Telecommunication Systems (TSYS) 10-Q 1 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	TSYS
Entity Registrant Name	TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INC /FA/
Entity Central Index Key	1111665
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Class A Common Stock
Document And Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		55,988,720
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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$27,759	$26,922
Marketable securities	22,812	23,226
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $500 in 2015 and $605 in 2014	51,170	74,051
Unbilled receivables	29,786	22,324
Inventory	8,774	6,253
Deferred project costs and other current assets	24,006	17,977
Total current assets	164,307	170,753
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $86,167 in 2015 and $83,645 in 2014	31,857	33,418
Software development costs, net of accumulated amortization of $3,459 in 2015 and $3,072 in 2014	4,627	4,608
Acquired intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $14,897 in 2015 and $13,970 in 2014	16,279	17,206
Goodwill	104,241	104,241
Other assets	3,612	3,855
Total assets	324,923	334,081
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	40,931	41,599
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	9,683	13,599
Deferred revenue	21,571	22,000
Current portion of bank borrowings, notes payable, and capital lease obligations	13,723	19,291
Total current liabilities	85,908	96,489
Notes payable and capital lease obligations, less current portion	119,278	119,850
Deferred tax liabilities	3,688	3,556
Other liabilities	2,122	1,340
Stockholders’ equity:
Additional paid-in capital	347,157	346,277
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-216	-114
Accumulated deficit	-233,622	-233,917
Total stockholders’ equity	113,927	112,846
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	324,923	334,081
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, value	560	552
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, value	$48	$48

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, allowance	$500	$605
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	86,167	83,645
Software development costs, accumulated amortization	3,459	3,072
Acquired intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$14,897	$13,970
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	55,962,074	55,144,066
Common Stock, shares outstanding	55,962,074	55,144,066
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	4,801,245
Common Stock, shares outstanding	4,801,245	4,801,245

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue
Services	$62,849	$62,269
Systems	19,018	22,821
Total revenue	81,867	85,090
Direct costs of revenue
Direct cost of services revenue	34,722	33,415
Direct cost of systems revenue	13,380	16,876
Total direct cost of revenue	48,102	50,291
Services gross profit	28,127	28,854
Systems gross profit	5,638	5,945
Total gross profit	33,765	34,799
Operating expenses
Research and development expense	8,447	10,363
Sales and marketing expense	6,384	6,931
General and administrative expense	12,619	11,647
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	3,037	3,403
Amortization of acquired intangible assets	927	949
Total operating expenses	31,414	33,293
Income from operations	2,351	1,506
Interest expense	-1,979	-2,204
Amortization of deferred financing fees	-163	-168
Other income, net	452	137
Net income (loss) before income taxes	661	-729
Income tax (provision) benefit	-366	252
Net income (loss)	$295	($477)
Net income (loss) per share-basic	$0	($0.01)
Net income (loss) per share-diluted	$0	($0.01)
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	60,342	59,079
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	62,026	59,079

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$295	($477)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7	-4
Unrealized loss on interest rate hedge	-197
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities:
Arising during the period	92	-1
Reclassification to net income (loss)	-4	-2
Net unrealized gain (loss)	88	-3
Other comprehensive loss	-102	-7
Comprehensive income (loss)	$193	($484)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$295	($477)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	3,037	3,403
Stock-based compensation expense	1,318	1,821
Amortization of acquired intangible assets	927	949
Deferred tax expense	132
Amortization of capitalized software development costs	387	298
Amortization of deferred financing fees	163	168
Amortization of investment premiums and accretion of discounts, net	82	76
Other non-cash adjustments	141	1,079
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	23,265	1,342
Unbilled receivables	-7,462	-1,063
Inventory	-2,521	705
Deferred project costs and other current assets	-6,029	223
Other assets	80	-193
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-1,603	1,897
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	-3,916	-5,553
Deferred revenue	585	-107
Other liabilities	-429	3,161
Subtotal - Changes in operating assets and liabilities	1,970	412
Net cash provided by operating activities	8,452	7,729
Investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	1,550
Purchases of property and equipment	-1,697	-1,038
Capitalized software development costs	-401	-504
Purchases of marketable securities	-1,623	-2,807
Proceeds from sale and maturity of marketable securities	2,043	2,525
Net cash used in investing activities	-128	-1,824
Financing activities:
Payments on bank borrowings, notes payable, and capital lease obligations	-13,057	-1,926
Proceeds from bank and other borrowings	6,000
Payments of tax withholdings on restricted stock	-1,048	-602
Earn-out payment related to 2012 acquisition		-268
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and sale of stock	618	69
Net cash used in financing activities	-7,487	-2,727
Net increase in cash	837	3,178
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	26,922	41,904
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$27,759	$45,082

