Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide (QTWW) 10-K 16 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 07, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	QTWW
Entity Registrant Name	QUANTUM FUEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1166380
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float			$132,264,562
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		27,878,545

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,103,841	$6,254,359
Accounts receivable, net	11,626,467	8,418,559
Inventories, net	8,872,704	5,011,780
Prepaids and other current assets	1,261,953	1,629,668
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	1,049,603	1,324,945
Total current assets	26,914,568	22,639,311
Property and equipment, net	9,762,341	5,091,959
Restricted assets held in escrow	1,500,000
Goodwill	12,400,000	12,400,000
Deposits and other assets	487,209	839,475
Assets of discontinued operations held for sale	22,112,396	25,033,797
Total assets	71,676,514	66,004,542
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,313,192	7,179,463
Accrued payroll obligations	1,263,257	1,154,346
Deferred revenue	2,990,908	2,223,903
Accrued warranties	611,999	399,171
Derivative instruments	7,000	2,415,000
Other accrued liabilities	1,010,340	496,726
Debt obligations, current portion	5,177,207	3,946,582
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	1,550,164	1,894,476
Total current liabilities	21,924,067	19,709,667
Debt obligations, net of current portion	7,053,195	7,794,289
Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	19,094,320	21,520,634
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock	465,525	377,505
Additional paid-in-capital	514,065,280	492,360,165
Accumulated deficit	-490,426,307	-475,502,703
Accumulated other comprehensive loss in discontinued operations	-499,566	-255,015
Total stockholders' equity	23,604,932	16,979,952
Total liabilities and equity	$71,676,514	$66,004,542

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 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, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.02
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000
Common Stock
Common stock, par value	$0.02	$0.02
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	49,900,000
Common stock, shares issued	18,885,878	26,617,369
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,875,253	26,617,369
Common stock, treasury, shares	10,625	10,625

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$34,102,994	$31,903,690
Cost of Revenue	28,964,490	21,558,161
Gross profit	5,138,504	10,345,529
Operating expenses:
Research and development	7,616,018	5,996,414
Selling, general and administrative	10,238,254	11,086,020
Total costs and expenses	17,854,272	17,082,434
Operating loss	-12,715,768	-6,736,905
Interest expense, net	-2,051,160	-4,877,122
Fair value adjustments of derivative instruments, net	2,018,864	-8,421,268
Other, net	-1,736,206	17,357
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	-14,484,270	-20,017,938
Income tax benefit (expense)	-1,600	-1,600
Loss from continuing operations	-14,485,870	-20,019,538
Net loss from discontinued operations	-437,734	-3,025,028
Net loss	-14,923,604	-23,044,566
Per share data - Basic and diluted:
Loss from continuing operations	($0.65)	($1.37)
Loss from discontinued operations	($0.02)	($0.20)
Net loss attributable to stockholders (in dollars per share)	($0.67)	($1.57)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted	22,407,818	14,642,320
Comprehensive loss:
Net loss attributable to stockholders	-14,923,604	-23,044,566
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	-244,551	-340,996
Reclassification of accumulated foreign currency translation in connection with asset impairments, net of tax		8,127
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-244,551	-332,869
Comprehensive loss attributable to stockholders	($15,168,155)	($23,377,435)

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Investor	Common Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
				Investor		Investor
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$16,979,952		$238,804		$466,363,910		($452,458,137)	$77,854
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013			11,940,183
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Share-based compensation on stock option and restricted stock awards (in shares)			126,250
Share-based compensation on stock option and restricted stock awards	502,975		2,525		437,368
Issuance of common stock (in shares)				-3,185,846
Issuance of common stock	5,965,762	15,259,620		63,717		5,198,594
Exchange of shares in connection with conversion provision (in shares)			12,499
Exchange of shares in connection with conversion provision			250
Issuance of common stock in connection with warrant exercises (in shares)			2,858,695
Issuance of common stock in connection with warrant exercises	5,116,403		57,174		13,030,721
Issuance of warrants in connection with debt issuances	525,000		0		2,946,876
Reclassification from debt to equity upon exercise and settlement of warrant exchange (in shares)	751,780
Reclassification from debt to equity upon exercise and settlement of derivative warrant exchange			15,035		1,781,042
Reclassification of financial instrument from equity to debt					2,601,654
Foreign currency translation	-244,551							-340,996
Reclassification of accumulated foreign currency translation in connection with asset impairments								8,127
Net loss	-14,923,604						-23,044,566
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$23,604,932		$377,505		$492,360,165		($475,502,703)	($255,015)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			18,875,253

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(USD ($))	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	($14,923,604)	($23,044,566)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from operations to cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation on property and equipment	1,475,298	1,082,347
Impairment of assets of discontinued operations held for sale	882,298	2,665,503
Share-based compensation charges	565,990	439,893
Fair value adjustments of derivative instruments	-2,018,864	8,421,268
Interest on debt obligations	1,301,781	3,115,202
Loss on sale of assets of discontinued operations	0	308,482
(Recovery) Provisions for bad debt	-99,947	535,957
Inventory obsolescence	68,584	517,397
Other non-cash items	0	9,728
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-3,017,541	-5,335,060
Inventories	-3,929,508	-3,142,590
Other assets	-20,320	683,735
Accounts payable	2,179,305	2,700,877
Deferred revenue and other accrued liabilities	1,373,291	992,371
Net cash used in operating activities	-16,163,237	-10,049,456
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases and development of property and equipment	-6,145,680	-3,194,554
Proceeds from sale of asset held for sale	0	1,108,499
Other	0	1,300
Net cash used in investing activities	-6,145,680	-2,084,755
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt and warrants, net of transaction fees	0	12,500,000
Proceeds from borrowings under line of credit	4,500,000	831,917
Debt and warrant issuance costs	0	-867,165
Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit	-3,831,917	0
Payments on debt obligations	-552,966	-8,741,060
Borrowings on capital leases and other financing	316,038	1,462,014
Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	872,929	696,947
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants, net of transaction fees	16,620,375	7,506,907
Common stock and warrant issuance costs	-1,360,755	-694,170
Proceeds from Warrant Exercises	5,140,534	5,965,692
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	-63,015	0
Other	-85,152	-27,289
Net cash provided by financing activties	19,810,213	17,239,899
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-37,391	-87,445
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-2,536,095	5,018,243
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	7,031,981	2,013,738
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,495,886	7,031,981
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period: Continuing operations	4,103,841	6,254,359
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period: Discontinued operations	392,045	777,622
Exercise of warrants classified as derivative instruments:
Decrease in derivative instruments associated with warrants	389,137	8,915,268
Increase in common stock and additional paid-in-capital	-389,137	-8,915,268
Conversion of debt to equity:
Decrease in debt principal and interest	525,000	0
Increase in common stock and additional paid-in-capital	-525,000	0
Recognition of derivative liabilities in connection with debt issuance:
Decrease in debt obligations	0	705,000
Increase in derivative liabilities	0	-705,000
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	1,987,472	3,072,930
Income taxes	$1,600	$1,600

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen

Background and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background and Basis of Presentation	Background and Basis of Presentation
	We are a leader in the innovation, development and production of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel storage tanks and packaged fuel storage systems and the integration of vehicle system technologies, including engine and vehicle control systems and drivetrains.
	We produce innovative, advanced and light-weight CNG storage tanks, and supply these tanks, in addition to fully-integrated natural gas storage systems, to truck and automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket and OEM truck integrators. We also provide low emission and fast-to-market solutions to support the integration and production of natural gas fuel and storage systems, hydrogen fuel and storage systems, hybrid technologies and specialty vehicles, as well as hydrogen refueling systems and dispensers.
	Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “our,” “us,” “Quantum” and similar expressions refers to Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. and Subsidiaries.
	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 principal office is located in Lake Forest, California.
	We classify our business operations into three reporting segments: Fuel Storage & 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 & Systems Segment
	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 primarily manufacture and supply CNG storage and fuel systems for a variety of heavy, medium and light-duty trucks and passenger vehicles. We also provide design, engineering development and packaging, production validation and system integration for transportation applications, including hydrogen fuel storage and hybrid technologies. 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 Segment
	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.
	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 megawatt (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 near the end of 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 which represents a substantial portion of the remaining assets and liabilities of Schneider Power as of December 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 held for sale.
	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 & 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.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). 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 consolidated financial statements for the periods presented include the accounts of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., and our wholly owned subsidiary, Schneider Power Inc. (Schneider Power).
	Schneider Power is an independent power producer and holder of interests in certain renewable energy projects. Schneider Power's portfolio includes the 10.0 megawatt Zephyr operating wind farm located in Ontario, Canada. In August 2012, we committed to a plan to sell the Schneider Power business and initiated steps to locate buyers. To date, we have completed the sale of certain assets as further discussed in Note 3. We continue to actively seek one or more buyers for Schneider Power's remaining operations and assets. As a result of these actions and our expectations for a completion of a sale of the business within the next year, the historical activities and balances of Schneider Power are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
	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 consolidated financial statements, we have evaluated subsequent events. For purposes of these consolidated financial statements, subsequent events are those events that occurred after the most recent balance sheet date presented but before the consolidated financial statements are issued or available to be issued.
	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. Concurrently, our authorized shares of common stock were reduced proportionately from 150,000,000 to 37,500,000, of which 25,000 shares were designated as Series B non-voting common stock. The reverse stock split did not affect our 20,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effects of the reverse stock split.
	Authorized Shares
	Effective December 31, 2013, General Motors Holdings, LLC (“GM Holdings”), the only holder of our issued and outstanding Series B Stock, exchanged all 12,499 of its 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. On May 6, 2014, our certificate of incorporation was further amended to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 37,475,000 to 50,000,000.
	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 in this report as the twelve month period ending December 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.
	For purposes of our assessment, we consider the $4.1 million of cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014, the $3.0 million of potential availability under our expanded $7.5 million line of credit (as last amended on February 10, 2015), and the $10.5 million in net proceeds received from our February 18, 2015 underwritten public offering subsequent to the balance sheet date, as principal sources of capital.
	Based on our current operating plan and expectations, we believe we have sufficient available capital through at least December 31, 2015 to cover our existing operations and obligations. 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.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include assessing our levels of liquidity needs through December 31, 2015, collectability of accounts receivable, estimates of contract costs and percentage of completion, the use and recoverability of inventory, the carrying amounts and fair value of assets held for sale, long-lived assets and goodwill, including estimates of future cash flows and market valuations associated with asset impairment evaluations, the fair value of derivatives associated with debt instruments and warrants, the realization of deferred taxes, useful lives for depreciation/ 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.
	Foreign Currency
	The books and records of our wholly-owned subsidiary held for sale, Schneider Power, are maintained in a functional currency, the Canadian dollar, that differs from the United States (U.S.) dollar functional currency that is reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	Schneider Power's assets and liabilities are translated at rates of exchange in effect at the end of the reporting periods. Schneider Power's revenues and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange for the applicable period. Foreign currency translation gains or losses are accumulated within other comprehensive income or loss as a separate component of stockholders' equity.
	Revenue Recognition
	We generally manufacture products based on specific orders from customers. Revenue is recognized when the earnings process is complete and collectability is reasonably assured, which for product sales is generally upon shipment from our warehouse or shipment from warehouses of certain component suppliers that we have contractual relationships with. We include the costs of shipping and handling, when incurred, in cost of goods sold.
	Contract services revenue is derived primarily from services related to system development and application engineering and qualification testing of our products and systems under funded contracts with OEMs and other customers. Contract services revenue is recognized principally by the percentage of completion method. For applicable contracts, we generally estimate percentage complete by determining cost incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated cost at completion. For certain other contracts, percentage complete is determined by measuring progress towards contract deliverables if it is determined that this methodology more closely tracks the realization of the earnings process. For contracts measured under the estimated cost approach, we believe we can generally make dependable estimates of the revenue and costs applicable to various stages of a contract. Recognized revenue and profit are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Our estimates of contract costs are based on expectations of engineering development time and materials and other support costs. These estimates can change based on unforeseen technology and integration issues, but known risk factors and contract challenges are generally allowed for in the initial scope and cost estimate of the program. Revisions in profit estimates are charged to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. We also recognize contract services revenue under certain other arrangements on a time and material basis.
	In certain circumstances, customers pay one price for multiple products and services. Consideration from multiple element arrangements is allocated among the separate units of accounting based on the relative selling price method.
	Revenues of our discontinued operations held for sale principally include energy generation sales associated with wind farm operations which are recognized at the time of generation and delivery to the purchasing utility providers as metered at the point of interconnection with the transmission systems. The rates paid by the respective purchasing utility providers are established in Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) executed between us and the utility providers.
	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Equipment used in research and development with alternative future uses is capitalized and only the current period depreciation is charged to research and development.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	All unrestricted highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.
	Cash Flow Presentation
	We report cash flows under the indirect method.
	Accounts Receivable
	We sell to customers using credit terms customary in our industry. Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition, and when credit is extended, collateral is generally not required. Interest is not normally charged on receivables. We establish an allowance for potential losses on our accounts receivable based on historical loss experience and current economic conditions. Accounts receivable are charged off to the allowance when we determine that the account is uncollectible.
	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for all inventories. Market is determined by replacement cost for raw materials and parts and net realizable value for work-in-process and finished goods. Our business is subject to the risk of technological and design changes. We provide for obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on our analysis of inventory levels and future sales forecasts at the end of each accounting period.
	Long-Lived Assets, Including Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Property and equipment, which includes amounts recorded under capital leases, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation on property and equipment (other than land which is not depreciated) is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We are depreciating tooling, dies and molds over 5 years; plant machinery and equipment between 7 years and 15 years; information systems and office equipment over periods of 3 to 7 years; and automobiles and trucks over 5 years. Amortization of leasehold improvements is provided using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. We amortize acquired intangible assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 20 years.
	Major renewals and improvements are capitalized and minor replacements, maintenance and repairs are charged to current operations as incurred. Upon retirement or disposal of assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheets and any gain or loss is reflected in the statements of operations.
	Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in acquisitions and is allocated to our business segments. Goodwill is not amortized and is assessed at least annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable.
	We evaluate the recoverability of property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets for impairment when events or circumstances occur such as, a significant decrease in market value of an asset, an adverse change in business climate, a current expectation to dispose before end of estimated useful life, a significant change in extent or manner in which the asset is used or a significant physical change to the asset, that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when an indicator of impairment is present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying amount.
	Warranty Costs
	We offer a warranty for production level storage systems, tanks, component parts and other alternative fuel products shipped to our customers in trucking applications. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending on the customer requirements; however, CNG systems are generally sold with a warranty of two years or 200,000 miles, whichever occurs first. 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.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We account for conversion features contained within certain of our debt instruments and exercise features of certain of our warrant contracts as derivative financial instruments as further discussed in Notes 9 and 10.
	The derivative financial instruments, which are classified as liabilities, are recorded at fair value and marked to market each period. Changes in fair value of the derivatives each period resulting from a movement in the share price of our common stock or the passage of time are recognized as fair value adjustments of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Changes in fair value resulting from the modification to the terms of the derivative are recognized as a gain or loss on modification of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. We also use a two step approach to evaluate whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to our own stock, including evaluating the instrument’s contingent exercise and settlement provisions.
	Derivative instruments are presented as current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet if (i): the terms allow the holder to convert debt principal or demand principal repayments associated with derivative instruments within twelve months of the balance sheet date or (ii) in the case of warrants, certain contractual provisions under the warrant contracts could require immediate cash payment due to events that are outside of our control. These types of derivative instruments are similar in nature to demand obligations because the settlement of the obligations could require cash payment within the current operating cycle.
	Income Taxes
	The asset and liability approach is used to recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date (see Note 12).
	We account for uncertainties in income tax law under a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. We recognize the tax effects of a position if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority as of the reporting date. If the tax position is not considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained, then no benefits of the position are recognized.
	Share-Based Compensation
	We account for share-based compensation expense by recognizing the estimated fair value of stock options and restricted stock issued to our employees on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting period as an expense, reduced for estimated forfeitures.
	Segment Information
	We classify our continuing business operations into two segments: Fuel Storage & Vehicles Systems and Corporate which are discussed further in Note 14. Our Renewable Energy business segment is classified as discontinued operations held for sale which is discussed further in Note 3.
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under GAAP are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income or loss attributable to stockholders, as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders' equity. The change in our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods presented is associated with activity resulting from the effects of currency translation.
	Interest Expense
	We recognize the amortization of deferred loan origination costs and debt discounts as interest expense under the effective interest method over the life of the applicable arrangements.
	Financial Instruments, Hedging Derivatives, and Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that we enter into consist principally of cash equivalents, trade receivables and payables, stock options and warrants, and debt obligations.
	We conduct a major portion of our business with a limited number of customers and suppliers. See further discussion of revenue and purchase concentrations of our continuing operations in Note 15.
	Fair Values Measurements
	We determine fair values of our assets and liabilities based on the three level valuation hierarchy established in accordance with accounting guidance for measuring fair value. The valuation hierarchy 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 three level 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.
	We have adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic No. 825 “Financial Instruments” (ASC 825), which allows an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for specified financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. We did not elect to adopt the fair value option for any of our financial assets or liabilities that were not already measured on a recurring basis. Based on certain qualifying events, we may elect to adopt the fair value option in the future for certain financial assets and liabilities.
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2014 and 2013. See further discussion of fair value measurements in Note 9.
	New Accounting Pronouncement
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 outlines principles that govern revenue recognition at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products are transferred to customers. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for us in the first quarter of 2017. ASU 2014-09 may be applied retrospectively for each period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized in the opening retained earnings balance in 2017. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting the new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations_Held_f

