Maxwell 10-Q 1 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 28, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MAXWELL TECHNOLOGIES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000319815	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'mxwl	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	29,931,419

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets :	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$31,585	$30,647
Restricted cash	1,000	0
Trade and other accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $150 and $134, at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	37,628	29,869
Inventories	45,003	44,736
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,336	2,314
Total current assets	117,552	107,566
Property and equipment, net	43,746	44,941
Intangible assets, net	318	369
Goodwill	26,201	25,978
Pension asset	10,919	10,568
Other non-current assets	666	665
Total assets	199,402	190,087
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	27,433	25,436
Accrued warranty	512	180
Accrued employee compensation	8,598	8,788
Deferred Revenue and Credits	2,729	1,043
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	10,540	7,914
Deferred tax liability	876	890
Total current liabilities	50,688	44,251
Deferred tax liability, long-term	2,153	2,125
Long-term debt, excluding current portion	83	100
Other long-term liabilities	3,686	3,401
Total liabilities	56,610	49,877
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.10 par value per share, 40,000 shares authorized; 29,930 and 29,563 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	2,990	2,953
Additional paid-in capital	273,276	271,928
Accumulated deficit	-151,475	-151,794
Accumulated other comprehensive income	18,001	17,123
Total stockholders' equity	142,792	140,210
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$199,402	$190,087

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Trade and other accounts receivable, allowance	$150	$134
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	29,930,000	29,563,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	29,930,000	29,563,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Revenue	$46,001	$47,748
Cost of revenue	28,131	29,518
Gross profit	17,870	18,230
Operating expenses:	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	10,939	11,502
Research and development	6,171	6,023
Total operating expenses	17,110	17,525
Income from operations	760	705
Interest expense, net	39	44
Amortization of debt discount and prepaid debt costs	5	15
Income from operations before income taxes	716	646
Income tax provision	397	924
Net income (loss)	$319	($278)
Net income (loss) per share:	'	'
Basic	$0.01	($0.01)
Diluted	$0.01	($0.01)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic	29,047	28,825
Diluted	29,216	28,825

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Loss (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income (loss)	$319	($278)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	849	-2,844
Defined benefit pension plan, net of tax:	'	'
Amortization of deferred loss, net of tax benefit of $0 and $7 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	0	55
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax benefit of $7 and $2 for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	29	9
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	878	-2,780
Comprehensive income (loss)	$1,197	($3,058)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Loss (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Tax provision (benefit) for amortization of deferred loss	$0	$7
Tax provision (benefit) for amortization of prior service cost	$7	$2

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$319	($278)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	2,614	2,118
Amortization of intangible assets	51	91
Amortization of debt discount and prepaid debt costs	5	15
Pension cost (benefit)	-26	5
Stock-based compensation expense	755	957
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	16	10
Provision for losses on inventory	310	-227
Provision for warranties	374	6
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Trade and other accounts receivable	-7,711	152
Inventories	-531	-653
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-32	77
Increase (Decrease) in Pension Plan Obligations	-187	-183
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	2,168	4,032
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue and Customer Advances and Deposits	2,060	1,586
Accrued employee compensation	-200	1,116
Other long-term liabilities	273	-33
Net cash used in operating activities	258	8,791
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchase of property and equipment	-1,985	-2,026
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,985	-2,026
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Principal payments on long-term debt and short-term borrowings	-3,743	-3,608
Proceeds from long-term and short-term borrowings	6,292	3,318
Repurchase of shares	0	-20
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under equity compensation plans	630	281
restricted cash - compensating balance	-1,000	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	2,179	-29
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations	452	6,736
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	486	-1,351
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	938	5,385
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	30,647	28,739
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$31,585	$34,124

