Echelon 10-Q 10 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
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-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	'	43,955,848

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$23,482		$14,648
Restricted Investments, Current	6,253		0
Short-term investments	20,993		42,987
Accounts receivable, net	3,453	[1]	10,522	[1]
Inventories	3,783		6,445
Deferred cost of goods sold	901		1,649
Other current assets	1,745		2,040
Current assets of discontinued operations held for sale	619		0
Total current assets	61,229		78,291
Property and equipment, net	10,994		18,670
Intangible assets, net	1,471		0
Goodwill	6,038		8,390
Other long-term assets	770		777
Long-term assets of discontinued operations held for sale	36		0
Total assets	80,538		106,128
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'		'
Accounts payable	3,630		5,424
Accrued liabilities	8,350		7,395
Current portion of lease financing obligations	2,424		2,257
Deferred revenues	3,216		6,125
Current liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale	1,055		0
Total current liabilities	18,675		21,201
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:	'		'
Lease financing obligations, excluding current portion	14,085		15,928
Other long-term liabilities	1,732		1,022
Total long-term liabilities	15,817		16,950
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'		'
Common stock	472		466
Additional paid-in capital	355,987		354,680
Treasury stock	-28,130		-28,130
Accumulated other comprehensive income	79		1,015
Accumulated deficit	-282,616		-260,843
Total Echelon Corporation stockholders' equity	45,792		67,188
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	254		789
Total stockholders' equity	46,046		67,977
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$80,538		$106,128
[1]	Includes related party receivable of none and $1.6 million as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) [Abstract]	'	'
Related Parties Account Receivable Current	$0	$1,600,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Product	$9,164,000		$10,161,000		$29,035,000		$33,269,000
Service	14,000		16,000		48,000		70,000
Total revenues	9,178,000	[1]	10,177,000	[1]	29,083,000	[1]	33,339,000	[1]
Cost of revenues:	'		'		'		'
Cost of product	3,877,000	[2]	3,711,000	[2]	11,586,000	[2]	12,742,000	[2]
Cost of service	303,000	[2]	84,000	[2]	916,000	[2]	345,000	[2]
Total cost of revenues	4,180,000		3,795,000		12,502,000		13,087,000
Gross profit	4,998,000		6,382,000		16,581,000		20,252,000
Operating expenses:	'		'		'		'
Product development	2,305,000	[2]	2,711,000	[2]	7,224,000	[2]	8,092,000	[2]
Sales and marketing	2,160,000	[2]	2,232,000	[2]	6,600,000	[2]	6,931,000	[2]
General and administrative	3,538,000	[2]	3,925,000	[2]	10,887,000	[2]	11,045,000	[2]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	'		'		3,388,000		0
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	4,409,000		0		4,409,000		0
Litigation Charges	0		0		0		3,452,000
Restructuring charges	227,000		0		227,000		'
Total operating expenses	12,639,000		8,868,000		29,347,000		31,774,000
Loss from operations	-7,641,000		-2,486,000		-12,766,000		-11,522,000
Interest and other income, net	719,000		-606,000		661,000		-486,000
Interest expense on lease financing obligations	-271,000		-305,000		-839,000		-938,000
Loss before provision for income taxes	-7,193,000		-3,397,000		-12,944,000		-12,946,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	33,000		113,000		114,000		256,000
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	-7,226,000		-3,510,000		-13,058,000		-13,202,000
Assets Held and Used, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0		'		0		'
Net loss	-9,367,000		-3,779,000		-22,308,000		-14,177,000
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-2,141,000		-269,000		-9,250,000		-975,000
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-179,000		266,000		535,000		590,000
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interest, net of income taxes	-179,000		-266,000		-535,000		-590,000
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders, net of income taxes	-1,962,000		-3,000		-8,715,000		-385,000
Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($9,188,000)		($3,513,000)		($21,773,000)		($13,587,000)
Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($0.17)		($0.08)		($0.30)		($0.31)
Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($0.05)		$0		($0.20)		($0.01)
Basic and diluted net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($0.21)		($0.08)		($0.50)		($0.32)
Shares used in computing net loss per share:	'		'		'		'
Basic	43,507		43,184		43,367		43,039
Diluted	43,507		43,184		43,367		43,039
[1]	Includes related party amounts of $683 and $499 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively; and related party amounts of $2,546 and $4,200 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 5 and Note 12 for additional information on related par
[2]	See Note 6 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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from related parties	$683	$499	$2,546	$4,200