Discontinued Operations Held for Sale - Schneider Power	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations Held for Sale - Schneider Power	Discontinued Operations Held for Sale —Schneider Power
	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. During the periods presented, we completed the sale of certain assets as discussed below.
	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.
	The conversion rate of one CAD to one US Dollar was 0.86 to 1.0 as of December 31, 2014 and 0.94 to 1.0 as of December 31, 2013.
	Divestitures
	In May 2013, we completed the sale of Schneider Power's 1.6 MW Providence Bay wind farm (Providence Bay) in exchange for Canadian Dollar (CAD) $403,373 in cash and the assumption of CAD $1,111,977 of bank debt and certain other project related liabilities. The sale of Providence Bay resulted in the recognition of a loss of CAD $55,012 related to the disposal.
	In May 2013, we announced that we had entered into definitive agreements for the sale of the 10.0 MW Trout Creek development project (Trout Creek), which sale will occur in two phases. The closing for the first phase, which resulted in the sale of a majority interest in Trout Creek, was completed in September 2013 for CAD $971,250 in cash and the assumption of CAD $236,709 of project related liabilities. The closing of the first phase of the sale of Trout Creek resulted in the recognition of a loss of CAD $165,297 related to the disposal. In connection with the closing of the first phase, we recorded an asset of CAD $907,558, representing the fair value of contingent consideration of CAD $1,143,750 that will be payable to Schneider Power if the Trout Creek project achieves commercial operation. The sale of the remaining interest in the Trout Creek wind farm project is expected to be completed near the end of 2015, subject to the project achieving commercial operation.
	In December 2013, we completed the sale of three development projects for CAD $75,000 in cash and an asset of CAD $125,904, representing the fair value of the contingent consideration that will be payable if any one or more of the three development projects reach commercial operation. The sale of the three development projects resulted in the recognition of a loss of CAD $105,220.
	The following table provides the results of Schneider Power, classified as discontinued operations, for the years ended December 31:
			2014			2013
	Revenue:
	Net product sales		$	2,363,324		$	2,736,146
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of product sales		580,753			674,536
	Research and development		—			16,872
	Selling, general and administrative		158,970			998,959
	Impairments of long-lived operating assets (1)		882,297			2,665,503
	Loss on sale of assets (2)		—			308,482
	Total costs and expenses		1,622,020			4,664,352
	Operating income (loss)		741,304			(1,928,206		)
	Interest expense, net		(1,255,567		)	(1,410,560		)
	Other income, net (3)		76,529			227,846
	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes		(437,734		)	(3,110,920		)
	Income tax benefit		—			85,892
	Net loss from discontinued operations held for sale		$	(437,734	)	$	(3,025,028	)
	-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 available Level 3 inputs such as market conditions and pending agreements to sell the assets. Based on assessments that we updated during 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. In 2014, we recognized $0.9 million of impairment charges, of which $0.4 million related to goodwill impairment and $0.5 million related to intangible assets associated with SPI's development pipeline projects compared to $2.7 million recognized in 2013, of which $1.8 million related to goodwill associated with Zephyr, $0.8 million related to assets associated with Schneider Power's development project pipeline and $0.1 million related to property and equipment associated with the Providence Bay Wind Farm.
	-2	Represents the loss recognized upon the sale of the Providence Bay wind farm and certain wind farm development projects.
	-3	For 2014, represents an approved insurance claim associated with turbine downtime during 2012. For 2013, represents return of a development deposit associated with a wind farm development project that was abandoned in 2011.
	The balance sheets of Schneider Power, classified as discontinued operations held for sale, are as follows for the year ended December 31:
			2014			2013
	Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	392,045		$	777,622
	Accounts receivable, net		221,943			328,730
	Prepaids and other current assets		435,615			218,593
	Total current assets		$	1,049,603		$	1,324,945
	Non-Current Assets:
	Property and equipment, net (1)		$	20,190,824		$	22,016,644
	Intangible asset, net (2)		1,014,185			1,577,672
	Goodwill (3)		2,191			452,682
	Deposits and other assets (4)		905,196			986,799
	Total non-current assets		$	22,112,396		$	25,033,797
	Current Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	275,628		$	291,730
	Other accrued liabilities		101,015			344,919
	Current portion of debt obligations (5)		1,173,521			1,257,827
	Total current liabilities		$	1,550,164		$	1,894,476
	Non-Current Liabilities:
	Debt obligations, net of current portion (5)		$	19,094,320		$	21,520,634
	Total non-current liabilities		$	19,094,320		$	21,520,634
	-1	Consists mainly of wind turbine assets of the 10 megawatt Zephyr Wind Farm acquired in April 2012. Depreciation was ceased in 2012 upon the classification of the operations as held for sale. Accumulated depreciation of property and equipment at December 31, 2014 was $193,284.
	-2	Consists of project assets associated with Schneider Power's renewable energy portfolio and power purchase agreements associated with the Zephyr Wind Farm.The estimated useful lives for the intangible assets associated with Zephyr Wind Farm are 20 years; however, amortization was ceased in 2012 upon the classification of the operations as held for sale.
	-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 the Trout Creek 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 Farms Limited (Zephyr) and its 10 MW wind farm (Zephyr Wind Farm) on April 20, 2012, Schneider Power assumed a credit facility owed to Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (Samsung) related to the project (the Samsung Debt). The Samsung Debt had a total principal and interest amount of CAD $23.2 million as of the date of the acquisition. Pursuant to the original terms of the Samsung Debt, Zephyr was required to make regularly scheduled semi-annual principal and interest payments, accruing at a rate of 6.5% per annum, for a period of ten years, as follows: (1) eighteen semi-annual payments of principal and interest in the approximate amount of CAD $1.05 million commencing six months following the date that the Zephyr wind farm achieved commercial operations (which event occurred in May 2012), (ii) a principal balloon payment in year five in the approximate amount of CAD $5.3 million and (iii) a final payment in year ten in the approximate amount of CAD $9.6 million.
	On March 19, 2013, Schneider Power and Zephyr entered into a Master Amendment Agreement with Samsung to resolve certain issues with respect to the performance of the wind turbines purchased by Zephyr from Samsung for use by the Zephyr Wind Farm pursuant to which the parties agreed to, among other things, (i) revise the turbine delivery date to February 1, 2013, thus, extending the grace period (and Zephyr's right to claim performance related liquidated damages) to January 31, 2013, (ii) waive all of Zephyr's fee obligations under an operations and maintenance agreement between Zephyr and Samsung applicable to the turbines owned and operated by Zephyr that would have been payable to Samsung through January 31, 2013, (iii) waive a portion of the interest component that would have been payable to Samsung through January 31, 2013, and (iv) restructure the repayment terms of the principal obligations owed by Zephyr to Samsung under the Samsung Debt. In connection with the execution of the Master Amendment Agreement, Zephyr and Samsung also executed an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Except for the modifications to the repayment terms of the principal and interest obligations owed under the Credit Agreement, no other material amendments were made to the Credit Agreement.
	Based on the present value of the cash flows of the amended Samsung Debt, we determined that the March 2013 modified terms were not substantially different from the original payment terms.
	Upon execution of the Master Amendment Agreement, Zephyr was obligated to repay the Samsung Debt, together with interest at a rate of 6.5% per year, over a ten year period, as follows: (i) an interest payment of CAD $100,000 that was made before March 31, 2013, (ii) an interest only payment in the approximate amount of CAD $1.3 million that was made on August 12, 2013 (the scheduled payment date was on July 31, 2013 but was subsequently extended to August 15, 2013), (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 December 31, 2014, the total amount of the Samsung Debt was CAD $23.5 million, which consisted of CAD $22.1 million of principal, CAD $0.8 million of unamortized premium and CAD $0.6 million of accrued interest.
	On January 8, 2015, Schneider Power and Zephyr notified Samsung of their assertion that Samsung is in default of its obligations under the Turbine Supply Agreement dated June 30, 2010, as amended, and the Operations and Maintenance Agreement dated May 22, 2012. Under the terms of the Operations and Maintenance Agreement, Samsung is contractually required to maintain an average availability at or above 96% for the wind turbines purchased by Zephyr from Samsung. As a result of specifically identified operating and maintenance issues during the past six month period that Samsung has acknowledged, the average availability is materially below the minimum contractual levels and therefore Zephyr will be entitled to certain compensatory payments under the terms of the contract. The parties have entered into discussions to address the performance issues. The execution of the First Amendment to Master Amendment Agreement (discussed below) followed the notification to Samsung and initial discussions. Senior executives of Schneider Power and Zephyr intend to continue discussing the issues with Samsung executives in an attempt to find a broader resolution related to the matter.
	On January 26, 2015, Schneider Power and Zephyr entered into a First Amendment to Master Amendment Agreement pursuant to which the parties agreed to defer until January 31, 2016 approximately CAD $462,167 of interest owed to Samsung under the Master Amendment Agreement that was originally scheduled to be paid on January 31, 2015.
	The debt amounts due under the Samsung Debt are secured by substantially all of Zephyr’s assets and a pledge of all of the shares of Zephyr held by Schneider Power. Quantum has no obligation to service the debt payments and has not provided any guarantees associated with the Samsung Debt.
Bank Term Loan - Providence Bay Wind Farm
The significant terms of the Bank Term Loan as last amended in April 2012 were as follows: (i) scheduled maturity date of April 10, 2017, (ii) interest at 6.0% per annum, and (iii) required fixed cash payments of CAD $12,899 per month through April 10, 2017, with the remaining principal amount of CAD $667,422 due on the maturity date.
Upon our sale of substantially all of the SPI Providence Bay wind farm assets in May 2013, the purchaser also assumed substantially all of the SPI Providence Bay wind farm liabilities including the remaining CAD $1.1 million balance of the Bank Term Loan.
Commitments of Discontinued Operations
At December 31, 2014, minimum future commitments under a noncancelable operating land lease for Zephyr aggregated $1,635,912, payable as follows: $86,777 in 2015, $87,065 in 2016, $87,065 in 2017, $87,652 in 2018, $87,945 in 2019, and $1,199,408 thereafter. The lease contains renewal options, which we have not considered in the amounts disclosed. Rental expense under the operating lease was $93,971 in 2014 and $99,906 in 2013.
At December 31, 2014, minimum payments under an operational and maintenance agreement for Zephyr Wind Farm aggregated $893,354, payable as follows: $291,908 in 2015, $297,746 in 2016 and $303,700 in 2017.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	Net accounts receivable of continuing operations consist of the following as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Customer accounts billed	$	11,120,593		$	8,268,171
	Customer accounts unbilled	797,518			549,072
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(291,644		)	(398,684		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	11,626,467		$	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.
	Debt Repayment Agreement
	Advanced Green Innovations, LLC (AGI) and its subsidiary, ZHRO Solutions, LLC (ZHRO) are customers and revenues from services we provided to them comprised 9% and 12% of our total revenues from continuing operations in 2014 and 2013, respectively. AGI and ZHRO owed approximately $2.2 million (the “Outstanding Balance”) for engineering, design and development services invoiced by us through October 3, 2014 that were beyond the contractual payment dates. AGI has informed us that they are experiencing liquidity constraints that have caused delays in payments to us in connection with the services provided.
	On December 11, 2014, we entered into a Debt Repayment Agreement (the “Debt Repayment Agreement”), effective as of December 10, 2014, with AGI, ZHRO and Advanced Green Technologies, LLC (an affiliate of AGI and ZHRO that is referred to as “AGT”). Under the terms of the Debt Repayment Agreement, AGI and ZHRO jointly and severally agreed to pay the Outstanding Balance, plus interest at 5% per annum, over a ten month period with the first payment in the amount of $300,000 due on or before December 25, 2014. In the event that AGI and ZHRO fail to make any payment prior to the expiration of any applicable cure period, then the remaining Outstanding Balance is immediately due and payable and the interest rate is increased to 18% per annum. AGT provided us with a limited non-recourse guaranty of AGI’s and ZHRO’s payment of the Outstanding Balance and interest.
	To secure AGI’s and ZHRO’s performance of its obligations under the Debt Repayment Agreement and AGT's performance under its limited non-recourse guaranty, AGI and AGT pledged all of their ownership interests in East Camelback, LLC (“East Camelback”), consisting in the aggregate of 510 voting units (51.0%), 474 non-voting units and 47.5% of the participation rights in East Camelback, pursuant to the terms of a Pledge Agreement between us, AGI and AGT. East Camelback indirectly owns 100% of a commercial building, consisting of approximately 23,700 square feet of office space, located in Phoenix, Arizona.
	As of December 31, 2014, the total amount due from AGI and its affiliates amounted to $2.8 million, of which $2.2 million is associated with the Outstanding Balance under the Debt Repayment Agreement and $0.6 million is associated with other receivables. Only $150,000 in cash has been received by us subsequent to the balance sheet date under the Debt Repayment Agreement and as a result, AGI and its affiliates are in default of the Debt Repayment Agreement. Based on communications and feedback we continue to have with executives of AGI, we believe the amounts outstanding are fully realizable. As such, we have not recorded a specific allowance against the AGI receivable; however, we will continue to assess the collectability on an ongoing basis.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories of continuing operations consist of the following as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Materials and parts	$	10,383,269		$	6,495,599
	Work-in-process	389,155			1,146,589
	Finished goods	2,046,025			1,246,753
		12,818,449			8,888,941
	Less: Provision for obsolescence	(3,945,745		)	(3,877,161		)
	Inventories, net	$	8,872,704		$	5,011,780

Longlived_Assets

Long-lived Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-lived Assets [Abstract]
Long-lived Assets	Long-lived Assets
	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment of continuing operations consists of the following as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Plant machinery and equipment	$	15,850,432		$	13,232,440
	Information systems and office equipment	11,027,393			10,236,625
	Leasehold improvements	8,254,022			5,396,408
	Tooling, dies and molds	3,765,969			3,531,460
	Automobiles and trucks	392,679			392,679
	Property and equipment in service, gross	39,290,495			32,789,612
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(31,270,855		)	(29,795,556		)
	Property and equipment in service, net	8,019,640			2,994,056
	Construction in progress:
	Plant equipment and other	1,742,701			2,097,903
	Property and equipment, net	$	9,762,341		$	5,091,959
	Total depreciation expense on property and equipment, including amortization of equipment held under capital leases, was $1,475,298 and $1,082,347 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Property and equipment at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 includes $3,250,000 and $2,933,963 acquired under capital leases, respectively, of which the majority is included in plant machinery and equipment, information systems and construction in progress. Accumulated depreciation of property and equipment acquired under these capital leases was $765,150 at December 31, 2014 and $399,709 at December 31, 2013.
	Goodwill
	The carrying amount of goodwill of continuing operations, reported in our Fuel Storage & Systems business segment, was $12,400,000 at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, and there was no goodwill activity associated with continuing operations during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	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 December 31, 2014.

Warranties

Warranties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Warranties	Warranties
	Changes in our product warranty liability for continuing operations are as follows:
	Period		Balance at		Warranties		Settlements			Changes in		Balance at
			Beginning		Issued		Made (1)			Liability for		End of Year
			of Year							Pre-Existing
										Warranties
	Twelve months ended December 31, 2014		$	399,171	$	435,453	$	(222,625	)	$	—	$	611,999
	Twelve months ended December 31, 2013		$	364,749	$	101,399	$	(66,977	)	$	—	$	399,171
	-1	Consists of material and labor costs incurred to analyze, repair or replace products under warranty contracts.

Debt_Obligations

Debt Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Obligations	Debt Obligations
	Our debt obligations for continuing operations consist of the following as of December 31:
			2014			2013
	Obligations to Secured Lenders
	Convertible Notes: $10,475,000 principal, $269,441 accrued interest, net of unamortized discount of $4,628,439 at December 31, 2014; $11,000,000 principal, $62,944 accrued interest, net of unamortized discount of $5,671,145 at December 31, 2013		$	6,116,002		$	5,391,799
	Line of Credit: $4,500,000 principal and $9,218 accrued interest at December 31, 2014; $3,831,917 principal and $11,735 accrued interest at December 31, 2013		4,509,218			3,843,652
	Capital lease obligation: $1,576,234 principal and $15,703 accrued interest at December 31, 2014; $2,449,163 principal and $23,724 accrued interest at December 31, 2013		1,591,937			2,472,887
	Obligations to Other Creditors:
	Other obligations		13,245			32,533
	Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current		12,230,402			11,740,871
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount		(5,177,207		)	(3,946,582		)
	Debt obligations of continuing operations, non-current		$	7,053,195		$	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 (the Convertible Notes) and warrants (the September 2013 Warrants) to purchase up to 3,411,235 shares of our common stock (see Note 10). 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 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 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) outstanding principal under the Convertible Notes convertible into shares of our common stock at a fixed conversion price of $2.3824 per share at any time until maturity at the option of the Convertible Note holders, subject to customary anti-dilution provisions, (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 or is no longer effective.
	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. On May 15, 2014, our stockholders approved the transaction at our 2014 annual meeting of stockholders, thus, the 19.99% beneficial ownership limitation no longer applies.
	We incurred transaction costs of $579,103 in connection with the private placement transaction of which we allocated $268,252 to the Convertible Notes which is being amortized to interest expense over the scheduled life of the notes and $310,851 is allocated to the September 2013 Warrants issued to the investors of the Convertible Notes (see Note 10). In addition, we recorded a debt discount on the origination date of the Convertible Notes equal to the relative fair value of the warrants and beneficial conversion feature issued with the Convertible Notes of $5,875,000 that is being amortized to interest expense through the scheduled maturity date on September 17, 2018.
	During 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. In connection with the conversions in 2014, $12,765 of the deferred debt issuance costs and $269,493 of the debt discount were immediately recognized as non-cash interest expense, respectively.
	At December 31, 2014, the total amount of principal and interest due to Related Parties, including Mr. McGaw, under the Convertible Notes was $487,218, which consisted of $475,000 of principal and $12,218 of accrued interest
	Line of Credit
	On May 7, 2012, we obtained a revolving line of credit with Bridge Bank, National Association (Bank) that initially provided us with the ability to draw up to $10,000,000 in working capital advances at a variable interest rate represented by the greater of (i) 5.25% or (ii) the bank’s prime rate, plus 2.00% (the "Line of Credit"). The amount of advances that we can draw down under the facility is dependent upon our future levels of eligible accounts receivables and inventories and our compliance with certain financial covenants. Under the original credit facility, there were two significant financial covenants that we were required to meet in order to continue to have the ability to draw down under the Line of Credit. These covenants consisted of a “Performance to Plan” covenant and a minimum asset coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00 of unrestricted cash balances maintained at the bank plus eligible accounts receivables above the level of advances outstanding under the line.
	During 2012 and through the first quarter of 2013, we were not in compliance with the quarterly Performance to Plan covenant and as of March 31, 2013, we were also not in compliance with the asset coverage ratio covenant. On May 20, 2013, we and our senior secured lender entered into a Loan and Security Modification Agreement with the bank pursuant to which (i) the bank agreed to waive all covenant defaults through that date, (ii) the Performance to Plan financial covenant was deleted in its entirety, (iii) the definition of Borrowing Base was revised to allow for up to 50% of eligible inventory (subject to a cap of 40% of all outstanding advances) regardless of the asset coverage ratio, (iv) the facility fee due on the first anniversary date was reduced from $100,000 to $50,000, (v) 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 a month until the asset coverage ratio again achieved a ratio of at least 1.35 to 1.00, and (vi) the amount available to us under the revolving line of credit was reduced from $10,000,000 to $5,000,000. In connection with the Loan and Security Modification Agreement, we paid the bank cash fees totaling $70,075 and issued warrants to purchase shares of our common stock to the bank with a fair value of $39,000 (see Note 10). The loan fees and fair value of the warrants have been deferred and are being amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the credit facility. We determined that the modified terms were not substantially different from the original terms.
	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 $1,500,000 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.
	As of December 31, 2014, the maximum borrowing capacity was $5,000,000, of which we had advances of $4,500,000 and $180,000 was reserved for letters of credit and credit card services.
	On February 10, 2015, we and the Bank further amended the Line of Credit pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the line of credit was increased from $5,000,000 to $7,500,000, (ii) the amount of inventory eligible to be included in the borrowing base is limited to $2,000,000, (iii) a fee of 0.15% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, is charged on the average unused portion of the line of credit, and (iv) for any period that the outstanding advances on the line of credit exceeds $5,000,000, then the amount of unrestricted cash that the Registrant is required to maintain at Bridge Bank increases from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 (Note 17).
	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 below.
	Capital Lease Obligation
	On November 6, 2012, we entered into an equipment sale and leaseback financing arrangement that provided us with access to a total of $3,250,000 to finance the acquisition of certain equipment to be employed in our continuing operations. 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. In 2014, we made total payments of $1,342,146 of which $469,217 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 is 23.0% for any prepayments that are made after November 7, 2014.
	The lease obligation is secured by the equipment that is acquired under the arrangement.
	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 December 31, 2014:
	Total minimum lease payments due in 2015		$	1,810,300
	Less: Amount representing interest		(234,066		)
	Capital lease obligation		$	1,576,234
	June / July 2012 Bridge Notes
	On September 19, 2013, we used the net proceeds of the Convertible Notes to retire the $7,100,000 outstanding principal balance and $186,740 of accrued interest due under the June/July 2012 Bridge Notes. In connection with the repayment, the remaining unamortized balances of the deferred debt issuance costs of $34,686 and debt discount of $199,476 were immediately recognized as non-cash interest expense.
	January 2013 Bridge Notes
	On January 24, 2013, we entered into agreements with certain accredited investors for the sale and purchase of $1,800,000 of unsecured 0% nonconvertible promissory notes (the “January 2013 Bridge Notes”) and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. The January 2013 Bridge Notes included a $300,000 original issue discount; provided, however, if the January 2013 Bridge Notes were repaid in full on or before July 1, 2013, then the total principal amount due under the January 2013 Bridge Notes would be reduced to $1,625,000, which, as a result, would lower the original issue discount to $125,000. At closing, we received gross proceeds of $1,500,000. Because of certain provisions contained in the warrants, we determined that the warrant contracts represent freestanding derivative instruments (see Notes 10 and 11) and allocated $705,000 of the proceeds to the derivative instruments, representing the fair value of the warrants on the transaction date. The remaining proceeds of $795,000 were allocated to the debt instruments on a residual basis. The difference between the face amount of the debt instruments of $1,800,000 and the proceeds allocated to the debt instruments resulted in an implied debt discount of $1,005,000 that was being amortized to interest expense on the effective interest rate method over the expected remaining life of the debt instruments until the notes were repaid in full on July 1, 2013.
	In addition, we allocated total costs of $137,500 incurred in connection with the transaction between the derivative warrants for $64,625 and debt instruments for $72,875 on a relative fair value basis. The portion allocated to the derivative warrants was recognized immediately as interest expense and the portion allocated to the debt instruments was deferred and was being amortized to interest expense on the effective interest rate method over the expected life of the debt instruments.
	The January 2013 Bridge Notes were originally set to mature on December 31, 2013; however, we had the right to prepay the notes, in whole or in part, at any time without penalty. On July 1, 2013, we repaid in full the remaining outstanding balance under the January 2013 Bridge Notes. The early repayment of the outstanding balance under the January 2013 Bridge Notes resulted in a savings of $175,000 as a result of the provision that decreased the original debt discount if an early repayment was received on or before July 1, 2013.
	Debt Covenants
	We were in compliance with all existing covenants and other requirements of our debt instruments as of December 31, 2014.
	Debt Maturities
	The table below shows scheduled maturities of our debt obligations of our continuing operations for each of the following years until maturity:
			Debt Maturities			Amortization of Discount			Net Maturities of Debt Obligations
	2015 (1)		$	6,114,400		$	(937,193	)	$	5,177,207
	2016 (2)		10,744,441			(3,691,246		)	7,053,195
			$	16,858,841		$	(4,628,439	)	$	12,230,402
	-1	Includes debt obligation under the Line of Credit that is not scheduled to expire until February 2017; however, the terms could potentially require partial repayment within one year if levels of eligible receivables and inventories were to decline significantly.
	-2	Includes debt obligations under the Convertible Notes that are not scheduled to mature until September 2018; however, holders have an option over a 30 day period beginning on September 18, 2016 that, if exercised, would require us to redeem the obligations in cash within 90 days upon notice.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Fai

