Rubicon Technology (RBCN) 10-K13 Mar 152014 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 09, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
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	RBCN
Entity Registrant Name	RUBICON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1410172
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		26,197,843
Entity Public Float			$207,698,286

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$24,353	$21,071
Restricted cash	183	165
Short-term investments	20,562	13,567
Accounts receivable, net	8,323	3,571
Inventories	22,739	34,312
Other inventory supplies	8,208	12,533
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,035	1,186
Total current assets	85,403	86,405
Property and equipment, net	107,676	115,220
Other assets	1,827	1,070
Total assets	194,906	202,695
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable	3,754	4,465
Accrued payroll	514	369
Accrued and other current liabilities	925	867
Corporate income and franchise taxes	270	192
Accrued real estate taxes	280	336
Advance payments	10	408
Total current liabilities	5,753	6,637
Deferred tax liability	593	267
Total liabilities	6,346	6,904
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 undesignated shares authorized, no shares issued or outstanding
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 27,913,788 and 24,433,523 shares issued; 26,138,944 and 22,658,679 shares outstanding	28	25
Additional paid-in capital	372,319	335,935
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,774,844	-12,148	-12,148
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-43	-418
Accumulated deficit	-171,596	-127,603
Total stockholders' equity	188,560	195,791
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$194,906	$202,695

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	27,913,788	24,433,523
Common stock, shares outstanding	26,138,944	22,658,679
Treasury stock, shares	1,774,844	1,774,844

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$45,685	$41,513	$67,243
Cost of goods sold	75,372	63,434	67,283
Gross loss	-29,687	-21,921	-40
Operating expenses:
General and administrative	9,863	8,629	9,018
Sales and marketing	1,468	1,521	1,685
Research and development	1,861	2,263	2,274
Loss on disposal of assets	734	550	19
Loss from operations	-43,613	-34,884	-13,036
Other income (expense):
Interest income	86	51	93
Interest expense	-95	-95
Realized (loss) gain on foreign currency translation	-551	-583	349
Realized gain on investments	258		8
Total other (expense) income	-302	-627	450
Loss before income taxes	-43,915	-35,511	-12,586
Income tax (expense) benefit	-78	5,160	7,048
Net loss	($43,993)	($30,351)	($5,538)
Net loss per common share
Basic	($1.70)	($1.35)	($0.25)
Diluted	($1.70)	($1.35)	($0.25)
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per common share
Basic	25,815,405	22,572,212	22,523,951
Diluted	25,815,405	22,572,212	22,523,951

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	($43,993)	($30,351)	($5,538)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of taxes	-9	-863	505
Unrealized loss on currency translation	-4	-2	-8
Reclassification of unrealized gain included in net loss	388
Other comprehensive income (loss)	375	-865	497
Comprehensive loss	($43,618)	($31,216)	($5,041)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional paid-in Capital [Member]	Accum Other Comp Inc. [Member]	Accum deficit [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional paid-in Capital [Member]	Accum Other Comp Inc. [Member]	Accum deficit [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$228,231	$24	($12,148)	$332,119	($50)	($91,714)
Beginning Balance, Treasury Shares at Dec. 31, 2011			-1,774,844
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011		24,289,723
Exercise of stock options	73	1		72
Exercise of stock options, Shares	17,885	17,884
Net exercise of stock warrants	0	0	0	0	0	0
Net exercise of stock warrants, Shares		2,188
Stock-based compensation	1,801			1,801
Excess tax benefit of stock based compensation	160			160
Stock issued to Board of Directors	162			162
Stock issued to Board of Directors, Shares		17,345
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-8				-8
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments, net of tax	505				505
Net loss	-5,538					-5,538
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	225,386	25	-12,148	334,314	447	-97,252
Ending Balance, Treasury Shares at Dec. 31, 2012			-1,774,844
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012		24,327,140
Exercise of stock options	140			140
Exercise of stock options, Shares	27,930	27,930
Stock-based compensation	1,246			1,246
Excess tax benefit of stock based compensation	-114			-114
Restricted stock issued	292			292
Restricted stock issued, shares		73,707
Stock issued to Board of Directors	57			57
Stock issued to Board of Directors, Shares		4,746
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2				-2
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments, net of tax	-863				-863
Net loss	-30,351					-30,351
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	195,791	25	-12,148	335,935	-418	-127,603
Ending Balance, Treasury Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	-1,774,844		-1,774,844
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		24,433,523
Exercise of stock options	256			256
Exercise of stock options, Shares	47,654	47,654
Stock-based compensation	960			960
Restricted stock issued, net of unvested restricted stock cancelled	448			448
Restricted stock issued, net of unvested restricted stock cancelled, Shares		7,013
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	-55			-55
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes, Shares		3,098
Common stock issued, net of issuance costs	34,778	3		34,775
Common stock issued, net of issuance costs, Shares		3,422,500
Reclassification of unrealized gain included in net loss	388				388
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-4				-4
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments, net of tax	-9				-9
Net loss	-43,993					-43,993
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$188,560	$28	($12,148)	$372,319	($43)	($171,596)
Ending Balance, Treasury Shares at Dec. 31, 2014	-1,774,844		-1,774,844
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014		27,913,788

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	($43,993)	($30,351)	($5,538)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	13,637	12,660	12,027
Net loss on disposal of assets	734	550	19
Stock-based compensation	1,130	1,375	1,801
Stock issued to Board of Directors	278	220	162
Realized gain on investments	-258		-8
Deferred taxes	72	-5,166	-6,324
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		114	-160
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-4,752	9,098	19,975
Inventories	11,312	12,979	-24,258
Other inventory supplies	4,203	2,976	1,948
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-794	1,571	1,981
Accounts payable	-637	-4,472	-4,004
Accrued payroll	153	-510	-581
Corporate income and franchise taxes	80	-25	-391
Accrued real estate taxes	-56	39	22
Advance payments	-398	-364	763
Accrued and other current liabilities	67	-282	-172
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-19,222	412	-2,738
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	-6,842	-8,721	-10,975
Proceeds from disposal of assets	15	141	10
Purchase of investments	-28,805	-2,040	-5,281
Proceeds from sale of investments	22,700	11,390	34,300
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-12,932	770	18,054
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from exercise of options	256	140	72
Restricted cash	-18	6	18
Proceeds from public offering, net of issuance costs	34,957
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards	-55
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		-114	160
Net cash provided by financing activities	35,140	32	250
Net effect of currency translation	296	284	-283
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,282	1,498	15,283
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	21,071	19,573	4,290
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	24,353	21,071	19,573
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	$95	$87

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

	Description of business

	Rubicon Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), is an electronic materials provider that develops, manufactures and sells monocrystalline sapphire and other innovative crystalline products for LEDs, RFICs, optoelectronics and other optical applications. The Company sells its products on a global basis to customers in Asia, Australia, North America and Europe. The Company maintains its operating facilities in the Chicago metropolitan area and in Penang, Malaysia.

	Principles of consolidation

	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Rubicon Worldwide LLC and Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

	A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows.

	Cash and cash equivalents

	The Company considers all unrestricted highly liquid investments immediately available to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents primarily consist of time deposits with banks, unsettled trades and brokerage money market accounts.

	Restricted cash

	A summary of the Company’s restricted cash at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:



			As of December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Certificates of deposit		$	5		$	5
	Flexible spending funds			4			8
	Fixed deposit pledge			174			152

			$	183		$	165


	Foreign currency translation and transactions

	Rubicon Worldwide LLC’s assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates and capital accounts at historical exchange rates. The results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the respective period. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates for Rubicon Worldwide LLC are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity.

	The Company has determined that the functional currency of Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD is the U.S. dollar. Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD’s assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the remeasurement method. Non-monetary assets are translated at historical exchange rates and monetary assets are translated at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Translation adjustments for Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD are included in determining net income (loss) for the period. The results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the respective period. The Company records these gains and losses in other income (expense).

	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are generated from the effects of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the Company, which is the U.S. dollar. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are generally required to be recognized in the determination of net income (loss) for the period. The Company records these gains and losses in other income (expense).

	Investments

	The Company invests available cash primarily in investment grade commercial paper, FDIC guaranteed certificates of deposit, common stock, corporate notes and government securities. Investments classified as available-for-sale securities are carried at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Investments in trading securities are reported at fair value, with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in other income (expense), in the consolidated statements of operations. Investments in which the Company has the ability and intent, if necessary, to liquidate in order to support its current operations, are classified as short-term.

	The Company reviews its available-for-sale securities investments at the end of each quarter for other-than-temporary declines in fair value based on the specific identification method. The Company considers various factors in determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, including the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in underlying credit ratings, forecasted recovery, its ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value and the probability that the scheduled cash payments will continue to be made. When the Company concludes that an other-than-temporary impairment has resulted, the difference between the fair value and carrying value is written off and recorded as a charge on the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, no impairment was recorded.

	Treasury Stock

	The Company records treasury stock purchases under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock.

	Accounts receivable

	The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable is due from manufacturers serving the LED industries. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Accounts receivable are due based on contract terms and at stated amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.

	Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time past due, the customer’s current ability to pay and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are recorded as a reduction to bad debt expense.



	The following table shows the activity of the allowance for doubtful accounts:



			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013
		(in thousands)
Beginning balance		$	50		$	286
Charges to costs and expenses			105			24
Accounts charged off, less recoveries			(15	)		(260	)

Ending balance		$	140		$	50


Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Raw materials cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method, and work-in-process and finished goods costs are determined on a weighted-average cost basis which includes materials, labor and overhead. The Company reduces the carrying value of its inventories for differences between the cost and the estimated net realizable value, taking into account usage, expected demand, technological obsolescence and other information. Inventories are composed of the following:



		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
Raw materials		$	14,503		$	18,651
Work in progress			6,357			10,337
Finished goods			1,879			5,324

		$	22,739		$	34,312


The Company establishes inventory reserves when conditions exist that suggest inventory may be in excess of anticipated demand or is obsolete based on customer required specifications. The Company evaluates the ability to realize the value of our inventory based on a combination of factors, including forecasted sales, estimated current and future market value and changes in customers’ product specifications. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company determined it had inventory that was excess or obsolete and recorded an adjustment which reduced inventory and increased costs of goods sold by $2.4 million, $604,000 and $719,000, respectively. The Company has accepted sales orders for core and wafer products at prices lower than cost during 2014, 2013 and 2012. Based on these sales prices, the Company recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, a lower of cost or market adjustment which reduced inventory and increased cost of goods sold by $1.7 million, $421,000 and $1.5 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recycled some boules from inventory. Historically, boules put through a second growth cycle typically result in a very high-grade crystal which may result in higher yield of large diameter wafers. The recycling of boules reduced inventory and increased cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2012 by $927,000. The Company’s method of estimating excess and obsolete inventory has remained consistent for all periods presented.



