Echelon 10-Q 8 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ECHELON CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000031347	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	43,338,636

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$13,670		$18,876
Short-term investments	42,988		42,979
Accounts receivable, net	15,185	[1]	15,725	[1]
Inventories	8,042		11,729
Deferred cost of goods sold	1,730		846
Other current assets	2,101		2,662
Total current assets	83,716		92,817
Property and equipment, net	19,415		21,777
Goodwill	8,343		8,276
Other long-term assets	782		713
Total assets	112,256		123,583
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'		'
Accounts payable	6,153		8,551
Accrued liabilities	6,574		4,637
Current portion of lease financing obligations	2,202		2,056
Deferred revenues	6,286		4,912
Total current liabilities	21,215		20,156
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'		'
Lease financing obligations, excluding current portion	16,509		18,185
Other long-term liabilities	2,890		1,447
Total long-term liabilities	19,399		19,632
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'		'
Common stock	465		463
Additional paid-in capital	354,341		352,589
Treasury stock	-28,130		-28,130
Accumulated other comprehensive income	780		509
Accumulated deficit	-256,820		-243,233
Total Echelon Corporation stockholders' equity	70,636		82,198
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	1,006		1,597
Total stockholders' equity	71,642		83,795
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$112,256		$123,583
[1]	Includes related party receivable of $5.3 million and $1.6 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Abstract]	'	'
Related Parties Account Receivable Current	$5.30	$1.60

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Product	$17,175		$28,056		$65,633		$107,387
Service	839		1,008		2,399		2,832
Total revenues	18,014	[1]	29,064	[1]	68,032	[1]	110,219	[1]
Cost of revenues:	'		'		'		'
Cost of product	7,348	[2]	16,672	[2]	32,984	[2]	63,352	[2]
Cost of service	211	[2]	493	[2]	862	[2]	1,601	[2]
Total cost of revenues	7,559		17,165		33,846		64,953
Gross profit	10,455		11,899		34,186		45,266
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Product development	5,294	[2]	7,256	[2]	17,160	[2]	23,450	[2]
Sales and marketing	3,991	[2]	4,807	[2]	12,504	[2]	16,512	[2]
General and administrative	3,925	[2]	3,679	[2]	11,045	[2]	11,624	[2]
Litigation Charges	0		0		3,452		0
Restructuring charges	0		0		2,522		1,176
Total operating expenses	13,210		15,742		46,683		52,762
Loss from operations	-2,755		-3,843		-12,497		-7,496
Interest and other income (expense), net	-606		-184		-486		-194
Interest expense on lease financing obligations	-305		-336		-938		-1,031
Loss before provision for income taxes	-3,666		-4,363		-13,921		-8,721
Income tax expense	113		57		256		148
Net loss	-3,779		-4,420		-14,177		-8,869
Net loss attributable to non controlling interest	266		156		590		156
Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($3,513)		($4,264)		($13,587)		($8,713)
Net loss per share:	'		'		'		'
Basic	($0.08)		($0.10)		($0.32)		($0.20)
Diluted	($0.08)		($0.10)		($0.32)		($0.20)
Shares used in computing net loss per share:	'		'		'		'
Basic	43,184		42,806		43,039		42,564
Diluted	43,184		42,806		43,039		42,564
[1]	Includes related party amounts of $2,523 and $1,768 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $8,600 and $3,527 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. See Note 12 for additional information on related par
[2]	See Note 4 for summary of amounts included representing stock-based compensation expense.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from related parties	$2,523	$1,768	$8,600	$3,527

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Compehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($3,779)	($4,420)	($14,177)	($8,869)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	539	264	262	-19
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	9	2	9	2
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	548	266	271	-17
Comprehensive loss	-3,231	-4,154	-13,906	-8,886
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to non controlling interest	-266	156	-590	156
Comprehensive loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($2,965)	($3,998)	($13,316)	($8,730)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net loss Including noncontrolling interest	($14,177)	($8,869)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	3,083	5,308
Increase in allowance for doubtful accounts	41	17
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	24	0
Increase in accrued investment income	-2	-3
Stock-based compensation	2,177	5,565
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	490	18,244
Inventories	3,686	587
Deferred cost of goods sold	-885	5,611
Other current assets	565	981
Accounts payable	-2,332	-9,279
Accrued liabilities	3,617	-3,597
Deferred revenues	1,181	-7,290
Deferred rent	-28	-33
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-2,560	7,242
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of available-for-sale short-term investments	-38,953	-66,947
Proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale short-term investments	38,955	63,970
Change in other long-term assets	-62	-20
Capital expenditures	-811	-814
Net cash used in investing activities	-871	-3,811
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Principal payments of lease financing obligations	-1,530	-1,461
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	0
Proceeds from noncontrolling interests	0	294
Repurchase of common stock from employees for payment of taxes on vesting of restricted stock units and upon exercise of stock options	-423	-1,249
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,953	-2,416
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	178	13
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-5,206	1,028
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'
Beginning of period	18,876	17,658
End of period	13,670	18,686
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'
Cash paid for interest on lease financing obligations	930	1,024
Cash paid for income taxes	$318	$241