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 (classified as current) using Level 3 inputs:
			Oct-06			February 2011 Warrants			Jan-13			May			Total
			Warrants (1)			(Series B)			Warrants			2013
												Warrants
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	597,000		$	3,000		$	—		$	—		$	600,000
	Origination of derivative instruments		—			—			705,000			1,604,000			2,309,000
	Fair value adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings		7,144,514			6,000			1,078,000			192,754			8,421,268
	Settlements associated with warrant exercises		(5,397,514		)	—			(1,721,000		)	(1,796,754		)	(8,915,268		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		2,344,000			9,000			62,000			—			2,415,000
	Fair value adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings		(1,954,863		)	(9,000		)	(55,000		)	—			(2,018,863		)
	Settlements associated with warrant exercises		(389,137		)	—			—			—			(389,137		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	7,000		$	—		$	7,000
	-1	Warrant contracts expired on April 27, 2014.
	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 utilized the Monte Carlo model through its expiration 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.
	On August 2, 2013, the holder of the May 2013 Warrant exercised its cashless exchange right (see Note 10) and we settled the cashless exchange by issuing to the investor 751,780 registered shares of common stock. We determined the fair value of the cashless exchange based on the underlying shares issued in connection with the exchange and the closing price of our stock on the exercise date of the cashless exercise.
	The fair value of derivative instrument liabilities measured with Level 3 inputs are revalued quarterly. The assumptions used in the calculations under our binomial and/or option pricing models for the following periods were as follows:
			October			February			Jan-13
			2006 Warrants (2)			2011 Warrants			Warrants
	31-Dec-14
	Annual volatility (1)		*			54.7		%	52.8		%
	Risk-free rate		*			0.25		%	1.38		%
	Dividend rate		*			—		%	—		%
	Closing price of Quantum stock		*			$	2.09		$	2.09
	Exercise price		*			$	24		$	2.84
	31-Dec-13
	Annual volatility (1)		33.6		%	40.6		%	51.2		%
	Risk-free rate		0.09		%	0.38		%	1.75		%
	Dividend rate		—		%	—		%	—		%
	Closing price of Quantum stock		$	7.8		$	7.8		$	7.8
	Exercise price		$	1.5142		$	24		$	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.
	-2	Warrant contracts expired on April 27, 2014. The Level 3 inputs in 2014 were used to measure the change in fair value and marked to market just prior to expiration.
	* Not applicable

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	Authorized Shares
	At December 31, 2014, our authorized shares of capital stock consisted of the following: (i) 50,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.02 par value, and (ii) 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value.
	Common Stock
	Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share on all matters voted on by stockholders. Holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors and have no subscription, redemption or conversion privileges. Subject to the preferences or other rights of any preferred stock that may be issued from time to time, holders of common stock will be entitled to participate ratably in dividends of our common stock as declared by the board of directors. Holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in all assets available for distribution to stockholders in the event of our liquidation or dissolution, subject to distribution of the preferential amount, if any, to be distributed to holders of preferred stock. No holder of our capital stock authorized at any such distribution date will have any preemptive right to subscribe for or purchase any of our securities of any class or kind.
	Preferred Stock
	Our charter authorizes the board of directors, without any vote or action by the holders of our common stock, to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series. Our board of directors are authorized to determine the number of shares and designation of any series of preferred stock and the dividend rights, dividend rate, conversion rights and terms, voting rights (full or limited, if any), redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences and sinking fund terms of any series of preferred stock. Issuances of preferred stock would be subject to the applicable rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market or other organizations on whose systems our stock may then be quoted or listed. Depending upon the terms of preferred stock established by our board of directors, any or all series of preferred stock could have preference over our common stock with respect to dividends and other distribution upon our potential liquidation. Issuance of any such shares with voting powers, or issuance of additional shares of our common stock, would dilute the voting power of our outstanding common stock. We have no present plans to issue any preferred stock.
	Common Stock Issuances and Additional Paid-in Capital
	In December 2012 and August 2013, we entered into two separate At The Market Offering Agreements (ATM) with a sales agent. Under the ATMs, we had the right to offer and sell, from time to time, shares of our common stock through the sales agent. During the period from the inception of the ATMs to the termination of the arrangements in May and September 2013, respectively, total proceeds from the sale of 1,959,078 shares common stock under the ATMs, net of sales agent commissions and other transaction costs, were $4,228,981. Sales agent commissions of 3.0% and other transaction costs during 2013 amounted to $277,926 in connection with the transactions.
	In May 2013, we completed a registered direct offering that yielded gross proceeds of $3,000,000 from the sale of 1,229,508 shares of our common stock at a price of $2.44 per share. The investor also received a warrant (the May 2013 Warrant) in connection with the transaction. As required by GAAP, we allocated $1,604,000 of the proceeds from the transaction to the May 2013 Warrant that we classified as a derivative instrument as of the transaction date. The net amount received by us, after deducting placement agent fees and transaction expenses, was $2,695,005. In August 2013, the investor exercised the May 2013 Warrant under a cashless exchange provision pursuant to which we issued 751,780 registered shares of common stock to the investor with a fair value of $1,796,754 in full settlement of the May 2013 warrant, which was reclassified from a derivative liability to equity on the exercise date (Note 9).
	In September 2013, we completed a private placement transaction in which we received gross proceeds of $11,000,000 from the sale of convertible notes and warrants. We recorded the fair value of the warrants and beneficial conversion feature, net of transaction costs, as equity in the amount of $2,946,876 and $2,601,654,respectively, with an equal combined amount recognized as a debt discount on the Convertible Notes.
	During 2014 and 2013, we received cash proceeds of $5,122,285 and $5,965,762, respectively, from the exercise of outstanding warrants.
	On February 20, 2014, we completed an underwritten public offering and received proceeds, net of underwriter discounts and other offering costs, of $15,259,620 from the sale and issuance of 2,357,500 shares of common stock.
	On February 18, 2015, we completed an underwritten offering and received proceeds, net of underwriter discounts and other estimated offering costs, of approximately $10,500,000 from the sale and issuance of 4,600,000 shares of common stock (Note 17).
	Warrants
	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, 2013		9,583,097
	Issued - original number		4,560,189
	Issued - additional number (1)		1,016,366
	Exercised (2)		(4,053,005	)
	Expired		(253,900	)
	Warrants outstanding at December 31, 2013		10,852,747
	Exercised (2)		(1,828,232	)
	Expired		(697,110	)
	Warrants outstanding at December 31, 2014		8,327,405
	-1	Associated with reset provisions contained within the October 27, 2006 warrant contracts.
	-2	Includes cash and cashless warrant exercises.
	January 2013 Warrants
	On January 24, 2013, in connection with the issuance of the January 2013 Bridge Notes (see Note 10), each investor received a warrant entitling the investor to purchase shares of our common stock equal in number to 100% of the purchase price for such investor's bridge note divided by $4.00. The aggregate number of shares underlying the warrants is 375,000. Each warrant has a term of 5.5 years, cannot be exercised for a period of six months following the date of issuance and entitled the investor to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.00 per share (the Initial Exercise Price), subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.
	If the January 2013 Bridge Notes had not been repaid in full by July 2, 2013, then a full-ratchet anti-dilution provision (price only) applied for the remaining term of the warrants, subject, however, to a floor price of $2.84 (the Floor Price). If the January 2013 Bridge Notes were repaid in full before July 2, 2013 and on the date of such repayment the closing price for a share of our common stock was less than the Initial Exercise Price, then the exercise price was to be adjusted to the greater of (i) the Floor Price and (ii) $0.01 above the consolidated closing bid price on the date the January 2013 Bridge Notes were repaid in full. The warrants permit a cashless exercise if at the time of exercise the underlying shares are not covered by an effective registration statement.
	On July 1, 2013, we repaid in full the remaining outstanding balance under the January 2013 Bridge Notes. The early repayment allowed us to avoid issuing an additional 125,000 warrants that would have been contractually required if the notes were not repaid in full on or before July 1, 2013. As a result of the repayment, the exercise price of such Warrants was adjusted from $4.00 per share to $2.84 per share. No further adjustments to the exercise price of the Warrants are required to be made in the future other than adjustments pursuant to customary anti-dilution provisions. The 375,000 warrants held by the investors were exercised in full during the second half of 2013.
	We also issued our placement agent a warrant to purchase 11,250 shares of our common stock, with terms substantially the same as the investor warrants described above, in partial consideration for the placement agent's services in connection with the transaction.
	The investors and the placement agent had piggyback registration rights and accordingly, a resale registration statement was filed in June 2013 that was declared effective on July 5, 2013.
	As a result of the 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, we account for the remaining January 2013 warrant contracts as derivative instruments (see Note 9).
	May 2013 Registered Direct Offering Warrants
	In connection with the registered direct offering we completed on May 16, 2013, the investor received a five-year warrant entitling the investor to initially purchase up to 737,704 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.684 per share, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.
	As an alternative to exercising the warrant in whole or in part, the investor had the right, subject to certain conditions being satisfied, to exchange all or part of the warrant for an amount equal to a prescribed Black-Scholes value of the warrant at any time after 30 days following the date of issuance if our share price was trading below the current exercise price of the warrant. The prescribed Black-Scholes value was determined at closing to be approximately $1.56 million.
	We, at our option, had the right to settle an exchange in cash, shares of our common stock (provided certain conditions were satisfied), or any combination thereof. If the investor exercised its exchange right and we elected to settle the exchange using shares of our common stock, the number of shares we would be obligated to issue was to be determined by dividing the prescribed Black-Scholes value of the warrant (or portion thereof so exchanged) by the closing bid price for a share of our common stock as of two business days prior to the date of the exchange. In the event that the aggregate number of shares originally issued to the investor plus the number of shares of common stock required to settle the exchange would have exceeded 19.99% of the issued and outstanding shares immediately preceding the closing of the offering, then, with respect to the portion of the prescribed Black-Scholes value that we could not have settled using shares of common stock we could have, at our option, settled in cash or by delivery of a one-year 10% unsecured promissory note.
	The warrant also provided that, under certain circumstances, we would have had the ability to cause the holder to exercise the warrant for cash. The warrant also provided that if our common stock was delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market, then the number of shares underlying the warrant at the time of such delisting would have automatically been adjusted upward by multiplying the number of warrant shares at the time of the delisting by 116.667%.
	On August 2, 2013, the investor exercised its exchange right under the warrant provisions. We settled the cashless exchange by issuing to the investor 751,780 registered shares of common stock. As a result of the investor's warrant exchange, we have no further obligation to issue additional shares to the investor under any circumstances, including (i) any shares associated with contingent additional warrants that would have been applicable if we were unable to remain listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market and (ii) any additional shares that could have been required to satisfy the Exchange Right if our share price declined in the future.
	Based on the aforementioned contractual provisions, we considered the May 2013 Warrants to be a derivative instrument classified as a current liability, recorded at fair value and marked to market, with the changes in fair values being recognized in the respective period's statement of operations. On August 2, 2013, the fair value of the May 2013 Warrants was reclassified to additional paid-in-capital upon the exercise and settlement of the cashless exchange (Note 9).
	May 2013 Line of Credit Warrants
	In connection with the Loan and Security Modification Agreement on the Line of Credit executed on May 20, 2013, we issued warrants to our lender to purchase up to 25,000 shares of our common stock at a fixed exercise price of $2.48 per share, which were fully exercised in December 2013.
	September 2013 Warrants
	On September 18, 2013, in connection with the private placement of the Convertible Notes (see Note 8), the independent investors and Related Parties received warrants to purchase 3,279,440 and 131,795 shares, respectively. The warrants were not exercisable for six months following the date of issuance, have a term of 5.5 years and a fixed exercise price of $2.30 per share, subject to customary anti-dilution provisions.
	Warrant Classification
	We evaluate the warrants we issue in accordance with applicable accounting guidance and we have concluded that liability classification is appropriate for the warrants issued on October 27, 2006, June 22, 2007, August 25, 2008, August 3, 2009, September 4, 2009, February 18, 2011 (Series “B”) and January 24, 2013 as further discussed below. Although we mark to market all the warrants classified as liabilities each period (see Note 9), all of these warrants had either expired, been fully exercised, or the fair values of the warrants of the remaining warrants were nominal as of the most recent reported balance sheet date. We have further concluded that equity classification is appropriate for all other warrants that were outstanding during the periods presented due to the fact that these warrants are considered to be indexed to our own stock, are required to be physically settled in shares of our common stock and there are no provisions that could require net-cash settlement.
	The proceeds we received from the transactions that gave rise to the issuance of the warrants have been allocated to the common stock or debt issued, as applicable, and the warrants based on their relative fair values. For those transactions in which proceeds were received in connection with the sale of common stock, we aggregate the values of those warrants that we do not classify as liabilities with the fair value of the stock issued as both of these types of instruments have been classified as permanent equity.
	The classification as equity for certain of the warrants could change as a result of either future modifications to the existing terms of settlement or the issuance of new financial instruments by us that could be converted into an increased or unlimited number of shares. If a change in classification of certain warrants is required in the future, the warrants would be treated as derivatives, reclassified as liabilities on the balance sheet at their fair value, and marked to market each period, with the changes in fair values being recognized in the respective period’s statement of operations.
	A summary of our outstanding warrants as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Issue Date	Expiration Date		Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants		Exercise Price at End of Period		Reference
	25-Aug-08	25-Aug-15		349,741		$	154.4	(a)
	April 30, 2010 through July 1, 2010	April 30, 2015 through July 1, 2015		55,473		$	72.8
	October 13, 2010 and October 19, 2010	October 13, 2015 and October 19, 2015		9,037		$	53.6
	18-Feb-11	18-Feb-16		189,836		$	26.28
	February 18, 2011; Series "B"	18-Feb-16		98,481		$	24	(a)
	15-Jun-11	15-Jun-16		361,458		$	15.4
	15-Jun-11	15-Jun-18		11,250		$	12.48
	15-Jun-11	15-Jun-18		30,064		$	15.4
	20-Jun-11	20-Jun-16		14,269		$	15.6
	20-Jun-11	20-Jun-18		31		$	15.6
	6-Jul-11	6-Jul-16		104,929		$	15.4
	23-Aug-11	23-Aug-16		28,750		$	15.4
	29-Sep-11	29-Sep-16		4,782		$	3.32
12-Oct-11	12-Oct-16		115,314		$	3.32
October 17, 2011 through October 21, 2011	October 17, 2016 through October 21, 2016		19,138		$	10.56
21-Dec-11	21-Dec-16		819,851		$	4.88
19-Jan-12	19-Jan-17		33,187		$	4.88
March 20, 2012; Series "B"	20-Mar-17		1,311,000		$	4.08
March 21, 2012; Series "B"	21-Mar-17		735,900		$	4.08
May 3, 2012; Series "B"	3-May-17		27,612		$	4.08
7-May-12	7-May-19		50,000		$	3.6
June 14, 2012; Series "B"	14-Jun-17		51,112		$	4.08
22-Jun-12	22-Jun-17		516,178		$	3.4
28-Jun-12	28-Jun-17		56,682		$	3.4
25-Jul-12	25-Jul-17		34,888		$	3.56
24-Jan-13	25-Jul-18		11,250		$	2.84	(a)
18-Sep-13	18-Mar-19		3,287,192		$	2.3
			8,327,405
None of the outstanding warrant contracts contain exercise price reset provisions.
(a)	These warrants 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 at fair value on the dates of the consolidated balance sheets presented. 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 9.
Shares Available
The number of undesignated shares available as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Common Stock		Preferred Stock
Shares Authorized		50,000,000		20,000,000
Less shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014		(23,276,264	)	—
Less shares designated as of December 31, 2014 for issuance under:
Stock options (1)		(658,152	)	—
Warrants outstanding		(8,327,405	)	—
Conversion of principal under convertible notes (2)		(4,396,823	)	—
Undesignated shares available		13,341,356		20,000,000
(1) Includes all of the options outstanding plus 202,300 shares remaining that are available for issuance under the 2011 Plan.
(2) Represents the number of shares issuable upon conversion of $10,475,000 of principal maturing on September 18, 2018 under the Convertible Notes at a fixed conversion price of $2.3824 per share.

