Proto Labs (PRLB) 10-K 27 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 20, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Proto Labs Inc
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,872,439
Entity Public Float			$1,900,000,000
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	1443669
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$43,329	$43,039
Short-term marketable securities	30,706	36,339
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $198 and $90 as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	24,226	18,320
Inventory	6,194	5,166
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,406	3,569
Income taxes receivable		2,907
Deferred tax assets	483	455
Total current assets	108,344	109,795
Property and equipment, net	91,626	56,101
Goodwill	28,916	0
Other intangible assets, net	4,083
Long-term marketable securities	54,318	64,023
Other long-term assets	227	256
Total assets	287,514	230,175
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	7,882	6,455
Accrued compensation	6,067	6,196
Accrued liabilities and other	2,718	808
Income taxes payable	1,953
Current portion of long-term debt obligations	139	204
Total current liabilities	18,759	13,663
Long-term deferred tax liabilities	1,846	3,682
Long-term debt obligations	10	159
Other long-term liabilities	1,360	1,028
Total liabilities	21,975	18,532
Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 0 shares as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 150,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 25,838,110 and 25,546,107 shares as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	26	26
Additional paid in capital	180,960	166,861
Retained earnings	87,482	45,847
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,929	-1,091
Total shareholders' equity	265,539	211,643
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$287,514	$230,175

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars)	$198	$90
Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,838,110	25,546,107
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,838,110	25,546,107

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statements of Operations:
Revenue	$209,583	$163,112	$125,991
Cost of revenue	81,182	61,410	49,853
Gross profit	128,401	101,702	76,138
Operating expenses
Marketing and sales	29,144	22,386	18,098
Research and development	16,607	11,863	9,137
General and administrative	22,122	16,154	13,957
Total operating expenses	67,873	50,403	41,192
Income from operations	60,528	51,299	34,946
Other income, net	3	279	23
Income before income taxes	60,531	51,578	34,969
Provision for income taxes	18,896	16,301	10,944
Net income	41,635	35,277	24,025
Net income per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$1.62	$1.40	$1.03
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$1.60	$1.36	$0.98
Shares used to compute net income per share:
Basic (in Shares)	25,692,699	25,198,556	23,373,593
Diluted (in Shares)	26,100,320	25,859,741	24,443,665
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-1,838	-163	-190
Comprehensive income	$39,797	$35,114	$23,835

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) (USD $)	Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	Redeemable Common Stock [Member]	Redeemable Common Stock [Member]	Redeemable Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]		Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Balance at at Dec. 31, 2011							$10	$8,229	($27,744)	($738)	($20,243)
Balance at, shares (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011							9,706,270
Common shares issued upon initial public offering							5	71,525			71,530
Common shares issued upon initial public offering (in Shares)							4,945,000
Common shares issued upon follow-on offering								2,451			2,451
Common shares issued upon follow-on offering (in Shares)							100,000
Common shares issued upon conversion of redeemable stock	6	66,069	66,075	3	816	819
Common shares issued upon conversion of redeemable stock, shares (in Shares)	5,991,790			3,189,648
Common shares issued on exercise of options and other							1	2,974			2,975
Common shares issued on exercise of options and other, shares (in Shares)							870,932
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises								6,218			6,218
Preferred stock dividends								-14,289	14,289
Stock-based compensation expense								3,039			3,039
Net income									24,025		24,025
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustment										-190	-190
Comprehensive income											23,835
Balance at at Dec. 31, 2012							25	147,032	10,570	-928	156,699
Balance at, shares (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012							24,803,640
Common shares issued on exercise of options and other							1	6,495			6,496
Common shares issued on exercise of options and other, shares (in Shares)							742,467
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises								9,873			9,873
Stock-based compensation expense								3,461			3,461
Net income									35,277		35,277
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustment										-163	-163
Comprehensive income											35,114
Balance at at Dec. 31, 2013							26	166,861	45,847	-1,091	211,643
Balance at, shares (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2013							25,546,107				25,546,107
Common shares issued on exercise of options and other								4,820			4,820
Common shares issued on exercise of options and other, shares (in Shares)							292,003
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises								4,470			4,470
Stock-based compensation expense								4,809			4,809
Net income									41,635		41,635
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustment										-1,838	-1,838
Comprehensive income											39,797
Balance at at Dec. 31, 2014							$26	$180,960	$87,482	($2,929)	$265,539
Balance at, shares (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014							25,838,110				25,838,110

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating activities
Net income	$41,635	$35,277	$24,025
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	11,138	7,569	6,080
Stock-based compensation expense	4,809	3,461	3,039
Deferred taxes	-1,875	467	-583
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-4,470	-9,873	-6,218
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		110	154
Amortization of held-to-maturity securities	1,517	1,468	369
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-5,304	-2,470	-4,372
Inventories	-896	-579	-829
Prepaid expenses and other	107	1,630	-1,887
Income taxes	9,373	8,845	4,314
Accounts payable	1,435	1,651	306
Accrued liabilities and other	-259	885	1,277
Net cash provided by operating activities	57,210	48,441	25,675
Investing activities
Purchases of property and equipment	-43,507	-18,753	-17,397
Cash used for acquisitions	-33,864
Purchases of marketable securities	-60,186	-106,298	-84,588
Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities	74,058	66,570	22,368
Net cash used in investing activities	-63,499	-58,481	-79,617
Financing activities
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of offering costs			71,530
Proceeds from follow-on offering, net of offering costs			2,451
Payments on debt	-1,054	-258	-388
Acquisition-related contingent consideration	-1,200
Proceeds from exercises of stock options and other	4,820	6,496	2,975
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	4,470	9,873	6,218
Net cash provided by financing activities	7,036	16,111	82,786
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-457	209	-220
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	290	6,280	28,624
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	43,039	36,759	8,135
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	43,329	43,039	36,759
Supplemental cash flow disclosure
Cash paid for interest	19	35	63
Cash paid for taxes	$11,549	$6,593	$7,990

Note_1_Nature_of_Business

Note 1 - Nature of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	Note 1 — Nature of Business
	Organization and business
	Proto Labs, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Proto Labs, the Company, we, us, or our) is an online and technology-enabled manufacturer of quick-turn, on-demand additive manufactured (3D printed), computer numerical control (CNC) machined and injection-molded custom parts for prototyping and short-run production. The Company’s customers are product developers and engineers throughout the world who require a faster and less expensive way to obtain low volumes of parts. The Company’s proprietary technology eliminates most of the time-consuming and expensive skilled labor conventionally required to quote and manufacture parts in low volumes, and its customers conduct nearly all of their business with the Company over the Internet. The Company targets its product lines to the millions of product developers and engineers who use three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) software to design products across a diverse range of end-markets. The Company has established operations in the United States, Europe and Japan, which the Company believes are among the largest geographic markets where these product developers and engineers are located. The Company’s primary manufacturing product lines currently include Fineline, which is an additive manufacturing (3D printing) product line, Firstcut, which is a CNC machining product line, and Protomold, which is an injection molding product line. Proto Labs, Inc. is located in Maple Plain, Minnesota. The Company’s subsidiaries, Proto Labs Limited, Proto Labs G.K. and PL Euro Services, Ltd. are located in Telford, United Kingdom; Yamato-Shi, Kanagawa, Japan; Mosbach, Germany; Le Bourget du Lac, France; and Novara, Italy.