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Echelon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and a subsidiary in which it has a controlling interest (collectively referred to as the “Company”). The Company reports noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity. All material inter-company transactions between and among the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and other consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation.
	While the financial information furnished is unaudited, the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which the Company considers necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods covered and of the financial condition of the Company at the date of the interim balance sheet. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in its Annual Report on Form 10‑K.
	There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	Risks and Uncertainties
	The Company’s operations and performance depend significantly on worldwide economic conditions and their impact on purchases of the Company’s products, as well as the ability of suppliers to provide the Company with products and services in a timely manner. The impact of any of the matters described below could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
	•	The Company’s sales are currently concentrated with a relatively small group of customers, as approximately 57.9% and 63.7% of net revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, were derived from seven customers. Customers in any of the Company’s target market sectors may experience unexpected reductions in demand for their products and consequently reduce their purchases from us, resulting in either the loss of a significant customer or a notable decrease in the level of sales to a significant customer.  In addition, if any of these customers are unable to obtain the necessary capital to operate their business, they may be unable to satisfy their payment obligations to the Company.
	•	The Company utilizes third-party contract electronic manufacturers to manufacture, assemble, and test its products.   As a result of current credit market conditions, if any of these third-parties were unable to obtain the necessary capital to operate their business, they may be unable to provide the Company with timely services or to make timely deliveries of products.
	•	Due to the continuing worldwide economic situation, coupled with the fact that the Company’s Systems customers generally procure products that have been customized to meet their requirements, the Company has limited visibility into ultimate product demand, which makes sales forecasting more difficult. As a result, anticipated demand may not materialize, which could subject the Company to increased levels of excess and obsolete inventories.
	•	From time to time, the Company has experienced shortages or interruptions in supply for certain products or components used in the manufacture of the Company’s products that have been or will be discontinued. In order to ensure an adequate supply of these items, the Company has occasionally purchased quantities of these items that are in excess of the Company’s then current estimate of short-term requirements. For example, to ensure supply, the Company procured a substantial quantity of a certain component used in one of its Systems products. If the long-term requirements do not materialize as originally expected, or if the Company develops alternative solutions that no longer employ these items and the Company is not able to dispose of these excess products or components, the Company could be subject to increased levels of excess and obsolete inventories.
	•	Recently, in our effort to manage our costs and inventory risks, we decreased our inventory levels of certain products. If there is an unexpected increase in demand for these items, we might not be able to supply our customers with products in a timely manner.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates and judgments are used for revenue recognition, performance-based equity compensation, inventory valuation, allowance for warranty costs, and other loss contingencies. In order to determine the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources, the Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially from management’s estimates.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an update to ASC 220: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Under this update, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (”AOCI”) by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. The update to ASC 220 should be applied prospectively.  The Company adopted the update in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and noted no material impact to its disclosures.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s revenues are derived from the sale and license of its products and to a lesser extent, from fees associated with training, technical support, and custom software design services offered to its customers. Product revenues consist of revenues from hardware sales and software licensing arrangements. Service revenues consist of product technical support (including software post-contract support services), training, and custom software development services.
	The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery to the customer’s carrier (and acceptance, as applicable) has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability is probable, and there are no post-delivery obligations. For non-distributor hardware sales, including sales to third party manufacturers, these criteria are generally met at the time of delivery to the customer’s carrier. However, for arrangements that contain contractual acceptance provisions, revenue recognition may be delayed until acceptance by the customer or the acceptance provisions lapse unless the Company can objectively demonstrate that the contractual acceptance criteria have been satisfied, which is generally accomplished by establishing a history of acceptance for the same or similar products.  For sales made to the Company’s distributor partners, revenue recognition criteria are generally met at the time the distributor sells the products through to its end-use customer. Service revenue is recognized as the training services are performed, or ratably over the term of the support period.
	The Company accounts for the rights of return, price protection, rebates, and other sales incentives offered to distributors of its products as a reduction in revenue. With the exception of sales to distributors, the Company’s customers are generally not entitled to return products for a refund. For sales to distributors, due to contractual rights of return and other factors that impact our ability to make a reasonable estimate of future returns and other sales incentives, revenues are not recognized until the distributor has shipped its products to the end customer.
	The Company’s multiple deliverable revenue arrangements are primarily related to sales of its Systems products, which may include, within a single arrangement, electricity meters, data concentrators and related hardware (collectively, the “Hardware”); NES system software; Element Manager software; post-contract customer support (“PCS”) for the NES system and Element Manager software; extended warranties for the Hardware; and, occasionally, specified enhancements or upgrades to software used in the NES system. With the exception of the NES system software, each of these deliverables is considered a separate unit of accounting. The NES system software functions together with an electricity meter to deliver its essential functionality and any related software license fee is charged for on a per meter basis. Therefore, the NES system software and an electricity meter are combined and considered a single unit of accounting. The Element Manager software is not considered to be part of an electricity meter’s essential functionality and, therefore, Element Manager software and any related PCS continues to be accounted for under industry specific software revenue recognition guidance. However, all other NES system deliverables are no longer within the scope of industry specific software revenue recognition guidance.
	The Company allocates revenue to each element in a multiple-element arrangement based upon their relative selling price. The Company determines the selling price for each deliverable using vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price or third party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price, if it exists. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a deliverable, the Company uses its best estimated selling price (“BESP”) for that deliverable. Since the use of the residual method is eliminated under the new accounting standards, any discounts offered by the Company are allocated to each of the deliverables. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria is met for the respective element.
	Consistent with its methodology under previous accounting guidance, if available, the Company determines VSOE of fair value for each element based on historical stand-alone sales to third parties or from the stated renewal rate for the elements contained in the initial contractual arrangement. The Company currently estimates selling prices for its PCS and extended warranties based on VSOE of fair value.
	In many instances, the Company is not currently able to obtain VSOE of fair value for all deliverables in an arrangement with multiple elements. This may be due to the Company infrequently selling each element separately or not pricing products within a narrow range. When VSOE cannot be established, the Company attempts to estimate the selling price of each element based on TPE. TPE would consist of competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately. Generally, the Company’s offerings contain significant differentiation such that the comparable pricing of products with similar functionality cannot be obtained. Furthermore, the Company is unable to reliably determine the stand-alone selling prices for similar products of its competitors. Therefore, the Company is typically not able to obtain TPE of selling price.
	When the Company is unable to establish a selling price using VSOE or TPE, which is generally the case for the Hardware and certain specified enhancements or upgrades to the Company’s NES software, the Company uses its BESP in determining the allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. BESP is generally used for offerings that are not typically sold on a stand-alone basis or for new or highly customized offerings.
	The Company establishes pricing for its products and services by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, geographies, market conditions, competitive landscape, internal costs, gross margin objectives, and industry pricing practices. The determination of pricing also includes consultation with and formal approval by the Company’s management, taking into consideration the Company’s go-to-market strategy. These pricing practices apply to both the Company’s Hardware and software products.
	Based on an analysis of pricing stated in contractual arrangements for its Hardware products in historical multiple-element transactions and, to a lesser extent, historical standalone transactions, the Company has concluded that it typically prices its Hardware within a narrow range of discounts when compared to the price listed on the Company’s standard pricing grid for similar deliverables (i.e., similar configuration, volume, geography, etc.). Therefore, the Company has determined that, for its current Hardware for which VSOE or TPE is not available, the Company’s BESP is generally comprised of prices based on a narrow range of discounts from pricing stated in its pricing grid.
	When establishing BESP for the Company’s specified software enhancements or upgrades, the Company considers multiple factors including, but not limited to, the relative value of the features and functionality being delivered by the enhancement or upgrade as compared to the value of the software product to which the enhancement or upgrade relates, as well as the Company’s pricing practices for NES system software PCS packages, which may include rights to the specified enhancements or upgrades.
	The Company regularly reviews VSOE and has established a review process for TPE and BESP. The Company maintains internal controls over the establishment and updates of these estimates. There were no material impacts during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, resulting from changes in VSOE, TPE, or BESP, nor does the Company expect a material impact from such changes in the near term.
	Deferred Revenue and Deferred Cost of Goods Sold
	Deferred revenue consists substantially of amounts billed or payments received in advance of revenue recognition. Deferred cost of goods sold related to deferred product revenues includes direct product costs and applied overhead. Deferred cost of goods sold related to deferred service revenues includes direct labor costs and applied overhead. Once all revenue recognition criteria have been met, the deferred revenues and associated cost of goods sold are recognized.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	2. Financial Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and lease financing obligations. The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments approximates fair value. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of investments, which are classified as either cash equivalents or short-term investments, and accounts receivable. With respect to its investments, the Company has an investment policy that limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution and restricts placement of the Company’s investments to financial institutions independently evaluated as highly creditworthy. With respect to its accounts receivable, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of each of its customers’ financial condition. For a customer whose credit worthiness does not meet the Company’s minimum criteria, the Company may require partial or full payment prior to shipment. Alternatively, prior to shipment, customers may be required to provide the Company with an irrevocable letter of credit or arrange for some other form of coverage to mitigate the risk of uncollectibility, such as a bank guarantee. Additionally, the Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts and sales return allowances based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends, and other available information.
	On a recurring basis, the Company measures certain of its financial assets, namely its cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments, at fair value. The Company does not have any financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was determined using the following inputs at September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Money market funds (1)	$	5,257	$	5,257	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government securities(2)	42,988		—		42,988		—
	Total	$	48,245	$	5,257	$	42,988	$	—
	The fair value of the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was determined using the following inputs at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Money market funds (1)	$	5,243	$	5,243	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government securities(2)	42,979		—		42,979		—
	Total	$	48,222	$	5,243	$	42,979	$	—
	(1)    Included in cash and cash equivalents in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets
	(2)	Represents our portfolio of available for sale securities that is included in short-term investments in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets
	Cash equivalents consist of either investments with remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase, or money market funds for which the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
	The Company’s available-for-sale securities consist of U.S. government securities with a minimum and weighted average credit rating of A-1+. The Company values these securities based on pricing from pricing vendors, who may use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs) in determining fair value. However, the Company classifies all of its fixed income available-for-sale securities as having Level 2 inputs. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments having Level 2 inputs were derived from non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data, quoted market prices for similar instruments, or pricing models, such as discounted cash flow techniques. The Company's procedures include controls to ensure that appropriate fair values are recorded by comparing prices obtained from a third party independent source.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s available-for-sale securities had contractual maturities from ten to twelve months and an average remaining term to maturity of seven months. As of September 30, 2013, the amortized cost basis, aggregate fair value, and gross unrealized holding gains and losses of the Company’s short-term investments by major security type were as follows (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Aggregate Fair Value		Unrealized Holding Gains		Unrealized Holding Losses
	U.S. government securities	$	42,971	$	42,988	$	17	$	—
	The amortized cost basis, aggregate fair value and gross unrealized holding gains and losses for the Company’s available-for-sale short-term investments, by major security type, were as follows as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Aggregate Fair Value		Unrealized Holding Gains		Unrealized Holding Losses
	U.S. government securities	$	42,971	$	42,979	$	8	$	—
	Market values were determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. The Company reviews its investments on a regular basis to evaluate whether or not any have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in fair value.