Property and equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following:



		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
Land and land improvements		$	4,133		$	4,133
Buildings			32,482			32,269
Machinery, equipment and tooling			127,158			121,313
Leasehold improvements			7,640			7,696
Furniture and fixtures			961			949
Information systems			1,140			1,077
Construction in progress			3,734			5,221

Total cost			177,248			172,658
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(69,572	)		(57,438	)

Property and equipment, net		$	107,676		$	115,220


Property and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. Depreciation and amortization expense associated with property and equipment was $13.6 million, $12.7 million and $12.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Construction in progress includes costs associated with the construction of furnaces and deposits made on equipment purchases.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:



Asset description		Life
Buildings		39 years
Machinery, equipment and tooling		3-10 years
Leasehold improvements		Lesser of life of lease or economic life
Furniture and fixtures		7 years
Information systems		3 years

Impairment of long-lived assets

When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, the Company performs an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value. The Company makes estimates of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income. In response to the Company’s current period operating losses combined with its history of continuing operating losses, the Company evaluated the recoverability of certain property and equipment. Based upon the Company’s assessment using its most recent projections, no impairment to these assets was indicated as of December 31, 2014, as the recoverable amount of undiscounted cash flows exceeded the carrying amount of these assets. To the extent these projections are not achieved, there may be a negative effect on the valuation and carrying value of these assets.

There were no impairment losses on long lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Other assets

The Company’s other assets include overhaul costs that are accounted for using the deferral method. These overhaul costs are recorded at cost on the balance sheet as other assets and are amortized over terms in accordance with their respectful useful lives.

Warranty cost

The Company’s sales terms include a warranty that its products will meet certain specifications. The Company records a current liability for the expected cost of warranty-related claims at the time of sale. The warranty reserve is included in accrued and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents changes in the Company’s product warranty liability:



		Year ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period		$	141		$	101
Charged to cost of sales			407			102
Actual product warranty expenditures			(451	)		(62	)

Balance, end of period		$	97		$	141


Fair value of financial instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. The carrying values of these assets and liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Concentration of credit risks and other risks and uncertainties

Financial instruments that could potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $1.5 million and $4.8 million, respectively, on deposit at a financial institution in excess of amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company performs a periodic evaluation of this institution for relative credit standing. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes it is not exposed to any significant risk of loss on these balances.

The Company currently depends on a small number of suppliers for certain raw materials, components, services and equipment, including key materials such as aluminum oxide powder and certain furnace components. If the supply of these components were to be disrupted or terminated, or if these suppliers were unable to supply the quantities of raw materials required, the Company may have difficulty in finding, or may be unable to find, alternative sources for these items. As a result, the Company may be unable to meet the demand for its products, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

Concentration of credit risk related to revenue and accounts receivable is discussed in Note 4.

Revenue recognition

Revenues recognized include product sales and billings for costs and fees for government contracts.

Product Sales

The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when earned. Revenue is recognized when, and if, evidence of an arrangement is obtained and the other criteria to support revenue recognition are met, including:


	•		Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. The Company requires evidence of a purchase order with the customer specifying the terms and specifications of the product to be delivered, typically in the form of a signed quotation or purchase order from the customer;


	•		Title has passed and the product has been delivered. Title passage and product delivery generally occur when the product is delivered to a common carrier;


	•		The price is fixed or determinable. All terms are fixed in the signed quotation or purchase order received from the customer. The purchase orders do not contain rights of cancellation, return, exchange or refund; and


	•		Collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. The Company’s standard arrangement with customers includes payment terms. Customers are subject to a credit review process that evaluates each customer’s financial position and its ability to pay. Collectability is determined by considering the length of time the customer has been in business and history of collections. If it is determined that collection is not probable, no product is shipped and no revenue is recognized unless cash is received in advance.

Government Contracts

The Company recognizes research and development revenue in the period during which the related costs are incurred over the contractually defined period. In July 2012, the Company signed a contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory to produce large-area sapphire windows on a cost plus fixed fee basis. The Company will record revenue on a gross basis as costs are incurred plus a portion of the fixed fee. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, $689,000, $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively of revenue were recorded. The contract will continue for duration of three years and the total value of the contract is $4.7 million.

The Company does not provide maintenance or other services and it does not have sales that involve multiple elements or deliverables.

Shipping and handling costs

The Company records costs incurred in connection with shipping and handling of products as cost of goods sold. Amounts billed to customers in connection with these costs are included in revenue and are not material for any of the periods presented in the accompanying financial statements.

Sales tax

The Company collects and remits sales taxes on products sold to customers and reports such amounts under the net method in its consolidated statements of operations and records a liability until remitted to the respective tax authority.

Stock-based compensation

The Company requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options to be measured at fair value and expensed in the consolidated statements of operations over the service period (generally the vesting period) of the grant. Expense is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for these share-based payments.

Research and development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expense was $1.9 million, $2.3 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. There were no interest or penalties related to income taxes that have been accrued or recognized as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S., Japan and in a state jurisdiction. The Company is exempt from Malaysian income tax for a ten year period beginning in 2009. Due to the existence of net operating loss carryforwards, tax years ended December 31, 2001 thru 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011 thru 2013 are open to examination by tax authorities for Federal purposes. Due to net operating loss carryforwards at the State level, tax years ended 2004 thru 2006 and 2008 thru 2013 are open to examination by state tax authorities. Tax year 2013 is open to examination by tax authorities in Malaysia.

Income taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for temporary differences between financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the differences will reverse. Deferred income taxes also arise from the future benefits of net operating loss carryforwards. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. Full valuation allowances on net deferred tax assets are maintained until an appropriate level of profitability that generates taxable income is deemed sustainable or until a tax strategy is developed that would enable the Company to conclude that it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will be realizable. Based on an evaluation in accordance with the accounting standards, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the net U.S. deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all the available evidence.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. 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 financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise from transactions and other events from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income (loss) includes net earnings (loss) and other non-owner changes in equity that bypass the statement of operations and are reported in a separate component of equity. A summary of the components of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 follows:



		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
Reclassification of unrealized gain included in net loss		$	388		$	—
Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax			(415	)		(406	)
Unrealized loss on currency translation			(16	)		(12	)

Ending Balance		$	(43	)	$	(418	)


Net income (loss) per common share

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted shares outstanding are calculated by adding to the weighted shares outstanding any common stock equivalents, outstanding stock options and warrants based on the treasury stock method.

Diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, because the effects of potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive.

The number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share is as follows as of December 31:



		2014			2013
Warrants			46,290			179,252
Stock options			4,146			56,892

			50,436			236,144


Recent accounting pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes most of the current revenue recognition requirements. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. The guidance is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 (early adoption is not permitted). The guidance permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12 (“ASU 2014-12”), Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period related to stock compensation. The new standard requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting ASU 2014-12 on its financial statements.



In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The standard requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Management must evaluate whether it is probable that known conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, would raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If such conditions or events are identified, the standard requires management’s mitigation plans to alleviate the doubt or a statement of the substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern to be disclosed in the financial statements. The standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting ASU 2014-15 on its financial statements.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
Segment Information	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	2. SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company has determined that it operates in only one segment as it only reports profit and loss information on an aggregate basis to its chief operating decision maker.
	Revenue is attributed by geographic region based on ship-to location of the Company’s customers. The following table summarizes revenue by geographic region:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	China	$	19,857	$	14,844	$	3,839
	Taiwan		9,843		7,361		5,663
	United States		5,452		4,444		11,104
	Korea		5,001		2,214		19,862
	Japan		1,517		309		2,999
	Australia		716		10,368		12,494
	France		13		122		8,482
	Israel		1,169		455		863
	Germany		925		436		553
	Canada		976		337		554
	Other		216		623		830

	Revenue	$	45,685	$	41,513	$	67,243

	The following table summarizes sales by product type:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Core	$	29,862	$	23,294	$	9,755
	Wafer		8,077		12,239		50,542
	Optical		7,057		4,523		5,723
	Research & Development		689		1,457		1,223

	Revenue	$	45,685	$	41,513	$	67,243

	The following table summarizes assets by geographic region:


		As of December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	156,105	$	157,572
	Malaysia		38,765		45,086
	Other		36		37

	Total Assets	$	194,906	$	202,695

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
Investments	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	3. INVESTMENTS

	The Company invests available cash primarily in investment grade commercial paper, FDIC guaranteed certificates of deposits, common stock, corporate notes and government securities. The Company’s short-term investments balance of $20.6 million as of December 31, 2014 is comprised of corporate notes and bonds of $18.5 million and FDIC guaranteed certificates of deposit of $2.1 million. The Company’s investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

	The following table presents the amortized cost, and gross unrealized gains and losses on all securities at December 31, 2014:



			Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair
			Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Value
						Gains			Losses
			(in thousands)
	Short-term Investments:
	FDIC Guaranteed certificates of deposit		$	2,120		$	—		$	2		$	2,118
	Corporate Notes/Bonds			18,458			—			14			18,444

	Total short-term investments		$	20,578		$	—		$	16		$	20,562


	The following table presents the amortized cost, and gross unrealized gains and losses on all securities at December 31, 2013:



			Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair
			Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized			Value
						Gains			Losses
			(in thousands)
	Short-term Investments:
	FDIC Guaranteed certificates of deposit		$	6,160		$	—		$	6		$	6,154
	Common stock			2,000			—			642			1,358
	Corporate Notes/Bonds			3,058			—			1			3,057
	Commercial Paper			2,998			—			—			2,998

	Total short-term investments		$	14,216		$	—		$	649		$	13,567


	The Company values its investments at fair value, defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following:


		•		Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.


		•		Level 2—Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.


		•		Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

	The Company’s fixed income available-for-sale securities consist of high-quality, investment grade commercial paper, FDIC guaranteed certificates of deposits, common stock, corporate notes and government securities. The Company values these securities based on pricing from pricing vendors, who may use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs) in determining fair value. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments having Level 2 inputs were derived from non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data, quoted market prices for similar instruments, or pricing models, such as discounted cash flow techniques.

	The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014:



			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Cash Equivalents:
	Money market funds		$	21,963		$	—		$	—		$	21,963
	Investments:
	Available-for-sales securities—current:
	FDIC Guaranteed certificates of deposit			—			2,118			—			2,118
	Corporate notes/bonds			—			18,444			—			18,444

	Total		$	21,963		$	20,562		$	—		$	42,525


The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013:



		Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total
Cash Equivalents:
Money market funds		$	15,541		$	—			—		$	15,541
Investments:
Available-for-sales securities—current:
FDIC Guaranteed certificates of deposit			—			6,154			—			6,154
Common stock			1,358			—			—			1,358
Corporate notes/bonds			—			3,057			—			3,057
Commercial paper			—			2,998			—			2,998

Total		$	16,899		$	12,209		$	—		$	29,108


There are no terms or conditions restricting the Company from redeeming any of its investments.