Note_2_Summary_of_Significant_

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Proto Labs Limited, Proto Labs G.K., and PL Euro Services, Ltd. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Public offerings
	In February 2012, the Company issued 4.9 million shares of common stock (including the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment shares) in conjunction with its initial public offering (IPO). The public offering price of the shares sold in the offering was $16.00 per share. The total gross proceeds from the IPO to the Company were $79.1 million. After deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company, the aggregate net proceeds received by the Company totaled approximately $71.5 million.
	Immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, all outstanding shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock and redeemable common stock were converted into shares of common stock. Shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock were converted into 5,991,790 shares of common stock. All previously accrued dividends on the preferred stock were released back into retained earnings as of December 31, 2012. Shares of redeemable common stock were converted into 3,189,648 shares of common stock.
	In November 2012, the Company issued 100,000 shares of common stock in connection with a follow-on offering. The public offering price of the shares sold in the offering was $31.00 per share. The total gross proceeds from the follow-on offering to the Company were $3.1 million. After deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company, the aggregate net proceeds received by the Company totaled approximately $2.5 million.
	Stock split
	On February 21, 2012, the Company executed a 14-for-1 forward stock split of the Company’s common stock. The consolidated financial statements for all periods and dates presented give effect to the stock split.
	Comprehensive income
	Components of comprehensive income include net income and foreign currency translation adjustments. Comprehensive income is disclosed in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity (deficit).
	Accounting 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 related disclosures 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.
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and other investments, including marketable securities, with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts.
	Marketable securities
	Marketable securities include held-to-maturity debt securities recorded at amortized cost. The classification of marketable securities as current or non-current is dependent upon the security’s maturity date. Securities with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase are categorized as cash equivalents as described above. The Company reviews impairments associated with its marketable securities in accordance with the measurement guidance provided by Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities, when determining the classification of impairment as “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.” The factors used to differentiate between temporary and other-than-temporary include assessment of the quality of the security, credit ratings actions and management’s intent to hold the security to maturity as well as other factors.
	Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
	Accounts receivable are reported at the invoiced amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of specific customer circumstances and credit conditions taking into account the history of write-offs and collections. A receivable is considered past due if payment has not been received within the period agreed upon in the invoice. Accounts receivable are written off after all collection efforts have been exhausted. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received.
	Inventory
	Inventory consists primarily of raw materials, which are recorded at the lower of cost or market, using the average-cost method, which approximates first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost. The Company periodically reviews its inventory for slow-moving, damaged and discontinued items and provides allowances to reduce such items identified to their recoverable amounts.
	Property, equipment and leasehold improvements
	Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Major improvements that substantially extend an asset’s useful life are capitalized. Repairs, maintenance and minor improvements are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation, including amortization of leasehold improvements and assets recorded under capital leases, is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets and ranges from 3 to 39 years. Manufacturing equipment is depreciated over 3 to 7 years, office furniture and equipment are depreciated over 3 to 7 years, computer hardware and software are depreciated over 3 to 5 years, building costs are depreciated over 39 years, leasehold improvements are depreciated over the estimated lives of the related assets or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter, and building and land improvements are depreciated over 10 to 39 years. Assets not in service are not depreciated until the related asset is put into use.
	Goodwill
	The Company recognizes goodwill in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each year, and is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. An impairment charge for goodwill is recognized only when the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than its carrying amount.
	Other Intangible Assets
	The Company recognizes other intangibles assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. Other intangible assets include internally developed software, customer relationships and other intangible assets acquired from an independent party. Other intangible assets with a definite life are amortized over a period ranging from two to 10 years on a straight line basis. Other intangible assets with a definite life are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows used in determining the fair value of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss recorded is calculated by the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value.
	Accounting for long-lived assets
	The Company periodically reviews the carrying amount of its property, equipment and leasehold improvements to determine if circumstances exist indicating an impairment or if depreciation periods should be modified. If facts or circumstances support the possibility of impairment, the Company will prepare a projection of the undiscounted future cash flows of the specific assets to determine if the assets are recoverable. If impairment exists based on these projections, an adjustment will be made to reduce the carrying amount of the specific assets to fair value.
	Revenue recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of title and risk of loss, which is generally upon the shipment of parts in our Fineline, Firstcut and Protomold product lines. Freight billed to customers is included in revenues, and all freight expenses paid by the Company are included in cost of revenue.
	Income taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740). Under this method, the Company determines tax assets and liabilities based upon the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The tax consequences of most events recognized in the current year’s financial statements are included in determining income taxes currently payable. However, because tax laws and financial accounting standards differ in their recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities and equity, revenues, expenses, gains and losses, differences arise between the amount of taxable income and pretax financial income for a year and between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Because the Company assumes that the reported amounts of assets and liabilities will be recovered and settled, respectively, a difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the balance sheet will result in a taxable or a deductible amount in some future years when the related liabilities are settled or the reported amounts of the assets are recovered, giving rise to a deferred tax asset or liability. The Company establishes a valuation allowance for any portion of its deferred tax assets that the Company believes will not be recognized.
	ASC 740 also clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements by defining a criterion that an individual tax position must meet for any part of the benefit of that position to be recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. Additionally, ASC 740 provides guidance on measurement, de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.
	Stock-based compensation
	The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (ASC 718). Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, the Company measures stock-based compensation cost at the grant date fair value and recognizes the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period, using a straight-line attribution method. The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company estimates pre-vesting award forfeitures at the time of grant by analyzing historical data and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Ultimately, the total expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those awards that vest. The Company’s awards are not eligible to vest early in the event of retirement, however, the awards vest early in the event of a change in control.
	In determining the compensation cost of the options granted, the fair value of options granted has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
	Advertising costs
	Advertising is expensed as incurred and was approximately $8.5 million, $6.8 million and $5.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Research and development
	Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel and outside service costs related to the development of new processes and product lines, enhancement of existing product lines, quality assurance, and testing. The Company follows ASC 350-40, Internal-Use Software (ASC 350-40), in accounting for internally developed software. As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, all internal use software projects were in the post-implementation/operation stage and therefore, no software development costs were capitalized. Research and development costs were approximately $16.6 million, $11.9 million and $9.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Foreign currency translation/transactions
	The Company translated the balance sheets of its foreign subsidiaries, Proto Labs Limited, Proto Labs G.K. and PL Euro Services, Ltd. at period-end exchange rates and the income statement at the average exchange rates in effect throughout the period. The Company has recorded the translation adjustment as a separate component of consolidated shareholders’ equity (deficit). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue from the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is required to adopt the new pronouncement on January 1, 2017 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is evaluating the application method and the impact of this new standard on our financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, to provide guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The Company is required to adopt the new pronouncement on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We believe the impact of ASU 2014-15 will not affect the Company.

Note_3_Net_Income_Per_Common_S

Note 3 - Net Income Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Note 3 – Net Income Per Common Share
	Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, increased by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued and reduced by the number of shares the Company could have repurchased from the proceeds from issuance of the potentially dilutive shares. Potentially dilutive shares of common stock include stock options and other stock-based awards granted under stock-based compensation plans and shares committed to be purchased under the employee stock purchase plan.
	The following table presents the calculation of net income per basic and diluted share attributable to common shareholders:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Net Income	$	41,635	$	35,277	$	24,025
	Basic - weighted-average shares outstanding:		25,692,699		25,198,556		23,373,593
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options, warrants and other		407,621		661,185		1,070,072
	Diluted - weighted-average shares outstanding:		26,100,320		25,859,741		24,443,665
	Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:
	Basic	$	1.62	$	1.4	$	1.03
	Diluted	$	1.6	$	1.36	$	0.98

Note_4_Business_Combinations

Note 4 - Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 4 – Business Combinations
	On April 23, 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of FineLine Prototyping, Inc. (FineLine) for $33.9 million net cash consideration, which was funded with cash available in the United States and the sale of $15.5 million of held-to-maturity securities. The shares of FineLine acquired through the Stock Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) were purchased in a private transaction exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 and the operations of FineLine will be integrated into the operations of the Company. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company is obligated to make additional cash payments totaling up to $3.0 million, contingent upon both the achievement of 2014 revenue goals and certain milestones relating to the integration of FineLine’s operations with the Company. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had made payments of $1.2 million related to the attainment of milestones and as of December 31, 2014, the contingent consideration balance totaled $1.8 million, which is classified under Accrued Liabilities and Other on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	FineLine is based in Raleigh, North Carolina and is a leading producer of parts using additive manufacturing technologies, often times referred to as 3D printing. FineLine produces high-quality parts using stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS) and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technologies to customers in a wide variety of industries, including medical, aerospace, computer/electronics, consumer products and industrial machinery, among others. Along with Protomold and Firstcut, the Company offers these technologies to its customers under the Fineline product name.
	Consistent with the provisions of ASC 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805), the Company accrued the contingent payment on the date of acquisition after determining its fair value of $3.0 million in arriving at $36.9 million of total consideration, net of cash acquired. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined using Level 3 inputs based on the present value of various payment scenarios, weighted on the basis of probability. The contingent payment continues to be remeasured to fair value at each reporting period with changes in fair value reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	The fair value of the consideration paid for this acquisition was allocated to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with any excess recorded as goodwill. The goodwill associated with the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes and represents the strategic and growth opportunities from strengthening the Company’s portfolio of rapid prototyping product offerings. The addition of additive manufacturing expands Proto Labs’ products to address a wider spectrum of needs for the product developer and engineer. From concept models, to form and fit testing, to functional testing and short-run production, the acquisition of FineLine allows the Company to offer a broader range of quick-turn, on-demand custom parts with speed, reliability and consistency.
	The results of FineLine since the date of acquisition and pro forma disclosures of the consolidated results of the Company with the full year effects of FineLine have not been separately presented since the impact to the Company's results of operations was not material.
	The acquisition has been accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805. As of December 31, 2014, this allocation for FineLine is final as it relates to the valuation of certain working capital accounts, intangible assets and taxes. The final allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Assets acquired:
	Current assets	$	1,248
	Intangible assets		4,580
	Goodwill		28,916
	Other long-term assets		3,849
	Total assets acquired		38,593
	Liabilities assumed:
	Current liabilities		1,729
	Total liabilities assumed		1,729
	Net assets acquired		36,864
	Cash paid		34,468
	Cash acquired		(604	)
	Net cash consideration		33,864
	Contingent consideration		3,000
	Total purchase consideration	$	36,864

