long-Term Debt - 7.75% Convertible Notes (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	8-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 16, 2009
4.5% Convertible notes due 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, amount retired	$50,000
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Debt Instrument, maturity year		2014
Debt instrument, amount				103,500
Number of common shares in conversion rate of notes				96.637
Principal amount of notes to be considered in conversion rate				1
Debt Instrument, convertible, conversion price				$10.35
7.75% Convertible notes due 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%
Debt Instrument, maturity year		2018
Debt instrument, amount	50,000
Number of common shares in conversion rate of notes	96.637
Principal amount of notes to be considered in conversion rate	$1
Debt Instrument, convertible, conversion price	$10.35
Trustee or the holder minimum aggregate principle amount, percentage	25.00%

LongTerm_Debt_445_Convertible_

Long-Term Debt - 4.45% Convertible Notes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	8-May-13	Nov. 16, 2009	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014	Jul. 23, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on early retirement of debt	($178)	$431
4.5% Convertible notes due 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount				103,500
Amount of outstanding Notes repurchased		10,000			28,938	10,000	14,562	11,202	3,360
Gain (loss) on early retirement of debt					-178	431
Debt Instrument, amount retired			50,000
Cost of convertible note hedge				23,800
Proceeds from sale of warrants				13,000
Number of common shares in conversion rate of notes				96.637
Effective conversion premium of notes due to hedge and warrant transactions				$12.74
Principal amount of notes to be considered in conversion rate				$1
Debt Instrument, convertible, conversion price				$10.35

LongTerm_Debt_Promissory_Notes

Long-Term Debt - Promissory Notes Payable To Micro Data Sellers (Detail) (Promissory notes payable to microDATA sellers, USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Promissory notes payable to microDATA sellers
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage		6.00%
Purchase price paid in Promissory notes		$14,250
Payment of promissory note outstanding balance	$4,750
Second installment payment due date			30-Jun-14

Capital_Leases_Included_in_Pro

Capital Leases Included in Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment under capital lease	$19,883	$23,845
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-8,702	-9,886
Net property and equipment under capital lease	11,181	13,959
Computer equipment
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment under capital lease	16,764	20,409
Computer software
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment under capital lease	3,036	3,304
Furniture and fixtures
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment under capital lease	41	90
Leasehold improvements
Capital Leased Assets [Line Items]
Property and equipment under capital lease	$42	$42

Future_Minimum_Payments_under_

Future Minimum Payments under Capital Lease Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases Capital [Abstract]
2015	$4,607
2016	3,082
2017	1,969
2018	552
2019	14
Total minimum lease payments	10,224
Less: amounts representing interest	-649
Present value of net minimum lease payments (including current portion of $4,243)	$9,575

Future_Minimum_Payments_under_1

Future Minimum Payments under Capital Lease Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases Capital [Abstract]
Current portion of capital lease payments	$4,243

Common_Stock_Additional_Inform

Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014
	Vote
Class A Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stockholders entitled number of votes for each share	1
Class B Common Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Stockholders entitled number of votes for each share	3

Assets_and_Liabilities_Subject

Assets and Liabilities Subject to Fair Value Measurements and Required Disclosures (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$26,922	$41,904
Marketable securities	23,226	20,004
Deferred compensation plan investments	1,282	1,003
Assets at fair value	51,430	62,911
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap	240
Deferred compensation	873	637
Contractual acquisition earn-outs		369
Liabilities at fair value	1,113	1,006
Corporate bonds
Assets:
Marketable securities	21,704	18,833
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	1,223	1,171
Agency bonds
Assets:
Marketable securities	299
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	26,922	41,904
Marketable securities	23,226	20,004
Deferred compensation plan investments	1,282	1,003
Assets at fair value	51,430	62,911
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	873	637
Liabilities at fair value	873	637
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Corporate bonds
Assets:
Marketable securities	21,704	18,833
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	1,223	1,171
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Agency bonds
Assets:
Marketable securities	299
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap	240
Liabilities at fair value	240
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Liabilities:
Contractual acquisition earn-outs		369
Liabilities at fair value		$369

