Echelon 10-Q 9 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ECHELON CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000031347	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	43,366,556

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$17,311		$14,648
Short-term investments	37,991		42,987
Accounts receivable, net	9,880	[1]	10,522	[1]
Inventories	5,618		6,445
Deferred cost of goods sold	1,600		1,649
Other current assets	2,199		2,040
Total current assets	74,599		78,291
Property and equipment, net	18,119		18,670
Goodwill	8,390		8,390
Other long-term assets	774		777
Total assets	101,882		106,128
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'		'
Accounts payable	6,290		5,424
Accrued liabilities	5,552		7,395
Current portion of lease financing obligations	2,314		2,257
Deferred revenues	6,762		6,125
Total current liabilities	20,918		21,201
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'		'
Lease financing obligations, excluding current portion	15,330		15,928
Other long-term liabilities	927		1,022
Total long-term liabilities	16,257		16,950
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'		'
Common stock	466		466
Additional paid-in capital	355,567		354,680
Treasury stock	-28,130		-28,130
Accumulated other comprehensive income	948		1,015
Accumulated deficit	-264,816		-260,843
Total Echelon Corporation stockholders' equity	64,035		67,188
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	672		789
Total stockholders' equity	64,707		67,977
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$101,882		$106,128
[1]	Includes related party receivable of $1.6 million as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Abstract]	'	'
Related Parties Account Receivable Current	$1,600	$1,628

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:	'		'
Product	$16,128		$24,250
Service	1,663		932
Total revenues	17,791	[1]	25,182	[1]
Cost of revenues:	'		'
Cost of product	8,739	[2]	13,078	[2]
Cost of service	405	[2]	328	[2]
Total cost of revenues	9,144		13,406
Gross profit	8,647	[3]	11,776	[3]
Operating expenses:	'		'
Product development	5,073	[2]	6,744	[2]
Sales and marketing	3,642	[2]	4,493	[2]
General and administrative	3,770	[2]	3,886	[2]
Litigation Charges	0		3,452
Restructuring charges	0		2,522
Total operating expenses	12,485		21,097
Loss from operations	-3,838		-9,321
Interest and other income, net	11		284
Interest expense on lease financing obligations	-288		-321
Loss before provision for income taxes	-4,115		-9,358
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-25		37
Net loss	-4,090		-9,395
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	117		148
Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($3,973)		($9,247)
Net loss per share:	'		'
Basic	($0.09)		($0.22)
Diluted	($0.09)		($0.22)
Shares used in computing net loss per share:	'		'
Basic	43,264		42,929
Diluted	43,264		42,929
[1]	Includes related party amounts of $1,549 and $1,890 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 12 for additional information on related par
[2]	See Note 4 for summary of amounts included representing stock-based compensation expense.
[3]	1 Represents unallocated share based compensation expenses considered in GAAP results as part of cost of revenues, but excluded from segment gross profit calculation as presented to the CODM. This amount has been presented to reconcile the segment gross profit to total gross profit presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Revenue from related parties	$1,549	$1,890

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Compehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'	'
Net loss	($4,090)	($9,395)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-66	-446
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	-1	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-67	-446
Comprehensive loss	-4,157	-9,841
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	117	148
Comprehensive loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($4,040)	($9,693)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net loss Including noncontrolling interest	($4,090)	($9,395)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	923	1,058
Increase in allowance for doubtful accounts	33	11
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	3	3
Reduction in (Increase in) accrued investment income	5	-6
Stock-based compensation	883	1,383
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	609	609
Inventories	824	1,172
Deferred cost of goods sold	33	-117
Other current assets	22	-514
Accounts payable	605	-809
Accrued liabilities	-1,912	5,197
Deferred revenues	647	-297
Deferred rent	-9	-9
Net cash used in operating activities	-1,424	-1,714
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of available-for-sale short-term investments	-8,993	-12,984
Proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale short-term investments	13,983	12,990
Change in other long-term assets	3	6
Capital expenditures	-302	-172
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	4,691	-160
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Principal payments of lease financing obligations	-541	-503
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	17	0
Proceeds from noncontrolling interests	0	0
Repurchase of common stock from employees for payment of taxes on vesting of restricted stock units and upon exercise of stock options	-7	-17
Net cash used in financing activities	-531	-520
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	-73	-392
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2,663	-2,786
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'
Beginning of period	14,648	18,876
End of period	17,311	16,090
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'
Cash paid for interest on lease financing obligations	285	318
Cash paid for income taxes	$103	$123

