Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide (QTWW) 10-Q 14 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	9-May-14
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'QTWW	'
Entity Registrant Name	'QUANTUM FUEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001166380	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	23,043,749

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$16,417,373	$6,254,359
Accounts receivable, net	6,427,146	8,418,559
Inventories, net	5,391,473	5,011,780
Prepaids and other current assets	1,673,489	1,629,668
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	1,141,176	1,324,945
Total current assets	31,050,657	22,639,311
Property and equipment, net	7,304,710	5,091,959
Goodwill	12,400,000	12,400,000
Deposits and other assets	640,716	839,475
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	23,675,628	25,033,797
Total assets	75,071,711	66,004,542
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	4,593,580	7,179,463
Accrued payroll obligations	1,070,689	1,154,346
Deferred revenue	1,619,624	2,223,903
Accrued warranties	376,296	399,171
Derivative instruments	2,767,000	2,415,000
Other accrued liabilities	409,330	496,726
Debt obligations, current portion	151,817	3,946,582
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	1,375,971	1,894,476
Total current liabilities	12,364,307	19,709,667
Debt obligations, net of current portion	7,509,112	7,794,289
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	20,407,760	21,520,634
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Additional paid-in-capital	513,403,741	492,360,165
Accumulated deficit	-478,704,936	-475,502,703
Accumulated other comprehensive loss in discontinued operations	-367,567	-255,015
Total stockholders’ equity	34,790,532	16,979,952
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	75,071,711	66,004,542
Series B common stock	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Common stock	0	0
Common stock	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Common stock	$459,294	$377,505

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.02	$0.02
Common stock, shares authorized	37,475,000	'
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	2,357,500	12,499
Series B common stock	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.02	$0.02
Common stock, shares authorized	0	25,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	'	12,499
Common stock	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.02	$0.02
Common stock, shares authorized	37,475,000	37,475,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	22,975,333	18,885,878
Common stock, shares outstanding	22,964,708	18,875,253
Common stock, treasury	10,625	10,625

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue:	'	'
Revenue	$7,954,873	$4,407,257
Costs and expenses:	'	'
Cost of revenues	5,532,742	3,182,974
Gross margin	2,422,131	1,224,283
Research and development	1,500,221	1,775,402
Selling, general and administrative	2,555,455	3,328,607
Total costs and expenses	4,055,676	5,104,009
Operating loss	-1,633,545	-3,879,726
Interest expense, net	-776,121	-1,395,433
Fair value adjustments of derivative instruments, net	-739,920	87,000
Equity in losses of affiliates, net	0	-5,998
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-3,149,586	-5,194,157
Income tax expense	-1,600	-1,600
Loss from continuing operations	-3,151,186	-5,195,757
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	-51,047	-1,708,163
Net loss attributable to stockholders	-3,202,233	-6,903,920
Per share data-basic and diluted:	'	'
Loss from continuing operations	($0.16)	($0.43)
Loss from discontinued operations	$0	($0.14)
Net loss attributable to stockholders	($0.16)	($0.57)
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic and diluted	20,144,062	12,089,151
Comprehensive loss:	'	'
Net loss attributable to stockholders	-3,202,233	-6,903,920
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-112,552	-155,791
Comprehensive loss attributable to stockholders	($3,314,785)	($7,059,711)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.46	'
Net loss	($3,202,233)	($6,903,920)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation on property and equipment	329,259	254,602
Impairment of assets of discontinued operations held for sale	434,768	1,736,208
Share-based compensation charges	90,356	128,010
Fair value adjustments of derivative instruments	739,920	-87,000
Interest on debt obligations	222,215	1,116,050
Other non-cash items	-4,353	411,220
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	2,060,381	-357,238
Inventories	-442,337	-200,706
Other assets	-241,449	239,191
Accounts payable	-2,676,299	1,516,887
Deferred revenue and other accrued liabilities	-887,305	27,182
Net cash used in operating activities	-3,577,077	-2,119,514
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases and development of property and equipment	-2,521,589	-1,245,326
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,521,589	-1,245,326
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants	16,620,375	1,397,004
Common stock and warrant issuance costs	-1,275,069	-176,606
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	4,841,024	0
Borrowings on capital lease arrangement	184,755	631,582
Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations	-201,805	-162,015
Proceeds from issuance of debt and warrants	0	1,500,000
Debt and warrant issuance costs	0	-137,500
Payments on debt obligations	-4,109,916	-150,000
Other	-28,511	-8,012
Net cash provided by financing activities	16,030,853	2,894,453
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-31,419	5,951
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	9,900,768	-464,436
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7,031,981	2,013,738
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	16,932,749	1,549,302
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period:	'	'
Continuing operations	16,417,373	1,516,799
Discontinued operations	515,376	32,503
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$16,932,749	$1,549,302

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen

Background and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Background and Basis of Presentation	'
	Background and Basis of Presentation
	Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (collectively referred to as “Quantum,” “we,” “our” or “us”) is a leader in the innovation, development and production of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel storage systems and the integration of vehicle system technologies including engine and vehicle control systems and drivetrains.
	We were formed as a Delaware corporation in October 2000, and became a publicly traded company on July 23, 2002. Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “QTWW.” Our headquarters and principal operations are located in Lake Forest, California.
	We classify our business operations into three reporting segments: Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems, Renewable Energy and Corporate. The Renewable Energy business segment, consisting entirely of the operations of Schneider Power Inc. (Schneider Power), is now classified as discontinued operations as discussed further below.
	•	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems. Our Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems segment generates revenues from two sources: product sales and contract services. Product sales are derived primarily from the sale of storage tanks and packaged fuel storage modules and systems for a variety of heavy, medium and light-duty trucks and passenger vehicles. This segment produces advanced light-weight CNG storage tanks and supplies these tanks, in addition to fully-integrated natural gas storage modules and systems, to truck and automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), fleets, and aftermarket and OEM truck integrators. Our high-pressure CNG and hydrogen storage tanks use advanced composite technology and are capable of storage at up to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Contract services revenue is generated by providing engineering design and support to OEMs, entities specializing in natural gas retrofits and material science, governmental agencies and other customers, so that our fuel systems and advanced propulsion systems integrate and operate with our customers CNG, hybrid or fuel cell applications. For hybrid and plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) applications, we provide powertrain engineering, electronic control, software strategies and system integration. We also design, engineer and manufacture refueling systems and dispensers.
	•	Renewable Energy. Our Renewable Energy segment consists solely of the business operations of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Schneider Power, which we acquired on April 16, 2010. Schneider Power, previously headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and now administered out of our Lake Forest, California facility beginning in January 2014, is an independent wind power producer and holder of interests in certain renewable energy projects. We committed to a plan to sell the assets and operations of Schneider Power in 2012. To date, we have completed the sale of certain assets of Schneider Power and are actively pursuing the sale of all of the remaining Schneider Power assets, including the 10.0 megawatt (MW) Zephyr wind farm operating asset. As a result of these actions and our expectations for a completion of a sale of the remaining assets and operations within the next year, we report the historical activities and balances of Schneider Power as discontinued operations held for sale (Note 2).
	•	Corporate. The Corporate segment consists solely of general and administrative expenses incurred at the corporate level that are not directly attributable to the Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems or Renewable Energy business segments. Corporate expenses consist primarily of personnel costs, share-based compensation costs and related general and administrative costs for executive, finance, legal, human resources, investor relations, and our board of directors.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP, for interim financial reporting. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These adjustments consist of normal and recurring accruals, as well as non-recurring charges. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., and our wholly owned subsidiary, Schneider Power. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 14, 2014, and all of our other filings, including Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC after such date and through the date of this report.
	All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to the historical amounts to conform to the presentation of the current period.
	In preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements, we have evaluated subsequent events. For purposes of these condensed consolidated financial statements, subsequent events are those events that occurred after the most recent balance sheet date presented but before the condensed consolidated financial statements are issued or available to be issued.
	We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include assessing our liquidity needs through March 31, 2015, collectability of accounts receivable, estimates of contract costs and percentage of completion, the use and recoverability of the carrying amounts and fair value of assets held for sale, long-lived assets, investments and goodwill, including estimates of future cash flows and market valuations associated with asset impairment evaluations, the fair value of derivatives associated with warrants, the realization of deferred taxes, useful lives for depreciation and amortization periods of assets and provisions for warranty claims, among others. The markets for our products are characterized by competition, technological development and new product introduction, all of which could impact the future realizability of our assets. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Reverse Stock Split
	On July 30, 2013, we implemented a reverse stock split pursuant to which all classes of our issued and outstanding shares of our common stock at the close of business on such date were combined and reconstituted into a smaller number of shares of common stock in a ratio of 1 share of common stock for every 4 shares of common stock. The reverse stock split did not affect our 20,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the reverse stock split.
	Liquidity
	Our historical operating results, capital resources and financial position, in combination with current projections and estimates, were considered in management's plan and intentions to fund our operations over a reasonable period of time, which we define as the twelve month period ending March 31, 2015. For purposes of liquidity disclosures, we assess the likelihood that we have sufficient available working capital and other principal sources of liquidity to fund our operating activities and obligations as they become due and the likelihood that we will be able to maintain compliance with the required provisions contained within our debt instruments over the twelve month period.
	Our principal sources of liquidity as of March 31, 2014 consisted of consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $16.9 million and $5.0 million of availability under our line of credit.
	We believe we have sufficient available capital through at least March 31, 2015 to cover our existing operations and obligations, and sufficient capital to fund the anticipated expansion of our tank manufacturing infrastructure. Our long-term future cash requirements will depend on numerous factors, including our revenue base, profit margins, product development activities, market acceptance of our products, future expansion plans and ability to control costs.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations-Schneider Power	'
	Discontinued Operations
	Our Renewable Energy segment consists solely of the business operations of Schneider Power.
	Since August 2012, we have been actively looking for buyers for the assets and operations of Schneider Power. On May 13, 2013, we completed the sale of Schneider Power’s 1.6 MW Providence Bay wind farm. On May 29, 2013, we announced that we had entered into definitive agreements for the sale of the 10.0 MW Trout Creek development project, which sale will occur in two phases. The closing for the first phase, which resulted in the sale of a majority interest in the Trout Creek wind farm project, occurred on September 18, 2013. The sale of the remaining interest in the Trout Creek wind farm project is expected to be completed during 2015, subject to the project achieving commercial operation. We are also actively pursuing the sale of other Schneider Power assets, including the 10.0 MW Zephyr wind farm operating asset that was acquired by Schneider Power in April 2012 and which represents a substantial portion of the remaining assets and liabilities of Schneider Power as of March 31, 2014.
	As a result of these actions and our expectations for a completion of a sale of the business within the next year, we report the historical activities and balances of Schneider Power as discontinued operations.
	Operating Results and Balances
	The unaudited historical operating results of Schneider Power, classified as discontinued operations, are as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Revenue		$	898,458		$	857,958
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of sales		148,749			168,967
	Selling, general and administrative		53,923			271,807
	Research and development		—			16,872
	Impairment of long-lived assets (1)		434,768			1,736,208
	Total costs and expenses		637,440			2,193,854
	Operating income (loss)		261,018			(1,335,896		)
	Interest expense, net		(312,549		)	(372,267		)
	Other, net		484			—
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(51,047		)	(1,708,163		)
	-1	We measure each disposal group of Schneider Power at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. The fair value measurements are based on Level 3 inputs such as market conditions and pending agreements to sell the assets. Based on assessments that we updated during the first quarters of 2014 and 2013, we determined that the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets of certain disposal groups were above their fair values, net of selling costs. As a result, we recognized goodwill impairment charges of $0.4 million during the first quarter of 2014 and impairment charges of $1.7 million during the first quarter of 2013, of which $1.0 million is related to goodwill and $0.7 million is related to intangible assets.
	The unaudited condensed balance sheets of Schneider Power, classified as discontinued operations held for sale, are as follows:
			31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	515,376		$	777,622
	Accounts receivable, net		314,619			328,730
	Prepaid and other current assets		311,181			218,593
	Total current assets		$	1,141,176		$	1,324,945
	Non-Current Assets:
	Property and equipment, net (1)		$	21,203,183		$	22,016,644
	Intangible asset, net (2)		1,519,380			1,577,672
	Goodwill (3)		2,300			452,682
	Deposits and other assets (4)		950,765			986,799
	Total non-current assets		$	23,675,628		$	25,033,797
	Current Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	255,528		$	291,730
	Other accrued liabilities		243,304			344,919
	Current portion of debt obligations (5)		877,139			1,257,827
	Total current liabilities		$	1,375,971		$	1,894,476
	Non-Current Liabilities:
	Debt obligations, net of current portion (5)		$	20,407,760		$	21,520,634
	Total non-current liabilities		$	20,407,760		$	21,520,634
	-1	Consists mainly of wind turbine assets of the 10.0 megawatt Zephyr Wind Farm acquired in April 2012.
	-2	Consists of project assets associated with Schneider Power's renewable energy portfolio and power purchase agreements associated with the Zephyr Wind Farm.
	-3	Represents goodwill ascribed to the Zephyr Wind Farm acquisition in April 2012.
	-4	Consists mainly of the fair value of contingent consideration associated with the sale of a wind farm project and three development projects.
	-5	Consists of a credit facility due to a secured project lender in connection with the acquisition of the Zephyr Wind Farm as discussed below.
	Zephyr Wind Farm - Samsung Debt
	In connection with Schneider Power's acquisition of Zephyr and its 10 MW wind farm in April 2012, Schneider Power assumed a CAD $22.7 million credit facility owed to Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. related to the project (Samsung Debt). The significant terms of the Samsung Debt, as amended, are as follows: (i) scheduled maturity of January 31, 2023, (ii) interest at 6.5% per year, (iii) nineteen semi-annual payments of principal and interest in the approximate amount of CAD $1.1 million commencing on January 31, 2014, (iv) a principal balloon payment in the approximate amount of CAD $2.6 million on each of January 31, 2018 and July 31, 2018, (v) a principal balloon payment in the approximate amount of CAD $5.6 million on July 31, 2022 and (vi) a final payment in the approximate amount of CAD $5.1 million on January 31, 2023.
	As of March 31, 2014, the total amount of the Samsung Debt was CAD $23.5 million, which consisted of CAD $22.4 million of principal, CAD $0.9 million of unamortized premium and CAD $0.2 million of accrued interest.
	The Zephyr term loan is secured by substantially all of Zephyr's assets and a pledge of all of the shares of Zephyr Farms Limited.
	The conversion rate of one CAD to one US Dollar was 0.905 to 1.0 as of March 31, 2014 and 0.940 to 1.0 as of December 31, 2013.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable
	Net accounts receivable of continuing operations consist of the following:
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Customer accounts billed	$	4,625,312		$	8,268,171
	Customer accounts unbilled	2,134,521			549,072
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(332,687		)	(398,684		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	6,427,146		$	8,418,559
	We assess the collectability of receivables associated with our customers on an ongoing basis and, historically, any losses have been within management’s expectations.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories of continuing operations consist of the following:
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Materials and parts	$	6,480,554		$	6,495,599
	Work-in-process	246,716			1,146,589
	Finished goods	2,601,725			1,246,753
		9,328,995			8,888,941
	Less: Provision for obsolescence	(3,937,522		)	(3,877,161		)
	Inventories, net	$	5,391,473		$	5,011,780