Earnings_Per_Share_Earnings_Pe

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	3. Earnings Per Share
	The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net loss per share computations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net loss (Numerator):
	Net loss, basic & diluted	$	(3,513	)	$	(4,264	)	$	(13,587	)	$	(8,713	)
	Shares (Denominator):
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,184			42,806			43,039			42,564
	Shares used in basic computation	43,184			42,806			43,039			42,564
	Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	—			—			—			—
	Shares used in diluted computation	43,184			42,806			43,039			42,564
	Net loss per share:
	Basic	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.32	)	$	(0.20	)
	Diluted	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.32	)	$	(0.20	)
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the diluted net loss per share calculation is equivalent to the basic net loss per share calculation as there were no potentially dilutive stock options due to the Company’s net loss position. The number of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) excluded from this calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was 6,091,405 and 6,235,795, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Employ

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans	'
	4. Stockholders’ Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans:
	Stock-based Compensation Expense
	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and its allocation within the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Cost of revenues:
	Cost of product	$	81	$	166	$	138	$	462
	Cost of service	10		31		35		82
	Operating expenses:
	Product development	276		619		533		1,874
	Sales and marketing	194		455		665		1,460
	General and administrative	394		535		806		1,687
	Total	$	955	$	1,806	$	2,177	$	5,565
	Stock Award Activity
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $0 as there were no options exercised. The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the options.
	The total fair value of RSUs vested and released during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $416,000 and $1,154,000, respectively. The total fair value of RSUs vested and released during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was approximately $723,000 and $3.4 million, respectively. The fair value is calculated by multiplying the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the vesting date by the number of shares vested.
	Stock-based Compensation Expense for Awards with Financial-Based Performance Vesting Requirements
	As of September 30, 2013, there were 212,500 unvested RSUs and RSAs that were subject to service-based vesting conditions as well as certain financial or other performance-based vesting requirements that must be achieved before vesting can occur.
	Through September 30, 2013, cumulative compensation expense of $570,000 associated with these 212,500 unvested RSUs and RSAs has been recognized. From the date of grant through June 30, 2012, the Company had believed it was probable that the associated performance requirements would be achieved and therefore recognized expense on these awards. During the third quarter of 2012 and as of September 30, 2013, the Company believed that the performance condition is no longer probable of achievement. However, the Company has not yet determined that the performance condition is improbable of achievement. Therefore, beginning in the third quarter of 2012, the Company has discontinued the recognition of compensation costs related to these awards. If, prior to the expiration of the RSUs and RSAs, the Company determines that the performance condition is again probable, compensation expense will once again be recognized. Alternatively, if the Company determines that the performance condition is improbable of achievement, the cumulative compensation expense of $570,000 associated with these awards will be reversed.

