Maxwell 10-K20 Feb 142013 FY Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 10, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000319815	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Trading Symbol	'mxwl	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'No	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	29,590,447	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$210,849,329

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$30,647	$28,739
Trade and other accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $134 and $157 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	29,869	33,420
Inventories	44,736	41,620
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,314	3,228
Total current assets	107,566	107,007
Property and equipment, net	44,941	36,235
Intangible assets, net	369	669
Goodwill	25,978	25,416
Pension asset	10,568	6,939
Other non-current assets	665	206
Total assets	190,087	176,472
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	25,436	27,181
Accrued warranty	180	269
Accrued employee compensation	8,788	4,743
Deferred revenue	1,043	6,408
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	7,914	9,452
Deferred tax liability	890	980
Total current liabilities	44,251	49,033
Deferred tax liability, long-term	2,125	1,384
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	100	83
Other long-term liabilities	3,401	1,039
Total liabilities	49,877	51,539
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11 and Note 13)	'	'
Stockholdersâ€™ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.10 par value per share, 40,000 shares authorized; 29,563 and 29,162 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	2,953	2,913
Additional paid-in capital	271,928	267,623
Accumulated deficit	-151,794	-158,134
Accumulated other comprehensive income	17,123	12,531
Total stockholdersâ€™ equity	140,210	124,933
Total liabilities and stockholdersâ€™ equity	$190,087	$176,472

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Trade and other accounts receivable, allowance	$134	$157
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$100
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	29,563,000	29,162,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	29,563,000	29,162,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Revenue	$193,534	$159,258	$147,176
Cost of revenue	118,241	94,206	90,106
Gross profit	75,293	65,052	57,070
Operating expenses:	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	44,195	33,656	35,218
Research and development	22,542	21,700	22,356
Total operating expenses	66,737	55,356	57,574
Income (loss) from operations	8,556	9,696	-504
Interest expense, net	-4	-116	-109
Amortization of debt discount and prepaid debt costs	-60	-57	-55
Gain on embedded derivatives	0	0	1,086
Income from operations before income taxes	8,492	9,523	418
Income tax provision	2,152	2,349	1,856
Net income (loss)	$6,340	$7,174	($1,438)
Net income (loss) per share:	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.25	($0.05)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.25	($0.05)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	28,869	28,568	27,637
Diluted (in shares)	28,903	28,709	27,637

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$6,340	$7,174	($1,438)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,428	1,796	-628
Defined benefit pension plan, net of tax:	'	'	'
Actuarial (loss) gain on benefit obligation and plan assets, net of tax benefit of $188, tax benefit of $39 and tax provision of $38 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	2,785	-352	192
Amortization of deferred loss, net of tax benefit of $26, $26 and $41 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	148	190	268
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax benefit of $7, $5 and $7 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	-36	-39	-39
Settlement (loss) gain, net of tax benefit of $94 and $30 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	-805	228	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,592	1,901	-129
Comprehensive income (loss)	$10,932	$9,075	($1,567)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized (Gain) Loss Arising During Period, Tax	($597)	$39	($38)
Tax effect of Amortization of Net Loss Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost	-32	-26	-41
Tax effect of amortization of prior service cost recognized in net periodic benefit cost	-8	-5	-7
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Non-Pension Postretirement Plan Valuation, Tax	$173	($30)	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$88,023	$2,715	$238,419	($163,870)	$10,759
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	27,182,000	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, shares	'	310,000	'	'	'
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans	2,819	32	2,787	'	'
Share-based compensation, shares	'	177,000	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	2,582	17	2,565	'	'
Shares issued for exercise of warrants, shares	'	514,000	'	'	'
Conversion of debenture into shares of common stock	9,341	51	9,290	'	'
Repurchase of shares, shares	'	-9,000	'	'	'
Repurchase of shares	-154	0	-154	'	'
Net income (loss)	-1,438	'	'	-1,438	'
Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-628	'	'	'	-628
Pension adjustment, net of tax provision	499	'	'	'	499
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	101,044	2,815	252,907	-165,308	10,630
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	28,174,000	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, shares	'	227,000	'	'	'
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans	1,762	22	1,740	'	'
Share-based compensation, shares	'	204,000	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	3,088	20	3,068	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, shares	'	573,000	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	10,283	57	10,226	'	'
Repurchase of shares, shares	'	-16,000	'	'	'
Repurchase of shares	-319	-1	-318	'	'
Net income (loss)	7,174	'	'	7,174	'
Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,796	'	'	'	1,796
Pension adjustment, net of tax provision	105	'	'	'	105
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	124,933	2,913	267,623	-158,134	12,531
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	29,162,000	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans, shares	'	67,000	'	'	'
Common stock issued under employee benefit plans	412	7	405	'	'
Share-based compensation, shares	'	359,000	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	3,980	36	3,944	'	'
Repurchase of shares, shares	'	-25,000	'	'	'
Repurchase of shares	-47	-3	-44	'	'
Net income (loss)	6,340	'	'	6,340	'
Other Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	2,428	'	'	'	2,428
Pension adjustment, net of tax provision	2,164	'	'	'	2,164
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$140,210	$2,953	$271,928	($151,794)	$17,123
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	29,563,000	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Pension adjustment, tax provision	$464	$15	$86

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$6,340,000	$7,174,000	($1,438,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	8,880,000	7,051,000	6,800,000
Amortization of intangible assets	299,000	441,000	559,000
Amortization of debt discount and prepaid debt costs	60,000	57,000	55,000
Gain on embedded derivatives	0	0	-1,086,000
Pension (benefit) cost	20,000	437,000	-109,000
Stock-based compensation expense	3,980,000	3,088,000	2,582,000
Provision for (recovery of) losses on accounts receivable	-35,000	-245,000	300,000
Inventory Write-down	1,622,000	-1,335,000	583,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Trade and other accounts receivable	3,729,000	-4,914,000	-827,000
Inventories	-4,568,000	-6,955,000	-14,706,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	129,000	333,000	122,000
Deferred income taxes	994,000	550,000	-1,108,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-2,559,000	-8,500,000	8,466,000
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue	-5,365,000	5,378,000	0
Accrued employee compensation	4,018,000	-1,699,000	278,000
Other long-term liabilities	2,347,000	-2,007,000	-5,572,000
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	19,891,000	-1,146,000	-5,101,000
Investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-16,850,000	-15,200,000	-14,466,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-16,850,000	-15,200,000	-14,466,000
Financing activities:	'	'	'
Principal payments on long-term debt and short-term borrowings	-10,430,000	-9,638,000	-12,462,000
Proceeds from long-term and short-term borrowings	8,709,000	13,481,000	12,229,000
Repurchase of shares for employee tax withholding obligation	-47,000	-319,000	-154,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under equity compensation plans	412,000	1,762,000	2,819,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under secondary security offering	0	10,283,000	0
Release of restricted cash	0	0	8,000,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-1,356,000	15,569,000	10,432,000
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations	1,685,000	-777,000	-9,135,000
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	223,000	227,000	-1,405,000
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,908,000	-550,000	-10,540,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	28,739,000	29,289,000	39,829,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	30,647,000	28,739,000	29,289,000
Cash paid for:	'	'	'
Interest	190,000	174,000	166,000
Income taxes	1,950,000	1,594,000	3,329,000
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Conversion of debenture into shares of common stock	$0	$0	$9,341,000

Description_of_Business_and_Su

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business
	Maxwell Technologies, Inc. is a Delaware corporation originally incorporated in 1965 under the name Maxwell Laboratories, Inc. In 1983, the Company completed an initial public offering, and in 1996, changed its name to Maxwell Technologies, Inc. The Company is headquartered in San Diego, California, has three manufacturing facilities located in San Diego, California; Rossens, Switzerland; and Peoria, Arizona. In addition, the Company has two contract manufacturers located in China. Maxwell operates as one operating segment called High Reliability, which is comprised of three product lines:

	•	Ultracapacitors: Our primary focus, ultracapacitors, are energy storage devices that possess a unique combination of high power density, extremely long operational life and the ability to charge and discharge very rapidly. Our ultracapacitor cells and multi-cell packs and modules provide highly reliable energy storage and power delivery solutions for applications in multiple industries, including transportation, automotive, information technology, renewable energy and industrial electronics.

	•	High-Voltage Capacitors: Our CONDIS® high-voltage capacitors are designed and manufactured to perform reliably for decades in all climates. These products include grading and coupling capacitors and capacitive voltage dividers that are used to ensure the safety and reliability of electric utility infrastructure and other applications involving transport, distribution and measurement of high-voltage electrical energy.

	•	Radiation-Hardened Microelectronic Products: Our radiation-hardened microelectronic products for satellites and spacecraft include single board computers and components, such as high-density memory and power modules. Many of these products incorporate our proprietary RADPAK® packaging and shielding technology and novel architectures that enable them to withstand the effects of environmental radiation and perform reliably in space.
	The Company’s products are designed and manufactured to perform reliably for the life of the products and systems into which they are integrated. The Company achieves high reliability through the application of proprietary technologies and rigorously controlled design, development, manufacturing and test processes.
	Financial Statement Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Maxwell Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Liquidity
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $30.6 million in cash and cash equivalents. Management believes the available cash balance, combined with cash the Company expects to generate from operations, will be sufficient to fund its operations, obligations as they become due, and capital investments for at least the next twelve months.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts in the consolidated statements of operations have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications do not impact reported net income (loss) and do not otherwise have a material impact on the presentation of the overall financial statements.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. These estimates include, but are not limited to, assessing the collectability of accounts receivable, applied and unapplied production costs, production capacities, the usage and recoverability of inventories and long-lived assets, including deferred income taxes, the incurrence of warranty obligations, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, estimation of the cost to complete certain projects, accruals for estimated losses from legal matters, and estimation of the value of stock-based compensation awards, including the probability that the performance criteria of restricted stock awards will be met.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is derived primarily from the sale of manufactured products directly to customers. Product revenue is recognized, according to the guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Numbers 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, and 104, Revenue Recognition, when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists (upon contract signing or receipt of an authorized purchase order from a customer); (2) title passes to the customer at either shipment from the Company’s facilities or receipt at the customer facility, depending on shipping terms; (3) customer payment is deemed fixed or determinable and free of contingencies or significant uncertainties; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. This policy has been consistently applied from period to period.
	Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011, for three distributors of the Company's products, the Company offered extended payment terms which allowed these distributors to pay us after they received payment from their customer, with respect to certain sales transactions. Also beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011, for one other distributor of the Company's products, the Company offered return rights and profit margin protection with respect to certain sales transactions. Therefore, for these four distributors, the Company determined that the revenue recognition criteria of SAB 101 and 104 were not met at the time of shipment, as there was no fixed or determinable price, nor was collection reasonably assured, at least with respect to certain sales transactions. As a result, for the three distributors provided with extended payment terms, which did not provide for a fixed or determinable price, the Company determined to defer the recognition of revenue on all sales beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011 to the period in which cash is received. For the one distributor provided with return rights and profit margin protection, for which the Company could not estimate exposure, the Company determined to defer the recognition of revenue on all sales beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011 until the distributor confirmed to the Company that it was not entitled to any further returns or credits. During the third quarter of 2013, this distributor confirmed to the Company that it was not entitled to any further returns or credits, therefore, previously deferred revenue related to this distributor was recognized in the quarter ended September 30, 2013. Although the Company had deferred revenue for a significant amount of sales to these four distributors as of December 31, 2011and 2012, the amount of deferred revenue related to these distributors as of December 31, 2013 is insignificant.
	In addition to the deferred revenue arrangements discussed in the preceding paragraph, revenue is not recognized for sales that do not meet the revenue recognition criteria at the time of sale. Revenue is recognized once all of the criteria for revenue recognition are determined to have been met. For example, if the Company does not believe that collection of the sales price is reasonably assured at the time of sale, it defers revenue recognition until cash is received.
	As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, cumulative sales totaling $4.5 million and $15.8 million, respectively, had not yet been recognized as revenue. The Company has recorded the cost basis of inventory shipped to customers prior to the achievement of the revenue recognition criteria of approximately $2.5 million and $9.2 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in "inventory" in the consolidated balance sheets.
	If the Company receives cash payment from the customer prior to the achievement of the revenue recognition criteria, the amount received from the customer is recorded as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets. Total deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 of $1.0 million and $6.4 million, respectively, relates to cash received from customers on sales for which the revenue recognition criteria were not achieved, customer advances, as well as other less significant customer arrangements requiring the deferral of revenue.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company invests its excess cash in debt instruments of the U.S. Government and its agencies, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high-quality corporate issuers. All highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less from purchase are considered cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Trade receivables are stated at gross invoiced amount less an allowance for uncollectible accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on known troubled accounts, historical experience and other currently available evidence.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in first-out basis) or market. Finished goods and work-in-process inventory values include the cost of raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. Consigned inventory includes finished goods delivered to customers for which the related sale has not met the revenue recognition criteria and revenue has been deferred. Inventory when written down to market value establishes a new cost basis and its value is not subsequently increased based upon changes in underlying facts and circumstances. The Company makes adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value, if required, for estimated excess or obsolete inventories. Factors influencing these adjustments include inventories on-hand compared with historical and estimated future sales for existing and new products and assumptions about the likelihood of obsolescence. Unabsorbed and under absorbed costs are treated as expense in the period incurred.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the related assets (three to ten years). Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the term of the lease. Leasehold improvements funded by landlords are recorded as property and equipment, which is depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term, and deferred rent, which is amortized over the lease term. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the net book value of leasehold improvements funded by landlords was $2.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the unamortized balance of deferred rent related to landlord funding of leasehold improvements was $2.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively, which is included in "accounts payable and accrued liabilities" and "other long-term liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill, which represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the net fair value assigned to its assets and liabilities, is not amortized. Instead, goodwill is assessed for impairment under the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Topic of the FASB ASC. The Company has established December 31 as the annual impairment test date. The Company first makes a qualitative assessment as to whether goodwill is impaired and if it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the Company performs a two-step quantitative impairment analysis to determine if goodwill is impaired. The Company may also determine to skip the qualitative assessment in any year and move directly to the quantitative test. No impairments of goodwill were reported during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets
	Property and equipment and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. If the Company determines that the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable, a permanent impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived or intangible asset exceeds its fair value. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives of ten to thirteen years. No impairments of property and equipment or intangible assets were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
	Warranty Obligation
	The Company provides warranties on all product sales. The majority of the Company’s warranties are for one to three years in the normal course of business. The Company accrues for the estimated warranty costs at the time of sale based on historical warranty experience plus any known or expected changes in warranty exposure.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are provided on a liability method in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences on future years of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts at each period end. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. The guidance also provides criteria for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosures of uncertain tax positions. A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable based solely on its technical merits.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company maintains cash balances at various financial institutions primarily in California and in Switzerland. In California, cash balances commonly exceed the $250,000 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit. In Switzerland, the banks where the Company has cash deposits are either government-owned, or in the case of cash deposited with non-government banks, deposits are insured up to 100,000 Swiss Francs. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes that the Company is not exposed to any significant credit risk with respect to such cash and cash equivalents.
	Financial instruments, which subject the Company to potential concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of the Company’s accounts receivable. The Company’s accounts receivable result from product sales to customers in various industries and in various geographical areas, both domestic and foreign. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers and generally requires no collateral. One customer, Shenzhen Xinlikang Supply China Management Co. LTD., accounted for 22% of total revenue in 2013 and 18% of total revenue in 2012. There were no sales to a single customer amounting to more than 10% of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011. Two customers: Shenzhen Xinlikang Supply China Management Co. LTD; and Continental Automotive Hungary Kft., accounted for 13% and 11%, respectively of total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2013. In addition, three customers: Shenzhen Xinlikang Supply China Management Co. LTD.; Xiamen Golden Dragon Bus Co. LTD.; and ABB, accounted for 26%, 15% and 11%, respectively, of total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2012.
	Research and Development Expense
	Research and development expenditures are expensed in the period incurred. Third-party funding of research and development expense under cost-sharing arrangements is recorded as an offset to research and development expense in the period the expenses are incurred. Research and development expense was $22.5 million, $21.7 million and $22.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Advertising Expense
	Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred. Advertising expense was $884,000, $1.2 million and $287,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Shipping and Handling Expense
	The Company recognizes shipping and handling expenses as a component of cost of revenue. Total shipping and handling expense included in cost of revenue was $1.3 million, $1.4 million, and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Patent Defense Costs
	The Company capitalizes patent defense costs as additional cost of the patents when a successful outcome in a patent defense case is probable. If the Company is ultimately unsuccessful the costs would be charged to expense. Legal expenses associated with a previous patent infringement lawsuit were capitalized as an intangible asset. The Company settled this lawsuit in 2009, and the $1 million in consideration that the Company received in the settlement was netted against the capitalized patent defense costs. The net amount is being amortized over the remaining lives of these patents. As of December 31, 2013, unamortized patent defense costs of $234,000 are classified as intangible assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
	Foreign Currencies
	The Company’s primary foreign currency exposure is related to its subsidiary in Switzerland, which has Euro and local currency (Swiss Franc) revenue and operating expenses, and local currency loans. Changes in these currency exchange rates impact the reported U.S. dollar amount of revenue, expenses and debt. The functional currency of the Swiss subsidiary is the Swiss Franc. Assets and liabilities of the Swiss subsidiary are translated at month-end exchange rates, and revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated at rates of exchange that approximate the rate in effect at the time of the transaction. Any translation adjustments resulting from this process are presented separately as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reported in "cost of revenue" and "selling, general and administrative" expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments
	As part of its risk management strategy, the Company uses forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency exposures. The Company's objective is to offset gains or losses resulting from these exposures with opposing gains or losses on the forward contracts, thereby reducing volatility of earnings created by these foreign currency exposures. In accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC, the fair values of the forward contracts are estimated at each period end based on quoted market prices and are recorded in “trade or other accounts receivable, net” on the consolidated balance sheets. Any gains or losses recognized on these contracts are recorded in “cost of revenue” and “selling, general and administrative” expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Net Income (Loss) per Share
	In accordance with the Earnings Per Share Topic of the FASB ASC, basic net income (loss) per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share includes the impact of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares were issued. Potentially dilutive securities are not considered in the calculation of diluted net loss per share, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share data):