Longlived_Assets

Long-lived Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Long-lived Assets	'
	Long-lived Assets
	Property and equipment
	Changes in property and equipment of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Balance at			Additions		Transfers			Depreciation			Balance at
		December 31,											March 31,
		2013											2014
	Property and equipment in service, gross	$	32,789,612		$	—	$	1,054,654		$	—		$	33,844,266
	Accumulated depreciation	(29,795,556		)	—		—			(329,259		)	(30,124,815		)
	Construction in progress:
	Plant equipment and other	2,097,903			2,542,010		(1,054,654		)	—			3,585,259
	Total property and equipment, net	$	5,091,959		$	2,542,010	$	—		$	(329,259	)	$	7,304,710
	Goodwill
	The carrying amount of goodwill of continuing operations, reported in our Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems business segment, was $12.4 million at both March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	Indicators of Impairment
	We believe that no event or circumstance currently exists that would indicate a potential impairment of the carrying values of property and equipment, goodwill, or any other significant long-lived operating asset as of March 31, 2014.

Debt_Obligations

Debt Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Obligations	'
	Debt Obligations
	Our debt obligations for continuing operations consist of the following:
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Obligations to Secured Lenders:
	Convertible Notes: $10,475,000 principal, $112,896 accrued interest, net of unamortized discount of $5,224,373 at March 31, 2014; $11,000,000 principal, $62,944 accrued interest, net of unamortized discount of $5,671,145 at December 31, 2013	$	5,363,523		$	5,391,799
	Capital lease obligation: $2,247,358 principal and $21,713 accrued interest at March 31, 2014; $2,449,163 principal and $23,724 accrued interest at December 31, 2013	2,269,071			2,472,887
	Line of Credit: $3,831,917 principal and $11,735 accrued interest at December 31, 2013	—			3,843,652
	Obligations to Other Creditors:
	Other obligations	28,335			32,533
	Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	7,660,929			11,740,871
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount	(151,817		)	(3,946,582		)
	Debt obligations of continuing operations, non-current	$	7,509,112		$	7,794,289
	Convertible Notes
	On September 18, 2013, we received gross proceeds of $11,000,000 in connection with the closing of a private placement of 2.0% secured convertible promissory notes (Convertible Notes) and warrants to purchase up to 3,411,235 shares of our common stock (September 2013 Warrants). Net proceeds from the transaction, after placement agent fees and other transaction costs, were $10,420,898.
	The lead investor, who indirectly purchased $10,000,000 of the Convertible Notes, has the right to appoint one member to our board of directors for as long as the lead investor beneficially owns at least 5.0% of our common stock. Effective October 24, 2013, Mr. Timothy McGaw, who also participated in the offering and purchased $50,000 of the Convertible Notes, was appointed by the lead investor and currently serves on our board of directors. Certain of our executives and board of directors (Related Parties) also participated in the offering, including W. Brian Olson, our Chief Executive Officer and Bradley Timon, our Chief Financial Officer.
	The significant terms of the Convertible Notes are as follows: (i) scheduled maturity date of September 17, 2018, provided, however, during the 30-day period beginning on September 18, 2016, and upon notice provided by the holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Convertible Notes, the holders have the option to require us to redeem the principal and interest then outstanding under the Convertible Notes within 90 days thereafter, (ii) accrues interest at 2.0% per annum, payable upon the earlier of conversion or maturity, (iii) the outstanding principal under the Convertible Notes is convertible into shares of our common stock at a fixed conversion price of $2.3824 per share, subject to customary anti-dilution provisions, at any time until maturity at the option of the Convertible Note holders, (iv) we have the right to pay the accrued interest in cash or stock (if we elect to pay in stock, then the number of shares to be issued in payment of the interest will be based on the conversion price), and (v) the Convertible Notes are subject to redemption in connection with a change in control transaction.
	Our obligations under the Convertible Notes are secured by a second lien on substantially all of the operating assets used in our continuing operations and provide for an event of default if our common stock is not listed on NASDAQ or another national securities exchange as well as other customary events of default.
	In connection with the private placement, we filed a resale registration statement covering the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes and exercise of the September 2013 Warrants, which became effective on December 23, 2013. We agreed to pay the holders of the Convertible Notes liquidated damages not to exceed 12% of the gross proceeds received by us if, under certain circumstances, the registration statement is suspended in the future.
	The transaction documents contain a provision that prohibits any investor from converting or exercising any portion of the Convertible Notes or September 2013 Warrants, as applicable, if after giving effect to such conversion or exercise, the investor would beneficially own more than 19.99% of our issued and outstanding shares on a post-conversion/exercise basis unless and until such time that our stockholders approve the transaction. We agreed to seek stockholder approval of the transaction at our 2014 annual meeting of stockholders.
	During the first quarter of 2014, certain of the holders of the Convertible Notes converted $525,000 of outstanding principal. As a result, these holders received a combined total of 220,364 shares of our common stock in satisfaction of the principal portion converted. We elected to pay the $3,361 of accrued interest related to the converted principal in cash.
	At March 31, 2014, the total amount of principal and interest due to Related Parties, including Mr. McGaw, under the Convertible Notes was $480,093, which consisted of $475,000 of principal and $5,093 of accrued interest.
	Capital Lease Obligation
	On November 6, 2012, we entered into an equipment sale and leaseback financing arrangement that provides us with access to a total of $3,250,000 to finance the acquisition of certain equipment to be employed in our continuing operations. As of March 31, 2014, we had used a total of $3,118,717 of the amount available to us to acquire equipment, and the remaining $131,283 available to us was being held in a restricted irrevocable escrow account, which is included as "Deposits and other assets" in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The arrangement calls for payments of $111,846 on or before the fifteenth of each month through October 15, 2015 and a final payment of $691,846 on November 6, 2015. During the first quarter of 2014, we made total payments of $335,537, of which $133,731 represented the implied interest cost.
	We have the option to prepay the present value of the remaining scheduled lease obligations at any time in a lump sum. The discount rate used to calculate the lump sum will depend on the timing of the prepayment as follows: (i) 18.0% if the prepayment is made prior to November 7, 2014, and (ii) 23.0% if the prepayment is made on or after November 7, 2014.
	The proceeds held in escrow are classified as restricted assets on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets with the cash balance specifically designated for future equipment purchases and available to us only upon meeting certain contractual requirements. The lease obligation is secured by both the equipment that is acquired under the arrangement and the balance of restricted cash held in escrow.
	The following table sets forth the total minimum lease payments under the capital lease arrangement for equipment along with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2014:
	Nine months ending December 31, 2014	$	1,006,609
	Twelve months ending December 31, 2015	1,810,301
	Total minimum lease payments	2,816,910
	Less: Amount representing interest	(569,552		)
	Total present value of net minimum lease payments	2,247,358
	Less: Current portion of the present value of minimum lease payments	(922,767		)
	Capital lease obligation, net of current portion	$	1,324,591
	Line of Credit
	At December 31, 2013, the significant terms of our $5.0 million revolving line of credit (Line of Credit) with Bridge Bank, National Association (Bank) consisted of the following: (i) scheduled maturity date of May 7, 2014 , (ii) variable interest rate at the greater of 5.25% or the bank’s prime rate, plus 2.00%, (iii) annual facility fee of $50,000, and (iv) maximum borrowing capacity dependent upon our levels of eligible accounts receivables and inventories and our compliance with a financial covenant that we were required to meet in order to continue to have the ability to draw down under the Line of Credit. This covenant consisted of a minimum asset coverage ratio of 1.35 to 1.00 of unrestricted cash balances maintained at the bank plus eligible accounts receivables above the level of advances outstanding. The interest rate was subject to adjustment to the bank's prime rate, plus 2.5%, in the event our asset coverage ratio fell below 1.35 to 1.00 at the end of each month until the asset coverage ratio was met.
	On March 14, 2014, we and the Bank amended the Line of Credit pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the maturity date was extended to March 14, 2016, (ii) the asset coverage ratio financial covenant was deleted in its entirety, (iii) the interest rate was reduced to the Bank's prime rate, plus 0.5%, and (iv) a covenant requiring us to maintain at least $1.5 million of cash and cash equivalents at all times through maturity was added. We incurred $25,000 of debt issuance costs in connection with this amendment.
	On February 19, 2014, we repaid in full the outstanding balance on the Line of Credit of $3.8 million.
	The Bank has a senior secured first position on substantially all of the assets used in our continuing operations, other than certain equipment acquired under the capital lease arrangement described above.
	As of March 31, 2014, the maximum borrowing capacity was $5.0 million, of which $250,000 was reserved for letters of credit and credit card services.
	Collateral and Covenants
	We were in compliance with all existing covenants and other requirements of our debt instruments as of March 31, 2014.
	Debt Maturities
	The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities of our long term debt obligations of our continuing operations for each of the following years until maturity:
	Twelve months ending	Debt Maturities			Amortization of			Net Maturities of Debt
	March 31:				Discount			Obligations
	2014	$	961,658		$	(809,841	)	$	151,817
	2015	1,335,748			(986,542		)	349,206
	2016	—			(1,194,166		)	(1,194,166		)
	2017	—			(1,449,661		)	(1,449,661		)
	2018	10,587,896			(784,163		)	9,803,733
		$	12,885,302		$	(5,224,373	)	$	7,660,929