Significant_Customers

Significant Customers	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Significant Customers	'
	5.    Significant Customers:
	The Company markets its products and services throughout the world to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and systems integrators in the building, industrial, transportation, utility/home, and other automation markets. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had seven customers that accounted for a significant portion of its revenues: Avnet Europe Comm VA (“Avnet”), the Company’s primary distributors of its Sub-systems products in Europe, Duke Energy Corporation (“Duke”), a U.S. utility company; Enel Distribuzione Spa ("Enel"), an Italian utility company; Ericsson AB ("Ericsson"), a Swedish utility company; and Ubitronix System Solutions GmBh ("Ubitronix"), Telvent Energia y Medioambiente SA (“Telvent”) and Eltel Networks A/S (“Eltel”), value added resellers of the Company’s Systems products. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the percentage of the Company’s revenues attributable to sales made to these customers was as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Telvent	8	%	22	%	16.8	%	29.5	%
	Avnet	17.1	%	8.4	%	13.8	%	7.4	%
	Enel	14	%	6.1	%	12.6	%	3.2	%
	Ubitronix	4.7	%	3.1	%	9.8	%	2.1	%
	Duke	1.1	%	9.6	%	6	%	16.4	%
	Ericsson	12.8	%	—	%	3.4	%	—	%
	Eltel	0.2	%	13.7	%	1.3	%	9.6	%
	Total	57.9	%	62.9	%	63.7	%	68.2	%

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	6. Commitments and Contingencies:
	Legal Actions
	In April 2009, the Company received notice that the receiver for two companies that filed for the Italian law equivalent of bankruptcy protection in May 2004, Finmek Manufacturing SpA and Finmek Access SpA (collectively, the “Finmek Companies”), had filed a lawsuit under an Italian “claw back” law in Padua, Italy against the Company, seeking the return of approximately $16.7 million in payments received by the Company in the ordinary course of business for components sold by the Company to the Finmek Companies prior to the bankruptcy filing. The Finmek Companies were among Enel’s third party meters manufacturers, and from time to time through January 2004, the Company sold components to the Finmek Companies that were incorporated into the electricity meters that were manufactured by the Finmek Companies and sold to Enel SpA for the Enel Project.  The Company believed that the Italian claw back law was not applicable to its transactions with the Finmek Companies, and the claims of the Finmek Companies’ receiver were without merit. However, it was recently brought to the Company's attention that a substantial percentage of claw back cases reviewed by the local courts, which are located in the jurisdiction in which the Finmek Companies were headquartered, were being decided in favor of the Finmek Companies.  To avoid any possibility of an adverse ruling against the Company, as well as to limit administrative inconvenience and curtail litigation costs, in April 2013, with the consent of its Board of Directors, the Company decided to settle this matter. The Company reached an agreement with respect to a tentative financial settlement of $3.5 million and recognized a charge for this amount in the first quarter of 2013. This settlement is expected to be formalized and become effective in the fourth quarter of 2013 and is expected to be paid in two substantially equal installments, one in the fourth quarter of 2013 and the other in the fourth quarter of 2014. The Company does not intend to admit that the Italian claw back law applied to its circumstances as part of this settlement.
	From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, the Company may be subject to other legal proceedings, claims, investigations, and other proceedings, including claims of alleged infringement of third-party patents and other intellectual property rights, and commercial, employment, and other matters. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company makes a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. These provisions are reviewed at least quarterly and adjusted to reflect the impacts of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and other information and events pertaining to a particular case. While the Company believes it has adequately provided for such contingencies as of September 30, 2013, the amounts of which were immaterial, it is possible that the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, and financial position could be harmed by the resolution of any such outstanding claims.
	Line of Credit
	The Company maintains a $5.0 million line of credit with its primary bank, which expires on July 1, 2014. The letter of credit contains certain financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain an overall minimum tangible net worth level and to maintain a minimum level of liquid assets. As of September 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s primary bank has issued, against the line of credit, one standby letter of credit totaling $113,000. Other than issuing standby letters of credit, the Company has never drawn against the line of credit, nor have amounts ever been drawn against the standby letters of credit issued by the bank.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Text Block]	'
	7. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		Foreign currency translation adjustment			Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		(Amount in thousands)			(Amount in thousands)		(Amount in thousands)
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2012	$	501		$	8	$	509
	Change during January- March 2013	(446		)	—		(446		)
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	55		$	8	$	63
	Change during April-June 2013	$	169		$	—	$	169
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	224		$	8	$	232
	Current period change	539			9		548
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	763		$	17	$	780
	None of the above amounts have been reclassified to the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	8.     Inventories:
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first‑in, first‑out) or market and include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. When required, provisions are made to reduce excess and obsolete inventories to their estimated net realizable value. Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Purchased materials	$	1,568	$	2,081
	Work‑in‑process	28		—
	Finished goods	6,446		9,648
		$	8,042	$	11,729

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	9. Accrued Liabilities:
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Accrued payroll and related costs	$	3,287	$	3,237
	Warranty reserve	558		419
	Restructuring charges	106		149
	Litigation charges	1,831		—
	Accrued taxes	110		117
	Other accrued liabilities	682		715
		$	6,574	$	4,637