In addition to the debt securities noted above, the Company had approximately $2.4 million and $5.5 million of time deposits included in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Significant_Customers

Significant Customers	12 Months Ended
Significant Customers	Dec. 31, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]
Significant Customers	4. SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
	For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had two customers that accounted for approximately 24% and 12% of its revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company had two customers that accounted for approximately 27% and 17% of its revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company had two customers that accounted for approximately 38% and 29% of its revenue.
	Customers individually representing more than 10% of trade receivables accounted for approximately 50% and 47% of accounts receivable as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company grants credit to customers based on an evaluation of their financial condition. Losses from credit sales are provided for in the financial statements.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	5. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Common Stock
	As of December 31, 2014 the Company had reserved 2,373,017 shares of common stock for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding common stock options and vesting of restricted stock units. Also, 1,772,529 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for future grants of stock options (or other similar equity instruments) under the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) as of December 31, 2014. In addition, 267,826 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for future exercise of outstanding warrants as of December 31, 2014.
	On January 13, 2014, the Company completed a public offering of common stock in which a total of 3,047,500 shares were sold, including 397,500 shares pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option, at a price of $10.65 per share. The Company raised a total of $32.5 million in gross proceeds from the offering, or approximately $30.3 million in net proceeds after deducting the underwriting discount and expenses of $2.3 million.
	On March 20, 2014, certain stockholders of the Company completed a public offering of 2,875,000 shares of common stock and the Company sold 375,000 shares pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriter’s over-allotment option each at a price of $13.00 per share. The Company raised a total of $4.9 million in gross proceeds from the offering, or approximately $4.4 million in net proceeds after deducting the underwriting discount and expenses of $319,000 and estimated costs of $148,000.
	Warrants
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had outstanding 267,826 warrants to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price of $3.65 per share. The warrants were issued in conjunction with the issuance of convertible promissory notes issued by the Company to investors from August 2005 through October 2005. The warrants are immediately exercisable and expire 10 years from the date of issuance.
	Treasury Stock
	The treasury shares are accounted for using the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock. The Company did not repurchase any shares for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Stock_Incentive_Plans

Stock Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
Stock Incentive Plans	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Incentive Plans	6. STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS
	The Company sponsored a stock option plan, the 2001 Equity Plan (the “2001 Plan”), which allowed for the granting of incentive and nonqualified stock options for the purchase of common stock. The maximum number of shares which could be awarded or sold under the 2001 Plan was 1,449,667 shares. Each option entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at the specified option exercise price. The exercise price of each incentive stock option granted must not be less than the fair market value on the grant date. At the discretion of management and with the approval of the Board of Directors, the Company granted options under the 2001 Plan. Management and the Board of Directors determined vesting periods and expiration dates at the time of the grant. On August 2, 2011, the plan expired.
	In August 2007, the Company adopted the 2007 Plan, which allows for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and bonus shares. On June 22, 2011, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment to the 2007 Plan to increase the maximum number of shares that may be awarded or sold under the 2007 Plan by 2,100,000 from 2,307,692 to 4,407,692 shares. The Board of Directors has appointed a committee to administer the plan. The plan committee determines the type of award to be granted, the fair market value, the number of shares covered by the award, and the time when the award vests and may be exercised.
	The following table summarizes the activity of the stock incentive and equity plans:


			Shares				Number of				Weighted-		Number of			Number of
			available				options				average		restricted			restricted
			for grant				outstanding				option		stock shares			stock units
											exercise price		issued			outstanding
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012			2,259,999				2,093,108			$	13.45		42,587			—
	Granted			(106,395	)			89,050				9.72		17,345			—
	Exercised			—				(17,885	)			4.01		—			—
	Canceled/forfeited			47,000				(47,163	)			15.13		—			—

	Outstanding at December 31, 2012			2,200,604				2,117,110				13.32		59,932			—
	Granted			(216,913	)			97,265				8.43		73,707			45,941
	Exercised			—				(27,930	)			5.02		—			—
	Canceled/forfeited			256,412				(260,375	)			18.31		—			—

	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			2,240,103				1,926,070				12.46		133,639			45,941
	Granted			(706,056	)			574,950				5.04		27,925			103,181
	Exercised/issued			—				(47,654	)			5.37		—			(10,525	)
	Canceled/forfeited			238,482				(215,080	)			16.72		(20,911	)		(3,866	)

	Outstanding at December 31, 2014			1,772,529				2,238,286			$	10.31		140,653			134,731

	The following table sets forth option grants made during 2014, 2013 and 2012 with intrinsic value calculated based on grant date fair value.


	Date of Grant		Number of				Exercise				Intrinsic
			options				price				value
			granted								per share
	Jan-12			8,500			$	9.39				—
	April-May 2012			36,750			$	9.45 - $10.43				—
	Jul-12			7,000			$	10.2				—
	September - October 2012			36,800			$	9.41 - $9.58				—
	January - July 2013			82,815			$	6.60 - $7.97				—
	Oct-13			14,450			$	12.11				—
	January – July 2014			39,300			$	7.69 - $11.29				—
	Sep-14			300,000			$	4.30 - $5.20				—
	October – December 2014			235,650			$	4.25 - $4.41				—
	At December 31, 2014, the exercise prices of outstanding options were as follows:


	Exercise Price		Number of				Average				Number of
			options				remaining				options
			outstanding				contractual life				exercisable
							(years)
	$0.78 - $4.94			806,655				6.24				498,005
	$5.12 - $9.95			585,369				6.38				328,790
	$10.02 - $14.00			311,442				5.19				259,891
	$15.00 - $18.80			45,427				3.62				43,927
	$19.21 - $22.92			368,738				5.06				363,910
	$24.95 - $32.67			120,655				5.63				115,030

				2,238,286				5.85				1,609,553

	The weighted average fair value of the options that became vested in the years ended 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $2.9 million, $4.8 million and $8.0 million, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the activity of non-vested options as follows:


			Non-vested				Weighted-
			options				Average Option
			Exercise
			price
Non-vested at January 1, 2012				1,313,177			$	13.58
Granted				89,050				9.72
Vested			(540,050	)			14.77
Cancelled			(41,175	)			15.38

Non-vested at December 31, 2012			821,002				15.24
Granted			97,265				8.43
Vested			(380,413	)			12.5
Cancelled			(211,288	)			18.55

Non-vested at December 31, 2013			326,566				13.57
Granted			574,950				5.04
Vested			(169,361	)			14.84
Cancelled			(103,422	)			12.74

Non-vested at December 31, 2014			628,733			$	5.93

The Company’s aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock options and the fair value of the Company’s common stock. Based on the fair market value of the common stock at December 31, 2014 and 2013, there was no aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding and exercisable.
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company used historical stock prices over the past three years as the basis for its volatility assumptions. Prior to 2013, the Company used a review of peer group companies to determine the volatility rate used for its stock option grants. The assumed risk-free rates were based on U.S. Treasury rates in effect at the time of grant with a term consistent with the expected option lives. The expected term is based upon the vesting term of the Company’s options, a review of a peer group of companies, and expected exercise behavior. The forfeiture rate is based on past history of forfeited options. The expense is being allocated using the straight-line method. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded $840,000, $1.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of stock option compensation expense. As of December 31, 2014, the Company has $1.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested options granted under the Company’s stock-based plans that it expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of 2.69 years.

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the assumptions used for the estimated fair value at the date of option grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as follows:


		2014		2013		2012
Weighted average fair value per share of option		$5.04		$8.49		$9.72
Expected term		5.3 years		5.3 years		5.3 years
Risk free interest rate		1.66% - 1.83%		0.76% - 1.42%		0.62% - 1.04%
Volatility		77%		77%		52%
Dividend yield		None		None		None
Forfeiture rate		25.56%		19.18%		16.59%
The Company continues to account for options issued prior to January 1, 2006 under the intrinsic value method.
A summary of the Company’s restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is as follows:


		RSUs				Weighted average price at				Aggregate intrinsic
		outstanding				time of grant				value
Non-vested restricted stock units as of January 1, 2013			—			$	—
Granted			45,941				8.6

Non-vested restricted stock units as of December 31, 2013			45,941				8.6
Granted			103,181				4.43
Vested			(10,525	)			8.6
Cancelled			(3,866	)			8.6

Non-vested at December 31, 2014			134,731			$	5.41			$	616,000

The fair value of each RSU is the market price on the date of grant and is being recorded as compensation expense ratably over the vesting terms. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded $120,000 and $25,000 of RSU expense, respectively. The RSUs are forfeited by a participant upon termination for any reason and there is no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods between the vesting dates. As of December 31, 2014, there was $688,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested restricted stock units. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.
An analysis of restricted stock issued is as follows:


Non-vested restricted stock as of January 1, 2013			4,336
Granted			73,707
Vested			(24,329	)

Non-vested restricted stock as of December 31, 2013			53,714
Granted			27,925
Vested			(48,521	)
Cancelled			(20,911	)

Non-vested restricted stock as of December 31, 2014			12,207

For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded $448,000, $292,000 and $162,000, respectively, of stock compensation expense related to restricted stock.
In 2013, the Board of Directors awarded 47,050 shares of restricted stock and 70,365 stock options to key executives at a price of $7.97, the closing price of the shares on the date of the grant. Vesting of the shares was subject to achievement of specified targets by December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014. All of the milestones were achieved by the specified dates. As of December 31, 2014, 20,911 restricted shares and 31,274 stock options were cancelled. The Company is recording stock compensation expense related to the remaining outstanding shares.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	7. INCOME TAXES

	Components of income before income taxes and the income tax provision are as follows:

	Income (loss) before income taxes



			Year ended December 31,
			2014				2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	U.S.		$	(46,562	)		$	(38,114	)	$	(17,849	)
	Foreign			2,647				2,603			5,263

	Total		$	(43,915	)		$	(35,511	)	$	(12,586	)


	Income taxes



			Year ended December 31,
			2014				2013			2012
			(in thousands)
	Current
	U.S.		$	—			$	—		$	(204	)
	State			—				—			(357	)
	Foreign			6				6			(163	)

	Total current income tax expense (benefit)			6				6			(724	)

	Deferred
	U.S.			(218	)			(5,863	)		(5,536	)
	State			(36	)			691			(1,049	)
	Foreign			326				6			261

	Total deferred income tax expense			72				(5,166	)		(6,324	)

	Total income tax expense (benefit)		$	78			$	(5,160	)	$	(7,048	)


	The reconciliation of income tax computed at the federal statutory rate to income before taxes is as follows:



			Year ended December 31,
			2014				2013			2012
	U.S. Federal statutory rate			(34.0	)%			(34.0	)%		(34.0	)%
	State taxes net of federal benefit			(5.7	)			(5.5	)		(8.9	)
	Permanent differences			—				—			—
	Foreign rate differential and transactional tax			(0.5	)			(0.7	)		(3.8	)
	Impact of foreign tax holiday			(1.5	)			(1.8	)		(10.4	)
	Valuation allowance			41.8				26.9			—
	Other			0.1				0.6			1.1

				0.2	%			(14.5	)%		(56.0	)%


	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of the temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.



	Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income taxes are as follows at December 31:



		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts		$	55			$	20
Inventory reserves			918				1,340
Accrued liabilities			57				76
Warrant interest expense			269				277
Stock compensation expense			2,689				2,850
State net operating loss—net of tax			5,923				3,500
Net operating loss carryforward			31,658				16,206
Unrealized loss on securities held for sale			—				240
Tax credits			581				514
Valuation allowance			(27,151	)			(9,547	)

Total deferred tax assets			14,999				15,476
Deferred tax liability:
Depreciation			(15,423	)			(15,620	)
Unrealized gain on securities held for sale			—				—
Prepaid expenses			(169	)			(123	)

Net deferred tax liability		$	(593	)		$	(267	)


The Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities were reported on the consolidated balance sheets as follows.