Warranties

Warranties	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Warranties	'
	Warranties
	We offer a warranty for production level storage vessels, component parts and other alternative fuel products that are shipped to our customers. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending on the contractual provisions; however, warranty is generally provided for under terms similar to those offered by the OEM to its customers. We estimate the costs that may be incurred under our warranty provisions and record a liability in the amount of such costs at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors that affect our warranty liability include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims, and cost per claim.
	We generally disclaim all warranties on our prototype component parts and systems. At our discretion or under certain programs, we may provide for the replacement cost or perform additional tests of prototype component parts subsequent to product delivery. We include an estimate of these types of arrangements as part of our warranty liability. We periodically assess the adequacy of our recorded warranty liabilities and adjust the amounts as necessary.
	Changes in our product warranty liability for continuing operations are as follows:
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	399,171
	Settlements made during the period	(22,875		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	376,296

Derivative_Instruments_and_Fai

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	'
	Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
	We measure our financial assets and liabilities in accordance with Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures under GAAP, which maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. GAAP describes three different valuation techniques to be used in determining fair value for financial assets and liabilities: the market, income or cost approaches. The three valuation techniques are consistent with generally accepted valuation methodologies. The hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value from market based assumptions to entity specific assumptions are as follows:
	Level 1: Inputs based on quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
	Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3: Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The inputs are unobservable in the market and significant to the instrument’s valuation.
	Our derivative instruments are measured on their respective origination dates, at the end of each reporting period and at other points in time when necessary, such as modifications, using Level 3 inputs under accounting guidance for measuring fair value. We do not report any financial assets or liabilities that we measure using Level 1 or Level 2 inputs and there were no transfers in or out of Level 3 inputs for all periods reported.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value for the derivative instrument liabilities using Level 3 inputs:
			Oct-06			Feb-11		Jan-13		Total Derivatives
			Warrants			Warrants		Warrants
	Balance at January 1, 2014		$	2,344,000		$	9,000	$	62,000	$	2,415,000
	Settlement associated with warrant exercises		(387,920		)	—		—		(387,920		)
	Fair value adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings		693,920			26,000		20,000		739,920
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	2,650,000		$	35,000	$	82,000	$	2,767,000
	We determined the fair values of the derivative instrument liabilities associated with certain warrant contracts primarily based on option-pricing mathematical models generally referred to as “Black-Scholes” and “Monte Carlo” option-pricing models. These models determine the value of the derivative instruments based on complex mathematical formulas that assume that returns on our underlying stock are normally-distributed and that risk-free interest rates and stock volatilities will remain constant over the term of the contract. We use the Black-Scholes model to calculate the value of the derivative instrument liabilities associated with warrant contracts in which the contractual terms are fixed. For derivative warrant contracts that incorporate contingent terms, including exercise price reset provisions for the warrant contracts issued on October 27, 2006, we utilize the Monte Carlo model which is similar to the Black-Scholes model; however, the Monte Carlo model simulates several thousand possible (but random) price paths for the underlying value of the derivative instruments. These random price paths were then averaged to determine the value of the derivative instruments as of the reporting date.
	The fair value of derivative instrument liabilities measured with Level 3 inputs are revalued quarterly. The assumptions used in the calculations under our option pricing models for the following periods were as follows:
			Oct-06		Feb-11	Jan-13
			Warrants		Warrants	Warrants
	31-Mar-14
	Annual volatility (1)		37.90%		47.10%	53.60%
	Risk-free rate		0.03%		0.44%	1.32%
	Dividend rate		—%		—%	—%
	Closing price of Quantum stock		$9.68		$9.68	$9.68
	Exercise price		$1.51		$24.00	$2.84
	31-Dec-13
	Annual volatility (1)		33.60%		40.60%	51.20%
	Risk-free rate		0.09%		0.38%	1.75%
	Dividend rate		—%		—%	—%
	Closing price of Quantum stock		$7.80		$7.80	$7.80
	Exercise price		$1.51		$24.00	$2.84
	-1	Annual volatility is based on the historical average of our identified peer group for a period consistent with the remaining term of the contract.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity
	Authorized Shares
	At March 31, 2014, our authorized shares of capital stock consisted of the following: (i) 37,475,000 shares of common stock, 0.02 par value, and (ii) 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, 0.001 par value.
	Effective December 31, 2013, General Motors Holdings, LLC (“GM Holdings”), the only holder of our issued and outstanding Series B Stock, exchanged all of its 12,499 shares of Series B Common Stock for 12,499 shares of our common stock, $0.02 par value per share. As a result of such exchange, there are no longer any issued and outstanding shares of our Series B Stock. On February 26, 2014, our certificate of incorporation was amended to retire the 25,000 authorized shares of Series B common stock.
	Stock Incentive Plans
	On October 27, 2011, our stockholders approved our 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (2011 Plan). The 2011 Plan replaced our 2002 Stock Incentive Plan (2002 Plan) and awards can no longer be issued under the 2002 Plan; however, awards issued under the 2002 Plan prior to its termination remain outstanding in accordance with their terms.
	Both stock incentive plans provide that awards of stock options and shares of restricted stock may be granted to directors, employees and consultants. The terms of the awards are established by the administrator of the plans, our Compensation Committee. The stock options generally expire ten years after the date of grant or 30 days after termination of employment, vest ratably at a rate of 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date and have an exercise price at least equal to the market price of our stock at the date of grant. Outstanding restricted stock awards either vest at a rate of 33.33% on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date or cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date.
	The 2011 Plan provides for an aggregate of 775,000 shares that were initially reserved for issuance and available for grant, subject to adjustment in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, or other similar change in our common stock or our capital structure. The 2011 Plan contains an “evergreen” provision under which beginning on January 1, 2013, the number of shares available for grant under the 2011 Plan increase annually by an amount equal to the lesser of (x) 125,000 shares, (y) 3.0% of the number of shares outstanding as of such first day of each year or (z) a lesser number of shares determined by our Board of Directors. As of March 31, 2014, after including the effects of forfeitures and the evergreen provision, we had 651,094 shares available for issuance under the 2011 Plan.
	Share-based Compensation
	The share-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock of continuing operations included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and in the financial information by reportable business segment in Note 11 is:
			Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems				Corporate				Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014:
	Cost of product sales		$	7,608			$	—			$	7,608
	Research and development		18,431				—				18,431
	Selling, general and administrative		4,622				59,695				64,317
	Total share-based compensation		$	30,661			$	59,695			$	90,356
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013:
	Cost of product sales		$	5,466			$	—			$	5,466
	Research and development		22,484				—				22,484
	Selling, general and administrative		3,701				80,518				84,219
	Total share-based compensation		$	31,651			$	80,518			$	112,169
	Stock Options
	Below is a summary of the options activity:
			Number of			Weighted				Weighted
			Shares			Average				Average
						Exercise				Remaining
						Price				Contractual Term
										(In Years)
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2014		278,645			$	13.37
	Granted		1,500			$	9.47
	Exercised		(279	)		$	2.46
	Forfeited		(6,662	)		$	15.01
	Expired		(8,347	)		$	40.32
	Options outstanding at March 31, 2014		264,857			$	12.63			8.7
	Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014		246,044			$	13.41			8.6
	Options exercisable at March 31, 2014		66,825			$	42.9			6.7
	Warrants
	A summary of warrant activity and warrants outstanding, reportable in the equivalent number of shares of our common stock that can be purchased upon exercise of the warrants, is as follows:
	Warrants outstanding at January 1, 2014		10,852,747
	Exercised		(1,745,812	)
	Expired		(102,410	)
	Warrants outstanding at March 31, 2014		9,004,525
	2014 Warrant Exercises
	Information on warrant exercises during the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Original Warrant Issuance Date		Exercise Price				Warrants Exercised			Shares Issued (1)			Cash Proceeds
	27-Oct-06		$	1.51			48,274			39,684			$	—
	12-Oct-11		$	3.32			25,754			25,754			85,503
	21-Dec-11		$	4.88			474,417			474,417			2,315,155
	March 21, 2012; Series "B"		$	4.08			554,425			554,425			2,262,054
	June 22, 2012 and June 28, 2012		$	3.4			491,279			297,448			—
	25-Jul-12		$	3.56			74,136			42,057			—
	18-Sep-13		$	2.3			77,527			77,527			178,312
	Total						1,745,812			1,511,312			$	4,841,024
	-1	Where the shares issued amount is less than the warrants exercised amount, the difference is due to a portion of these warrant exercises being exercised pursuant to a cashless exercise provision contained in the warrant contract.
	A summary of our outstanding warrants as of March 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Issue Date		Expiration Date		Shares Subject to			Exercise				References
					Outstanding			Price at End
					Warrants			of Period
	October 27, 2006		April 27, 2014		324,496			$	1.51			(1) (2) (3)
	June 22, 2007		December 22, 2014		64,392			$	167.2			-3
	August 25, 2008		August 25, 2015		349,741			$	154.4			-3
	August 3, 2009		August 3, 2014		7,985			$	68			-4
	September 4, 2009		September 4, 2014		20,834			$	68			-4
April 30, 2010 through July 1, 2010		April 30, 2015 through		55,473			$	72.8			*
		1-Jul-15
October 13, 2010 and October 19, 2010		October 13, 2015 and		9,037			$	53.6			*
		19-Oct-15
February 18, 2011		February 18, 2016		189,836			$	26.28			*
February 18, 2011; Series “B”		February 18, 2016		98,481			$	24			-3
May 9, 2011		May 8, 2014		19,611			$	11.68			*
May 20, 2011		May 19, 2014		22,576			$	11.68			*
June 15, 2011		June 15, 2016		361,458			$	15.4			*
June 15, 2011		June 15, 2018		11,250			$	12.48			*
June 15, 2011		June 15, 2018		30,064			$	15.4			*
June 20, 2011		June 20, 2016		14,269			$	15.6			*
June 20, 2011		June 20, 2018		31			$	15.6			*
July 6, 2011		July 6, 2016		104,929			$	15.4			*
August 23, 2011		August 23, 2016		28,750			$	15.4			*
September 29, 2011		September 29, 2016		4,782			$	3.32			*
October 12, 2011		October 12, 2016		115,314			$	3.32			*
October 17, 2011 through October 21, 2011		October 17, 2016 through		19,138			$	10.56			*
		21-Oct-16
November 2, 2011		November 2, 2014		134,998			$	8.48			*
December 21, 2011		December 21, 2016		855,563			$	4.88			*
January 19, 2012		January 19, 2017		33,187			$	4.88			*
March 20, 2012; Series “B”		March 20, 2017		1,311,000			$	4.08			*
March 21, 2012; Series “B”		March 21, 2017		735,900			$	4.08			*
May 3, 2012; Series “B”		May 3, 2017		27,612			$	4.08			*
June 4, 2012; Series “B”		June 4, 2017		51,112			$	4.08			*
May 7, 2012		May 7, 2019		50,000			$	3.6			*
May 8, 2012		May 8, 2019		—			$	3.6			*
June 22, 2012 and June 28, 2012		June 22, 2017		572,860			$	3.4			*
July 25, 2012		July 25, 2017		34,888			$	3.56			*
24-Jan-13		25-Jul-18		11,250			$	2.84			-3
18-Sep-13		18-Mar-19		3,333,708			$	2.3			*
Total warrants outstanding at March 31, 2014				9,004,525
* Warrant contract does not provide for an exercise price reset provision.
-1	The warrants issued on October 27, 2006 contain contractual provisions which, subject to certain exceptions, reset the exercise price of such warrants if at any time while such warrants are outstanding, we sell or issue shares of our common stock or rights, warrants, options or other securities or debt convertible, exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock.
-2	The warrants issued on October 27, 2006 contain a provision that increases the number of shares of common stock subject to such warrants if and when the exercise price is reset so that the aggregate purchase price payable applicable to the exercise of the warrants after the reset of the exercise price is the same as the aggregate purchase price payable immediately prior to the reset. Any resets to the exercise price of the warrants issued on October 27, 2006 prior to their expiration in April 2014 will have a dilutive effect on our existing shareholders.
-3	The warrants issued on October 27, 2006, June 22, 2007, August 25, 2008, February 18, 2011 (Series “B”) and January 24, 2013 contain contractual provisions that could potentially require us to net-cash settle the value of the remaining outstanding warrants in the event of a change in control or other fundamental change. Since the contractual provisions that could require us to net-cash settle the warrants are deemed not to be within our control under applicable accounting guidance, equity classification is precluded. As such, we consider these warrants to be derivative instruments that are classified as current derivative liabilities.
-4	The warrants issued on August 3, 2009 and September 4, 2009 contain cashless exercise provisions whereby the settlement calculation may incorporate the book value per share of common stock if there is not a public market for the common stock. If an instrument’s settlement calculation incorporates variables other than those used to determine the fair value of a fixed-for-fixed forward or option on equity shares, the instrument would not be considered indexed to the entity’s own stock and therefore would not be precluded from derivative instrument consideration. As such, we consider these warrants to be derivatives.
The fair values of the aforementioned derivative liabilities associated with warrant contracts on the dates of the consolidated balance sheets presented and a summary of the changes in the fair values marked to market during the periods presented on the condensed consolidated statements of operations are disclosed in Note 8.
Shares Available
The number of authorized shares available for future issuance as of March 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Common Stock			Preferred Stock
Shares Authorized	37,475,000			20,000,000
Less shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014	(22,964,708	)		—
Less shares designated as of March 31, 2014 for issuance under:
Stock options (1)	(915,951	)		—
Warrants outstanding	(9,004,525	)		—
Conversion of principal under convertible notes (2)	(4,396,823	)		—
Undesignated shares available	192,993			20,000,000
-1	Includes all of the options outstanding plus 651,094 shares remaining that are available for issuance under the 2011 Plan.
-2	Represents number of shares upon conversion of $10.5 million of principal maturing on September 18, 2018 under the Convertible Notes at a fixed conversion price of $2.3824 per share.
Stockholders’ Equity Roll-forward
The following table provides a condensed roll-forward of stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
		Common			Total Equity
		Stock Shares
		Outstanding
Balance at January 1, 2014		18,875,253			$	16,979,952
Share-based compensation		—			90,356
Issuance of common stock to investors		2,357,500			15,304,508
Issuance of common stock in satisfaction of debt principal		220,364			525,000
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option and warrant exercises		1,511,591			5,205,501
Foreign currency translation		—			(112,552		)
Net loss attributable to stockholders		—			(3,202,233		)
Balance at March 31, 2014		22,964,708			$	34,790,532
On February 20, 2014, we completed an underwritten public offering in which we received total gross proceeds of $16.6 million from the sale and issuance of 2,357,500 shares of common stock to investors at $7.05 per share. The number of shares sold in the offering includes the underwriter’s full exercise of the over-allotment option to purchase an additional 307,500 shares of common stock. The net proceeds we received, after underwriting discounts and other offering expenses, were $15.3 million.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	We compute net income (loss) per share by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) for the period by the weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. We consider common equivalent shares from the exercise of stock options, warrants and conversion of debt in the instance where the shares are dilutive to net income (loss). The effects of stock options, warrants and convertible debt were anti-dilutive for all periods presented.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Numerators for basic and diluted loss per share data:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(3,151,186	)	$	(5,195,757	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(51,047		)	(1,708,163		)
	Net loss	$	(3,202,233	)	$	(6,903,920	)
	Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share data—weighted-average shares	20,144,062			12,089,151
	Basic and diluted per share data:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.43	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	—			(0.14		)
	Net loss	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.57	)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, shares of common stock potentially issuable upon the exercise of options and warrants and from the potential conversion of debt were excluded in the computation of diluted per share data, as the effects would be anti-dilutive.