Description_of_Business_and_Ba

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	'
	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
	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, and 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: The Company’s 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. The Company’s 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: The Company’s 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: The Company’s 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 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 condensed 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. The Company has prepared the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and the standards of accounting measurement set forth in the Interim Reporting Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Consequently, the Company has not necessarily included in this Form 10-Q all information and footnotes required for audited financial statements. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, except as otherwise indicated) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Maxwell Technologies, Inc. for all periods presented. The results reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any subsequent period or for the entire year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted in the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 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.
	Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Asset
	At March 31, 2014, the Company has a cumulative valuation allowance recorded offsetting its worldwide net deferred tax assets of $59.5 million, of which the significant majority represents the valuation allowance on its U.S. net deferred tax asset. 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. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets and at such time as it is determined that it is more likely than not that U.S. deferred tax assets are realizable, the valuation allowance will be reduced accordingly. Any such release would result in recording a tax benefit that would increase net income in the period the valuation is released.
	The Company evaluates positive and negative evidence in connection with its assessment of the recoverability of the deferred tax assets. The key objective negative evidence, which is generally difficult to overcome, is a cumulative loss over the past three years. Based on financial projections for fiscal years 2014 and 2015, the cumulative three-year position may shift from a loss to an income position as soon as the second half of fiscal year 2014. While other factors will need to be considered during the Company’s assessment of the U.S. valuation allowance, three-years cumulative income is considered significant positive evidence to support realization of all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets. However, the Company will also need to consider whether it expects to be in a cumulative loss position in the near future.  Based on the Company’s current financial projections, the Company may begin releasing the U.S. valuation allowance in the next one to two years.
	Restricted Cash
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company had restricted cash of $1.0 million which represents a compensating balance on deposit with the bank as collateral for outstanding borrowings with the bank. The cash balance is restricted from withdrawal and classified as a current asset on the balance sheet as the restriction is expected to be released by April 30, 2014.
	Warranty Obligation
	The Company provides warranties on all product sales. The majority of the Company’s warranties are for one to four 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.
	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 the Company 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 deferred 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 deferred 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 unrecognized revenue related to this distributor was recognized in the quarter ended September 30, 2013. Although the Company had deferred revenue recognition for a significant amount of sales to these four distributors through the quarter ended September 30, 2013, subsequent to this date the amount of deferred revenue related to these distributors has been 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, cumulative sales totaling $2.0 million and $4.5 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 $603,000 and $2.5 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 and customer deposits in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, relates to cash received from customers on sales for which the revenue recognition criteria had not been achieved, customer advances, as well as other less significant customer arrangements requiring the deferral of revenue.
	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 potentially dilutive 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 per share (in thousands, except per share data):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014			2013
	Numerator
	Net income (loss)		$	319		$	(278	)
	Denominator
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding		29,047			28,825
	Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
	Options to purchase common stock		76			—
	Restricted stock awards		53			—
	Restricted stock unit awards		38			—
	Employee stock purchase plan		2			—
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution		29,216			28,825
	Net income (loss) per share
	Basic		$	0.01		$	(0.01	)
	Diluted		$	0.01		$	(0.01	)
	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 per share calculation because to do so would be anti-dilutive (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014		2013
	Outstanding options to purchase common stock		413		544
	Unvested restricted stock awards		323		442
	Unvested restricted stock unit awards		—		57

Balance_Sheet_Details

Balance Sheet Details	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Balance Sheet Details	'
	Balance Sheet Details (in thousands)
	Inventories
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Raw material and purchased parts	$	16,759		$	16,723
	Work-in-process	3,344			2,374
	Finished goods	24,297			23,149
	Consigned finished goods	603			2,490
	Total inventories	$	45,003		$	44,736
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consist of the following:
		Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Value						Value
	As of March 31, 2014
	Patents	$	2,476		$	(2,158	)	$	318
	Developed core technology	1,100			(1,100		)	—
	Patent license agreement	741			(741		)	—
	Total intangible assets at March 31, 2014	$	4,317		$	(3,999	)	$	318
		Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Value						Value
	As of December 31, 2013
	Patents	$	2,476		$	(2,107	)	$	369
	Developed core technology	1,100			(1,100		)	—
	Patent license agreement	741			(741		)	—
	Total intangible assets at December 31, 2013	$	4,317		$	(3,948	)	$	369
	Goodwill
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	25,978
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	223
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	26,201
	Accrued Warranty
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	180		$	269
	Product warranties issued	114			86
	Change related to preexisting warranties	260			(80		)
	Settlement of warranties	(30		)	(4		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(12		)	(4		)
	Ending balance	$	512		$	267
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		Foreign			Defined Benefit			Accumulated		Affected Line Items in the Statement of Operations
		Currency			Pension Plan			Other
		Translation						Comprehensive
		Adjustment						Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	18,804		$	(1,681	)	$	17,123
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification	849			—			849
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			29			29		Cost of Sales, Selling, General and Administrative and Research and Development Expense
	Net other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014	849			29			878
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	19,653		$	(1,652	)	$	18,001