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Compehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($7,226)	($3,510)	($13,058)	($13,202)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-2,141	-269	-9,250	-975
Net loss	-9,367	-3,779	-22,308	-14,177
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-902	539	-932	262
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities	-1	9	-4	9
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-903	548	-936	271
Comprehensive loss	-10,270	-3,231	-23,244	-13,906
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	179	266	535	590
Comprehensive loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($10,091)	($2,965)	($22,709)	($13,316)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net loss Including noncontrolling interest	($22,308,000)	($14,177,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,640,000	3,083,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	3,388,000	0
Increase in allowance for doubtful accounts	22,000	41,000
Loss on disposal of Grid business	254,000	0
Loss on disposal of fixed assets and asset impairment charges	5,101,000	24,000
Reduction in (Increase in) accrued investment income	18,000	-2,000
Stock-based compensation	992,000	2,177,000
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	2,953,000	490,000
Inventories	1,217,000	3,686,000
Deferred cost of goods sold	242,000	-885,000
Other current assets	312,000	565,000
Accounts payable	-543,000	-2,332,000
Accrued liabilities	-865,000	3,617,000
Deferred revenues	-751,000	1,181,000
Deferred rent	-29,000	-28,000
Net cash used in operating activities	-7,357,000	-2,560,000
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of available-for-sale short-term investments	-58,148,000	-38,953,000
Proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale short-term investments	80,116,000	38,955,000
Change in other long-term assets	232,000	-62,000
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired	-1,155,000	0
Proceeds from divestiture of Grid business	4,861,000	0
Capital expenditures	-672,000	-811,000
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	25,234,000	-871,000
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Principal payments of lease financing obligations	-1,676,000	-1,530,000
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	17,000	0
(Increase) Decrease in Restricted Cash and Investments Set Aside, Financing	-6,250,000	0
Repurchase of common stock from employees for payment of taxes on vesting of restricted stock units and upon exercise of stock options	-411,000	-423,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-8,320,000	-1,953,000
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	-723,000	178,000
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	8,834,000	-5,206,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:	'	'
Beginning of period	14,648,000	18,876,000
End of period	23,482,000	13,670,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'
Cash paid for interest on lease financing obligations	830,000	930,000
Cash paid for income taxes	265,000	318,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	$715,000	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 non-controlling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity (see Note 16 for further details). All material inter-company transactions between and among the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and other consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation.
	In the third quarter of 2014, the Company announced and completed the sale of its Grid business to S&T AG, a publicly traded European IT systems provider with an existing focus on smart energy products and services. The results of the Grid business are now classified as discontinued operations. As a result of this transaction, the Company now operates in one reporting segment- the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) segment.
	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 34.3% and 36.2% of net revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively were derived from two 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.   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.
	•	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. 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, intangible asset valuation, contingent consideration 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 April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies the related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect of an entity’s operations and financial results and is disposed of or classified as held for sale. ASU 2014-08 also introduces several new disclosures. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect ASU 2014-08 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
	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 and nine months ended September 30, 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.
	Restricted Investments
	As of September 30, 2014, restricted investments consist of balances maintained by the Company with an investment advisor in money market funds and permitted treasury bills. These balances represent collateral for a $5.0 million line of credit issued to the Company by its primary bank. As of September 30, 2014, the Company’s primary bank has issued, against the line of credit, one standby letter of credit totaling $113,000. As of September 30, 2014, no amounts had been drawn against the line of credit or the letter of credit.
	Because the Company’s agreement with the lender prevents the Company from withdrawing these funds, they are considered restricted.
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company measures at fair value its cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments using a valuation hierarchy based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company's own assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
	•	Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and
	•	Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
	This hierarchy requires the Company to minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to use observable market data, if available, when estimating fair value. Other than cash and money market funds, the Company's only financial assets or liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2014, are fixed income available-for-sale securities. See Note 2 of these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the input levels used in determining the fair value of the Company's cash equivalents and short-term investments as of September 30, 2014.
	Goodwill
	Effective in the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company changed the way it managed the business and re-organized to focus the business on two operating segments - Grid and IIoT. As a result, the Company, with the assistance of an external service provider, reallocated goodwill of the Company to the Grid and IIoT operating segments using a relative fair value approach. Each operating segment's fair value was determined based on comparative market values and discounted cash flows. Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step approach. The Company evaluates goodwill, at a minimum, on an annual basis during the first quarter and whenever events and changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. There was no indication of impairment when goodwill was reallocated to the new operating segments, as the respective fair values of each substantially exceed their carrying values (including goodwill) as of December 31, 2013.
	For the quarter ended June 30, 2104, the Company concluded there were indicators of potential goodwill impairment for the Company’s Grid business, including continued weakness and increased uncertainty in the Grid market; changes in the extent and manner of use of the unit's long-lived assets; and changes in our long-term strategy for the Grid business. As a result of identifying indicators of impairment, the Company performed an impairment test of goodwill as of June 30, 2014.
	In performing Step 1 of the impairment test, the Company estimated the fair value of the reporting unit using the income approach. The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow analysis and calculates the fair value of the reporting unit by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to the reporting unit and then discounting the after-tax cash flows to a present value, using a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”).  The cash flows used in the income approach were based on two scenarios, cash flows associated with a winding down of the business and cash flows associated with a sale of the business. Management's assumptions included forecasted revenues and operating income for the wind down scenario and estimated proceeds from the sale of the business based on known third-party interest. We calculated the fair value for the Grid business by using a probability weighted average of the estimated fair value from both scenarios, with significantly higher weight placed on the wind down scenario. Note that in the third quarter of 2014, the Company was able to locate a buyer for the business and agree upon terms of sale within a short period of time, that led to the ultimate disposition of the business at September 30, 2014.
	Based on the above analysis, it was determined that the carrying value of the Grid business, including goodwill, exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit, requiring the Company to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In performing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, the Company compared the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying value of goodwill.  This test resulted in a non-cash, goodwill impairment charge of $3.4 million, which was recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2014.  This impairment has been reported as part of the discontinued operations results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. As a result, the Company has no goodwill remaining related to the Grid business.
	As of September 30, 2014, the entire goodwill balance is attributable to the IIoT reporting unit. Further, the addition to goodwill of $1.3 million during the quarter was due to the acquisition of Lumewave, Inc (see note 4 for details). There have been no goodwill impairment losses related to the IIoT reporting unit.
	The fair value estimates used in the goodwill impairment analysis required significant judgment. The Company’s fair value estimates for purposes of determining the goodwill impairment charge are considered Level 3 fair value measurements.  We based our fair value estimates on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain, including estimates of future revenues and operating margins, potential proceeds from a third-party, weighted average cost of capital, probability weighting of exit scenarios and assumptions about the overall economic climate and the competitive environment for our business. Our estimates assume that revenues will decline into the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding business plans, competitive environments or anticipated operating results are not correct, we may be required to record additional goodwill impairment charges in future periods.
	Long-Lived Assets
	We evaluate the recoverability of property, plant and equipment in accordance with ASC No. 360, Accounting for the Property, Plant, and Equipment ("ASC No. 360"). We perform periodic reviews to determine whether facts and circumstances exist that would indicate that the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment might not be fully recoverable. If facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment might not be fully recoverable, we compare projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated remaining useful lives against their respective carrying amounts. In the event that the projected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets, the assets are written down to their estimated fair values based on the expected discounted future cash flows attributable to the assets. Evaluation of impairment of property, plant and equipment requires estimates in the forecast of future operating results that are used in the preparation of the expected future undiscounted cash flows. Actual future operating results and the remaining economic lives of our property, plant and equipment could differ from our estimates used in assessing the recoverability of these assets. These differences could result in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
	As of June 30, 2014, in light of the facts mentioned in the Goodwill section above, prior to assessing the goodwill for impairment, the Company evaluated whether the long-lived assets of the Grid business were impaired. As the Company had not yet made a final decision between the two likely scenarios for the Grid business as of June 30, 2014, the Company assessed the realizability of long-lived assets using cash flows associated with two scenarios for this reporting unit (i.e. sale or wind down of the Grid business). The Company applied a probability weighting of the two scenarios, placing significantly more weight on the cash flows associated with a wind down versus the cash flows from the potential sale of the Grid business. The wind down scenario also included an assessment of the residual value of the Grid business’ long-lived assets. The results of this analysis showed that the carrying value of the Grid business’ long-lived assets exceeded their fair value and accordingly the Company recorded a write down of property, equipment and other assets of $687,000 during the quarter ended June 30, 2014. The remaining book value of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the revised shorter estimated useful lives. This impairment charge has been reported as part of the discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. In the third quarter of 2014, the Company was able to locate a buyer for the business and agree upon terms of sale within a short period of time, that led to the ultimate disposition of the business at September 30, 2014 and required the Company to record a loss of $254,000 on the sale of this business.
	As a result of the sale of the Grid business on September 30, 2014, the Company made the decision to cease use of one building within its corporate headquarters and recharacterize the building as a rental property. Consequently, management performed an impairment analysis on this building and determined that its carrying value was not recoverable. In performing this analysis, management analyzed the expected cash flows from different sub-lease scenarios using recent lease data for similar facilities in the area including market activity, expected tenant improvements and commissions and period of time between recharacterization and lease up. As a result of this analysis,the Company recorded a write down of the building of $4.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	2. Financial Instruments:
	The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, restricted investments, 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, restricted investments, 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.
	Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	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, 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)	$	12,008	$	12,008	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government securities(2)(3)	27,192		—		27,192		—
	Total	$	39,200	$	12,008	$	27,192	$	—
	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
	(3)	Includes $6.3 million of available-for-sale securities that is included in restricted 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, 2014, the Company’s available-for-sale securities had contractual maturities from eight to twelve months and an average remaining term to maturity of six months. As of September 30, 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	$	27,188	$	27,192	$	4	$	—
	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.
	Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
	In addition to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the company is also required to measure certain items at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
	In the second quarter of 2014, as part of the Company's review of property, equipment and other assets (long-lived assets), and goodwill, as discussed above, an impairment charge of $687,000 and $3.4 million was recorded on the long lived assets and goodwill, respectively to write down these assets for the Grid business to their residual value/ fair value of $678,000 and zero, respectively. The impairment was attributable to a combination of factors, including continued weakness and increased uncertainty in the Grid market; changes in the extent and manner of use of the reporting unit's long-lived assets; and changes in our long-term strategy for the Grid business. Fair value was determined based on discounted cash flow analyses, which are unobservable Level 3 inputs. The cash flows used in the income approach were based on two exit scenarios, cash flows associated with a wind down and cash flows associated with a sale. Management's assumptions included forecasted revenues and operating income for the wind down scenario and estimated proceeds from the sale of the business based on known third-party interest. We calculated the fair value for the Grid business by using a probability weighted average of the estimated fair value from both scenarios, with significantly higher weight placed on the wind down scenario. In the third quarter of 2014, the Company was able to locate a buyer for the business and agree upon terms of sale within a short period of time, that led to the ultimate disposition of the business at September 30, 2014. The Company also recorded a loss of $254,000 on the sale of this business.
	In the third quarter of 2014, as part of the Company's review of property, equipment and other assets (long-lived assets), as discussed above, an impairment charge of $4.4 million was recorded against the building asset to write down this asset to its fair value of zero. The impairment was attributable to a combination of factors, including changes in the extent and manner of use of the reporting unit's long-lived assets; market activity, expected tenant improvements and commissions and period of time between recharacterization and lease up. Fair value was determined based on discounted cash flow analyses, which are unobservable Level 3 inputs. The cash flows used in the income approach were based on cash flows from various sub-lease scenarios, including varying lease rates, tenant improvements and commission costs, operating expenses and terms of occupation. We calculated the fair value for the building asset by using a probability weighted average of the estimated fair value from the various scenarios.