Business_Segments_and_Geograph

Business Segments and Geographic Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments and Geographic Information	'
	Business Segments and Geographic Information
	Business Segments
	We classify our business into three reporting segments: Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems, Renewable Energy and Corporate. Due to our plan to dispose of Schneider Power within the next 12 months, the Renewable Energy business segment, consisting entirely of the operations of Schneider Power, is classified as discontinued operations (see Note 2).
	The chief operating decision maker allocates resources and tracks performance by the reporting segments. We evaluate performance based on profit or loss from operations before interest, non-operating income and expenses, and income taxes.
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems Segment
	Our Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems segment is a leader in the development and production of CNG fuel storage systems and the integration of alternative fuel vehicle system technologies including engine and vehicle control systems and drivetrains.
	This segment designs and manufactures advanced light-weight CNG storage tanks and supplies these tanks, in addition to fully-integrated natural gas storage systems, to truck and automotive OEMs and aftermarket OEM truck integrators. These high-pressure CNG and hydrogen storage tanks use advanced composite technology and are capable of storage at up to 10,000 psi. This segment's powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provides fast-to-market solutions to support the integration and production of natural gas fuel and storage systems, hybrid, fuel cell, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations.
	This segment generates revenue from two sources: product sales and contract services. Product sales are derived primarily from the sale of storage tanks and packaged fuel system modules for CNG applications. Contract services revenue is generated by providing engineering design and support to OEMs and other customers, so that our fuel systems and advanced propulsion systems integrate and operate with our customer's CNG, hybrid or fuel cell applications. Contract services revenue is also generated from customers in the aerospace industry, material science, and other governmental entities and agencies.
	We expense all research and development when incurred. We will continue to require significant research and development expenditures over the next several years in order to increase the commercialization of our products for natural gas, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell and other alternative fuel applications.
	Corporate Segment
	The Corporate segment consists of general and administrative expenses incurred at the corporate level that are not directly attributable to the Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems or Renewable Energy reporting segments. Corporate expenses consist primarily of personnel costs, share-based compensation costs and related general and administrative costs for executive, finance, legal, human resources, investor relations and our board of directors.
	Geographic Information
	Our long-lived assets as of March 31, 2014 are primarily based within facilities in Lake Forest and Irvine, California for our two continuing business segments and on the Zephyr Wind Farm located in Ontario, Canada for our discontinued Renewable Energy segment. The Renewable Energy segment also owns land in Nova Scotia, Canada.
	Financial Information by Business Segment
	Selected financial information of continuing operations by business segment is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems:
	Net product sales	$	4,818,430		$	3,505,095
	Contract services	3,136,443			902,162
	Total revenues	$	7,954,873		$	4,407,257
	Cost of Revenues
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems:
	Cost of product sales	$	3,657,804		$	2,603,876
	Cost of contract services	1,874,938			579,098
	Total cost of revenues	$	5,532,742		$	3,182,974
	Gross Margin
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems:
	Net product sales	$	1,160,626		$	901,219
	Contract services	1,261,505			323,064
	Total gross margin	$	2,422,131		$	1,224,283
	Operating Expenses
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems:
	Research and development	$	1,500,221		$	1,775,402
	Selling, general and administrative	818,304			1,367,761
	Total	$	2,318,525		$	3,143,163
	Corporate:
	Selling, general and administrative	1,737,151			1,960,846
	Total operating expenses	$	4,055,676		$	5,104,009
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems	$	103,606		$	(1,918,880	)
	Corporate	(1,737,151		)	(1,960,846		)
	Total operating loss	$	(1,633,545	)	$	(3,879,726	)
	Capital Expenditures
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems	$	2,542,010		$	592,677
	Total capital expenditures	$	2,542,010		$	592,677
	Depreciation
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems	$	319,761		$	244,287
	Corporate	9,498			10,315
	Total depreciation	$	329,259		$	254,602
	Identifiable assets by reporting segment are as follows:
			31-Mar-14			December 31,
						2013
	Identifiable Assets
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems		$	31,743,621		$	31,727,999
	Renewable Energy - Held for Sale		24,816,804			26,358,742
	Corporate		18,511,286			7,917,801
			$	75,071,711		$	66,004,542