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. There were no significant changes to our accounting policies as described in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements included in Item 15(a)(1) of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and related notes included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The terms “TCS,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” as used in this Form 10-Q refer to TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries as a combined entity, except where it is made clear that such terms mean only TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
	Use of Estimates. The preparation of these 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 valuation allowances, the fair value of marketable securities and stock-based compensation, and legal and contingency fees. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the update. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted. 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.

Earnings_per_share

Earnings per share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	2. Earnings per share
	Basic net income (loss) per common share is based upon the average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Stock options and restricted stock of 9,500 shares were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 4,832 shares issuable upon conversion of our 7.75% Convertible Notes were excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, shares issuable upon conversion of our 4.5% Convertible Senior Notes were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss 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 the Company would have exercised a call option if the market price of our stock exceeded the warrant exercise price of $12.74 per share, 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 three months ended March 31, 2014, as the impact was always considered anti-dilutive. The warrants expire in 2015, are considered to have no value, and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	The following table summarizes the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss), basic and diluted	$	295	$	(477	)
	Denominator:
	Total basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		60,342		59,079
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock based on treasury stock method		1,684		—
	Weighted average diluted shares		62,026		59,079
	Basic earnings per common share:
	Net income (loss) per share-basic	$	0	$	(0.01	)
	Diluted earnings per common share:
	Net income (loss) per share-diluted	$	0	$	(0.01	)
	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. In addition, 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.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	3. Stock-Based Compensation
	Restricted Stock
	We had 1,613 and 2,180 restricted stock units outstanding at a weighted-average grant date fair value per share of $2.73 and $2.39 as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense is approximately $3,800 and $4,000 as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.
	Stock Options
	We had 16,975 and 16,272 stock options outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of which 11,853 were “in-the-money” at March 31 2015. During the first three months of 2015, we granted 2,071 options and 209 shares were exercised. Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense was approximately $5,700 and $5,000 as of March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately four and three years, respectively.
	Total Stock-Based Compensation
	We recognized total share-based compensation expense of $1,318 and $1,821 in the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	4. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Property and equipment acquired under capital lease	$	917	$	344
	Interest paid	$	1,015	$	868
	Income taxes paid (refunded)	$	235	$	(32	)

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities	5. Marketable Securities
	Available-for-sale marketable securities at March 31, 2015:
		Amortized		Gross		Gross			Estimated
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
		Basis		Gains		Losses			Value
	Corporate bonds	$	21,503	$	60	$	(17	)	$	21,546
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		968		—		(2	)		966
	Agency bonds		300		—		—			300
	Total marketable securities	$	22,771	$	60	$	(19	)	$	22,812
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2015:
		Fair
		Value
	Due within 1 year or less	$	10,331
	Due after 1 through 5 years		11,515
	Mortgage-backed securities not due in a single maturity date		966
		$	22,812
	Available-for-sale marketable securities at December 31, 2014:
		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 following table summarizes the estimated fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2014:
		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