ShareBased_Compensation_Notes

Share-Based Compensation (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	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 award are established by the administrator of the plans, our Compensation Committee. Historically, options expire ten years after the date of grant or 30 days after termination of employment, vest ratably at the 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 initially provided for an aggregate of 775,000 shares 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 increases 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.
	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, a total of 245,600 and 126,250 shares of restricted stock and 214,100 and 142,375 stock options, respectively, were issued under our 2011 plan to our directors, executive officers and employees. As of January 1, 2015, after including the effects of grants, forfeitures and the evergreen provision, we had 327,300 shares available for issuance under the 2011 Plan.
	The share-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock of continuing operations included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and in the financial information by reportable business segment in Note 14 is:
			Fuel Storage & Systems			Corporate			Total
	Year Ended December 31, 2014:
	Cost of product sales		$	21,588		$	—		$	21,588
	Research and development		160,853			—			160,853
	Selling, general and administrative		29,661			353,888			383,549
	Total share-based compensation		$	212,102		$	353,888		$	565,990
	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Cost of product sales		$	24,603		$	—		$	24,603
	Research and development		80,139			—			80,139
	Selling, general and administrative		15,999			269,049			285,048
	Total share-based compensation		$	120,741		$	269,049		$	389,790
	As of December 31, 2014, there was $1,586,839 of unrecognized share-based compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock of which we expect to recognize $671,733 in 2015, $550,862 in 2016, $302,671 in 2017 and $61,573 in 2018.
	Stock Options
	Below is a summary of the options activity:
			Number of		Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
			Shares		Average			Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining		Value
					Price			Life (In Years)
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2013		173,418		$	24.96
	Granted		142,375		$	2.3
	Forfeited		(22,910	)	$	11.47
	Expired		(12,739	)	$	57.61
	Exercised		(1,499	)	$	2.46
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013		278,645		$	13.37		8.4		$1,195,735
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2014		278,645		$	13.37
	Granted		214,100		$	4.35
	Forfeited		(13,170	)	$	8.83
	Expired		(16,040	)	$	43.86
	Exercised		(7,685	)	$	2.37
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014		455,850		$	8.6		8.74		$	—
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014		425,420		$	9.04		8.78		$	—
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014		122,353		$	24.69		9.93		$	—
	The aggregate intrinsic value, if any, in the table above is based on our closing stock price of $2.09 and $7.80 per share as of the last business day of the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively and represents the amount that would have been received by the options had all options been exercised on that date.
	Below is a summary of the estimated weighted average grant-date fair value along with a summary of the assumptions used in the fair value calculations for the 214,100 and 142,375 stock options granted under the 2011 Plan during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of our stock price. The expected life of options granted is derived based on the historical life of our options. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury interest rates in effect at the time of grant.
		May 29,		May 15,	24-Oct-13		19-Aug-13
		2014		2014
	Estimated grant-date fair value per option granted	$3.72		$2.95	$3.89		$1.45
	Number of options	201,600		12,500	2,500		139,875
	Exercise price per option granted	$4.37		$3.46	$6.10		$2.23
	Dividend yield	—%		—%	—%		—%
	Expected life - years	5.8		5.8	5.8		5.8
	Risk-free interest rate	2.65%		2.65%	2.63%		2.79%
	Expected volatility of common stock	116.60%		116.60%	71.10%		73.10%
	A summary of the options activity of our non-vested options and changes are as follows:
			Number of Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
	Nonvested outstanding at January 1, 2013		123,688		$	6.76
	Granted		142,375		$	2.3
	Vested		(36,650	)	$	42.5
	Forfeited		(24,472	)	$	11.47
	Nonvested outstanding at December 31, 2013		204,941		$	2.89
	Nonvested outstanding at January 1, 2014		204,941		$	2.89
	Granted		214,100		$	4.35
	Vested		(72,374	)	$	24.75
	Forfeited		(13,170	)	$	8.83
	Nonvested outstanding at December 31, 2014		333,497		$	2.64
	We received cash for exercises of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 of $18,249 and $3,688 respectively.
	The total fair value of options vested was $0 and $44,156 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Restricted Stock
We periodically issue restricted stock to our directors and executives as a form of equity-based compensation. The value of the shares, measured on the date of award based upon the closing price of our common stock, is recognized as stock compensation expense ratably over the vesting period, typically three years.
Changes in outstanding restricted stock were as follows:
		Restricted Stock		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2013		38,747		$	47.24
Granted		126,250		$	2.23
Vested		(14,997	)	$	47.2
Nonvested at December 31, 2013		150,000		$	2.27
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013		150,000		$	2.27
Nonvested at January 1, 2014		150,000		$	2.27
Granted		245,600		$	4.35
Vested		(42,083	)	$	4.35
Forfeited		(11,667	)	$	2.41
Nonvested at December 31, 2014		341,850		$	3.77
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014		341,850		$	3.77
The weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock granted during the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $4.35 and $2.23 respectively.
The total fair value of restricted stock vested during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $217,992 and $35,843, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The following table presents the principal reasons for the difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for continuing operations for the year ended December 31:
		2014			2013
	Income tax benefit at U.S. statutory rates	34	%		34	%
	Derivative instruments and fair value measurements	4.7	%		(14.3	)%
	Share-based compensation	(0.5	)%		(0.4	)%
	Other	(0.1	)%		—	%
	Valuation allowance	(39.7	)%		(19.6	)%
	Original issue discount	1.6	%		0.3	%
	Effective tax rate	—	%		—	%
	The following table presents the provision for income taxes for continuing operations on a separate tax return basis as of the year ended December 31:
		2014				2013
	Current:
	Federal	$	—			$	—
	State and local	1,600				1,600
		$	1,600			$	1,600
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(5,752,360	)		$	68,981,592
	State and local	(986,967		)		5,758,375
		$	(6,739,327	)		$	74,739,967
	Less: Change in valuation allowance	6,739,327				(74,739,967		)
	Subtotal	—				—
	Income tax expense	$	1,600			$	1,600
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
		2014				2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Accrued compensation	$	363,684			$	358,742
	Accrued warranty	243,786				103,816
	Inventory	1,575,527				1,524,902
	Share-based compensation	2,768,688				2,622,451
	Other comprehensive income	295,793				295,793
	Tax credits	764,575				764,575
	Other	677,611				335,286
	Net operating loss carry-forwards	17,920,468				11,753,569
		24,610,132				17,759,134
	Less: Valuation allowance	(24,294,275		)		(17,554,948		)
	Total deferred income tax assets	315,857				204,186
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Equipment and leasehold improvements	(315,857		)		(204,186		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	—			$	—
	For our U.S. based businesses, we have a net deferred tax asset position primarily consisting of net operating loss carry forwards, a portion of which, are available to offset future taxable income. In accordance with GAAP, we have established a valuation allowance for our net deferred tax asset since it is unlikely that the asset will be fully realized based on our lack of earnings history and current evidence.
	As of December 31, 2014, Schneider Power had a tax liability of $48,300 related to the sale of a wind farm operation in May 2013.
	Undistributed earnings of Schneider Power at December 31, 2014, which are nominal, are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provisions for federal and state income taxes have been provided thereon. Upon distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to these earnings is not practicable.
	Loss from operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 attributable to domestic operations was $14.5 million and $20.0 million, respectively, and loss attributable to foreign operations was $0.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively.
	The U.S. tax laws contain provisions (Section 382 limitations) that limit the annual utilization of net operating loss and credit carry forwards upon the occurrence of certain events including a significant change in ownership interest. Generally, such limitations arise when the ownership of certain shareholders of public groups in the stock of a corporation change by more than 50 percentage points over a three-year period. A study was completed during 2013 to determine if an ownership change had occurred at any time between April 30, 2004 and December 31, 2012. Such an event had occurred which limits the future use of our losses and resulted in the expiration of pre-2013 Federal and State net operating losses of $218 million and $123 million before utilization. We may also have incurred such an event or events since 2012; however, we have not completed a study to determine the extent of the limitations, if any. Until a study is completed and the extent of the limitations is able to be determined, no additional amounts have been written off or are being presented as an uncertain tax position.
	At December 31, 2014, after taking into consideration the expiration of net operating losses noted above, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $45 million available to offset future federal taxable income that expire between the years 2031 and 2034 and we had state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $45 million available to offset future state taxable income that expire between the years 2031 and 2034.
	We have no unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions as defined under GAAP for any of the periods presented. To the extent applicable in the future, interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities will be included in pre-tax income as interest expense and tax penalties.
	At December 31, 2014, our U.S. federal tax returns related to the years ended April 30, 2010 and April 30, 2011, the eight months ended December 31, 2011 and the years ended December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2014 remain open to examination by the tax authorities. However, we have consolidated or acquired net operating losses beginning in the tax year ended September 27, 1998 that would cause the statute of limitations to remain open for the year in which the net operating loss was incurred only to the extent that the net operating losses may be adjusted.

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 convertible debt payable in the instance where the shares are dilutive to our net 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 loss per share as of the year ended December 31:
		2014				2013
	Numerators for basic and diluted loss per share data:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(14,485,870	)		$	(20,019,538	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(437,734		)		(3,025,028		)
	Net loss	$	(14,923,604	)		$	(23,044,566	)
	Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share data - weighted-average shares	22,407,818				14,642,320
	Basic and diluted loss per share data:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(0.65	)		$	(1.37	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(0.02		)		(0.20		)
	Net loss	$	(0.67	)		$	(1.57	)
	For the periods presented above, shares of common stock potentially issuable upon the exercise of options, warrants and convertible notes were excluded in the computation of diluted per share data, as the effects would be anti-dilutive.
	The following table sets forth the amount of shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, as to do so would have been anti-dilutive as of the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013
	Stock Options	455,850			278,645
	Warrants	8,327,405			10,852,747
	Convertible Notes	4,396,823			4,617,187
		13,180,078			15,748,579

Business_Segments_and_Geograph

Business Segments and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 & 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 3).
	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 & Systems Segment
	Our Fuel Storage & 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 and hydrogen fuel storage systems, hybrid technologies and transportable 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 & 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 December 31, 2014 related to our continuing operations are primarily based within our Lake Forest, CA facilities and long-lived assets related to our discontinued operations are primarily located in Ontario, Canada.
	Revenue for continuing operations by country is as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	United States		$	32,400,794		$	30,369,607
	Canada		916,517			226,134
	Germany		355,350			1,148,114
	Australia		344,813			—
	India		76,350			140,726
	United Kingdom		9,170			—
	Spain		—			9,619
	Taiwan		—			9,490
	Total		$	34,102,994		$	31,903,690
	Financial Information by Business Segment
	Selected financial information of continuing operations by business segment is as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2014			2013
	Revenues
	Fuel Storage & Systems:
	Net product sales		$	25,785,837		$	22,943,639
	Contract services (1)		8,317,157			8,960,051
	Total revenues		$	34,102,994		$	31,903,690
	Cost of Revenues
	Fuel Storage & Systems:
	Cost of product sales		$	23,743,646		$	16,261,662
	Cost of contract services		5,220,844			5,296,499
	Total cost of revenues		$	28,964,490		$	21,558,161
	Gross Margin
	Fuel Storage & Systems:
	Net product sales		$	2,042,191		$	6,681,977
	Contract services		3,096,313			3,663,552
	Total gross margin		$	5,138,504		$	10,345,529
	Operating Expenses
	Fuel Storage & Systems:
	Research and development		$	7,616,018		$	5,996,414
	Selling, general, and administrative		3,405,513			4,244,781
	Total		11,021,531			10,241,195
	Corporate
	Selling, general, and administrative		6,832,741			6,841,239
	Total		$	17,854,272		$	17,082,434
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Fuel Storage & Systems		$	(5,883,027	)	$	104,334
	Corporate		(6,832,741		)	(6,841,239		)
	Total operating loss		$	(12,715,768	)	$	(6,736,905	)
	Capital Expenditures
	Fuel Storage & Systems		$	6,081,290		$	2,963,301
	Corporate		64,390			4,554
	Total capital expenditures		$	6,145,680		$	2,967,855
	Depreciation
	Fuel Storage & Systems		$	1,429,064		$	1,040,791
	Corporate		46,234			41,556
	Total depreciation		$	1,475,298		$	1,082,347
-1	In December 2013, we and General Motors amended certain contractual arrangements under a development program that, in part, removed certain gain contingencies and, consequently, positively impacted revenue recognition by $1.7 million for services provided through the date of the amendment under the program. In connection with the contractual amendments, we also immediately recognized $0.8 million of deferred engineering costs associated with the program.
Identifiable assets by reporting segment are as follows as of December 31:
		2014			2013
Identifiable Assets
Fuel Storage & Systems		$	42,108,373		$	31,727,999
Renewable Energy - Held for Sale		23,161,999			26,358,742
Corporate		6,406,142			7,917,801
		$	71,676,514		$	66,004,542