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Litigation
	Management and our legal counsel periodically review the probable outcome of pending proceedings and the costs reasonably expected to be incurred. We accrue for these costs when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, any ultimate cost to us in excess of amounts accrued will not materially affect our condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	On June 6, 2013, Iroquois Master Fund Ltd (Iroquois) filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the Complaint).  In the Complaint, Iroquois asserts that the registered direct offering we completed on May 16, 2013 triggered the full-ratchet anti dilution reset provision contained in its October 2006 Warrant contract and, as a result, the exercise price of its October 2006 Warrant should have been adjusted downward and the number of shares underlying its October 2006 Warrant proportionately increased. Although we did adjust the exercise price and number of shares pursuant to the applicable provisions of the October 2006 Warrant, Iroquois is claiming that we are in breach of the warrant contract due to our refusal to honor the lower exercise price and higher number of shares claimed by Iroquois.
	Two weeks after filing the Complaint, Iroquois filed a motion for preliminary injunction. In lieu of deciding the motion for preliminary injunction, the Court consolidated the motion for preliminary injunction with summary judgment proceedings and a trial on the merits, if necessary, on an expedited schedule. Pursuant to this schedule, Iroquois filed its motion for summary judgment on July 26, 2013, we filed our opposition to that motion on August 2, 2013, Iroquois filed a reply in further support of its motion on August 7, 2013. On September 12, 2013, the Court denied Iroquois’ motion for partial summary judgment.  Trial is currently scheduled for May 20, 2014.
	Iroquois is claiming that it is entitled to either (i) monetary damages (which Iroquois estimated to be approximately $4.1 million as of November 4, 2013) or (ii) in the alternative, either (a) specific performance in the form of delivery by us of 810,805 October 2006 Warrants exercisable at $0.932 per share with equitable modifications to the terms of the October 2006 Warrants to compensate Iroquois for the alleged delay in issuance, plus the return of approximately $0.5 million Iroquois claims it overpaid when it exercised its October 2006 Warrants, or (b) 852,220 shares of our common stock.  Iroquois is also seeking post-judgment interest at 9% per annum on any monetary award and recovery of its attorney’s fees if successful.
	We believe that Iroquois' assertion that the May 16, 2013 registered direct offering triggered the reset provision contained in the October 2006 Warrant in the manner alleged by Iroquois is incorrect and, even if it were correct, Iroquois' calculation of the reset price was incorrect. Accordingly, we believe that all of the claims asserted by Iroquois in its Complaint are without merit.
	While we intend to vigorously defend this lawsuit, we cannot predict the outcome. If Iroquois were to prevail on its claims, we could be required to pay damages in the form of cash, securities or a combination thereof. The amount of damages could be substantial, could result in a loss that would be material to our consolidated results of operations, and could have a material adverse effect on our business and liquidity. In addition, if we were to issue shares of our common stock or warrants with an exercise price below our market price, it will be dilutive to our stockholders and could cause downward pressure on our stock price.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Historical Operating Results of Schneider Power Classified as Discontinued Operations	'
	The unaudited historical operating results of Schneider Power, classified as discontinued operations, are as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Revenue		$	898,458		$	857,958
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of sales		148,749			168,967
	Selling, general and administrative		53,923			271,807
	Research and development		—			16,872
	Impairment of long-lived assets (1)		434,768			1,736,208
	Total costs and expenses		637,440			2,193,854
	Operating income (loss)		261,018			(1,335,896		)
	Interest expense, net		(312,549		)	(372,267		)
	Other, net		484			—
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(51,047		)	(1,708,163		)
	-1	We measure each disposal group of Schneider Power at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. The fair value measurements are based on Level 3 inputs such as market conditions and pending agreements to sell the assets. Based on assessments that we updated during the first quarters of 2014 and 2013, we determined that the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets of certain disposal groups were above their fair values, net of selling costs. As a result, we recognized goodwill impairment charges of $0.4 million during the first quarter of 2014 and impairment charges of $1.7 million during the first quarter of 2013, of which $1.0 million is related to goodwill and $0.7 million is related to intangible assets.
Unaudited Balance Sheets of Schneider Power, Classified as Discontinued Operations Held for Sale	'
	naudited condensed balance sheets of Schneider Power, classified as discontinued operations held for sale, are as follows:
			31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	515,376		$	777,622
	Accounts receivable, net		314,619			328,730
	Prepaid and other current assets		311,181			218,593
	Total current assets		$	1,141,176		$	1,324,945
	Non-Current Assets:
	Property and equipment, net (1)		$	21,203,183		$	22,016,644
	Intangible asset, net (2)		1,519,380			1,577,672
	Goodwill (3)		2,300			452,682
	Deposits and other assets (4)		950,765			986,799
	Total non-current assets		$	23,675,628		$	25,033,797
	Current Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	255,528		$	291,730
	Other accrued liabilities		243,304			344,919
	Current portion of debt obligations (5)		877,139			1,257,827
	Total current liabilities		$	1,375,971		$	1,894,476
	Non-Current Liabilities:
	Debt obligations, net of current portion (5)		$	20,407,760		$	21,520,634
	Total non-current liabilities		$	20,407,760		$	21,520,634
	-1	Consists mainly of wind turbine assets of the 10.0 megawatt Zephyr Wind Farm acquired in April 2012.
	-2	Consists of project assets associated with Schneider Power's renewable energy portfolio and power purchase agreements associated with the Zephyr Wind Farm.
	-3	Represents goodwill ascribed to the Zephyr Wind Farm acquisition in April 2012.
	-4	Consists mainly of the fair value of contingent consideration associated with the sale of a wind farm project and three development projects.
	-5	Consists of a credit facility due to a secured project lender in connection with the acquisition of the Zephyr Wind Farm as discussed below.
	Zeph

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable of Continuing Operations	'
	Net accounts receivable of continuing operations consist of the following:
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Customer accounts billed	$	4,625,312		$	8,268,171
	Customer accounts unbilled	2,134,521			549,072
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(332,687		)	(398,684		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	6,427,146		$	8,418,559

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories of Continuing Operations	'
	Inventories of continuing operations consist of the following:
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Materials and parts	$	6,480,554		$	6,495,599
	Work-in-process	246,716			1,146,589
	Finished goods	2,601,725			1,246,753
		9,328,995			8,888,941
	Less: Provision for obsolescence	(3,937,522		)	(3,877,161		)
	Inventories, net	$	5,391,473		$	5,011,780

Longlived_Assets_Tables

Long-lived Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Changes in Property and Equipment	'
	Changes in property and equipment of continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Balance at			Additions		Transfers			Depreciation			Balance at
		December 31,											March 31,
		2013											2014
	Property and equipment in service, gross	$	32,789,612		$	—	$	1,054,654		$	—		$	33,844,266
	Accumulated depreciation	(29,795,556		)	—		—			(329,259		)	(30,124,815		)
	Construction in progress:
	Plant equipment and other	2,097,903			2,542,010		(1,054,654		)	—			3,585,259
	Total property and equipment, net	$	5,091,959		$	2,542,010	$	—		$	(329,259	)	$	7,304,710

Debt_Obligations_Tables

Debt Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt Obligations	'
	Our debt obligations for continuing operations consist of the following:
		31-Mar-14			31-Dec-13
	Obligations to Secured Lenders:
	Convertible Notes: $10,475,000 principal, $112,896 accrued interest, net of unamortized discount of $5,224,373 at March 31, 2014; $11,000,000 principal, $62,944 accrued interest, net of unamortized discount of $5,671,145 at December 31, 2013	$	5,363,523		$	5,391,799
	Capital lease obligation: $2,247,358 principal and $21,713 accrued interest at March 31, 2014; $2,449,163 principal and $23,724 accrued interest at December 31, 2013	2,269,071			2,472,887
	Line of Credit: $3,831,917 principal and $11,735 accrued interest at December 31, 2013	—			3,843,652
	Obligations to Other Creditors:
	Other obligations	28,335			32,533
	Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	7,660,929			11,740,871
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount	(151,817		)	(3,946,582		)
	Debt obligations of continuing operations, non-current	$	7,509,112		$	7,794,289
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases	'
	The following table sets forth the total minimum lease payments under the capital lease arrangement for equipment along with the present value of the net minimum lease payments as of March 31, 2014:
	Nine months ending December 31, 2014	$	1,006,609
	Twelve months ending December 31, 2015	1,810,301
	Total minimum lease payments	2,816,910
	Less: Amount representing interest	(569,552		)
	Total present value of net minimum lease payments	2,247,358
	Less: Current portion of the present value of minimum lease payments	(922,767		)
	Capital lease obligation, net of current portion	$	1,324,591
Scheduled Maturities of Debt Obligations	'
	The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities of our long term debt obligations of our continuing operations for each of the following years until maturity:
	Twelve months ending	Debt Maturities			Amortization of			Net Maturities of Debt
	March 31:				Discount			Obligations
	2014	$	961,658		$	(809,841	)	$	151,817
	2015	1,335,748			(986,542		)	349,206
	2016	—			(1,194,166		)	(1,194,166		)
	2017	—			(1,449,661		)	(1,449,661		)
	2018	10,587,896			(784,163		)	9,803,733
		$	12,885,302		$	(5,224,373	)	$	7,660,929

Warranties_Tables

Warranties (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Changes in Product Warranty Liability	'
	Changes in our product warranty liability for continuing operations are as follows:
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	399,171
	Settlements made during the period	(22,875		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	376,296

Derivative_Instruments_and_Fai1

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Instrument Liabilities using Level Three Inputs	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in the fair value for the derivative instrument liabilities using Level 3 inputs:
			Oct-06			Feb-11		Jan-13		Total Derivatives
			Warrants			Warrants		Warrants
	Balance at January 1, 2014		$	2,344,000		$	9,000	$	62,000	$	2,415,000
	Settlement associated with warrant exercises		(387,920		)	—		—		(387,920		)
	Fair value adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings		693,920			26,000		20,000		739,920
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	2,650,000		$	35,000	$	82,000	$	2,767,000
Assumptions used in Calculating Fair Value of Derivative Instrument Liabilities Measured with Level Three Inputs	'
	The fair value of derivative instrument liabilities measured with Level 3 inputs are revalued quarterly. The assumptions used in the calculations under our option pricing models for the following periods were as follows:
			Oct-06		Feb-11	Jan-13
			Warrants		Warrants	Warrants
	31-Mar-14
	Annual volatility (1)		37.90%		47.10%	53.60%
	Risk-free rate		0.03%		0.44%	1.32%
	Dividend rate		—%		—%	—%
	Closing price of Quantum stock		$9.68		$9.68	$9.68
	Exercise price		$1.51		$24.00	$2.84
	31-Dec-13
	Annual volatility (1)		33.60%		40.60%	51.20%
	Risk-free rate		0.09%		0.38%	1.75%
	Dividend rate		—%		—%	—%
	Closing price of Quantum stock		$7.80		$7.80	$7.80
	Exercise price		$1.51		$24.00	$2.84
	-1	Annual volatility is based on the historical average of our identified peer group for a period consistent with the remaining term of the contract.