Segment_Disclosure

Segment Disclosure	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Disclosure	'
	10.     Segment Disclosure:
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing business performance. The Company’s chief operating decision-making group is the Executive Staff, which is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer and his direct reports.
	The Company operates in one principal industry segment, its reportable segment: the design, manufacture and sale of products for the controls network industry, and markets its products primarily to the smart grid, smart cities and smart buildings markets. The Company’s products provide the infrastructure and support required to implement and deploy open, interoperable, control network solutions. Most of the Company’s products either incorporate or operate with the Neuron® Chip and/or the LONWORKS protocol. The Company also provides a range of services to its customers that consist of technical support, training courses covering its LONWORKS network technology and products, and custom software development. Any given customer purchases a small subset of products and services that are appropriate for that customer’s application.
	The Company operates in three main geographic areas: the Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”); and Asia Pacific / Japan (“APJ”). Each geographic area provides products and services to the Company’s customers located in the respective region. The Company’s long-lived assets include property and equipment, goodwill, purchased technology, and deposits on its leased facilities. Long-lived assets are attributed to geographic areas based on the country where the assets are located. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, long-lived assets of approximately $25.3 million and $27.7 million, respectively, were domiciled in the United States. Long-lived assets for all other locations are not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	The Company has two primary product lines: Systems and Sub-systems. Systems revenue is primarily composed of sales of meters and data concentrators to system integrators or utilities. Sub-systems revenue is principally composed of sales of components, software, and sub-system modules to utilities, building energy, or street lighting customers. Summary revenue information by product line for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Systems	$	7,759	$	17,806	$	34,293	$	74,526
	Sub-systems	10,255		11,258		33,739		35,693
	Total	$	18,014	$	29,064	$	68,032	$	110,219
	In North America, the Company sells its products primarily through a direct sales organization and select third-party electronics representatives. Outside North America, the Company sells its products through direct sales organizations in EMEA and APJ, value-added resellers, and local distributors. Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the country where the products are shipped to or the services are delivered. Summary revenue information by geography for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Americas	$	3,599	$	6,322	$	14,404	$	31,098
	EMEA	11,626		18,723		45,549		68,203
	APJ	2,789		4,019		8,079		10,918
	Total	$	18,014	$	29,064	$	68,032	$	110,219
	For information regarding the Company’s major customers, please refer to Note 5, Significant Customers.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	11. Income Taxes:
	The provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were $113,000 and $57,000, respectively. The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were $256,000 and $148,000, respectively. The difference between the statutory rate and the Company’s effective tax rate is primarily due to the impact of foreign taxes, changes in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, and changes in the accruals related to unrecognized tax benefits.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $2.4 million and $3.4 million, respectively, of which $585,000 and $670,000, respectively, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate on income from continuing operations. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had accrued $122,000 and $140,000, respectively, for interest and penalties. The $18,000 reduction in gross unrecognized tax benefits during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily attributable to the expiration of the statute of limitations in certain foreign jurisdictions.
	On January 2, 2013, the President signed into law the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, or ATRA. Under prior law, a taxpayer was entitled to a research tax credit for qualifying amount incurred through December 31, 2011. The ATRA extends the research credit for two years for qualified research expenditures incurred through the end of 2013. The extension of the research credit is retroactive and includes amounts incurred after 2011.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Parties	'
	12. Related Parties:
	In June 2000, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement with Enel pursuant to which Enel purchased 3.0 million newly issued shares of its common stock for $130.7 million. The closing of this stock purchase occurred on September 11, 2000. At the closing, Enel had agreed that it would not, except under limited circumstances, sell or otherwise transfer any of those shares for a specified time period. That time period expired September 11, 2003. To the Company’s knowledge, Enel has disposed none of its 3.0 million shares. Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, Enel has the right to nominate one member of the Company’s board of directors. A representative of Enel served on the board until March 14, 2012; no Enel representative is presently on the board.
	At the time the Company entered into the stock purchase agreement with Enel, it also entered into a research and development agreement with an affiliate of Enel (the “R&D Agreement”). Under the terms of the R&D Agreement, the Company cooperated with Enel to integrate its LONWORKS technology into Enel’s remote metering management project in Italy, the Contatore Elettronico. The Company completed the sale of its components and products for the deployment phase of the Contatore Elettronico project during 2005. During 2006, the Company supplied Enel and its designated manufacturers with limited spare parts for the Contatore Elettronico system. In October 2006, the Company entered into a new development and supply agreement and a software enhancement agreement with Enel. Under the development and supply agreement, Enel and its contract manufacturers purchase additional electronic components and finished goods from the Company. Under the software enhancement agreement, the Company provides software enhancements to Enel for use in its Contatore Elettronico system. The software enhancement agreement expired in December 2012 and the development and supply agreement expires in December 2015, although delivery of products and services can extend beyond those dates and the agreements may be extended under certain circumstances.
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized revenue from products and services sold to Enel and its designated manufacturers of approximately $2.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized revenue from products and services sold to Enel and its designated manufacturers of approximately $8.6 million and $3.5 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, $5.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively of the Company’s total accounts receivable balance related to amounts owed by Enel and its designated manufacturers.

Restructuring

Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	13. Restructuring
	In May 2012, the Company undertook cost cutting measures by initiating a headcount reduction of 42 full-time employees worldwide, to be terminated between May 2012 and December 2013. In connection with this restructuring plan, in 2012, the Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $1.2 million related to termination benefits for these personnel.
	The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the Company’s May 2012 restructuring program (in thousands):
		1-Jan-13		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments		September 30, 2013
	Termination benefits	$	149	$	—	$	74	$	75
	On February 12, 2013, the Company undertook further restructuring actions affecting approximately 43 employees to be terminated between February 2013 and December 31, 2013, as part of an overall plan to reshape the Company for the future. In connection with this restructuring, the Company recorded restructuring charges of approximately $2.5 million related to termination benefits for these personnel during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. These charges do not include facilities, lease termination or other charges the Company may incur as part of this action, which is currently being contemplated.
	The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the Company's February 2013 restructuring program (in thousands):
		1-Jan-13		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments		September 30, 2013
	Termination benefits	$	—	$	2,522	$	2,491	$	31
	Accrued restructuring charges as of September 30, 2013 comprise the remaining liability balance from the February 2013 and May 2012 restructurings and are reflected in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013. The Company expects to pay these accrued termination benefits through early 2014.