Revenue_and_Purchase_Concentra

Revenue and Purchase Concentrations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue and Purchase Concentrations	Revenue and Purchase Concentrations
	Agility Fuel Systems comprised 28%, and 45%, Ryder Vehicle Purchasing LLC comprised 12%, and 0%, General Motors comprised 11% and 8%, and AGI and it's affiliates comprised 9% and 12% of the total consolidated revenue for continuing operations reported for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, AGI and its affiliates comprised of 25% and 4% Agility Fuel Systems comprised 10% and 38% and General Motors comprised 9% and 24% of our total outstanding accounts receivable for continuing operations, respectively.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, purchases from one supplier constituted approximately 37%, and 39%, respectively, of net raw materials purchases of our continuing operations. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the top suppliers accounted for approximately 65% and 77%, respectively, of net raw materials purchases of our continuing operations.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Commitments
	We lease our corporate operations, manufacturing, assembly, design, testing and research and development facilities, which is located at our campus in Lake Forest, California. The operating leases are scheduled to expire beginning on May 31, 2018; however, we have the option to extend the lease until May 31, 2020 for one facility and May 31, 2025 for the remaining two facilities. As of December 31, 2014, the monthly lease payment was $163,472. We incurred rent expense of $1,775,323 in 2014 and $2,308,537 in 2013.
	At December 31, 2014, minimum future lease commitments for our continuing operations under non-cancelable operating leases for facilities and equipment having lease terms in excess of one year are payable as follows:
		Lease
		Commitments
	2015	$	1,695,293
	2016	1,531,362
	2017	1,577,325
	2018	1,624,662
	2019	1,673,400
	Thereafter	4,568,271
	Total minimum lease payments	$	12,670,313
	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.
	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 asserted 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 to $0.932 and the number of shares underlying its October 2006 Warrant proportionately increased. Although we did adjust the exercise price to $1.5142 effective as of August 2, 2013 and increased the number of warrants pursuant to our interpretation of the applicable provisions of the October 2006 Warrant, Iroquois claimed that we were in breach of the warrant contract due to our refusal to honor the lower exercise price and higher number of shares claimed by Iroquois.
	In connection with the Complaint, Iroquois asserted that it was 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 $542,564 Iroquois claims it overpaid when it exercised its October 2006 Warrants, or (b) 852,220 shares of our common stock.  Iroquois also requested interest at 9% per annum on any monetary award and recovery of its attorney’s fees and other related expenses, if successful.
	A bench trial was held on May 20 and 21, 2014. On May 23, 2014, the Court concluded that a reset did occur on May 16, 2013, but rejected Iroquois’s position with respect to the appropriate reset price. The Court determined that the exercise price of the October 2006 Warrant should have been reset to $1.4284 on May 16, 2013, and reset again to $1.2488 on August 2, 2013, the date the holder of the May 2013 Warrant exercised the Exchange Feature contained in the May 2013 Warrant.
	On June 17, 2014, the Court issued its Decision and Order, wherein the Court denied Iroquois’ request for specific performance damages but did grant Iroquois’ request for monetary damages, prejudgment interest and attorney’s fees. The total amount that we have incurred in connection with the Iroquois litigation is $1,813,206, consisting of (i) $1,015,440 in monetary damages, (ii) $704,857 in legal fees and other expenses and (iii) $92,909 in interest related expenses. We recorded these amounts in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss during 2014 which are included in the other expenses and interest expense classifications. On September 3, 2014, we paid the monetary damages and interest and on January 23, 2015 we paid the legal fees and other expenses.
	On December 15, 2014, Iroquois Master Fund (“Iroquois”) filed a Notice of Appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from the judgment entered by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Although we believe that we will prevail on appeal, we can provide no assurance that the Second Circuit will uphold District Court’s judgment. If the Second Circuit were to reverse the District Court’s decision, then we may have to pay Iroquois additional damages and reimburse them for their reasonable attorney fees incurred in connection with the appeal.
	Compensation Plan
	We sponsor a defined contribution plan (the “401K Plan”) for our continuing operations that is qualified under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 401(k). The 401K Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
	Under the 401K Plan, all applicable employees who are at least age twenty-one or older are eligible to participate in the 401K Plan at the beginning of the next month after their first day of employment with us. Employee contributions to the 401K Plan are based on funding standards established by ERISA. Our matching contributions under the 401K Plan are discretionary and match elective salary deferrals up to 3% of compensation.
	We made contributions of $329,997 and $268,690 for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	Samsung Debt
	On January 8, 2015, Schneider Power and Zephyr notified Samsung of their assertion that Samsung is in default of its obligations under a Turbine Supply Agreement and an Operations and Maintenance Agreement. Following this notification and initial discussions, Schneider Power and Zephyr entered into a First Amendment to Master Amendment Agreement on January 26, 2015 pursuant to which the parties agreed to defer until January 31, 2016 approximately CAD $462,167 of interest owed to Samsung under the Master Amendment Agreement that was originally scheduled to be paid on January 31, 2015 (see Note 3).
	Amended Line of Credit
	On February 10, 2015, we and Bridge Bank, National Association, entered into a Third Loan and Security Modification Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, (i) the line of credit was increased from $5.0 million to $7.5 million, (ii) the amount of inventory eligible to be included in the borrowing base is limited to $2.0 million, (iii) a fee of 0.15% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, is charged on the average unused portion of the line of credit, and (iv) for any period that the outstanding advances on the line of credit exceeds $5.0 million, then the amount of unrestricted cash that we are required to maintain at Bridge Bank increases from $1.5 million to $2.0 million.
	The interest rate on the credit facility, which is a variable rate at the greater of 3.75% or Bridge Bank's prime rate plus 0.5%, did not change as a result of the Third Amendment (see Note 8).
	February 2015 Public Offering
	On February 18, 2015, we completed an underwritten public offering of 4,600,000 shares of common stock, $0.02 par value 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 600,000 shares of common stock. The net proceeds we received, net of underwriting discounts and other estimated offering expenses, were approximately $10.5 million.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure	SCHEDULE II
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Valuation and qualifying accounts are as follows:
	Account Description	Balance at		Additions charged			Deductions				Balance at
		beginning of year		to costs and expenses							end of year
	Allowance for doubtful accounts:
	Year ended December 31, 2014	$	398,684	$	(99,947	)	$	(7,093	)	(a)	$	291,644
	Year ended December 31, 2013	429,686		535,957			(566,959		)	(a)	398,684
	Provision for obsolescence reserve:
	Year ended December 31, 2014	3,877,161		68,584			—				3,945,745
	Year ended December 31, 2013	3,359,764		517,397			—				3,877,161
	Warranty reserve:
	Year ended December 31, 2014	399,171		435,453			(222,625		)	(b)	611,999
	Year ended December 31, 2013	364,749		101,399			(66,977		)	(b)	399,171
	(a) Primarily relates to gross accounts receivable and specific allowances against those gross receivables being written-off during the period, net of recoveries.
	(b) Consists of material and labor costs incurred to analyze, repair or replace products under warranty contracts.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). 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 consolidated financial statements for the periods presented include the accounts of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., and our wholly owned subsidiary, Schneider Power Inc. (Schneider Power).
	Schneider Power is an independent power producer and holder of interests in certain renewable energy projects. Schneider Power's portfolio includes the 10.0 megawatt Zephyr operating wind farm located in Ontario, Canada. In August 2012, we committed to a plan to sell the Schneider Power business and initiated steps to locate buyers. To date, we have completed the sale of certain assets as further discussed in Note 3. We continue to actively seek one or more buyers for Schneider Power's remaining operations and assets. As a result of these actions and our expectations for a completion of a sale of the business within the next year, the historical activities and balances of Schneider Power are reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
	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 consolidated financial statements, we have evaluated subsequent events. For purposes of these consolidated financial statements, subsequent events are those events that occurred after the most recent balance sheet date presented but before the consolidated financial statements are issued or available to be issued.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements, Policy	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include assessing our levels of liquidity needs through December 31, 2015, collectability of accounts receivable, estimates of contract costs and percentage of completion, the use and recoverability of inventory, the carrying amounts and fair value of assets held for sale, long-lived assets and goodwill, including estimates of future cash flows and market valuations associated with asset impairment evaluations, the fair value of derivatives associated with debt instruments and warrants, the realization of deferred taxes, useful lives for depreciation/ 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.
Foreign Currency Translations, Policy	Foreign Currency
	The books and records of our wholly-owned subsidiary held for sale, Schneider Power, are maintained in a functional currency, the Canadian dollar, that differs from the United States (U.S.) dollar functional currency that is reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	Schneider Power's assets and liabilities are translated at rates of exchange in effect at the end of the reporting periods. Schneider Power's revenues and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange for the applicable period. Foreign currency translation gains or losses are accumulated within other comprehensive income or loss as a separate component of stockholders' equity.
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Revenue Recognition
	We generally manufacture products based on specific orders from customers. Revenue is recognized when the earnings process is complete and collectability is reasonably assured, which for product sales is generally upon shipment from our warehouse or shipment from warehouses of certain component suppliers that we have contractual relationships with. We include the costs of shipping and handling, when incurred, in cost of goods sold.
	Contract services revenue is derived primarily from services related to system development and application engineering and qualification testing of our products and systems under funded contracts with OEMs and other customers. Contract services revenue is recognized principally by the percentage of completion method. For applicable contracts, we generally estimate percentage complete by determining cost incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated cost at completion. For certain other contracts, percentage complete is determined by measuring progress towards contract deliverables if it is determined that this methodology more closely tracks the realization of the earnings process. For contracts measured under the estimated cost approach, we believe we can generally make dependable estimates of the revenue and costs applicable to various stages of a contract. Recognized revenue and profit are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Our estimates of contract costs are based on expectations of engineering development time and materials and other support costs. These estimates can change based on unforeseen technology and integration issues, but known risk factors and contract challenges are generally allowed for in the initial scope and cost estimate of the program. Revisions in profit estimates are charged to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. We also recognize contract services revenue under certain other arrangements on a time and material basis.
	In certain circumstances, customers pay one price for multiple products and services. Consideration from multiple element arrangements is allocated among the separate units of accounting based on the relative selling price method.
	Revenues of our discontinued operations held for sale principally include energy generation sales associated with wind farm operations which are recognized at the time of generation and delivery to the purchasing utility providers as metered at the point of interconnection with the transmission systems. The rates paid by the respective purchasing utility providers are established in Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) executed between us and the utility providers.
Research and Development Costs, Policy	Research and Development Costs
	Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. Equipment used in research and development with alternative future uses is capitalized and only the current period depreciation is charged to research and development.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	All unrestricted highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.
Cash Flow Presentation, Policy	Cash Flow Presentation
	We report cash flows under the indirect method.
Accounts Receivable, Policy	Accounts Receivable
	We sell to customers using credit terms customary in our industry. Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition, and when credit is extended, collateral is generally not required. Interest is not normally charged on receivables. We establish an allowance for potential losses on our accounts receivable based on historical loss experience and current economic conditions. Accounts receivable are charged off to the allowance when we determine that the account is uncollectible.
Inventories, Policies	Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for all inventories. Market is determined by replacement cost for raw materials and parts and net realizable value for work-in-process and finished goods. Our business is subject to the risk of technological and design changes. We provide for obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on our analysis of inventory levels and future sales forecasts at the end of each accounting period.
Property and Equipment, Policy	.
Equity Method Investments, Policy	.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Policy	.
Restricted Cash, Policy
Warranty Costs, Policy	Warranty Costs
	We offer a warranty for production level storage systems, tanks, component parts and other alternative fuel products shipped to our customers in trucking applications. The specific terms and conditions of those warranties vary depending on the customer requirements; however, CNG systems are generally sold with a warranty of two years or 200,000 miles, whichever occurs first. 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.
Derivative Financial Instruments, Policy	.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We account for conversion features contained within certain of our debt instruments and exercise features of certain of our warrant contracts as derivative financial instruments as further discussed in Notes 9 and 10.
	The derivative financial instruments, which are classified as liabilities, are recorded at fair value and marked to market each period. Changes in fair value of the derivatives each period resulting from a movement in the share price of our common stock or the passage of time are recognized as fair value adjustments of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Changes in fair value resulting from the modification to the terms of the derivative are recognized as a gain or loss on modification of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. We also use a two step approach to evaluate whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to our own stock, including evaluating the instrument’s contingent exercise and settlement provisions.
	Derivative instruments are presented as current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet if (i): the terms allow the holder to convert debt principal or demand principal repayments associated with derivative instruments within twelve months of the balance sheet date or (ii) in the case of warrants, certain contractual provisions under the warrant contracts could require immediate cash payment due to events that are outside of our control. These types of derivative instruments are similar in nature to demand obligations because the settlement of the obligations could require cash payment within the current operating cycle.
Income Taxes, Policy	Income Taxes
	The asset and liability approach is used to recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date (see Note 12).
	We account for uncertainties in income tax law under a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. We recognize the tax effects of a position if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority as of the reporting date. If the tax position is not considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained, then no benefits of the position are recognized.
Share-based Compensation, Policy	Share-Based Compensation
	We account for share-based compensation expense by recognizing the estimated fair value of stock options and restricted stock issued to our employees on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting period as an expense, reduced for estimated forfeitures.
Segment Information, Policy	Segment Information
	We classify our continuing business operations into two segments: Fuel Storage & Vehicles Systems and Corporate which are discussed further in Note 14. Our Renewable Energy business segment is classified as discontinued operations held for sale which is discussed further in Note 3.
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Policy	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that under GAAP are included in comprehensive income (loss) but are excluded from net income or loss attributable to stockholders, as these amounts are recorded directly as an adjustment to stockholders' equity. The change in our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods presented is associated with activity resulting from the effects of currency translation.
Interest Expense, Policy	Interest Expense
	We recognize the amortization of deferred loan origination costs and debt discounts as interest expense under the effective interest method over the life of the applicable arrangements.
Fair Values Measurements, Policy	Fair Values Measurements
	We determine fair values of our assets and liabilities based on the three level valuation hierarchy established in accordance with accounting guidance for measuring fair value. The valuation hierarchy 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 three level 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.
	We have adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic No. 825 “Financial Instruments” (ASC 825), which allows an entity the irrevocable option to elect fair value for the initial and subsequent measurement for specified financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. We did not elect to adopt the fair value option for any of our financial assets or liabilities that were not already measured on a recurring basis. Based on certain qualifying events, we may elect to adopt the fair value option in the future for certain financial assets and liabilities.
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, investments and other assets, accounts payable and amounts included in accrued liabilities and other meeting the definition of a financial instrument approximated their fair values at December 31, 2014 and 2013. See further discussion of fair value measurements in Note 9.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Issued, Policy	New Accounting Pronouncement
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09), which amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 outlines principles that govern revenue recognition at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products are transferred to customers. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for us in the first quarter of 2017. ASU 2014-09 may be applied retrospectively for each period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized in the opening retained earnings balance in 2017. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting the new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations_Held_f1

Discontinued Operations Held for Sale - Schneider Power - Schneider Power (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Historical Operating Results of Schneider Power Classified as Discontinued Operations	The following table provides the results of Schneider Power, classified as discontinued operations, for the years ended December 31:
			2014			2013
	Revenue:
	Net product sales		$	2,363,324		$	2,736,146
	Costs and expenses:
	Cost of product sales		580,753			674,536
	Research and development		—			16,872
	Selling, general and administrative		158,970			998,959
	Impairments of long-lived operating assets (1)		882,297			2,665,503
	Loss on sale of assets (2)		—			308,482
	Total costs and expenses		1,622,020			4,664,352
	Operating income (loss)		741,304			(1,928,206		)
	Interest expense, net		(1,255,567		)	(1,410,560		)
	Other income, net (3)		76,529			227,846
	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes		(437,734		)	(3,110,920		)
	Income tax benefit		—			85,892
	Net loss from discontinued operations held for sale		$	(437,734	)	$	(3,025,028	)
	-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 available Level 3 inputs such as market conditions and pending agreements to sell the assets. Based on assessments that we updated during 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. In 2014, we recognized $0.9 million of impairment charges, of which $0.4 million related to goodwill impairment and $0.5 million related to intangible assets associated with SPI's development pipeline projects compared to $2.7 million recognized in 2013, of which $1.8 million related to goodwill associated with Zephyr, $0.8 million related to assets associated with Schneider Power's development project pipeline and $0.1 million related to property and equipment associated with the Providence Bay Wind Farm.
	-2	Represents the loss recognized upon the sale of the Providence Bay wind farm and certain wind farm development projects.
	-3	For 2014, represents an approved insurance claim associated with turbine downtime during 2012. For 2013, represents return of a development deposit associated with a wind farm development project that was abandoned in 2011.
Unaudited Balance Sheets of Schneider Power, Classified as Discontinued Operations Held for Sale	The balance sheets of Schneider Power, classified as discontinued operations held for sale, are as follows for the year ended December 31:
			2014			2013
	Current Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	392,045		$	777,622
	Accounts receivable, net		221,943			328,730
	Prepaids and other current assets		435,615			218,593
	Total current assets		$	1,049,603		$	1,324,945
	Non-Current Assets:
	Property and equipment, net (1)		$	20,190,824		$	22,016,644
	Intangible asset, net (2)		1,014,185			1,577,672
	Goodwill (3)		2,191			452,682
	Deposits and other assets (4)		905,196			986,799
	Total non-current assets		$	22,112,396		$	25,033,797
	Current Liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	275,628		$	291,730
	Other accrued liabilities		101,015			344,919
	Current portion of debt obligations (5)		1,173,521			1,257,827
	Total current liabilities		$	1,550,164		$	1,894,476
	Non-Current Liabilities:
	Debt obligations, net of current portion (5)		$	19,094,320		$	21,520,634
	Total non-current liabilities		$	19,094,320		$	21,520,634
	-1	Consists mainly of wind turbine assets of the 10 megawatt Zephyr Wind Farm acquired in April 2012. Depreciation was ceased in 2012 upon the classification of the operations as held for sale. Accumulated depreciation of property and equipment at December 31, 2014 was $193,284.
	-2	Consists of project assets associated with Schneider Power's renewable energy portfolio and power purchase agreements associated with the Zephyr Wind Farm.The estimated useful lives for the intangible assets associated with Zephyr Wind Farm are 20 years; however, amortization was ceased in 2012 upon the classification of the operations as held for sale.
	-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 the Trout Creek wind farm project and three development projects.
	-5

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Net Accounts Receivable of Continuing Operations	Net accounts receivable of continuing operations consist of the following as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Customer accounts billed	$	11,120,593		$	8,268,171
	Customer accounts unbilled	797,518			549,072
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	(291,644		)	(398,684		)
	Accounts receivable, net	$	11,626,467		$	8,418,559

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories of continuing operations consist of the following as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Materials and parts	$	10,383,269		$	6,495,599
	Work-in-process	389,155			1,146,589
	Finished goods	2,046,025			1,246,753
		12,818,449			8,888,941
	Less: Provision for obsolescence	(3,945,745		)	(3,877,161		)
	Inventories, net	$	8,872,704		$	5,011,780

Longlived_Assets_Tables

Long-lived Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-lived Assets [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment of continuing operations consists of the following as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Plant machinery and equipment	$	15,850,432		$	13,232,440
	Information systems and office equipment	11,027,393			10,236,625
	Leasehold improvements	8,254,022			5,396,408
	Tooling, dies and molds	3,765,969			3,531,460
	Automobiles and trucks	392,679			392,679
	Property and equipment in service, gross	39,290,495			32,789,612
	Less: Accumulated depreciation	(31,270,855		)	(29,795,556		)
	Property and equipment in service, net	8,019,640			2,994,056
	Construction in progress:
	Plant equipment and other	1,742,701			2,097,903
	Property and equipment, net	$	9,762,341		$	5,091,959

Warranties_Tables

Warranties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Changes in Product Warranty Liability	Changes in our product warranty liability for continuing operations are as follows:
	Period		Balance at		Warranties		Settlements			Changes in		Balance at
			Beginning		Issued		Made (1)			Liability for		End of Year
			of Year							Pre-Existing
										Warranties
	Twelve months ended December 31, 2014		$	399,171	$	435,453	$	(222,625	)	$	—	$	611,999
	Twelve months ended December 31, 2013		$	364,749	$	101,399	$	(66,977	)	$	—	$	399,171
	-1	Consists of material and labor costs incurred to analyze, repair or replace products under warranty contracts.

Debt_Obligations_Tables

Debt Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Obligations	Our debt obligations for continuing operations consist of the following as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Obligations to Secured Lenders
	Convertible Notes: $10,475,000 principal, $269,441 accrued interest, net of unamortized discount of $4,628,439 at December 31, 2014; $11,000,000 principal, $62,944 accrued interest, net of unamortized discount of $5,671,145 at December 31, 2013	$	6,116,002		$	5,391,799
	Line of Credit: $4,500,000 principal and $9,218 accrued interest at December 31, 2014; $3,831,917 principal and $11,735 accrued interest at December 31, 2013	4,509,218			3,843,652
	Capital lease obligation: $1,576,234 principal and $15,703 accrued interest at December 31, 2014; $2,449,163 principal and $23,724 accrued interest at December 31, 2013	1,591,937			2,472,887
	Obligations to Other Creditors:
	Other obligations	13,245			32,533
	Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	12,230,402			11,740,871
	Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount	(5,177,207		)	(3,946,582		)
	Debt obligations of continuing operations, non-current	$	7,053,195		$	7,794,289
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 December 31, 2014:
	Total minimum lease payments due in 2015	$	1,810,300
	Less: Amount representing interest	(234,066		)
	Capital lease obligation	$	1,576,234
Scheduled Maturities of Debt Obligations	The table below shows scheduled maturities of our debt obligations of our continuing operations for each of the following years until maturity:
		Debt Maturities			Amortization of Discount			Net Maturities of Debt Obligations
	2015 (1)	$	6,114,400		$	(937,193	)	$	5,177,207
	2016 (2)	10,744,441			(3,691,246		)	7,053,195
		$	16,858,841		$	(4,628,439	)	$	12,230,402
	The table below shows scheduled maturities of our debt obligations of our continuing operations for each of the following years until maturity:
		Debt Maturities			Amortization of Discount			Net Maturities of Debt Obligations
	2015 (1)	$	6,114,400		$	(937,193	)	$	5,177,207
	2016 (2)	10,744,441			(3,691,246		)	7,053,195
		$	16,858,841		$	(4,628,439	)	$	12,230,402