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	6. Fair Value Measurements
	Our assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis and the required disclosures:
		Fair		Fair Value Measurements
		Value		Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	As of March 31, 2015	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,759	$	27,759	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds		21,546		21,546		—		—
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		966		966		—		—
	Agency bonds		300		300		—		—
	Marketable securities		22,812		22,812		—		—
	Deferred compensation plan investments		973		973		—		—
	Assets at fair value	$	51,544	$	51,544	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap	$	437	$	—	$	437	$	—
	Deferred compensation		913		913		—		—
	Liabilities at fair value	$	1,350	$	913	$	437	$	—
		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	$	—
	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, and mortgage and asset-backed securities that are carried at fair market value based on quoted market prices.
	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.
	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 and are classified as Level 3.
	The long-term debt, excluding leases, is reported at the borrowed amounts outstanding. 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, and are classified as Level 2.
	Our long-term debt, excluding leases, consisted of borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities and 7.75% convertible senior notes; see Note 12. At March 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of our long-term debt, excluding leases, was approximately $116,000 versus a carrying value of $117,670. 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.
	There were no transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	7. Segment Information
	We report operating results in two business segments:
	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 income (loss):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015								2014
		Comm.			Gvmt			Total		Comm.		Gvmt		Total
	Revenue
	Services	$	38,308		$	24,541		$	62,849	$	34,641	$	27,628	$	62,269
	Systems		6,898			12,120			19,018		5,388		17,433		22,821
	Total revenue		45,206			36,661			81,867		40,029		45,061		85,090
	Direct costs of revenue
	Direct cost of services		15,112			19,610			34,722		13,744		19,671		33,415
	Direct cost of systems		4,490			8,890			13,380		2,655		14,221		16,876
	Total direct cost of revenue		19,602			28,500			48,102		16,399		33,892		50,291
	Gross profit
	Services gross profit		23,196			4,931			28,127		20,897		7,957		28,854
	Systems gross profit		2,408			3,230			5,638		2,733		3,212		5,945
	Total gross profit	$	25,604		$	8,161		$	33,765	$	23,630	$	11,169	$	34,799
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Total segment gross profit	$	33,765		$	34,799
	Research and development expense		(8,447	)		(10,363	)
	Sales and marketing expense		(6,384	)		(6,931	)
	General and administrative expense		(12,619	)		(11,647	)
	Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment		(3,037	)		(3,403	)
	Amortization of acquired intangible assets		(927	)		(949	)
	Interest expense		(1,979	)		(2,204	)
	Amortization of deferred finance fees		(163	)		(168	)
	Other income, net		452			137
	Net income (loss) before income taxes		661			(729	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(366	)		252
	Net income (loss)	$	295		$	(477	)

Inventory

Inventory	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory	8. Inventory
	Inventory consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Component parts	$	7,052	$	4,848
	Finished goods		1,722		1,405
	Total inventory	$	8,774	$	6,253

Acquired_Intangible_Assets_Cap

Acquired Intangible Assets, Capitalized Software Development Costs, and Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 costs consisted of the following:
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		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	$	14,897	$	16,279	$	31,176	$	13,970	$	17,206
	Capitalized software development costs		8,086		3,459		4,627		7,680		3,072		4,608
	Total acquired intangible assets and capitalized software development costs	$	39,262	$	18,356	$	20,906	$	38,856	$	17,042	$	21,814
	Estimated future amortization expense:
	Year ending December 31, 2015	$	4,062
	Year ending December 31, 2016		5,142
	Year ending December 31, 2017		4,245
	Year ending December 31, 2018		2,985
	Year ending December 31, 2019		2,280
	Thereafter		2,192
	Total estimated future amortization expense	$	20,906
	Software development costs:
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, we capitalized $406 and $509, respectively, of software development costs after the point of technological feasibility had been reached but before the software was available for general release. These costs are being amortized over their estimated useful lives beginning when the products are available for general release. We routinely update our estimates of the recoverability of the capitalized software product costs. Management uses these estimates as the basis for evaluating the carrying values and remaining useful lives of the respective assets.
	Goodwill:
	The carrying amount of goodwill is as follows:
		Commercial		Government
		Segment		Segment		Total
	Balance as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	$	49,945	$	54,296	$	104,241

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk_

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers	10. Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers
	The financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are accounts receivable and unbilled receivables. Those customers that comprised 10% or more of our total revenue or receivables (billed and unbilled) are summarized in the following tables:
			% of Total Revenue For
			the Three
			Months Ended
	Percentage of total revenue:		March 31,
	Customer	Segment	2015		2014
	U.S. Government agencies and departments	Government		20%		22%
	Customer A	Commercial		17%		15%
	Customer B	Commercial		10%		10%
	Percentage of receivables (billed and unbilled) as of March 31:
	Customer	Segment	2015		2014
	U.S. Government agencies and departments	Government		29%		26%
	Customer A	Commercial		16%		11%
	Customer B	Commercial		12%		14%