Summary_of_Changes_in_Contract

Summary of Changes in Contractual Acquisition Earn-Outs Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Detail) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3), Beginning Balance	$369	$508
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3), Fair value adjustment recognized in earnings	-101	-139
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3), Settlements	-268
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3), Ending Balance	$0	$369

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	8-May-13
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		$31,977	$125,703
Estimated Fair value of long term debt	123,000	133,000
Carrying value of long term debt	124,567	135,455
Transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3	0
4.5% Convertible notes due 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	4.50%	4.50%		4.50%
Carrying value of long term debt		14,562
7.75% Convertible notes due 2018
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	7.75%	7.75%		7.75%
Carrying value of long term debt	50,000	50,000
Platforms and applications
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill and long-lived assets, carrying value		65,406	65,406
Goodwill and long-lived assets, fair value		33,429
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		31,977
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Platforms and applications
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill and long-lived assets, carrying value	65,406
Goodwill and long-lived assets, fair value	33,429
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		$31,977

Provisions_Benefits_for_Income

Provisions (Benefits) for Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	($2)	$32	($82)
Foreign	154	300
State	51	228	47
Total current	203	560	-35
Deferred:
Federal	4,043	12,953	-14,107
Foreign		-87
State	-717	3,165	-1,349
Total deferred	3,326	16,031	-15,456
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$3,529	$16,591	($15,491)

Deferred_Tax_Assets_and_Liabil

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$4,874	$6,416
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	9,329	8,790
Stock-based compensation expense	6,263	6,153
Deferred revenue	8,551	7,040
Reserves and accrued expenses	2,113	1,745
Alternative minimum tax credit	2,250	2,091
Goodwill and intangibles	3,905	110
Deferred compensation	157	372
Deferred financing fees	433	482
Other	1,346	1,197
Total deferred tax assets	39,221	34,396
Deferred tax liabilities:
Capitalized software development costs	-3,999	-2,103
Cash to accrual adjustment	-132
Depreciation and amortization	-3,751	-2,009
Total deferred tax liabilities	-7,882	-4,112
Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance	31,339	30,284
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	-34,895	-30,284
Net deferred tax liability	($3,556)

Income_taxes_Additional_Inform

Income taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$34,895	$30,284
Net operating losses carryforwards	12,553
Net operating losses excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation	4,282
Alternative minimum tax credit	2,250	2,091
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	9,329	8,790
U.S. federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits that would increase in next 12 months	0
Unrecognized tax benefits	4,582
Recognized interest or penalties	0
Federal
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating losses carryforwards	8,271
Alternative minimum tax credit	2,250
Research and development tax credit carryforwards	8,115
Federal research and development credits, expiration year	2019
Xypoint
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating losses carryforwards	3,228
Net operating losses carryforwards rate of usage per year	1,401
Net operating losses acquired, expiration start date	2021
Remaining Loss Carryforwards
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating losses carryforwards	$9,325
Remaining Loss Carryforwards | Operating Loss Carryforwards Generated in 2007
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	2027
Remaining Loss Carryforwards | Operating Loss Carryforwards Generated in 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	2033
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration year	2027

Reconciliations_of_Reported_In

Reconciliations of Reported Income Tax Provision to Amount that would Result by Applying Federal Statutory Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate	$629	($14,702)	($39,718)
Goodwill impairment charge		1,758	30,136
Change in valuation allowance	4,886	30,284
Nondeductible stock-based compensation expense	1,039	1,258	1,849
Research and development tax credit	-496	-639	-858
Worthless stock deduction			-1,646
State income tax benefit	-322	-692	-1,156
Original issue discount amortization	-241	-2,993	-1,678
Other	-1,966	2,317	-2,420
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes	$3,529	$16,591	($15,491)
Income tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Goodwill impairment charge		-4.20%	-26.60%
Change in valuation allowance	271.70%	-72.10%
Nondeductible stock-based compensation expense	57.80%	-3.00%	-1.60%
Research and development tax credit	-27.60%	1.50%	0.80%
Worthless stock deduction			1.50%
State income tax benefit	-17.90%	1.70%	1.00%
Original issue discount amortization	-13.40%	7.10%	1.50%
Other	-109.40%	-5.50%	2.10%
Income tax provision (benefit)	196.20%	-39.50%	13.70%