			Years Ended December 31,
			2013				2012			2011
	Numerator
	Net income (loss)		$	6,340			$	7,174		$	(1,438	)

Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding		28,869				28,568			27,637

Effect of potentially dilutive securities
Options to purchase common stock		16				115			—

Restricted stock awards		3				10			—

Restricted stock unit awards		14				2			—

Employee stock purchase plan		1				14			—

Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution		28,903				28,709			27,637

Net income (loss) per share
Basic		$	0.22			$	0.25		$	(0.05	)

Diluted		$	0.22			$	0.25		$	(0.05	)

The following table summarizes instruments that may be convertible into common shares that are not included in the denominator used in the diluted net income (loss) per share calculation because to do so would be antidilutive (in thousands):


Common Stock		2013			2012			2011
Outstanding options to purchase common stock		790			504			1,184

Restricted stock awards outstanding		424			319			262

Restricted stock unit awards		—			20			22

Employee stock purchase plan awards		1			—			21

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has issued stock-based compensation awards to its employees and non-employee directors, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and shares under an employee stock purchase plan. The Company records compensation expense for stock-based awards in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Stock Compensation Subtopic of the FASB ASC. Although the Company has not granted stock options since 2010, the Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of historical stock option grants. The determination of the fair value of stock options utilizing the Black-Scholes model was affected by the Company’s stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends.
The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense equal to the fair value of each restricted stock award is recognized ratably over the requisite service period. For restricted stock awards with vesting contingent on Company performance conditions, the Company uses the requisite service period that is most likely to occur. The requisite service period is estimated based on the expected achievement date of the performance condition. If it is unlikely that a performance condition will be achieved, no compensation expense is recognized unless is later determined that achievement of the performance condition is likely. The requisite service period may be adjusted for changes in the expected outcomes of the related performance conditions, with the impact of such changes recognized as a cumulative adjustment in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the expectation changes.
Share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations is based on equity awards ultimately expected to vest. The FASB ASC requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods with a cumulative catch up adjustment if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Business Enterprise Information
The Company operates as one operating segment, High Reliability, according to the Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information Topic of the FASB ASC, which establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual consolidated financial statements. The Company’s chief operating decision maker does not regularly review discrete financial information below the consolidated level.
Revenues by product line and geographic area are presented below (in thousands):


		Year ending December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
Revenues by product line:
Ultracapacitors		$	136,277			$	95,953		$	86,836

High-voltage capacitors		43,339				45,574			42,309

Microelectronic products		13,918				17,731			18,031

Total		$	193,534			$	159,258		$	147,176


		Year ending December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
Revenues from external customers located in:
China		$	92,817			$	74,054		$	43,187

United States		29,090				26,473			29,723

Germany		25,935				25,119			26,253

All other countries (1)		45,692				33,612			48,013

Total		$	193,534			$	159,258		$	147,176

_____________

-1	Revenue from external customers located in countries included in “All other countries” do not individually comprise more than 10% of total revenues for any of the years presented.
Long-lived assets by geographic location are as follows (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
Long-lived assets:
United States		$	33,740			$	24,239		$	17,614

China		5,444				6,340			5,916

Switzerland		6,422				5,862			5,211

Total		$	45,606			$	36,441		$	28,741

Balance_Sheet_Details

Balance Sheet Details	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Balance Sheet Details	'
	Balance Sheet Details (in thousands):



			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Inventories:
	Raw material and purchased parts		$	16,723			$	13,114

	Work-in-process		2,374				1,753

	Finished goods		23,149				17,511

	Consigned finished goods		2,490				9,242

	Total inventories		$	44,736			$	41,620

	Property and equipment, net:
	Machinery, furniture and office equipment		$	63,528			$	62,593

	Computer hardware and software		10,672				10,918

	Leasehold improvements		10,576				10,376

	Construction in progress		15,701				9,283

	Property and equipment, gross		100,477				93,170

	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(55,536		)		(56,935		)
	Total property and equipment, net		$	44,941			$	36,235

	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$	15,356			$	14,762

	FCPA settlement		—				2,250

	Customer dispute settlement accrual		85				890

	Income tax payable		2,366				2,068

	Other accrued liabilities		7,629				7,211

	Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	25,436			$	27,181


			Years Ended December 31,
			2013				2012
	Accrued warranty:
	Beginning balance		$	269			$	258

	Product warranties issued		324				446

	Settlement of warranties		(236		)		(259		)
	Changes related to preexisting warranties		(178		)		(179		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		1				3

	Ending balance		$	180			$	269



			Foreign				Defined Benefit				Accumulated		Affected Line Item
			Currency				Pension Plan				Other		in the
			Translation								Comprehensive		Statement of Operations
Adjustment							Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Balance at December 31, 2012		$	16,376			$	(3,845	)		$	12,531

Other comprehensive income before reclassification		2,428				—				2,428

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		—				2,164				2,164		Cost of Sales, Selling, General and Administrative and Research and Development Expense

Net other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013		2,428				2,164				4,592

Balance at December 31, 2013		$	18,804			$	(1,681	)		$	17,123

Goodwill_and_Intangibles

Goodwill and Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangibles	'
	Goodwill and Intangibles
	The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually according to the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Topic of the FASB ASC. The Company makes a qualitative evaluation about the likelihood of goodwill impairment and if it concludes that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of its single reporting unit is greater than its fair value, then it will be required to perform the first step of the two-step quantitative impairment test. Otherwise, performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The first step consists of estimating the fair value and comparing the estimated fair value with the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, a second step is performed to compute the amount of the impairment by determining an implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is the residual fair value derived by deducting the fair value of a reporting unit’s assets and liabilities from its estimated total fair value, which was calculated in step one. An impairment charge would represent the excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill. The guidance requires goodwill to be reviewed annually at the same time every year or when an event occurs or circumstances change such that it is reasonably possible that an impairment may exist. The Company selected December 31 as its annual testing date. As a result of the Company’s annual assessments as of December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, no impairment was indicated.
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2012 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands):


	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	24,887

	Foreign currency translation adjustments	529

	Balance at December 31, 2012	25,416

	Foreign currency translation adjustments	562

	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	25,978

	Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. If the Company determines that the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable, a permanent impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value. No impairments of intangible assets were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.
	The composition of intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands):


			Useful	Gross		Accumulated			Cumulative			Net
			Life	Carrying		Amortization			Foreign			Carrying
				Value					Currency			Value
									Translation
									Adjustment
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Patents		13 years	$	2,476	$	(2,107	)	$	—		$	369

	Developed core technology		10 years	1,100		(1,100		)	—			—

	Patent license agreement		5 years	741		(741		)	—			—

	Total intangible assets at December 31, 2013			$	4,317	$	(3,948	)	$	—		$	369


	As of December 31, 2012:
	Patents		13 years	$	2,476	$	(1,903	)	$	—		$	573

	Developed core technology		10 years	1,100		(1,100		)	—			—

	Patent license agreement		5 years	741		(606		)	(39		)	96

	Total intangible assets at December 31, 2012			$	4,317	$	(3,609	)	$	(39	)	$	669

	Amortization expense for intangible assets was $299,000, $441,000 and $559,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The estimated amortization for each of the next two years ending December 31 is as follows (in thousands):


	Fiscal Years
	2014	$	203

	2015	166

		$	369

	Actual amortization expense to be reported in future periods could differ from these estimates as a result of intangible asset acquisitions, foreign currency translation adjustments, impairments and other factors.

Convertible_Debentures

Convertible Debentures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Convertible Debentures Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Convertible Debentures	'
	Convertible Debentures
	On December 20, 2005, the Company issued $25 million in aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated convertible debentures (the “Debentures”). In February 2011, the holder of the Debentures converted the remaining $8.3 million principal balance into 514,086 shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price of $16.21 per share. On the conversion date, the common stock had a fair value of $9.3 million, which was based on the closing market price. This conversion resulted in a gain of $1.0 million, which is included in “gain on embedded derivatives” in the consolidated statement of operations. As long as the Debentures were outstanding, the Company was required to maintain a minimum cash balance of $8.0 million. This amount was classified as restricted cash while the convertible debentures were outstanding. The cash restriction was released in February 2011 when the outstanding principal amount of the convertible debentures was converted to shares of the Company's common stock.
	Shares issued upon the exercise of warrants, interest paid with cash and principal converted into shares of common stock are as follows (in thousands):


		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Amount		Shares
	Conversion of principal into shares of common stock	$	8,333	514

	Interest paid with cash	17		N/A

	Total debenture payments	$	8,350	514

	Until the conversion of the remaining principal balance of the Debentures in February 2011, the principal balance was convertible by the holder at any time into common shares. In addition, after eighteen months from the issue date, the Company could have required that a specified amount of the principal of the Debentures be converted if certain conditions were satisfied for a period of 20 consecutive trading days. To determine the fair value of this forced conversion at each reporting date, the Company applied a Z factor, which is a theoretical measurement of the probability of this occurrence.
	The change in fair value on revaluation of the conversion rights and warrant liabilities represents the difference between the fair value at the end of the current period or conversion date and the fair value at the beginning of the current period using the value calculated by the Black-Scholes pricing model. The effect of the fair market value adjustment was a $78,000 gain for the year ended December 31, 2011, which is recorded as “gain on embedded derivatives” in the consolidated statements of operations.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurement
	The Company records certain financial instruments at fair value in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC. As of December 31, 2013, the financial instruments to which this topic applied were financial instruments for foreign currency forward contracts. As of December 31, 2013, the fair value of these foreign currency forward contracts was a $382,000 asset, which is recorded in “trade and other accounts receivable, net” in the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of these derivative instruments is measured using models following quoted market prices in active markets for identical instruments, which is a Level 2 input under the fair value hierarchy of the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC. All forward contracts as of December 31, 2013 have a one-month original maturity term and mature on January 3, 2014 or February 4, 2014.
	The carrying value of short-term and long-term borrowings approximates fair value because of the relative short maturity of these instruments and the interest rates the Company could currently obtain.
	The convertible debentures issued on December 20, 2005 were evaluated and determined not to be conventional convertible debentures and, therefore, because of certain terms and provisions including liquidating damages under the associated registration rights agreement, the embedded conversion features were bifurcated and accounted for as derivative liability instruments until settled in February 2011. The accounting guidance requires that the conversion features be recorded at fair value each reporting period with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. The fair values of the embedded conversion options are based on Black-Scholes fair value calculations. In February 2011, the remaining $8.3 million principal balance was converted into shares of the Company’s common stock and, as such, no further fair value measurements of the liability were required to be made.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the liability for the convertible debenture conversion features, which were valued using significant Level 3 inputs under the fair value measurement hierarchy of the FASB ASC (in thousands):


	Beginning liability balance, December 31, 2010	$	2,093

	Total unrealized gain included in net loss	(1,086		)
	Liability settled on exercise of warrants	(1,007		)
	Ending liability balance, December 31, 2011	$	—

	Refer to Note 4—Convertible Debentures for the valuation model and unobservable data used to calculate fair value of the conversion features of the convertible debentures issued by the Company.

Borrowings

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Borrowings	'
	Borrowings
	Credit facility
	In December 2011, the Company obtained a secured credit facility in the form of a revolving line of credit up to a maximum of $15.0 million (the “Revolving Line of Credit”) and an equipment term loan (the “Equipment Term Loan”) (together, the “Credit Facility”). The availability of the Revolving Line of Credit expired on February 5, 2014, and the Company has not borrowed any amounts to date under the Revolving Line of Credit. In general, amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility are secured by a lien on all of the Company’s assets other than its intellectual property. In addition, under the credit agreement, the Company is required to pledge 65% of its equity interests in its Swiss subsidiary. The Company has also agreed not to encumber any of its intellectual property. The agreement contains certain restrictive covenants that limit the Company’s ability to, among other things; (i) incur additional indebtedness or guarantees; (ii) create liens or other encumbrances on its property; (iii) enter into a merger or similar transaction; (iv) invest in another entity; (v) declare or pay dividends; and (vi) invest in fixed assets in excess of a defined dollar amount. Repayment of amounts owed pursuant to the Credit Facility may be accelerated in the event that the Company is in violation of the representations, warranties and covenants made in the credit agreement, including certain financial covenants. The financial covenants that the Company must meet during the term of the credit agreement include quarterly minimum liquidity ratios, minimum quick ratios and EBITDA targets and an annual net income target. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, payable monthly, at either (i) the bank's prime rate or (ii) LIBOR plus 2.25%, at the Company's option subject to certain limitations. Further, the Company incurs an unused commitment fee, payable quarterly, equal to 0.25% per annum of the average daily unused amount of the Revolving Line of Credit.
	The Equipment Term Loan was available to finance 80% of eligible equipment purchases made between April 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012. During this period, the Company borrowed $5.0 million under the Equipment Term Loan.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company was not in compliance with the financial covenant pertaining to the quarterly EBITDA target for the quarter ended December 31, 2013. As a result of this noncompliance, the bank's obligation to extend any further credit has ceased and terminated and the outstanding debt balance is immediately callable by the bank. As of December 31, 2012, the Company was not in compliance with the credit agreement due to the restatement of previously issued financial statements which resulted in the violation of various covenants. As a result of these events of noncompliance, borrowings outstanding under the Equipment Term Loan have been classified as a current obligation in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2013.
	As of December 31, 2013, $2.2 million was outstanding under the Equipment Term Loan and the applicable interest rate was LIBOR plus 2.25% (2.5% as of December 31, 2013). If the bank does not exercise its right to accelerate repayment, under the original terms of the Credit Facility, principal and interest under the Equipment Term Loan are payable in 36 equal monthly installments such that the Equipment Term Loan is fully repaid by the maturity date of April 30, 2015, but may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time.
	Short-term borrowings
	Maxwell’s Swiss subsidiary, Maxwell SA, has a 3.0 million Swiss Franc-denominated (approximately $3.4 million as of December 31, 2013) short-term loan agreement with a Swiss bank, which renews semi-annually and bears interest at 1.60%. Borrowings under the short-term loan agreement are unsecured and as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the full amount of the loan was drawn. In addition, Maxwell SA has a 2.0 million Swiss Franc-denominated (approximately $2.2 million as of December 31, 2013) credit agreement with the same Swiss bank, which renews annually and bears interest at 1.73%. Borrowings under the credit agreement are unsecured and as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the full amount available under the credit line was drawn.
	Maxwell SA also has a 1.0 million Swiss Franc-denominated (approximately $1.1 million as of December 31, 2013) credit agreement with another Swiss bank, and the available balance of the line can be withdrawn or reduced by the bank at any time. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no amounts were drawn under the credit line. Interest rates applicable to any draws on the line will be determined at the time of draw.
	Other long-term borrowings
	Maxwell SA has various financing agreements for vehicles. These agreements are for up to an original three-year repayment period with interest rates ranging from 1.9% to 5.1%. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $179,000 and $159,000, respectively, was outstanding under these agreements.
	The following table summarizes debt outstanding (in thousands):


			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Equipment Term Loan		$	2,236		$	3,913

	Maxwell SA short-term loan		3,359			3,278

	Maxwell SA credit agreement		2,240			2,185

	Maxwell SA auto leases		179			159

	Total debt		8,014			9,535

	Less current portion		(7,914		)	(9,452		)
	Total debt, excluding current portion		$	100		$	83

	Contractually scheduled payments due on borrowings subsequent to December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):


	2014 (1)	$	7,914

	2015	100

	Total debt	$	8,014

	_____________

	-1	Contractually scheduled payments related to the Equipment Term Loan of $2.2 million were callable by the bank.