Earnings_Per_Share_Earnings_Pe

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 from continuing and discontinued operations per share computations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net loss (Numerator):
	Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(7,226	)	$	(3,510	)	$	(13,058	)	$	(13,202	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	(1,962		)	(3		)	(8,715		)	(385		)
	Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	(9,188		)	(3,513		)	(21,773		)	(13,587		)
	Shares (Denominator):
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,507			43,184			43,367			43,039
	Shares used in basic computation	43,507			43,184			43,367			43,039
	Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	—			—			—			—
	Shares used in diluted computation	43,507			43,184			43,367			43,039
	Net loss per share:
	Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.31	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.05	)	$	0		$	(0.20	)	$	(0.01	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.50	)	$	(0.32	)
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the diluted net loss per share calculation is equivalent to the basic net loss from continuing, discontinued operations and total net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders 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, 2014 and 2013 was 4,362,649 and 6,091,405, respectively.

Acquisition_Notes

Acquisition (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	4. Acquisitions
	On August 15, 2014, the Company purchased 100% of the outstanding shares of Lumewave, Inc. (“Lumewave”). The acquisition was aimed at expanding the Company’s outdoor lighting business. The purchase price consisted of $1.8 million in cash paid at closing and $715,000 in common stock of the Company distributed at closing. Additionally, if certain gross margin targets for the Lumewave business are achieved during the period from August 16, 2014 through August 15, 2016, an additional $1.3 million in consideration will be payable to the selling shareholders of Lumewave. The fair value of this additional consideration was $925,000 as of September 30, 2014. The purchase price was subject to adjustment based on the final working capital balances. As a result of the final agreed-upon working capital balances, the selling shareholders agreed to repay $225,000. Accordingly, the Company has recorded the $225,000 in other current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2014 with a corresponding adjustment in the cash purchase price.
	The assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2014, and the results of operations of Lumewave are included in the consolidated statement of operations since August 16, 2014. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation based on estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The Company is in the process of finalizing the valuation of intangible assets and the income tax effects resulting from the acquisition and accordingly, these amount may be subject to change in the fourth quarter of 2014 (amounts in thousands):
		Amount
	Cash and cash equivalents	630
	Accounts receivable	107
	Inventory	31
	Other current assets	259
	Property and equipment	23
	Identifiable intangible assets	1,500
	Goodwill	1,257
	Accounts payable	(352	)
	Accrued liabilities	(255	)
		3,200
	Identifiable intangible assets include $800,000 in developed technology, $500,000 in customer relationships, and $200,000 for trade names. The identifiable intangible assets will be amortized over a period of 5 to 7 years. Transaction costs associated with the acquisition were not material. The method used to value the identified intangibles was an income method approach which incorporated a discount rate ranging from 21% to 22%. Pro forma information for this acquisition is not presented as the results of the acquired business are not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	The contingent consideration was measured at fair value based on management’s estimate of achieving the specified targets and discounted to its present value of $925,000. The contingent consideration is payable 66% in cash and 34% in the Company’s common stock. Both the fair value of the cash and equity portions of the contingent consideration are recorded as a liability and will be remeasured each reporting period, with any change in their fair values recorded to earnings. The equity component of the contingent consideration will ultimately be settled by issuing additional equity upon final determination of the targets being achieved.