Line_of_Credit

Line of Credit	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 April 30, 2015 (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”) for up to $30,000 and matures on March 31, 2018. The principal amount outstanding under the Revolving Loan Facility is payable prior to or on the maturity date. Interest on the Revolving Loan Facility 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, and is payable monthly.
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had $6,000 and $5,000, respectively, of borrowings under our Revolving Loan Facility, and we had $24,000 and $25,000, respectively, of unused borrowing availability.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	12. Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Senior credit facility	$	67,670		$	74,567
	7.75% Convertible notes due 2018		50,000			50,000
	Total long-term debt		117,670			124,567
	Less: current portion		(3,562	)		(10,049	)
	Non-current portion of long-term debt	$	114,108		$	114,518
	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at March 31, 2015 are as follows:
	2015	$	2,671
	2016		4,007
	2017		5,788
	2018		105,204
	Total long-term debt	$	117,670
	Senior credit facilities
	Our senior credit facilities under a June 25, 2013 agreement, as amended on April 30, 2015 (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. In 2013 and 2014, we borrowed $10,000 and $14,562, respectively, under our Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility and the proceeds were used towards the retirement of our 4.5% convertible notes. The remaining $18,938 of the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility was fully drawn on April 30, 2015 and the proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement provides that the banks hold at least $35,000 of the Company’s cash and marketable securities until December 15, 2015.
	Interest Rate Hedging Activities
	In August 2014, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with our principal bank. Its $32,094 initial notional amount represents about half of the outstanding balances of the floating rate Term Loan A Facility and the Delayed Term Loan Facility to reduce the variability of interest expense due to changes in interest rates. The interest rate swap results in us paying a fixed rate of 5.17% 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 Term Loan A Facility and Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility balances. Interest rate reset and interest rate payment dates mirror those of the underlying Term Loan A Facility and Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility. The swap is expected to exactly 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was a $437 and $240 liability, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the hedge was highly effective and no gains or losses were recognized in earnings.

Capital_Leases

Capital Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Leases Capital [Abstract]
Capital Leases	13. Capital Leases
	We lease certain equipment under capital leases which are collateralized by the leased assets. Amortization of leased assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense.
	Future minimum payments under capital lease obligations consisted of the following at March 31, 2015:
	2015	$	3,534
	2016		3,337
	2017		2,225
	2018		807
	2019		73
	Total minimum lease payments		9,976
	Less: amounts representing interest		(645	)
	Present value of net minimum lease payments (including current portion of $4,161)	$	9,331

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	14. Income Taxes
	We reported income tax expense of $366 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to $252 of income tax benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2015, we continued to provide a valuation allowance for all federal and some state deferred tax assets. The Company continually evaluates facts representing both positive and negative evidence in the determination of its ability to realize the deferred tax assets reported in the notes included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	We do not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	15. 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 March 31, 2015, 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 for loss 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.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Summ1

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. There were no significant changes to our accounting policies as described in Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements included in Item 15(a)(1) of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and related notes included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The terms “TCS,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” as used in this Form 10-Q refer to TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries as a combined entity, except where it is made clear that such terms mean only TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates. The preparation of these 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 valuation allowances, the fair value of marketable securities and stock-based compensation, and legal and contingency fees. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs by requiring debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the update. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those periods. Early adoption is permitted. 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.