Activity_Related_to_Unrecogniz

Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits Excluding Interest, Penalties, and Related Tax Carry Forwards (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$4,780	$3,446
Increases related to prior year tax positions	52	1,040
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	-415
Increases related to current year tax positions	165	294
Ending balance	$4,582	$4,780

Employee_Retirement_Plan_Addit

Employee Retirement Plan - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discretionary contribution to 401(k) plan	$71	$1,868	$2,853
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of discretionary matching contribution based on employee deferral	25.00%	40.00%

Recovered_Sheet1

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock based compensation plans	2
Employee stock purchase plan number of stock issued	160,115		583,034
Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based payment award, expiration period	10 years
Weighted-average grant- date fair value of options granted during the year	$1.41	$1.33	$1.30
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$186	$60	$15
Fair value of options vested	3,816	5,948	7,813
Share based compensation, estimated future expenses related to unvested option	4,000
Share based compensation, estimated future expenses related to unvested option, period of recognition	3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based compensation, estimated future expenses related to unvested option	2,600
Compensation expense related to restricted awards	2,907	2,589	1,873
Fair value of restricted stock vested	2,510	1,959	1,058
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Directors
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restrictions on class A common stock expiration period	1 year
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Employees
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restrictions on class A common stock expiration period	2 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Executive Officer
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restrictions on class A common stock expiration period	3 years
Employee Stock Purchase Plan member , Class A common stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee stock purchase plan number of class A common stock reserved	4,384,000
Employee stock purchase plan number of class A common stock purchase at discount on market value	15.00%
Employee stock purchase plan, option periods	3 months
Employee stock purchase plan number of stock issued	2,544,000
Employee stock purchase plan, compensation expense	$107	$0	$288
Minimum | Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted vesting period	1 year
Maximum | Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted vesting period	5 years

Assumptions_in_Calculating_Fai

Assumptions in Calculating Fair Value of Stock Options Using Black Scholes (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Expected file (in years)	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	1.50%	1.00%	1.00%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	1.90%	1.50%	1.10%
Volatility, minimum	55.00%	63.00%	61.00%
Volatility, maximum	62.00%	64.00%	64.00%
Dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Summary_of_Stock_Option_Activi

Summary of Stock Option Activity and Related Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award outstanding
Number of options, outstanding beginning	17,177,000
Number of options, granted	2,656,000
Number of options, exercised	-232,448	-96,267	-54,921
Number of options, expired	-2,399,000
Number of options, forfeited	-1,601,000
Number of options, outstanding ending	15,601,000	17,177,000
Number of options, exercisable	10,978,000
Number of options, vested and expected to vest	14,453,000
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award outstanding weighted average exercise price
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding beginning	$4.47
Weighted average exercise price, granted	$2.62
Weighted average exercise price, exercised	$2.36
Weighted average exercise price, expired	$6.29
Weighted average exercise price, forfeited	$2.89
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding ending	$4	$4.47
Weighted average exercise price, exercisable	$4.53
Weighted average exercise price, vested and expected to vest	$4.11
Weighted average remaining contractual term, outstanding	5 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable	4 years
Weighted average remaining contractual term, vested and expected to vest	5 years
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding	$4,787
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable	2,136
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested and expected to vest	$4,128

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Schedule of Exercise Prices for Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding	15,601
Options Vested and Exercisable	10,978
Exercise Prices, $ 1.39 – $ 2.18
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices, Lower Limit	$1.39
Exercise Prices, Upper Limit	$2.18
Options Outstanding	281
Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Outstanding	$1.46
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Outstanding (years)	7 years 2 months 12 days
Options Vested and Exercisable	137
Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Vested and Exercisable	$1.49
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Vested and Exercisable (years)	6 years 10 months 24 days
Exercise Prices, $ 2.20 – $ 3.47
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices, Lower Limit	$2.20
Exercise Prices, Upper Limit	$3.47
Options Outstanding	8,926
Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Outstanding	$2.65
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Outstanding (years)	5 years 9 months 18 days
Options Vested and Exercisable	4,877
Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Vested and Exercisable	$2.73
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Vested and Exercisable (years)	3 years 3 months 18 days
Exercise Prices, $ 3.69 – $ 5.96
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices, Lower Limit	$3.69
Exercise Prices, Upper Limit	$5.96
Options Outstanding	3,484
Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Outstanding	$4.08
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Outstanding (years)	4 years 4 months 24 days
Options Vested and Exercisable	3,103
Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Vested and Exercisable	$4.05
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Vested and Exercisable (years)	4 years 2 months 12 days
Exercise Prices, $ 6.77 – $ 9.86
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices, Lower Limit	$6.77
Exercise Prices, Upper Limit	$9.86
Options Outstanding	2,910
Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Outstanding	$8.27
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Outstanding (years)	4 years 8 months 12 days
Options Vested and Exercisable	2,861
Weighted-Average Exercise Prices of Options Vested and Exercisable	$8.27
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Vested and Exercisable (years)	4 years 7 months 6 days