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 5 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Balance as of the beginning of the period	$	-
	Goodwill acquired during the period		28,916
	Balance as of the end of the period	$	28,916
	Intangible assets other than goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014							Year Ended December 31, 2013								Weighted
																	Average Useful
	(in thousands)	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Useful Life (in years)		Life Remaining (in years)
	Intangible assets with finite lives:
	Marketing assets	$	930	$	(62	)	$	868	$	-	$	-	$	-		10		9.3
	Non-compete agreement		190		(63	)		127		-		-		-		2		1.3
	Trade secrets		250		(33	)		217		-		-		-		5		4.3
	Internally developed software		680		(151	)		529		-		-		-		3		2.3
	Customer relationships		2,530		(188	)		2,342		-		-		-		9		8.3
	Total intangible assets	$	4,580	$	(497	)	$	4,083	$	-	$	-	$	-
	Amortization expense for intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $0.5 million. There was no amortization expense in the same period of the prior year.
	Estimated aggregated amortization expense based on the current carrying value of the amortizable intangible assets is as follows:
	(in thousands)	Estimated Amortization Expense
	2015	$	746
	2016		682
	2017		500
	2018		424
	2019		391
	Thereafter		1,340
	Total estimated amortization expense	$	4,083

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820), defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for 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. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires classification based on observable and unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
	Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2—Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices 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 cash equivalents measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, consist of money market mutual funds. The Company determines the fair value of these financial assets using Level I inputs.
	A summary of financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis is as follows:
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Money market mutual fund	$	6,129	$	-	$	-	$	5,524	$	-	$	-
	Total	$	6,129	$	-	$	-	$	5,524	$	-	$	-

Note_7_Marketable_Securities

Note 7 - Marketable Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments Schedule [Abstract]
Investment [Text Block]	Note 7 – Marketable Securities
	The Company invests in short-term and long-term agency, municipal, corporate, commercial paper and other debt securities. The securities are categorized as held-to-maturity and are recorded at amortized cost. Categorization as held-to-maturity is based on the Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity. Information regarding the Company’s short-term and long-term marketable securities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		31-Dec-14
	(in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
		Cost		Gains		Losses
	U.S. government agency securities	$	20,048	$	-	$	(71	)	$	19,977
	Corporate debt securities		29,316		7		(79	)		29,244
	U.S. municipal securities		30,004		32		(18	)		30,018
	Certificates of deposit/time deposits		5,656		5		(15	)		5,646
	Total marketable securities	$	85,024	$	44	$	(183	)	$	84,885
		31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
		Cost		Gains		Losses
	U.S. government agency securities	$	21,713	$	2	$	(22	)	$	21,693
	Corporate debt securities		29,480		30		(20	)		29,490
	U.S. municipal securities		44,474		49		(22	)		44,501
	Certificates of deposit/time deposits		4,695		5		(8	)		4,692
	Total marketable securities	$	100,362	$	86	$	(72	)	$	100,376
	Fair values for the corporate debt securities are primarily determined based on quoted market prices (Level 1). Fair values for the U.S. municipal securities, U.S. government agency securities and certificates of deposit are primarily determined using dealer quotes or quoted market prices for similar securities (Level 2).
	The Company tests for other than temporary losses on a quarterly basis and has considered the unrealized losses indicated above to be temporary in nature. The investment policy adopted by the Company dictates that only investments in quality, highly rated debt securities are permitted. Those unrealized losses displayed above are the result of macroeconomic factors and are not indicative of the quality of the underlying security nor the issuer’s ability to pay its debt. The Company intends, and has the ability, to hold the investments to maturity and recover the full principal.
	Classification of marketable securities as current or non-current is based upon the security’s maturity date as of the date of these financial statements.
	The December 31, 2014 balance of held-to-maturity debt securities by contractual maturity is shown in the following table at amortized cost. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014
	Due in one year or less	$	30,706
	Due after one year through five years		54,318
	Total marketable securities	$	85,024

Note_8_Property_and_Equipment

Note 8 - Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 8 – Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consists of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	6,825		$	2,830
	Buildings and improvements		29,995			13,655
	Machinery and equipment		72,891			48,707
	Computer hardware and software		10,738			5,957
	Leasehold improvements		3,501			2,932
	Construction in progress		4,004			9,196
	Capital leases - machinery and equipment		1,167			1,240
	Total property and equipment, gross		129,121			84,517
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(37,495	)		(28,416	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	91,626		$	56,101
	Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $10.6 million, $7.6 million and $6.1 million, respectively.

Note_9_Inventory

Note 9 - Inventory	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9 – Inventory
	Inventory consists primarily of raw materials, which are recorded at the lower of cost or market using the average-cost method, which approximates first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost. The Company periodically reviews its inventory for slow-moving, damaged and discontinued items and provides allowances to reduce such items identified to their recoverable amounts.
	The Company’s inventory consists of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	5,728		$	4,875
	Work in process		653			410
	Total inventory		6,381			5,285
	Allowance for obsolescence		(187	)		(119	)
	Inventory, net of allowance	$	6,194		$	5,166

Note_10_Financing_Obligations

Note 10 - Financing Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 10 – Financing Obligations
	The Company’s debt consists of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Various obligations under capital leases, with interest rates from 6.8% to 7.4%, due in various monthly installments, including interest, through various dates through January 2016, secured by equipment	$	149	$	363
	Less current portion		139		204
	Long-term obligation	$	10	$	159
	Maturities on long-term debt obligations at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
	Years Ending December 31,
	(in thousands)
	2015	$	139
	2016		10
	2017		-
	2018		-
	2019		-
	Total	$	149

Note_11_Employee_Benefit_Plans

Note 11 - Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 11 – Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company maintains a 401(k) retirement plan that covers most of its employees. Under the plan, a full-time or regular part-time (over 20 hours/week) employee becomes a participant after completing six months of employment. Employees may elect to contribute up to 50 percent of regular gross pay, subject to federal law limits on the dollar amount that participants may contribute to the plan, each calendar year. The Company matches part of the employee contributions and may make a discretionary contribution to the plan. Total employer contributions were approximately $0.8 million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company also sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan that covers the employees of Proto Labs Limited. Total employer contributions were immaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Note_12_Stockbased_Compensatio