Derivative_Instruments_and_Fai1

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives and their Respective Fair Values Measured using Level Three Inputs	.
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 (classified as current) using Level 3 inputs:
			Oct-06			February 2011 Warrants			Jan-13			May			Total
			Warrants (1)			(Series B)			Warrants			2013
												Warrants
	Balance at December 31, 2012		$	597,000		$	3,000		$	—		$	—		$	600,000
	Origination of derivative instruments		—			—			705,000			1,604,000			2,309,000
	Fair value adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings		7,144,514			6,000			1,078,000			192,754			8,421,268
	Settlements associated with warrant exercises		(5,397,514		)	—			(1,721,000		)	(1,796,754		)	(8,915,268		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		2,344,000			9,000			62,000			—			2,415,000
	Fair value adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings		(1,954,863		)	(9,000		)	(55,000		)	—			(2,018,863		)
	Settlements associated with warrant exercises		(389,137		)	—			—			—			(389,137		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014		$	—		$	—		$	7,000		$	—		$	7,000
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 binomial and/or option pricing models for the following periods were as follows:
			October			February			Jan-13
			2006 Warrants (2)			2011 Warrants			Warrants
	31-Dec-14
	Annual volatility (1)		*			54.7		%	52.8		%
	Risk-free rate		*			0.25		%	1.38		%
	Dividend rate		*			—		%	—		%
	Closing price of Quantum stock		*			$	2.09		$	2.09
	Exercise price		*			$	24		$	2.84
	31-Dec-13
	Annual volatility (1)		33.6		%	40.6		%	51.2		%
	Risk-free rate		0.09		%	0.38		%	1.75		%
	Dividend rate		—		%	—		%	—		%
	Closing price of Quantum stock		$	7.8		$	7.8		$	7.8
	Exercise price		$	1.5142		$	24		$	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)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Warrant Activity	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, 2013		9,583,097
	Issued - original number		4,560,189
	Issued - additional number (1)		1,016,366
	Exercised (2)		(4,053,005	)
	Expired		(253,900	)
	Warrants outstanding at December 31, 2013		10,852,747
	Exercised (2)		(1,828,232	)
	Expired		(697,110	)
	Warrants outstanding at December 31, 2014		8,327,405
	-1	Associated with reset provisions contained within the October 27, 2006 warrant contracts.
	-2
Summary of Outstanding Warrants	A summary of our outstanding warrants as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Issue Date	Expiration Date		Shares Subject to Outstanding Warrants		Exercise Price at End of Period		Reference
	25-Aug-08	25-Aug-15		349,741		$	154.4	(a)
	April 30, 2010 through July 1, 2010	April 30, 2015 through July 1, 2015		55,473		$	72.8
	October 13, 2010 and October 19, 2010	October 13, 2015 and October 19, 2015		9,037		$	53.6
	18-Feb-11	18-Feb-16		189,836		$	26.28
	February 18, 2011; Series "B"	18-Feb-16		98,481		$	24	(a)
	15-Jun-11	15-Jun-16		361,458		$	15.4
	15-Jun-11	15-Jun-18		11,250		$	12.48
	15-Jun-11	15-Jun-18		30,064		$	15.4
	20-Jun-11	20-Jun-16		14,269		$	15.6
	20-Jun-11	20-Jun-18		31		$	15.6
	6-Jul-11	6-Jul-16		104,929		$	15.4
	23-Aug-11	23-Aug-16		28,750		$	15.4
	29-Sep-11	29-Sep-16		4,782		$	3.32
	12-Oct-11	12-Oct-16		115,314		$	3.32
	October 17, 2011 through October 21, 2011	October 17, 2016 through October 21, 2016		19,138		$	10.56
	21-Dec-11	21-Dec-16		819,851		$	4.88
	19-Jan-12	19-Jan-17		33,187		$	4.88
	March 20, 2012; Series "B"	20-Mar-17		1,311,000		$	4.08
	March 21, 2012; Series "B"	21-Mar-17		735,900		$	4.08
	May 3, 2012; Series "B"	3-May-17		27,612		$	4.08
	7-May-12	7-May-19		50,000		$	3.6
	June 14, 2012; Series "B"	14-Jun-17		51,112		$	4.08
	22-Jun-12	22-Jun-17		516,178		$	3.4
	28-Jun-12	28-Jun-17		56,682		$	3.4
	25-Jul-12	25-Jul-17		34,888		$	3.56
	24-Jan-13	25-Jul-18		11,250		$	2.84	(a)
	18-Sep-13	18-Mar-19		3,287,192		$	2.3
				8,327,405
Schedule of Shares Available	The number of undesignated shares available as of December 31, 2014 is as follows:
			Common Stock		Preferred Stock
	Shares Authorized		50,000,000		20,000,000
	Less shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014		(23,276,264	)	—
	Less shares designated as of December 31, 2014 for issuance under:
	Stock options (1)		(658,152	)	—
	Warrants outstanding		(8,327,405	)	—
	Conversion of principal under convertible notes (2)		(4,396,823	)	—
	Undesignated shares available		13,341,356		20,000,000
	(1) Includes all of the options outstanding plus 202,300 shares remaining that are available for issuance under the 2011 Plan.
	(2) Represents the number of shares issuable upon conversion of $10,475,000 of principal maturing on September 18, 2018 under the Convertible Notes at a fixed conversion price of $2.3824 per share.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Changes in outstanding restricted stock were as follows:
			Restricted Stock		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2013		38,747		$	47.24
	Granted		126,250		$	2.23
	Vested		(14,997	)	$	47.2
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		150,000		$	2.27
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013		150,000		$	2.27
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014		150,000		$	2.27
	Granted		245,600		$	4.35
	Vested		(42,083	)	$	4.35
	Forfeited		(11,667	)	$	2.41
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014		341,850		$	3.77
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014		341,850		$	3.77
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	Below is a summary of the options activity:
			Number of		Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
			Shares		Average			Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining		Value
					Price			Life (In Years)
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2013		173,418		$	24.96
	Granted		142,375		$	2.3
	Forfeited		(22,910	)	$	11.47
	Expired		(12,739	)	$	57.61
	Exercised		(1,499	)	$	2.46
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013		278,645		$	13.37		8.4		$1,195,735
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2014		278,645		$	13.37
	Granted		214,100		$	4.35
	Forfeited		(13,170	)	$	8.83
	Expired		(16,040	)	$	43.86
	Exercised		(7,685	)	$	2.37
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014		455,850		$	8.6		8.74		$	—
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014		425,420		$	9.04		8.78		$	—
	Options exercisable at December 31, 2014		122,353		$	24.69		9.93		$	—
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury interest rates in effect at the time of grant.
		May 29,		May 15,	24-Oct-13		19-Aug-13
		2014		2014
	Estimated grant-date fair value per option granted	$3.72		$2.95	$3.89		$1.45
	Number of options	201,600		12,500	2,500		139,875
	Exercise price per option granted	$4.37		$3.46	$6.10		$2.23
	Dividend yield	—%		—%	—%		—%
	Expected life - years	5.8		5.8	5.8		5.8
	Risk-free interest rate	2.65%		2.65%	2.63%		2.79%
	Expected volatility of common stock	116.60%		116.60%	71.10%		73.10%
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of the options activity of our non-vested options and changes are as follows:
			Number of Shares		Weighted- Average Exercise Price
	Nonvested outstanding at January 1, 2013		123,688		$	6.76
	Granted		142,375		$	2.3
	Vested		(36,650	)	$	42.5
	Forfeited		(24,472	)	$	11.47
	Nonvested outstanding at December 31, 2013		204,941		$	2.89
	Nonvested outstanding at January 1, 2014		204,941		$	2.89
	Granted		214,100		$	4.35
	Vested		(72,374	)	$	24.75
	Forfeited		(13,170	)	$	8.83
	Nonvested outstanding at December 31, 2014		333,497		$	2.64
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	The share-based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock of continuing operations included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and in the financial information by reportable business segment in Note 14 is:
			Fuel Storage & Systems			Corporate			Total
	Year Ended December 31, 2014:
	Cost of product sales		$	21,588		$	—		$	21,588
	Research and development		160,853			—			160,853
	Selling, general and administrative		29,661			353,888			383,549
	Total share-based compensation		$	212,102		$	353,888		$	565,990
	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Cost of product sales		$	24,603		$	—		$	24,603
	Research and development		80,139			—			80,139
	Selling, general and administrative		15,999			269,049			285,048
	Total share-based compensation		$	120,741		$	269,049		$	389,790

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The following table presents the principal reasons for the difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory income tax rate for continuing operations for the year ended December 31:
		2014			2013
	Income tax benefit at U.S. statutory rates	34	%		34	%
	Derivative instruments and fair value measurements	4.7	%		(14.3	)%
	Share-based compensation	(0.5	)%		(0.4	)%
	Other	(0.1	)%		—	%
	Valuation allowance	(39.7	)%		(19.6	)%
	Original issue discount	1.6	%		0.3	%
	Effective tax rate	—	%		—	%
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The following table presents the provision for income taxes for continuing operations on a separate tax return basis as of the year ended December 31:
		2014				2013
	Current:
	Federal	$	—			$	—
	State and local	1,600				1,600
		$	1,600			$	1,600
	Deferred:
	Federal	$	(5,752,360	)		$	68,981,592
	State and local	(986,967		)		5,758,375
		$	(6,739,327	)		$	74,739,967
	Less: Change in valuation allowance	6,739,327				(74,739,967		)
	Subtotal	—				—
	Income tax expense	$	1,600			$	1,600
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:
		2014				2013
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Accrued compensation	$	363,684			$	358,742
	Accrued warranty	243,786				103,816
	Inventory	1,575,527				1,524,902
	Share-based compensation	2,768,688				2,622,451
	Other comprehensive income	295,793				295,793
	Tax credits	764,575				764,575
	Other	677,611				335,286
	Net operating loss carry-forwards	17,920,468				11,753,569
		24,610,132				17,759,134
	Less: Valuation allowance	(24,294,275		)		(17,554,948		)
	Total deferred income tax assets	315,857				204,186
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Equipment and leasehold improvements	(315,857		)		(204,186		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	—			$	—

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share as of the year ended December 31:
		2014				2013
	Numerators for basic and diluted loss per share data:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(14,485,870	)		$	(20,019,538	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(437,734		)		(3,025,028		)
	Net loss	$	(14,923,604	)		$	(23,044,566	)
	Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share data - weighted-average shares	22,407,818				14,642,320
	Basic and diluted loss per share data:
	Net loss from continuing operations	$	(0.65	)		$	(1.37	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(0.02		)		(0.20		)
	Net loss	$	(0.67	)		$	(1.57	)
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the amount of shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, as to do so would have been anti-dilutive as of the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013
	Stock Options	455,850			278,645
	Warrants	8,327,405			10,852,747
	Convertible Notes	4,396,823			4,617,187
		13,180,078			15,748,579

Tables

(Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue by Country	Revenue for continuing operations by country is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	United States	$	32,400,794		$	30,369,607
	Canada	916,517			226,134
	Germany	355,350			1,148,114
	Australia	344,813			—
	India	76,350			140,726
	United Kingdom	9,170			—
	Spain	—			9,619
	Taiwan	—			9,490
	Total	$	34,102,994		$	31,903,690
Financial Information by Business Segment	Selected financial information of continuing operations by business segment is as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Revenues
	Fuel Storage & Systems:
	Net product sales	$	25,785,837		$	22,943,639
	Contract services (1)	8,317,157			8,960,051
	Total revenues	$	34,102,994		$	31,903,690
	Cost of Revenues
	Fuel Storage & Systems:
	Cost of product sales	$	23,743,646		$	16,261,662
	Cost of contract services	5,220,844			5,296,499
	Total cost of revenues	$	28,964,490		$	21,558,161
	Gross Margin
	Fuel Storage & Systems:
	Net product sales	$	2,042,191		$	6,681,977
	Contract services	3,096,313			3,663,552
	Total gross margin	$	5,138,504		$	10,345,529
	Operating Expenses
	Fuel Storage & Systems:
	Research and development	$	7,616,018		$	5,996,414
	Selling, general, and administrative	3,405,513			4,244,781
	Total	11,021,531			10,241,195
	Corporate
	Selling, general, and administrative	6,832,741			6,841,239
	Total	$	17,854,272		$	17,082,434
	Operating Income (Loss)
	Fuel Storage & Systems	$	(5,883,027	)	$	104,334
	Corporate	(6,832,741		)	(6,841,239		)
	Total operating loss	$	(12,715,768	)	$	(6,736,905	)
	Capital Expenditures
	Fuel Storage & Systems	$	6,081,290		$	2,963,301
	Corporate	64,390			4,554
	Total capital expenditures	$	6,145,680		$	2,967,855
	Depreciation
	Fuel Storage & Systems	$	1,429,064		$	1,040,791
	Corporate	46,234			41,556
	Total depreciation	$	1,475,298		$	1,082,347
Identifiable Assets by Reporting Segment	Identifiable assets by reporting segment are as follows as of December 31:
		2014			2013
	Identifiable Assets
	Fuel Storage & Systems	$	42,108,373		$	31,727,999
	Renewable Energy - Held for Sale	23,161,999			26,358,742
	Corporate	6,406,142			7,917,801
		$	71,676,514		$	66,004,542

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	At December 31, 2014, minimum future lease commitments for our continuing operations under non-cancelable operating leases for facilities and equipment having lease terms in excess of one year are payable as follows:
		Lease
		Commitments
	2015	$	1,695,293
	2016	1,531,362
	2017	1,577,325
	2018	1,624,662
	2019	1,673,400
	Thereafter	4,568,271
	Total minimum lease payments	$	12,670,313

Subsequent_Events_Tables

Subsequent Events (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Warrants exercised	.

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen1

Background and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

6-May-14

5-May-14

Feb. 28, 2014

Jul. 30, 2013

29-May-13

Aug. 01, 2012

Apr. 20, 2012

30-May-13

13-May-13

Feb. 19, 2015

Feb. 10, 2015

Segment

Segment

MW

MW

MW

MW

MW

Basis of Presentation [Line Items]

Number of Reportable Segments

3

3

Number of Common Stock Authorized before Reverse Stock Split

150,000,000

Number of Common Stock Authorized after Reverse Stock Split

37,500,000

Preferred stock, shares authorized

20,000,000

20,000,000

20,000,000

Series B Common Stock

12,499

Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued

12,499

Series B Common Stock Par Value

$0.02

Series B Common Stock Retired

25,000

Common stock, par value

$0.02

Common stock, shares authorized

50,000,000

50,000,000

37,475,000

Cash and cash equivalents

$4,103,841

$6,254,359

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

3,000,000

Proceeds from Public Offering, Gross

10,500,000

Proceeds from Warrant Exercises

5,140,534

5,965,692

Series B common stock

Basis of Presentation [Line Items]

Number of Common Stock Authorized after Reverse Stock Split

25,000

Trout Creek Wind Farm

Basis of Presentation [Line Items]

Annual Capacity Of Plant

10

10

10

10

Spi Providence Bay

Basis of Presentation [Line Items]

Annual Capacity Of Plant

1.6

1.6

Subsequent Event

Basis of Presentation [Line Items]

Common stock, par value

$0.02

Line of Credit, Current

$7,500,000

Maximum [Member] | Information Systems And Office Equipment [Member]

Basis of Presentation [Line Items]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives

7 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment	Segment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number of continuing business segments		2
Number of Reportable Segments	3	3
Useful life of intangible assets		20 years
Tools, Dies and Molds
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		5 years
Plant Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		7 years
Power Generation Machinary and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		15 years
Information Systems and Office Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		3
Information Systems and Office Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		7 years
Automobiles and Trucks
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		5 years

Discontinued_Operations_Held_f2

Discontinued Operations Held for Sale - Schneider Power - Schneider Power - Audited Historical Operating Results (Details)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	13-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	CAD	USD ($)	CAD	USD ($)	Schneider Power	Schneider Power	Schneider Power
					USD ($)	Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
						USD ($)	USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium					$800,000
Revenue:
Net product sales						2,363,324	2,736,146
Costs and expenses:
Cost of product sales						580,753	674,536
Research and development		7,616,018		5,996,414		0	16,872
Selling, general and administrative		10,238,254		11,086,020		158,970	998,959
Impairment of long-lived operating assets						882,297	2,665,503
Loss on sale of assets of discontinued operations	55,012	0	105,220	308,482		0	308,482
Total costs and expenses		17,854,272		17,082,434		1,622,020	4,664,352
Operating income (loss)		-12,715,768		-6,736,905		741,304	-1,928,206
Interest expense, net		-2,051,160		-4,877,122		-1,255,567	-1,410,560
Other, net		-1,736,206		17,357		76,529	227,846
Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes						-437,734	-3,110,920
Income tax benefit						0	85,892
Net loss from discontinued operations held for sale		-437,734		-3,025,028		-437,734	-3,025,028
Impairment of intangible assets						0.5
Debt Instrument Accrued Interest		$12,218			$600,000

Discontinued_Operations_Held_f3

Discontinued Operations Held for Sale - Schneider Power - Schneider Power - Audited Balance Sheets (Details)	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	30-May-13	13-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	29-May-13	Aug. 01, 2012	Apr. 20, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Schneider Power	Schneider Power	Schneider Power	Zephyr Farms Limited	Spi Providence Bay	Spi Providence Bay	Trout Creek Wind Farm	Trout Creek Wind Farm	Trout Creek Wind Farm	Trout Creek Wind Farm	Trout Creek Wind Farm	Zephyr Farms Limited
			USD ($)	Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations	MW	MW	MW	CAD	MW	MW	MW	MW
				USD ($)	USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment And Amortization				$0.90	$2.70
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	1,635,912
Goodwill, Impairment Loss				0.4	1.8
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets									125,904
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	4,103,841	6,254,359		392,045	777,622
Accounts receivable, net	11,626,467	8,418,559		221,943	328,730
Prepaids and other current assets	1,261,953	1,629,668		435,615	218,593
Total current assets	26,914,568	22,639,311		1,049,603	1,324,945
Non-Current Assets:
Property and equipment, net	9,762,341	5,091,959		20,190,824	22,016,644
Intangible asset, net				1,014,185	1,577,672
Goodwill	12,400,000	12,400,000		2,191	452,682
Deposits and other assets	487,209	839,475		905,196	986,799
Total non-current assets				22,112,396	25,033,797
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,313,192	7,179,463		275,628	291,730
Accrued payroll obligations	1,263,257	1,154,346
Other accrued liabilities	1,010,340	496,726		101,015	344,919
Current portion of debt obligations	5,177,207	3,946,582		1,173,521	1,257,827
Total current liabilities	21,924,067	19,709,667		1,550,164	1,894,476
Non-Current Liabilities:
Debt obligations, net of current portion	7,053,195	7,794,289		19,094,320	21,520,634
Total non-current liabilities				19,094,320	21,520,634
Useful life of intangible assets	20 years													20 years
Annual Capacity Of Plant						10	1.6	1.6		10	10	10	10
Accumulated depreciation		193,284
Depreciation	1,475,298	1,082,347
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium			800,000
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)				$0.50

Discontinued_Operations_Held_f4

Discontinued Operations Held for Sale - Schneider Power - Schneider Power - Additional Information (Details)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

13-May-13

Apr. 20, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

14-May-13

Sep. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

29-May-13

Aug. 01, 2012

Apr. 20, 2012

13-May-13

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

30-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 19, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 20, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2015

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

Zephyr Farms Limited [Member]

Zephyr Farms Limited [Member]

Spi Providence Bay [Member]

Trout Creek Wind Farm

Trout Creek Wind Farm

Trout Creek Wind Farm

Trout Creek Wind Farm

Trout Creek Wind Farm

Trout Creek Wind Farm

Spi Providence Bay [Member]

Spi Providence Bay [Member]

Spi Providence Bay [Member]

Spi Providence Bay [Member]

Zephyr Farms Limited [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Spi Providence Bay [Member]

Zephyr Farms Limited [Member]

Zephyr Farms Limited [Member]

Schneider Power [Member]

Schneider Power [Member]

Schneider Power [Member]

Subsequent Event

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

CAD

CAD

CAD

MW

MW

MW

CAD

CAD

CAD

MW

MW

January Thirty First Two Thousand Eighteen [Member]

Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]

Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]

Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]

USD ($)

Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]

Segment, Discontinued Operations [Member]

Schneider Power [Member]

MW

MW

Amendment of Debt Agreement

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Goodwill, Impairment Loss

$0.40

$1.80

Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)