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock
Summary of restricted stock activity, nonvested shares
Nonvested at beginning of year	2,218
Granted	830
Vested	-1,064
Forfeited	-19
Nonvested at end of year	1,965
Summary of restricted stock activity, weighted average exercise price
Nonvested at beginning of year	$2.68
Granted	$2.30
Vested	$2.90
Forfeited	$2.40
Nonvested at end of year	$2.40

Class_A_Common_Stock_Reserved_

Class A Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance (Detail) (Class A Common Stock)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Total shares restricted for future use	35,361
Stock Incentive Plan
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Total shares restricted for future use	3,118
Outstanding Stock Option
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Total shares restricted for future use	15,601
Note Warrant hedge
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Total shares restricted for future use	10,001
For Series B to A conversion
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Total shares restricted for future use	4,801
Employee stock purchase plan
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Total shares restricted for future use	1,840

NonCash_Stock_Based_Compensati

Non-Cash Stock Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation expense	$5,549	$7,036	$9,021
Direct Cost of Revenues
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation expense	3,602	4,802	6,131
Research and Development Expense
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation expense	1,244	1,106	1,599
Selling and Marketing Expense
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation expense	278	513	483
General and Administrative Expense
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation expense	$425	$615	$808

Operating_Leases_Additional_In

Operating Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Non-cancelable operating leases, date of expiration	2022
Rent expense	$6,556	$7,634	$7,490
Maryland | Annapolis, first facility
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2019-07
Maryland | Annapolis, second facility
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2017-08
Seattle, Washington
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2017-10
Tampa, Florida
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2022-12
Aliso Viejo, California
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2017-12
Atlanta Georgia
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2020-08
Richardson Texas
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2015-04
North Wollongong Australia
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2017-04
Torrance, California
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2018-01
Danville, Vermont
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2017-06
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Property Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease [Line Items]
Lease expiration date	2020-05

Recovered_Sheet2

Future Minimum Payments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases with Initial Terms of One Year or More (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases Operating [Abstract]
2015	$6,370
2016	6,091
2017	5,222
2018	1,772
2019	1,719
Beyond	1,434
Total operating lease obligations	$22,608

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk_2

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Total exposure to credit risk	$22,908	$26,643
Minimum | Revenue
Entity Wide Revenue Major Customer [Line Items]
Percentage of total revenue or receivables	10.00%

Customers_Revenue_and_Receivab

Customers Revenue and Receivables (Billed and Unbilled) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenue | U.S Government Agencies and Departments | Government Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage	22.00%	32.00%	44.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenue | Verizon Wireless | Commercial Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage	16.00%	16.00%	13.00%
Credit Concentration Risk | Receivables (billed and unbilled) | U.S Government Agencies and Departments | Government Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage	31.00%	10.00%
Credit Concentration Risk | Receivables (billed and unbilled) | Verizon Wireless | Commercial Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage	15.00%	17.00%
Credit Concentration Risk | Receivables (billed and unbilled) | A T T | Commercial Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage		13.00%

Geographic_and_Business_Segmen2

Geographic and Business Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reporting segments	2
Revenues outside the United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from customers outside of United States	$40,666	$38,220	$41,782