Credit_Facility

Credit Facility	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Credit Facility	'
	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”). 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, amongst 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. In March 2014, the Company borrowed $3.0 million under the Revolving Line of Credit, and no other amounts have been borrowed to date under the Revolving Line of Credit.
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company was in violation with respect to the requirement to maintain a minimum liquidity ratio at all times. On February 27, 2014, the Company entered into a forbearance agreement with the bank wherein the bank agreed to forbear from further exercise of its rights and remedies under the credit agreement to call the Company's outstanding debt obligation in connection with this event of default for a period terminating on the earlier of April 30, 2014 or the occurrence of any additional events of default. The forbearance agreement also required the Company to maintain at least $1.0 million in its account maintained at the bank until the amount outstanding under the Revolving Line of Credit is repaid. On April 30, 2014, the Company entered into another forbearance agreement with the bank which extended the forbearance period from April 30, 2014 to June 30, 2014, or the occurrence of any additional events of default, and removed the requirement for the Company to maintain at least $1.0 million in its account maintained at the bank. As a result of this noncompliance, the bank's obligation to extend any further credit ceased and terminated, and borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility have been classified as a current obligation in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2014.
	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, borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility were classified as a current obligation in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013.
	As of March 31, 2014, $1.8 million was outstanding under the Equipment Term Loan and the applicable interest rate was LIBOR plus 2.25% (2.5% as of March 31, 2014). If the bank does not exercise its right to accelerate repayment of this balance after the forbearance period discussed above, 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. As of March 31, 2014, $3.0 million was outstanding under the Revolving Line of Credit and the applicable interest rate was LIBOR plus 2.25% (2.5% as of March 31, 2014). The amount outstanding under the Revolving Line of Credit is scheduled to be repaid by June 30, 2014.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	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 March 31, 2014, the financial instruments to which this topic applied were foreign currency forward contracts. As of March 31, 2014, the fair value of these foreign currency forward contracts was a liability of $299,000 which is recorded in “accounts payable and accrued liabilities” 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 March 31, 2014 have a one-month maturity term and mature on April 2, 2014 or May 5, 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.

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 foreign currencies. The change in fair value of these forward contracts represents a natural hedge as gains and losses on these instruments partially offset the changes in the fair value of the underlying monetary assets and liabilities due to movements in currency exchange rates. These forward 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 instrument 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 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost of revenue	$	5		$	12
	Selling, general and administrative	61			(1,387		)
	Total gain (loss)	$	66		$	(1,375	)
	The net gains and losses on foreign currency forward 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 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost of revenue	$	2		$	(8	)
	Selling, general and administrative	(356		)	1,246
	Total gain (loss)	$	(354	)	$	1,238
	As of March 31, 2014, the total notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedges was $33.5 million.
	The following table presents gross amounts, amounts offset and net amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the Company's derivative instruments measured at fair value (in thousands):
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)	$	(373	)	$	472
	Gross amounts offset in the condensed consolidated balance sheets	74			(90		)
	Net amount of recognized asset (liability) presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets	$	(299	)	$	382
	The Company has the legal right to offset these recognized assets and liabilities upon settlement of the derivative instruments. For additional information, refer to Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements.