0.5

Debt Instrument, Principle Balloon Payment Due

2,150,000

Debt Instrument Accrued Interest

12,218

600,000

Interest Expense

500,000

Capacity of plant acquired

10

10

10

10

1.6

1.6

10

Accumulated depreciation

193,284

Depreciation on property and equipment

1,475,298

1,082,347

Useful life of intangible assets

20 years

20 years

20 years

Debt Principal and Interest Amount

23.2

1.1

Debt instrument, interest rate

10.00%

6.00%

Bank Term Loan, monthly fixed cash payment

12,899

Bank Term Loan, amount paid on maturity

667,422

Bank term loan

1,100,000

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

10-Apr-17

Conversion rate of one CAD to one Dollar

0.86

0.86

0.94

Required principal balloon payment in year five

5.3

Final payment in year ten

9,600,000

Debt Principal Amount

11,000,000

22,100,000

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium

800,000

2014

1,531,362

86,777

2015

1,577,325

87,065

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years

1,624,662

87,065

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years

1,673,400

87,652

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years

87,945

Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter

4,568,271

1,199,408

Rent expense

1,800,000

2,300,000

93,971

99,906

Operational and Maintainance Agreement, Future Minimum Payment Due

893,354

Operational and Maintainance Agreement, Future Minimum Payment Due, in Year Two

291,908

Operational and Maintainance Agreement, Future Minimum Payment Due, in Year Three

297,746

Operational and Maintainance Agreement, Future Minimum Payment Due, in Year Four

303,700

Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses

971,250

75,000

403,373

Sale of Business, Debt Assumed by Buyer

236,709

1,111,977

Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax

-55,012

0

-105,220

-308,482

165,297

0

-308,482

Contingent Consideration of Business Acquisition at Fair Value

907,558

Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration, Potential Cash Payment

1,143,750

Assets

71,676,514

66,004,542

1

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

$9,762,341

$5,091,959

$0

$20,190,824

$22,016,644

Acquisition_and_Divestiture_Al

Acquisition and Divestiture - Allocation of Purchase Price (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Goodwill ascribed to transaction	$12,400,000	$12,400,000

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 25, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Initial Debt Repayment Amount		$300,000
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties	2,200,000
Debt Repayment Interest Expense	0.00%
Voting Units	510
Non Voting Units	474
Customer accounts billed	11,120,593		8,268,171
Customer accounts unbilled	797,518		549,072
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-291,644		-398,684
Accounts receivable, net	11,626,467		8,418,559
Advanced Green Innovations, LLC [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of Total Revenue	0.00%		0.00%
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties	2,800,000
Other Receivables	$600,000

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Materials and parts	$10,383,269	$6,495,599
Work-in-process	389,155	1,146,589
Finished goods	2,046,025	1,246,753
Inventory, Gross, Total	12,818,449	8,888,941
Less: provision for obsolescence	-3,945,745	-3,877,161
Inventories, net	$8,872,704	$5,011,780

Longlived_Assets_Property_and_

Long-lived Assets - Property and Equipment Net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation	$765,150	$399,709
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	1,475,298	1,082,347
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		-193,284
Property and equipment, net	9,762,341	5,091,959
Property and Equipment in Service, Net
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	39,290,495	32,789,612
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-31,270,855	-29,795,556
Property and equipment, net	8,019,640	2,994,056
Plant Machinery and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	15,850,432	13,232,440
Information Systems and Office Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	11,027,393	10,236,625
Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	8,254,022	5,396,408
Tools, Dies and Molds
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	3,765,969	3,531,460
Automobiles and Trucks
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	392,679	392,679
Construction in Progress - Plant Equipment and Other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$1,742,701	$2,097,903

Longlived_Assets_Additional_In

Long-lived Assets - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Depreciation expense on property and equipment	$1,475,298	$1,082,347
Property and equipment under capital leases, net	3,250,000	2,933,963
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation	765,150	399,709
Goodwill	12,400,000	12,400,000
Fuel Storage and Vehicle Systems
Goodwill [Line Items]
Depreciation expense on property and equipment	1,429,064	1,040,791
Goodwill	$12,400,000

Warranties_Details

Warranties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement in Product Warranty [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$399,171	$364,749
Warranties Issued	435,453	101,399
Settlements Made	-222,625	-66,977
Changes in Liability for Pre-Existing Warranties	0	0
Balance at End of Year	$611,999	$399,171

Debt_Obligations_Details

Debt Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Closing price of Quantum stock	$2.09	$7.80
Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	$12,230,402
Capital lease obligation: $1,576,234 principal and $15,703 accrued interest at December 31, 2014; $2,449,163 principal and $23,724 accrued interest at December 31, 2013	1,591,937	2,472,887
Total debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	12,230,402	11,740,871
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount	5,177,207	-3,946,582
Debt obligations of continuing operations, non-current	7,053,195	7,794,289
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	4,509,218	3,843,652
Unsecured B Convertible Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	6,116,002	5,391,799
Other Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current	$13,245	$32,533

Narrative_Details

- Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations, current and non-current, principal	$11,000,000
Debt obligations, current and non-current, accrued interest	62,944
Debt obligations, current and non-current, debt discount	1,323,711
Capital Lease, Principal Amount	2,449,163	3,146,110
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations, current and non-current, principal	3,831,917	3,000,000
Debt obligations, current and non-current, accrued interest	11,735	9,188
June/July 2012 Bridge Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations, current and non-current, principal		7,100,000
Debt obligations, current and non-current, accrued interest		214,751
Debt obligations, current and non-current, debt discount		1,504,353
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations, current and non-current, accrued interest	$23,724	$31,344

Debt_Obligations_Line_of_Credi

Debt Obligations - Line of Credit (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		16 Months Ended
	Sep. 18, 2013	7-May-12	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 19, 2013	Feb. 10, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line Of Credit Facility Additional Borrowing Capacity		$10,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End		5.25%
Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above Prime Rate		2.00%		500.00%
Borrowing Base as Percentage of Eligible Inventory			50.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Covernants, Minimum Asset Coverage Ratio		1.25
Borrowing Base as Percentage of All Outstanding Advances			40.00%
Facility Fee Due on First Anniversary Date, before Modification			100,000
Facility Fee Due on First Anniversary Date, after Modification			50,000
Credit facility, additional interest above prime rate					2.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Covernants, Asset Coverage Ratio Benchmark			1.35
Line of Credit Facility, Borrowing Capacity, before Modification			10,000,000
Fair Value of Warrants Issued to Lender Related to Loan Modification Agreement			39,000
Payment Of Fees Related To Revolving Credit Agreement			70,075
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity			5,000,000
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity				5,000,000
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current				1,500,000
Debt Issuance Cost	579,103			25,000		34,686
Proceeds from Lines of Credit				4,500,000	831,917
Letters of credit and credit card services reserve				180,000
Unrestricted Cash Maintained Minimum				1,500,000
Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity							7,500,000
Inventory Borrowing Base Limit							2,000,000
Line of Credit, unused portion, fee per annum							15.00%
Unrestricted Cash Maintained Minimum							$2,000,000

Debt_Obligations_Capital_Lease

Debt Obligations - Capital Lease Obligation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 07, 2014	Nov. 06, 2012	Nov. 06, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash				$3,250,000
Capital Lease Obligation Payments	1,342,146			111,846
Total minimum lease payments	1,810,300
Less: Amount representing interest	-234,066
Present value of net minimum lease payments	1,576,234
Interest	1,987,472	3,072,930
Implied Interest Cost	469,217
Capital Lease Obligation Discount Rate			23.00%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease final payment					$691,846

Debt_Obligations_Bridge_Term_N

Debt Obligations - Bridge Term Notes (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	16 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 19, 2013	Jan. 24, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Notes Debt Principal Amount		$475,000
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments		16,858,841
Debt issuance costs	579,103	25,000	34,686
Debt discount		1,323,711
Debt instrument, interest rate					10.00%
Proceeds from debt issuance	11,000,000
Recognized non-cash interest expenses		12,765
Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium)		-4,628,439
Long-term Debt		-12,230,402
June/July 2012 Bridge Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt discount						1,504,353
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding			7,100,000
Interest Expense			186,740
2013 Bridge Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs					72,875
Debt discount				300,000
Face amount of unsecured nonconvertible promissory notes				1,800,000
Debt instrument, interest rate				0.00%
Face amount of unsecured nonconvertible promissory notes, adjusted				1,625,000
Original issue discount, adjusted				125,000
Proceeds from debt issuance				1,500,000
Derivative Liabilities				705,000
Proceeds Allocated to Debt Instrument on a Residual Basis				795,000
Unamortized Discount Allocated to Debt Instrument				1,005,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense				137,500
Interest Expense					64,625
Amount of Savings Due to Early Repayment of Outstanding Balance								$175,000

Debt_Obligations_Scheduled_Mat

Debt Obligations - Scheduled Maturities of Debt Obligations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 19, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]
Accrued Interest on Convertible Debt	$3,361
Debt Discount	269,493	199,476
Debt Maturities	16,858,841
Amortization of Discount	4,628,439
Net Maturities of Debt Obligations	12,230,402
Fiscal Year 2014
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]
Debt Maturities	10,744,441
Fiscal Year 2015
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]
Debt Maturities			6,114,400
Amortization of Discount	-937,193
Net Maturities of Debt Obligations			5,177,207
Fiscal Year Twenty Sixteen [Member]
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]
Amortization of Discount	-3,691,246
Net Maturities of Debt Obligations	$7,053,195

Debt_Obligations_Unsecured_Con

Debt Obligations - Unsecured Convertible Notes (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	16 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 19, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from debt issuance	$11,000,000
Common Stock Warrants Issued	3,411,235
Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current		12,230,402
Debt issuance costs	579,103	25,000	34,686
Debt discount		1,323,711
Debt instrument, interest rate				10.00%
Non-cash interest expense associated to debt discount		-4,628,439
Debt Principal Amount		11,000,000
Recognized non-cash interest expenses		12,765
Outstanding Principal of Convertible Notes		525,000
Shares of Common Stock in Satisfaction of Outstanding Principal		220,364
Interest Paid		3,361
Debt Discount		269,493	199,476
Convertible Notes Debt Principal Amount		475,000
Debt Instrument Accrued Interest		12,218
Convertible Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from debt issuance	11,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate	2.00%			2.00%
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured convertible promissory notes	10,420,898
Fixed conversion price				$2.38
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Cap on Liquidated Damages, Percentage Gross Proceeds	12.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Beneficial Ownership Cap	19.99%
Debt issuance costs	268,252
Unsecured B Convertible Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt obligations of continuing operations, current and non-current		6,116,002			5,391,799
Investor | Convertible Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from debt issuance	10,000,000
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	5.00%
Warrants | Convertible Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	310,851
Debt discount	$5,875,000
May 7, 2012 - Seven Year Term [Member] | Common Stock
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class Of Warrant Or Right, Exercisable Period		6 months
May 7, 2012 - One Year Term [Member] | Common Stock
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class Of Warrant Or Right, Exercisable Period		6 months

Derivative_Instruments_and_Fai2

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Derivatives and their Respective Fair Values (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities, Current	$7,000	$2,415,000

Derivative_Instruments_and_Fai3

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2013	16-May-13
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Common Stock Issued for Cashless Exchange of Warrant Exercises	751,780
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	751,780	1,229,508
May 2013 Issuance
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	751,780

Derivative_Instruments_and_Fai4

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements - Changes in Fair Value of Derivative Instrument Liabilities using Level 3 Inputs (Details) (Derivative, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$600,000
Adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings	-8,421,268
Origination of derivative instrument	2,309,000
Settlements associated with debt payments and warrant exercises	8,915,268
Ending balance	2,415,000
October 2006 Warrants (1)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	597,000
Adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings	-7,144,514
Origination of derivative instrument	0
Settlements associated with debt payments and warrant exercises	5,397,514
Ending balance	2,344,000
Put Option [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3,000
Adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings	-6,000
Origination of derivative instrument	0
Settlements associated with debt payments and warrant exercises	0
Ending balance	9,000
January 2013 Warrants
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0
Adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings	-1,078,000
Origination of derivative instrument	705,000
Settlements associated with debt payments and warrant exercises	1,721,000
Ending balance	62,000
May 2013 Warrants
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0
Adjustments resulting from change in value of underlying asset and passage of time recognized in earnings	-192,754
Origination of derivative instrument	1,604,000
Settlements associated with debt payments and warrant exercises	1,796,754
Ending balance	$0

Derivative_Instruments_and_Fai5

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements - Assumptions used in Calculating Fair Value of Derivative Instrument Liabilities Measured with Level Three Inputs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Closing price of Quantum stock	$2.09	$7.80
October 2006 Warrants (1)
Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Annual volatility		33.60%
Risk-free rate		0.09%
Dividend rate		0.00%
Closing price of Quantum stock		$7.80
Conversion / exercise price		$1.51
Put Option [Member]
Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Annual volatility	54.70%	40.60%
Risk-free rate	0.25%	0.38%
Dividend rate	0.00%	0.00%
Closing price of Quantum stock	$2.09	$7.80
Conversion / exercise price	$24	$24
January 2013 Warrants
Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Annual volatility	52.80%
Risk-free rate	1.38%
Dividend rate	0.00%
Closing price of Quantum stock	$2.09
Conversion / exercise price	$2.84

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 18, 2013

Aug. 02, 2013

20-May-13

16-May-13

Feb. 28, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 19, 2015

Jan. 24, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

6-May-14

5-May-14

Jul. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Warrant exercise price

$2.38

$4

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

2.84

Warrant expiration period

5 years

Warrant term

5 years 6 months

Number of Warrants Not Issued Due to Early Repayment of Debt

375,000

125,000

Warrant Exercise Price

$2.30

$2.48

$2.68

Number of Days Following Issuance Date of Alternative Exercising Warrant

30 days

Number of Common Stock Authorized before Reverse Stock Split

150,000,000

Common stock, shares authorized

50,000,000

50,000,000

37,475,000

Preferred stock, shares authorized

20,000,000

20,000,000

20,000,000

Preferred stock, par value

$0.00

$0.00

Common stock, shares issued

2,357,500

Common stock, par value

$0.02

Proceeds from Warrant Exercises

$5,140,534

$5,965,692

Issuance of common stock

3,000,000

5,122,285

5,965,762

Fair value of warrant

2,946,876

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

2,695,005

Proceeds from debt issuance

11,000,000

Alternative to Exercising Warrant, Value

0

Aggregate Number of Shares Originally Issued Plus Number of Common Stock Required to Settle Exchange as Percentage of Issued and Outstanding Shares Benchmark

19.99%

Unsecured Debt, Maturity Period

1 year

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

751,780

1,229,508

Stock Issued During Period, Stock Price

$2.44

Amount of Proceeds from Registered Direct Offering Allocated to Warrant

1,604,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

10.00%

Percentage of Adjustment If Common Stock Delisted from Capital Market

116.67%

Class of Warrant or Right, Warrants Issued

3,279,440

25,000

737,704

Maximum

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Aggregate Offering Price of Sale of Common Stock per Agreement

4,228,981

Subsequent Event

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues Over Allotment

600,000

Common stock, shares issued

4,600,000

Common stock, par value

$0.02

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

10,500,000

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

4,600,000

May 2013 Issuance

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

751,780

2013 Bridge Notes

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Percentage of purchase price each warrant entitle investor to purchase

100.00%

Maximum stock to be purchased by warrant

375,000

Amount of common stock to purchase of warrant issued to private placement agent

11,250

Warrant term

5 years 6 months

Unit purchase price each warrant entitle investor to purchase

$4

Warrant floor price

$2.84

Price above consolidated closing bid price to adjust initial exercise price for additional warrants

$0.01

Issuance of common stock

15,259,620

Proceeds from debt issuance

1,500,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

0.00%

2013 Bridge Notes | Subsequent Event

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Issuance of common stock

$10,500,000

May 7, 2012 - One Year Term [Member] | Common Stock

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Warrant expiration period

1 year

Stockholders_Equity_Warrant_In

Stockholders' Equity - Warrant Information (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 18, 2013

Aug. 02, 2013

20-May-13

16-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 24, 2013

6-May-14

5-May-14

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]

Common Stock, Conversion Features

2601654

Payments for Commissions

$277,926

Agent Fees And Commissions

0.03

Proceeds from Warrant Exercises

5,140,534

5,965,692

Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]

Warrants outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)

9,583,097

10,852,747

9,583,097

Issued - original number (in shares)

4,560,189

Issued - additional number (in shares)

1,016,366

[1]

Exercised (in shares)

-1,828,232

-4,053,005

Expired (in shares)

-697,110

[2]

-253,900

Warrants outstanding, end of period (in shares)

8,327,405

10,852,747

Warrant term

5 years 6 months

Warrant exercise price

$2.38

$4

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

2.84

Common stock, shares authorized

50,000,000

50,000,000

37,475,000

Warrant expiration period

5 years

Common stock, shares issued

2,357,500

Closing price of Quantum stock

$2.09

$7.80

Class of Warrant or Right, Warrants Issued

3,279,440

25,000

737,704

Number of Warrants Not Issued Due to Early Repayment of Debt

375,000

125,000

Warrant Exercise Price

$2.30

$2.48

$2.68

Number of Days Following Issuance Date of Alternative Exercising Warrant

30 days

Alternative to Exercising Warrant, Value

$0

Aggregate Number of Shares Originally Issued Plus Number of Common Stock Required to Settle Exchange as Percentage of Issued and Outstanding Shares Benchmark

19.99%

Unsecured Debt, Maturity Period

1 year

Debt instrument, interest rate

10.00%

Percentage of Adjustment If Common Stock Delisted from Capital Market

116.67%

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

751,780

1,229,508

May 2013 Issuance

Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

751,780

2013 Bridge Notes

Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]

Maximum stock to be purchased by warrant

375,000

Warrant term

5 years 6 months

Percentage of purchase price each warrant entitle investor to purchase

100.00%

Unit purchase price each warrant entitle investor to purchase

$4

Warrant floor price

$2.84

Price above consolidated closing bid price to adjust initial exercise price for additional warrants

$0.01

Amount of common stock to purchase of warrant issued to private placement agent

11,250

Debt instrument, interest rate

0.00%

Management

Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]

Class of Warrant or Right, Warrants Issued

131,795

January 19, 2012 [Member] | Common Stock

Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]

Warrants outstanding, end of period (in shares)

33,187

[3]

Warrant exercise price

$4.88

[3]

Warrant expiration period

5 years

March 21, 2012 [Member] | Series B Warrant

Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]

Warrants outstanding, end of period (in shares)

735,900

[3]

Warrant exercise price

$4.08

[3]

Warrant expiration period

5 years

May 7, 2012 - Seven Year Term [Member] | Common Stock

Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]

Warrants outstanding, end of period (in shares)

50,000

[3]

Warrant exercise price

$3.60

[3]

Warrant expiration period

7 years

Class Of Warrant Or Right, Exercisable Period

6 months

May 8, 2012 [Member] | Common Stock

Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]

Warrant expiration period

7 years

Class Of Warrant Or Right, Exercisable Period

6 months

June 28, 2012 [Member] | Common Stock

Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]

Warrants outstanding, end of period (in shares)

56,682

[3]

Warrant exercise price

$3.40

[3]

Warrant expiration period

5 years

Class Of Warrant Or Right, Exercisable Period

6 months

May 7, 2012 - One Year Term [Member] | Common Stock

Class of Warrant or Right [Roll Forward]