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has two equity incentive plans: the 2000 Stock Option Plan (2000 Plan) and the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2012 Plan). Upon the adoption of the 2012 Plan on February 21, 2012, all shares that were reserved under the 2000 Plan but not issued were assumed by the 2012 Plan. No additional shares will be issued under the 2000 Plan. Under the 2012 Plan, the Company has the ability to grant stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, stock units, other stock-based awards and cash incentive awards. Awards under the 2012 Plan have a maximum term of ten years from the date of grant. The compensation committee of the board of directors may provide that the vesting or payment of any award will be subject to the attainment of specified performance measures in addition to the satisfaction of any continued service requirements, and the compensation committee will determine whether such measures have been achieved. The per share exercise price of stock options and SARs granted under the 2012 Plan generally may not be less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of the grant.
	The Company’s 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) became effective on February 23, 2012. The ESPP allows eligible employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a discount through payroll deductions of up to 15 percent of their eligible compensation, subject to plan limitations. The ESPP provides for six-month offering periods, and at the end of each offering period, employees are able to purchase shares at 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the first trading day of the offering period or on the last trading day of the offering period.
	Employees purchased 25,393, 30,690 and 86,419 shares of common stock under the ESPP at an average exercise price of $52.22, $36.74 and $13.60 during 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, 1,357,498 shares remained available for future issuance under the ESPP.
	The Company determines its stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and non-employee directors based on fair value.
	Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock option grants requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value its stock option awards. Stock-based compensation expense is calculated using the Company’s best estimates, which involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. Significant estimates include its expected term, fair value of Company common stock, stock price volatility and forfeiture rates.
	The expected term represents the weighted average period that the Company’s stock options are expected to be outstanding. The expected term is based on the observed and expected time to post-vesting exercise of options by employees and non-employee directors and considers the impact of post-vesting award forfeitures. Prior to its IPO, the Company estimated the fair value of its common stock using the assistance of an independent third-party valuation specialist using the income and market approach. As the Company operated as a private company with a limited market for its stock from the Company’s inception to the completion of its IPO on February 29, 2012, the Company estimates its stock price volatility based on the volatility of a peer group of comparable publicly traded companies for which historical information is available. The Company bases the risk-free interest rate that it uses in the Black-Scholes option pricing model on U.S. Treasury instruments with maturities similar to the expected term of the award being valued. The Company has never paid and does not anticipate paying, any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and, therefore, the Company uses an expected dividend yield of zero in the option pricing model. In order to properly attribute compensation expense, the Company is required to estimate pre-vesting forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company uses historical data to estimate pre-vesting forfeitures and record stock-based compensation expense for those awards that are expected to vest. If the Company’s actual forfeiture rate is materially different from its estimate, stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what has been recorded. The Company allocates stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
			Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Stock options and other		$	4,386			$	3,084			$	2,539
	Employee stock purchase plan			423				377				500
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	4,809			$	3,461			$	3,039
	Cost of revenue		$	386			$	316			$	335
	Operating expenses:
	Marketing and sales			927				610				418
	Research and development			1,048				754				486
	General and administrative			2,448				1,781				1,800
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	4,809			$	3,461			$	3,039
	Income tax benefits			(1,524	)			(847	)			(844	)
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax		$	3,285			$	2,614			$	2,195
	Stock Options
	The following table provides the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate			0.43 - 2.14%				1.03 - 1.98%				0.95 - 1.16%
	Expected life (years)			2.00 - 6.50				5.50 - 6.50				5.50 - 6.50
	Expected volatility			47.29 - 49.30%				49.36 - 53.54%				53.00 - 53.14%
	Expected dividend yield			0%				0%				0%
	Weighted average grant date fair value		$	32.65			$	25.86			$	14.79
	The following table summarizes stock option activity and the weighted average exercise price for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
							Weighted-
							Average
			Stock Options				Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2012			2,099,300			$	6.18
	Granted			259,800				28.67
	Exercised			(667,243	)			2.41
	Cancelled			(500	)			30.58
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012			1,691,357				11.11
	Granted			187,615				49.69
	Exercised			(695,777	)			7.79
	Cancelled			(39,945	)			23.48
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,143,250				19.03
	Granted			116,050				72.17
	Exercised			(253,544	)			13.77
	Cancelled			(6,769	)			26.23
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014			998,987			$	26.49
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			510,668			$	13.85
	The outstanding options generally have a term of 10 years. For employees, options that have been granted become exercisable ratably over the vesting period, which is generally a five-year period, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to the employee’s continuing service to the Company. For directors, options generally become exercisable in full on the first anniversary of the grant date.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $16.3 million, $33.2 million and $19.6 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value represents the cumulative difference between the fair market value of the underlying common stock and the option exercise prices.
	For options outstanding at December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining contractual term was 6.6 years and the aggregate intrinsic value was $41.5 million. For options exercisable at December 31, 2014, the weighted-average remaining contractual term was 5.6 years and the aggregate intrinsic value was $27.2 million. Refer to the table below for additional information.
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:
						Options Outstanding, Vested and Expected to Vest										Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices					Number				Weighted				Weighted		Number		Weighted
						Outstanding				Average				Average		Exercisable		Average
										Remaining Contractual				Exercise				Exercise
										Life (Years)				Price ($)				Price ($)
	$2.66	to	$5.56				130,851				3			$	4.18		130,851	$	4.18
		$7.86					371,340				5.98				7.86		253,740		7.86
	$20.07	to	$30.58				193,488				7.19				28.62		79,680		28.05
	$36.41	to	$47.08				130,814				8.11				45.77		25,022		45.37
	$53.34	to	$78.59				172,494				8.96				66.49		21,375		54.27
	The fair value of share-based payment transactions is recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2014, there was $7.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.1 years. The total fair value of options vested was $3.2 million, $2.4 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Restricted Stock
The 2012 Plan provides for the award of restricted stock or restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards are share settled awards and restrictions lapse ratably over the vesting period, which is generally a five-year period, beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to the employee's continuing service to the Company. For directors, restricted stock awards generally vest in full on the first anniversary of the grant date.
Non-vested restricted stock as of December 31, 2014 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:
						Weighted-
						Average
						Grant Date
		Restricted				Fair Value
		Stock Awards				Per Share
Nonvested restricted stock at December 31, 2013			-			$	-
Granted			77,647				69.18
Vested			(798	)			62.68
Forfeited			(275	)			62.68
Nonvested restricted stock at December 31, 2014			76,574			$	69.27
As of December 31, 2014, there was $4.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.7 years.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The following table presents the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the ESPP during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
Risk-free interest rate			0.01 - 0.11%				0.11 - 0.13%				0.13 - 0.16%
Expected life (months)			6				6				6.00 - 8.50
Expected volatility			37.64 - 39.80%				39.80 - 53.32%				53.00 - 53.14%
Expected dividend yield			0%				0%				0%

Note_13_Commitments

Note 13 - Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 13 – Commitments
	The Company leases property from third parties. The Company leases a portion of its U.S. facilities, and the lease terms expire between July 2017 and May 2018. The Company also leases office space in France, Germany and Italy with terms expiring at various times from 2015 to 2023. The Company leases an office and manufacturing space in Japan, and the initial term expires in November 2021. The Company has the ability to terminate this lease, with no penalty, upon six months’ notice.
	In addition to those property leases described above, the Company has acquired capital equipment under capital leases.
	Future minimum commitments under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	(in thousands)	Capital Leases		Operating Leases
	Years Ending December 31,
	2015	$	154	$	906
	2016		11		854
	2017		-		786
	2018		-		544
	2019		-		442
	After 2019		-		1,048
	Total future minimum lease payments		165	$	4,580
	Less interest cost		16
	Net present value of minimum lease payments	$	149
	Rental expense was approximately $1.0 million, $1.2 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note_14_Accumulated_Other_Comp

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Partners' Capital, Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block]	Note 14 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised entirely of foreign currency translation adjustments. The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances for the years ending December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(1,091	)	$	(928	)	$	(738	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(1,838	)		(163	)		(190	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			-			-
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(1,838	)		(163	)		(190	)
	Balance at end of period	$	(2,929	)	$	(1,091	)	$	(928	)

Note_15_Income_Taxes

Note 15 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 15 – Income Taxes
	The Company is subject to income tax in multiple jurisdictions and the use of estimates is required to determine the provision for income taxes. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $18.9 million, $16.3 million and $10.9 million, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was 31.2 percent, 31.6 percent and 31.3 percent, respectively.
	The provision for income taxes is based on income before income taxes reported for financial statement purposes. The components of income before income taxes are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	51,052		$	45,659		$	34,653
	Foreign		9,479			5,919			316
	Total income before income taxes	$	60,531		$	51,578		$	34,969
	Significant components of the provision for income taxes for the following periods are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	17,413		$	13,934		$	10,288
	State		1,185			379			217
	Foreign		2,149			1,762			761
	Deferred
	Federal		(1,821	)		168			(398	)
	State		(17	)		(39	)		65
	Foreign		130			(335	)		(1,060	)
	Valuation Allowance		(143	)		432			1,071
	Total provision for income taxes	$	18,896		$	16,301		$	10,944
	A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal tax statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State tax (net of federal benefit)		0.5			0.6			0.8
	Qualified subsidiary election		0.2			(0.8	)		(3.5	)
	Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets		(0.2	)		0.8			3.5
	Research and development credit		(0.8	)		(1.8	)		(0.4	)
	Foreign rate differential		(2.1	)		(1.6	)		(1.1	)
	Tax reserves		0.4			0.6			0
	Domestic manufacturing deduction		(2.1	)		(1.1	)		(2.9	)
	Provision to return		0			0.2			(0.1	)
	Miscellaneous		0.3			(0.3	)		0
	Total effective tax rate		31.2	%		31.6	%		31.3	%
	On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the Act) was signed into law. Included in the Act was the extension of the research and development credit for years 2012 and 2013. As the Act was enacted during 2013, the federal portion of the 2012 research and development credit was recognized in the first quarter of 2013. The Company recorded a tax benefit of $0.5 million for the 2012 federal research credit, which translated to an effective income tax rate reduction of 0.9 percent for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued expenses	$	378		$	243
	Warrants and stock options		2,152			1,434
	Intangibles		319			112
	Inventories		172			136
	Other assets		527			217
	Net operating loss		2,842			3,240
	Less valuation allowance		(3,048	)		(3,642	)
	Total deferred tax assets		3,342			1,740
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation		(4,246	)		(4,941	)
	Goodwill		(430	)		-
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(4,676	)		(4,941	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(1,334	)	$	(3,201	)
	The Company has recorded no U.S. deferred taxes related to the undistributed earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014. Such amounts are intended to be reinvested outside of the United States indefinitely. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional tax that might be payable on the foreign earnings. As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had accumulated undistributed earnings in non-U.S. subsidiaries of $20.8 million, $11.8 million and $6.4 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had estimated net operating loss carry forwards of $7.5 million for tax purposes. The net operating losses relate to Japan operations and can be carried forward for nine years but are limited to 80 percent of taxable income. The net operating losses begin to expire at various dates between 2015 and 2022. The Company's Japan operations are taxed both by local authorities and in the U.S. Accordingly, a portion of Japan’s net operating losses have been recognized as a benefit in the U.S.
	The Company establishes valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when, after consideration of all positive and negative evidence, it is considered more-likely-than-not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company's valuation allowances of $3.0 million and $3.6 million at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, reduce the carrying value of deferred tax assets associated with certain net operating loss carry forwards and other assets with insufficient positive evidence for recognition. The decrease in the valuation allowance is primarily attributable to fluctuations in foreign currency and the recognition of net operating losses against Japan 2014 taxable income.
	The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return and income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, or foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011.
	The Company has liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits totaling $1.3 million and $0.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, that if recognized would result in a reduction of the Company’s effective tax rate. The liabilities are classified as other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not anticipate that total unrecognized tax benefits will materially change in the next twelve months. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense and reports the liability in current or long-term income taxes payable as appropriate. Interest and penalties were immaterial for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company decreased its prior year uncertain tax positions by $0.4 million due to the expiration of the statutes of limitations on the Company’s 2010 federal income tax return.  Also, during the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company increased its prior year and current year uncertain tax positions by $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  The increase was due to certain tax positions not meeting the more-like-than-not standard for accounting for uncertain tax positions under the Company’s current facts and circumstances. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	695		$	392
	Additions for tax positions of current year		632			64
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		344			239
Decrease related to expiration of statutes of limitation		(376	)		-
Balance at period end	$	1,295		$	695

Note_16_Litigation

Note 16 - Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]	Note 16 – Litigation
	From time to time, the Company may be subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe it is a party to any litigation the outcome of which, if determined adversely, would individually or in the aggregate be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on its business.