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation Expense Related to Stock Options and Restricted Stock	'
	The share-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock of continuing operations included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and in the financial information by reportable business segment in Note 11 is:
			Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems				Corporate				Total
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014:
	Cost of product sales		$	7,608			$	—			$	7,608
	Research and development		18,431				—				18,431
	Selling, general and administrative		4,622				59,695				64,317
	Total share-based compensation		$	30,661			$	59,695			$	90,356
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013:
	Cost of product sales		$	5,466			$	—			$	5,466
	Research and development		22,484				—				22,484
	Selling, general and administrative		3,701				80,518				84,219
	Total share-based compensation		$	31,651			$	80,518			$	112,169
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	'
	Below is a summary of the options activity:
			Number of			Weighted				Weighted
			Shares			Average				Average
						Exercise				Remaining
						Price				Contractual Term
										(In Years)
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2014		278,645			$	13.37
	Granted		1,500			$	9.47
	Exercised		(279	)		$	2.46
	Forfeited		(6,662	)		$	15.01
	Expired		(8,347	)		$	40.32
	Options outstanding at March 31, 2014		264,857			$	12.63			8.7
	Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2014		246,044			$	13.41			8.6
	Options exercisable at March 31, 2014		66,825			$	42.9			6.7
Warrant Activity and Warrant Outstanding	'
	activity and warrants outstanding, reportable in the equivalent number of shares of our common stock that can be purchased upon exercise of the warrants, is as follows:
	Warrants outstanding at January 1, 2014		10,852,747
	Exercised		(1,745,812	)
	Expired		(102,410	)
	Warrants outstanding at March 31, 2014		9,004,525
	2014 Warrant Exercises
	Information on warrant exercises during the three months ended March 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Original Warrant Issuance Date		Exercise Price				Warrants Exercised			Shares Issued (1)			Cash Proceeds
	27-Oct-06		$	1.51			48,274			39,684			$	—
	12-Oct-11		$	3.32			25,754			25,754			85,503
	21-Dec-11		$	4.88			474,417			474,417			2,315,155
	March 21, 2012; Series "B"		$	4.08			554,425			554,425			2,262,054
	June 22, 2012 and June 28, 2012		$	3.4			491,279			297,448			—
	25-Jul-12		$	3.56			74,136			42,057			—
	18-Sep-13		$	2.3			77,527			77,527			178,312
	Total						1,745,812			1,511,312			$	4,841,024
	-1	Where the shares issued amount is less than the warrants exercised amount, the difference is due to a portion of these warrant exercises being exercised pursuant to a cashless exercise provision contained in the warrant contract.
Summary of Outstanding Warrants	'
	A summary of our outstanding warrants as of March 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Issue Date		Expiration Date		Shares Subject to			Exercise				References
					Outstanding			Price at End
					Warrants			of Period
	October 27, 2006		April 27, 2014		324,496			$	1.51			(1) (2) (3)
	June 22, 2007		December 22, 2014		64,392			$	167.2			-3
	August 25, 2008		August 25, 2015		349,741			$	154.4			-3
	August 3, 2009		August 3, 2014		7,985			$	68			-4
	September 4, 2009		September 4, 2014		20,834			$	68			-4
	April 30, 2010 through July 1, 2010		April 30, 2015 through		55,473			$	72.8			*
			1-Jul-15
	October 13, 2010 and October 19, 2010		October 13, 2015 and		9,037			$	53.6			*
			19-Oct-15
	February 18, 2011		February 18, 2016		189,836			$	26.28			*
	February 18, 2011; Series “B”		February 18, 2016		98,481			$	24			-3
	May 9, 2011		May 8, 2014		19,611			$	11.68			*
	May 20, 2011		May 19, 2014		22,576			$	11.68			*
	June 15, 2011		June 15, 2016		361,458			$	15.4			*
	June 15, 2011		June 15, 2018		11,250			$	12.48			*
	June 15, 2011		June 15, 2018		30,064			$	15.4			*
	June 20, 2011		June 20, 2016		14,269			$	15.6			*
	June 20, 2011		June 20, 2018		31			$	15.6			*
	July 6, 2011		July 6, 2016		104,929			$	15.4			*
	August 23, 2011		August 23, 2016		28,750			$	15.4			*
	September 29, 2011		September 29, 2016		4,782			$	3.32			*
	October 12, 2011		October 12, 2016		115,314			$	3.32			*
	October 17, 2011 through October 21, 2011		October 17, 2016 through		19,138			$	10.56			*
			21-Oct-16
	November 2, 2011		November 2, 2014		134,998			$	8.48			*
	December 21, 2011		December 21, 2016		855,563			$	4.88			*
	January 19, 2012		January 19, 2017		33,187			$	4.88			*
	March 20, 2012; Series “B”		March 20, 2017		1,311,000			$	4.08			*
	March 21, 2012; Series “B”		March 21, 2017		735,900			$	4.08			*
	May 3, 2012; Series “B”		May 3, 2017		27,612			$	4.08			*
	June 4, 2012; Series “B”		June 4, 2017		51,112			$	4.08			*
	May 7, 2012		May 7, 2019		50,000			$	3.6			*
	May 8, 2012		May 8, 2019		—			$	3.6			*
	June 22, 2012 and June 28, 2012		June 22, 2017		572,860			$	3.4			*
	July 25, 2012		July 25, 2017		34,888			$	3.56			*
	24-Jan-13		25-Jul-18		11,250			$	2.84			-3
	18-Sep-13		18-Mar-19		3,333,708			$	2.3			*
	Total warrants outstanding at March 31, 2014				9,004,525
	* Warrant contract does not provide for an exercise price reset provision.
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity Note, Shares Available	'
	The number of authorized shares available for future issuance as of March 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Common Stock			Preferred Stock
	Shares Authorized	37,475,000			20,000,000
	Less shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014	(22,964,708	)		—
	Less shares designated as of March 31, 2014 for issuance under:
	Stock options (1)	(915,951	)		—
	Warrants outstanding	(9,004,525	)		—
	Conversion of principal under convertible notes (2)	(4,396,823	)		—
	Undesignated shares available	192,993			20,000,000
	-1	Includes all of the options outstanding plus 651,094 shares remaining that are available for issuance under the 2011 Plan.
	-2	Represents number of shares upon conversion of $10.5 million of principal maturing on September 18, 2018 under the Convertible Notes at a fixed conversion price of $2.3824 per share.
Condensed Roll-Forward of Stockholders' Equity	'
	The following table provides a condensed roll-forward of stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014:
			Common			Total Equity
			Stock Shares
			Outstanding
	Balance at January 1, 2014		18,875,253			$	16,979,952
	Share-based compensation		—			90,356
	Issuance of common stock to investors		2,357,500			15,304,508
	Issuance of common stock in satisfaction of debt principal		220,364			525,000
	Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option and warrant exercises		1,511,591			5,205,501
	Foreign currency translation		—			(112,552		)
	Net loss attributable to stockholders		—			(3,202,233		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014		22,964,708			$	34,790,532

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Numerators for basic and diluted loss per share data:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(3,151,186	)	$	(5,195,757	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(51,047		)	(1,708,163		)
	Net loss	$	(3,202,233	)	$	(6,903,920	)
	Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share data—weighted-average shares	20,144,062			12,089,151
	Basic and diluted per share data:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.43	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	—			(0.14		)
	Net loss	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.57	)

Business_Segments_and_Geograph1

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Financial Information by Business Segment	'
	Selected financial information of continuing operations by business segment is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems:
	Net product sales	$	4,818,430		$	3,505,095
	Contract services	3,136,443			902,162
	Total revenues	$	7,954,873		$	4,407,257
	Cost of Revenues
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems:
	Cost of product sales	$	3,657,804		$	2,603,876
	Cost of contract services	1,874,938			579,098
	Total cost of revenues	$	5,532,742		$	3,182,974
	Gross Margin
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems:
	Net product sales	$	1,160,626		$	901,219
	Contract services	1,261,505			323,064
	Total gross margin	$	2,422,131		$	1,224,283
	Operating Expenses
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems:
	Research and development	$	1,500,221		$	1,775,402
	Selling, general and administrative	818,304			1,367,761
	Total	$	2,318,525		$	3,143,163
	Corporate:
	Selling, general and administrative	1,737,151			1,960,846
	Total operating expenses	$	4,055,676		$	5,104,009
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems	$	103,606		$	(1,918,880	)
	Corporate	(1,737,151		)	(1,960,846		)
	Total operating loss	$	(1,633,545	)	$	(3,879,726	)
	Capital Expenditures
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems	$	2,542,010		$	592,677
	Total capital expenditures	$	2,542,010		$	592,677
	Depreciation
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems	$	319,761		$	244,287
	Corporate	9,498			10,315
	Total depreciation	$	329,259		$	254,602
Identifiable Assets by Reporting Segment	'
	Identifiable assets by reporting segment are as follows:
			31-Mar-14			December 31,
						2013
	Identifiable Assets
	Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems		$	31,743,621		$	31,727,999
	Renewable Energy - Held for Sale		24,816,804			26,358,742
	Corporate		18,511,286			7,917,801
			$	75,071,711		$	66,004,542

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen1

Background and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 06, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	29-May-13	Apr. 20, 2012
	Segment					June July 2012 Bridge Note	June July 2012 Bridge Note	Equipment	Trout Creek Wind Farm	Trout Creek Wind Farm	Trout Creek Wind Farm
	psi								MW	MW	MW
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reporting segments	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capacity of plant	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10	10	10
Hydrogen refueling systems, maximum storage capacity (in Psi)	10,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross sale lease back amount	'	'	'	'	$3,250,000	'	'	$3,118,717	'	'	'
Amount in escrow account	'	'	131,283	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross proceeds from issuance of debt	16,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Repayments of Long-term Debt	4,109,916	150,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	4,841,024	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from registered direct offering, gross	15,304,508	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from registered direct offering, shares	2,357,500	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from registered direct offering, net	15,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	16,417,373	1,516,799	6,254,359	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	5	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt obligations, current and non-current, principal	'	'	'	'	'	10,475,000	11,000,000	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	'	20,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$16,932,749	$1,549,302	$7,031,981	$2,013,738	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Discontinued_Operations_Histor

Discontinued Operations Historical Operating Results of Schneider Power Classified as Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Costs and expenses:	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	$2,555,455	$3,328,607
Research and development	1,500,221	1,775,402
Total costs and expenses	4,055,676	5,104,009
Operating income (loss)	-1,633,545	-3,879,726
Interest expense, net	-776,121	-1,395,433
Goodwill impairment	434,768	1,736,208
Segment, Discontinued Operations | Schneider Power	'	'
Revenue:	'	'
Revenue	898,458	857,958
Costs and expenses:	'	'
Cost of product sales	148,749	168,967
Selling, general and administrative	53,923	271,807
Research and development	0	16,872
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of discontinued operations	434,768	1,736,208
Total costs and expenses	637,440	2,193,854
Operating income (loss)	261,018	-1,335,896
Interest expense, net	-312,549	-372,267
Other	484	0
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes	($51,047)	($1,708,163)

Unaudited_Balance_Sheets_of_Sc

Unaudited Balance Sheets of Schneider Power, Classified as Discontinued Operations Held for Sale (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	29-May-13	Apr. 20, 2012	13-May-13
					Segment, Discontinued Operations	Segment, Discontinued Operations	Zephyr Farms Limited	Trout Creek Wind Farm	Trout Creek Wind Farm	Trout Creek Wind Farm	Providence Bay Wind Farm
					Schneider Power	Schneider Power	MW	MW	MW	MW	MW
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$16,932,749	$7,031,981	$1,549,302	$2,013,738	$515,376	$777,622	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	6,427,146	8,418,559	'	'	314,619	328,730	'	'	'	'	'
Prepaids and other current assets	1,673,489	1,629,668	'	'	311,181	218,593	'	'	'	'	'
Total current assets	31,050,657	22,639,311	'	'	1,141,176	1,324,945	'	'	'	'	'
Non-Current Assets:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Property and equipment, net	7,304,710	5,091,959	'	'	21,203,183	22,016,644	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset, net	'	'	700,000	'	1,519,380	1,577,672	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	12,400,000	12,400,000	1,000,000	'	2,300	452,682	'	'	'	'	'
Deposits and other assets	640,716	839,475	'	'	950,765	986,799	'	'	'	'	'
Total non-current assets	'	'	'	'	23,675,628	25,033,797	'	'	'	'	'
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	4,593,580	7,179,463	'	'	255,528	291,730	'	'	'	'	'
Accrued payroll obligations	1,070,689	1,154,346	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other accrued liabilities	409,330	496,726	'	'	243,304	344,919	'	'	'	'	'
Current portion of debt obligations	151,817	3,946,582	'	'	877,139	1,257,827	'	'	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	12,364,307	19,709,667	'	'	1,375,971	1,894,476	'	'	'	'	'
Non-Current Liabilities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt obligations, net of current portion	7,509,112	7,794,289	'	'	20,407,760	21,520,634	'	'	'	'	'
Total non-current liabilities	'	'	'	'	$20,407,760	$21,520,634	'	'	'	'	'
Capacity of plant	'	'	'	'	'	'	10	10	10	10	1.6