		2014				2013
		(in thousands)
Current deferred income tax assets		$	1,267			$	—
Long term deferred income tax liabilities			(1,860	)			(267	)

Net deferred tax liability		$	(593	)		$	(267	)


In accordance with ASC740 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASC740”), the Company evaluates its deferred income tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. ASC740 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on consideration of all available evidence, both positive and negative, using a “more likely than not” standard. The Company is in a cumulative loss position for the past three years which is considered significant negative evidence that is difficult to overcome on a “more likely than not” standard through objectively verifiable data. Based on an evaluation in accordance with the accounting standards, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, a valuation allowance of $27.2 million and $9.5 million, respectively has been recorded against the net U.S. deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all the available evidence. Until an appropriate level of profitability is attained, the Company expects to maintain a full valuation allowance on its U.S. net deferred tax assets. Any U.S. tax benefits or tax expense recorded on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations will be offset with a corresponding valuation allowance until such time that the Company changes its determination related to the realization of deferred tax assets. In the event that the Company changes its determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, the Company will adjust its valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. Although the Company is in a full tax valuation allowance position, at December 31, 2014 the Company recorded, as a result of the allocation of income tax between continuing and other comprehensive income, a tax benefit of $254,000 in continuing operations. The net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are related to tax liabilities that will reverse after the expiration of the Malaysia tax holiday discussed below.

At December 31, 2014, the Company had separate Federal and Illinois net operating loss carryforwards (“NOL”) of $117.8 million and $144.9 million, respectively, which begin to expire in 2021 and 2019, respectively. The Company has not recorded a deferred tax asset for NOL’s, included in the aforementioned amounts, attributable to stock option exercises in the amount of $21.7 million for federal purposes and $26.4 million for state purposes because the Company cannot record these excess tax benefit stock option deductions until the benefit has been realized by actually reducing taxes payable. Last, the Company has recorded an uncertain tax position of $2.6 million that further reduces the net operating loss deferred tax assets reported in the financial statements. The Illinois State Legislature has suspended the full use of net operating loss carryforwards for taxable years ending after December 31, 2010 and before December 31, 2011, and has limited the net operation loss deduction to $100,000 for the years ending December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2013. In addition, at December 31, 2014, the Company had Federal and Illinois research and development credits and investment tax credits of $426,000, $171,000 and $53,000, respectively which begin to expire in 2017. Tax credits are accounted for using the flow through method and therefore are taken in the year earned.

The Company completed an analysis of the utilization of net operating losses subject to limits based upon certain ownership changes as of March 31, 2014. The results of this analysis indicated no ownership change limiting the utilization of net operating losses and tax credits. The Company believes that an updated analysis will not likely indicate an ownership change that would limit the utilization of net operating losses and tax credits at December 31, 2014.

The Company prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that have been recorded on the Company’s financial statements of $1.1 million that are related to tax positions taken in 2012.

There were no interest or penalties related to income taxes that have been accrued or recognized as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Included in the balance of total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, are potential benefits of $1.0 million that if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate in the year recognized.



The Company files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and in a state jurisdiction. During 2009, the Company began foreign operations in Malaysia and Japan and is subject to local income taxes in both jurisdictions. The Company is exempt from Malaysian income tax for a five-year period beginning in 2009 with a five year renewal. The impact of this tax holiday decreased foreign taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 by approximately $335,000, $651,000, and $1.3 million, respectively. The benefit of the tax holiday on net income per share (diluted) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.01, $0.03 and $0.06, respectively. The Company’s Malaysia tax returns for the periods ended December 31, 2010 thru 2012 have audited by the Malaysia Inland Revenue Board with no changes made to the taxable income for those years. All other tax years in Malaysia are open to examination by tax authorities.

The Company’s federal tax returns for the periods ended December 31, 2010, 2008 and 2007 have been audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with no changes made to the Company’s taxable losses for those years. The Company’s state tax returns for the periods ended December 31, 2009 through 2012 have been audited by the Illinois Department of Revenue with no changes made to the Company’s taxable losses for those years. Due to the existence of net operating loss carryforwards, tax years ended December 31, 2001 thru 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011 thru 2013 are open to examination by tax authorities for Federal purposes. Due to net operating loss carryforwards at the State level, tax years ended 2004 thru 2006 and 2008 thru 2013 are open to examination by state tax authorities.

U.S. income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $11.1 million of cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. We intend to reinvest these earnings for the foreseeable future. If these amounts were distributed to the U.S., in the form of a dividend, at December 31, 2014 there would have been no impact to the provision of income taxes. Due to the U.S. NOL’s and the full valuation allowance recorded any additional income from the dividends would have been offset by the NOL’s and a corresponding adjustment to the valuation allowance. At December 31, 2014 dividends per the Malaysia statute are not subject to withholding. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities that may be due in the future on these earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing, if and when remittance occurs.

Credit_Facility

Credit Facility	12 Months Ended
Credit Facility	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Facility	8. CREDIT FACILITY
Credit Facility	On January 2, 2013, the Company entered into a three-year term agreement with a bank to provide the Company with a senior secured credit facility of $25.0 million. The agreement provides for the Company to borrow up to 80% of eligible accounts receivable and up to 35% of domestically held raw material and finished goods inventory. Advances against inventory are limited to 40% of the aggregate outstanding on the revolving line of credit and $10.0 million in aggregate. The Company has the option to borrow at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.75% or the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus 0.50%. If the Company maintains liquidity of $20.0 million or greater with the lending institution, then the borrowing interest rate options are LIBOR plus 2.25% or the Wall Street Journal prime rate. There is an unused revolving line facility fee of 0.375% per annum. The facility is secured by a first priority interest in substantially all of the Company’s personal property, excluding intellectual property. The Company is required to maintain an adjusted quick ratio of 1.40 to 1.00, maintain operating and other deposit accounts with the bank or bank’s affiliates of 25% of the Company’s total worldwide cash, securities and investments, and the Company can pay dividends or repurchase capital stock only with the bank’s consent during the three year term. For years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not draw on this facility and the Company recorded $95,000, for each of the two years, of interest expense charged on the unused portion of the facility.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Operating Leases
	The Company leases buildings used for manufacturing and offices. The leases provide for payment of the Company’s proportionate share of operating expenses and real estate taxes.
	Net rent expense under operating leases in 2014, 2013 and 2012 amounted to $1.0 million, $1.1 million and $1.4 million respectively.
	Future minimum payments under all leases are as follows:


	Year ending December 31,	Operating
		leases (in
		thousands)
	2015	$	645
	2016		568
	2017		557
	2018		444
	2019		145

	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	2,359

	Purchase Commitments
	The Company has entered into agreements for electricity and to purchase equipment and components to construct furnaces. These agreements will result in the Company purchasing electricity, equipment or components for a total cost of approximately $4.9 million with deliveries occurring through 2016.
	Litigation
	From time to time, the Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its business. The management of the Company does not believe any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

Benefit_Plan

Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plan	Dec. 31, 2014
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit Plan	10. BENEFIT PLAN

	The Company sponsors a 401(k) savings plan (the “Plan”). Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan upon reaching 18 years of age. Employees make contributions to the Plan through payroll deferrals and employer matching contributions are discretionary. There were no employer matching contributions for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	11. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	Summary quarterly results for the two years ended December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands, other than share and per share data):


		Three Months Ended
	2014	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31			Full Year
	Revenue	$	14,268		$	14,469		$	8,036		$	8,912		$	45,685
	Gross loss	$	(7,494	)	$	(7,274	)	$	(9,460	)	$	(5,459	)	$	(29,687	)
	Loss from operations	$	(10,925	)	$	(10,179	)	$	(13,872	)	$	(8,637	)	$	(43,613	)
	Loss before income taxes	$	(10,888	)	$	(9,984	)	$	(14,011	)	$	(9,032	)	$	(43,915	)
	Net loss	$	(10,894	)	$	(9,984	)	$	(13,713	)	$	(9,402	)	$	(43,993	)
	Basic and diluted loss per common share	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.39	)	$	(0.53	)	$	(0.36	)	$	(1.70	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per common share, basic and diluted:		25,317,147			25,706,797			26,110,651			26,127,026			25,815,405


		Three Months Ended
	2013	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31			Full Year
	Revenue	$	8,307		$	10,555		$	11,115		$	11,536		$	41,513
	Gross loss	$	(3,375	)	$	(6,417	)	$	(6,318	)	$	(5,811	)	$	(21,921	)
	Loss from operations	$	(6,296	)	$	(9,968	)	$	(9,595	)	$	(9,025	)	$	(34,884	)
	Loss before income taxes	$	(6,418	)	$	(10,173	)	$	(9,814	)	$	(9,106	)	$	(35,511	)
	Net loss	$	(3,376	)	$	(5,894	)	$	(5,840	)	$	(15,241	)	$	(30,351	)
	Basic and diluted loss per common share	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.67	)	$	(1.35	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per common share, basic and diluted:		22,550,378			22,560,603			22,578,608			22,599,258			22,572,212

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of business	Description of business
Description of business	Rubicon Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), is an electronic materials provider that develops, manufactures and sells monocrystalline sapphire and other innovative crystalline products for LEDs, RFICs, optoelectronics and other optical applications. The Company sells its products on a global basis to customers in Asia, Australia, North America and Europe. The Company maintains its operating facilities in the Chicago metropolitan area and in Penang, Malaysia.
Principles of consolidation	Principles of consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Rubicon Worldwide LLC and Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	The Company considers all unrestricted highly liquid investments immediately available to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents primarily consist of time deposits with banks, unsettled trades and brokerage money market accounts.
Restricted cash	Restricted cash
	A summary of the Company’s restricted cash at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:


			As of December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Certificates of deposit		$	5		$	5
	Flexible spending funds			4			8
	Fixed deposit pledge			174			152

			$	183		$	165

Foreign currency translation and transactions	Foreign currency translation and transactions
	Rubicon Worldwide LLC’s assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates and capital accounts at historical exchange rates. The results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the respective period. Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates for Rubicon Worldwide LLC are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity.
	The Company has determined that the functional currency of Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD is the U.S. dollar. Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD’s assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the remeasurement method. Non-monetary assets are translated at historical exchange rates and monetary assets are translated at exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates. Translation adjustments for Rubicon Sapphire Technology (Malaysia) SDN BHD are included in determining net income (loss) for the period. The results of operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates during the respective period. The Company records these gains and losses in other income (expense).

	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are generated from the effects of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the Company, which is the U.S. dollar. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are generally required to be recognized in the determination of net income (loss) for the period. The Company records these gains and losses in other income (expense).
Investments	Investments
	The Company invests available cash primarily in investment grade commercial paper, FDIC guaranteed certificates of deposit, common stock, corporate notes and government securities. Investments classified as available-for-sale securities are carried at fair market value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Investments in trading securities are reported at fair value, with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in other income (expense), in the consolidated statements of operations. Investments in which the Company has the ability and intent, if necessary, to liquidate in order to support its current operations, are classified as short-term.
	The Company reviews its available-for-sale securities investments at the end of each quarter for other-than-temporary declines in fair value based on the specific identification method. The Company considers various factors in determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, including the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in underlying credit ratings, forecasted recovery, its ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value and the probability that the scheduled cash payments will continue to be made. When the Company concludes that an other-than-temporary impairment has resulted, the difference between the fair value and carrying value is written off and recorded as a charge on the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, no impairment was recorded.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock	The Company records treasury stock purchases under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock.
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable
	The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable is due from manufacturers serving the LED industries. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Accounts receivable are due based on contract terms and at stated amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time past due, the customer’s current ability to pay and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are recorded as a reduction to bad debt expense.