Discontinued_Operations_Notes

Discontinued Operations (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	5. Discontinued Operations
	During the third quarter of 2014, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement to sell its Grid business in order to focus on its IIoT business and on future opportunities in this market. On September 30, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its Grid business to S&T AG, a publicly traded European IT systems provider.
	The consideration received for the sale of the Grid business totaled approximately $4.9 million. Additionally, the Company could receive $1.0 million if the revenues of the Grid business exceed $50.0 million for the calendar year 2015. Based on the historical results of the Grid business and near-term estimates, management of the Company does not believe the sales targets will be achieved. Accordingly, the probability weighted fair value of the contingent consideration as of September 30, 2014 was deemed to be zero. The Company has entered into a sub-lease arrangement as well as a supply arrangement for a component of the technology sold to S&T AG. These arrangements each have a term of 39 months and each has been considered indirect cashflows as they were deemed to be not significant.
	The sale of the Grid business resulted in a loss of $254,000, net of income taxes, recorded as loss on sale of discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	The assets and liabilities of the Company's Grid division joint venture (see Note 16) were not included in the sale to S&T AG. The Company is in the process of negotiating the sale of the joint venture's remaining net assets and has recorded the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the joint venture as held for sale on the accompanying balance sheet at September 30, 2014. The remaining asset and liabilities principally relate to inventory, deferred revenues and the related deferred costs of sales and accrued liabilities.
	As a result of restructuring activities during the third quarter of 2014, a total of $1.4 million of restructuring costs is included in loss from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Of this amount, approximately $83,000 has been paid as of September 30, 2014 and the remaining balance will be paid by the first quarter of 2015.
	The Company has classified the results of operations of the Grid business as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The table below excludes certain shared overhead costs that were previosuly allocated to the Grid segment as ASC 205-20 prohibits the allocation of general overhead costs to discontinued operations. The results of operations of the Grid business are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues (1)	$	5,467		$	7,837		$	18,392		$	34,693
	Cost of revenues	3,433			3,764			11,774			20,760
	Operating expenses	3,921			4,342			15,614			14,908
	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes	(1,887		)	(269		)	(8,996		)	(975		)
	Income taxes	—			—			—			—
	Loss on sale of Grid business	254			—			254			—
	Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(2,141	)	$	(269	)	$	(9,250	)	$	(975	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interest, net of income taxes	$	179		$	266		$	535		$	590
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders, net of income taxes	$	(1,962	)	$	(3	)	$	(8,715	)	$	(385	)
	(1) Includes related party amounts of zero and $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively; and related party amounts of $112,000 and $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The sale agreement contains certain indemnification provisions related to the Grid business whereby the Company may have obligations related to the period it owned the Grid business. The Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification provisions are minimal and accordingly, no liability is recorded for these indemnifications as of September 30, 2014.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Employ

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans	'
	6. 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, 2014 and 2013 and its allocation within the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Cost of revenues:
	Cost of product	$	68		$	64	$	203		$	171
	Cost of service	8			2		32			3
	Operating expenses:
	Product development	130			132		(37		)	97
	Sales and marketing	79			10		174			196
	General and administrative	225			394		962			806
	Discontinued operations	$	(824	)	$	353	$	(342	)	$	904
	Total	$	(314	)	$	955	$	992		$	2,177
	The current quarter negative expense for the product development department is primarily due to the impact of reversal of expense from cancellation of awards/ options for certain employees whose employment terminated in the second quarter of 2014.
	Stock Award Activity
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 was $0 and $3,000, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $0. 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, 2014 was approximately $351,000 and $1.1 million, respectively. The total fair value of RSUs vested and released during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $416,000 and $1.2 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, 2014, there were 130,000 unvested RSUs and RSAs, issued in prior years, 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 $264,000 associated with these 130,000 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 $264,000 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	On June 10, 2014, the Company issued performance RSU's as part of the annual refresh grants to employees, that were subject to service-based vesting conditions as well as certain performance-based vesting requirements that must be achieved before vesting can occur. The total value of the RSU's issued was $2.3 million. These awards vest over a nine month period ending March 14, 2015, provided the performance conditions are met in that timeframe. Of these RSUs issued in June 2014, awards with a total fair value of approximately $743,000 were granted to employees of the Grid business. As of September 30, 2014, in conjunction with the sale of the Grid business, the Company reversed all compensation expense previously recognized associated with these awards as they will not vest.

Significant_Customers

Significant Customers	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Significant Customers	'
	7.    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, 2014 and 2013, the Company had two 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 and Enel Distribuzione Spa ("Enel"), an Italian utility company. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 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,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Avnet	26.9	%	30.3	%	27.4	%	28.1	%
	Enel	7.4	%	4.9	%	8.8	%	12.6	%
	Total	34.3	%	35.2	%	36.2	%	40.7	%

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	8. 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 September 30, 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 secured line of credit with its primary bank, which expires on July 1, 2015. The line of credit is secured by a collateral of first priority on $6.3 million of the Company's investment balance placed in a separate account (presented as restricted investments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets). The line 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, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. As of September 30, 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Text Block]	'
	9. 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
	Change during April-June 2014	36			(2		)	34
	Balance at June 30, 2014	977			5			982
	Current period change	(902		)	(1		)	(903		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	75		$	4		$	79
	None of the above amounts have been reclassified to the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	10.     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,
		2014		2013
	Purchased materials	$	433	$	1,343
	Finished goods	3,350		5,102
		$	3,783	$	6,445

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	11. Accrued Liabilities:
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued payroll and related costs	$	1,975	$	3,885
	Warranty reserve	102		515
	Restructuring charges	1,588		49
	Customer deposits	2		643
	Transaction costs related to sale of Grid Business	2,559		—
	Litigation charges	1,718		1,875
	Accrued taxes	31		75
	Other accrued liabilities	375		353
		$	8,350	$	7,395