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments	'
	Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments
	Maxwell uses forward contracts to hedge certain monetary assets and liabilities, primarily receivables and payables, denominated in a foreign currency. The change in fair value of these instruments represents a natural hedge as gains and losses offset the changes in the fair value of the underlying monetary assets and liabilities due to movements in currency exchange rates. These contracts generally expire in one month. These contracts are considered economic hedges but are not designated as hedges under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC, therefore, the change in the fair value of the instruments is recognized currently in the consolidated statement of operations.
	The net gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts included in "cost of revenue" and "selling, general and administrative" expense in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows (in thousands):


		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Cost of revenue	$	27		$	(2	)	$	(220	)

	Selling, general and administrative	332			395			(453		)

	Total gain (loss)	$	359		$	393		$	(673	)

	The net gains and losses on foreign currency derivative contracts were partially offset by net gains and losses on the underlying monetary assets and liabilities. Foreign currency gains and losses on those underlying monetary assets and liabilities included in "cost of revenue" and "selling, general and administrative" expense in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows (in thousands):


		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Cost of revenue	$	(24	)	$	13		$	108

	Selling, general and administrative	(985		)	(997		)	(315		)
	Total loss	$	(1,009	)	$	(984	)	$	(207	)
	As of December 31, 2013, the total notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedges was $34.4 million.
	The following table presents gross amounts, amounts offset and net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets for the Company's derivative instruments measured at fair value (in thousands):


		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Gross amounts of recognized asset	$	373		$	394

	Gross amounts offset in the consolidated balance sheets	9			(65		)

	Net amount of recognized asset presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets	$	382		$	329

	The Company has the legal right to offset these recognized assets and liabilities upon settlement of the derivative instruments. All of the forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2013 mature on January 3, 2014. For additional information, refer to Note 5, Fair Value Measurements.

Stock_Plans

Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Plans	'
	Stock Plans
	Equity Incentive Plans
	The Company has two active share-based compensation plans as of December 31, 2013: the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated (“ESPP”) and the 2013 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”), as approved by the stockholders. Under the Incentive Plan, incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units have been granted to employees and non-employee directors. Generally, these awards vest over periods of one to four years. In addition, equity awards are issued to senior management where vesting of the award is tied to Company performance conditions. The Company’s policy is to issue new shares of its common stock upon the exercise of stock options or granting of stock awards to employees.
	The Company’s Incentive Plan currently provides for an equity incentive pool of 3,750,000 shares. Shares reserved for issuance are replenished by forfeited shares. Additionally, equity awards forfeited under the Company’s 2005 equity incentive plan and 1995 stock option plan are added to the total shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan. The Incentive Plan provides for accelerated vesting if there is a change of control.
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, the tax benefit associated with stock option exercises, restricted stock grants, and disqualifying dispositions of both incentive stock options and stock issued under the Company’s ESPP, was approximately $1.0 million. No tax benefit was recognized in 2013, 2012 or 2011, because excess tax benefits were not realized by the Company.
	Stock Options
	In the first quarter of 2011, the Company ceased granting stock options to its employees as part of its annual equity incentive award program, and began granting restricted stock awards to employees. However, during 2013, the Company granted a total of 175,000 stock options, related to the retention of a new chief operating officer as well as certain other one-time stock option awards to various employees. The Company may determine to grant stock options in the future under the Incentive Plan.
	The fair value of stock options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:


			Year Ended
			31-Dec-13
	Expected dividends		—

	Exercise price		$	6.8

	Expected volatility range		68.6		%
	Risk-free interest rate range		1.1		%
	Expected term/life (in years)		4.8

	Fair value per share		$	3.72

	The expected dividend yield is zero because the Company has never paid cash dividends and has no present intention to pay cash dividends. In addition, over the remaining term of the Equipment Term Loan, which is scheduled to be repaid by April 2015, the Company is not permitted to declare or pay dividends. The expected term is based on the Company’s historical experience from previous stock option grants. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock measured over a period commensurate with the expected option term. The Company does not consider implied volatility due to the low volume of publicly traded options in the Company's stock. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the zero coupon rate on U.S. Treasury instruments with a term comparable to the option’s expected term.
	The following table summarizes total aggregate stock option activity for the period December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2013:


			Number of			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
			Shares			Average			Average		Intrinsic
						Exercise			Remaining		Value
						Price			Contractual
									Term
									(in years)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		923,756			$	11.67

	Granted		175,306			7.56

	Exercised		(19,500	)		7.34

	Canceled		(217,256	)		10.43

	Balance at December 31, 2013		862,306			$	11.24		4.58		$	150,166

	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		848,161			$	11.31		4.5		$	137,004

	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		759,936			$	11.51		4.04		$	77,416

	The number of shares exercisable at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was 759,936, 807,146 and 884,959, respectively, with weighted average exercise prices of $11.51, $11.53 and $11.14, respectively.
	The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $7.56. No stock options were granted during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $18,000, $1.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Cash proceeds from option exercises for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $143,000.
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $374,000, or $291,000 adjusted for estimated forfeitures, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.6 years.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	In the first quarter of 2011, the Company began granting restricted stock awards to its employees as part of its annual equity incentive award program, in replacement of stock options which had historically been broadly granted to employees. Generally, vesting of restricted stock awards is contingent upon a period of service, typically four years. In addition, the Company grants restricted stock awards to executive management with vesting contingent upon specified Company performance conditions.
	The following table summarizes restricted stock award activity for the period December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except for per share dollar amounts):


	Nonvested Shares		Shares			Weighted Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012		397			$	16.72

	Granted		391			10.2

	Vested		(98	)		19.28

Forfeited		(166	)		11.96

Nonvested at December 31, 2013		524			$	12.88

The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $10.20, $20.60 and $15.90, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the total grant date fair value of service-based restricted stock awards granted was $3.1 million and the total grant date fair value of performance-based restricted stock awards granted was $914,000.
Share awards released during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 98,000, 77,000 and 56,000 respectively. Service-based share awards vested in 2013, 2012 and 2011 had a vest date fair value of $916,000, $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively. No performance-based share awards vested in 2013, 2012 or 2011. As of December 31, 2013, there was $5.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost, or $4.6 million net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested restricted stock awards. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years.
Restricted Stock Units
In 2011, the Company began granting non-employee directors of the Company restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards as partial consideration for their annual retainer compensation. In the first quarter of each fiscal year, each non-employee director of the Company receives an RSU award for a number of shares determined by dividing the value to be delivered under the RSU award by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. These awards vest in full one year from the date of grant. In addition, in 2011 and prior years, non-employee directors were paid a quarterly retainer in RSU awards. This quarterly retainer was replaced by an annual compensation plan in 2012.
The total grant date fair value of service-based restricted stock unit awards granted during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $714,000. The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $10.25, $20.65 and $19.06, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, there was $137,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock unit awards. The Company estimates that none of these outstanding RSU awards will be forfeited. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.2 year.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
In 2013, the Company amended and restated the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). Pursuant to the ESPP, the aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be purchased shall not exceed one million (1,000,000) shares of common stock of the Company. As of December 31, 2013, the Company has issued a total of 431,664 shares of common stock from the current ESPP. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company issued 28,464 and 108,990 shares, respectively, under the ESPP.
The ESPP permits substantially all employees to purchase common stock through payroll deductions, at 85% of the lower of the trading price of the stock at the beginning or at the end of each six-month offering period commencing on January 1 and July 1. The number of shares purchased is based on participants’ contributions made during the offering period.
The fair value of the “look back” option for ESPP shares issued during the offering period is estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model for a call and a put option. The share price used for the model is a 15% discount on the stock price on the first day of the offering period; the number of shares to be purchased is calculated based on employee contributions, and by using the following weighted-average assumptions:


		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
Expected dividends		$	—			$	—		$	—

Stock price on valuation date		7.77				11.96			17.54

Expected volatility		46		%		71		%	41		%
Risk-free interest rate		0.07		%		0.1		%	0.15		%
Expected life (in years)		0.3				0.5			0.5

Fair value per share		$	2.45			$	4.16		$	4.73

The intrinsic value of shares of the Company’s stock purchased pursuant to the ESPP for offering periods within the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $33,000, $191,000 and $109,000, respectively.
Stock-based Compensation Expense
Compensation cost for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and the ESPP is as follows (in thousands):


		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
Stock options		$	827			$	978		$	1,317

Restricted stock		2,491				1,427			1,014

Restricted stock units		592				421			57

ESPP		70				262			194

Total stock-based compensation expense		$	3,980			$	3,088		$	2,582

Stock-based compensation cost included in cost of revenue; selling, general and administrative expense; and research and development expense is as follows (in thousands):


		Year Ended December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
Cost of revenue		$	1,079			$	701		$	355

Selling, general and administrative		2,140				1,835			1,769

Research and development		761				552			458

Total stock-based compensation expense		$	3,980			$	3,088		$	2,582

Share Reservations
The following table summarizes the reservation of shares under the Company's stock-based compensation plans as of December 31, 2013:


2013 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan	1,584,994

2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	568,336

2005 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan	1,039,655

1995 Stock Option Plan	32,950

Total	3,225,935

Stock_Offering

Stock Offering	12 Months Ended
Stock Offering	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Offering [Abstract]	'
Stock offering	'
	Stock Offering
	In April 2011, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC to, from time to time, sell up to an aggregate of $125 million of its common stock, warrants or debt securities. During the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company sold a total of 572,510 shares of its common stock for net proceeds of $10.3 million pursuant an At-the-Market Equity Offering Sales Agreement (“Sales Agreement”) with Citadel Securities LLC (“Citadel”) dated February 2012. No shares have been sold subsequent to the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	For financial reporting purposes, net income before income taxes includes the following components (in thousands):


			Years Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	United States		$	(5,270	)		$	(5,994	)		$	(9,348	)
	Foreign		13,762				15,517				9,766

	Total		$	8,492			$	9,523			$	418

	The provision for income taxes based on income before income taxes is as follows (in thousands):


			Years Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Federal:
	Current		$	(258	)		$	(190	)		$	—

	Deferred		222				6,873				(2,430		)

			(36		)		6,683				(2,430		)

	State:
	Current		6				7				6

	Deferred		88				1,653				206

			94				1,660				212

	Foreign:
	Current		2,022				2,135				3,089

	Deferred		311				(95		)		(1,216		)

			2,333				2,040				1,873

	(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance		(239		)		(8,034		)		2,201

	Tax provision		$	2,152			$	2,349			$	1,856

	The provision for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations differs from the amount calculated by applying the statutory income tax rate to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes. The primary components of such difference are as follows (in thousands):


			Years Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Taxes at federal statutory rate		$	2,888			$	3,054			$	143

	State taxes, net of federal benefit		(29		)		(23		)		(323		)
	Effect of tax rate differential for foreign subsidiary		(2,531		)		(2,695		)		(1,576		)
	Valuation allowance, including tax benefits of stock activity		(239		)		(8,034		)		2,201

	Nondeductible interest		—				—				462

	Stock-based compensation		460				242				73

	Prior year true-up Subpart F income		—				2,484				—

	Return to provision adjustments		(920		)		3,568				576

	Subpart F income inclusion		2,446				3,110				—

	Other		77				643				300

Tax provision		$	2,152			$	2,349			$	1,856

The Company has established a valuation allowance against its U.S. federal and state deferred tax assets due to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of such assets as evidenced by the cumulative losses from operations through December 31, 2013. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets. At such time as it is determined that it is more likely than not that deferred assets are realizable, the valuation allowance will be reduced accordingly and recorded as a tax benefit, with the exception of $15.5 million which will impact additional paid in capital as discussed below. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $59.5 million as of December 31, 2013 to reflect the estimated amount of deferred tax assets that may not be realized. The Company decreased its valuation allowance by $239,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013.
At December 31, 2013, the Company has federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $156.6 million and $79.8 million, respectively. The federal tax loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2020 and the state tax loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2014. In addition, the Company has research and development and other tax credit carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes as of December 31, 2013 of $5.7 million and $6.2 million, respectively. The federal credits will begin to expire in 2018 unless utilized and the state credits have an indefinite life. Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Sections 382 and 383, use of the Company’s federal net operating loss and credit carryforwards may be limited due to a cumulative change in ownership of more than 50% within a three-year period.
Excess tax benefits associated with stock option exercises, restricted stock grants, and disqualifying dispositions of both incentive stock options and stock issued from the Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan in the amount of $3.4 million and $3.5 million, for 2013 and 2012, respectively, did not reduce current income taxes payable and, accordingly, are not included in the deferred tax asset relating to net operating loss carryforwards, but are included with the federal and state net operating loss carryforwards disclosed in this footnote. The tax benefits associated with stock option deductions from 1998 to 2005 in the amount of $15.5 million were not recorded in additional paid-in capital because their realization was not more likely than not to occur and, consequently, a valuation allowance was recorded against the entire benefit.
The Company has been granted a tax holiday in Switzerland, which is effective as of January 1, 2012 and is for 10 years. The tax holiday is conditional upon the Company meeting certain employment and investment thresholds. The impact of this tax holiday decreased foreign taxes by $733,000 and $634,000 for 2013 and 2012, respectively. The benefit of the tax holiday on net income per diluted share was $0.03 and $0.02 for 2013 and 2012, respectively.
U.S. and foreign withholding taxes have not been recognized on the excess of the amount for financial reporting over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries that are essentially permanent in duration. This amount becomes taxable upon a repatriation of assets from the subsidiary or a sale or liquidation of the subsidiary. The amount of unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries totaled $7.7 million as of December 31, 2013. Withholding taxes of approximately $2.7 million would be payable upon remittance of all previously unremitted earnings at December 31, 2013. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on the excess of the financial reporting basis over the tax basis of investments in foreign subsidiaries is not practicable because of the complexities of the hypothetical calculation.
Items that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax accounts are as follows (in thousands):


		December 31,
		2013				2012
Deferred tax assets:
Tax loss carryforwards		$	55,109			$	55,288

Tax credit carryforwards		19				19

Uniform capitalization, contract and inventory related reserves		1,493				895

Accrued vacation		632				642

Stock-based compensation		1,235				813

Intangible assets		1,032				1,104

Deferred revenue		179				152

Other		1,721				1,185

Total		61,420				60,098

Deferred tax liabilities:
Inventory deduction		(290		)		(209		)
Pension assets		(2,125		)		(1,385		)
Allowance for doubtful accounts		(405		)		(433		)
Tax basis depreciation less book depreciation		(1,989		)		(224		)
Other		(1		)		—

Total		(4,810		)		(2,251		)
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance		56,610				57,847

Valuation allowance		(59,501		)		(59,740		)
Net deferred tax liabilities		$	(2,891	)		$	(1,893	)
The Company adopted the provisions of section 740-10 of the Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC on January 1, 2007. Of the total unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013, approximately $11.9 million was recorded as a reduction to deferred tax assets, which caused a corresponding reduction in the Company’s valuation allowance of $11.9 million. To the extent unrecognized tax benefits are recognized at a time when a valuation allowance does not exist, the recognition of the tax benefit would reduce the effective tax rate. The Company anticipates that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2013 will decrease by $164,000 within the 12 month period following December 31, 2013.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):


Balance at December 31, 2012	$	10,277

Increase in current period positions	1,945

Increase in prior period positions	412

Balance at December 31, 2013	$	12,634

The Company recognizes interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. Interest and penalties for the years ended December 31, 2013 were $126,000 and for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were immaterial.
The Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for tax years subsequent to 2008 are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and its state income tax returns subsequent to 2007 are subject to examination by state tax authorities. The Company’s foreign tax returns subsequent to 2003 are subject to examination by the foreign tax authorities.
Net operating losses from years for which the statute of limitations has expired (2007 and prior for federal and 2006 and prior for state) could be adjusted in the event that the taxing jurisdictions challenge the amounts of net operating loss carryforwards from such years.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases	'
	Leases
	Rental expense amounted to $5.1 million, $3.7 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and was incurred primarily for facility leases. Future annual minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):


	Fiscal Years
	2014	$	4,314

	2015	3,935

	2016	3,352

	2017	3,124

	2018	2,355

	Thereafter	6,044

	Total	$	23,124

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	'
	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
	Foreign Plan
	The Compensation—Retirement Benefits Subtopic of the FASB ASC requires balance sheet recognition of the total over funded or underfunded status of pension and postretirement benefit plans. Under the guidance, actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs or credits, and any remaining transition assets or obligations that have not been recognized under previous accounting standards must be recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity, net of tax effects, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost (income).
	The Company’s plan is regulated by the Swiss Government and is funded by the employees and the Company. The pension benefit is based on compensation, length of service and credited investment earnings. The plan guarantees both a minimum rate of return as well as minimum annuity purchase rates. The Company’s funding policy with respect to the pension plan is to contribute the amount required by Swiss law, using the required percentage applied to the employee’s compensation. In addition, participating employees are required to contribute to the pension plan. The Company made pension contributions of $722,000, $732,000 and $778,000 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively; 45% of the total contributions to the plan each year are made by the employees. This plan has a measurement date of December 31. The Company does not have any rights to the assets of the plan.
	The reported pension asset increased from $6.9 million to $10.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. The asset increase is a combination of a net actuarial loss resulting from the combination of a loss due to demographic experience and a gain resulting from assumption changes, a plan change providing an early retirement benefit, and a higher than expected overall asset return rate which resulted in a gain.
	The accumulated benefit obligation was approximately $30.8 million and $28.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The following table reflects changes in the pension benefit obligation and plan assets for the years ended and as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):