Stock_Plans

Stock Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock Plans	'
	Stock Plans
	The Company has two active stock-based compensation plans as of March 31, 2014: the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the 2013 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units can be granted to employees and non-employee directors.
	Stock Options
	Compensation expense recognized from employee stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was a benefit of $2,000 and an expense of $177,000, respectively. The benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2014 is a result of cancellations of previously issued options. Beginning in 2011, the Company ceased granting stock options and began granting restricted stock awards to employees as part of its annual equity incentive award program. However, during 2013, the Company granted 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 its equity incentive plan.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company issued 255,600 and 305,143 shares, respectively, under restricted stock awards which had an average grant date fair value per share of $14.20 and $10.58, respectively. The following table summarizes the amount of compensation expense recognized for restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Service-based restricted stock	$	433		$	648
	Performance-based restricted stock	6			18
	Total compensation expense recognized for restricted stock awards	$	439		$	666
	Restricted Stock Units
	Non-employee directors receive an annual restricted stock unit award, normally in February of each year, as part of their annual retainer compensation which vests one year from the date of grant. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, non-employee directors were granted a total of 65,891 and 56,616 restricted stock units, respectively, with an average grant date fair value per share of $9.03 and $10.51, respectively.
	Total compensation expense recognized for service-based restricted stock unit awards was $176,000 and $114,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“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.
	Compensation expense recognized for the ESPP for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $142,000. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, compensation expense was zero under the ESPP as the plan had been temporarily suspended. The fair value of the ESPP shares was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model for a call and a put option with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014
	Expected dividends	$	—
	Exercise price	$	7.77
	Expected volatility	82		%
	Average risk-free interest rate	0.04		%
	Expected life/term (in years)	0.3
	Fair value per share	$	5.75
	Stock-based Compensation Expense
	Compensation cost for restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options and the ESPP included in cost of revenue; selling, general and administrative expense; and research and development expense is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost of revenue	$	251		$	273
	Selling, general and administrative	255			497
	Research and development	249			187
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	755		$	957

Defined_Benefit_Plan

Defined Benefit Plan	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Plan	'
	Defined Benefit Plan
	Maxwell SA, the Company's Swiss subsidiary, has a retirement plan that is classified as a defined benefit pension plan. The employee 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. This plan has a measurement date of December 31.
	Components of net periodic pension (benefit) cost are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	217		$	207
	Interest cost	178			125
	Expected return on plan assets	(457		)	(383		)
	Prior service cost amortization	36			11
	Deferred loss amortization	—			45
	Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	$	(26	)	$	5
	Employer contributions of $196,000 and $183,000 were paid during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Additional employer contributions of approximately $509,000 are expected to be paid during the remainder of fiscal 2014.

Legal_Proceedings

Legal Proceedings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Legal Proceedings	'
	Legal Proceedings
	Although the Company expects to incur significant legal fees in connection with the below legal proceedings, the Company is unable to estimate the amount of such legal fees and therefore, such fees will be 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. 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. 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. A judgment of dismissal was issued by the District Judge for the matter in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on March 28, 2014.
	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 on 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 expenses will be incurred 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. 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 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. In response, the Company and the individual defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, which the lead plaintiff opposed. The court is expected to hear final arguments and issue an opinion on the motion to dismiss at a hearing on May 19, 2014. 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 the Company as a nominal defendant. The complaints allege that the individual defendants caused or allowed the Company to issue false and misleading statements about its financial condition, operations, management, and internal controls and falsely represented that it 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. In response, the Company and the individual defendants filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, which the lead plaintiff opposed. The court is expected to hear final arguments and issue an opinion on the motion to dismiss at a hearing on May 19, 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. Accordingly, 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 action 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. Accordingly, 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.
	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 before the hearing set for the matter July 18, 2014. At this preliminary stage, the Company cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this action, nor can it estimate the range of potential loss. Accordingly, 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.