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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, 2013 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, 2013.
	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 45.3% of net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were derived from five 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 Grid 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 Grid 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
	None noted.
	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 Grid 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 months ended March 31, 2014, 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014 (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)	$	10,252	$	10,252	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government securities(2)	37,991		—		37,991		—
	Total	$	48,243	$	10,252	$	37,991	$	—
	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, 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)	$	5,254	$	5,254	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government securities(2)	42,987		—		42,987		—
	Total	$	48,241	$	5,254	$	42,987	$	—
	(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 March 31, 2014, the Company’s available-for-sale securities had contractual maturities from four to twelve months and an average remaining term to maturity of five months. As of March 31, 2014, 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	$	37,984	$	37,991	$	7	$	—
	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, 2013 (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Aggregate Fair Value		Unrealized Holding Gains		Unrealized Holding Losses
	U.S. government securities	$	42,979	$	42,987	$	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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net loss (Numerator):
	Net loss, basic & diluted	$	(3,973	)	$	(9,247	)
	Shares (Denominator):
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,264			42,929
	Shares used in basic computation	43,264			42,929
	Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	—			—
	Shares used in diluted computation	43,264			42,929
	Net loss per share:
	Basic	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.22	)
	Diluted	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.22	)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 5,510,523 and 5,555,404, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Employ

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and its allocation within the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Cost of revenues:
	Cost of product	$	108	$	143
	Cost of service	27		15
	Operating expenses:
	Product development	343		542
	Sales and marketing	89		308
	General and administrative	316		375
	Total	$	883	$	1,383
	Stock Award Activity
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $3,000 and $0., respectively. 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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $28,000 and $26,000, 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 March 31, 2014, there were 195,000 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 June 30, 2012, cumulative compensation expense of $375,000 associated with these 195,000 unvested RSUs and RSAs was 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, the Company believed that the performance condition was no longer probable of achievement; however the Company had also not yet determined that the performance condition was improbable of achievement. Hence, expense recognition was discontinued beginning in the third quarter of 2012. As of December 31, 2013, the Company determined that the performance condition was improbable of achievement and therefore the cumulative compensation expense of $375,000 associated with these awards was reversed. The Company continues to believe that the performance condition is improbable of achievement and therefore no expense was booked during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Significant_Customers

Significant Customers	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had five customers that accounted for a significant portion of its revenues: Avnet Europe Comm VA (“Avnet”), the Company’s primary distributors of its IIoT products in Europe, Duke Energy Corporation (“Duke”), a U.S. utility company; Enel Distribuzione Spa ("Enel"), an Italian utility company; and Ubitronix System Solutions GmBh ("Ubitronix") and Telvent Energia y Medioambiente SA (“Telvent”), value added resellers of the Company’s Grid products. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the percentage of the Company’s revenues attributable to sales made to these customers was as follows:
			Three Months Ended
		Segment	March 31,
			2014		2013
	Avnet	IIoT	16.9	%	12.7	%
	Enel	IIoT	8.7	%	7.5	%
	Ubitronix	Grid	8.3	%	12.7	%
	Duke	Grid	6.9	%	9.3	%
	Telvent	Grid	4.5	%	22	%
	Total		45.3	%	64.2	%

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 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 financial settlement of $3.5 million and recognized a charge for this amount in the first quarter of 2013. This settlement was formalized and became effective in the fourth quarter of 2013, 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 did not 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 March 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. As of March 31, 2014, 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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, 2013	$	1,007		$	8		$	1,015
	Change during January- March 2014	(66		)	(1		)	(67		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	941		$	7		$	948
	None of the above amounts have been reclassified to the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Purchased materials	$	1,261	$	1,343
	Finished goods	4,357		5,102
		$	5,618	$	6,445

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	9. Accrued Liabilities:
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued payroll and related costs	$	2,656	$	3,885
	Warranty reserve	494		515
	Restructuring charges	31		49
	Customer deposits	131		643
	Litigation charges	1,875		1,875
	Accrued taxes	15		75
	Other accrued liabilities	350		353
		$	5,552	$	7,395