Earnings_per_share_Tables

Earnings per share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of the Computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	The following table summarizes the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss), basic and diluted	$	295	$	(477	)
	Denominator:
	Total basic weighted-average common shares outstanding		60,342		59,079
	Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock based on treasury stock method		1,684		—
	Weighted average diluted shares		62,026		59,079
	Basic earnings per common share:
	Net income (loss) per share-basic	$	0	$	(0.01	)
	Diluted earnings per common share:
	Net income (loss) per share-diluted	$	0	$	(0.01	)

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas1

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplement Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015		2014
	Property and equipment acquired under capital lease	$	917	$	344
	Interest paid	$	1,015	$	868
	Income taxes paid (refunded)	$	235	$	(32	)

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities	Available-for-sale marketable securities at March 31, 2015:
		Amortized		Gross		Gross			Estimated
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
		Basis		Gains		Losses			Value
	Corporate bonds	$	21,503	$	60	$	(17	)	$	21,546
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		968		—		(2	)		966
	Agency bonds		300		—		—			300
	Total marketable securities	$	22,771	$	60	$	(19	)	$	22,812
	Available-for-sale marketable securities at December 31, 2014:
		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
Summary of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities by Contractual Maturity	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2015:
		Fair
		Value
	Due within 1 year or less	$	10,331
	Due after 1 through 5 years		11,515
	Mortgage-backed securities not due in a single maturity date		966
		$	22,812
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2014:
		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

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		Fair		Fair Value Measurements
		Value		Using Fair Value Hierarchy
	As of March 31, 2015	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,759	$	27,759	$	—	$	—
	Corporate bonds		21,546		21,546		—		—
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities		966		966		—		—
	Agency bonds		300		300		—		—
	Marketable securities		22,812		22,812		—		—
	Deferred compensation plan investments		973		973		—		—
	Assets at fair value	$	51,544	$	51,544	$	—	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap	$	437	$	—	$	437	$	—
	Deferred compensation		913		913		—		—
	Liabilities at fair value	$	1,350	$	913	$	437	$	—
		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	$	—

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 income (loss):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015								2014
		Comm.			Gvmt			Total		Comm.		Gvmt		Total
	Revenue
	Services	$	38,308		$	24,541		$	62,849	$	34,641	$	27,628	$	62,269
	Systems		6,898			12,120			19,018		5,388		17,433		22,821
	Total revenue		45,206			36,661			81,867		40,029		45,061		85,090
	Direct costs of revenue
	Direct cost of services		15,112			19,610			34,722		13,744		19,671		33,415
	Direct cost of systems		4,490			8,890			13,380		2,655		14,221		16,876
	Total direct cost of revenue		19,602			28,500			48,102		16,399		33,892		50,291
	Gross profit
	Services gross profit		23,196			4,931			28,127		20,897		7,957		28,854
	Systems gross profit		2,408			3,230			5,638		2,733		3,212		5,945
	Total gross profit	$	25,604		$	8,161		$	33,765	$	23,630	$	11,169	$	34,799
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Total segment gross profit	$	33,765		$	34,799
	Research and development expense		(8,447	)		(10,363	)
	Sales and marketing expense		(6,384	)		(6,931	)
	General and administrative expense		(12,619	)		(11,647	)
	Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment		(3,037	)		(3,403	)
	Amortization of acquired intangible assets		(927	)		(949	)
	Interest expense		(1,979	)		(2,204	)
	Amortization of deferred finance fees		(163	)		(168	)
	Other income, net		452			137
	Net income (loss) before income taxes		661			(729	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		(366	)		252
	Net income (loss)	$	295		$	(477	)

Inventory_Tables

Inventory (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventory	Inventory consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Component parts	$	7,052	$	4,848
	Finished goods		1,722		1,405
	Total inventory	$	8,774	$	6,253

Acquired_Intangible_Assets_Cap1

Acquired Intangible Assets, Capitalized Software Development Costs, and Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Acquired Intangible Assets and Capitalized Software Development Costs	Our acquired intangible assets and capitalized software development costs consisted of the following:
		31-Mar-15						31-Dec-14
		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	$	14,897	$	16,279	$	31,176	$	13,970	$	17,206
	Capitalized software development costs		8,086		3,459		4,627		7,680		3,072		4,608
	Total acquired intangible assets and capitalized software development costs	$	39,262	$	18,356	$	20,906	$	38,856	$	17,042	$	21,814
Estimated Future Amortization Expense	Estimated future amortization expense:
	Year ending December 31, 2015	$	4,062
	Year ending December 31, 2016		5,142
	Year ending December 31, 2017		4,245
	Year ending December 31, 2018		2,985
	Year ending December 31, 2019		2,280
	Thereafter		2,192
	Total estimated future amortization expense	$	20,906
Balances and Changes in Amount of Goodwill	The carrying amount of goodwill is as follows:
		Commercial		Government
		Segment		Segment		Total
	Balance as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	$	49,945	$	54,296	$	104,241