	The following table shows the activity of the allowance for doubtful accounts:


			Year ended December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Beginning balance		$	50		$	286
	Charges to costs and expenses			105			24
	Accounts charged off, less recoveries			(15	)		(260	)

	Ending balance		$	140		$	50

Inventories	Inventories

	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Raw materials cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method, and work-in-process and finished goods costs are determined on a weighted-average cost basis which includes materials, labor and overhead. The Company reduces the carrying value of its inventories for differences between the cost and the estimated net realizable value, taking into account usage, expected demand, technological obsolescence and other information. Inventories are composed of the following:



			As of December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Raw materials		$	14,503		$	18,651
	Work in progress			6,357			10,337
	Finished goods			1,879			5,324

			$	22,739		$	34,312


	The Company establishes inventory reserves when conditions exist that suggest inventory may be in excess of anticipated demand or is obsolete based on customer required specifications. The Company evaluates the ability to realize the value of our inventory based on a combination of factors, including forecasted sales, estimated current and future market value and changes in customers’ product specifications. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company determined it had inventory that was excess or obsolete and recorded an adjustment which reduced inventory and increased costs of goods sold by $2.4 million, $604,000 and $719,000, respectively. The Company has accepted sales orders for core and wafer products at prices lower than cost during 2014, 2013 and 2012. Based on these sales prices, the Company recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, a lower of cost or market adjustment which reduced inventory and increased cost of goods sold by $1.7 million, $421,000 and $1.5 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recycled some boules from inventory. Historically, boules put through a second growth cycle typically result in a very high-grade crystal which may result in higher yield of large diameter wafers. The recycling of boules reduced inventory and increased cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2012 by $927,000. The Company’s method of estimating excess and obsolete inventory has remained consistent for all periods presented.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment consisted of the following:


			As of December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Land and land improvements		$	4,133		$	4,133
	Buildings			32,482			32,269
	Machinery, equipment and tooling			127,158			121,313
	Leasehold improvements			7,640			7,696
	Furniture and fixtures			961			949
	Information systems			1,140			1,077
	Construction in progress			3,734			5,221

	Total cost			177,248			172,658
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(69,572	)		(57,438	)

	Property and equipment, net		$	107,676		$	115,220

	Property and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. Significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. Depreciation and amortization expense associated with property and equipment was $13.6 million, $12.7 million and $12.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Construction in progress includes costs associated with the construction of furnaces and deposits made on equipment purchases.
	The estimated useful lives are as follows:


	Asset description		Life
	Buildings		39 years
	Machinery, equipment and tooling		3-10 years
	Leasehold improvements		Lesser of life of lease or economic life
	Furniture and fixtures		7 years
	Information systems		3 years
Impairment of long-lived assets	Impairment of long-lived assets
	When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, the Company performs an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value. The Company makes estimates of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income. In response to the Company’s current period operating losses combined with its history of continuing operating losses, the Company evaluated the recoverability of certain property and equipment. Based upon the Company’s assessment using its most recent projections, no impairment to these assets was indicated as of December 31, 2014, as the recoverable amount of undiscounted cash flows exceeded the carrying amount of these assets. To the extent these projections are not achieved, there may be a negative effect on the valuation and carrying value of these assets.
	There were no impairment losses on long lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Other assets	Other assets
Other assets	The Company’s other assets include overhaul costs that are accounted for using the deferral method. These overhaul costs are recorded at cost on the balance sheet as other assets and are amortized over terms in accordance with their respectful useful lives.
Warranty cost	Warranty cost
	The Company’s sales terms include a warranty that its products will meet certain specifications. The Company records a current liability for the expected cost of warranty-related claims at the time of sale. The warranty reserve is included in accrued and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table presents changes in the Company’s product warranty liability:


			Year ended
			December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period		$	141		$	101
	Charged to cost of sales			407			102
	Actual product warranty expenditures			(451	)		(62	)

	Balance, end of period		$	97		$	141

Fair value of financial instruments	Fair value of financial instruments
Fair value of financial instruments	The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. The carrying values of these assets and liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Concentration of credit risks and other risks and uncertainties	Concentration of credit risks and other risks and uncertainties

	Financial instruments that could potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had $1.5 million and $4.8 million, respectively, on deposit at a financial institution in excess of amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company performs a periodic evaluation of this institution for relative credit standing. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes it is not exposed to any significant risk of loss on these balances.

	The Company currently depends on a small number of suppliers for certain raw materials, components, services and equipment, including key materials such as aluminum oxide powder and certain furnace components. If the supply of these components were to be disrupted or terminated, or if these suppliers were unable to supply the quantities of raw materials required, the Company may have difficulty in finding, or may be unable to find, alternative sources for these items. As a result, the Company may be unable to meet the demand for its products, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company.

	Concentration of credit risk related to revenue and accounts receivable is discussed in Note 4.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition
	Revenues recognized include product sales and billings for costs and fees for government contracts.
	Product Sales
	The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when earned. Revenue is recognized when, and if, evidence of an arrangement is obtained and the other criteria to support revenue recognition are met, including:

		•		Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists. The Company requires evidence of a purchase order with the customer specifying the terms and specifications of the product to be delivered, typically in the form of a signed quotation or purchase order from the customer;

		•		Title has passed and the product has been delivered. Title passage and product delivery generally occur when the product is delivered to a common carrier;

		•		The price is fixed or determinable. All terms are fixed in the signed quotation or purchase order received from the customer. The purchase orders do not contain rights of cancellation, return, exchange or refund; and

		•		Collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. The Company’s standard arrangement with customers includes payment terms. Customers are subject to a credit review process that evaluates each customer’s financial position and its ability to pay. Collectability is determined by considering the length of time the customer has been in business and history of collections. If it is determined that collection is not probable, no product is shipped and no revenue is recognized unless cash is received in advance.

	Government Contracts

	The Company recognizes research and development revenue in the period during which the related costs are incurred over the contractually defined period. In July 2012, the Company signed a contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory to produce large-area sapphire windows on a cost plus fixed fee basis. The Company will record revenue on a gross basis as costs are incurred plus a portion of the fixed fee. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, $689,000, $1.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively of revenue were recorded. The contract will continue for duration of three years and the total value of the contract is $4.7 million.

	The Company does not provide maintenance or other services and it does not have sales that involve multiple elements or deliverables.
Shipping and handling costs	Shipping and handling costs
Shipping and handling costs	The Company records costs incurred in connection with shipping and handling of products as cost of goods sold. Amounts billed to customers in connection with these costs are included in revenue and are not material for any of the periods presented in the accompanying financial statements.
Sales tax	Sales tax
Sales tax	The Company collects and remits sales taxes on products sold to customers and reports such amounts under the net method in its consolidated statements of operations and records a liability until remitted to the respective tax authority
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation	The Company requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options to be measured at fair value and expensed in the consolidated statements of operations over the service period (generally the vesting period) of the grant. Expense is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for these share-based payments.
Research and development	Research and development
Research and development	Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expense was $1.9 million, $2.3 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes	Accounting for uncertainty in income taxes
	The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. There were no interest or penalties related to income taxes that have been accrued or recognized as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S., Japan and in a state jurisdiction. The Company is exempt from Malaysian income tax for a ten year period beginning in 2009. Due to the existence of net operating loss carryforwards, tax years ended December 31, 2001 thru 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011 thru 2013 are open to examination by tax authorities for Federal purposes. Due to net operating loss carryforwards at the State level, tax years ended 2004 thru 2006 and 2008 thru 2013 are open to examination by state tax authorities. Tax year 2013 is open to examination by tax authorities in Malaysia.
Income taxes	Income taxes
Income taxes	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are provided for temporary differences between financial reporting and income tax bases of assets and liabilities, and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the differences will reverse. Deferred income taxes also arise from the future benefits of net operating loss carryforwards. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. Full valuation allowances on net deferred tax assets are maintained until an appropriate level of profitability that generates taxable income is deemed sustainable or until a tax strategy is developed that would enable the Company to conclude that it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will be realizable. Based on an evaluation in accordance with the accounting standards, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the net U.S. deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all the available evidence.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates
Use of estimates	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. 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 financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Other comprehensive income (loss)	Other comprehensive income (loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise from transactions and other events from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income (loss) includes net earnings (loss) and other non-owner changes in equity that bypass the statement of operations and are reported in a separate component of equity. A summary of the components of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 follows:


			Year Ended December 31,
			2014			2013
			(in thousands)
	Reclassification of unrealized gain included in net loss		$	388		$	—
	Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax			(415	)		(406	)
	Unrealized loss on currency translation			(16	)		(12	)

	Ending Balance		$	(43	)	$	(418	)

Net income (loss) per common share	Net income (loss) per common share
	Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted shares outstanding are calculated by adding to the weighted shares outstanding any common stock equivalents, outstanding stock options and warrants based on the treasury stock method.
	Diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, because the effects of potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive.
	The number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share is as follows as of December 31:


			2014			2013
	Warrants			46,290			179,252
	Stock options			4,146			56,892

				50,436			236,144

Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes most of the current revenue recognition requirements. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. Other major provisions include capitalization of certain contract costs, consideration of time value of money in the transaction price, and allowing estimates of variable consideration to be recognized before contingencies are resolved in certain circumstances. The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers. The guidance is effective for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016 (early adoption is not permitted). The guidance permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12 (“ASU 2014-12”), Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period related to stock compensation. The new standard requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting ASU 2014-12 on its financial statements.