Note_17_Segment_and_Geographic

Note 17 - Segment and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 17 – Segment and Geographic Information
	The Company’s CEO, who is the Company’s chief operating decision maker, makes decisions to operate the business and allocate resources based on review of operating results at the consolidated level. As a result, the Company has determined that it has only one operating segment, and therefore, one reportable segment.
	The Company’s revenue is derived from its Protomold injection molding, Firstcut computer numerical control (CNC) machining and Fineline additive manufacturing (3D printing) product lines. Total revenue by product lines is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Revenue:
	Protomold	$	140,282	$	115,069	$	90,371
	Firstcut		59,914		48,043		35,620
	Fineline		9,387		-		-
	Total revenue	$	209,583	$	163,112	$	125,991
	Revenue from external customers based on the billing location of the end user customer and long-lived assets by geographic region are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Revenue:
	United States	$	156,033	$	119,870	$	94,866
	International		53,550		43,242		31,125
	Total revenue	$	209,583	$	163,112	$	125,991
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	76,923	$	48,381
	International		14,703		7,720
	Total long-lived assets	$	91,626	$	56,101

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Proto Labs Limited, Proto Labs G.K., and PL Euro Services, Ltd. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Initial Public Offering [Policy Text Block]	Public offerings
	In February 2012, the Company issued 4.9 million shares of common stock (including the exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment shares) in conjunction with its initial public offering (IPO). The public offering price of the shares sold in the offering was $16.00 per share. The total gross proceeds from the IPO to the Company were $79.1 million. After deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company, the aggregate net proceeds received by the Company totaled approximately $71.5 million.
	Immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO, all outstanding shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock and redeemable common stock were converted into shares of common stock. Shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock were converted into 5,991,790 shares of common stock. All previously accrued dividends on the preferred stock were released back into retained earnings as of December 31, 2012. Shares of redeemable common stock were converted into 3,189,648 shares of common stock.
	In November 2012, the Company issued 100,000 shares of common stock in connection with a follow-on offering. The public offering price of the shares sold in the offering was $31.00 per share. The total gross proceeds from the follow-on offering to the Company were $3.1 million. After deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company, the aggregate net proceeds received by the Company totaled approximately $2.5 million.
Stock Split [Policy Text Block]	Stock split
	On February 21, 2012, the Company executed a 14-for-1 forward stock split of the Company’s common stock. The consolidated financial statements for all periods and dates presented give effect to the stock split.
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive income
	Components of comprehensive income include net income and foreign currency translation adjustments. Comprehensive income is disclosed in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income and consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity (deficit).
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting 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 related disclosures 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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash and other investments, including marketable securities, with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts, which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Marketable securities
	Marketable securities include held-to-maturity debt securities recorded at amortized cost. The classification of marketable securities as current or non-current is dependent upon the security’s maturity date. Securities with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase are categorized as cash equivalents as described above. The Company reviews impairments associated with its marketable securities in accordance with the measurement guidance provided by Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities, when determining the classification of impairment as “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.” The factors used to differentiate between temporary and other-than-temporary include assessment of the quality of the security, credit ratings actions and management’s intent to hold the security to maturity as well as other factors.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts
	Accounts receivable are reported at the invoiced amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of specific customer circumstances and credit conditions taking into account the history of write-offs and collections. A receivable is considered past due if payment has not been received within the period agreed upon in the invoice. Accounts receivable are written off after all collection efforts have been exhausted. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded when received.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventory
	Inventory consists primarily of raw materials, which are recorded at the lower of cost or market, using the average-cost method, which approximates first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost. The Company periodically reviews its inventory for slow-moving, damaged and discontinued items and provides allowances to reduce such items identified to their recoverable amounts.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, equipment and leasehold improvements
	Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost. Major improvements that substantially extend an asset’s useful life are capitalized. Repairs, maintenance and minor improvements are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation, including amortization of leasehold improvements and assets recorded under capital leases, is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets and ranges from 3 to 39 years. Manufacturing equipment is depreciated over 3 to 7 years, office furniture and equipment are depreciated over 3 to 7 years, computer hardware and software are depreciated over 3 to 5 years, building costs are depreciated over 39 years, leasehold improvements are depreciated over the estimated lives of the related assets or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter, and building and land improvements are depreciated over 10 to 39 years. Assets not in service are not depreciated until the related asset is put into use.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill
	The Company recognizes goodwill in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each year, and is tested for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. An impairment charge for goodwill is recognized only when the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than its carrying amount.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Intangible Assets
	The Company recognizes other intangibles assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. Other intangible assets include internally developed software, customer relationships and other intangible assets acquired from an independent party. Other intangible assets with a definite life are amortized over a period ranging from two to 10 years on a straight line basis. Other intangible assets with a definite life are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows used in determining the fair value of the asset. The amount of the impairment loss recorded is calculated by the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its fair value.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting for long-lived assets
	The Company periodically reviews the carrying amount of its property, equipment and leasehold improvements to determine if circumstances exist indicating an impairment or if depreciation periods should be modified. If facts or circumstances support the possibility of impairment, the Company will prepare a projection of the undiscounted future cash flows of the specific assets to determine if the assets are recoverable. If impairment exists based on these projections, an adjustment will be made to reduce the carrying amount of the specific assets to fair value.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of title and risk of loss, which is generally upon the shipment of parts in our Fineline, Firstcut and Protomold product lines. Freight billed to customers is included in revenues, and all freight expenses paid by the Company are included in cost of revenue.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (ASC 740). Under this method, the Company determines tax assets and liabilities based upon the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. The tax consequences of most events recognized in the current year’s financial statements are included in determining income taxes currently payable. However, because tax laws and financial accounting standards differ in their recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities and equity, revenues, expenses, gains and losses, differences arise between the amount of taxable income and pretax financial income for a year and between the tax basis of assets or liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. Because the Company assumes that the reported amounts of assets and liabilities will be recovered and settled, respectively, a difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the balance sheet will result in a taxable or a deductible amount in some future years when the related liabilities are settled or the reported amounts of the assets are recovered, giving rise to a deferred tax asset or liability. The Company establishes a valuation allowance for any portion of its deferred tax assets that the Company believes will not be recognized.
	ASC 740 also clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements by defining a criterion that an individual tax position must meet for any part of the benefit of that position to be recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. Additionally, ASC 740 provides guidance on measurement, de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.
Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-based compensation
	The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (ASC 718). Under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, the Company measures stock-based compensation cost at the grant date fair value and recognizes the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period, using a straight-line attribution method. The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company estimates pre-vesting award forfeitures at the time of grant by analyzing historical data and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Ultimately, the total expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those awards that vest. The Company’s awards are not eligible to vest early in the event of retirement, however, the awards vest early in the event of a change in control.
	In determining the compensation cost of the options granted, the fair value of options granted has been estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising costs
	Advertising is expensed as incurred and was approximately $8.5 million, $6.8 million and $5.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Research and development
	Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel and outside service costs related to the development of new processes and product lines, enhancement of existing product lines, quality assurance, and testing. The Company follows ASC 350-40, Internal-Use Software (ASC 350-40), in accounting for internally developed software. As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, all internal use software projects were in the post-implementation/operation stage and therefore, no software development costs were capitalized. Research and development costs were approximately $16.6 million, $11.9 million and $9.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign currency translation/transactions
	The Company translated the balance sheets of its foreign subsidiaries, Proto Labs Limited, Proto Labs G.K. and PL Euro Services, Ltd. at period-end exchange rates and the income statement at the average exchange rates in effect throughout the period. The Company has recorded the translation adjustment as a separate component of consolidated shareholders’ equity (deficit). Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent accounting pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue from the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company is required to adopt the new pronouncement on January 1, 2017 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is evaluating the application method and the impact of this new standard on our financial statements.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, to provide guidance on management’s responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The Company is required to adopt the new pronouncement on January 1, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We believe the impact of ASU 2014-15 will not affect the Company.