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk_1

Concentrations of Credit Risk and Major Customers (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]
Summary of Customers Revenue, Accounts Receivable and Unbilled Receivables	The financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are accounts receivable and unbilled receivables. Those customers that comprised 10% or more of our total revenue or receivables (billed and unbilled) are summarized in the following tables:
			% of Total Revenue For
			the Three
			Months Ended
	Percentage of total revenue:		March 31,
	Customer	Segment	2015		2014
	U.S. Government agencies and departments	Government		20%		22%
	Customer A	Commercial		17%		15%
	Customer B	Commercial		10%		10%
	Percentage of receivables (billed and unbilled) as of March 31:
	Customer	Segment	2015		2014
	U.S. Government agencies and departments	Government		29%		26%
	Customer A	Commercial		16%		11%
	Customer B	Commercial		12%		14%

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Senior credit facility	$	67,670		$	74,567
	7.75% Convertible notes due 2018		50,000			50,000
	Total long-term debt		117,670			124,567
	Less: current portion		(3,562	)		(10,049	)
	Non-current portion of long-term debt	$	114,108		$	114,518
Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Debt	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at March 31, 2015 are as follows:
	2015	$	2,671
	2016		4,007
	2017		5,788
	2018		105,204
	Total long-term debt	$	117,670

Capital_Leases_Tables

Capital Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Leases Capital [Abstract]
Future Minimum Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations	Future minimum payments under capital lease obligations consisted of the following at March 31, 2015:
	2015	$	3,534
	2016		3,337
	2017		2,225
	2018		807
	2019		73
	Total minimum lease payments		9,976
	Less: amounts representing interest		(645	)
	Present value of net minimum lease payments (including current portion of $4,161)	$	9,331

Earnings_per_share_Additional_

Earnings per share - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Warrant exercise price		12.74
Earnings per share, dilutive effect, description	Because the Company would have exercised a call option if the market price of our stock exceeded the warrant exercise price of $12.74 per share, 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 three months ended March 31, 2014, as the impact was always considered anti-dilutive.
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%
Common shares excluded from the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share	4,832	4,832
4.5% Convertible notes due 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage		4.50%
Stock Options And Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of shares excluded from computation of diluted net income per share	9,500

Summary_of_the_Computations_of

Summary of the Computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$295	($477)
Denominator:
Total basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	60,342	59,079
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock based on treasury stock method	1,684
Weighted average diluted shares	62,026	59,079
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income (loss) per share-basic	$0	($0.01)
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net income (loss) per share-diluted	$0	($0.01)

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,318	$1,821
Employee Stock Option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense	5,700	5,000
Period of unrecognized share-based compensation costs to be recognized	4 years	3 years
Stock-based compensation, shares outstanding	16,975	16,272
Option granted	2,071
Option exercises	209
Employee Stock Option | In-The-Money
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding stock options ''in-the-money''	11,853
Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units outstanding	1,613	2,180
Weighted-average fair value of restricted stock, per share	$2.73	$2.39
Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense	3,800	4,000
Period of unrecognized share-based compensation costs to be recognized	2 years	2 years
Stock Compensation Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,318	$1,821

Schedule_of_Supplement_Disclos

Schedule of Supplement Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Property and equipment acquired under capital lease	$917	$344
Interest paid	1,015	868
Income taxes paid (refunded)	$235	($32)

Summary_of_AvailableforSale_Ma

Summary of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$22,771	$23,274
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	60	6
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-19	-54
Marketable securities	22,812	23,226
Corporate bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Amortized Cost Basis	21,503	21,748
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	60	6
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-17	-50
Marketable securities	21,546	21,704
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Amortized Cost Basis	968	1,226
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	-2	-3
Marketable securities	966	1,223
Agency bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Amortized Cost Basis	300	300
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		-1
Marketable securities	$300	$299