			Pension Benefits
			Years ended
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	29,956			$	26,723
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	29,956			$	26,723
	Service cost		831				671
	Service cost		831				671
	Interest cost		504				651
	Interest cost		504				651
	Plan participant contributions		602				1,602
	Plan participant contributions		602				1,602
	Benefits paid		(717		)		(668		)
	Actuarial loss		(405		)		1,659
	Actuarial loss		(405		)		1,659
	Administrative expenses paid		978				—
	Administrative expenses paid		978				—
	Settlements		—				(1,417		)
	Settlements		—				(1,417		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation		828				735
	Effect of foreign currency translation		828				735
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year		32,577				29,956
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year		32,577				29,956
	Changes in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		36,895				33,082
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		36,895				33,082
	Actual return on plan assets		4,532				2,670
	Actual return on plan assets		4,532				2,670
	Company contributions		722				732
	Company contributions		722				732
	Plan participant contributions		602				1,602
	Plan participant contributions		602				1,602
	Benefits paid		(717		)		(668		)
	Settlements		—				(1,417		)
	Settlements		—				(1,417		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation		1,111				894
	Effect of foreign currency translation		1,111				894
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		43,145				36,895
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		43,145				36,895
	Funded status at end of year		$	10,568			$	6,939
	Funded status at end of year		$	10,568			$	6,939
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of (in thousands):


			As of
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Net long-term pension asset		$	10,568			$	6,939
	Net long-term pension asset		$	10,568			$	6,939
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of the following:

	Net prior service cost		865				216
	Net prior service cost		865				216
Net loss		1,430				4,770
Net loss		1,430				4,770
Accumulated other comprehensive loss before taxes		$	2,295			$	4,986
Accumulated other comprehensive loss before taxes		$	2,295			$	4,986
The components of net periodic pension cost (income) and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes are as follows (in thousands):


		Years ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
Components of net periodic pension cost (income):
Service cost		$	831			$	671			$	793
Service cost		$	831			$	671			$	793
Interest cost		504				651				717
Interest cost		504				651				717
Expected return on plan assets		(1,539		)		(1,403		)		(1,616		)
Prior service cost amortization		44				44				46
Prior service cost amortization		44				44				46
Deferred loss amortization		180				216				309
Deferred loss amortization		180				216				309
Settlement cost		—				258				—
Settlement cost		—				258				—
Net periodic pension cost (income)		$	20			$	437			$	249
Net periodic pension cost (income)		$	20			$	437			$	249
Other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:
Prior service cost amortization		$	(44	)		$	(44	)		$	(46	)
Gain on value of plan assets		(2,977		)		(1,268		)		(965		)
Actuarial (gain) loss on benefit obligation		(405		)		1,659				735
Actuarial (gain) loss on benefit obligation		(405		)		1,659				735
Plan change		978				—				—
Plan change		978				—				—
Settlement		—				(258		)		—
Settlement		—				(258		)		—
Deferred loss amortization		(180		)		(216		)		(309		)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes		$	(2,628	)		$	(127	)		$	(585	)
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost (income) and other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes		$	(2,608	)		$	310			$	(336	)
		$	(2,608	)		$	310			$	(336	)
Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost (income) are as follows:


		Pension Benefits
		Years ended December 31,
		2013			2012
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:
Discount rate		2.25	%		1.75	%
Rate of compensation increase		2.5	%		2.5	%
Measurement date		12/31/13			12/31/12
Measurement date		12/31/13			12/31/12
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost (income):
Discount rate		1.75	%		2.5	%
Expected long-term return on plan assets		4.25	%		4.25	%
Rate of compensation increase		2.5	%		2.5	%


Percentage of the fair value of total plan assets held in each major category of plan assets:
Equity securities		36	%		35	%
Debt securities		21	%		21	%
Real estate		40	%		39	%
Other		3	%		5	%
Total		100	%		100	%
The pension plan’s overall strategy and investment policy is managed by the board of the plan. The overall long-term rate is based on the target asset allocation of 15% Swiss bonds, 13% non-Swiss hedged bonds, 10% Swiss equities, 15% global equities, 36% real estate, 6% emerging market equities, 3% alternative investments and 2% cash and other short-term investments.
The 2014 expected future long-term rate of return is estimated to be 4.25%, which is based on historical asset rates of returns for each asset allocation classification at a 0.4% rate for Swiss bonds, 1.0% for hedged foreign bonds, 4.8% for real estate, 5.6% for Swiss equities, 6.5% for unhedged global equities, 7.4% unhedged emerging markets, 2.80% for alternative investments and 1.4% for cash. The 2013 expected long-term rate of return was 4.25% and was based on the historical asset rates of return of 0.4% for Swiss bonds, 7.40% for unhedged emerging markets, 1.0% for hedged foreign bonds, 4.8% for real property, 5.6% for Swiss equities and 6.5% for unhedged global equities, 2.8% for alternative investments and 1.4% for cash.


Expected amortization during the year ending December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
Amortization of net prior service costs	$	143
Amortization of net prior service costs	$	143
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):


2014	$	1,608
2014	$	1,608
2015	1,921
2015	1,921
2016	1,927
2016	1,927
2017	1,647
2017	1,647
2018	1,815
2018	1,815
Years 2019 through 2023	8,631
Years 2019 through 2023	8,631
Total	$	17,549
Total	$	17,549
The Company expects to contribute approximately $704,000 to the pension plan in 2014.
Investment objectives:
The primary investment goal of the pension plan is to achieve a total annualized return of 4.25% over the long-term. The investments are evaluated, compared and benchmarked to plans with similar investment strategies. The plan also attempts to minimize risk by not having any single security or class of securities with a disproportionate impact on the plan. As a guideline, assets are diversified by asset classes (equity, fixed income, real estate, and alternative investments).
The fair values of the plans assets at December 31, 2013, by asset category, are as follows (in thousands):


						Fair Value Measurements at
						31-Dec-13
		Total				Active				Significant			Significant
						Market				Observable			Unobservable
						Prices				Inputs			Inputs
						(Level 1)				(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Asset category
Cash:
Held in Swiss Franc, Euro and USD		$	2,650			$	2,650			$	—		$	—
Held in Swiss Franc, Euro and USD		$	2,650			$	2,650			$	—		$	—
Equity securities:
Investment funds		23,450				23,450				—			—
Investment funds		23,450				23,450				—			—
Real estate investment fund		15,756				—				—			15,756
Real estate investment fund		15,756				—				—			15,756
Fixed income / Bond Securities
Fixed income / Bond securities:		632				632				—			—
Fixed income / Bond securities:		632				632				—			—
Real estate investments:
Real estate investment in specific properties 100% owned by the plan		649				—				—			649
		649				—				—			649
Other assets (accounts receivable, assets at real estate management company)		8				—				8			—
		8				—				8			—
Net assets of pension plan		$	43,145			$	26,732			$	8		$	16,405
Net assets of pension plan		$	43,145			$	26,732			$	8		$	16,405
Fair Value of Assets
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions. These investments can include; real estate owned by the Pension Plan stated at fair market valuations provided by a third party independent to the Plan and the Company; real estate investment that has potential long term investment liquidation processes; hedge funds that might have monthly, quarterly or annual restraints on redemptions or may require advance notice for a redemption
For those financial instruments with significant Level 3 inputs, the following table summarizes the activity for the year by investment type:


Description		Real estate
Description		investments
Beginning balance, December 31, 2012		$	14,831
Beginning balance, December 31, 2012		$	14,831
Total unrealized gains included in net gain(1)		1,162
Total unrealized gains included in net gain(1)		1,162
Foreign currency translation adjustments		412
Foreign currency translation adjustments		412
Beginning balance, December 31, 2013		$	16,405
Beginning balance, December 31, 2013		$	16,405
_____________

-1	Total unrealized gains are reported as a component of the pension adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity.
U.S. Plan
The Company has postretirement benefit plans covering its employees in the United States. Substantially all U.S. employees are eligible to elect coverage under a contributory employee savings plan which provides for Company matching contributions based on one-half of employee contributions up to certain plan limits. The Company’s matching contributions under this plan totaled $506,000, $486,000 and $415,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	12 Months Ended
Legal Proceedings	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Legal Proceedings	'
	Legal Proceedings
	Although the Company incurs significant legal costs in connection with legal proceedings, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of future legal costs, therefore, such costs are expensed in the period the legal services are performed.
	FCPA Matter
	As a result of being publicly traded in the U.S., the Company is subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), which prohibits companies from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. Beginning in 2009, the Company conducted an internal review into payments made to its former independent sales agent in China with respect to sales of its high voltage capacitor products produced by its Swiss subsidiary. In January 2011, the Company reached settlements with the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) with respect to charges asserted by the SEC and DOJ relating to the anti-bribery, books and records, internal controls, and disclosure provisions of the FCPA and other securities laws violations. The Company settled civil charges with the SEC, agreeing to an injunction against further violations of the FCPA. Under the terms of the settlement with the SEC, the Company agreed to pay a total of approximately $6.4 million in profit disgorgement and prejudgment interest, in two installments, with almost $3.2 million paid in each of the first quarters of 2011 and 2012. The Company settled civil and criminal charges with the DOJ by entering into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement (“DPA”) and agreeing to pay a total of $8.0 million in penalties in three installments, with $3.5 million paid in the first quarter of 2011 and $2.3 million paid in each of the first quarters of 2012 and 2013. Further, under the terms of each agreement, the Company has submitted periodic reports to the SEC and DOJ on its internal compliance program concerning anti-bribery. As of January 25, 2013, all monetary penalties have been paid in full for each settlement described above and, in early February 2014, the DPA expired on its own terms.
	On October 15, 2013, the Company received an informal notice from the DOJ that an indictment against the former Senior Vice President and General Manager of its Swiss subsidiary had been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. The indictment is against the individual, a former officer, and not against the Company and the Company does not foresee that further penalties or fines could be assessed against it as a corporate entity for this matter. However, the Company may be required throughout the term of the action to advance the legal fees and costs incurred by the individual defendant and to incur other financial obligations. While the Company maintains directors’ and officers’ insurance policies which are intended to cover legal expenses related to its indemnification obligations in situations such as these, the Company cannot determine if and to what extent the insurance policy will cover the legal fees for this matter. Accordingly, the legal fees that may be incurred by the Company in defending this former officer could have a material impact on its financial condition and results of operation.
	Swiss Bribery Matter
	In August 2013, the Company's Swiss subsidiary was served with a search warrant from the Swiss federal prosecutor’s office. At the end of the search, the Swiss federal prosecutor presented the Company with a listing of the materials gathered by the representatives and then removed the materials from its premises for keeping at the prosecutor’s office. By reviewing the items to be seized on the search warrant presented by the Swiss prosecutor’s office, the Company believes this action to be related to the same or similar facts and circumstances as the FCPA action previously settled with the SEC and the DOJ. During initial discussions, the Swiss prosecutor has acknowledged both the existence of the Company's DPA with the DOJ and its cooperation efforts thereunder, both of which should have a positive impact in discussions going forward. Additionally, other than the activities previously reviewed in conjunction with the SEC and DOJ matters under the FCPA, the Company has no reason to believe that additional facts or circumstances are under review by the Swiss authorities. At such an early stage in the investigation, the Company is currently unable to determine the extent to which it will be subject to fines in accordance with Swiss bribery laws and what additional costs and expenses will be needed in order to defend this matter. As such, the Company cannot determine whether there is a reasonable possibility that a loss will be incurred nor can it estimate the range of any such potential loss. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued an amount for any potential loss associated with this action, but an adverse result could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operation.
	Securities Matter
	In early 2013, the Company voluntarily provided information to the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission related to its announcement that it intended to file restated financial statements for fiscal years 2011 and 2012. The Company is currently cooperating with the US authorities in connection with these investigations. At this preliminary stage, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this action, nor can it estimate the range of potential loss, and therefore has not accrued an amount for any potential loss associated with this action, but an adverse result could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operation.
	Securities Class Action Matter
	From March 13, 2013 through April 19, 2013, four purported shareholder class actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California against the Company and certain of its current and former officers. These actions were entitled Foster v. Maxwell Technologies, Inc., et al., Case No. 13-cv-0580 (S.D. Cal. filed March 13, 2013), Weinstein v. Maxwell Technologies, Inc., et al., No. 13-cv-0686 (S.D. Cal. filed March 21, 2013), Abanades v. Maxwell Technologies, Inc., et al., No. 13-cv-0867 (S.D. Cal. filed April 11, 2013), and Mebarak v. Maxwell Technologies, Inc., et al., No. 13-cv-0942 (S.D. Cal. filed April 19, 2013). The complaints alleged that the defendants made false and misleading statements regarding its financial performance and business prospects and overstated the Company's reported revenue. The complaints purport to assert claims for violations of Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and SEC Rule 10b-5 on behalf of all persons who purchased the Company's common stock between April 28, 2011 and March 7, 2013, inclusive. The complaints seek unspecified monetary damages and attorneys' fees and costs. On May 13, 2013, four prospective lead plaintiffs filed motions to consolidate the four actions and to be appointed lead plaintiff and, on October 24, 2013, the court issued a written order consolidating the case under the heading In re Maxwell Technologies, Inc., Securities Litigation. On January 16, 2014, the lead plaintiff filed a consolidated and amended complaint which slightly adjusted the class period to April 29, 2011 to March 19, 2013, and removed a former officer as a defendant. At this preliminary stage, the Company cannot determine whether there is a reasonable possibility that a loss will be incurred nor can it estimate the range of potential loss. Accordingly, the Company has not accrued an amount for any potential loss associated with this action, but an adverse result could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operation.
	Federal Shareholder Derivative Matter
	On April 23, 2013 and May 7, 2013, two shareholder derivative actions were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, entitled Kienzle v. Schramm, et al., Case No. 13-cv-0966 (S.D. Cal. filed April 23, 2013) and Agrawal v. Cortes, et al., Case No. 13-cv-1084 (S.D. Cal. filed May 7, 2013). The complaints name as defendants certain of the Company's current and former officers and directors and name us as a nominal defendant. The complaints allege that the individual defendants caused or allowed us to issue false and misleading statements about the Company's financial condition, operations, management, and internal controls and falsely represented that we maintained adequate controls. The complaints assert causes of action for breach of fiduciary duty, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment. The lawsuits seek unspecified damages, an order directing the Company to take all necessary actions to reform and improve its corporate governance and internal procedures, restitution and disgorgement of profits, benefits, and other compensation, attorneys' and experts' fees, and costs and expenses. On June 10, 2013, the parties filed a joint motion to consolidate the two actions. On September 26, 2013, the plaintiffs filed a motion to stay this case until the resolution of the similar derivative action pending in the California Superior Court for the County of San Diego. The Company opposed this motion to stay. On October 30, 2013, the court issued two orders consolidating the two cases under the heading In re Maxwell Technologies, Inc. Derivative Litigation, which had been mutually agreed upon by all parties, and denying the plaintiffs’ motion to stay their own federal derivative case. The lead plaintiff filed its consolidated and amended complaint on January 30, 2014. Because this action is derivative in nature, it does not seek monetary damages from the Company. However, the Company may be required throughout the term of the action to advance the legal fees and costs incurred by the individual defendants and to incur other financial obligations. At this preliminary stage, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this action, nor can it estimate the range of potential loss. Therefore the Company has not accrued an amount for any potential costs associated with this action, but an adverse result could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operation.
	State Shareholder Derivative Matter
	On April 11, 2013 and April 18, 2013, two shareholder derivative actions were filed in California Superior Court for the County of San Diego, entitled Warsh v. Schramm, et al., Case No. 37-2013-00043884 (San Diego Sup. Ct. filed April 11, 2013) and Neville v. Cortes, et al., Case No. 37-2013-00044911-CU-BT-CTL (San Diego Sup. Ct. filed April 18, 2013). The complaints name as defendants certain of the Company's current and former officers and directors as well as its former auditor McGladrey LLP. The Company is named as a nominal defendant. The complaints allege that the individual defendants made or caused the Company to make false and/or misleading statements regarding its financial condition, and failed to disclose material adverse facts about its business, operations and prospects. The complaints assert causes of action for breaches of fiduciary duty for disseminating false and misleading information, failing to maintain internal controls, and failing to properly oversee and manage the company, as well as for unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, professional negligence and accounting malpractice, and aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty. The lawsuits seek unspecified damages, an order directing the Company to take all necessary actions to reform and improve its corporate governance and internal procedures, restitution and disgorgement of profits, benefits and other compensation, attorneys' and experts' fees, and costs and expenses. On May 7, 2013, the Court consolidated the two actions. The Company filed a motion to stay the consolidated action on July 2, 2013. On September 27, 2013, the Court heard oral arguments on the motion to stay and continued the hearing on this motion until the resolution of the motion to stay pending in the federal derivative action referenced above. Given the outcome of the above detailed federal derivative lawsuit, the Company informed the state court of the federal court order denying the federal plaintiffs’ motion to stay. Consequently, on November 1, 2013, the state court stayed the state derivative pending before it until the resolution of the federal derivative case. Because this action is derivative in nature, it does not seek monetary damages from the Company. However, the Company may be required throughout the term of the action to advance the legal fees and costs incurred by the individual defendants and to incur other financial obligations. At this preliminary stage, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this action, nor can it estimate the range of potential loss, and therefore has not accrued an amount for any potential costs associated with this action, but an adverse result could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operation.
	Shareholder Demand Letter Matter
	On April 9, 2013, Stephen Neville, a purported shareholder of the Company, sent a demand letter to the Company to inspect its books and records pursuant to California Corporations Code Section 1601. The demand sought inspection of documents related to the Company's March 7, 2013 announcement that it would be restating its previously-issued financial statements for 2011 and 2012, board minutes and committee materials, and other documents related to its board or management discussions regarding revenue recognition from January 1, 2011 to the present. The Company responded by letter dated April 19, 2013, explaining why it believed that the demand did not appear to be proper. Following receipt of a second letter from Mr. Neville dated April 23, 2013, the Company explained by letter dated April 29, 2013 why it continues to believe that the inspection demand appears improper. The Company has not received a further response from Mr. Neville regarding the inspection demand. In conjunction with the state court derivative action referenced above, Mr. Neville filed two motions to compel production of the documents and materials originally sought in the demand letter. On September 27, 2013, the Court heard oral arguments on the motions to compel and, in line with the continuance on the motion to stay, likewise continued the hearing on the motions to compel pending resolution of the motions to stay in both the federal and state derivative actions referenced above. On November 15, 2013, the purported shareholder, Mr. Neville, filed a petition for writ of mandate requesting that the state court order the Company to comply with the inspection demand. The Company responded to this writ on January 15, 2014, claiming that the inspection demand is improper on numerous grounds and simultaneously filing a demurrer for the shareholder inspection demand action in its entirety to which the plaintiff is expected to respond in due course. At this preliminary stage, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this action, nor can it estimate the range of potential loss, and therefore has not accrued an amount for any potential costs associated with this action, but an adverse result could have a material adverse impact on its financial condition and results of operation.