Segment_Disclosure

Segment Disclosure	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Disclosure	'
	12.    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).
	The Company operates in one principal industry segment - the IIoT segment, which is its reportable segment. The IIoT segment sells products and services aimed at 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 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 and other 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, long-lived assets of approximately $17.2 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.
	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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Americas	$	2,988	$	3,386	$	9,325	$	10,008
	EMEA	3,520		4,122		11,045		15,700
	APJ	2,670		2,669		8,713		7,631
	Total	$	9,178	$	10,177	$	29,083	$	33,339
	For information regarding the Company’s major customers, please refer to Note 7, Significant Customers.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	13. Income Taxes:
	The provision for income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $33,000 and $113,000, respectively. The provision for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were $114,000 and $256,000, 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, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of which $526,000 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had accrued $96,000 and $134,000, respectively, for interest and penalties. The $54,000 reduction in gross unrecognized tax benefits during the nine months ended September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Parties	'
	14. 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.
	For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized revenue from products and services sold to Enel and its designated manufacturers of approximately $683,000 and $499,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized revenue from products and services sold to Enel and its designated manufacturers of approximately $2.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively. Please refer to Note 5 for information related to discontinued operations.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, none 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, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	15. 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):
		31-Dec-13		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments		September 30, 2014
	Termination benefits	$	49	$	—	$	49	$	—
	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 $2.3 million related to termination benefits for these personnel during 2013.
	On September 30, 2014, in connection with the sale of the Grid business, the Company undertook further restructuring actions affecting approximately 42 employees to be terminated between September 2014 and December 31, 2014, as part of the strategic plan to focus on the Company's IIoT business. In connection with this restructuring, the Company recorded restructuring charges as noted in the table below, of which $1.4 million was included in the net loss from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	The following table sets forth a summary of restructuring activities related to the Company’s September 2014 restructuring program (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments		September 30, 2014
	Termination benefits	$	—	$	1,678	$	90	$	1,588