Note_3_Net_Income_Per_Common_S1

Note 3 - Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	2014		2013		2012
	Net Income	$	41,635	$	35,277	$	24,025
	Basic - weighted-average shares outstanding:		25,692,699		25,198,556		23,373,593
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options, warrants and other		407,621		661,185		1,070,072
	Diluted - weighted-average shares outstanding:		26,100,320		25,859,741		24,443,665
	Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:
	Basic	$	1.62	$	1.4	$	1.03
	Diluted	$	1.6	$	1.36	$	0.98

Note_4_Business_Combinations_T

Note 4 - Business Combinations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]
	(in thousands)
	Assets acquired:
	Current assets	$	1,248
	Intangible assets		4,580
	Goodwill		28,916
	Other long-term assets		3,849
	Total assets acquired		38,593
	Liabilities assumed:
	Current liabilities		1,729
	Total liabilities assumed		1,729
	Net assets acquired		36,864
	Cash paid		34,468
	Cash acquired		(604	)
	Net cash consideration		33,864
	Contingent consideration		3,000
	Total purchase consideration	$	36,864

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta1

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
	(in thousands)
	Balance as of the beginning of the period	$	-
	Goodwill acquired during the period		28,916
	Balance as of the end of the period	$	28,916
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
		Year Ended December 31, 2014							Year Ended December 31, 2013								Weighted
																	Average Useful
	(in thousands)	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Net		Gross		Accumulated Amortization		Net		Useful Life (in years)		Life Remaining (in years)
	Intangible assets with finite lives:
	Marketing assets	$	930	$	(62	)	$	868	$	-	$	-	$	-		10		9.3
	Non-compete agreement		190		(63	)		127		-		-		-		2		1.3
	Trade secrets		250		(33	)		217		-		-		-		5		4.3
	Internally developed software		680		(151	)		529		-		-		-		3		2.3
	Customer relationships		2,530		(188	)		2,342		-		-		-		9		8.3
	Total intangible assets	$	4,580	$	(497	)	$	4,083	$	-	$	-	$	-
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
	(in thousands)	Estimated Amortization Expense
	2015	$	746
	2016		682
	2017		500
	2018		424
	2019		391
	Thereafter		1,340
	Total estimated amortization expense	$	4,083

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements1

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Financial Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Money market mutual fund	$	6,129	$	-	$	-	$	5,524	$	-	$	-
	Total	$	6,129	$	-	$	-	$	5,524	$	-	$	-

Note_7_Marketable_Securities_T

Note 7 - Marketable Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments Schedule [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity Securities [Table Text Block]
		31-Dec-14
	(in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
		Cost		Gains		Losses
	U.S. government agency securities	$	20,048	$	-	$	(71	)	$	19,977
	Corporate debt securities		29,316		7		(79	)		29,244
	U.S. municipal securities		30,004		32		(18	)		30,018
	Certificates of deposit/time deposits		5,656		5		(15	)		5,646
	Total marketable securities	$	85,024	$	44	$	(183	)	$	84,885
		31-Dec-13
	(in thousands)	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair Value
		Cost		Gains		Losses
	U.S. government agency securities	$	21,713	$	2	$	(22	)	$	21,693
	Corporate debt securities		29,480		30		(20	)		29,490
	U.S. municipal securities		44,474		49		(22	)		44,501
	Certificates of deposit/time deposits		4,695		5		(8	)		4,692
	Total marketable securities	$	100,362	$	86	$	(72	)	$	100,376
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014
	Due in one year or less	$	30,706
	Due after one year through five years		54,318
	Total marketable securities	$	85,024

Note_8_Property_and_Equipment_

Note 8 - Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Land	$	6,825		$	2,830
	Buildings and improvements		29,995			13,655
	Machinery and equipment		72,891			48,707
	Computer hardware and software		10,738			5,957
	Leasehold improvements		3,501			2,932
	Construction in progress		4,004			9,196
	Capital leases - machinery and equipment		1,167			1,240
	Total property and equipment, gross		129,121			84,517
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(37,495	)		(28,416	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	91,626		$	56,101

Note_9_Inventory_Tables

Note 9 - Inventory (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Raw materials	$	5,728		$	4,875
	Work in process		653			410
	Total inventory		6,381			5,285
	Allowance for obsolescence		(187	)		(119	)
	Inventory, net of allowance	$	6,194		$	5,166

Note_10_Financing_Obligations_

Note 10 - Financing Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Various obligations under capital leases, with interest rates from 6.8% to 7.4%, due in various monthly installments, including interest, through various dates through January 2016, secured by equipment	$	149	$	363
	Less current portion		139		204
	Long-term obligation	$	10	$	159
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
	Years Ending December 31,
	(in thousands)
	2015	$	139
	2016		10
	2017		-
	2018		-
	2019		-
	Total	$	149

Note_12_Stockbased_Compensatio1

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]
			Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2014				2013				2012
	Stock options and other		$	4,386			$	3,084			$	2,539
	Employee stock purchase plan			423				377				500
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	4,809			$	3,461			$	3,039
	Cost of revenue		$	386			$	316			$	335
	Operating expenses:
	Marketing and sales			927				610				418
	Research and development			1,048				754				486
	General and administrative			2,448				1,781				1,800
	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	4,809			$	3,461			$	3,039
	Income tax benefits			(1,524	)			(847	)			(844	)
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax		$	3,285			$	2,614			$	2,195
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
			Year Ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate			0.43 - 2.14%				1.03 - 1.98%				0.95 - 1.16%
	Expected life (years)			2.00 - 6.50				5.50 - 6.50				5.50 - 6.50
	Expected volatility			47.29 - 49.30%				49.36 - 53.54%				53.00 - 53.14%
	Expected dividend yield			0%				0%				0%
	Weighted average grant date fair value		$	32.65			$	25.86			$	14.79
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
							Weighted-
							Average
			Stock Options				Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at January 1, 2012			2,099,300			$	6.18
	Granted			259,800				28.67
	Exercised			(667,243	)			2.41
	Cancelled			(500	)			30.58
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012			1,691,357				11.11
	Granted			187,615				49.69
	Exercised			(695,777	)			7.79
	Cancelled			(39,945	)			23.48
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013			1,143,250				19.03
	Granted			116,050				72.17
	Exercised			(253,544	)			13.77
	Cancelled			(6,769	)			26.23
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2014			998,987			$	26.49
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			510,668			$	13.85
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]
						Options Outstanding, Vested and Expected to Vest										Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices					Number				Weighted				Weighted		Number		Weighted
						Outstanding				Average				Average		Exercisable		Average
										Remaining Contractual				Exercise				Exercise
										Life (Years)				Price ($)				Price ($)
	$2.66	to	$5.56				130,851				3			$	4.18		130,851	$	4.18
		$7.86					371,340				5.98				7.86		253,740		7.86
	$20.07	to	$30.58				193,488				7.19				28.62		79,680		28.05
	$36.41	to	$47.08				130,814				8.11				45.77		25,022		45.37
	$53.34	to	$78.59				172,494				8.96				66.49		21,375		54.27
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]
							Weighted-
							Average
							Grant Date
			Restricted				Fair Value
			Stock Awards				Per Share
	Nonvested restricted stock at December 31, 2013			-			$	-
	Granted			77,647				69.18
	Vested			(798	)			62.68
	Forfeited			(275	)			62.68
	Nonvested restricted stock at December 31, 2014			76,574			$	69.27
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
			Year ended December 31,
			2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate			0.01 - 0.11%				0.11 - 0.13%				0.13 - 0.16%
	Expected life (months)			6				6				6.00 - 8.50
	Expected volatility			37.64 - 39.80%				39.80 - 53.32%				53.00 - 53.14%
	Expected dividend yield			0%				0%				0%

Note_13_Commitments_Tables

Note 13 - Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases and Operating Leases [Table Text Block]
	(in thousands)	Capital Leases		Operating Leases
	Years Ending December 31,
	2015	$	154	$	906
	2016		11		854
	2017		-		786
	2018		-		544
	2019		-		442
	After 2019		-		1,048
	Total future minimum lease payments		165	$	4,580
	Less interest cost		16
	Net present value of minimum lease payments	$	149

Note_14_Accumulated_Other_Comp1

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Partners' Capital, Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
	Balance at beginning of period	$	(1,091	)	$	(928	)	$	(738	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(1,838	)		(163	)		(190	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			-			-
	Net current-period other comprehensive loss		(1,838	)		(163	)		(190	)
	Balance at end of period	$	(2,929	)	$	(1,091	)	$	(928	)