Segment_Disclosure

Segment Disclosure	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Disclosure	'
	10.    Segment Disclosure:
	ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting, establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments, products and services, geographic areas of operations and major customers. 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 (CODM).
	Prior to the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company operated as one operating segment. Effective in the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company changed the way it managed the business to focus the business on two operating segments based on homogeneity of products and technology- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Grid Modernization (Grid). As a result of the change, product families and services were organized and evaluated within the above mentioned operating segments.
	The Company’s IIoT segment sells products and services aimed at Horizontal Embedded Control Platforms, such as LONWORKS and IzoT, which include components, control nodes, and development software, and which are sold typically to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to build into their industrial application solutions. These platforms allow a single device to be brought to market as a LONWORKS®, BACnet®, or other protocol-supporting device; and it can be used with any underlying wired or wireless communications link, such as Ethernet, RS-485, Wi-Fi, 15.4, or Echelon’s free topology (FT) standard. The IzoT platform provides a smooth migration path for legacy devices to the IIoT. The product portfolio includes Smart Transceivers, SmartServer Controllers, LNS and OpenLNS Operating Systems, Outdoor Lighting Controllers, SmartServer Segment Controllers and PL/RF Bridges.
	The Company’s Grid segment primarily offers vertical solutions and platform components that connect homes to the grid and allow utilities to accurately collect billing data and vital health statistics with a high degree of field-proven reliability. In addition to usage data required for billing the consumer, this segment's products collect a large number of power quality metrics at the smart meter and from other devices such as distribution transformers. This data can be used in applications such as transformer monitoring, theft detection, and fault detection to guide preventive maintenance and to reduce energy loss. The product portfolio includes Smart Meters, Distributed Control Nodes (DCNs) or Data Concentrators, NES System Software, Element Manager and Control Point Modules.
	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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, long-lived assets of approximately $24.0 million and $24.6 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 CODM allocates resources and assesses performance of operating segments based on a non-GAAP measure of segment contribution margin comprising revenue, direct costs and operating expenses, such as standard cost of goods sold, research and development, and sales and marketing expenses; indirect costs, such as manufacturing overhead and other cost of revenues allocated based on factors including headcount, usage, and revenue, as well as the benefit from allocation of loss to noncontrolling interest (this impact is solely noted in the Grid segment). The CODM does not allocate to the Company's business segments certain operating expenses managed separately at the corporate level. Corporate unallocated expenses include general and administrative costs, stock-based compensation expenses, restructuring charges and other one-time, non-routine charges. Operating segments do not generate inter-segment revenue. We do not allocate gains and losses from interest and other income, or taxes to operating segments. The accounting policies for each segment are the same as those disclosed by the Company for its condensed consolidated financial statements.
	The following table summarizes financial information for each segment used by the CODM for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Grid			IIoT		Shared/ Corporate			Stock Compensation expenses			Adjustments to reconcile to GAAP reported amounts			Company-wide total
	Revenues	$	6,867		$	10,924	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	17,791
	Segment gross profit 1	1,909			6,873		—			(135		)				8,647
	Segment contribution	(2,104		)	2,720		(3,454		)	(883		)	—			(3,721		)
	Corporate unallocated expenses
	Interest and other income, net												11			11
	Interest expense on lease financing obligations												(288		)	(288		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)												$	(25	)	$	(25	)
	Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders															$	(3,973	)
	1 Represents unallocated share based compensation expenses considered in GAAP results as part of cost of revenues, but excluded from segment gross profit calculation as presented to the CODM. This amount has been presented to reconcile the segment gross profit to total gross profit presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
	The following table summarizes financial information for each segment used by the CODM for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Grid			IIoT		Shared/ Corporate			Stock Compensation expenses			Adjustments to reconcile to GAAP reported amounts			Company-wide total
	Revenues	$	13,418		$	11,764	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	25,182
	Segment gross profit 1	4,470			7,464		—			(158		)				11,776
	Segment contribution	(1,369		)	3,064		(3,511		)	(1,383		)	—			(3,199		)
	Corporate unallocated expenses
	Litigation charges												(3,452		)	(3,452		)
	Restructuring charges												(2,522		)	(2,522		)
	Interest and other income, net												284			284
	Interest expense on lease financing obligations												(321		)	(321		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)												$	37		$	37
	Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders															$	(9,247	)
	1 Represents unallocated share based compensation expenses considered in GAAP results as part of cost of revenues, but excluded from segment gross profit calculation as presented to the CODM. This amount has been presented to reconcile the segment gross profit to total gross profit presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
	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, value-added resellers, and local distributors, primarily in EMEA and APJ. 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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Americas	$	5,145		$	6,069
	EMEA	8,880			16,580
	APJ	3,766			2,533
	Total	$	17,791		$	25,182
	For information regarding the Company’s major customers, please refer to Note 5, Significant Customers.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	11. Income Taxes:
	The (benefit)/provision for income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $(25,000) and $37,000, 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of which $543,000 and $575,000, 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had accrued $98,000 and $134,000, respectively, for interest and penalties. The $42,000 reduction in gross unrecognized tax benefits during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily attributable to the expiration of the statute of limitations in certain foreign jurisdictions.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that provides explicit guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carry-forward or a tax credit carry-forward exists, with the purpose of reducing diversity in practice. Under the new standard update, with certain exceptions, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward or a tax credit carryforward. This accounting standard update became effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2014. As the Company’s disclosures already conform to the required presentation, adoption of this standard does not impact the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