Joint_Venture

Joint Venture	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Less Than Wholly Owned Subsidiary [Abstract]	'
Joint Venture	'
	14. Joint Venture
	On March 23, 2012, the Company entered into an agreement with Holley Metering Limited (“Holley Metering”), a designer and manufacturer of energy meters in China, to create a joint venture, Zhejiang Echelon-Holley Technology Co., Ltd. (“Echelon-Holley”). The joint venture will focus on the development and sales of smart energy products for China and rest-of-world markets. The Company has a 51% ownership interest in the joint venture and exercises controlling influence. Therefore, Echelon-Holley’s accounts are included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2013 and for the three and nine months then ended. Holley Metering’s interests in Echelon-Holley’s net assets are reported in the noncontrolling interest in subsidiary on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013. Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Echelon-Holley was $266,000 and $590,000 during three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2013, Echelon and Holley Metering had contributed in cash a total of approximately $4,000,000 in Share Capital, as defined, to Echelon-Holley in proportion to their respective ownership interests.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Echelon Corporation, a Delaware corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and a subsidiary in which it has a controlling interest (collectively referred to as the “Company”). The Company reports noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity. All material inter-company transactions between and among the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and other consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation.
	While the financial information furnished is unaudited, the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which the Company considers necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods covered and of the financial condition of the Company at the date of the interim balance sheet. The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year. The condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in its Annual Report on Form 10‑K.
	There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Risks and Uncertainties
	The Company’s operations and performance depend significantly on worldwide economic conditions and their impact on purchases of the Company’s products, as well as the ability of suppliers to provide the Company with products and services in a timely manner. The impact of any of the matters described below could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
	•	The Company’s sales are currently concentrated with a relatively small group of customers, as approximately 57.9% and 63.7% of net revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, were derived from seven customers. Customers in any of the Company’s target market sectors may experience unexpected reductions in demand for their products and consequently reduce their purchases from us, resulting in either the loss of a significant customer or a notable decrease in the level of sales to a significant customer.  In addition, if any of these customers are unable to obtain the necessary capital to operate their business, they may be unable to satisfy their payment obligations to the Company.
	•	The Company utilizes third-party contract electronic manufacturers to manufacture, assemble, and test its products.   As a result of current credit market conditions, if any of these third-parties were unable to obtain the necessary capital to operate their business, they may be unable to provide the Company with timely services or to make timely deliveries of products.
	•	Due to the continuing worldwide economic situation, coupled with the fact that the Company’s Systems customers generally procure products that have been customized to meet their requirements, the Company has limited visibility into ultimate product demand, which makes sales forecasting more difficult. As a result, anticipated demand may not materialize, which could subject the Company to increased levels of excess and obsolete inventories.
	•	From time to time, the Company has experienced shortages or interruptions in supply for certain products or components used in the manufacture of the Company’s products that have been or will be discontinued. In order to ensure an adequate supply of these items, the Company has occasionally purchased quantities of these items that are in excess of the Company’s then current estimate of short-term requirements. For example, to ensure supply, the Company procured a substantial quantity of a certain component used in one of its Systems products. If the long-term requirements do not materialize as originally expected, or if the Company develops alternative solutions that no longer employ these items and the Company is not able to dispose of these excess products or components, the Company could be subject to increased levels of excess and obsolete inventories.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates and judgments are used for revenue recognition, performance-based equity compensation, inventory valuation, allowance for warranty costs, and other loss contingencies. In order to determine the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources, the Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially from management’s estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an update to ASC 220: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. Under this update, an entity is required to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (”AOCI”) by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. The update to ASC 220 should be applied prospectively.  The Company adopted the update in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 and noted no material impact to its disclosures.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s revenues are derived from the sale and license of its products and to a lesser extent, from fees associated with training, technical support, and custom software design services offered to its customers. Product revenues consist of revenues from hardware sales and software licensing arrangements. Service revenues consist of product technical support (including software post-contract support services), training, and custom software development services.
	The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery to the customer’s carrier (and acceptance, as applicable) has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability is probable, and there are no post-delivery obligations. For non-distributor hardware sales, including sales to third party manufacturers, these criteria are generally met at the time of delivery to the customer’s carrier. However, for arrangements that contain contractual acceptance provisions, revenue recognition may be delayed until acceptance by the customer or the acceptance provisions lapse unless the Company can objectively demonstrate that the contractual acceptance criteria have been satisfied, which is generally accomplished by establishing a history of acceptance for the same or similar products.  For sales made to the Company’s distributor partners, revenue recognition criteria are generally met at the time the distributor sells the products through to its end-use customer. Service revenue is recognized as the training services are performed, or ratably over the term of the support period.
	The Company accounts for the rights of return, price protection, rebates, and other sales incentives offered to distributors of its products as a reduction in revenue. With the exception of sales to distributors, the Company’s customers are generally not entitled to return products for a refund. For sales to distributors, due to contractual rights of return and other factors that impact our ability to make a reasonable estimate of future returns and other sales incentives, revenues are not recognized until the distributor has shipped its products to the end customer.
	The Company’s multiple deliverable revenue arrangements are primarily related to sales of its Systems products, which may include, within a single arrangement, electricity meters, data concentrators and related hardware (collectively, the “Hardware”); NES system software; Element Manager software; post-contract customer support (“PCS”) for the NES system and Element Manager software; extended warranties for the Hardware; and, occasionally, specified enhancements or upgrades to software used in the NES system. With the exception of the NES system software, each of these deliverables is considered a separate unit of accounting. The NES system software functions together with an electricity meter to deliver its essential functionality and any related software license fee is charged for on a per meter basis. Therefore, the NES system software and an electricity meter are combined and considered a single unit of accounting. The Element Manager software is not considered to be part of an electricity meter’s essential functionality and, therefore, Element Manager software and any related PCS continues to be accounted for under industry specific software revenue recognition guidance. However, all other NES system deliverables are no longer within the scope of industry specific software revenue recognition guidance.
	The Company allocates revenue to each element in a multiple-element arrangement based upon their relative selling price. The Company determines the selling price for each deliverable using vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of selling price or third party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price, if it exists. If neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price exists for a deliverable, the Company uses its best estimated selling price (“BESP”) for that deliverable. Since the use of the residual method is eliminated under the new accounting standards, any discounts offered by the Company are allocated to each of the deliverables. Revenue allocated to each element is then recognized when the basic revenue recognition criteria is met for the respective element.
	Consistent with its methodology under previous accounting guidance, if available, the Company determines VSOE of fair value for each element based on historical stand-alone sales to third parties or from the stated renewal rate for the elements contained in the initial contractual arrangement. The Company currently estimates selling prices for its PCS and extended warranties based on VSOE of fair value.
	In many instances, the Company is not currently able to obtain VSOE of fair value for all deliverables in an arrangement with multiple elements. This may be due to the Company infrequently selling each element separately or not pricing products within a narrow range. When VSOE cannot be established, the Company attempts to estimate the selling price of each element based on TPE. TPE would consist of competitor prices for similar deliverables when sold separately. Generally, the Company’s offerings contain significant differentiation such that the comparable pricing of products with similar functionality cannot be obtained. Furthermore, the Company is unable to reliably determine the stand-alone selling prices for similar products of its competitors. Therefore, the Company is typically not able to obtain TPE of selling price.
	When the Company is unable to establish a selling price using VSOE or TPE, which is generally the case for the Hardware and certain specified enhancements or upgrades to the Company’s NES software, the Company uses its BESP in determining the allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which the Company would transact a sale if the product or service were sold on a stand-alone basis. BESP is generally used for offerings that are not typically sold on a stand-alone basis or for new or highly customized offerings.
	The Company establishes pricing for its products and services by considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, geographies, market conditions, competitive landscape, internal costs, gross margin objectives, and industry pricing practices. The determination of pricing also includes consultation with and formal approval by the Company’s management, taking into consideration the Company’s go-to-market strategy. These pricing practices apply to both the Company’s Hardware and software products.
	Based on an analysis of pricing stated in contractual arrangements for its Hardware products in historical multiple-element transactions and, to a lesser extent, historical standalone transactions, the Company has concluded that it typically prices its Hardware within a narrow range of discounts when compared to the price listed on the Company’s standard pricing grid for similar deliverables (i.e., similar configuration, volume, geography, etc.). Therefore, the Company has determined that, for its current Hardware for which VSOE or TPE is not available, the Company’s BESP is generally comprised of prices based on a narrow range of discounts from pricing stated in its pricing grid.
	When establishing BESP for the Company’s specified software enhancements or upgrades, the Company considers multiple factors including, but not limited to, the relative value of the features and functionality being delivered by the enhancement or upgrade as compared to the value of the software product to which the enhancement or upgrade relates, as well as the Company’s pricing practices for NES system software PCS packages, which may include rights to the specified enhancements or upgrades.
	The Company regularly reviews VSOE and has established a review process for TPE and BESP. The Company maintains internal controls over the establishment and updates of these estimates. There were no material impacts during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, resulting from changes in VSOE, TPE, or BESP, nor does the Company expect a material impact from such changes in the near term.
Deferred Revenue and Deferred Cost of Goods Sold [Policy Text Block]	'
	Deferred Revenue and Deferred Cost of Goods Sold
	Deferred revenue consists substantially of amounts billed or payments received in advance of revenue recognition. Deferred cost of goods sold related to deferred product revenues includes direct product costs and applied overhead. Deferred cost of goods sold related to deferred service revenues includes direct labor costs and applied overhead. Once all revenue recognition criteria have been met, the deferred revenues and associated cost of goods sold are recognized.