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Domestic	$	51,052		$	45,659		$	34,653
	Foreign		9,479			5,919			316
	Total income before income taxes	$	60,531		$	51,578		$	34,969
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current:
	Federal	$	17,413		$	13,934		$	10,288
	State		1,185			379			217
	Foreign		2,149			1,762			761
	Deferred
	Federal		(1,821	)		168			(398	)
	State		(17	)		(39	)		65
	Foreign		130			(335	)		(1,060	)
	Valuation Allowance		(143	)		432			1,071
	Total provision for income taxes	$	18,896		$	16,301		$	10,944
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal tax statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State tax (net of federal benefit)		0.5			0.6			0.8
	Qualified subsidiary election		0.2			(0.8	)		(3.5	)
	Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets		(0.2	)		0.8			3.5
	Research and development credit		(0.8	)		(1.8	)		(0.4	)
	Foreign rate differential		(2.1	)		(1.6	)		(1.1	)
	Tax reserves		0.4			0.6			0
	Domestic manufacturing deduction		(2.1	)		(1.1	)		(2.9	)
	Provision to return		0			0.2			(0.1	)
	Miscellaneous		0.3			(0.3	)		0
	Total effective tax rate		31.2	%		31.6	%		31.3	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Accrued expenses	$	378		$	243
	Warrants and stock options		2,152			1,434
	Intangibles		319			112
	Inventories		172			136
	Other assets		527			217
	Net operating loss		2,842			3,240
	Less valuation allowance		(3,048	)		(3,642	)
	Total deferred tax assets		3,342			1,740
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation		(4,246	)		(4,941	)
	Goodwill		(430	)		-
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(4,676	)		(4,941	)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(1,334	)	$	(3,201	)
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	695		$	392
	Additions for tax positions of current year		632			64
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		344			239
	Decrease related to expiration of statutes of limitation		(376	)		-
	Balance at period end	$	1,295		$	695

Note_17_Segment_and_Geographic1

Note 17 - Segment and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Revenue:
	Protomold	$	140,282	$	115,069	$	90,371
	Firstcut		59,914		48,043		35,620
	Fineline		9,387		-		-
	Total revenue	$	209,583	$	163,112	$	125,991
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]
		Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Revenue:
	United States	$	156,033	$	119,870	$	94,866
	International		53,550		43,242		31,125
	Total revenue	$	209,583	$	163,112	$	125,991
Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013
	Long-lived assets:
	United States	$	76,923	$	48,381
	International		14,703		7,720
	Total long-lived assets	$	91,626	$	56,101

Note_2_Summary_of_Significant_1

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues (in Shares)		4,900,000
Share Price (in Dollars per share)	$31	$16
Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering (in Dollars)		$79,100,000			$71,530,000
Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering, Net (in Dollars)					71,500,000
Issuance of Common Stock in Connection with Follow on Offering Shares (in Shares)	100,000
Proceeds from Follow on Public Offering (in Dollars)	3,100,000
Proceeds from Follow on Offering Net of Costs (in Dollars)	2,500,000				2,451,000
Advertising Expense (in Dollars)			8,500,000	6,800,000	5,900,000
Research and Development Expense (in Dollars)			$16,607,000	$11,863,000	$9,137,000
Nonredeemable Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued (in Shares)					5,991,790
Redeemable Common Stock [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued (in Shares)					3,189,648
Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			7 years
Office Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
Office Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			7 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
Computer Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			5 years
Building [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			39 years
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			10 years
Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			39 years
Minimum [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			3 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			2 years
Maximum [Member]
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life			39 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			10 years

Note_3_Net_Income_Per_Common_S2

Note 3 - Net Income Per Common Share (Details) - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income (in Dollars)	$41,635	$35,277	$24,025
Basic - weighted-average shares outstanding:	25,692,699	25,198,556	23,373,593
Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options, warrants and other	407,621	661,185	1,070,072
Diluted - weighted-average shares outstanding:	26,100,320	25,859,741	24,443,665
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$1.62	$1.40	$1.03
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$1.60	$1.36	$0.98

Note_4_Business_Combinations_D

Note 4 - Business Combinations (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Note 4 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired		$33,864,000
FineLine Prototyping, Inc. [Member] | Accrued Liabilities and Other [Member]
Note 4 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability		1,800,000
FineLine Prototyping, Inc. [Member]
Note 4 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	100.00%
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	33,864,000
Proceeds from Sale of Held-to-maturity Securities	15,500,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	3,000,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability		1,200,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	3,000,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$36,864,000

Note_4_Business_Combinations_D1

Note 4 - Business Combinations (Details) - Allocation of Purchase Prices of Acquisitions (USD $)	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 23, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets acquired:
Goodwill	$28,916		$0
Liabilities assumed:
Net cash consideration	33,864
FineLine Prototyping, Inc. [Member]
Assets acquired:
Current assets		1,248
Intangible assets		4,580
Goodwill		28,916
Other long-term assets		3,849
Total assets acquired		38,593
Liabilities assumed:
Current liabilities		1,729
Total liabilities assumed		1,729
Net assets acquired		36,864
Cash paid		34,468
Cash acquired		-604
Net cash consideration		33,864
Contingent consideration		3,000
Total purchase consideration		$36,864

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta2

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$0.50	$0

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta3

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Abstract]
Balance as of the beginning of the period	$0
Goodwill acquired during the period	28,916
Balance as of the end of the period	$28,916

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta4

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible assets with finite lives:
Gross	$4,580
Accumlated amortization	-497
Net	4,083
Marketing-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible assets with finite lives:
Gross	930
Accumlated amortization	-62
Net	868
Useful life (in years)	10 years
Weighted average useful life remaining	9 years 109 days
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Intangible assets with finite lives:
Gross	190
Accumlated amortization	-63
Net	127
Useful life (in years)	2 years
Weighted average useful life remaining	1 year 109 days
Trade Secrets [Member]
Intangible assets with finite lives:
Gross	250
Accumlated amortization	-33
Net	217
Useful life (in years)	5 years
Weighted average useful life remaining	4 years 109 days
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Intangible assets with finite lives:
Gross	680
Accumlated amortization	-151
Net	529
Useful life (in years)	3 years
Weighted average useful life remaining	2 years 109 days
Customer Relationships [Member]
Intangible assets with finite lives:
Gross	2,530
Accumlated amortization	-188
Net	$2,342
Useful life (in years)	9 years
Weighted average useful life remaining	8 years 109 days

Note_5_Goodwill_and_Other_Inta5

Note 5 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - Estimated Aggregated Amortization Expense (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated Aggregated Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2015	$746
2016	682
2017	500
2018	424
2019	391
Thereafter	1,340
Total estimated amortization expense	$4,083

Note_6_Fair_Value_Measurements2

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value of Financial Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member], Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Cash and cash equivalents
Money market mutual fund	$6,129	$5,524
Total	$6,129	$5,524

Note_7_Marketable_Securities_D

Note 7 - Marketable Securities (Details) - Short-Term and Long-Term Marketable Securities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$85,024	$100,362
Unrealized Gains	44	86
Unrealized Losses	-183	-72
Fair Value	84,885	100,376
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	20,048	21,713
Unrealized Gains		2
Unrealized Losses	-71	-22
Fair Value	19,977	21,693
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	29,316	29,480
Unrealized Gains	7	30
Unrealized Losses	-79	-20
Fair Value	29,244	29,490
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	30,004	44,474
Unrealized Gains	32	49
Unrealized Losses	-18	-22
Fair Value	30,018	44,501
Bank Time Deposits [Member]
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	5,656	4,695
Unrealized Gains	5	5
Unrealized Losses	-15	-8
Fair Value	$5,646	$4,692

Note_7_Marketable_Securities_D1

Note 7 - Marketable Securities (Details) - Balance of Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance of Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$30,706
Due after one year through five years	54,318
Total marketable securities	$85,024	$100,362

Note_8_Property_and_Equipment_1

Note 8 - Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$10.60	$7.60	$6.10

Note_8_Property_and_Equipment_2

Note 8 - Property and Equipment (Details) - Property and Equipment (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property and Equipment [Abstract]
Land	$6,825	$2,830
Buildings and improvements	29,995	13,655
Machinery and equipment	72,891	48,707
Computer hardware and software	10,738	5,957
Leasehold improvements	3,501	2,932
Construction in progress	4,004	9,196
Capital leases - machinery and equipment	1,167	1,240
Total property and equipment, gross	129,121	84,517
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-37,495	-28,416
Property and equipment, net	$91,626	$56,101

Note_9_Inventory_Details_The_C

Note 9 - Inventory (Details) - The Companybs Inventory (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
The Companybs Inventory [Abstract]
Raw materials	$5,728	$4,875
Work in process	653	410
Total inventory	6,381	5,285
Allowance for obsolescence	-187	-119
Inventory, net of allowance	$6,194	$5,166

Note_10_Financing_Obligations_1

Note 10 - Financing Obligations (Details) - The Company's Debt (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 10 - Financing Obligations (Details) - The Company's Debt [Line Items]
Various obligations under capital leases, with interest rates from 6.8% to 7.4%, due in various monthly installments, including interest, through various dates through January 2016, secured by equipment	$149	$363
Less current portion	139	204
Long-term obligation	$10	$159

Note_10_Financing_Obligations_2

Note 10 - Financing Obligations (Details) - The Company's Debt (Parentheticals)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member]
Note 10 - Financing Obligations (Details) - The Company's Debt (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Interest Rates	6.80%	6.80%
Maximum [Member]
Note 10 - Financing Obligations (Details) - The Company's Debt (Parentheticals) [Line Items]
Interest Rates	7.40%	7.40%

Note_10_Financing_Obligations_3

Note 10 - Financing Obligations (Details) - Maturities on Long-term Debt Obligations (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Maturities on Long-term Debt Obligations [Abstract]
2015	$139
2016	10
Total	$149	$363