	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. The standard requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Management must evaluate whether it is probable that known conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, would raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. If such conditions or events are identified, the standard requires management’s mitigation plans to alleviate the doubt or a statement of the substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern to be disclosed in the financial statements. The standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, of adopting ASU 2014-15 on its financial statements.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Company's Restricted Cash	A summary of the Company’s restricted cash at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:


		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Certificates of deposit	$	5		$	5
	Flexible spending funds		4			8
	Fixed deposit pledge		174			152

		$	183		$	165

Activity of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	The following table shows the activity of the allowance for doubtful accounts:


		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	50		$	286
	Charges to costs and expenses		105			24
	Accounts charged off, less recoveries		(15	)		(260	)

	Ending balance	$	140		$	50

Inventories	Inventories are composed of the following:



		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Raw materials	$	14,503		$	18,651
	Work in progress		6,357			10,337
	Finished goods		1,879			5,324

		$	22,739		$	34,312

Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following:


		As of December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	4,133		$	4,133
	Buildings		32,482			32,269
	Machinery, equipment and tooling		127,158			121,313
	Leasehold improvements		7,640			7,696
	Furniture and fixtures		961			949
	Information systems		1,140			1,077
	Construction in progress		3,734			5,221

	Total cost		177,248			172,658
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(69,572	)		(57,438	)

	Property and equipment, net	$	107,676		$	115,220

Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	The estimated useful lives are as follows:


	Asset description	Life
	Buildings	39 years
	Machinery, equipment and tooling	3-10 years
	Leasehold improvements	Lesser of life of lease or economic life
	Furniture and fixtures	7 years
	Information systems	3 years



Product Warranty Liability	The following table presents changes in the Company’s product warranty liability:


		Year ended
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	141		$	101
	Charged to cost of sales		407			102
	Actual product warranty expenditures		(451	)		(62	)

	Balance, end of period	$	97		$	141

Components of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	A summary of the components of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 follows:



		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Reclassification of unrealized gain included in net loss	$	388		$	—
	Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax		(415	)		(406	)
	Unrealized loss on currency translation		(16	)		(12	)

	Ending Balance	$	(43	)	$	(418	)

Anti-Dilutive Securities Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share	The number of anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share is as follows as of December 31:


		2014			2013
	Warrants		46,290			179,252
	Stock options		4,146			56,892

			50,436			236,144

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Revenue by Geographic Region	The following table summarizes revenue by geographic region:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	China	$	19,857	$	14,844	$	3,839
	Taiwan		9,843		7,361		5,663
	United States		5,452		4,444		11,104
	Korea		5,001		2,214		19,862
	Japan		1,517		309		2,999
	Australia		716		10,368		12,494
	France		13		122		8,482
	Israel		1,169		455		863
	Germany		925		436		553
	Canada		976		337		554
	Other		216		623		830

	Revenue	$	45,685	$	41,513	$	67,243

Summary of Revenue by Product Type	The following table summarizes sales by product type:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Core	$	29,862	$	23,294	$	9,755
	Wafer		8,077		12,239		50,542
	Optical		7,057		4,523		5,723
	Research & Development		689		1,457		1,223

	Revenue	$	45,685	$	41,513	$	67,243

Summary of Assets by Geographic Region	The following table summarizes assets by geographic region:


		As of December 31,
		2014		2013
		(in thousands)
	United States	$	156,105	$	157,572
	Malaysia		38,765		45,086
	Other		36		37

	Total Assets	$	194,906	$	202,695

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Investments (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost and Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses on All Securities	The following table presents the amortized cost, and gross unrealized gains and losses on all securities at December 31, 2014:


		Amortized		Gross		Gross		Fair
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized		Value
				Gains		Losses
		(in thousands)
	Short-term Investments:
	FDIC Guaranteed certificates of deposit	$	2,120	$	—	$	2	$	2,118
	Corporate Notes/Bonds		18,458		—		14		18,444

	Total short-term investments	$	20,578	$	—	$	16	$	20,562

	The following table presents the amortized cost, and gross unrealized gains and losses on all securities at December 31, 2013:


		Amortized		Gross		Gross		Fair
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized		Value
				Gains		Losses
		(in thousands)
	Short-term Investments:
	FDIC Guaranteed certificates of deposit	$	6,160	$	—	$	6	$	6,154
	Common stock		2,000		—		642		1,358
	Corporate Notes/Bonds		3,058		—		1		3,057
	Commercial Paper		2,998		—		—		2,998

	Total short-term investments	$	14,216	$	—	$	649	$	13,567

Summarized Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014:


		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash Equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	21,963	$	—	$	—	$	21,963
	Investments:
	Available-for-sales securities—current:
	FDIC Guaranteed certificates of deposit		—		2,118		—		2,118
	Corporate notes/bonds		—		18,444		—		18,444

	Total	$	21,963	$	20,562	$	—	$	42,525


	The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013:



		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash Equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	15,541	$	—		—	$	15,541
	Investments:
	Available-for-sales securities—current:
	FDIC Guaranteed certificates of deposit		—		6,154		—		6,154
	Common stock		1,358		—		—		1,358
	Corporate notes/bonds		—		3,057		—		3,057
	Commercial paper		—		2,998		—		2,998

	Total	$	16,899	$	12,209	$	—	$	29,108

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Tables

Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Activity of Stock Incentive and Equity Plans	The following table summarizes the activity of the stock incentive and equity plans:


		Shares			Number of			Weighted-		Number of			Number of
		available			options			average		restricted			restricted
		for grant			outstanding			option		stock shares			stock units
								exercise price		issued			outstanding
	Outstanding at January 1, 2012		2,259,999			2,093,108		$	13.45		42,587			—
	Granted		(106,395	)		89,050			9.72		17,345			—
	Exercised		—			(17,885	)		4.01		—			—
	Canceled/forfeited		47,000			(47,163	)		15.13		—			—

	Outstanding at December 31, 2012		2,200,604			2,117,110			13.32		59,932			—
	Granted		(216,913	)		97,265			8.43		73,707			45,941
	Exercised		—			(27,930	)		5.02		—			—
	Canceled/forfeited		256,412			(260,375	)		18.31		—			—

	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		2,240,103			1,926,070			12.46		133,639			45,941
	Granted		(706,056	)		574,950			5.04		27,925			103,181
	Exercised/issued		—			(47,654	)		5.37		—			(10,525	)
	Canceled/forfeited		238,482			(215,080	)		16.72		(20,911	)		(3,866	)

	Outstanding at December 31, 2014		1,772,529			2,238,286		$	10.31		140,653			134,731
Intrinsic Value Calculated Based on Grant Date Fair Value	The following table sets forth option grants made during 2014, 2013 and 2012 with intrinsic value calculated based on grant date fair value.


	Date of Grant	Number of			Exercise			Intrinsic
		options			price			value
		granted						per share
	Jan-12		8,500		$	9.39			—
	April-May 2012		36,750		$	9.45 - $10.43			—
	Jul-12		7,000		$	10.2			—
	September - October 2012		36,800		$	9.41 - $9.58			—
	January - July 2013		82,815		$	6.60 - $7.97			—
	Oct-13		14,450		$	12.11			—
	January – July 2014		39,300		$	7.69 - $11.29			—
	Sep-14		300,000		$	4.30 - $5.20			—
	October – December 2014		235,650		$	4.25 - $4.41			—
Exercise Prices of Outstanding Options	At December 31, 2014, the exercise prices of outstanding options were as follows:



	Exercise Price	Number of			Average			Number of
		options			remaining			options
		outstanding			contractual life			exercisable
					(years)
	$0.78 - $4.94		806,655			6.24			498,005
	$5.12 - $9.95		585,369			6.38			328,790
	$10.02 - $14.00		311,442			5.19			259,891
	$15.00 - $18.80		45,427			3.62			43,927
	$19.21 - $22.92		368,738			5.06			363,910
	$24.95 - $32.67		120,655			5.63			115,030

			2,238,286			5.85			1,609,553

Summary of Non-vested Options	The following table summarizes the activity of non-vested options as follows:



		Non-vested			Weighted-
		options			Average Option
					Exercise
					price
	Non-vested at January 1, 2012		1,313,177		$	13.58
	Granted		89,050			9.72
	Vested		(540,050	)		14.77
	Cancelled		(41,175	)		15.38

	Non-vested at December 31, 2012		821,002			15.24
	Granted		97,265			8.43
	Vested		(380,413	)		12.5
	Cancelled		(211,288	)		18.55

	Non-vested at December 31, 2013		326,566			13.57
	Granted		574,950			5.04
	Vested		(169,361	)		14.84
	Cancelled		(103,422	)		12.74

	Non-vested at December 31, 2014		628,733		$	5.93

Schedule for Estimated Fair Value at Date of Option Grant Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the assumptions used for the estimated fair value at the date of option grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model were as follows:


		2014		2013	2012
	Weighted average fair value per share of option	$5.04		$8.49	$9.72
	Expected term	5.3 years		5.3 years	5.3 years
	Risk free interest rate	1.66% - 1.83%		0.76% - 1.42%	0.62% - 1.04%
	Volatility	77%		77%	52%
	Dividend yield	None		None	None
	Forfeiture rate	25.56%		19.18%	16.59%
Restricted Stock [Member]
Analysis of Restricted Stock Issued	An analysis of restricted stock issued is as follows:


	Non-vested restricted stock as of January 1, 2013		4,336
	Granted		73,707
	Vested		(24,329	)

	Non-vested restricted stock as of December 31, 2013		53,714
	Granted		27,925
	Vested		(48,521	)
	Cancelled		(20,911	)

	Non-vested restricted stock as of December 31, 2014		12,207

Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Analysis of Restricted Stock Issued	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is as follows:


		RSUs			Weighted average price at			Aggregate intrinsic
		outstanding			time of grant			value
	Non-vested restricted stock units as of January 1, 2013		—		$	—
	Granted		45,941			8.6

	Non-vested restricted stock units as of December 31, 2013		45,941			8.6
	Granted		103,181			4.43
	Vested		(10,525	)		8.6
	Cancelled		(3,866	)		8.6

	Non-vested at December 31, 2014		134,731		$	5.41		$	616,000

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	Income (loss) before income taxes



		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	U.S.	$	(46,562	)	$	(38,114	)	$	(17,849	)
	Foreign		2,647			2,603			5,263

	Total	$	(43,915	)	$	(35,511	)	$	(12,586	)

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income taxes


		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Current
	U.S.	$	—		$	—		$	(204	)
	State		—			—			(357	)
	Foreign		6			6			(163	)

	Total current income tax expense (benefit)		6			6			(724	)

	Deferred
	U.S.		(218	)		(5,863	)		(5,536	)
	State		(36	)		691			(1,049	)
	Foreign		326			6			261

	Total deferred income tax expense		72			(5,166	)		(6,324	)

	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	78		$	(5,160	)	$	(7,048	)

Reconciliation of Income Tax Computed at Federal Statutory Rate to Income Before Taxes	The reconciliation of income tax computed at the federal statutory rate to income before taxes is as follows:


		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	U.S. Federal statutory rate		(34.0	)%		(34.0	)%		(34.0	)%
	State taxes net of federal benefit		(5.7	)		(5.5	)		(8.9	)
	Permanent differences		—			—			—
	Foreign rate differential and transactional tax		(0.5	)		(0.7	)		(3.8	)
	Impact of foreign tax holiday		(1.5	)		(1.8	)		(10.4	)
	Valuation allowance		41.8			26.9			—
	Other		0.1			0.6			1.1

			0.2	%		(14.5	)%		(56.0	)%

Significant Components of Net Deferred Income Taxes	Significant components of the Company’s net deferred income taxes are as follows at December 31:


		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	55		$	20
	Inventory reserves		918			1,340
	Accrued liabilities		57			76
	Warrant interest expense		269			277
	Stock compensation expense		2,689			2,850
	State net operating loss—net of tax		5,923			3,500
	Net operating loss carryforward		31,658			16,206
	Unrealized loss on securities held for sale		—			240
	Tax credits		581			514
	Valuation allowance		(27,151	)		(9,547	)

	Total deferred tax assets		14,999			15,476
	Deferred tax liability:
	Depreciation		(15,423	)		(15,620	)
	Unrealized gain on securities held for sale		—			—
	Prepaid expenses		(169	)		(123	)

	Net deferred tax liability	$	(593	)	$	(267	)

Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities on Consolidated Balance Sheets	The Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities were reported on the consolidated balance sheets as follows.