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unaudited Quarterly Results of Operations	'
	Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information



			Quarter Ended
			March 31				June 30			September 30			December 31
			(in thousands except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Operating:
	Total revenue		$	47,748			$	55,610		$	51,197		$	38,979
	Total revenue		$	47,748			$	55,610		$	51,197		$	38,979
	Gross profit		18,230				21,576			21,113			14,374
	Gross profit		18,230				21,576			21,113			14,374
	Net income (loss)		(278		)	(a)	3,405		(b)	6,027		(c)	(2,814		)	(d)
	Net income (loss)		(278		)	(a)	3,405		(b)	6,027		(c)	(2,814		)	(d)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		$	(0.01	)		$	0.12		$	0.21		$	(0.10	)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		$	(0.01	)		$	0.12		$	0.21		$	(0.10	)


			Quarter Ended
			March 31				June 30			September 30			December 31
			(in thousands except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Operating:
	Total revenue		$	35,804			$	36,238		$	42,713		$	44,503
	Total revenue		$	35,804			$	36,238		$	42,713		$	44,503
	Gross profit		15,157				14,524			18,142			17,229
	Gross profit		15,157				14,524			18,142			17,229
	Net income (loss)		(952		)	(e)	31		(f)	5,228		(g)	2,867			(h)
	Net income (loss)		(952		)	(e)	31		(f)	5,228		(g)	2,867			(h)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		$	(0.03	)		$	—		$	0.18		$	0.1
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		$	(0.03	)		$	—		$	0.18		$	0.1
	_____________


	(a)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.0 million.

	(b)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $946,000.

	(c)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $719,000.

	(d)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.4 million.

	(e)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.3 million.

	(f)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $770,000.

	(g)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $505,000.

	(h)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $527,000.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts disclosure

Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (in thousands)

Balance at the

Charged to

Acquisitions/

Write-offs

Balance at

Beginning of

Expense ($)

Transfers

Net of

the End of

the Year ($)

and

Recoveries ($)

the Year ($)

Other ($)

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

31-Dec-11

151

300

)

—

450

31-Dec-12

450

193

(488

)

157

31-Dec-13

157

—

(45

)

134

Description_of_Business_and_Su1

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Financial Statement Presentation	'
	Financial Statement Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Maxwell Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). All intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Liquidity	'
	Liquidity
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $30.6 million in cash and cash equivalents. Management believes the available cash balance, combined with cash the Company expects to generate from operations, will be sufficient to fund its operations, obligations as they become due, and capital investments for at least the next twelve months
Reclassification	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts in the consolidated statements of operations have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications do not impact reported net income (loss) and do not otherwise have a material impact on the presentation of the overall financial statements.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. These estimates include, but are not limited to, assessing the collectability of accounts receivable, applied and unapplied production costs, production capacities, the usage and recoverability of inventories and long-lived assets, including deferred income taxes, the incurrence of warranty obligations, impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets, estimation of the cost to complete certain projects, accruals for estimated losses from legal matters, and estimation of the value of stock-based compensation awards, including the probability that the performance criteria of restricted stock awards will be met.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is derived primarily from the sale of manufactured products directly to customers. Product revenue is recognized, according to the guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) Numbers 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, and 104, Revenue Recognition, when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists (upon contract signing or receipt of an authorized purchase order from a customer); (2) title passes to the customer at either shipment from the Company’s facilities or receipt at the customer facility, depending on shipping terms; (3) customer payment is deemed fixed or determinable and free of contingencies or significant uncertainties; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. This policy has been consistently applied from period to period.
	Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011, for three distributors of the Company's products, the Company offered extended payment terms which allowed these distributors to pay us after they received payment from their customer, with respect to certain sales transactions. Also beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011, for one other distributor of the Company's products, the Company offered return rights and profit margin protection with respect to certain sales transactions. Therefore, for these four distributors, the Company determined that the revenue recognition criteria of SAB 101 and 104 were not met at the time of shipment, as there was no fixed or determinable price, nor was collection reasonably assured, at least with respect to certain sales transactions. As a result, for the three distributors provided with extended payment terms, which did not provide for a fixed or determinable price, the Company determined to defer the recognition of revenue on all sales beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011 to the period in which cash is received. For the one distributor provided with return rights and profit margin protection, for which the Company could not estimate exposure, the Company determined to defer the recognition of revenue on all sales beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011 until the distributor confirmed to the Company that it was not entitled to any further returns or credits. During the third quarter of 2013, this distributor confirmed to the Company that it was not entitled to any further returns or credits, therefore, previously deferred revenue related to this distributor was recognized in the quarter ended September 30, 2013. Although the Company had deferred revenue for a significant amount of sales to these four distributors as of December 31, 2011and 2012, the amount of deferred revenue related to these distributors as of December 31, 2013 is insignificant.
	In addition to the deferred revenue arrangements discussed in the preceding paragraph, revenue is not recognized for sales that do not meet the revenue recognition criteria at the time of sale. Revenue is recognized once all of the criteria for revenue recognition are determined to have been met. For example, if the Company does not believe that collection of the sales price is reasonably assured at the time of sale, it defers revenue recognition until cash is received.
	As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, cumulative sales totaling $4.5 million and $15.8 million, respectively, had not yet been recognized as revenue. The Company has recorded the cost basis of inventory shipped to customers prior to the achievement of the revenue recognition criteria of approximately $2.5 million and $9.2 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, in "inventory" in the consolidated balance sheets.
	If the Company receives cash payment from the customer prior to the achievement of the revenue recognition criteria, the amount received from the customer is recorded as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets. Total deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 of $1.0 million and $6.4 million, respectively, relates to cash received from customers on sales for which the revenue recognition criteria were not achieved, customer advances, as well as other less significant customer arrangements requiring the deferral of revenue.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company invests its excess cash in debt instruments of the U.S. Government and its agencies, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high-quality corporate issuers. All highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less from purchase are considered cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Trade receivables are stated at gross invoiced amount less an allowance for uncollectible accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts based on known troubled accounts, historical experience and other currently available evidence.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in first-out basis) or market. Finished goods and work-in-process inventory values include the cost of raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. Consigned inventory includes finished goods delivered to customers for which the related sale has not met the revenue recognition criteria and revenue has been deferred. Inventory when written down to market value establishes a new cost basis and its value is not subsequently increased based upon changes in underlying facts and circumstances. The Company makes adjustments to reduce the cost of inventory to its net realizable value, if required, for estimated excess or obsolete inventories. Factors influencing these adjustments include inventories on-hand compared with historical and estimated future sales for existing and new products and assumptions about the likelihood of obsolescence. Unabsorbed and under absorbed costs are treated as expense in the period incurred.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the related assets (three to ten years). Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the term of the lease. Leasehold improvements funded by landlords are recorded as property and equipment, which is depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term, and deferred rent, which is amortized over the lease term. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the net book value of leasehold improvements funded by landlords was $2.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the unamortized balance of deferred rent related to landlord funding of leasehold improvements was $2.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively, which is included in "accounts payable and accrued liabilities" and "other long-term liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheets.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill, which represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the net fair value assigned to its assets and liabilities, is not amortized. Instead, goodwill is assessed for impairment under the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Topic of the FASB ASC. The Company has established December 31 as the annual impairment test date. The Company first makes a qualitative assessment as to whether goodwill is impaired and if it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, the Company performs a two-step quantitative impairment analysis to determine if goodwill is impaired. The Company may also determine to skip the qualitative assessment in any year and move directly to the quantitative test. No impairments of goodwill were reported during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets	'
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets
	Property and equipment and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. If the Company determines that the carrying value of the asset is not recoverable, a permanent impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived or intangible asset exceeds its fair value. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives of ten to thirteen years. No impairments of property and equipment or intangible assets were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
Warranty Obligation	'
	Warranty Obligation
	The Company provides warranties on all product sales. The majority of the Company’s warranties are for one to three years in the normal course of business. The Company accrues for the estimated warranty costs at the time of sale based on historical warranty experience plus any known or expected changes in warranty exposure.
Income Tax	'
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are provided on a liability method in accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC, whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences on future years of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts at each period end. If it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. The guidance also provides criteria for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosures of uncertain tax positions. A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable based solely on its technical merits.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	The Company maintains cash balances at various financial institutions primarily in California and in Switzerland. In California, cash balances commonly exceed the $250,000 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limit. In Switzerland, the banks where the Company has cash deposits are either government-owned, or in the case of cash deposited with non-government banks, deposits are insured up to 100,000 Swiss Francs. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes that the Company is not exposed to any significant credit risk with respect to such cash and cash equivalents.
	Financial instruments, which subject the Company to potential concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of the Company’s accounts receivable. The Company’s accounts receivable result from product sales to customers in various industries and in various geographical areas, both domestic and foreign. The Company performs credit evaluations of its customers and generally requires no collateral. One customer, Shenzhen Xinlikang Supply China Management Co. LTD., accounted for 22% of total revenue in 2013 and 18% of total revenue in 2012. There were no sales to a single customer amounting to more than 10% of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2011. Two customers: Shenzhen Xinlikang Supply China Management Co. LTD; and Continental Automotive Hungary Kft., accounted for 13% and 11%, respectively of total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2013. In addition, three customers: Shenzhen Xinlikang Supply China Management Co. LTD.; Xiamen Golden Dragon Bus Co. LTD.; and ABB, accounted for 26%, 15% and 11%, respectively, of total accounts receivable as of December 31, 2012.
Research and Development Expense	'
	Research and Development Expense
	Research and development expenditures are expensed in the period incurred. Third-party funding of research and development expense under cost-sharing arrangements is recorded as an offset to research and development expense in the period the expenses are incurred.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Expense
	Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred. Advertising expense was $884,000, $1.2 million and $287,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Shipping and Handling Expense	'
	Shipping and Handling Expense
	The Company recognizes shipping and handling expenses as a component of cost of revenue. Total shipping and handling expense included in cost of revenue was $1.3 million, $1.4 million, and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Patent Defense Costs	'
	Patent Defense Costs
	The Company capitalizes patent defense costs as additional cost of the patents when a successful outcome in a patent defense case is probable. If the Company is ultimately unsuccessful the costs would be charged to expense. Legal expenses associated with a previous patent infringement lawsuit were capitalized as an intangible asset. The Company settled this lawsuit in 2009, and the $1 million in consideration that the Company received in the settlement was netted against the capitalized patent defense costs. The net amount is being amortized over the remaining lives of these patents. As of December 31, 2013, unamortized patent defense costs of $234,000 are classified as intangible assets in the consolidated balance sheet.
Foreign Currencies	'
	Foreign Currencies
	The Company’s primary foreign currency exposure is related to its subsidiary in Switzerland, which has Euro and local currency (Swiss Franc) revenue and operating expenses, and local currency loans. Changes in these currency exchange rates impact the reported U.S. dollar amount of revenue, expenses and debt. The functional currency of the Swiss subsidiary is the Swiss Franc. Assets and liabilities of the Swiss subsidiary are translated at month-end exchange rates, and revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated at rates of exchange that approximate the rate in effect at the time of the transaction. Any translation adjustments resulting from this process are presented separately as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are reported in "cost of revenue" and "selling, general and administrative" expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Foreign Currency Derivatives Instruments	'
	Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments
	As part of its risk management strategy, the Company uses forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency exposures. The Company's objective is to offset gains or losses resulting from these exposures with opposing gains or losses on the forward contracts, thereby reducing volatility of earnings created by these foreign currency exposures. In accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC, the fair values of the forward contracts are estimated at each period end based on quoted market prices and are recorded in “trade or other accounts receivable, net” on the consolidated balance sheets. Any gains or losses recognized on these contracts are recorded in “cost of revenue” and “selling, general and administrative” expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Net Income (Loss) per Share	'
	Net Income (Loss) per Share
	In accordance with the Earnings Per Share Topic of the FASB ASC, basic net income (loss) per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share includes the impact of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares were issued. Potentially dilutive securities are not considered in the calculation of diluted net loss per share, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Share-based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has issued stock-based compensation awards to its employees and non-employee directors, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and shares under an employee stock purchase plan. The Company records compensation expense for stock-based awards in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Stock Compensation Subtopic of the FASB ASC. Although the Company has not granted stock options since 2010, the Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of historical stock option grants. The determination of the fair value of stock options utilizing the Black-Scholes model was affected by the Company’s stock price and a number of assumptions, including expected volatility, expected life, risk-free interest rate and expected dividends.
	The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense equal to the fair value of each restricted stock award is recognized ratably over the requisite service period. For restricted stock awards with vesting contingent on Company performance conditions, the Company uses the requisite service period that is most likely to occur. The requisite service period is estimated based on the expected achievement date of the performance condition. If it is unlikely that a performance condition will be achieved, no compensation expense is recognized unless is later determined that achievement of the performance condition is likely. The requisite service period may be adjusted for changes in the expected outcomes of the related performance conditions, with the impact of such changes recognized as a cumulative adjustment in the consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the expectation changes.
	Share-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statement of operations is based on equity awards ultimately expected to vest. The FASB ASC requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods with a cumulative catch up adjustment if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Business Enterprise Information	'
	Business Enterprise Information
	The Company operates as one operating segment, High Reliability, according to the Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information Topic of the FASB ASC, which establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual consolidated financial statements. The Company’s chief operating decision maker does not regularly review discrete financial information below the consolidated level.