Summary_of_AvailableforSale_Ma1

Summary of Available-for-Sale Marketable Securities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$10,331	$7,483
Available-for-sale securities, contractual maturity, Due after 1 through 5 years, Fair Value	11,515	14,520
Available-for-sale securities, Mortgage-backed securities not due in a single maturity date, Fair Value	966	1,223
Available-for-sale marketable securities, Estimated Fair Value	$22,812	$23,226

Assets_and_Liabilities_Subject

Assets and Liabilities Subject to Fair Value Measurements and Required Disclosures (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$27,759	$26,922
Marketable securities	22,812	23,226
Deferred compensation plan investments	973	1,282
Assets at fair value	51,544	51,430
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap	437	240
Deferred compensation	913	873
Liabilities at fair value	1,350	1,113
Corporate bonds
Assets:
Marketable securities	21,546	21,704
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	966	1,223
Agency bonds
Assets:
Marketable securities	300	299
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	27,759	26,922
Marketable securities	22,812	23,226
Deferred compensation plan investments	973	1,282
Assets at fair value	51,544	51,430
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	913	873
Liabilities at fair value	913	873
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Corporate bonds
Assets:
Marketable securities	21,546	21,704
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities
Assets:
Marketable securities	966	1,223
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Agency bonds
Assets:
Marketable securities	300	299
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap	437	240
Liabilities at fair value	$437	$240

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Estimated Fair value of long term debt	$116,000	$123,000
Carrying value of long term debt	117,670	124,567
Transfers in or out of Level 1, 2, or 3	0
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

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments	2

Segment_Reporting_Information_

Segment Reporting Information by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue
Services	$62,849	$62,269
Systems	19,018	22,821
Total revenue	81,867	85,090
Direct costs of revenue
Direct cost of services	34,722	33,415
Direct cost of systems	13,380	16,876
Total direct cost of revenue	48,102	50,291
Gross profit
Services gross profit	28,127	28,854
Systems gross profit	5,638	5,945
Total gross profit	33,765	34,799
Research and development expense	-8,447	-10,363
Sales and marketing expense	-6,384	-6,931
General and administrative expense	-12,619	-11,647
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	-3,037	-3,403
Amortization of acquired intangible assets	-927	-949
Interest expense	-1,979	-2,204
Amortization of deferred financing fees	-163	-168
Other income, net	452	137
Net income (loss) before income taxes	661	-729
Income tax (provision) benefit	-366	252
Net income (loss)	295	-477
Commercial Segment
Revenue
Services	38,308	34,641
Systems	6,898	5,388
Total revenue	45,206	40,029
Direct costs of revenue
Direct cost of services	15,112	13,744
Direct cost of systems	4,490	2,655
Total direct cost of revenue	19,602	16,399
Gross profit
Services gross profit	23,196	20,897
Systems gross profit	2,408	2,733
Total gross profit	25,604	23,630
Government Segment
Revenue
Services	24,541	27,628
Systems	12,120	17,433
Total revenue	36,661	45,061
Direct costs of revenue
Direct cost of services	19,610	19,671
Direct cost of systems	8,890	14,221
Total direct cost of revenue	28,500	33,892
Gross profit
Services gross profit	4,931	7,957
Systems gross profit	3,230	3,212
Total gross profit	$8,161	$11,169

Components_of_Inventory_Detail

Components of Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Component parts	$7,052	$4,848
Finished goods	1,722	1,405
Total inventory	$8,774	$6,253

Acquired_Intangible_Assets_and

Acquired Intangible Assets and Capitalized Software Development Costs (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$14,897	$13,970
Acquired intangible assets, Net	16,279	17,206
Capitalized software development costs, Gross Carrying Amount	8,086	7,680
Capitalized software development costs, accumulated amortization	3,459	3,072
Capitalized software development costs, Net	4,627	4,608
Intangible assets and capitalized software development costs, Gross Carrying Amount	39,262	38,856
Intangible assets and capitalized software development costs, Accumulated Amortization	18,356	17,042
Intangible assets and capitalized software development costs, Net	20,906	21,814
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	14,897	13,970
Acquired intangible assets, Net	$16,279	$17,206