Related_Parties

Related Parties	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized revenue from products and services sold to Enel and its designated manufacturers of approximately $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2014, as well as December 31, 2013, $1.6 million of the Company’s total accounts receivable balance related to amounts owed by Enel and its designated manufacturers.

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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-14		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments		March 31, 2014
	Termination benefits	$	49	$	—	$	18	$	31
	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 and paid restructuring charges of approximately $2.5 million related to termination benefits for these personnel during 2013.
	Accrued restructuring charges as of March 31, 2014 comprise the remaining liability balance from the May 2012 restructuring and are reflected in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2014. The Company expects to pay these accrued termination benefits by June 2014.

Joint_Venture

Joint Venture	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 is intended to 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 March 31, 2014 and for the three 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 March 31, 2014. Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Echelon-Holley was $117,000 and $148,000 during three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2014, 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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, 2013 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, 2013.
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 45.3% of net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014 were derived from five 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 Grid 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 Grid 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
	None noted.
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 Grid 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 months ended March 31, 2014, 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 March 31, 2014 (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)	$	10,252	$	10,252	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government securities(2)	37,991		—		37,991		—
	Total	$	48,243	$	10,252	$	37,991	$	—
	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, 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)	$	5,254	$	5,254	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government securities(2)	42,987		—		42,987		—
	Total	$	48,241	$	5,254	$	42,987	$	—
	(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
Fair value of short term investment unrealized holdings and gains	'
	As of March 31, 2014, 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	$	37,984	$	37,991	$	7	$	—
	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, 2013 (in thousands):
		Amortized Cost		Aggregate Fair Value		Unrealized Holding Gains		Unrealized Holding Losses
	U.S. government securities	$	42,979	$	42,987	$	8	$	—

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Net loss (Numerator):
	Net loss, basic & diluted	$	(3,973	)	$	(9,247	)
	Shares (Denominator):
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,264			42,929
	Shares used in basic computation	43,264			42,929
	Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	—			—
	Shares used in diluted computation	43,264			42,929
	Net loss per share:
	Basic	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.22	)
	Diluted	$	(0.09	)	$	(0.22	)

Recovered_Sheet1

Stockholders' Equity And Employee Stock Option Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and its allocation within the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Cost of revenues:
	Cost of product	$	108	$	143
	Cost of service	27		15
	Operating expenses:
	Product development	343		542
	Sales and marketing	89		308
	General and administrative	316		375
	Total	$	883	$	1,383

Significant_Customers_Tables

Significant Customers (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Revenues attributable to sales to major customers	'
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the percentage of the Company’s revenues attributable to sales made to these customers was as follows:
			Three Months Ended
		Segment	March 31,
			2014		2013
	Avnet	IIoT	16.9	%	12.7	%
	Enel	IIoT	8.7	%	7.5	%
	Ubitronix	Grid	8.3	%	12.7	%
	Duke	Grid	6.9	%	9.3	%
	Telvent	Grid	4.5	%	22	%
	Total		45.3	%	64.2	%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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, 2013	$	1,007		$	8		$	1,015
	Change during January- March 2014	(66		)	(1		)	(67		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	941		$	7		$	948

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Purchased materials	$	1,261	$	1,343
	Finished goods	4,357		5,102
		$	5,618	$	6,445

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued payroll and related costs	$	2,656	$	3,885
	Warranty reserve	494		515
	Restructuring charges	31		49
	Customer deposits	131		643
	Litigation charges	1,875		1,875
	Accrued taxes	15		75
	Other accrued liabilities	350		353
		$	5,552	$	7,395