Joint_Venture

Joint Venture	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Less Than Wholly Owned Subsidiary [Abstract]	'
Joint Venture	'
	16. 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's intended focus was on the development and sales of smart energy products for China and rest-of-world markets. The Company has a 51.0% 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, 2014 and for the three and nine months then ended. Holley Metering’s interests in Echelon-Holley’s net assets are reported in the non-controlling interest in subsidiary on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2014. Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest in Echelon-Holley was $179,000 and $535,000 during three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest in Echelon-Holley was $266,000 and $590,000 during three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	As of September 30, 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.
	In connection with the decision to sell the Grid business announced in the third quarter of 2014, the Company is in the process of selling the remaining net assets of the joint venture and has recorded the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the joint venture as held for sale on the accompanying balance sheet at September 30, 2014. The major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are inventory, deferred revenues and the related deferred costs of sales and accrued liabilities
	Further, the net loss attributable to the non-controlling interests have also been presented as part of the discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statement of operations, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 non-controlling interests in consolidated entities as a component of equity separate from the Company’s equity (see Note 16 for further details). All material inter-company transactions between and among the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and other consolidated entities have been eliminated in consolidation.
	In the third quarter of 2014, the Company announced and completed the sale of its Grid business to S&T AG, a publicly traded European IT systems provider with an existing focus on smart energy products and services. The results of the Grid business are now classified as discontinued operations. As a result of this transaction, the Company now operates in one reporting segment- the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) segment.
	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 34.3% and 36.2% of net revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively were derived from two 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.   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.
	•	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. 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, 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, intangible asset valuation, contingent consideration 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 April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies the related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect of an entity’s operations and financial results and is disposed of or classified as held for sale. ASU 2014-08 also introduces several new disclosures. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect ASU 2014-08 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
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 and nine months ended September 30, 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.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	As of September 30, 2014, restricted investments consist of balances maintained by the Company with an investment advisor in money market funds and permitted treasury bills. These balances represent collateral for a $5.0 million line of credit issued to the Company by its primary bank. As of September 30, 2014, the Company’s primary bank has issued, against the line of credit, one standby letter of credit totaling $113,000. As of September 30, 2014, no amounts had been drawn against the line of credit or the letter of credit.
	Because the Company’s agreement with the lender prevents the Company from withdrawing these funds, they are considered restricted.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company measures at fair value its cash equivalents and available-for-sale investments using a valuation hierarchy based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company's own assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:
	•	Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
	•	Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and
	•	Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
	This hierarchy requires the Company to minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to use observable market data, if available, when estimating fair value. Other than cash and money market funds, the Company's only financial assets or liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2014, are fixed income available-for-sale securities. See Note 2 of these Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the input levels used in determining the fair value of the Company's cash equivalents and short-term investments as of September 30, 2014.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Goodwill
	Effective in the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company changed the way it managed the business and re-organized to focus the business on two operating segments - Grid and IIoT. As a result, the Company, with the assistance of an external service provider, reallocated goodwill of the Company to the Grid and IIoT operating segments using a relative fair value approach. Each operating segment's fair value was determined based on comparative market values and discounted cash flows. Goodwill is tested for impairment using a two-step approach. The Company evaluates goodwill, at a minimum, on an annual basis during the first quarter and whenever events and changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. The fair values of the reporting units are estimated using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. There was no indication of impairment when goodwill was reallocated to the new operating segments, as the respective fair values of each substantially exceed their carrying values (including goodwill) as of December 31, 2013.
	For the quarter ended June 30, 2104, the Company concluded there were indicators of potential goodwill impairment for the Company’s Grid business, including continued weakness and increased uncertainty in the Grid market; changes in the extent and manner of use of the unit's long-lived assets; and changes in our long-term strategy for the Grid business. As a result of identifying indicators of impairment, the Company performed an impairment test of goodwill as of June 30, 2014.
	In performing Step 1 of the impairment test, the Company estimated the fair value of the reporting unit using the income approach. The income approach is based on a discounted cash flow analysis and calculates the fair value of the reporting unit by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to the reporting unit and then discounting the after-tax cash flows to a present value, using a weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”).  The cash flows used in the income approach were based on two scenarios, cash flows associated with a winding down of the business and cash flows associated with a sale of the business. Management's assumptions included forecasted revenues and operating income for the wind down scenario and estimated proceeds from the sale of the business based on known third-party interest. We calculated the fair value for the Grid business by using a probability weighted average of the estimated fair value from both scenarios, with significantly higher weight placed on the wind down scenario. Note that in the third quarter of 2014, the Company was able to locate a buyer for the business and agree upon terms of sale within a short period of time, that led to the ultimate disposition of the business at September 30, 2014.
	Based on the above analysis, it was determined that the carrying value of the Grid business, including goodwill, exceeded the fair value of the reporting unit, requiring the Company to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. In performing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, the Company compared the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying value of goodwill.  This test resulted in a non-cash, goodwill impairment charge of $3.4 million, which was recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2014.  This impairment has been reported as part of the discontinued operations results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. As a result, the Company has no goodwill remaining related to the Grid business.
	As of September 30, 2014, the entire goodwill balance is attributable to the IIoT reporting unit. Further, the addition to goodwill of $1.3 million during the quarter was due to the acquisition of Lumewave, Inc (see note 4 for details). There have been no goodwill impairment losses related to the IIoT reporting unit.
	The fair value estimates used in the goodwill impairment analysis required significant judgment. The Company’s fair value estimates for purposes of determining the goodwill impairment charge are considered Level 3 fair value measurements.  We based our fair value estimates on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that are inherently uncertain, including estimates of future revenues and operating margins, potential proceeds from a third-party, weighted average cost of capital, probability weighting of exit scenarios and assumptions about the overall economic climate and the competitive environment for our business. Our estimates assume that revenues will decline into the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding business plans, competitive environments or anticipated operating results are not correct, we may be required to record additional goodwill impairment charges in future periods.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Long-Lived Assets
	We evaluate the recoverability of property, plant and equipment in accordance with ASC No. 360, Accounting for the Property, Plant, and Equipment ("ASC No. 360"). We perform periodic reviews to determine whether facts and circumstances exist that would indicate that the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment might not be fully recoverable. If facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment might not be fully recoverable, we compare projected undiscounted net cash flows associated with the related asset or group of assets over their estimated remaining useful lives against their respective carrying amounts. In the event that the projected undiscounted cash flows are not sufficient to recover the carrying value of the assets, the assets are written down to their estimated fair values based on the expected discounted future cash flows attributable to the assets. Evaluation of impairment of property, plant and equipment requires estimates in the forecast of future operating results that are used in the preparation of the expected future undiscounted cash flows. Actual future operating results and the remaining economic lives of our property, plant and equipment could differ from our estimates used in assessing the recoverability of these assets. These differences could result in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
	As of June 30, 2014, in light of the facts mentioned in the Goodwill section above, prior to assessing the goodwill for impairment, the Company evaluated whether the long-lived assets of the Grid business were impaired. As the Company had not yet made a final decision between the two likely scenarios for the Grid business as of June 30, 2014, the Company assessed the realizability of long-lived assets using cash flows associated with two scenarios for this reporting unit (i.e. sale or wind down of the Grid business). The Company applied a probability weighting of the two scenarios, placing significantly more weight on the cash flows associated with a wind down versus the cash flows from the potential sale of the Grid business. The wind down scenario also included an assessment of the residual value of the Grid business’ long-lived assets. The results of this analysis showed that the carrying value of the Grid business’ long-lived assets exceeded their fair value and accordingly the Company recorded a write down of property, equipment and other assets of $687,000 during the quarter ended June 30, 2014. The remaining book value of the long-lived assets will be depreciated over the revised shorter estimated useful lives. This impairment charge has been reported as part of the discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. In the third quarter of 2014, the Company was able to locate a buyer for the business and agree upon terms of sale within a short period of time, that led to the ultimate disposition of the business at September 30, 2014 and required the Company to record a loss of $254,000 on the sale of this business.
	As a result of the sale of the Grid business on September 30, 2014, the Company made the decision to cease use of one building within its corporate headquarters and recharacterize the building as a rental property. Consequently, management performed an impairment analysis on this building and determined that its carrying value was not recoverable. In performing this analysis, management analyzed the expected cash flows from different sub-lease scenarios using recent lease data for similar facilities in the area including market activity, expected tenant improvements and commissions and period of time between recharacterization and lease up. As a result of this analysis,the Company recorded a write down of the building of $4.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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)	$	12,008	$	12,008	$	—	$	—
	U.S. government securities(2)(3)	27,192		—		27,192		—
	Total	$	39,200	$	12,008	$	27,192	$	—
	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
	(3)	Includes $6.3 million of available-for-sale securities that is included in restricted investments in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets
Fair value of short term investment unrealized holdings and gains	'
	As of September 30, 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	$	27,188	$	27,192	$	4	$	—
	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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 from continuing and discontinued operations per share computations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net loss (Numerator):
	Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(7,226	)	$	(3,510	)	$	(13,058	)	$	(13,202	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	(1,962		)	(3		)	(8,715		)	(385		)
	Net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	(9,188		)	(3,513		)	(21,773		)	(13,587		)
	Shares (Denominator):
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,507			43,184			43,367			43,039
	Shares used in basic computation	43,507			43,184			43,367			43,039
	Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	—			—			—			—
	Shares used in diluted computation	43,507			43,184			43,367			43,039
	Net loss per share:
	Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.30	)	$	(0.31	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.05	)	$	0		$	(0.20	)	$	(0.01	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.08	)	$	(0.50	)	$	(0.32	)

Acquisition_Purchase_Price_All

Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Allocation of Purchase Price Consideration [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company is in the process of finalizing the valuation of intangible assets and the income tax effects resulting from the acquisition and accordingly, these amount may be subject to change in the fourth quarter of 2014 (amounts in thousands):
		Amount
	Cash and cash equivalents	630
	Accounts receivable	107
	Inventory	31
	Other current assets	259
	Property and equipment	23
	Identifiable intangible assets	1,500
	Goodwill	1,257
	Accounts payable	(352	)
	Accrued liabilities	(255	)
		3,200