Description_of_Business_and_Su2

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share data):


			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Numerator
	Net income (loss)		$	6,340		$	7,174		$	(1,438	)

	Denominator
	Weighted average common shares outstanding		28,869			28,568			27,637

	Effect of potentially dilutive securities
	Options to purchase common stock		16			115			—

	Restricted stock awards		3			10			—

	Restricted stock unit awards		14			2			—

	Employee stock purchase plan		1			14			—

	Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution		28,903			28,709			27,637

	Net income (loss) per share
	Basic		$	0.22		$	0.25		$	(0.05	)

	Diluted		$	0.22		$	0.25		$	(0.05	)

Schedule of instruments convertible into common shares that are not included in the denominator used in the diluted net income (loss) per share calculation because to do so would be anti-dilutive	'
	The following table summarizes instruments that may be convertible into common shares that are not included in the denominator used in the diluted net income (loss) per share calculation because to do so would be antidilutive (in thousands):


	Common Stock		2013		2012			2011
	Outstanding options to purchase common stock		790		504			1,184

	Restricted stock awards outstanding		424		319			262

	Restricted stock unit awards		—		20			22

	Employee stock purchase plan awards		1		—			21

Revenues by product line and geographic area	'
	Revenues by product line and geographic area are presented below (in thousands):


			Year ending December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Revenues by product line:
	Ultracapacitors		$	136,277		$	95,953		$	86,836

	High-voltage capacitors		43,339			45,574			42,309

	Microelectronic products		13,918			17,731			18,031

	Total		$	193,534		$	159,258		$	147,176


			Year ending December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Revenues from external customers located in:
	China		$	92,817		$	74,054		$	43,187

	United States		29,090			26,473			29,723

	Germany		25,935			25,119			26,253

	All other countries (1)		45,692			33,612			48,013

	Total		$	193,534		$	159,258		$	147,176

	_____________

	-1	Revenue from external customers located in countries included in “All other countries” do not individually comprise more than 10% of total revenues for any of the years presented.
Long-lived assets by geographic location	'
	Long-lived assets by geographic location are as follows (in thousands):


			December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Long-lived assets:
	United States		$	33,740		$	24,239		$	17,614

	China		5,444			6,340			5,916

	Switzerland		6,422			5,862			5,211

	Total		$	45,606		$	36,441		$	28,741

Balance_Sheet_Details_Tables

Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Balance Sheet related disclosures	'


		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Inventories:
	Raw material and purchased parts	$	16,723		$	13,114

	Work-in-process	2,374			1,753

	Finished goods	23,149			17,511

	Consigned finished goods	2,490			9,242

	Total inventories	$	44,736		$	41,620

	Property and equipment, net:
	Machinery, furniture and office equipment	$	63,528		$	62,593

	Computer hardware and software	10,672			10,918

	Leasehold improvements	10,576			10,376

	Construction in progress	15,701			9,283

	Property and equipment, gross	100,477			93,170

	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(55,536		)	(56,935		)
	Total property and equipment, net	$	44,941		$	36,235

	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	15,356		$	14,762

	FCPA settlement	—			2,250

	Customer dispute settlement accrual	85			890

	Income tax payable	2,366			2,068

	Other accrued liabilities	7,629			7,211

	Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	25,436		$	27,181


		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
	Accrued warranty:
	Beginning balance	$	269		$	258

	Product warranties issued	324			446

	Settlement of warranties	(236		)	(259		)
	Changes related to preexisting warranties	(178		)	(179		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	1			3

	Ending balance	$	180		$	269

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	'


		Foreign			Defined Benefit			Accumulated		Affected Line Item
		Currency			Pension Plan			Other		in the
		Translation						Comprehensive		Statement of Operations
		Adjustment						Income
	Accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	16,376		$	(3,845	)	$	12,531

	Other comprehensive income before reclassification	2,428			—			2,428

	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	—			2,164			2,164		Cost of Sales, Selling, General and Administrative and Research and Development Expense

	Net other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2013	2,428			2,164			4,592

	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	18,804		$	(1,681	)	$	17,123

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Table

Goodwill and Intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Change in the carrying amount of goodwill	'
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2012 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands):


	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	24,887

	Foreign currency translation adjustments	529

	Balance at December 31, 2012	25,416

	Foreign currency translation adjustments	562

	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	25,978

Intangible assets subject to amortization	'
	The composition of intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands):


			Useful	Gross		Accumulated			Cumulative			Net
			Life	Carrying		Amortization			Foreign			Carrying
				Value					Currency			Value
									Translation
									Adjustment
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Patents		13 years	$	2,476	$	(2,107	)	$	—		$	369

	Developed core technology		10 years	1,100		(1,100		)	—			—

	Patent license agreement		5 years	741		(741		)	—			—

	Total intangible assets at December 31, 2013			$	4,317	$	(3,948	)	$	—		$	369


	As of December 31, 2012:
	Patents		13 years	$	2,476	$	(1,903	)	$	—		$	573

	Developed core technology		10 years	1,100		(1,100		)	—			—

	Patent license agreement		5 years	741		(606		)	(39		)	96

	Total intangible assets at December 31, 2012			$	4,317	$	(3,609	)	$	(39	)	$	669

Estimated amortization expense for each of the next three years	'
	The estimated amortization for each of the next two years ending December 31 is as follows (in thousands):


	Fiscal Years
	2014	$	203

	2015	166

		$	369

Convertible_Debentures_Tables

Convertible Debentures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Convertible Debentures Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of debenture interest paid with cash and principal converted into shares of common stock	'
	Shares issued upon the exercise of warrants, interest paid with cash and principal converted into shares of common stock are as follows (in thousands):


		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Amount		Shares
	Conversion of principal into shares of common stock	$	8,333	514

	Interest paid with cash	17		N/A

	Total debenture payments	$	8,350	514

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial instruments with significant Level 3 inputs	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in the liability for the convertible debenture conversion features, which were valued using significant Level 3 inputs under the fair value measurement hierarchy of the FASB ASC (in thousands):


	Beginning liability balance, December 31, 2010	$	2,093

	Total unrealized gain included in net loss	(1,086		)
	Liability settled on exercise of warrants	(1,007		)
	Ending liability balance, December 31, 2011	$	—

	Refer to Note 4—Convertible Debentures for the valuation model and unobservable data used to calculate fair value of the conversion features of the convertible debentures issued by the Company.

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of debt	'
	The following table summarizes debt outstanding (in thousands):


			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Equipment Term Loan		$	2,236		$	3,913

	Maxwell SA short-term loan		3,359			3,278

	Maxwell SA credit agreement		2,240			2,185

	Maxwell SA auto leases		179			159

	Total debt		8,014			9,535

	Less current portion		(7,914		)	(9,452		)
	Total debt, excluding current portion		$	100		$	83

Subsequent payments due on borrowings	'
	Contractually scheduled payments due on borrowings subsequent to December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):


	2014 (1)	$	7,914

	2015	100

	Total debt	$	8,014

	_____________

	-1	Contractually scheduled payments related to the Equipment Term Loan of $2.2 million were callable by the bank.

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In1

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Offsetting Liabilities	'
	The following table presents gross amounts, amounts offset and net amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheets for the Company's derivative instruments measured at fair value (in thousands):


		December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Gross amounts of recognized asset	$	373		$	394

	Gross amounts offset in the consolidated balance sheets	9			(65		)

	Net amount of recognized asset presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets	$	382		$	329

Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'
Schedule of gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts	'
	The net gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts included in "cost of revenue" and "selling, general and administrative" expense in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows (in thousands):


		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Cost of revenue	$	27		$	(2	)	$	(220	)

	Selling, general and administrative	332			395			(453		)

	Total gain (loss)	$	359		$	393		$	(673	)

Schedule of foreign currency gains and losses on underlying assets and liabilities	'
	Foreign currency gains and losses on those underlying monetary assets and liabilities included in "cost of revenue" and "selling, general and administrative" expense in the consolidated statements of operations are as follows (in thousands):


		Year Ended
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Cost of revenue	$	(24	)	$	13		$	108

	Selling, general and administrative	(985		)	(997		)	(315		)
	Total loss	$	(1,009	)	$	(984	)	$	(207	)

Stock_Plans_Tables

Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock options weighted-average assumptions	'
	The fair value of stock options was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:


			Year Ended
			31-Dec-13
	Expected dividends		—

	Exercise price		$	6.8

	Expected volatility range		68.6		%
	Risk-free interest rate range		1.1		%
	Expected term/life (in years)		4.8

	Fair value per share		$	3.72

Aggregate stock option activity	'
	The following table summarizes total aggregate stock option activity for the period December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2013:


			Number of			Weighted				Weighted		Aggregate
			Shares			Average				Average		Intrinsic
						Exercise				Remaining		Value
						Price				Contractual
										Term
										(in years)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		923,756			$	11.67

	Granted		175,306			7.56

	Exercised		(19,500	)		7.34

	Canceled		(217,256	)		10.43

	Balance at December 31, 2013		862,306			$	11.24			4.58		$	150,166

	Vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2013		848,161			$	11.31			4.5		$	137,004

	Exercisable at December 31, 2013		759,936			$	11.51			4.04		$	77,416

Restricted stock award activity	'
	The following table summarizes restricted stock award activity for the period December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2013 (in thousands, except for per share dollar amounts):


	Nonvested Shares		Shares			Weighted Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2012		397			$	16.72

	Granted		391			10.2

	Vested		(98	)		19.28

	Forfeited		(166	)		11.96

	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		524			$	12.88

Employee stock purchase plan weighted-average assumptions	'


			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Expected dividends		$	—			$	—			$	—

	Stock price on valuation date		7.77				11.96				17.54

	Expected volatility		46		%		71		%		41		%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.07		%		0.1		%		0.15		%
	Expected life (in years)		0.3				0.5				0.5

	Fair value per share		$	2.45			$	4.16			$	4.73

Employee service share-based compensation cost	'
	Compensation cost for stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and the ESPP is as follows (in thousands):


			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Stock options		$	827			$	978			$	1,317

	Restricted stock		2,491				1,427				1,014

	Restricted stock units		592				421				57

	ESPP		70				262				194

	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	3,980			$	3,088			$	2,582

	Stock-based compensation cost included in cost of revenue; selling, general and administrative expense; and research and development expense is as follows (in thousands):


			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Cost of revenue		$	1,079			$	701			$	355

	Selling, general and administrative		2,140				1,835				1,769

	Research and development		761				552				458

	Total stock-based compensation expense		$	3,980			$	3,088			$	2,582

Reservation of shares for issuance upon exercise, vesting or release of share-based compensation awards	'
	The following table summarizes the reservation of shares under the Company's stock-based compensation plans as of December 31, 2013:


	2013 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan	1,584,994

	2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan	568,336

	2005 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan	1,039,655

	1995 Stock Option Plan	32,950

	Total	3,225,935

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income before income tax	'
	For financial reporting purposes, net income before income taxes includes the following components (in thousands):


			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	United States		$	(5,270	)	$	(5,994	)	$	(9,348	)
	Foreign		13,762			15,517			9,766

	Total		$	8,492		$	9,523		$	418

Income tax expense (benefit)	'
	The provision for income taxes based on income before income taxes is as follows (in thousands):


			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Federal:
	Current		$	(258	)	$	(190	)	$	—

	Deferred		222			6,873			(2,430		)

			(36		)	6,683			(2,430		)

	State:
	Current		6			7			6

	Deferred		88			1,653			206

			94			1,660			212

	Foreign:
	Current		2,022			2,135			3,089

	Deferred		311			(95		)	(1,216		)

			2,333			2,040			1,873

	(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance		(239		)	(8,034		)	2,201

	Tax provision		$	2,152		$	2,349		$	1,856

Tax rate reconciliation	'


			Years Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Taxes at federal statutory rate		$	2,888		$	3,054		$	143

	State taxes, net of federal benefit		(29		)	(23		)	(323		)
	Effect of tax rate differential for foreign subsidiary		(2,531		)	(2,695		)	(1,576		)
	Valuation allowance, including tax benefits of stock activity		(239		)	(8,034		)	2,201

	Nondeductible interest		—			—			462

	Stock-based compensation		460			242			73

	Prior year true-up Subpart F income		—			2,484			—

	Return to provision adjustments		(920		)	3,568			576

	Subpart F income inclusion		2,446			3,110			—

	Other		77			643			300

	Tax provision		$	2,152		$	2,349		$	1,856

Deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	Items that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax accounts are as follows (in thousands):


			December 31,
			2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Tax loss carryforwards		$	55,109		$	55,288

	Tax credit carryforwards		19			19

	Uniform capitalization, contract and inventory related reserves		1,493			895

	Accrued vacation		632			642

	Stock-based compensation		1,235			813

	Intangible assets		1,032			1,104

	Deferred revenue		179			152

	Other		1,721			1,185

	Total		61,420			60,098

	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Inventory deduction		(290		)	(209		)
	Pension assets		(2,125		)	(1,385		)
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(405		)	(433		)
	Tax basis depreciation less book depreciation		(1,989		)	(224		)
	Other		(1		)	—

	Total		(4,810		)	(2,251		)
	Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance		56,610			57,847

	Valuation allowance		(59,501		)	(59,740		)
	Net deferred tax liabilities		$	(2,891	)	$	(1,893	)
Reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):


	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	10,277

	Increase in current period positions	1,945

	Increase in prior period positions	412

	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	12,634

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Future annual minimum rental commitments	'
	Future annual minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):


	Fiscal Years
	2014	$	4,314

	2015	3,935

	2016	3,352

	2017	3,124

	2018	2,355

	Thereafter	6,044

	Total	$	23,124

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in the pension benefit obligation and plan assets	'
	The following table reflects changes in the pension benefit obligation and plan assets for the years ended and as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):


			Pension Benefits
			Years ended
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	29,956			$	26,723
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	29,956			$	26,723
	Service cost		831				671
	Service cost		831				671
	Interest cost		504				651
	Interest cost		504				651
	Plan participant contributions		602				1,602
	Plan participant contributions		602				1,602
	Benefits paid		(717		)		(668		)
	Actuarial loss		(405		)		1,659
	Actuarial loss		(405		)		1,659
	Administrative expenses paid		978				—
	Administrative expenses paid		978				—
	Settlements		—				(1,417		)
	Settlements		—				(1,417		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation		828				735
	Effect of foreign currency translation		828				735
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year		32,577				29,956
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year		32,577				29,956
	Changes in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		36,895				33,082
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		36,895				33,082
	Actual return on plan assets		4,532				2,670
	Actual return on plan assets		4,532				2,670
	Company contributions		722				732
	Company contributions		722				732
	Plan participant contributions		602				1,602
	Plan participant contributions		602				1,602
	Benefits paid		(717		)		(668		)
	Settlements		—				(1,417		)
	Settlements		—				(1,417		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation		1,111				894
	Effect of foreign currency translation		1,111				894
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		43,145				36,895
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		43,145				36,895
	Funded status at end of year		$	10,568			$	6,939
	Funded status at end of year		$	10,568			$	6,939
Amounts recognized in balance sheet	'
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of (in thousands):


			As of
			December 31,
			2013				2012
	Net long-term pension asset		$	10,568			$	6,939
	Net long-term pension asset		$	10,568			$	6,939
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of the following:

	Net prior service cost		865				216
	Net prior service cost		865				216
	Net loss		1,430				4,770
	Net loss		1,430				4,770
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss before taxes		$	2,295			$	4,986
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss before taxes		$	2,295			$	4,986
Net benefit cost and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	The components of net periodic pension cost (income) and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes are as follows (in thousands):


			Years ended December 31,
			2013				2012			2011
	Components of net periodic pension cost (income):
	Service cost		$	831			$	671		$	793
	Service cost		$	831			$	671		$	793
	Interest cost		504				651			717
	Interest cost		504				651			717
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,539		)		(1,403		)	(1,616		)
	Prior service cost amortization		44				44			46
	Prior service cost amortization		44				44			46
	Deferred loss amortization		180				216			309
	Deferred loss amortization		180				216			309
	Settlement cost		—				258			—
	Settlement cost		—				258			—
	Net periodic pension cost (income)		$	20			$	437		$	249
	Net periodic pension cost (income)		$	20			$	437		$	249
	Other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:
	Prior service cost amortization		$	(44	)		$	(44	)	$	(46	)
	Gain on value of plan assets		(2,977		)		(1,268		)	(965		)
	Actuarial (gain) loss on benefit obligation		(405		)		1,659			735
	Actuarial (gain) loss on benefit obligation		(405		)		1,659			735
	Plan change		978				—			—
	Plan change		978				—			—
	Settlement		—				(258		)	—
	Settlement		—				(258		)	—
	Deferred loss amortization		(180		)		(216		)	(309		)
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes		$	(2,628	)		$	(127	)	$	(585	)
	Total recognized in net periodic pension cost (income) and other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes		$	(2,608	)		$	310		$	(336	)
			$	(2,608	)		$	310		$	(336	)
Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost	'


			Years ended December 31,
			2013				2012			2011
	Components of net periodic pension cost (income):
	Service cost		$	831			$	671		$	793
	Service cost		$	831			$	671		$	793
	Interest cost		504				651			717
	Interest cost		504				651			717
	Expected return on plan assets		(1,539		)		(1,403		)	(1,616		)
	Prior service cost amortization		44				44			46
	Prior service cost amortization		44				44			46
	Deferred loss amortization		180				216			309
	Deferred loss amortization		180				216			309
	Settlement cost		—				258			—
	Settlement cost		—				258			—
	Net periodic pension cost (income)		$	20			$	437		$	249
	Net periodic pension cost (income)		$	20			$	437		$	249
	Other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:
	Prior service cost amortization		$	(44	)		$	(44	)	$	(46	)
	Gain on value of plan assets		(2,977		)		(1,268		)	(965		)
	Actuarial (gain) loss on benefit obligation		(405		)		1,659			735
	Actuarial (gain) loss on benefit obligation		(405		)		1,659			735
	Plan change		978				—			—
	Plan change		978				—			—
	Settlement		—				(258		)	—
	Settlement		—				(258		)	—
	Deferred loss amortization		(180		)		(216		)	(309		)
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes		$	(2,628	)		$	(127	)	$	(585	)
	Total recognized in net periodic pension cost (income) and other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes		$	(2,608	)		$	310		$	(336	)
			$	(2,608	)		$	310		$	(336	)
	Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost (income) are as follows:


			Pension Benefits
			Years ended December 31,
			2013			2012
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:
	Discount rate		2.25	%		1.75	%
	Rate of compensation increase		2.5	%		2.5	%
	Measurement date		12/31/13			12/31/12
	Measurement date		12/31/13			12/31/12
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost (income):
	Discount rate		1.75	%		2.5	%
	Expected long-term return on plan assets		4.25	%		4.25	%
	Rate of compensation increase		2.5	%		2.5	%


	Percentage of the fair value of total plan assets held in each major category of plan assets:
	Equity securities		36	%		35	%
	Debt securities		21	%		21	%
	Real estate		40	%		39	%
	Other		3	%		5	%
	Total		100	%		100	%
Net prior service costs amortization expense for next fiscal year	'


	Expected amortization during the year ending December 31, 2014 is as follows (in thousands):
	Amortization of net prior service costs	$	143
	Amortization of net prior service costs	$	143
Expected benefit payments	'
	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid (in thousands):


	2014	$	1,608
	2014	$	1,608
	2015	1,921
	2015	1,921
	2016	1,927
	2016	1,927
	2017	1,647
	2017	1,647
	2018	1,815
	2018	1,815
	Years 2019 through 2023	8,631
	Years 2019 through 2023	8,631
	Total	$	17,549
	Total	$	17,549
Fair values of the plans assets	'
	The fair values of the plans assets at December 31, 2013, by asset category, are as follows (in thousands):


							Fair Value Measurements at
							31-Dec-13
			Total				Active			Significant			Significant
							Market			Observable			Unobservable
							Prices			Inputs			Inputs
							(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Asset category
	Cash:
	Held in Swiss Franc, Euro and USD		$	2,650			$	2,650		$	—		$	—
	Held in Swiss Franc, Euro and USD		$	2,650			$	2,650		$	—		$	—
	Equity securities:
	Investment funds		23,450				23,450			—			—
	Investment funds		23,450				23,450			—			—
	Real estate investment fund		15,756				—			—			15,756
	Real estate investment fund		15,756				—			—			15,756
	Fixed income / Bond Securities
	Fixed income / Bond securities:		632				632			—			—
	Fixed income / Bond securities:		632				632			—			—
	Real estate investments:
	Real estate investment in specific properties 100% owned by the plan		649				—			—			649
			649				—			—			649
	Other assets (accounts receivable, assets at real estate management company)		8				—			8			—
			8				—			8			—
	Net assets of pension plan		$	43,145			$	26,732		$	8		$	16,405
	Net assets of pension plan		$	43,145			$	26,732		$	8		$	16,405
Level three defined benefit plan assets	'
	For those financial instruments with significant Level 3 inputs, the following table summarizes the activity for the year by investment type:


	Description		Real estate
	Description		investments
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2012		$	14,831
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2012		$	14,831
	Total unrealized gains included in net gain(1)		1,162
	Total unrealized gains included in net gain(1)		1,162
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		412
	Foreign currency translation adjustments		412
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2013		$	16,405
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2013		$	16,405
	_____________

	-1	Total unrealized gains are reported as a component of the pension adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity.