Description_of_Business_and_Ba1

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Financial Statement Presentation	'
	Financial Statement Presentation
	The accompanying condensed 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. The Company has prepared the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and the standards of accounting measurement set forth in the Interim Reporting Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). Consequently, the Company has not necessarily included in this Form 10-Q all information and footnotes required for audited financial statements. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this Form 10-Q contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, except as otherwise indicated) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Maxwell Technologies, Inc. for all periods presented. The results reported in these condensed consolidated financial statements should not be regarded as necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any subsequent period or for the entire year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted in the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements. The year-end condensed balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
Reclassification, Policy	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 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.
Income Tax Disclosure	'
	Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Asset
	At March 31, 2014, the Company has a cumulative valuation allowance recorded offsetting its worldwide net deferred tax assets of $59.5 million, of which the significant majority represents the valuation allowance on its U.S. net deferred tax asset. 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. Management periodically evaluates the recoverability of the deferred tax assets and at such time as it is determined that it is more likely than not that U.S. deferred tax assets are realizable, the valuation allowance will be reduced accordingly. Any such release would result in recording a tax benefit that would increase net income in the period the valuation is released.
	The Company evaluates positive and negative evidence in connection with its assessment of the recoverability of the deferred tax assets. The key objective negative evidence, which is generally difficult to overcome, is a cumulative loss over the past three years. Based on financial projections for fiscal years 2014 and 2015, the cumulative three-year position may shift from a loss to an income position as soon as the second half of fiscal year 2014. While other factors will need to be considered during the Company’s assessment of the U.S. valuation allowance, three-years cumulative income is considered significant positive evidence to support realization of all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets. However, the Company will also need to consider whether it expects to be in a cumulative loss position in the near future.  Based on the Company’s current financial projections, the Company may begin releasing the U.S. valuation allowance in the next one to two years.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash	'
	Restricted Cash
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company had restricted cash of $1.0 million which represents a compensating balance on deposit with the bank as collateral for outstanding borrowings with the bank. The cash balance is restricted from withdrawal and classified as a current asset on the balance sheet as the restriction is expected to be released
Warranty Obligation	'
	Warranty Obligation
	The Company provides warranties on all product sales. The majority of the Company’s warranties are for one to four 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.
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 the Company 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 deferred 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 deferred 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 unrecognized revenue related to this distributor was recognized in the quarter ended September 30, 2013. Although the Company had deferred revenue recognition for a significant amount of sales to these four distributors through the quarter ended September 30, 2013, subsequent to this date the amount of deferred revenue related to these distributors has been 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 March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, cumulative sales totaling $2.0 million and $4.5 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 $603,000 and $2.5 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 and customer deposits in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, relates to cash received from customers on sales for which the revenue recognition criteria had not been achieved, customer advances, as well as other less significant customer arrangements requiring the deferral of revenue.
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 potentially dilutive 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.
Derivatives and Hedging	'
	Maxwell uses forward contracts to hedge certain monetary assets and liabilities, primarily receivables and payables, denominated in foreign currencies. The change in fair value of these forward contracts represents a natural hedge as gains and losses on these instruments partially offset the changes in the fair value of the underlying monetary assets and liabilities due to movements in currency exchange rates. These forward 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 instrument is recognized currently in the consolidated statement of operations.
Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures	'
	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 March 31, 2014, the financial instruments to which this topic applied were foreign currency forward contracts. As of March 31, 2014, the fair value of these foreign currency forward contracts was a liability of $299,000 which is recorded in “accounts payable and accrued liabilities” 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.

Description_of_Business_and_Ba2

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 per share (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Numerator
	Net income (loss)	$	319		$	(278	)
	Denominator
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	29,047			28,825
	Effect of potentially dilutive securities:
	Options to purchase common stock	76			—
	Restricted stock awards	53			—
	Restricted stock unit awards	38			—
	Employee stock purchase plan	2			—
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution	29,216			28,825
	Net income (loss) per share
	Basic	$	0.01		$	(0.01	)
	Diluted	$	0.01		$	(0.01	)
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 per share calculation because to do so would be anti-dilutive (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Outstanding options to purchase common stock	413		544
	Unvested restricted stock awards	323		442
	Unvested restricted stock unit awards	—		57

Balance_Sheet_Details_Tables

Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of inventories	'
		March 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Raw material and purchased parts	$	16,759		$	16,723
	Work-in-process	3,344			2,374
	Finished goods	24,297			23,149
	Consigned finished goods	603			2,490
	Total inventories	$	45,003		$	44,736
Schedule of intangible assets	'
	Intangible assets consist of the following:
		Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Value						Value
	As of March 31, 2014
	Patents	$	2,476		$	(2,158	)	$	318
	Developed core technology	1,100			(1,100		)	—
	Patent license agreement	741			(741		)	—
	Total intangible assets at March 31, 2014	$	4,317		$	(3,999	)	$	318
		Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Value						Value
	As of December 31, 2013
	Patents	$	2,476		$	(2,107	)	$	369
	Developed core technology	1,100			(1,100		)	—
	Patent license agreement	741			(741		)	—
	Total intangible assets at December 31, 2013	$	4,317		$	(3,948	)	$	369
Schedule of change in the carrying amount of goodwill	'
	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill from December 31, 2013 to March 31, 2014 is as follows:
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	25,978
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	223
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	26,201
Schedule of accrued warranty	'
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Beginning balance	$	180		$	269
	Product warranties issued	114			86
	Change related to preexisting warranties	260			(80		)
	Settlement of warranties	(30		)	(4		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(12		)	(4		)
	Ending balance	$	512		$	267
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
		Foreign			Defined Benefit			Accumulated		Affected Line Items in the Statement of Operations
		Currency			Pension Plan			Other
		Translation						Comprehensive
		Adjustment						Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	18,804		$	(1,681	)	$	17,123
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification	849			—			849
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			29			29		Cost of Sales, Selling, General and Administrative and Research and Development Expense
	Net other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014	849			29			878
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	19,653		$	(1,652	)	$	18,001