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The Company has classified the results of operations of the Grid business as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The table below excludes certain shared overhead costs that were previosuly allocated to the Grid segment as ASC 205-20 prohibits the allocation of general overhead costs to discontinued operations. The results of operations of the Grid business are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues (1)	$	5,467		$	7,837		$	18,392		$	34,693
	Cost of revenues	3,433			3,764			11,774			20,760
	Operating expenses	3,921			4,342			15,614			14,908
	Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes	(1,887		)	(269		)	(8,996		)	(975		)
	Income taxes	—			—			—			—
	Loss on sale of Grid business	254			—			254			—
	Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$	(2,141	)	$	(269	)	$	(9,250	)	$	(975	)
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interest, net of income taxes	$	179		$	266		$	535		$	590
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders, net of income taxes	$	(1,962	)	$	(3	)	$	(8,715	)	$	(385	)
	(1) Includes related party amounts of zero and $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively; and related party amounts of $112,000 and $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Recovered_Sheet1

Stockholders' Equity And Employee Stock Option Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and its allocation within the condensed consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Cost of revenues:
	Cost of product	$	68		$	64	$	203		$	171
	Cost of service	8			2		32			3
	Operating expenses:
	Product development	130			132		(37		)	97
	Sales and marketing	79			10		174			196
	General and administrative	225			394		962			806
	Discontinued operations	$	(824	)	$	353	$	(342	)	$	904
	Total	$	(314	)	$	955	$	992		$	2,177

Significant_Customers_Tables

Significant Customers (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Revenues attributable to sales to major customers	'
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, 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,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Avnet	26.9	%	30.3	%	27.4	%	28.1	%
	Enel	7.4	%	4.9	%	8.8	%	12.6	%
	Total	34.3	%	35.2	%	36.2	%	40.7	%

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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
	Change during April-June 2014	36			(2		)	34
	Balance at June 30, 2014	977			5			982
	Current period change	(902		)	(1		)	(903		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	75		$	4		$	79

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Purchased materials	$	433	$	1,343
	Finished goods	3,350		5,102
		$	3,783	$	6,445

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Accrued payroll and related costs	$	1,975	$	3,885
	Warranty reserve	102		515
	Restructuring charges	1,588		49
	Customer deposits	2		643
	Transaction costs related to sale of Grid Business	2,559		—
	Litigation charges	1,718		1,875
	Accrued taxes	31		75
	Other accrued liabilities	375		353
		$	8,350	$	7,395

Segment_Disclosure_Tables

Segment Disclosure (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Revenue information by geography	'
	Summary revenue information by geography for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Americas	$	2,988	$	3,386	$	9,325	$	10,008
	EMEA	3,520		4,122		11,045		15,700
	APJ	2,670		2,669		8,713		7,631
	Total	$	9,178	$	10,177	$	29,083	$	33,339

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
September 2014 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 September 2014 restructuring program (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments		September 30, 2014
	Termination benefits	$	—	$	1,678	$	90	$	1,588
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):
		31-Dec-13		Costs Incurred		Cash Payments		September 30, 2014
	Termination benefits	$	49	$	—	$	49	$	—

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	'	'	'	30-Sep-14	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	'	$687,000	'	'	'
Loss on disposal of Grid business	254,000	'	'	254,000	0
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	4,409,000	'	0	4,409,000	0
Line of Credit Maintained	'	'	'	5,000,000	'
Number of Major Customers	2	'	2	2	2
Percentage of net revenue	34.30%	'	35.20%	36.20%	40.70%
Number of Letter of Credit	1	'	'	1	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$113,000	'	'	$113,000	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$1,257	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	'	3,400	3,388	0	'
Goodwill	$6,038	'	$6,038	'	$8,390

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis	'		'
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	$27,192		$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	12,008	[1]	5,254	[1]
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	0	[2],[3]	0	[2]
Total	12,008		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	27,192	[2],[3]	42,987	[2]
Total	27,192		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],[3]	0	[2]
Total	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair value of asset measured on a recurring basis	'		'
Money market funds	12,008	[1]	5,254	[1]
Fixed income available-for-sale securities	27,192	[2],[3]	42,987	[2]
Total	$39,200		$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
[3]	Includes $6.3 million of available-for-sale securities that is included in restricted investments in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets

Financial_InstrumentsAvailable

Financial Instruments-Available for Sale Securities (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair value of short term investment unrealized holdings and gains	'	'
Amortized Cost	$27,188	$42,979
Aggregate fair value	27,192	42,987
Unrealized Holdings gains	4	8
Unrealized Holdings Losses	$0	$0

Financial_Instruments_Details_

Financial Instruments (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	'	$687,000	'	'	'
Restricted Investments, at Fair Value	6,300,000	'	'	6,300,000	'
Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Short-term investments contractual maturity period minimum	8	'	'	8	'
Maximum remaining maturities period of investments included in cash equivalents	3	'	'	3	'
Short-term investments contractual maturity period maximum	12	'	'	12	'
Average short-term investments maturity period	6	'	'	6	'
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	'	3,400,000	'	3,388,000	0
Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	678,000	'	'	678,000	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	4,409,000	'	0	4,409,000	0
Assets Held and Used, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure	0	'	'	0	'
FV of Goodwill, Grid	0	'	'	0	'
Loss on disposal of Grid business	$254,000	'	'	$254,000	$0

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net loss (Numerator):	'	'	'	'
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($7,226)	($3,510)	($13,058)	($13,202)
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders, net of income taxes	-1,962	-3	-8,715	-385
Net loss, basic and diluted	($9,188)	($3,513)	($21,773)	($13,587)
Shares (Denominator):	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding	43,507	43,184	43,367	43,039
Shares used in basic computation	43,507	43,184	43,367	43,039
Common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options (treasury stock method)	0	0	0	0
Shares used in diluted computation	43,507	43,184	43,367	43,039
Net loss per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($0.17)	($0.08)	($0.30)	($0.31)
Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($0.05)	$0	($0.20)	($0.01)
Basic and diluted net loss attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders	($0.21)	($0.08)	($0.50)	($0.32)

Earnings_Per_Share_Details_Tex

Earnings Per Share (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earning Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of stock option, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock units	4,362,649	6,091,405	4,362,649	6,091,405
Number of potentially dilutive stock options	0	0	0	0

Acquisition_Purchase_Price_All1

Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents	$630
Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Fair Value	107
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory	31
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets	259
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	23
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	1,500
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	1,257
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable	-352
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	-255
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$3,200