		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Current deferred income tax assets	$	1,267		$	—
	Long term deferred income tax liabilities		(1,860	)		(267	)

	Net deferred tax liability	$	(593	)	$	(267	)

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Payments Under all Leases	Future minimum payments under all leases are as follows:


	Year ending December 31,	Operating
		leases (in
		thousands)
	2015	$	645
	2016		568
	2017		557
	2018		444
	2019		145

	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	2,359

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Results	Summary quarterly results for the two years ended December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands, other than share and per share data):


		Three Months Ended
	2014	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31			Full Year
	Revenue	$	14,268		$	14,469		$	8,036		$	8,912		$	45,685
	Gross loss	$	(7,494	)	$	(7,274	)	$	(9,460	)	$	(5,459	)	$	(29,687	)
	Loss from operations	$	(10,925	)	$	(10,179	)	$	(13,872	)	$	(8,637	)	$	(43,613	)
	Loss before income taxes	$	(10,888	)	$	(9,984	)	$	(14,011	)	$	(9,032	)	$	(43,915	)
	Net loss	$	(10,894	)	$	(9,984	)	$	(13,713	)	$	(9,402	)	$	(43,993	)
	Basic and diluted loss per common share	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.39	)	$	(0.53	)	$	(0.36	)	$	(1.70	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per common share, basic and diluted:		25,317,147			25,706,797			26,110,651			26,127,026			25,815,405


		Three Months Ended
	2013	March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31			Full Year
	Revenue	$	8,307		$	10,555		$	11,115		$	11,536		$	41,513
	Gross loss	$	(3,375	)	$	(6,417	)	$	(6,318	)	$	(5,811	)	$	(21,921	)
	Loss from operations	$	(6,296	)	$	(9,968	)	$	(9,595	)	$	(9,025	)	$	(34,884	)
	Loss before income taxes	$	(6,418	)	$	(10,173	)	$	(9,814	)	$	(9,106	)	$	(35,511	)
	Net loss	$	(3,376	)	$	(5,894	)	$	(5,840	)	$	(15,241	)	$	(30,351	)
	Basic and diluted loss per common share	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.26	)	$	(0.67	)	$	(1.35	)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per common share, basic and diluted:		22,550,378			22,560,603			22,578,608			22,599,258			22,572,212

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Summary of Restricted Cash (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$183	$165
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	5	5
Flexible Spending Funds [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	4	8
Fixed Deposit Pledge [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$174	$152

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Impairment of investments	$0	$0
Reduced inventory and increased costs of goods sold	2,400,000	604,000	719,000
Based on these sales prices reduced inventory and increased cost of goods sold	1,700,000	421,000	1,500,000
The recycling of boules reduced inventory and increased cost of goods sold			927,000
Depreciation and amortization expense associated with property and equipment	13,637,000	12,660,000	12,027,000
Impairment losses on long lived assets	0	0	0
Deposit at a financial institution	1,500,000	4,800,000
Revenue recorded from government contract	689,000	1,400,000	1,200,000
Total value of the contract	4,700,000
Period of contract	3 years
Research and development costs	1,861,000	2,263,000	2,274,000
Income tax benefit recognition criteria percentage threshold	50.00%
Interest or penalties related to income taxes accrued or recognized	$0	$0
Period of exemption from Malaysian income tax	10 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Activity of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$50	$286
Charges to costs and expenses	105	24
Accounts charged off, less recoveries	-15	-260
Ending balance	$140	$50

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials	$14,503	$18,651
Work in progress	6,357	10,337
Finished goods	1,879	5,324
Inventories	$22,739	$34,312

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total cost	$177,248	$172,658
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-69,572	-57,438
Property and equipment, net	107,676	115,220
Land and Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total cost	4,133	4,133
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total cost	32,482	32,269
Machinery, Equipment and Tooling [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total cost	127,158	121,313
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total cost	7,640	7,696
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total cost	961	949
Information Systems [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total cost	1,140	1,077
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total cost	$3,734	$5,221

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	Lesser of life of lease or economic life
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Information Systems [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Machinery, Equipment and Tooling [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum [Member] \| Machinery, Equipment and Tooling [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	10 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Product Warranty Liability (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$141	$101
Charged to cost of sales	407	102
Actual product warranty expenditures	-451	-62
Balance, end of period	$97	$141

Recovered_Sheet1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Reclassification of unrealized gain included in net loss	$388
Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax	-415	-406
Unrealized loss on currency translation	-16	-12
Ending Balance	($43)	($418)

Recovered_Sheet2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Anti-Dilutive Securities Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted net loss per share	50,436	236,144
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted net loss per share	4,146	56,892
Warrants [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from calculation of diluted net loss per share	46,290	179,252

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segment	1

Segment_Information_Summary_of

Segment Information - Summary of Revenue by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue	$8,912	$8,036	$14,469	$14,268	$11,536	$11,115	$10,555	$8,307	$45,685	$41,513	$67,243
China [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									19,857	14,844	3,839
Taiwan [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									9,843	7,361	5,663
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									5,452	4,444	11,104
Korea [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									5,001	2,214	19,862
Japan [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									1,517	309	2,999
Australia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									716	10,368	12,494
France [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									13	122	8,482
Israel [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									1,169	455	863
Germany [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									925	436	553
Canada [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									976	337	554
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenue									$216	$623	$830

Segment_Information_Summary_of1

Segment Information - Summary of Revenue by Product Type (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$8,912	$8,036	$14,469	$14,268	$11,536	$11,115	$10,555	$8,307	$45,685	$41,513	$67,243
Core [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue									29,862	23,294	9,755
Wafer [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue									8,077	12,239	50,542
Optical [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue									7,057	4,523	5,723
Research & Development [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue									$689	$1,457	$1,223

Segment_Information_Summary_of2

Segment Information - Summary of Assets by Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	$194,906	$202,695
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	156,105	157,572
Malaysia [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	38,765	45,086
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total Assets	$36	$37

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Short-term investments	$20,562,000	$13,567,000
Time deposits of cash and cash equivalents	2,400,000	5,500,000
FDIC Guaranteed Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Short-term investments	2,100,000
Corporate Notes/Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Short-term investments	$18,500,000

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments - Amortized Cost and Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses on All Securities (Detail) (Short-term Investments [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$20,578	$14,216
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	16	649
Fair Value	20,562	13,567
Commercial Paper [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		2,998
Gross Unrealized Gains		0
Fair Value		2,998
FDIC Guaranteed Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	2,120	6,160
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	2	6
Fair Value	2,118	6,154
Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		2,000
Gross Unrealized Gains		0
Gross Unrealized Losses		642
Fair Value		1,358
Corporate Notes/Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	18,458	3,058
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	14	1
Fair Value	$18,444	$3,057

Investments_Summarized_Financi

Investments - Summarized Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current	$42,525	$29,108
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current	21,963	16,899
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current	20,562	12,209
Commercial Paper [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current		2,998
Commercial Paper [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current		2,998
Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents	21,963	15,541
Money Market Funds [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash Equivalents	21,963	15,541
FDIC Guaranteed Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current	2,118	6,154
FDIC Guaranteed Certificates of Deposit [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current	2,118	6,154
Common Stock [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current		1,358
Common Stock [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current		1,358
Corporate Notes/Bonds [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current	18,444	3,057
Corporate Notes/Bonds [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sales securities - current	$18,444	$3,057

Significant_Customers_Addition

Significant Customers - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Customer	Customer	Customer
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Number of significant customer	2	2	2
Trade receivables	10.00%
Accounts receivable	50.00%	47.00%
Customer One [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	24.00%	27.00%	38.00%
Customer Two [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenue	12.00%	17.00%	29.00%

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 20, 2014	Jan. 13, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding common stock options and vesting of restricted stock units			2,373,017
Common stock reserved for future grants of stock options			1,772,529
Common stock reserved for future exercise of outstanding warrants			267,826
Issue of common stock shares	2,875,000	3,047,500
Number of shares sold pursuant to full exercise of underwriter's over allotment option	375,000	397,500
Exercise price of shares	$13	$10.65
Gross proceeds from public offering	$4,900,000	$32,500,000	$34,957,000
Net proceeds from public offering	4,400,000	30,300,000
Underwriting of Discount and expense	319,000	2,300,000
Estimated costs of public offering	$148,000
Outstanding warrants to purchase common stock			267,826	267,826
Outstanding warrants to purchase common stock at exercise price per share			$3.65	$3.65
Warrants exercisable date of issuance			10 years
Repurchase of company shares			0	0

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Addition

Stock Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended				2 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	7 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2011	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 22, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share of common stock purchased	1
Weighted average fair value of the options vested											$2,900,000	$4,800,000	$8,000,000
Intrinsic value of options outstanding								0			0	0
Intrinsic value for options exercisable								0			0	0
Stock compensation expense											840,000	1,200,000	1,800,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested awards								1,800,000			1,800,000
Stock based plan expect to recognize weighted average period											2 years 8 months 9 days
Stock options to purchase shares of common stock granted		300,000	14,450	7,000	8,500	36,800	36,750	235,650	39,300	82,815	574,950	97,265	89,050
Exercise price											$5.04	$8.43	$9.72
Restricted shares, cancelled											20,911
Stock options, cancelled											215,080	260,375	47,163
Board of Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options to purchase shares of common stock granted												70,365
Exercise price												$7.97
Stock options, cancelled											31,274
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non vested awards								688,000			688,000
Stock based plan expect to recognize weighted average period											2 years 9 months 18 days
Stock compensation expense											120,000	25,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense											$448,000	$292,000	$162,000
Restricted Stock [Member] \| Board of Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options to purchase shares of common stock granted												47,050
Restricted shares, cancelled											20,911
2001 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares awarded or sold	1,449,667
Plan expiration date											2-Aug-11
2007 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in maximum number of shares awarded or sold under 2007 plan														2,100,000
2007 Plan [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares awarded or sold														2,307,692
2007 Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares awarded or sold														4,407,692

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Summary_

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity of Stock Incentive and Equity Plans (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended				2 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	7 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Shares available for grant
Shares available for grant, Beginning balance				2,259,999				2,240,103	2,200,604	2,240,103	2,200,604	2,259,999
Shares available for grant, Granted										-706,056	-216,913	-106,395
Shares available for grant, Exercised/issued										0	0	0
Shares available for grant, Canceled/forfeited										238,482	256,412	47,000
Shares available for grant, Ending balance							1,772,529			1,772,529	2,240,103	2,200,604
Number of options outstanding
Number of options outstanding, Beginning balance				2,093,108				1,926,070	2,117,110	1,926,070	2,117,110	2,093,108
Number of options outstanding, Granted	300,000	14,450	7,000	8,500	36,800	36,750	235,650	39,300	82,815	574,950	97,265	89,050
Number of options outstanding, Exercised/issued										-47,654	-27,930	-17,885
Number of options outstanding, Canceled/forfeited										-215,080	-260,375	-47,163
Number of options outstanding, Ending balance							2,238,286			2,238,286	1,926,070	2,117,110
Weighted - average option exercise price
Weighted - average option exercise price, Beginning balance				$13.45				$12.46	$13.32	$12.46	$13.32	$13.45
Weighted - average option exercise price, Granted										$5.04	$8.43	$9.72
Weighted - average option exercise price, Exercised/issued										$5.37	$5.02	$4.01
Weighted - average option exercise price, Canceled/forfeited										$16.72	$18.31	$15.13
Weighted - average option exercise price, Ending balance							$10.31			$10.31	$12.46	$13.32
Number of restricted stock shares issued
Number of restricted stock shares issued, Beginning balance				42,587				133,639	59,932	133,639	59,932	42,587
Number of restricted stock shares issued, Granted										27,925	73,707	17,345
Number of restricted stock shares issued, Exercised/issued										0	0	0
Number of restricted stock shares issued, Canceled/forfeited										-20,911
Number of restricted stock shares issued, Ending balance							140,653			140,653	133,639	59,932
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Number of restricted stock units outstanding
Number of restricted stock units outstanding, Beginning balance								45,941		45,941
Number of restricted stock units outstanding, Granted										103,181	45,941
Number of restricted stock units outstanding, Exercised/issued										-10,525
Number of restricted stock units outstanding, Canceled/forfeited										-3,866
Number of restricted stock units outstanding, Ending balance							134,731			134,731	45,941