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_1

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unaudited quarterly results of operations	'


			Quarter Ended
			March 31				June 30			September 30			December 31
			(in thousands except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Operating:
	Total revenue		$	47,748			$	55,610		$	51,197		$	38,979
	Total revenue		$	47,748			$	55,610		$	51,197		$	38,979
	Gross profit		18,230				21,576			21,113			14,374
	Gross profit		18,230				21,576			21,113			14,374
	Net income (loss)		(278		)	(a)	3,405		(b)	6,027		(c)	(2,814		)	(d)
	Net income (loss)		(278		)	(a)	3,405		(b)	6,027		(c)	(2,814		)	(d)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		$	(0.01	)		$	0.12		$	0.21		$	(0.10	)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		$	(0.01	)		$	0.12		$	0.21		$	(0.10	)


			Quarter Ended
			March 31				June 30			September 30			December 31
			(in thousands except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Operating:
	Total revenue		$	35,804			$	36,238		$	42,713		$	44,503
	Total revenue		$	35,804			$	36,238		$	42,713		$	44,503
	Gross profit		15,157				14,524			18,142			17,229
	Gross profit		15,157				14,524			18,142			17,229
	Net income (loss)		(952		)	(e)	31		(f)	5,228		(g)	2,867			(h)
	Net income (loss)		(952		)	(e)	31		(f)	5,228		(g)	2,867			(h)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		$	(0.03	)		$	—		$	0.18		$	0.1
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share		$	(0.03	)		$	—		$	0.18		$	0.1
	_____________


	(a)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.0 million.

	(b)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $946,000.

	(c)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $719,000.

	(d)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.4 million.

	(e)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.3 million.

	(f)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $770,000.

	(g)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $505,000.

	(h)	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $527,000.

Description_of_Business_and_Su3

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CHF	USD ($)
	Segment
	manufacturing_location
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Revenue, Additions	$4,500,000	$15,800,000	'	'	'
Research and Development Expense	22,542,000	21,700,000	22,356,000	'	'
Manufacturing locations	3	'	'	'	'
Operating segments	1	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	30,647,000	28,739,000	29,289,000	'	39,829,000
Deferred Revenue, Current	1,043,000	6,408,000	'	'	'
Cost of inventory shipped	2,490,000	9,242,000	'	'	'
Leasehold improvements funded by landlords	2,700,000	3,600,000	'	'	'
Deferred rent related to leasehold improvements funding by landlords	2,700,000	2,700,000	'	'	'
Standard product warranty, term, minimum	'1 year	'	'	'	'
Standard product warranty, term, maximum	'3 years	'	'	'	'
FDIC insurance limit	250,000	'	'	'	'
Switzerland non-government financial institutions insured amount	'	'	'	100,000	'
Advertising expense	900,000	1,185,000	287,000	'	'
Shipping and handling expense	$1,300,000	$1,400,000	$2,900,000	'	'

Description_of_Business_and_Su4

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Concentration of Credit Risk) (Details) (Customer Concentration Risk [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Sales [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Number of customer	1	'
Sales [Member] \| Shenzhen Xinlikang [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Major customer, percentage of sales	22.00%	18.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Number of customer	3	'
Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Contintental Automotive Hungary Kft. [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Major customer, percentage of sales	11.00%	'
Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Shenzhen Xinlikang [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Major customer, percentage of sales	13.00%	26.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] \| Xiamen Golden Dragon [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Major customer, percentage of sales	'	15.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member] \| ABB [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Major customer, percentage of sales	'	11.00%

Description_of_Business_and_Su5

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Patent Defense Costs) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2009
	Dec. 31, 2013	NessCap [Member]
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Litigation settlement amount	'	$1,000,000
Unamortized patent defense costs	$234,000	'

Description_of_Business_and_Su6

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Schedule of computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share

Net income (loss)

($2,814)

[1]

$6,027

[2]

$3,405

[3]

($278)

[4]

$2,867

[5]

$5,228

[6]

$31

[7]

($952)

[8]

$6,340

$7,174

($1,438)

Effect of assumed conversion of convertible debentures

Weighted average common shares outstanding

28,869

28,568

27,637

Weighted average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution

28,903

28,709

27,637

Net income (loss) per share:

Basic (in dollars per share)

$0.22

$0.25

($0.05)

Diluted (in dollars per share)

$0.22

$0.25

($0.05)

Options to purchase common stock [Member]

Effect of assumed conversion of convertible debentures

Effect of potentially dilutive securities

115

Restricted Stock Awards [Member]

Effect of assumed conversion of convertible debentures

Effect of potentially dilutive securities

Restricted stock unit awards [Member]

Effect of assumed conversion of convertible debentures

Effect of potentially dilutive securities

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Effect of assumed conversion of convertible debentures

Effect of potentially dilutive securities

[1]

Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.4 million.

[2]

Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $719,000.

[3]

Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $946,000.

[4]

Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.0 million.

[5]

Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $527,000.

[6]

Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $505,000.

[7]

Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $770,000

[8]

Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.3 million.

Description_of_Business_and_Su7

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Options to purchase common stock [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive, shares	790	504	1,184
Restricted stock awards outstanding [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive, shares	424	319	262
Restricted stock unit awards [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive, shares	0	20	22
Employee stock purchase plan awards [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive, shares	1	0	21

Description_of_Business_and_Su8

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Revenues by product line and geographic area) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

Total

$38,979

$51,197

$55,610

$47,748

$44,503

$42,713

$36,238

$35,804

$193,534

$159,258

$147,176

China [Member]

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

Total

92,817

74,054

43,187

Germany [Member]

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

Total

25,935

25,119

26,253

United States [Member]

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

Total

29,090

26,473

29,723

All other countries [Member]

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

Total

45,692

[1]

33,612

[1]

48,013

[1]

Ultracapacitors [Member]

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

Total

136,277

95,953

86,836

High-Voltage Capacitors [Member]

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

Total

43,339

45,574

42,309

Microelectronic Products [Member]

Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]

Total

$13,918

$17,731

$18,031

[1]

Revenue from external customers located in countries included in â€œAll other countriesâ€ do not individually comprise more than 10% of total revenues for any of the years presented.

Description_of_Business_and_Su9

Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Long-lived assets by geographic location) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	$45,606	$36,441	$28,741
United States [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	33,740	24,239	17,614
China [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	5,444	6,340	5,916
Switzerland [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	$6,422	$5,862	$5,211

Balance_Sheet_Details_Details

Balance Sheet Details (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory	'	'
Raw material and purchased parts	$16,723	$13,114
Work-in-process	2,374	1,753
Finished goods	23,149	17,511
Cost of inventory shipped	2,490	9,242
Total inventories	44,736	41,620
Property and equipment, net:	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	100,477	93,170
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-55,536	-56,935
Total property and equipment, net	44,941	36,235
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	15,356	14,762
FCPA settlement	0	2,250
Customer dispute settlement accrual	85	890
Income tax payable	2,366	2,068
Other accrued liabilities	7,629	7,211
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	25,436	27,181
Accrued warranty:	'	'
Beginning balance	269	258
Product warranties issued	324	446
Settlement of warranties	-236	-259
Changes related to preexisting warranties	-178	-179
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1	3
Ending balance	180	269
Machinery, furniture and office equipment [Member]	'	'
Property and equipment, net:	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	63,528	62,593
Computer hardware and software [Member]	'	'
Property and equipment, net:	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	10,672	10,918
Leasehold improvements [Member]	'	'
Property and equipment, net:	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	10,576	10,376
Construction in progress [Member]	'	'
Property and equipment, net:	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$15,701	$9,283

Balance_Sheet_Details_Accumula

Balance Sheet Details (Accumulated other comprehensive income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Balance as of December 31, 2012	$12,531
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	2,428
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	4,592
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Balance as of December 31, 2013	17,123
Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Balance as of December 31, 2012	-3,845
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,164
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Balance as of December 31, 2012	16,376
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	2,428
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,428
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	2,164
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	2,164
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	$0

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Goodw

Goodwill and Intangibles (Goodwill rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$25,416	$24,887
Foreign currency translation adjustments	562	529
Balance, end of period	$25,978	$25,416

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Intan

Goodwill and Intangibles (Intangible assets subject to amortization) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	$4,317	$4,317
Accumulated Amortization	-3,948	-3,609
Cumulative Foreign Currency Adjustment	0	-39
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	369	669
Patents [Member]	'	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life	'13 years	'13 years
Gross Carrying Value	2,476	2,476
Accumulated Amortization	-2,107	-1,903
Cumulative Foreign Currency Adjustment	0	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	369	573
Developed core technology [Member]	'	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life	'10 years	'10 years
Gross Carrying Value	1,100	1,100
Accumulated Amortization	-1,100	-1,100
Cumulative Foreign Currency Adjustment	0	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	0	0
Patent license agreement [Member]	'	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'	'
Useful Life	'5 years	'5 years
Gross Carrying Value	741	741
Accumulated Amortization	-741	-606
Cumulative Foreign Currency Adjustment	0	-39
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$0	$96

Goodwill_and_Intangibles_Estim

Goodwill and Intangibles (Estimated amortization expense for intangible assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	$299	$441	$559
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
2013	203	'	'
2014	166	'	'
Net Carrying Value	$369	$669	'

Convertible_Debentures_Details

Convertible Debentures (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Convertible Debentures Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Conversion of principal into shares of common stock	$8,300	$8,333
Conversion of principal into shares of common stock, shares	514,086	514,000
Interest paid with cash	'	17
Total debenture payments	'	$8,350

Convertible_Debentures_Textual

Convertible Debentures (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Convertible Debentures (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 20, 2005
Convertible Debentures Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Debentures, principal amount	'	'	'	'	$25,000,000
Conversion of principal into shares of common stock	8,300,000	'	'	8,333,000	'
Conversion of principal into shares of common stock, shares	514,086	'	'	514,000	'
Debentures converted into common stock, conversion price per share	$16.21	'	'	'	'
Common stock fair value on the date of conversion of debentures	9,300,000	0	0	9,341,000	'
Gain (loss) on embedded derivatives and warrants, conversion	1,000,000	'	'	'	'
Restricted cash	8,000,000	'	'	'	'
Number of trading days	'20 days	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) on embedded derivatives and warrants, fair value measurement	'	'	'	$78,000	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of foreign currency forward contracts	'	'	$382
Conversion of debenture into shares of common stock	8,300	8,333	'
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning liability balance, December 31, 2010	'	2,093	'
Total unrealized gain included in net loss	'	-1,086	'
Liability settled on exercise of warrants	'	-1,007	'
Ending liability balance, December 31, 2011	'	$0	'

Borrowings_Credit_facility_Det

Borrowings (Credit facility) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
		Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Secured Debt [Member]	Secured Debt [Member]	Secured Debt [Member]
			LIBOR [Member]	Equipment Term Loan [Member]	Equipment Term Loan [Member]	Equipment Term Loan [Member]
						LIBOR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revolving line of credit, maximum	'	$15,000,000	'	'	'	'
Required pledge of equity interests in subsidiary, percent	65.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, variable rate	'	'	2.25%	'	'	2.25%
Debt instrument, interest rate at period end	'	'	'	'	'	2.50%
Unused commitment fee, percentage	'	0.25%	'	'	'	'
Eligible equipment purchase, percentage	'	'	'	80.00%	'	'
Debt instrument, amount borrowed	'	'	'	5,000,000	'	'
Long-term borrowings	'	'	'	'	$2,200,000	'

Borrowings_Shortterm_borrowing

Borrowings (Short-term borrowings) (Details)	Dec. 20, 2005	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	Maxwell SA short-term loan [Member]	Maxwell SA short-term loan [Member]	Maxwell SA credit agreement [Member]	Maxwell SA credit agreement [Member]	Maxwell SA credit agreement [Member]	Maxwell SA credit agreement [Member]
		USD ($)	CHF	Maxwell SA Line of Credit Agreement, Annual Renewal, 2.35% Interest [Member]	Maxwell SA Line of Credit Agreement, Annual Renewal, 2.35% Interest [Member]	Maxwell SA Line of Credit Agreement, No Contractual Renewal [Member]	Maxwell SA Line of Credit Agreement, No Contractual Renewal [Member]
				USD ($)	CHF	USD ($)	CHF
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Short-term loan agreement, amount	$25,000,000	$3,400,000	3,000,000	'	'	'	'
Credit agreement maximum borrowing	'	'	'	$2,200,000	2,000,000	$1,100,000	1,000,000
Stated interest rate	'	1.60%	1.60%	1.73%	1.73%	'	'

Borrowings_Other_longterm_borr

Borrowings (Other long-term borrowings) (Details) (Financing Agreements [Member], Maxwell SA auto leases [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Agreements [Member] \| Maxwell SA auto leases [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt instrument, term	'3 years	'
Stated interest rate, minimum	1.90%	'
Stated interest rate, maximum	5.10%	'
Long-term borrowings	$179	$159

Borrowings_Debt_outstanding_sh

Borrowings (Debt outstanding - short-term) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Maxwell SA short-term loan [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term Debt	$3,359	$3,278
Maxwell SA credit agreement [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term Debt	$2,240	$2,185

Borrowings_Debt_outstanding_lo

Borrowings (Debt outstanding - long-term) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$8,014	$9,535
Less current portion	-7,914	-9,452
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	100	83
Secured Debt [Member] \| Equipment Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Short-term Debt	'	3,913
Financing Agreements [Member] \| Maxwell SA auto leases [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term borrowings	$179	$159

Borrowings_Subsequent_payments

Borrowings (Subsequent payments due on borrowings) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
2013	$7,914	[1]	'
2014	100		'
Total debt	8,014		9,535
Equipment Term Loan [Member] \| Secured Debt [Member]	'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'
Short-term Debt	2,236		'
Long-term borrowings	$2,200		'

[1]	Contractually scheduled payments related to the Equipment Term Loan of $2.2 million were callable by the bank.