Warrant expiration period

1 year

Class Of Warrant Or Right, Exercisable Period

6 months

[1]

Associated with reset provisions

[2]

{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjc4MWYwZDU4OWUyZTQyZWQ5YmQzNWUyYTZhNzg2YmI5fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246RTM0MzQxNENDRjY2MTJFOEI3QUIwMDI0OTE2Qzc3QjgM}

[3]

{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjc4MWYwZDU4OWUyZTQyZWQ5YmQzNWUyYTZhNzg2YmI5fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246MDMzRkM3MURFNEIyMzhEMzIzOUYwMDI0OTE2QzA0MEEM}

Stockholders_Equity_Warrants_O

Stockholders' Equity - Warrants Outstanding (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended			2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 18, 2013	20-May-13	16-May-13	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues			$3,000,000	$5,122,285	$5,965,762
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					8,327,405		10,852,747		9,583,097
Warrant exercise price					$2.38			$4
Common Stock Warrants Issued	3,411,235
Class of Warrant or Right, Warrants Issued	3,279,440	25,000	737,704
Common Stock | August 25, 2008
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					349,741
Warrant exercise price					$154.40
Common Stock | April 30, 2010 Through July 1, 2010 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					55,473	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$72.80	[1]
Common Stock | October 13, 2010 Through October 19, 2010 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					9,037	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$53.60	[1]
Common Stock | February 18, 2011 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					189,836	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$26.28	[1]
Common Stock | June 15, 2011 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					11,250	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$12.48	[1]
Common Stock | June 15, 2011 [Member] | Minimum
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					361,458	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$15.40	[1]
Common Stock | June 15, 2011 [Member] | Maximum
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					30,064	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$15.40	[1]
Common Stock | June 20, 2011 - Five Year Term [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					14,269	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$15.60	[1]
Common Stock | June 20, 2011 - Seven Year Term [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					31	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$15.60	[1]
Common Stock | July 6, 2011 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					104,929	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$15.40	[1]
Common Stock | August 23, 2011 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					28,750	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$15.40	[1]
Common Stock | September 29, 2011 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					4,782
Warrant exercise price					$3.32
Common Stock | October 12, 2011 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					115,314
Warrant exercise price					$3.32
Common Stock | October 17, 2011 Through October 21, 2011 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					19,138	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$10.56	[1]
Common Stock | December 21, 2011 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					819,851	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$4.88	[1]
Common Stock | January 19, 2012 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					33,187	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$4.88	[1]
Common Stock | May 7, 2012 - Seven Year Term [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class Of Warrant Or Right, Exercisable Period					6 months
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					50,000	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$3.60	[1]
Common Stock | June 22, 2012 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					516,178	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$3.40	[1]
Common Stock | June 28, 2012 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Class Of Warrant Or Right, Exercisable Period					6 months
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					56,682	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$3.40	[1]
Common Stock | July 25, 2012 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					34,888	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$3.56	[1]
Series B Warrant | February 18, 2011 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					98,481	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$24	[1]
Series B Warrant | March 20, 2012 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					1,311,000	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$4.08	[1]
Series B Warrant | March 21, 2012 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					735,900	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$4.08	[1]
Series B Warrant | May 3, 2012 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					27,612	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$4.08	[1]
Series B Warrant | June 14, 2012 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Warrants outstanding (in shares)					51,112	[1]
Warrant exercise price					$4.08	[1]
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjc4MWYwZDU4OWUyZTQyZWQ5YmQzNWUyYTZhNzg2YmI5fFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246MDMzRkM3MURFNEIyMzhEMzIzOUYwMDI0OTE2QzA0MEEM}

Stockholders_Equity_Shares_Ava

Stockholders' Equity - Shares Available (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

8 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 18, 2013

16-May-13

Feb. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2013

Feb. 19, 2015

6-May-14

5-May-14

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 27, 2011

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Warrant exercise price

$2.38

$4

Fair Value Of Warrants Issued

$2,946,876

Fair Value of Common Stock

1,796,754

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period

0

0

0

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period

10 years

Common Stock Warrants Issued

3,411,235

Common stock, shares issued

2,357,500

Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues

3,000,000

5,122,285

5,965,762

Stockholders' Equity Note, Shares Available [Abstract]

Common stock, shares authorized

50,000,000

50,000,000

37,475,000

Preferred stock, shares authorized

20,000,000

20,000,000

20,000,000

Warrants outstanding (in shares)

8,327,405

10,852,747

9,583,097

Preferred stock, par value

$0.00

$0.00

Agent Fees And Commissions

0.03

Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction

1,959,078

Payments for Commissions

277,926

Principal Amount of Convertible Notes

10,475,000

2011 Plan

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period

7,685

1,499

Stockholders' Equity Note, Shares Available [Abstract]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number

-455,850

-278,645

-173,418

Number of Shares Available for Grant

202,300

142,375

775,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant, Annual Increase, Shares

125,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant, Annual Increase, Percent of Shares Outstanding

3.00%

Common Stock

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Common stock, shares issued

18,885,878

26,617,369

Stockholders' Equity Note, Shares Available [Abstract]

Common stock, shares authorized

50,000,000

49,900,000

Shares, Outstanding

-23,276,264

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number

-658,152

[1]

Warrants outstanding (in shares)

8,327,405

Common Stock issued to satisfy senior lender (shares)

-4,396,823

Undesignated Shares Available

13,341,356

Preferred Stock

Stockholders' Equity Note, Shares Available [Abstract]

Preferred stock, shares authorized

20,000,000

Shares, Outstanding

0

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number

0

[1]

Warrants outstanding (in shares)

0

Undesignated Shares Available

20,000,000

Upon Termination of Employment [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period

30 days

Subsequent Event [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Common stock, shares issued

4,600,000

Bridge Term Notes Two Thousand Thirteen [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues

15,259,620

Bridge Term Notes Two Thousand Thirteen [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues

$10,500,000

[1]

Includes all of the options outstanding plus 202,300 shares remaining that are available for issuance under the 2011 Plan.

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_

Share-Based Compensation - Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended				8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	30-May-14	16-May-14	Oct. 24, 2013	Aug. 09, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 27, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised						$18,249	$3,688
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized							1,586,839
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period						10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$3.72	$2.95	$3.89	$1.45
Closing price of Quantum stock						$2.09	$7.80
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross					0	214,100	142,375
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.37	$3.46	$6.10	$2.23
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period					0	0		0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	2.65%	2.65%	2.63%	2.79%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	116.60%	116.60%	71.10%	73.10%
Annual [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage						25.00%
2011 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Issued						214,100
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number						455,850	278,645		173,418
Number of Shares Available for Grant						202,300	142,375			775,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant, Annual Increase, Shares							125,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant, Annual Increase, Percent of Shares Outstanding							3.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross						214,100	142,375
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price						$8.60	$13.37		$24.96
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price						$4.35	$2.30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period						-13,170	-22,910
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price						$8.83	$11.47
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period						-16,040	-12,739
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price						$43.86	$57.61
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period						-7,685	-1,499
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price						$2.37	$2.46
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term						8 years 8 months 27 days	8 years 4 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value						0	1,195,735
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number						425,420	278,478
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price						$9.04	$14.16
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term						8 years 9 months 11 days	8 years 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value						0	1,195,018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number						122,353	79,145
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price						$24.69	$42.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term						9 years 11 months 5 days	6 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value						$0	$120,694
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					0	245,600	126,250
Restricted Stock | 2011 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance						327,300

ShareBased_Compensation_Shareb

Share-Based Compensation - Share-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 27, 2011	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Restricted Stock	245,600	126,250
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$565,990	$389,790
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		1,586,839
Fuel Storage and Vehicle Systems
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	212,102	120,741
Fuel Storage and Vehicle Systems | Cost of product sales
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	21,588	24,603
Fuel Storage and Vehicle Systems | Research and development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	160,853	80,139
Fuel Storage and Vehicle Systems | Selling, general and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	29,661	15,999
Corporate
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	353,888	269,049
Corporate | Cost of product sales
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	0
Corporate | Research and development
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	0	0
Corporate | Selling, general and administrative
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	353,888	269,049
2011 Plan
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 8 months 27 days	8 years 4 months 24 days
Number of Shares Available for Grant	202,300	142,375	775,000
Restricted Stock | 2011 Plan
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	327,300
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost to be Recognized in Next Twelve Months							671,733
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost to be Recognized in Year Two						550,862
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost to be Recognized in Year Three				$61,573	$302,671

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Non-vested Option Activity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended				8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	30-May-14	16-May-14	Oct. 24, 2013	Aug. 09, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 18 days	5 years 9 months 18 days
Closing price of Quantum stock						$2.09	$7.80
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised						$18,249	$3,688
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares						333,497	204,941	123,688
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value						$2.64	$2.89	$6.76
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross					0	214,100	142,375
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options Granted, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value						$4.35	$2.30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares						-72,374	-36,650
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value						$24.75	$42.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares						-13,170	-24,472
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value						$8.83	$11.47
Stock Incentive Plan 2011 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term						8 years 9 months 11 days	8 years 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross						214,100	142,375

ShareBased_Compensation_Restri

Share-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock (Details) (Restricted Stock, USD $)	8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		150,000	38,747
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$2.27	$47.24
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	0	245,600	126,250
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$4.35	$2.23
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period		-42,083	-14,997
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$4.35	$47.20
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		341,850	150,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$3.77	$2.27
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number		341,850	150,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$3.77	$2.27
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value		$217,992	$35,843

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	$14,500,000	$20,000,000
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]
Income tax benefit at U.S. statutory rates	34.00%	34.00%
Derivative instruments and fair value measurements	4.70%	-14.30%
Share-based compensation	-0.50%	-0.40%
Other	-0.10%	0.00%
Valuation allowance	-39.70%	-19.60%
Foreign rate differential	1.60%	0.30%
Effective tax rate	0.00%	0.00%
Current:
Federal	0	0
State and local	1,600	1,600
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,600	1,600
Deferred:
Federal	-5,752,360	68,981,592
State and local	-986,967	5,758,375
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-6,739,327	74,739,967
Less: Change in valuation allowance	6,739,327	-74,739,967
Subtotal	0	0
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,600	1,600
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued compensation	363,684	358,742
Accrued warranty	243,786	103,816
Inventory	1,575,527	1,524,902
Share-based compensation	2,768,688	2,622,451
Other comprehensive loss	295,793	295,793
Tax credits	764,575	764,575
Other	677,611	335,286
Net operating loss carryforwards	17,920,468	11,753,569
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	24,610,132	17,759,134
Less: Valuation allowance	-24,294,275	-17,554,948
Total deferred income tax assets	315,857	204,186
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Equipment and leasehold improvements	-315,857	-204,186
Net deferred tax liability	0	0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	$400,000	$3,000,000

Income_Taxes_Operating_Loss_Ca

Income Taxes - Operating Loss Carryforwards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax Liability Related to Sale	$48,300
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	-14,500,000	-20,000,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	-400,000	-3,000,000
Operating Income (Loss)	-12,715,768	-6,736,905
Federal Tax [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	218
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards	45,000,000
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	123
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$45,000,000

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Comput

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerators for basic and diluted loss per share data:
Net loss from continuing operations	($14,485,870)	($20,019,538)
Net loss from discontinued operations	-437,734	-3,025,028
Net loss	($14,923,604)	($23,044,566)
Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share data - weighted-average shares	22,407,818	14,642,320
Basic and diluted per share data:
Net loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.65)	($1.37)
Net loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.02)	($0.20)
Net loss attributable to stockholders (in dollars per share)	($0.67)	($1.57)

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Antidi

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computiation of Earnings Per Share (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	13,180,078	15,748,579
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	455,850	278,645
Warrants
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	8,327,405	10,852,747
Convertible Notes
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	4,396,823	4,617,187

Business_Segments_and_Geograph1

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment	Segment
		psi
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Gain Contingency, Description		1.7
Number of Reportable Segments	3	3
Liquid Storage Capacity		10,000
Number of continuing business segments		2
Deferred engineering costs		$0.80

Business_Segments_and_Geograph2

Business Segments and Geographic Information - Revenue by Country (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$34,102,994	$31,903,690
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	32,400,794,000	30,369,607,000
GERMANY
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	355,350,000	1,148,114,000
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	916,517,000	226,134,000
INDIA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	76,350,000	140,726,000
UNITED KINGDOM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	9,170,000	0
SPAIN
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	9,619,000
TAIWAN
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	0	9,490,000
AUSTRALIA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$344,813,000	$0

Business_Segments_and_Geograph3

Business Segments and Geographic Information - Financial Information of Continuing Operations by Business Segment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Revenue Recognition
	We generally manufacture products based on specific orders from customers. Revenue is recognized when the earnings process is complete and collectability is reasonably assured, which for product sales is generally upon shipment from our warehouse or shipment from warehouses of certain component suppliers that we have contractual relationships with. We include the costs of shipping and handling, when incurred, in cost of goods sold.
	Contract services revenue is derived primarily from services related to system development and application engineering and qualification testing of our products and systems under funded contracts with OEMs and other customers. Contract services revenue is recognized principally by the percentage of completion method. For applicable contracts, we generally estimate percentage complete by determining cost incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated cost at completion. For certain other contracts, percentage complete is determined by measuring progress towards contract deliverables if it is determined that this methodology more closely tracks the realization of the earnings process. For contracts measured under the estimated cost approach, we believe we can generally make dependable estimates of the revenue and costs applicable to various stages of a contract. Recognized revenue and profit are subject to revisions as the contract progresses to completion. Our estimates of contract costs are based on expectations of engineering development time and materials and other support costs. These estimates can change based on unforeseen technology and integration issues, but known risk factors and contract challenges are generally allowed for in the initial scope and cost estimate of the program. Revisions in profit estimates are charged to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. We also recognize contract services revenue under certain other arrangements on a time and material basis.
	In certain circumstances, customers pay one price for multiple products and services. Consideration from multiple element arrangements is allocated among the separate units of accounting based on the relative selling price method.
	Revenues of our discontinued operations held for sale principally include energy generation sales associated with wind farm operations which are recognized at the time of generation and delivery to the purchasing utility providers as metered at the point of interconnection with the transmission systems. The rates paid by the respective purchasing utility providers are established in Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) executed between us and the utility providers.
Total revenue	$34,102,994	$31,903,690
Total cost of sales	28,964,490	21,558,161
Gross profit	5,138,504	10,345,529
Research and development	7,616,018	5,996,414
Selling, general and administrative	10,238,254	11,086,020
Total Costs And Expenses	17,854,272	17,082,434
Operating Income (Loss)	-12,715,768	-6,736,905
Segment Reporting Information, Expenditures for Additions to Long-Lived Assets	6,145,680	2,967,855
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	1,475,298	1,082,347
Fuel Storage and Vehicle Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net product sales	25,785,837	22,943,639
Contract services	8,317,157	8,960,051
Total revenue	34,102,994	31,903,690
Cost of product sales	-23,743,646	-16,261,662
Cost of contract services	5,220,844	5,296,499
Gross Profit, Goods	2,042,191	6,681,977
Gross Profit, Contract Services	3,096,313	3,663,552
Gross profit	5,138,504	10,345,529
Research and development	7,616,018	5,996,414
Selling, general and administrative	3,405,513	4,244,781
Total Costs And Expenses	11,021,531	10,241,195
Operating Income (Loss)	-5,883,027	104,334
Segment Reporting Information, Expenditures for Additions to Long-Lived Assets	6,081,290	2,963,301
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	1,429,064	1,040,791
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative	6,832,741	6,841,239
Operating Income (Loss)	-6,832,741	-6,841,239
Segment Reporting Information, Expenditures for Additions to Long-Lived Assets	64,390	4,554
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$46,234	$41,556

Business_Segments_and_Geograph4

Business Segments and Geographic Information - Identifiable Assets by Reporting Segment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	$71,676,514	$66,004,542
Fuel Storage and Vehicle Systems
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	42,108,373	31,727,999
Renewable Energy
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	23,161,999	26,358,742
Corporate
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets	$6,406,142	$7,917,801

Revenue_and_Purchase_Concentra1

Revenue and Purchase Concentrations (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	supplier	supplier
One Supplier | Supplier Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue from major customer (as a percent)	37.00%	39.00%
Number of suppliers	1	1
Group Of Ten Suppliers | Supplier Concentration Risk
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue from major customer (as a percent)	65.00%	77.00%
Number of suppliers		10
Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk | Agility Fuel Systems
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue from major customer (as a percent)	28.00%	45.00%
Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk | Advanced Green Innovations, LLC
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue from major customer (as a percent)	12.00%	0.00%
Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk | General Motors
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue from major customer (as a percent)	11.00%	8.00%
Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk | Fisker Automotive, Inc
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue from major customer (as a percent)	9.00%	12.00%
Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk | Agility Fuel Systems
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue from major customer (as a percent)	10.00%	38.00%
Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk | General Motors
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Revenue from major customer (as a percent)	9.00%	24.00%

Details

(Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$1,695,293
2014	1,531,362
2015	1,577,325
2018	1,624,662
2019	1,673,400
Thereafter	4,568,271
Total minimum lease payments	12,670,313
Rent expense	$1,800,000	$2,300,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Defined Contribution Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Maximum perentage of employee compensation that Employer would match	3.00%
Defined contribution plan, contribution amount	$0.30

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Litigation (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Nov. 05, 2013	Sep. 18, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Common Stock Warrants Issued		3,411,235
Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights, Adjusted					2.84
Litigation Settlement, Expense	$1,800,000
Common stock			$465,525	$377,505

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2013	16-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 19, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	751,780	1,229,508
Common stock, par value			$0.02
Exercise Price			$2.38				$4
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock		$2,695,005
Shares Issued						2,357,500
Warrants Exercised			5,140,534	5,965,692
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues					4,600,000
Common stock, par value					$0.02
Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues Over Allotment					600,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock					$10,500,000
Shares Issued					4,600,000

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$398,684		$429,686
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	535,957	-99,947
Valuation Allowance And Reserves, Deductions And Other Adjustments	-566,959	-7,093
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	291,644	398,684	429,686
Provision for Obsolescence Reserve [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	3,877,161		3,359,764
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	517,397	68,584
Valuation Allowance And Reserves, Deductions And Other Adjustments	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	3,945,745	3,877,161	3,359,764
Warranty Reserves
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	399,171		364,749
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	101,399	435,453
Valuation Allowance And Reserves, Deductions And Other Adjustments	-66,977	-222,625
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance	$611,999	$399,171	$364,749

Uncategorized_Items

Uncategorized Items	1/1/2013 - 12/31/2013	12/31/12
	USD ($)	USD ($)
[qtww_ReclassificationofDebttoEquityExerciseandSettlementofWarrants]	1,796,077
[qtww_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockWarrantsExercised]	13,087,895
[us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalEquityComponentOfConvertibleDebt]	2,601,654
[us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalWarrantIssued]	2,946,876
[us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIRealizedUponSaleOrLiquidationTax]	8,127
[us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest]		14,222,681
[us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues]			5,262,311
[us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation]	439,893