Segment_Reporting_Information_

Segment Reporting Information by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue
Services													$260,747	$281,389	$305,118
Systems													99,090	80,902	182,266
Total revenue	93,194	[1]	95,332	[1]	86,221	[1]	85,090	[1]	78,622	96,033	92,842	94,794	359,837	362,291	487,384
Direct costs of revenue
Direct cost of services													142,231	156,285	178,317
Direct cost of systems													70,040	67,038	148,860
Total direct cost of revenue													212,271	223,323	327,177
Gross profit
Services gross profit													118,516	125,104	126,801
Systems gross profit													29,050	13,864	33,406
Total gross profit	38,626		35,906		38,235		34,799		31,797	35,783	35,907	35,481	147,566	138,968	160,207
Research and development expense													-41,723	-34,308	-36,602
Sales and marketing expense													-25,994	-28,495	-30,753
General and administrative expense													-50,820	-54,689	-54,277
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment													-13,032	-14,853	-14,245
Amortization of acquired intangible assets													-3,797	-4,570	-4,374
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets														-31,977	-125,703
Interest expense													-8,264	-8,262	-7,383
Amortization of deferred financing fees													-1,005	-3,403	-757
Gain (loss) on early retirement of debt														-178	431
Other income (expense), net													-1,133	-239	-23
Net income (loss) before income taxes													1,798	-42,006	-113,479
Income tax (expense) benefit													-3,529	-16,591	15,491
Net loss	-348		-1,964		1,058		-477		-55,742	-155	-1,871	-829	-1,731	-58,597	-97,988
Commercial Segment
Revenue
Services													154,388	150,311	159,054
Systems													25,114	19,749	23,690
Total revenue													179,502	170,060	182,744
Direct costs of revenue
Direct cost of services													60,241	63,984	70,438
Direct cost of systems													12,461	16,593	15,222
Total direct cost of revenue													72,702	80,577	85,660
Gross profit
Services gross profit													94,147	86,327	88,616
Systems gross profit													12,653	3,156	8,468
Total gross profit													106,800	89,483	97,084
Government Segment
Revenue
Services													106,359	131,078	146,064
Systems													73,976	61,153	158,576
Total revenue													180,335	192,231	304,640
Direct costs of revenue
Direct cost of services													81,990	92,301	107,879
Direct cost of systems													57,579	50,445	133,638
Total direct cost of revenue													139,569	142,746	241,517
Gross profit
Services gross profit													24,369	38,777	38,185
Systems gross profit													16,397	10,708	24,938
Total gross profit													$40,766	$49,485	$63,123
[1]	1 During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a one-time favorable 2014 change in estimate of approximately $4,700 associated with our applications subscriber-based revenue.

Summary_of_Quarterly_Results_o

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue	$93,194	[1]	$95,332	[1]	$86,221	[1]	$85,090	[1]	$78,622		$96,033		$92,842		$94,794		$359,837	$362,291	$487,384
Gross profit	38,626		35,906		38,235		34,799		31,797		35,783		35,907		35,481		147,566	138,968	160,207
Net income (loss)	($348)		($1,964)		$1,058		($477)		($55,742)		($155)		($1,871)		($829)		($1,731)	($58,597)	($97,988)
Net loss per share basic	($0.01)		($0.03)		$0.02		($0.01)
Net loss per share diluted	($0.01)	[2]	($0.03)	[2]	$0.02	[2]	($0.01)	[2]
Net loss per share-basic and diluted									($0.95)	[2]	$0	[2]	($0.03)	[2]	($0.01)	[2]	($0.03)	($1)	($1.69)
[1]	1 During the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a one-time favorable 2014 change in estimate of approximately $4,700 associated with our applications subscriber-based revenue.
[2]	Shares issuable via the convertible notes are included if dilutive, in which case tax-effected interest expense on the debt is excluded from the determination of net income (loss) per share - diluted. For all periods reported in 2014 and 2013 the shares issuable via the convertible notes were anti-dilutive and the tax-effected interest expense was excluded in determining net income (loss) per share.

Summary_of_Quarterly_Results_o1

Summary of Quarterly Results of Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (One Time Subscriber Based Revenue Adjustment, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
One Time Subscriber Based Revenue Adjustment
Quarterly Results Of Operations [Line Items]
One-time favorable change in estimate recognized	$4,700