Estimated_Future_Amortization_

Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated future amortization expense:
Year ending December 31, 2015	$4,062
Year ending December 31, 2016	5,142
Year ending December 31, 2017	4,245
Year ending December 31, 2018	2,985
Year ending December 31, 2019	2,280
Thereafter	2,192
Intangible assets and capitalized software development costs, Net	$20,906	$21,814

Acquired_Intangible_Assets_Cap2

Acquired Intangible Assets, Capitalized Software Development Costs, and Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Capitalized software development costs	$406	$509

Balances_and_Changes_in_Amount

Balances and Changes in Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$104,241	$104,241
Commercial Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	49,945	49,945
Government Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$54,296	$54,296

Customers_Revenue_and_Receivab

Customers Revenue and Receivables (Billed and Unbilled) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenue | U.S Government Agencies and Departments | Government Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage	20.00%	22.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenue | Customer A | Commercial Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage	17.00%	15.00%
Customer Concentration Risk | Revenue | Customer B | Commercial Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage	10.00%	10.00%
Credit Concentration Risk | Receivables (billed and unbilled) | U.S Government Agencies and Departments | Government Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage	29.00%	26.00%
Credit Concentration Risk | Receivables (billed and unbilled) | Customer A | Commercial Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage	16.00%	11.00%
Credit Concentration Risk | Receivables (billed and unbilled) | Customer B | Commercial Segment
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration of risk percentage	12.00%	14.00%

Line_of_Credit_Additional_Info

Line of Credit - Additional Information (Detail) (Revolving Credit Facility, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015
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 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	$30,000
Line of credit, maturity date	31-Mar-18
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	6,000	5,000
Line of credit facility, unused borrowing capacity	24,000	25,000
Letter Of Credit Sub-facility
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	10,000
Swingline Sub-facility
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%
Subsequent Event
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			$30,000

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Comp

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Components of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$117,670	$124,567
Less: current portion	-3,562	-10,049
Non-current portion of long-term debt	114,108	114,518
Senior Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	67,670	74,567
7.75% Convertible notes due 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$50,000	$50,000

Longterm_Debt_Parenthetical_De

Long-term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) (7.75% Convertible notes due 2018)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
7.75% Convertible notes due 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate percentage	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Aggr

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$2,671
2016	4,007
2017	5,788
2018	105,204
Long-term debt	$117,670	$124,567

LongTerm_Debt_Senior_Credit_Fa

Long-Term Debt - Senior Credit Facilities (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2015	Jun. 25, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from bank and other borrowings	$6,000
Senior Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument cash and marketable securities requirements					35,000
4.5% Convertible notes due 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount		14,562	10,000
Term Loan A Facility | Senior Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount					56,500
Delayed Draw Loan Facility As Amended | Senior Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount					43,500
Proceeds from bank and other borrowings		14,562	10,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	30-Apr-15
Delayed Draw Loan Facility As Amended | Subsequent Event | Senior Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from bank and other borrowings				18,938
Incremental Loan Arrangement | Senior Credit Facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, amount					$25,000

LongTerm_Debt_Interest_Rate_He

Long-Term Debt - Interest Rate Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate derivative liabilities, fair value	$437,000	$240,000
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount			32,094,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate			5.17%
Percentage of balance to be reflected			50.00%
Interest rate derivative liabilities, fair value	437,000	240,000
Derivative, maturity date	25-Jun-18
Gain (loss) recognized in earnings, effective portion	$0	$0

Future_Minimum_Payments_under_

Future Minimum Payments under Capital Lease Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases Capital [Abstract]
2015	$3,534
2016	3,337
2017	2,225
2018	807
2019	73
Total minimum lease payments	9,976
Less: amounts representing interest	-645
Present value of net minimum lease payments (including current portion of $4,161)	$9,331

Future_Minimum_Payments_under_1

Future Minimum Payments under Capital Lease Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases Capital [Abstract]
Current portion of capital lease payments	$4,161

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$366	($252)