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 19, 2013

Mar. 19, 2013

Mar. 19, 2013

Mar. 19, 2013

Mar. 19, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

29-May-13

Apr. 20, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

13-May-13

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Amendment of Debt Agreement [Member]

Januay 31, 2014 [Member]

July 31,2018 [Member]

July 31,2022 [Member]

Jan 31, 2023 [Member]

Trout Creek Wind Farm

Trout Creek Wind Farm

Trout Creek Wind Farm

Zephyr Farms Limited

Providence Bay Wind Farm

Amendment of Debt Agreement [Member]

Amendment of Debt Agreement [Member]

Amendment of Debt Agreement [Member]

Amendment of Debt Agreement [Member]

MW

MW

MW

CAD

MW

CAD

CAD

CAD

CAD

MW

Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment of assets of discontinued operations held for sale

$434,768

$1,736,208

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capacity of plant

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

10

10

10

1.6

Bank term loan, principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,400,000

'

Bank Term Loan, interest rate

'

'

'

6.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Post Agreement Amendment

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Principal Balloon Payment Post Agreement Amendment

'

'

'

'

'

2,600,000

5,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Final Payment Post Agreement Amendment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized debt premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

Total amount of debt

7,660,929

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23,500,000

'

Accrued Interest on debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

Conversion rate of one CAD to one Dollar

0.905

'

0.94

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

12,400,000

1,000,000

12,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible asset, net

'

$700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net_Accounts_Receivable_of_Con

Net Accounts Receivable of Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'	'
Customer accounts billed	$4,625,312	$8,268,171
Customer accounts unbilled	2,134,521	549,072
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-332,687	-398,684
Accounts receivable, net	$6,427,146	$8,418,559

Inventories_Detail

Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Materials and parts	$6,480,554	$6,495,599
Work-in-process	246,716	1,146,589
Finished goods	2,601,725	1,246,753
Inventory, Gross, Total	9,328,995	8,888,941
Less: provision for obsolescence	-3,937,522	-3,877,161
Inventories, net	$5,391,473	$5,011,780

Changes_in_Property_and_Equipm

Changes in Property and Equipment of Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Property, Plant and Equipment [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$5,091,959	'	'
Additions	2,542,010	'	'
Depreciation	-329,259	-254,602	'
Ending Balance	7,304,710	'	'
Goodwill	12,400,000	1,000,000	12,400,000
Property and equipment in service, gross	'	'	'
Movement in Property, Plant and Equipment [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	32,789,612	'	'
Transfers	1,054,654	'	'
Ending Balance	33,844,266	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	'	'	'
Movement in Property, Plant and Equipment [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	-29,795,556	'	'
Depreciation	-329,259	'	'
Ending Balance	-30,124,815	'	'
Construction in Progress | Plant equipment & other	'	'	'
Movement in Property, Plant and Equipment [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	2,097,903	'	'
Additions	2,542,010	'	'
Transfers	-1,054,654	'	'
Ending Balance	3,585,259	'	'
Fuel Storage and Vehicle Systems [Member]	'	'	'
Movement in Property, Plant and Equipment [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill	'	'	$12,400,000

Continuing_Operations_Detail

- Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	$7,660,929	'
Capital lease obligations	2,269,071	2,472,887
Convertible notes	5,363,523	5,391,799
Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	7,660,929	11,740,871
Less: obligations classified as current, net of amortization of debt discounts	-151,817	-3,946,582
Debt obligations of continuing operations, non-current	7,509,112	7,794,289
Line of Credit	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	0	3,843,652
Other Debt Obligations	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	$28,335	$32,533

Warranties_Changes_in_Product_

Warranties - Changes in Product Warranty Liability (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	$399,171
Settlements made during the period	-22,875
Ending Balance	$376,296

Debt_Obligations_Continuing_Op

Debt Obligations - Continuing Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Capital Lease Obligation, Principal Amount	$2,247,358	$2,449,163
Line of Credit	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt obligations, current and non-current, principal	0	3,831,917
Debt obligations, current and non-current, accrued interest	0	11,735
Capital Lease Obligations	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt obligations, current and non-current, accrued interest	21,713	23,724
June July 2012 Bridge Note	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt obligations, current and non-current, principal	10,475,000	11,000,000
Debt obligations, current and non-current, accrued interest	112,896	62,944
Debt obligations, current and non-current, debt discount	$5,224,373	$5,671,145

Debt_Obligations_Minimum_Lease

Debt Obligations - Minimum Lease Payments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum lease payments under capital leases	'
Nine months ending December 31, 2014	$1,006,609
Twelve months ending December 31, 2015	1,810,301
Total minimum lease payments	2,816,910
Less: Amount representing interest	-569,552
Total present value of net minimum lease payments	2,247,358
Less: Current portion of the present value of minimum lease payments	-922,767
Capital lease obligation, net of current portion	$1,324,591

Debt_Obligations_Scheduled_Mat

Debt Obligations - Scheduled Maturities of Debt Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]	'	'
Line Of Credit Facility Additional Borrowing Capacity	'	$5,000,000
Debt Maturities	12,885,302	'
Amortization of Discount	-5,224,373	'
Net Maturities of Debt Obligations	7,660,929	'
Fiscal Year 2014	'	'
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Maturities	961,658	'
Amortization of Discount	-809,841	'
Net Maturities of Debt Obligations	151,817	'
Fiscal Year 2015	'	'
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Maturities	1,335,748	'
Amortization of Discount	-986,542	'
Net Maturities of Debt Obligations	349,206	'
Fiscal Year 2016	'	'
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Maturities	0	'
Amortization of Discount	-1,194,166	'
Net Maturities of Debt Obligations	-1,194,166	'
Fiscal Year 2017	'	'
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Maturities	0	'
Amortization of Discount	-1,449,661	'
Net Maturities of Debt Obligations	-1,449,661	'
Fiscal Year 2018	'	'
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Maturities	10,587,896	'
Amortization of Discount	-784,163	'
Net Maturities of Debt Obligations	$9,803,733	'

Debt_Obligations_Additional_In

Debt Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Feb. 15, 2014

Nov. 05, 2013

Sep. 18, 2013

7-May-12

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 14, 2014

Nov. 06, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 18, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 18, 2013

Oct. 24, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 06, 2012

Nov. 06, 2012

Equipment

Convertible Notes

Convertible Notes

Convertible Notes

Convertible Notes

June July 2012 Bridge Note

June July 2012 Bridge Note

Prepayment between November Seventh, Two Thousand Thirteen and November Sixth, Two Thousand Fourteen [Member]

Prepayemnt on or after November Seventh, Two Thousand Fourteen [Member]

Lead Investor

Board of Directors [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line Of Credit Facility Additional Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line credit facility, variable interest rate

'

'

'

5.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line credit facility, rate above prime rate

'

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount

'

'

'

'

'

50,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line credit facility, minimum asset coverage ratio

'

'

'

1.35

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Covernants, Asset Coverage Ratio Benchmark

'

'

'

'

1.35

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum

0.50%

9.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit maximum potencial availability

'

'

'

'

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross sale lease back amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,250,000

3,118,717

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount in escrow account

'

'

'

'

'

131,283

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital lease final payment

'

'

'

'

'

691,846

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations

'

'

'

'

335,537

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations Associated with Implied Interest Cost

'

'

'

'

133,731

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital Lease Obligation, Discount Rate for Lump Sum Prepayment Calculation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18.00%

23.00%

Promissory note, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.00%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Conversion price

'

'

'

'

$525,000

'

'

'

'

'

$2.38

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Shares, Issued

'

'

'

'

220,364

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued Interest

'

'

'

'

3,361

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Notes Payable, Current

'

'

'

'

480,093

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes Payable Principal

'

'

'

'

475,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes Payable Interest

'

'

'

'

5,093

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cap on liquidated damages, percentage gross proceeds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beneficial ownership cap

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19.99%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock warrants issued

'

810,805

3,411,235

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Convertible Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,420,898

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original issue discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,224,373

5,671,145

'

'

Gross proceeds from issuance of debt

'

'

'

'

16,600,000

'

'

'

'

11,000,000

'

10,000,000

50,000

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issuance cost

25,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of Lines of Credit

'

'

'

'

3.8

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reserves for Letters of Credit

'

'

'

'

$250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Changes_in_Fair_Value_of_Deriv

Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Instrument Liabilities using Level 3 Inputs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	$2,415,000
Settlement associated with warrant exercise	-387,920
Adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings	739,920
Proceeds from registered direct offering, shares	2,357,500
Ending Balance	2,767,000
Oct-06	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	2,344,000
Settlement associated with warrant exercise	-387,920
Adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings	693,920
Ending Balance	2,650,000
Feb-11	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	9,000
Adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings	26,000
Ending Balance	35,000
24-Jan-13	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning Balance	62,000
Adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings	20,000
Ending Balance	$82,000

Assumptions_used_in_Calculatin

Assumptions used in Calculating Fair Value of Derivative Instrument Liabilities Measured with Level Three Inputs (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
		Oct-06	Oct-06	Feb-11	Feb-11	24-Jan-13	24-Jan-13
Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Annual volatility	'	37.90%	33.60%	47.10%	40.60%	53.60%	51.20%
Risk-free rate	'	0.03%	0.09%	0.44%	0.38%	1.32%	1.75%
Dividend rate	'	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Closing price of Quantum stock	$7.05	$9.68	$7.80	$9.68	$7.80	$9.68	$7.80
Exercise price	'	$1.51	$1.51	$24	$24	$2.84	$2.84

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Nov. 05, 2013

Sep. 18, 2013

Jul. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 06, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct-06

Oct-06

Oct-06

18-Sep-13

Stock Incentive Plan 2011

Stock Incentive Plan 2011

Series B common stock

Series B common stock

Cliff Vest

Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross proceeds from issuance of debt

'

'

'

$16,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock, shares authorized

'

'

'

37,475,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

25,000

Share Price

'

'

'

$7.05

'

$9.68

$7.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders' Equity Note, Stock Split, Conversion Ratio

'

'

0.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

'

'

'

15,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants and Rights Outstanding

'

'

'

9,004,525

'

324,496

'

'

3,333,708

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, shares authorized

'

'

'

20,000,000

20,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

Options vesting percentage for first four anniversaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

33.33%

'

'

Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

775,000

'

'

'

Period after termination date during which vested options can be exercisable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'30 days

'

'

'

Possible increase in shares available for grant under stock options (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,000

'

'

'

Granted

'

'

'

1,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of possible increase in shares available for grant under stock options based on number of shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