Segment_Disclosure_Tables

Segment Disclosure (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes financial information for each segment used by the CODM for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Grid			IIoT		Shared/ Corporate			Stock Compensation expenses			Adjustments to reconcile to GAAP reported amounts			Company-wide total
	Revenues	$	6,867		$	10,924	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	17,791
	Segment gross profit 1	1,909			6,873		—			(135		)				8,647
	Segment contribution	(2,104		)	2,720		(3,454		)	(883		)	—			(3,721		)
	Corporate unallocated expenses
	Interest and other income, net												11			11
	Interest expense on lease financing obligations												(288		)	(288		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)												$	(25	)	$	(25	)
	Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders															$	(3,973	)
	1 Represents unallocated share based compensation expenses considered in GAAP results as part of cost of revenues, but excluded from segment gross profit calculation as presented to the CODM. This amount has been presented to reconcile the segment gross profit to total gross profit presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
	The following table summarizes financial information for each segment used by the CODM for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Grid			IIoT		Shared/ Corporate			Stock Compensation expenses			Adjustments to reconcile to GAAP reported amounts			Company-wide total
	Revenues	$	13,418		$	11,764	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	25,182
	Segment gross profit 1	4,470			7,464		—			(158		)				11,776
	Segment contribution	(1,369		)	3,064		(3,511		)	(1,383		)	—			(3,199		)
	Corporate unallocated expenses
	Litigation charges												(3,452		)	(3,452		)
	Restructuring charges												(2,522		)	(2,522		)
	Interest and other income, net												284			284
	Interest expense on lease financing obligations												(321		)	(321		)
	Income tax expense (benefit)												$	37		$	37
	Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders															$	(9,247	)
	1 Represents unallocated share based compensation expenses considered in GAAP results as part of cost of revenues, but excluded from segment gross profit calculation as presented to the CODM. This amount has been presented to reconcile the segment gross profit to total gross profit presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
Revenue information by geography	'
	Summary revenue information by geography for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Americas	$	5,145		$	6,069
	EMEA	8,880			16,580
	APJ	3,766			2,533
	Total	$	17,791		$	25,182

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables) (May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'
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-14		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments		March 31, 2014
	Termination benefits	$	49	$	—	$	18	$	31

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Number of Major Customers	5	'
Percentage of net revenue	45.30%	64.20%

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis	'		'
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	$37,991		$42,987
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'		'
Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis	'		'
Money market funds	10,252	[1]	5,254	[1]
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Total	10,252		5,254
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	37,991	[2]	42,987	[2]
Total	37,991		42,987
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	10,252	[1]	5,254	[1]
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	37,991	[2]	42,987	[2]
Total	$48,243		$48,241
[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 $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair value of short term investment unrealized holdings and gains	'	'
Amortized Cost	$37,984	$42,979
Aggregate fair value	37,991	42,987
Unrealized Holdings gains	7	8
Unrealized Holdings Losses	$0	$0

Financial_Instruments_Details_

Financial Instruments (Details Textual)	Mar. 31, 2014
Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Short-term investments contractual maturity period minimum	4
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	5

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net loss (Numerator):	'	'
Net loss, basic and diluted	($3,973)	($9,247)
Shares (Denominator):	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,264	42,929
Shares used in basic computation	43,264	42,929
Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	0	0
Shares used in diluted computation	43,264	42,929
Net loss per share:	'	'
Basic	($0.09)	($0.22)
Diluted	($0.09)	($0.22)

Earnings_Per_Share_Details_Tex

Earnings Per Share (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earning Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Number of stock option, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock units	5,510,523	5,555,404
Number of potentially dilutive stock options	0	0

Stockholders_Equity_and_Employ1

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	$883	$1,383
Cost of product [Member]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	108	143
Cost of service [Member]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	27	15
Product development [Member]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	343	542
Sales and marketing [Member]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	89	308
General and administrative [Member]	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	$316	$375

Stockholders_Equity_and_Employ2

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	23 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$3,000	$0	'	'
Total fair value of RSUs vested and released	28,000	26,000	'	'
Non-vested performance based awards	195,000	'	'	'
Cumulative expense recognized through June 2012	0	'	'	375,000
Cumulative expense reversed	'	'	$375,000	'