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis	'
	The fair value of the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was determined using the following inputs at December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Money market funds (1)	$	5,243	$	5,243	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government securities(2)	42,979		—		42,979		—
	Total	$	48,222	$	5,243	$	42,979	$	—
	(1)    Included in cash and cash equivalents in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets
	(2)	Represents our portfolio of available for sale securities that is included in short-term investments in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets
	The fair value of the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis was determined using the following inputs at September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Money market funds (1)	$	5,257	$	5,257	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government securities(2)	42,988		—		42,988		—
	Total	$	48,245	$	5,257	$	42,988	$	—
Fair value of short term investment unrealized holdings and gains	'
	The amortized cost basis, aggregate fair value and gross unrealized holding gains and losses for the Company’s available-for-sale short-term investments, by major security type, were as follows as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Aggregate Fair Value		Unrealized Holding Gains		Unrealized Holding Losses
	U.S. government securities	$	42,971	$	42,979	$	8	$	—
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s available-for-sale securities had contractual maturities from ten to twelve months and an average remaining term to maturity of seven months. As of September 30, 2013, the amortized cost basis, aggregate fair value, and gross unrealized holding gains and losses of the Company’s short-term investments by major security type were as follows (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Aggregate Fair Value		Unrealized Holding Gains		Unrealized Holding Losses
	U.S. government securities	$	42,971	$	42,988	$	17	$	—

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net loss per share computations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Net loss (Numerator):
	Net loss, basic & diluted	$	(3,513	)	$	(4,264	)	$	(13,587	)	$	(8,713	)
	Shares (Denominator):
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,184			42,806			43,039			42,564
	Shares used in basic computation	43,184			42,806			43,039			42,564
	Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	—			—			—			—
	Shares used in diluted computation	43,184			42,806			43,039			42,564
	Net loss per share:
	Basic	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.32	)	$	(0.20	)
	Diluted	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.10	)	$	(0.32	)	$	(0.20	)

Recovered_Sheet1

Stockholders' Equity And Employee Stock Option Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans [Abstract]	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'
	Stock-based Compensation Expense
	The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and its allocation within the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Cost of revenues:
	Cost of product	$	81	$	166	$	138	$	462
	Cost of service	10		31		35		82
	Operating expenses:
	Product development	276		619		533		1,874
	Sales and marketing	194		455		665		1,460
	General and administrative	394		535		806		1,687
	Total	$	955	$	1,806	$	2,177	$	5,565

Significant_Customers_Tables

Significant Customers (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Revenues attributable to sales to major customers	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the percentage of the Company’s revenues attributable to sales made to these customers was as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Telvent	8	%	22	%	16.8	%	29.5	%
	Avnet	17.1	%	8.4	%	13.8	%	7.4	%
	Enel	14	%	6.1	%	12.6	%	3.2	%
	Ubitronix	4.7	%	3.1	%	9.8	%	2.1	%
	Duke	1.1	%	9.6	%	6	%	16.4	%
	Ericsson	12.8	%	—	%	3.4	%	—	%
	Eltel	0.2	%	13.7	%	1.3	%	9.6	%
	Total	57.9	%	62.9	%	63.7	%	68.2	%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
		Foreign currency translation adjustment			Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		(Amount in thousands)			(Amount in thousands)		(Amount in thousands)
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2012	$	501		$	8	$	509
	Change during January- March 2013	(446		)	—		(446		)
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	55		$	8	$	63
	Change during April-June 2013	$	169		$	—	$	169
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	224		$	8	$	232
	Current period change	539			9		548
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	763		$	17	$	780

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Purchased materials	$	1,568	$	2,081
	Work‑in‑process	28		—
	Finished goods	6,446		9,648
		$	8,042	$	11,729

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Accrued payroll and related costs	$	3,287	$	3,237
	Warranty reserve	558		419
	Restructuring charges	106		149
	Litigation charges	1,831		—
	Accrued taxes	110		117
	Other accrued liabilities	682		715
		$	6,574	$	4,637

Segment_Disclosure_Tables

Segment Disclosure (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Revenue information by product line	'
	Summary revenue information by product line for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Systems	$	7,759	$	17,806	$	34,293	$	74,526
	Sub-systems	10,255		11,258		33,739		35,693
	Total	$	18,014	$	29,064	$	68,032	$	110,219
Revenue information by geography	'
	Summary revenue information by geography for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Americas	$	3,599	$	6,322	$	14,404	$	31,098
	EMEA	11,626		18,723		45,549		68,203
	APJ	2,789		4,019		8,079		10,918
	Total	$	18,014	$	29,064	$	68,032	$	110,219

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the Company’s May 2012 restructuring program (in thousands):
		1-Jan-13		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments		September 30, 2013
	Termination benefits	$	149	$	—	$	74	$	75
February 2013 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the Company's February 2013 restructuring program (in thousands):
		1-Jan-13		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments		September 30, 2013
	Termination benefits	$	—	$	2,522	$	2,491	$	31

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of Major Customers	7	7	7	7
Percentage of net revenue	57.90%	62.90%	63.70%	68.20%

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis	'		'
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	$42,988		$42,979
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis	'		'
Money market funds	5,257	[1]	5,243	[1]
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Total	5,257		5,243
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'		'
Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis	'		'
Money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	42,988	[2]	42,979	[2]
Total	42,988		42,979
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'		'
Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis	'		'
Money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Total	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis	'		'
Money market funds	5,257	[1]	5,243	[1]
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	42,988	[2]	42,979	[2]
Total	$48,245		$48,222
[1]	Included in cash and cash equivalents in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets
[2]	Represents our portfolio of available for sale securities that is included in short-term investments in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets

Financial_InstrumentsAvailable

Financial Instruments-Available for Sale Securities (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value of short term investment unrealized holdings and gains	'	'
Amortized Cost	$42,971	$42,971
Aggregate fair value	42,988	42,979
Unrealized Holdings gains	17	8
Unrealized Holdings Losses	$0	$0

Financial_Instruments_Details_

Financial Instruments (Details Textual)	Sep. 30, 2013
Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Short-term investments contractual maturity period minimum	10
Maximum remaining maturities period of investments included in cash equivalents	3
Short-term investments contractual maturity period maximum	12
Average short-term investments maturity period	7

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net loss (Numerator):	'	'	'	'
Net loss, basic and diluted	($3,513)	($4,264)	($13,587)	($8,713)
Shares (Denominator):	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,184	42,806	43,039	42,564
Shares used in basic computation	43,184	42,806	43,039	42,564
Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	0	0	0	0
Shares used in diluted computation	43,184	42,806	43,039	42,564
Net loss per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.08)	($0.10)	($0.32)	($0.20)
Diluted	($0.08)	($0.10)	($0.32)	($0.20)

Earnings_Per_Share_Details_Tex

Earnings Per Share (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earning Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of stock option, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock units	6,091,405	6,235,795	6,091,405	6,235,795
Number of potentially dilutive stock options	0	0	0	0

Stockholders_Equity_and_Employ1

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	$955	$1,806	$2,177	$5,565
Cost of product [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	81	166	138	462
Cost of service [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	10	31	35	82
Product development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	276	619	533	1,874
Sales and marketing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	194	455	665	1,460
General and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	$394	$535	$806	$1,687

Stockholders_Equity_and_Employ2

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	0	0	0	0
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$0	$0	$0	$0
Total fair value of RSUs vested and released	416,000	723,000	1,154,000	3,400,000
Non-vested restricted stock units and restricted stock awards	212,500	'	212,500	'
Cumulative expense recognized	'	'	$570,000	'

Significant_Customers_Details_

Significant Customers (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	57.90%	62.90%	63.70%	68.20%
Significant Customers (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Numbers of customers	7	7	7	7
Telvent [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	8.00%	22.00%	16.80%	29.50%
Avnet [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	17.10%	8.40%	13.80%	7.40%
Enel [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	14.00%	6.10%	12.60%	3.20%
Ubitronix [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	4.70%	3.10%	9.80%	2.10%
Duke [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	1.10%	9.60%	6.00%	16.40%
Ericsson [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	12.80%	0.00%	3.40%	0.00%
Eltel [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	0.20%	13.70%	1.30%	9.60%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Litigation Charges	$0	$0	$3,452,000	$0
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Return of payments received for components sold	'	'	$16,700,000	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Line of Credit (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Line of Credit Maintained	$5,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	1-Jul-14
Number of Letter of Credit	1
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$113,000

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Balance at beginning of period	$232	$63	$509
Balance at end of period	780	232	63
Current period change	548	169	-446
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	224	55	501
Balance at end of period	763	224	55
Current period change	539	169	-446
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	8	8	8
Balance at end of period	17	8	8
Current period change	$9	$0	$0

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves	$1,568	$2,081
Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves	28	0
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves	6,446	9,648
Inventory, Net	$8,042	$11,729

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	$3,287	$3,237
Warranty reserve	558	419
Restructuring charges	106	149
Litigation Charges	1,831	0
Accrued taxes	110	117
Other accrued liabilities	682	715
Accrued liabilities	$6,574	$4,637

Segment_Disclosure_Details

Segment Disclosure (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue Information by product line [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	$18,014	[1]	$29,064	[1]	$68,032	[1]	$110,219	[1]
Systems [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue Information by product line [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	7,759		17,806		34,293		74,526
Sub-systems [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue Information by product line [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	$10,255		$11,258		$33,739		$35,693
[1]	Includes related party amounts of $2,523 and $1,768 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $8,600 and $3,527 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. See Note 12 for additional information on related par

Segment_Disclosure_Details_1

Segment Disclosure (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	$18,014	[1]	$29,064	[1]	$68,032	[1]	$110,219	[1]
Americas [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	3,599		6,322		14,404		31,098
EMEA [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	11,626		18,723		45,549		68,203
APJ [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	$2,789		$4,019		$8,079		$10,918
[1]	Includes related party amounts of $2,523 and $1,768 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $8,600 and $3,527 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. See Note 12 for additional information on related par

Segment_Disclosure_Details_Tex

Segment Disclosure (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Disclosure (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Long-lived assets US	$25.30	$27.70
Number of Reportable Segments	1	'
Number of primary product lines	2	'
Number of geographic areas	3	'

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$113,000	$57,000	$256,000	$148,000	'
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	2,400,000	'	2,400,000	'	3,400,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	585,000	'	585,000	'	670,000
Accrued for interest and penalties	122,000	'	122,000	'	140,000
Reduction in gross unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	$18,000	'	'

Related_Parties_Details_Textua

Related Parties (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2000	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Parties - Enel (Additional Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	'	'	$130,700,000	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	'	'	3,000,000	'	'	'
Accounts receivable balance related to amounts owed by Enel and its designated manufacturers	5,300,000	'	'	5,300,000	'	1,600,000
Number of shares sold by Related Party.	0	'	'	0	'	'
Number of board members Related Party can nominate	1	'	'	1	'	'
Number of Related Party Representatives on Board	0	'	'	0	'	'
Revenue from Related Parties	$2,523,000	$1,768,000	'	$8,600,000	$3,527,000	'

Restructuring_Plan_Details

Restructuring Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 02, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jan. 02, 2012
						May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	February 2013 Restructuring Plan [Member]	February 2013 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	'	'	'	'	$149	'	$0
Restructuring charges	0	0	2,522	1,176	'	0	'	2,522	'
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	'	'	'	'	'	74	'	2,491	'
Restructuring Reserve, Current	$106	'	$106	'	$149	$75	'	$31	'

Restructuring_Plan_Details_Tex

Restructuring Plan (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	$1.20
Number of Employees Reduced by Restructuring	42
February 2013 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	$2.50
Number of Employees Reduced by Restructuring	43

Joint_Venture_Details_Textual

Joint Venture (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Joint Venture (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	($266,000)	($156,000)	($590,000)	($156,000)
Ownership interest in the joint venture	51.00%	'	51.00%	'
Registered capital of the Joint venture	$4,000,000	'	$4,000,000	'