'

Shares of restricted stock, remaining

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

651,094

'

'

'

Exercise Price at End of Period

'

'

'

'

'

1.51

'

'

2.3

'

'

'

'

Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights, Adjusted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.932

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from registered direct offering, gross

'

'

'

$15,304,508

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from registered direct offering, shares

'

'

'

2,357,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock warrants issued

810,805

3,411,235

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, par value

'

'

'

$0.00

$0.00

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Shares, Issued

'

'

'

2,357,500

12,499

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,499

Common stock, par value

'

'

'

$0.02

$0.02

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.02

$0.02

Stockholders_Equity_ShareBased

Stockholders' Equity - Share-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation	$90,356	$112,169
Cost of product sales	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation	7,608	5,466
Research and development	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation	18,431	22,484
Selling, general and administrative	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation	64,317	84,219
Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation	30,661	31,651
Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems | Cost of product sales	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation	7,608	5,466
Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems | Research and development	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation	18,431	22,484
Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems | Selling, general and administrative	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation	4,622	3,701
Corporate	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation	59,695	80,518
Corporate | Selling, general and administrative	'	'
Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based compensation	$59,695	$80,518

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Options Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Number of Shares	'	'
Options outstanding, beginning balance	278,645	'
Granted	1,500	'
Forfeited	-6,662	'
Expired	-8,347	'
Options outstanding, ending balance	264,857	'
Vested and expected to vest at end of period	246,044	'
Options exercisable at end of period	66,825	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'
Granted	$9.47	'
Forfeited	$15.01	'
Expired	$40.32	'
Options outstanding, ending balance	$12.63	$13.37
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	-279	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.46	'
Vested and expected to vest at end of period	$13.41	'
Options exercisable at end of period	$42.90	'
Weighted Average Remaining Life (In Years)	'	'
Options outstanding at end of the year	'8 years 8 months 12 days	'
Vested and expected to vest at end of period	'8 years 7 months 6 days	'
Options exercisable at end of period	'6 years 8 months 12 days	'

Stockholders_Equity_Warrant_Ac

Stockholders' Equity - Warrant Activity and Warrants Outstanding (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]	'
Warrants outstanding, beginning balance	10,852,747
Exercised	1,745,812
Expired	102,410
Warrants outstanding, ending balance	9,004,525

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Outstanding Warrant (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	$9,004,525
Oct-06	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	27-Apr-14
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	324,496
Exercise Price at End of Period	1.51
22-Jun-07	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	22-Dec-14
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	64,392
Exercise Price at End of Period	167.2
25-Aug-08	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	25-Aug-15
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	349,741
Exercise Price at End of Period	154.4
3-Aug-09	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	3-Aug-14
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	7,985
Exercise Price at End of Period	68
4-Sep-09	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	4-Sep-14
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	20,834
Exercise Price at End of Period	68
April 30, 2010 through July 1, 2010	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	55,473
Exercise Price at End of Period	72.8
April 30, 2010 through July 1, 2010 | Minimum	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	30-Apr-15
April 30, 2010 through July 1, 2010 | Maximum	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	1-Jul-15
October 13, 2010 and October 19, 2010	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	9,037
Exercise Price at End of Period	53.6
October 13, 2010 and October 19, 2010 | Minimum	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	13-Oct-15
October 13, 2010 and October 19, 2010 | Maximum	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	19-Oct-15
18-Feb-11	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	18-Feb-16
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	189,836
Exercise Price at End of Period	26.28
February 18, 2011; Series B | Series B	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	18-Feb-16
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	98,481
Exercise Price at End of Period	24
9-May-11	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	8-May-14
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	19,611
Exercise Price at End of Period	11.68
20-May-11	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	19-May-14
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	22,576
Exercise Price at End of Period	11.68
June 15, 2011, first issue	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	15-Jun-16
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	361,458
Exercise Price at End of Period	15.4
June 15, 2011, second issue	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	15-Jun-18
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	11,250
Exercise Price at End of Period	12.48
June 15, 2011, third issue	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	15-Jun-18
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	30,064
Exercise Price at End of Period	15.4
June 20, 2011, first issue	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	20-Jun-16
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	14,269
Exercise Price at End of Period	15.6
June 20, 2011, second issue	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	20-Jun-18
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	31
Exercise Price at End of Period	15.6
6-Jul-11	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	6-Jul-16
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	104,929
Exercise Price at End of Period	15.4
23-Aug-11	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	23-Aug-16
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	28,750
Exercise Price at End of Period	15.4
29-Sep-11	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	29-Sep-16
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	4,782
Exercise Price at End of Period	3.32
12-Oct-11	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	12-Oct-16
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	115,314
Exercise Price at End of Period	3.32
October 17, 2011 through October 21, 2011	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	19,138
Exercise Price at End of Period	10.56
October 17, 2011 through October 21, 2011 | Minimum	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	17-Oct-16
October 17, 2011 through October 21, 2011 | Maximum	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	21-Oct-16
2-Nov-11	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	2-Nov-14
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	134,998
Exercise Price at End of Period	8.48
21-Dec-11	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	21-Dec-16
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	855,563
Exercise Price at End of Period	4.88
19-Jan-12	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	19-Jan-17
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	33,187
Exercise Price at End of Period	4.88
March 20, 2012; Series B | Series B	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	20-Mar-17
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	1,311,000
Exercise Price at End of Period	4.08
March 21, 2012; Series B | Series B	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	21-Mar-17
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	735,900
Exercise Price at End of Period	4.08
May 3,2012; Series B | Series B	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	3-May-17
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	27,612
Exercise Price at End of Period	4.08
June 4, 2012; Series B | Series B	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	4-Jun-17
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	51,112
Exercise Price at End of Period	4.08
7-May-12	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	7-May-19
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	50,000
Exercise Price at End of Period	3.6
8-May-12	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	8-May-19
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	0
Exercise Price at End of Period	3.6
22-Jun-12	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	22-Jun-17
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	572,860
Exercise Price at End of Period	3.4
25-Jul-12	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	25-Jul-17
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	34,888
Exercise Price at End of Period	3.56
24-Jan-13	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	25-Jul-18
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	11,250
Exercise Price at End of Period	2.84
18-Sep-13	'
Warranty Liability [Line Items]	'
Expiration Date	18-Mar-19
Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants	$3,333,708
Exercise Price at End of Period	2.3

Stockholders_Equity_Shares_Ava

Stockholders' Equity - Shares Available (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 20, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	2,357,500	'	12,499
Common Stock Over-Allotment	'	307,500	'
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	$15,300,000	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	37,475,000	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.02	'	$0.02
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	'	20,000,000
Shares, Outstanding	-22,964,708	'	-18,875,253
Stock options	-264,857	'	-278,645
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding	-9,004,525	'	-10,852,747
Principal of notes payable	5,363,523	'	5,391,799
Conversion price	$525,000	'	'
Common stock	'	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	22,975,333	'	18,885,878
Common stock, shares authorized	37,475,000	'	37,475,000
Common stock, par value	$0.02	'	$0.02
Shares, Outstanding	-22,964,708	'	'
Stock options	-915,951	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding	-9,004,525	'	'
Conversion of principal under convertible notes	-4,396,823	'	'
Undesignated Shares Available	192,993	'	'
Principal of notes payable	$10,500,000	'	'
Conversion price	$2.38	'	'
Series B common stock	'	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	'	'	12,499
Common stock, shares authorized	0	'	25,000
Common stock, par value	$0.02	'	$0.02
Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	'	'
Undesignated Shares Available	20,000,000	'	'
Stock Incentive Plan 2011	'	'	'
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares available for grant	651,094	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde

Stockholders' Equity - Stockholders' Equity Roll-forward (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	220,364	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities	$525,000	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning Balance (in shares)	18,875,253	'
Beginning Balance	16,979,952	'
Share-based compensation (in shares)	0	'
Share-based compensation	90,356	'
Issuance of common stock to investors	15,304,508	'
Issuance of common stock to investors (in shares)	2,357,500	'
Issuance of common stock in connection with warrant exercises (in shares)	1,511,591	'
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option and warrant exercises	5,205,501	'
Foreign currency translation	-112,552	'
Net loss attributable to stockholders	-3,202,233	-6,903,920
Ending Balance (in shares)	22,964,708	'
Ending Balance	$34,790,532	'

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Comput

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Numerators for basic and diluted loss per share data:	'	'
Net loss from continuing operations	($3,151,186)	($5,195,757)
Net loss from discontinued operations	-51,047	-1,708,163
Net loss attributable to stockholders	($3,202,233)	($6,903,920)
Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share data-weighted-average shares	20,144,062	12,089,151
Basic and diluted per share data:	'	'
Net loss from continuing operations per share	($0.16)	($0.43)
Net loss from discontinued operations	$0	($0.14)
Net loss attributable to stockholders	($0.16)	($0.57)

Business_Segments_and_Geograph2

Business Segments and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	Segment
	psi
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reporting segments	3
Hydrogen storage capacity (in Psi)	10,000

Financial_Information_of_Conti

Financial Information of Continuing Operations by Business Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of reporting segments	3	'	'
Total revenue	$7,954,873	$4,407,257	'
Cost of revenues	5,532,742	3,182,974	'
Gross profit	2,422,131	1,224,283	'
Research and development	1,500,221	1,775,402	'
Selling, general and administrative	2,555,455	3,328,607	'
Total Costs And Expenses	4,055,676	5,104,009	'
Operating income (loss)	-1,633,545	-3,879,726	'
Capital Expenditures	2,542,010	592,677	'
Depreciation	329,259	254,602	'
Identified Assets	75,071,711	'	66,004,542
Fuel Storage & Vehicle Systems	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net product sales	4,818,430	3,505,095	'
Contract revenue	3,136,443	902,162	'
Total revenue	7,954,873	4,407,257	'
Cost of product sales	3,657,804	2,603,876	'
Contract Revenue Cost	1,874,938	579,098	'
Cost of revenues	5,532,742	3,182,974	'
Gross Profit, Goods	1,160,626	901,219	'
Gross Profit, Contract Services	1,261,505	323,064	'
Gross profit	2,422,131	1,224,283	'
Research and development	1,500,221	1,775,402	'
Selling, general and administrative	818,304	1,367,761	'
Total Costs And Expenses	2,318,525	3,143,163	'
Operating income (loss)	103,606	-1,918,880	'
Capital Expenditures	2,542,010	592,677	'
Depreciation	319,761	244,287	'
Identified Assets	31,743,621	'	31,727,999
Renewable Energy	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Identified Assets	24,816,804	'	26,358,742
Corporate	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	1,737,151	1,960,846	'
Operating income (loss)	-1,737,151	-1,960,846	'
Depreciation	9,498	10,315	'
Identified Assets	$18,511,286	'	$7,917,801

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Feb. 15, 2014	Nov. 05, 2013	Sep. 18, 2013	Nov. 04, 2014	Jun. 06, 2013
					Oct-06
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	'	$4,100,000	'	'	'
Common stock warrants issued	'	810,805	3,411,235	'	'
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights, Adjusted	'	'	'	'	0.932
Litigation Settlement, Expense	'	500,000	'	'	'
Common stock	'	'	'	$852,220	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	0.50%	9.00%	'	'	'

Subsequent_Events_Detail

Subsequent Events (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Cash Proceeds	$4,841,024	$0