Significant_Customers_Details_

Significant Customers (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'
Total	45.30%	64.20%
Significant Customers (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Numbers of customers	5	'
Avnet [Member]	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'
Total	16.90%	12.70%
Enel [Member]	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'
Total	8.70%	7.50%
Ubitronix [Member]	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'
Total	8.30%	12.70%
Duke [Member]	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'
Total	6.90%	9.30%
Telvent [Member]	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'
Total	4.50%	22.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Litigation Charges	$0	$3,452,000
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 $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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	Mar. 31, 2014
Balance at beginning of period	$1,015
Balance at end of period	948
Current period change	-67
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'
Balance at beginning of period	1,007
Balance at end of period	941
Current period change	-66
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'
Balance at beginning of period	8
Balance at end of period	7
Current period change	($1)

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves	$1,261	$1,343
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves	4,357	5,102
Inventory, Net	$5,618	$6,445

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	$2,656	$3,885
Warranty reserve	494	515
Restructuring charges	31	49
Customer Deposits, Current	131	643
Litigation Charges	1,875	1,875
Accrued taxes	15	75
Other accrued liabilities	350	353
Accrued liabilities	$5,552	$7,395

Segment_Disclosure_Details

Segment Disclosure (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	$17,791	[1]	$25,182	[1]
Gross Profit	8,647	[2]	11,776	[2]
Segment contribution margin	-3,721		-3,199
Litigation Charges	0		-3,452
Restructuring charges	0		-2,522
Interest and other income, net	11		284
Interest Expense, Other	-288		-321
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-25		37
Net Loss Attributable to Parent	-3,973		-9,247
Grid [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	6,867		13,418
Gross Profit	1,909	[2]	4,470	[2]
Segment contribution margin	-2,104		-1,369
IIoT [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	10,924		11,764
Gross Profit	6,873	[2]	7,464	[2]
Segment contribution margin	2,720		3,064
Shared/ Corporate [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	0		0
Gross Profit	0	[2]	0	[2]
Segment contribution margin	-3,454		-3,511
Stock compensation [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	0		0
Gross Profit	-135	[2]	-158	[2]
Segment contribution margin	-883		-1,383
Adjustments to reconcile GAAP to reported amounts [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	0		0
Segment contribution margin	0		0
Litigation Charges	'		3,452
Restructuring charges	'		2,522
Interest and other income, net	11		284
Interest Expense, Other	288		321
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($25)		$37
[1]	Includes related party amounts of $1,549 and $1,890 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 12 for additional information on related par
[2]	1 Represents unallocated share based compensation expenses considered in GAAP results as part of cost of revenues, but excluded from segment gross profit calculation as presented to the CODM. This amount has been presented to reconcile the segment gross profit to total gross profit presented in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

Segment_Disclosure_Details_1

Segment Disclosure (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'
Revenues	$17,791	[1]	$25,182	[1]
Americas [Member]	'		'
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'
Revenues	5,145		6,069
EMEA [Member]	'		'
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'
Revenues	8,880		16,580
Asia Pacific [Member]	'		'
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'
Revenues	$3,766		$2,533
[1]	Includes related party amounts of $1,549 and $1,890 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 12 for additional information on related par

Segment_Disclosure_Details_Tex

Segment Disclosure (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Disclosure (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Long-lived assets US	$24	'	$24.60
Number of Reportable Segments	2	1	'
Number of geographic areas	3	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($25,000)	$37,000	'
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	1,700,000	'	2,100,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	543,000	'	575,000
Accrued for interest and penalties	98,000	'	134,000
Reduction in gross unrecognized tax benefits	$42,000	'	'

Related_Parties_Details_Textua

Related Parties (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2000	Dec. 31, 2013
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	1,600,000	'	'	1,628,000
Number of shares sold by Related Party.	0	'	'	'
Number of board members Related Party can nominate	'	1	'	'
Number of Related Party Representatives on Board	0	'	'	'
Revenue from Related Parties	$1,549,000	$1,890,000	'	'

Restructuring_Plan_Details

Restructuring Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$0	$2,522	'
Restructuring Reserve, Current	31	'	49
May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	49
Restructuring charges	0	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	18	'	'
Restructuring Reserve, Current	$31	'	'

Restructuring_Plan_Details_Tex

Restructuring Plan (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013
	May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	February 2013 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	$1.20	$2.50
Number of Employees Reduced by Restructuring	42	43

Joint_Venture_Details_Textual

Joint Venture (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Joint Venture (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	($117,000)	($148,000)
Ownership interest in the joint venture	51.00%	'
Registered capital of the Joint venture	$4,000,000	'