Note_11_Employee_Benefit_Plans1

Note 11 - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum Number of Employee Working Hours Required to be Eligible to Participate in 401K Plan	20
Minimum Service Period of Employees to Avail Benefit Under Defined Contribution Benefit Plan	6 months
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	50.00%
Defined Contribution Plan Employer Match Contribution Amount	$0.80	$0.60	$0.50

Note_12_Stockbased_Compensatio2

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Equity Incentive Plans	2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Offering Date	15.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period	6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent	85.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$13.77	$7.79	$2.41
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)	1,357,498
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	$16.30	$33.20	$19.60
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 219 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	41.5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 219 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	27.2
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	7.5
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 36 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	3.2	2.4	1.3
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures (in Shares)	25,393	30,690	86,419
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$52.22	$36.74	$13.60
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 255 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$4.20

Note_12_Stockbased_Compensatio3

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Stock-based Compensation Expense (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Stock-based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$4,809	$3,461	$3,039
Income tax benefits	-1,524	-847	-844
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	3,285	2,614	2,195
Cost of Sales [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Stock-based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	386	316	335
Selling and Marketing Expense [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Stock-based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	927	610	418
Research and Development Expense [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Stock-based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	1,048	754	486
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Stock-based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	2,448	1,781	1,800
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Stock-based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	4,386	3,084	2,539
ESPP [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Stock-based Compensation Expense [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense	$423	$377	$500

Note_12_Stockbased_Compensatio4

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Assumptions Used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (Employee Stock Option [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Assumptions Used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Weighted average grant date fair value (in Dollars per share)	32.65	25.86	14.79
Minimum [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Assumptions Used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.43%	1.03%	0.95%
Expected life (years)	2 years	5 years 6 months	5 years 6 months
Expected volatility	47.29%	49.36%	53.00%
Maximum [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Assumptions Used in the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	2.14%	1.98%	1.16%
Expected life (years)	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
Expected volatility	49.30%	53.54%	53.14%

Note_12_Stockbased_Compensatio5

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Stock Option Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Option Activity [Abstract]
Options outstanding	1,143,250	1,691,357	2,099,300
Options outstanding	$19.03	$11.11	$6.18
Exercisable at December 31, 2014	510,668
Exercisable at December 31, 2014	$13.85
Granted	116,050	187,615	259,800
Granted	$72.17	$49.69	$28.67
Exercised	-253,544	-695,777	-667,243
Exercised	$13.77	$7.79	$2.41
Cancelled	-6,769	-39,945	-500
Cancelled	$26.23	$23.48	$30.58
Options outstanding	998,987	1,143,250	1,691,357
Options outstanding	$26.49	$19.03	$11.11

Note_12_Stockbased_Compensatio6

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Information about Stock Options Outstanding (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	998,987	1,143,250	1,691,357	2,099,300
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$26.49	$19.03	$11.11	$6.18
Exercise Price Range One [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower range	$2.66
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper range	$5.56
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	130,851
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.18
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	130,851
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$4.18
Exercise Price Range Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$7.86
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	371,340
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 357 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.86
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	253,740
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.86
Exercise Price Range Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower range	$20.07
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper range	$30.58
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	193,488
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	7 years 69 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$28.62
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	79,680
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$28.05
Exercise Price Range Four [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower range	$36.41
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper range	$47.08
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	130,814
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	8 years 40 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$45.77
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	25,022
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$45.37
Exercise Price Range Five [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower range	$53.34
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper range	$78.59
Number Outstanding (in Shares)	172,494
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	8 years 350 days
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$66.49
Number Exercisable (in Shares)	21,375
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$54.27

Note_12_Stockbased_Compensatio7

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Non-vested Restricted Stock Options (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Non-vested Restricted Stock Options [Line Items]
Granted	116,050	187,615	259,800
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Non-vested Restricted Stock Options [Line Items]
Nonvested restricted stock at December 31, 2013	0
Nonvested restricted stock at December 31, 2013	0
Granted	77,647
Granted	69.18
Vested	-798
Vested	62.68
Forfeited	-275
Forfeited	62.68
Nonvested restricted stock at December 31, 2014	76,574
Nonvested restricted stock at December 31, 2014	69.27

Note_12_Stockbased_Compensatio8

Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Assumptions Used to Estimate the Fair Value of the ESPP (ESPP [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Assumptions Used to Estimate the Fair Value of the ESPP [Line Items]
Expected life (months)	6 months	6 months
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Assumptions Used to Estimate the Fair Value of the ESPP [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.01%	0.11%	0.13%
Expected life (months)			6 months
Expected volatility	37.64%	39.80%	53.00%
Maximum [Member]
Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Assumptions Used to Estimate the Fair Value of the ESPP [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.11%	0.13%	0.16%
Expected life (months)			8 months 15 days
Expected volatility	39.80%	53.32%	53.14%

Note_13_Commitments_Details

Note 13 - Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease Termination Notice Period	6 months
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$1	$1.20	$1.30

Note_13_Commitments_Details_Fu

Note 13 - Commitments (Details) - Future Minimum Commitments under Non-Cancelable Leases (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Minimum Commitments under Non-Cancelable Leases [Abstract]
2015	$154
2015	906
2016	11
2016	854
2017	786
2018	544
2019	442
After 2019	1,048
Total future minimum lease payments	165
Total future minimum lease payments	4,580
Less interest cost	16
Net present value of minimum lease payments	$149

Note_14_Accumulated_Other_Comp2

Note 14 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax
Balance at beginning of period	($1,091)	($928)	($738)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	-1,838	-163	-190
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	-1,838	-163	-190
Balance at end of period	($2,929)	($1,091)	($928)

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$18,896,000	$16,301,000	$10,944,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	31.20%	31.60%	31.30%
Income Tax Credits and Adjustments		500,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Percent		0.90%
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	20,800,000	11,800,000	6,400,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	7,500,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	3,048,000	3,642,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	1,295,000	695,000	392,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	376,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	344,000	239,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	632,000	64,000
Tax Year 2010 [Member]
Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	$400,000

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_C

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Domestic	$51,052	$45,659	$34,653
Foreign	9,479	5,919	316
Total income before income taxes	$60,531	$51,578	$34,969

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_S

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Significant Components of Provision for Income Taxes (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$17,413	$13,934	$10,288
State	1,185	379	217
Foreign	2,149	1,762	761
Deferred
Federal	-1,821	168	-398
State	-17	-39	65
Foreign	130	-335	-1,060
Valuation Allowance	-143	432	1,071
Total provision for income taxes	$18,896	$16,301	$10,944

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_R

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate [Abstract]
Federal tax statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax (net of federal benefit)	0.50%	0.60%	0.80%
Qualified subsidiary election	0.20%	-0.80%	-3.50%
Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets	-0.20%	0.80%	3.50%
Research and development credit	-0.80%	-1.80%	-0.40%
Foreign rate differential	-2.10%	-1.60%	-1.10%
Tax reserves	0.40%	0.60%	0.00%
Domestic manufacturing deduction	-2.10%	-1.10%	-2.90%
Provision to return	0.00%	0.20%	-0.10%
Miscellaneous	0.30%	-0.30%	0.00%
Total effective tax rate	31.20%	31.60%	31.30%

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_S1

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	$378	$243
Warrants and stock options	2,152	1,434
Intangibles	319	112
Inventories	172	136
Other assets	527	217
Net operating loss	2,842	3,240
Less valuation allowance	-3,048	-3,642
Total deferred tax assets	3,342	1,740
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	-4,246	-4,941
Goodwill	-430
Total deferred tax liabilities	-4,676	-4,941
Net deferred tax liability	($1,334)	($3,201)

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_R1

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of period	$695	$392
Additions for tax positions of current year	632	64
Additions for tax positions of prior years	344	239
Decrease related to expiration of statutes of limitation	-376
Balance at period end	$1,295	$695

Note_17_Segment_and_Geographic2

Note 17 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Operating Segments	1
Number of Reportable Segments	1

Note_17_Segment_and_Geographic3

Note 17 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Total Revenue by Product Line (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue:
Revenue	$209,583	$163,112	$125,991
Protomold [Member]
Revenue:
Revenue	140,282	115,069	90,371
First Cut [Member]
Revenue:
Revenue	59,914	48,043	35,620
Fineline [Member]
Revenue:
Revenue	$9,387

Note_17_Segment_and_Geographic4

Note 17 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Revenue to External Customers and Long-lived Assets by Geography (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue:
Revenue	$209,583	$163,112	$125,991
UNITED STATES
Revenue:
Revenue	156,033	119,870	94,866
International [Member]
Revenue:
Revenue	$53,550	$43,242	$31,125

Note_17_Segment_and_Geographic5

Note 17 - Segment and Geographic Information (Details) - Long-lived Assets by Geographic Region (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived Assets	$91,626	$56,101
UNITED STATES
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived Assets	76,923	48,381
International [Member]
Long-lived assets:
Long-lived Assets	$14,703	$7,720