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Intrinsi

Stock Incentive Plans - Intrinsic Value Calculated Based on Grant Date Fair Value (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended				2 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	7 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Number of options granted	300,000	14,450	7,000	8,500	36,800	36,750	235,650	39,300	82,815	574,950	97,265	89,050
Intrinsic value calculated based on grant date fair value, Exercise price	$4.30				$9.41	$9.45	$4.25	$7.69	$6.60
Intrinsic value calculated based on grant date fair value, Exercise price	$5.20	$12.11	$10.20	$9.39	$9.58	$10.43	$4.41	$11.29	$7.97
Intrinsic value calculated based on grant date fair value, Intrinsic value per share	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Exercise

Stock Incentive Plans - Exercise Prices of Outstanding Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options outstanding	2,238,286	1,926,070	2,117,110	2,093,108
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Average remaining contractual life	5 years 10 months 6 days
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options exercisable	1,609,553
$0.78 - $4.94 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Lower range	0.78
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Upper range	4.94
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options outstanding	806,655
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Average remaining contractual life	6 years 2 months 27 days
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options exercisable	498,005
$5.12 - $9.95 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Lower range	5.12
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Upper range	9.95
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options outstanding	585,369
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Average remaining contractual life	6 years 4 months 17 days
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options exercisable	328,790
$10.02 - $14.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Lower range	10.02
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Upper range	14
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options outstanding	311,442
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Average remaining contractual life	5 years 2 months 9 days
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options exercisable	259,891
$15.00 - $18.80 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Lower range	15
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Upper range	18.8
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options outstanding	45,427
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Average remaining contractual life	3 years 7 months 13 days
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options exercisable	43,927
$19.21 - $22.92 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Lower range	19.21
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Upper range	22.92
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options outstanding	368,738
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Average remaining contractual life	5 years 22 days
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options exercisable	363,910
$24.95 - $32.67 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Lower range	24.95
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Upper range	32.67
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options outstanding	120,655
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Average remaining contractual life	5 years 7 months 17 days
Exercise prices of outstanding options, Number of options exercisable	115,030

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Summary_1

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Non-vested Options (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended				2 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	7 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Options
Options, Granted	300,000	14,450	7,000	8,500	36,800	36,750	235,650	39,300	82,815	574,950	97,265	89,050
Weighted-average exercise price
Weighted-average exercise price, Granted										$5.04	$8.43	$9.72
Weighted-average exercise price, Cancelled										$16.72	$18.31	$15.13
Non-vested Options [Member]
Options
Options, Non-vested, Beginning balance				1,313,177				326,566	821,002	326,566	821,002	1,313,177
Options, Granted										574,950	97,265	89,050
Options, Vested										-169,361	-380,413	-540,050
Options, Cancelled										-103,422	-211,288	-41,175
Options, Non-vested, Ending balance							628,733			628,733	326,566	821,002
Weighted-average exercise price
Weighted-average exercise price, Beginning balance				13.58				13.57	15.24	$13.57	$15.24	$13.58
Weighted-average exercise price, Granted										$5.04	$8.43	$9.72
Weighted-average exercise price, Vested										$14.84	$12.50	$14.77
Weighted-average exercise price, Cancelled										$12.74	$18.55	$15.38
Weighted-average exercise price, Ending balance							5.93			$5.93	$13.57	$15.24

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Schedule

Stock Incentive Plans - Schedule for the Estimated Fair Value at Date of Option Grand Using Black Scholes Option Pricing Model (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted average fair value per share of option	$5.04	$8.49	$9.72
Expected term	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 3 months 18 days
Risk free interest rate	1.66%	0.76%	0.62%
Risk free interest rate	1.83%	1.42%	1.04%
Volatility	77.00%	77.00%	52.00%
Dividend yield
Forfeiture rate	25.56%	19.18%	16.59%

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Summary_2

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Units (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested restricted stock, Beginning balance	45,941
Granted	103,181	45,941
Vested	-10,525
Cancelled	-3,866
Non-vested restricted stock, Ending balance	134,731	45,941
Weighted average price at time of grant, Beginning balance	$8.60
Weighted average price at time of grant, Granted	$4.43	$8.60
Weighted average price at time of grant, Vested	$8.60
Weighted-average exercise price, Cancelled	$8.60
Weighted average price at time of grant, Ending balance	$5.41	$8.60
Aggregate intrinsic value, Ending balance	$616,000

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Analysis

Stock Incentive Plans - Analysis of Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock Issued (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-vested restricted stock, Beginning balance	53,714	4,336
Granted	27,925	73,707
Vested	-48,521	-24,329
Cancelled	-20,911
Non-vested restricted stock, Ending balance	12,207	53,714

Income_Taxes_Income_Loss_Befor

Income Taxes - Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
U.S.									($46,562)	($38,114)	($17,849)
Foreign									2,647	2,603	5,263
Loss before income taxes	($9,032)	($14,011)	($9,984)	($10,888)	($9,106)	($9,814)	($10,173)	($6,418)	($43,915)	($35,511)	($12,586)

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Expens

Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred
U.S.	($218)	($5,863)	($5,536)
State	-36	691	-1,049
Foreign	326	6	261
Total deferred income tax expense	72	-5,166	-6,324
Total income tax expense (benefit)	78	-5,160	-7,048
U.S.			-204
State			-357
Foreign	6	6	-163
Total current income tax expense (benefit)	$6	$6	($724)

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Computed at Federal Statutory Rate to Income Before Taxes (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
U.S. Federal statutory rate	-34.00%	-34.00%	-34.00%
State taxes net of federal benefit	-5.70%	-5.50%	-8.90%
Permanent differences	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Foreign rate differential and transactional tax	-0.50%	-0.70%	-3.80%
Impact of foreign tax holiday	-1.50%	-1.80%	-10.40%
Valuation allowance	41.80%	26.90%
Other	0.10%	0.60%	1.10%
Effective income tax rate	0.20%	-14.50%	-56.00%

Income_Taxes_Significant_Compo

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Net Deferred Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax liability:
Depreciation	($15,423)	($15,620)
Unrealized gain on securities held for sale	0	0
Prepaid expenses	-169	-123
Net deferred tax liability	-593	-267
Allowance for doubtful accounts	55	20
Inventory reserves	918	1,340
Accrued liabilities	57	76
Warrant interest expense	269	277
Stock compensation expense	2,689	2,850
State net operating loss-net of tax	5,923	3,500
Net operating loss carryforward	31,658	16,206
Unrealized loss on securities held for sale		240
Tax credits	581	514
Valuation allowance	-27,151	-9,547
Total deferred tax assets	$14,999	$15,476

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Income_T

Income Taxes - Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities on Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Current deferred income tax assets	$1,267
Long term deferred income tax liabilities	-1,860	-267
Net deferred tax liability	($593)	($267)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$27,151,000	$9,547,000
Income tax (expense) benefit	-254,000
Net operation loss deduction	100,000
Investment tax credits and research and development credits scheduled to expire	2017
Liability for uncertain tax positions	2,600,000
Amount of unrecognized or expected tax benefits recorded in financial statement	1,100,000
Penalties related to income taxes	0	0	0
Unrecognized potential tax benefits	1,000,000
Number of period for which income tax is exempted	10 years
Decreased foreign taxes	335,000	651,000	1,300,000
Benefit of tax holiday on net income per share (diluted)	$0.01	$0.03	$0.06
Tax holiday additional renewal period	5 years
Cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	11,100,000
Federal [Member]
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Net operation loss deduction	117,800,000
Operating loss carry forwards expiration year	2021
Tax credit carry forward amount	426,000
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Net operation loss deduction	144,900,000
Operating loss carry forwards expiration year	2019
Deferred tax asset	26,400,000
Federal [Member]
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset	21,700,000
Malaysia [Member]
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Number of period for which income tax is exempted	5 years
Research [Member]
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Tax credit carry forward amount	171,000
Investment Credit [Member]
Investments, Owned, Federal Income Tax Note [Line Items]
Tax credit carry forward amount	$53,000

Credit_Facility_Additional_Inf

Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Credit Facility - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 02, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Term agreement of senior secured credit facility	3 years
Amount of senior secured credit facility				$25,000,000
Percentage of eligible account receivable	80.00%
Percentage of domestically held raw material and finished goods inventory	35.00%
Percentage of advances against inventory	40.00%
Amount of aggregate outstanding on the revolving line of credit	10,000,000
Option to borrow at an interest rate of LIBOR plus	2.75%
Option to borrow at an interest rate of Wall Street Journal prime rate plus	0.50%
Liquidity rate	20,000,000
Borrowing interest rate options	2.25%
Percentage of unused revolving line facility fee	0.38%
Adjusted quick ratio	1.4
Percentage of maintain operating and other deposit accounts	25.00%
Interest expense charged on the unused portion of the facility		$95,000	$95,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Net rent expense under operating leases	$1	$1.10	$1.40
Cost of purchasing equipment or components	$4.90

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Payments Under all Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$645
2016	568
2017	557
2018	444
2019	145
Balance at December 31, 2014	$2,359

Benefit_Plan_Additional_Inform

Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Employee's age limit to participate in the benefit Plan	18 years
Employer matching contributions	$0	$0	$0

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Summary of Quarterly Results (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$8,912	$8,036	$14,469	$14,268	$11,536	$11,115	$10,555	$8,307	$45,685	$41,513	$67,243
Gross loss	-5,459	-9,460	-7,274	-7,494	-5,811	-6,318	-6,417	-3,375	-29,687	-21,921	-40
Loss from operations	-8,637	-13,872	-10,179	-10,925	-9,025	-9,595	-9,968	-6,296	-43,613	-34,884	-13,036
Loss before income taxes	-9,032	-14,011	-9,984	-10,888	-9,106	-9,814	-10,173	-6,418	-43,915	-35,511	-12,586
Net loss	($9,402)	($13,713)	($9,984)	($10,894)	($15,241)	($5,840)	($5,894)	($3,376)	($43,993)	($30,351)	($5,538)
Basic and diluted loss per common share	($0.36)	($0.53)	($0.39)	($0.43)	($0.67)	($0.26)	($0.26)	($0.15)	($1.70)	($1.35)
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing net loss per common share, basic and diluted:	26,127,026	26,110,651	25,706,797	25,317,147	22,599,258	22,578,608	22,560,603	22,550,378	25,815,405	22,572,212