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In2

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments (Gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$373	$394	'
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	359	393	-673
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	9	-65	'
Derivative Asset	382	329	'
Cost of revenue [Member]	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	27	-2	-220
Selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	$332	$395	($453)

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In3

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments (Gains and losses on foreign currency derivative contracts) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts were partially offset on assets and liabilities	($1,009)	($984)	($207)
Cost of revenue [Member]	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts were partially offset on assets and liabilities	-24	13	108
Selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts were partially offset on assets and liabilities	($985)	($997)	($315)

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In4

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]	'
Notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedges	$34.40

Stock_Plans_Fair_Value_of_Stoc

Stock Plans (Fair Value of Stock Options Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details) (Options to purchase common stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Options to purchase common stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Expected dividends	0.00%
Stock price on valuation date	$6.80
Expected volatility range	68.60%
Risk-free interest rate range	1.10%
Expected term/life (in years)	'4 years 9 months 18 days
Fair value per share	$3.72

Stock_Plans_Stock_Option_Activ

Stock Plans (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Stock Plans (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Number of Shares	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	923,756	'	'
Granted	175,306	'	'
Exercised	-19,500	'	'
Cancelled	-217,256	'	'
Balance at end of period	862,306	'	'
Vested and expected to vest	848,161	'	'
Exercisable	759,936	807,146	884,959
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$11.67	'	'
Granted	$7.56	'	'
Exercised	$7.34	'	'
Cancelled	$10.43	'	'
Balance at end of period	$11.24	'	'
Vested and expected to vest	$11.31	'	'
Exercisable	$11.51	$11.53	$11.14
Additional Disclosures	'	'	'
Options, outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	'4 years 6 months 30 days	'	'
Options, outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$150,166	'	'
Options, vested and expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	'4 years 6 months	'	'
Options, vested and expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	137,004	'	'
Options, exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	'4 years 0 months 15 days	'	'
Options, exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	$77,416	'	'
Chief Operating Officer [Member]	'	'	'
Number of Shares	'	'	'
Granted	175,000	'	'

Stock_Plans_Restricted_Stock_A

Stock Plans (Restricted Stock Award Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock Awards [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share awards released	98,000	77,000	56,000
Shares	'	'	'
Nonvested, beginning of period	397,000	'	'
Granted	391,000	'	'
Vested/Released	-98,000	'	'
Forfeited	-166,000	'	'
Nonvested, end of period	524,000	397,000	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'
Nonvested, beginning of period	$16.72	'	'
Granted	$10.20	$20.60	$15.90
Vested/Released	$19.28	'	'
Forfeited	$11.96	'	'
Nonvested, end of period	$12.88	$16.72	'

Stock_Plans_Fair_Value_of_Look

Stock Plans (Fair Value of "Look Back" Option for ESPP Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details) (Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of stock options and employee stock purchase plan weighted-average assumptions	'	'	'
Expected dividends	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Stock price on valuation date	$7.77	$11.96	$17.54
Expected volatility range	46.00%	71.00%	41.00%
Risk-free interest rate	0.07%	0.10%	0.15%
Expected life (in years)	'3 months	'6 months	'6 months
Fair value per share	$2.45	$4.16	$4.73

Stock_Plans_Stockbased_Compens

Stock Plans (Stock-based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$3,980	$3,088	$2,582
Cost of revenue [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	1,079	701	355
Selling, general and administrative [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,140	1,835	1,769
Research and development [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	761	552	458
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	70	262	194
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	827	978	1,317
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,491	1,427	1,014
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$592	$421	$57

Stock_Plans_Reservation_of_Sha

Stock Plans (Reservation of Shares for Issuance) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Reservation of shares for issuance upon exercise, vesting or release of share-based compensation awards	3,225,935
Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan 2013 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Reservation of shares for issuance upon exercise, vesting or release of share-based compensation awards	1,584,994
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Reservation of shares for issuance upon exercise, vesting or release of share-based compensation awards	568,336
Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Reservation of shares for issuance upon exercise, vesting or release of share-based compensation awards	1,039,655
1995 Stock Option Plan [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Reservation of shares for issuance upon exercise, vesting or release of share-based compensation awards	32,950

Stock_Plans_Textual_Details

Stock Plans (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			120 Months Ended
Stock Plans (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation plans	2	'	'	2
Tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation	$1,000,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	759,936	807,146	884,959	759,936
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.51	$11.53	$11.14	11.51
Weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted	'	'	$7.56	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	0	1,500,000	2,400,000	'
Cash proceeds from option exercises	100,000	'	'	'
Tax benefit realized on stock-based compensation	0	0	0	'
Granted	175,306	'	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'1 year	'	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'4 years	'	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	374,000	'	'	374,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	291,000	'	'	291,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period	'2 years 7 months	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'4 years	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	5,800,000	'	'	5,800,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures	4,600,000	'	'	4,600,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period	'2 years 5 months	'	'	'
Restricted stock, grant date fair value, total	3,100,000	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Released in Period	98,000	77,000	56,000	'
Share awards vested in period, fair value	900,000	1,100,000	1,000,000	'
Fair value per share	$10.20	$20.60	$15.90	'
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock, grant date fair value, total	914,000	'	'	'
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Award vesting period	'1 year	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	137,000	'	'	137,000
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted average recognition period	'2 months 25 days	'	'	'
Restricted stock, grant date fair value, total	714,000	'	'	'
Fair value per share	$10.25	$20.65	$19.06	'
Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan 2013 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Equity incentive pool	3,750,000	'	'	3,750,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Equity incentive pool	1,000,000	'	'	1,000,000
Fair value per share	$2.45	$4.16	$4.73	'
Employee stock purchase plan shares issued	28,464	108,990	'	431,664
Discount from market price, purchase date	85.00%	'	'	'
Discount rate from market value on offering date	15.00%	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of shares of the Companyâ€™s stock purchased pursuant to the ESPP	$33,000	$191,000	$109,000	'
Chief Operating Officer [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Granted	175,000	'	'	'

Stock_Offering_Stock_Offering_

Stock Offering Stock Offering (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Stock Offering Stock Offering (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Offering [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock shares	'	$125,000,000	'	'
Number of shares sold under sales agreement	572,510	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under secondary security offering	'	$0	$10,283,000	$0

Income_Taxes_Income_Loss_Befor

Income Taxes - Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
United States	($5,270)	($5,994)	($9,348)
Foreign	13,762	15,517	9,766
Income from operations before income taxes	$8,492	$9,523	$418

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Prov

Income Taxes - Income Taxes Provision (Benefit) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal, current	($258)	($190)	$0
Federal, deferred	222	6,873	-2,430
Federal, total	-36	6,683	-2,430
State, current	6	7	6
State, deferred	88	1,653	206
State, total	94	1,660	212
Foreign, current	2,022	2,135	3,089
Foreign, deferred	311	-95	-1,216
Foreign, total	2,333	2,040	1,873
Valuation allowance	-239	-8,034	2,201
Tax provision	$2,152	$2,349	$1,856

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_De

Income Taxes - Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Taxes at federal statutory rate	$2,888	$3,054	$143
State taxes, net of federal benefit	-29	-23	-323
Effect of tax rate differential for foreign subsidiary	-2,531	-2,695	-1,576
Valuation allowance, including tax benefits of stock activity	-239	-8,034	2,201
Nondeductible interest	0	0	462
Stock-based compensation	460	242	73
Income Tax Reconciliation, Prior year true-up Subpart F Income Inclusion	0	2,484	0
Return to provision adjustments	-920	3,568	576
Subpart F income inclusion	2,446	3,110	0
Other	77	643	300
Tax provision	$2,152	$2,349	$1,856

Income_Taxes_Deferred_Tax_Asse

Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation allowance	$59,501,000	$59,740,000
Decreased in valuation allowance	-200,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards, federal	156,600,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards, state	79,800,000	'
Tax credit carryforwards research and development and other, federal	5,700,000	'
Tax credit carryforwards research and development and other, state	6,200,000	'
Excess tax benefits from employee stock purchase plan	3,400,000	3,500,000
Decrease in foreign tax	733,000	634,000
Benefit of the tax holiday on net income per share (diluted)	$0.03	$0.02
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense	126,000	'
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	164,000	'
Unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries	7,700,000	'
WithholdingTaxesPayableUponRemittanceOfPreviouslyUnremittedEarnings	2,700,000	'
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Tax loss carryforwards	55,109,000	55,288,000
Tax credit carryforwards	19,000	19,000
Uniform capitalization, contract and inventory related reserves	1,493,000	895,000
Accrued vacation	632,000	642,000
Stock-based compensation	1,235,000	813,000
Intangible assets	1,032,000	1,104,000
Deferred revenue	179,000	152,000
Other	1,721,000	1,185,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	61,420,000	60,098,000
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Inventory deduction	-290,000	-209,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses	2,125,000	1,385,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-405,000	-433,000
Tax basis depreciation less book depreciation	-1,989,000	-224,000
Other	-1,000	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	4,810,000	2,251,000
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	56,610,000	57,847,000
Valuation allowance	-59,501,000	-59,740,000
Net deferred tax liabilities	-2,891,000	-1,893,000
Deferred tax asset stock option deductions [Member]	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation allowance	15,500,000	'
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Valuation allowance	($15,500,000)	'

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_of

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Total unrecognized benefits recorded as a reduction to deferred tax assets	'	$11,900,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2012	10,277,000	'
Increase in prior period positions	1,945,000	'
Increase in current period positions	412,000	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$12,634,000	'

Leases_Future_annual_minimum_r

Leases (Future annual minimum rental commitments) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rental expense	$5,100,000	$3,700,000	$3,100,000
Future annual minimum rental commitments	'	'	'
2014	4,314,000	'	'
2015	3,935,000	'	'
2016	3,352,000	'	'
2017	3,124,000	'	'
2018	2,355,000	'	'
Thereafter	6,044,000	'	'
Future annual minimum rental commitments, total	$23,124,000	'	'

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Changes in the pension benefit obligation and plan assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in plan assets:	'	'	'
Funded status at end of year	$10,568	$6,939	'
Foreign Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	29,956	26,723	'
Service cost	831	671	793
Interest cost	504	651	717
Plan participant contributions	602	1,602	'
Benefits paid	-717	-668	'
Actuarial loss	-405	1,659	'
Administrative expenses paid	978	0	'
Settlements	0	-1,417	'
Effect of foreign currency translation	828	735	'
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	32,577	29,956	26,723
Changes in plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	36,895	33,082	'
Actual return on plan assets	4,532	2,670	'
Company contributions	722	732	778
Plan participant contributions	602	1,602	'
Benefits paid	-717	-668	'
Settlements	0	-1,417	'
Effect of foreign currency translation	1,111	894	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	43,145	36,895	33,082
Funded status at end of year	$10,568	$6,939	'

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme3

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Amounts recognized in balance sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net long-term pension asset	$10,568	$6,939
Foreign Plan [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net long-term pension asset	10,568	6,939
Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of the following:	'	'
Net prior service cost	865	216
Net loss	1,430	4,770
Accumulated other comprehensive loss before taxes	$2,295	$4,986

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme4

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Net periodic pension cost (income) and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Components of net periodic pension cost (income):	'	'	'
Net periodic pension cost (income)	$20	$437	($109)
Foreign Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Components of net periodic pension cost (income):	'	'	'
Service cost	831	671	793
Interest cost	504	651	717
Expected return on plan assets	-1,539	-1,403	-1,616
Prior service cost amortization	44	44	46
Deferred loss amortization	180	216	309
Settlement cost	0	258	0
Net periodic pension cost (income)	20	437	249
Other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:	'	'	'
Prior service cost amortization	-44	-44	-46
Loss (gain) on value of plan assets	-2,977	-1,268	-965
Actuarial loss on benefit obligation	-405	1,659	735
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Reclassification Adjustments, Net of Tax	978	0	0
Settlement	0	-258	0
Deferred loss amortization	-180	-216	-309
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes	-2,628	-127	-585
Total recognized in net periodic pension cost (income) and other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes	($2,608)	$310	($336)

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme5

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost) (Details) (Foreign Plan [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:	'	'
Discount rate	2.25%	1.75%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:	'	'
Discount rate	1.75%	2.50%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	4.25%	4.25%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	2.50%
Percentage of the fair value of total plan assets held in each major category of plan assets:	'	'
Plan assets, percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Percentage of the fair value of total plan assets held in each major category of plan assets:	'	'
Plan assets, percentage	36.00%	35.00%
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Percentage of the fair value of total plan assets held in each major category of plan assets:	'	'
Plan assets, percentage	21.00%	21.00%
Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Percentage of the fair value of total plan assets held in each major category of plan assets:	'	'
Plan assets, percentage	40.00%	39.00%
Other [Member]	'	'
Percentage of the fair value of total plan assets held in each major category of plan assets:	'	'
Plan assets, percentage	3.00%	5.00%

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme6

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Plan assets) (Details) (Foreign Plan [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Expected future long-term rate of return on plan assets, percent	4.25%	4.25%
Swiss bonds [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocation, percentage	15.00%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Historical Rate of Return on Plan Assets, Percent	0.40%	0.40%
Non-Swiss hedged bonds [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocation, percentage	13.00%	'
Swiss equities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocation, percentage	10.00%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Historical Rate of Return on Plan Assets, Percent	5.60%	5.60%
Global equities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocation, percentage	15.00%	'
Hedged Foreign Bonds [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Historical Rate of Return on Plan Assets, Percent	1.00%	1.00%
Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocation, percentage	36.00%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Historical Rate of Return on Plan Assets, Percent	4.80%	4.80%
Unhedged Global Equities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Historical Rate of Return on Plan Assets, Percent	6.50%	6.50%
Emerging Market Equities [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocation, percentage	6.00%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Historical Rate of Return on Plan Assets, Percent	7.40%	7.40%
Alernative investments [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocation, percentage	3.00%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Historical Rate of Return on Plan Assets, Percent	2.80%	2.80%
Cash and other short-term investments [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Target plan asset allocation, percentage	2.00%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Historical Rate of Return on Plan Assets, Percent	1.40%	1.40%

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme7

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Amounts that will be amortized in next fiscal year) (Details) (Foreign Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Foreign Plan [Member]	'
Expected amortization during the year ending December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):	'
Amortization of net prior service costs	$143

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme8

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Expected benefit payments) (Details) (Foreign Plan [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Foreign Plan [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	$1,608
2015	1,921
2016	1,927
2017	1,647
2018	1,815
Years 2019 through 2023	8,631
Total	$17,549

Pension_and_Other_Postretireme9

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Fair values of the plans assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial instruments with significant Level 3 inputs	'		'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$2,428		$1,796	($628)
Foreign Plan [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	43,145		36,895	33,082
Financial instruments with significant Level 3 inputs	'		'	'
Beginning balance, December 31, 2012	14,831		'	'
Total unrealized gains included in net gain	1,162	[1]	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	412		'	'
Beginning balance, December 31, 2013	16,405		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Held in Swiss Franc, Euro and USD [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	2,650		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Investment Funds [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	23,450		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Real estate investment fund	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	15,756		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Fixed income / Bond securities:	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	632		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Real estate investment in specific properties 100% owned by the plan	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	649		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Other [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	8		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Active Market Prices (Level 1)	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	26,732		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Active Market Prices (Level 1) \| Held in Swiss Franc, Euro and USD [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	2,650		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Active Market Prices (Level 1) \| Investment Funds [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	23,450		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Active Market Prices (Level 1) \| Real estate investment fund	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Active Market Prices (Level 1) \| Fixed income / Bond securities:	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	632		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Active Market Prices (Level 1) \| Real estate investment in specific properties 100% owned by the plan	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Active Market Prices (Level 1) \| Other [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	8		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Held in Swiss Franc, Euro and USD [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Investment Funds [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Real estate investment fund	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Fixed income / Bond securities:	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Real estate investment in specific properties 100% owned by the plan	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) \| Other [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	8		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	16,405		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) \| Held in Swiss Franc, Euro and USD [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) \| Investment Funds [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) \| Real estate investment fund	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	15,756		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) \| Fixed income / Bond securities:	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	0		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) \| Real estate investment in specific properties 100% owned by the plan	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	649		'	'
Foreign Plan [Member] \| Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) \| Other [Member]	'		'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'		'	'
Net assets of pension plan	$0		'	'

[1]	Total unrealized gains are reported as a component of the pension adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of stockholdersâ€™ equity.

Recovered_Sheet1

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Contributory employee savings plan) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Matching contribution, contributory employee savings plan, amount	$506	$486	$415

Recovered_Sheet2

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of total contributions made by employees	45.00%	'	'
Pension asset	$10,568,000	$6,939,000	'
Foreign Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employer contributions	722,000	732,000	778,000
Pension asset	10,568,000	6,939,000	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	30,800,000	28,100,000	'
Estimated future employer contributions in 2014	$704,000	'	'

Legal_Proceedings_Textual_Deta

Legal Proceedings (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		24 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013
	SEC Penalties Settlement [Member]	SEC Penalties Settlement [Member]	SEC Penalties Settlement [Member]	DOJ Penalties Settlement [Member]	DOJ Penalties Settlement [Member]	DOJ Penalties Settlement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total settlement consideration	'	'	$6.40	'	'	$8
Payments for legal settlements	$3.20	$3.20	'	$2.30	$3.50	'

Unaudited_Quarterly_Financial_2

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Revenue	$38,979,000		$51,197,000		$55,610,000		$47,748,000		$44,503,000		$42,713,000		$36,238,000		$35,804,000		$193,534,000	$159,258,000	$147,176,000
Gross profit	14,374,000		21,113,000		21,576,000		18,230,000		17,229,000		18,142,000		14,524,000		15,157,000		75,293,000	65,052,000	57,070,000
Net income (loss)	-2,814,000	[1]	6,027,000	[2]	3,405,000	[3]	-278,000	[4]	2,867,000	[5]	5,228,000	[6]	31,000	[7]	-952,000	[8]	6,340,000	7,174,000	-1,438,000
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	($0.10)		$0.21		$0.12		($0.01)		$0.10		$0.18		$0		($0.03)		'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,358,000		$719,000		$946,000		$1,000,000		$527,000		$505,000		$770,000		$1,286,000		$3,980,000	$3,088,000	$2,582,000

[1]	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.4 million.
[2]	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $719,000.
[3]	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $946,000.
[4]	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.0 million.
[5]	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $527,000.
[6]	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $505,000.
[7]	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $770,000
[8]	Includes a non-cash expense for stock-based compensation of $1.3 million.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at the Beginning of the Year	$157	$450	$151
Charged to Expense	22	193	300
Acquisitions/ Transfers and Other	0	2	-1
Write-offs Net of Recoveries	-45	-488	0
Balance at the End of the Year	$134	$157	$450