Acquisition_Details

Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 15, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	'	'	100.00%
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$1,800,000	'	'
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable	715,000	715,000	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High	'	'	1,300,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred	225,000	'	'
Developed Technology acquired	800,000	800,000	'
Finite-Lived Customer Relationships, Gross	500,000	500,000	'
Finite-Lived Trade Names, Gross	200,000	200,000	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'	'5 years	'
Finite Lived intangible assets useful life, High range	'	'7 years	'
Fair value inputs, discount range, low end of range	'	21.00%	'
Fair value inputs, discount range, high end of range	'	22.00%	'
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$925,000	$925,000	'
Contingent consideration payable in cash	66.00%	66.00%	'
Contingent consideration payable in equity	34.00%	34.00%	'

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Grid Division related restructuring payments	$83,000		'		'		'
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	5,467,000	[1]	7,837,000	[1]	18,392,000	[1]	34,693,000	[1]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold	3,433,000		3,764,000		11,774,000		20,760,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense	3,921,000		'		'		'
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	-1,887,000		-269,000		-8,996,000		-975,000
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	0		0		0		0
Loss on disposal of Grid business	-254,000		'		-254,000		0
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	-2,141,000		-269,000		-9,250,000		-975,000
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to non-controlling interest, net of income taxes	-179,000		-266,000		-535,000		-590,000
Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Echelon Corporation Stockholders, net of income taxes	-1,962,000		-3,000		-8,715,000		-385,000
Revenues from related parties, discontinued operations	0		2,024,000		112,000		4,400,000
Proceeds from divestiture of Grid business	'		0		4,861,000		0
Contingent consideration discontinued operations	1,000,000		'		1,000,000		'
Revenue targets to earn contingent consideration	50,000,000		'		50,000,000		'
Grid Division related restructuring charges	1,400,000		'		'		'
Fair value of contingent consideration receivable	0		'		0		'
Restructuring charges	$227,000		$0		$227,000		'
[1]	(1) Includes related party amounts of zero and $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively; and related party amounts of $112,000 and $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	($314)	$955	$992	$2,177
Cost of product [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	68	64	203	171
Cost of service [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	8	2	32	3
Product development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	130	132	-37	97
Sales and marketing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	79	10	174	196
General and administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	225	394	962	806
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'	'	'	'
Stock-based Compensation Expense, Total	($824)	$353	($342)	$904

Stockholders_Equity_and_Employ2

Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	23 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Stockholders' Equity and Employee Stock Option Plans (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$0	$0	$3,000	$0	'	'
Total fair value of RSUs vested and released	351,000	416,000	1,100,000	1,154,000	'	'
Non-vested performance based awards	130,000	'	130,000	'	'	'
Cumulative expense recognized through June 2012	0	'	0	'	'	264,000
Cumulative expense reversed	'	'	'	'	264,000	'
Total FV, Performance RSU issued in 2014	2,300,000	'	2,300,000	'	'	'
Total fair value of performance RSU's, Discontinued operations	$743,000	'	$743,000	'	'	'

Significant_Customers_Details_

Significant Customers (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	34.30%	35.20%	36.20%	40.70%
Significant Customers (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Numbers of customers	2	2	2	2
Avnet [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	26.90%	30.30%	27.40%	28.10%
Enel [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues attributable to sales [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total	7.40%	4.90%	8.80%	12.60%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Litigation Charges	$0	$0	$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	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Line of Credit Maintained	'	$5,000,000	'
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	1-Jul-15	'	'
Restricted Investments, Current	'	6,253,000	0
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, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Balance at beginning of period	$982	$948	$1,015
Balance at end of period	79	982	948
Current period change	-903	34	-67
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	977	941	1,007
Balance at end of period	75	977	941
Current period change	-902	36	-66
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	5	7	8
Balance at end of period	4	5	7
Current period change	($1)	($2)	($1)

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves	$433	$1,343
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves	3,350	5,102
Inventory, Net	$3,783	$6,445

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued payroll and related costs	$1,975	$3,885
Warranty reserve	102	515
Restructuring charges	1,588	49
Customer Deposits, Current	2	643
Litigation Charges	1,718	1,875
Accrued taxes	31	75
Other accrued liabilities	375	353
Accrued liabilities	$8,350	$7,395

Segment_Disclosure_Details_1

Segment Disclosure (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	$9,178	[1]	$10,177	[1]	$29,083	[1]	$33,339	[1]
Americas [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	2,988		3,386		9,325		10,008
EMEA [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	3,520		4,122		11,045		15,700
Asia Pacific [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue Information by Geography [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Revenues	$2,670		$2,669		$8,713		$7,631
[1]	Includes related party amounts of $683 and $499 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively; and related party amounts of $2,546 and $4,200 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See Note 5 and 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, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Disclosure (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Long-lived assets US	$17.20	$24.60
Number of Reportable Segments	1	'
Number of geographic areas	3	'

Income_Taxes_Details_Textual

Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$33,000	$113,000	$114,000	$256,000	'
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	1,600,000	'	1,600,000	'	2,100,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	526,000	'	526,000	'	575,000
Accrued for interest and penalties	96,000	'	96,000	'	134,000
Reduction in gross unrecognized tax benefits	'	'	$54,000	'	'

Related_Parties_Details_Textua

Related Parties (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2000	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	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	0	'	'	0	'	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	$683,000	$499,000	'	$2,546,000	$4,200,000	'

Restructuring_Plan_Details

Restructuring Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$227	$0	$227	'
Restructuring Reserve, Current	1,588	'	1,588	49
September 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	'	0
Restructuring charges	'	'	1,678	'
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	'	'	90	'
Restructuring Reserve, Current	1,588	'	1,588	'
May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	'	'	'	49
Restructuring charges	'	'	0	'
Restructuring Reserve, Settled with Cash	'	'	49	'
Restructuring Reserve, Current	$0	'	$0	'

Restructuring_Plan_Details_Tex

Restructuring Plan (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
				May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	May 2012 Restructuring Plan [Member]	February 2013 Restructuring Plan [Member]	February 2013 Restructuring Plan [Member]	September 2014 Restructuring Plan [Member]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	'	'	'	$1,200,000	'	'	'	'
Number of Employees Reduced by Restructuring	'	'	'	42	'	43	'	42
Restructuring charges	227,000	0	227,000	'	0	'	2,254,000	1,678,000
Grid Division related restructuring charges	$1,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Joint_Venture_Details_Textual

Joint Venture (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Joint Venture (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$179,000	($266,000)	($535,000)	($590,000)
Ownership interest in the joint venture	51.00%	'	51.00%	'
Registered capital of the Joint venture	$4,000,000	'	$4,000,000	'