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In1

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
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 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost of revenue	$	5		$	12
	Selling, general and administrative	61			(1,387		)
	Total gain (loss)	$	66		$	(1,375	)
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 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost of revenue	$	2		$	(8	)
	Selling, general and administrative	(356		)	1,246
	Total gain (loss)	$	(354	)	$	1,238
Offsetting Liabilities	'
	The following table presents gross amounts, amounts offset and net amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the Company's derivative instruments measured at fair value (in thousands):
		March 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)	$	(373	)	$	472
	Gross amounts offset in the condensed consolidated balance sheets	74			(90		)
	Net amount of recognized asset (liability) presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets	$	(299	)	$	382

Stock_Plans_Tables

Stock Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'
	Compensation cost for restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options and the ESPP included in cost of revenue; selling, general and administrative expense; and research and development expense is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Cost of revenue	$	251		$	273
	Selling, general and administrative	255			497
	Research and development	249			187
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	755		$	957
Restricted Stock Awards	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule of employee stock purchase plan weighted-average assumptions	'
	The following table summarizes the amount of compensation expense recognized for restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Service-based restricted stock	$	433		$	648
	Performance-based restricted stock	6			18
	Total compensation expense recognized for restricted stock awards	$	439		$	666
Employee Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'
	The fair value of the ESPP shares was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model for a call and a put option with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014
	Expected dividends	$	—
	Exercise price	$	7.77
	Expected volatility	82		%
	Average risk-free interest rate	0.04		%
	Expected life/term (in years)	0.3
	Fair value per share	$	5.75

Defined_Benefit_Plan_Tables

Defined Benefit Plan (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of components of net periodic pension income	'
	Components of net periodic pension (benefit) cost are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Service cost	$	217		$	207
	Interest cost	178			125
	Expected return on plan assets	(457		)	(383		)
	Prior service cost amortization	36			11
	Deferred loss amortization	—			45
	Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	$	(26	)	$	5

Description_of_Business_and_Ba3

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share	'	'
Net income	$319	($278)
Effect of assumed conversion of convertible debentures	'	'
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	29,047	28,825
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, assuming dilution	29,216	28,825
Net income per share	'	'
Basic	$0.01	($0.01)
Diluted	$0.01	($0.01)
Stock Options	'	'
Effect of assumed conversion of convertible debentures	'	'
Effect of potentially dilutive securities	76	0
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Effect of assumed conversion of convertible debentures	'	'
Effect of potentially dilutive securities	53	0
Restricted Stock Unit	'	'
Effect of assumed conversion of convertible debentures	'	'
Effect of potentially dilutive securities	38	0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'
Effect of assumed conversion of convertible debentures	'	'
Effect of potentially dilutive securities	2	0

Description_of_Business_and_Ba4

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details 1)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Outstanding options to purchase common stock	'	'
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	'	'
Anti-dilutive, shares	413	544
Restricted Stock Awards	'	'
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	'	'
Anti-dilutive, shares	323	442
Restricted stock unit awards	'	'
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	'	'
Anti-dilutive, shares	0	57

Description_of_Business_and_Ba5

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Segment
	manufacturing_location
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$59,500,000	'
Deferred Revenue, Additions	2,000,000	4,500,000
Inventory, Finished Goods, Consigned	603,000	2,490,000
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Manufacturing locations	3	'
Operating segments	1	'
Restricted cash	1,000,000	0
Warranty period, minimum, in years	'1 year	'
Warranty period, maximum, in years	'4 years	'
Cost of Inventory Shipped	603,000	2,500,000
Deferred Revenue and Credits	2,729,000	1,043,000
Collateral for Borrowing [Member]	'	'
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted cash	1,000,000	'
Cash Received [Member]	'	'
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred Revenue and Credits	$1,900,000	$1,000,000

Balance_Sheet_Details_Details

Balance Sheet Details (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of inventories	'	'
Raw material and purchased parts	$16,759	$16,723
Work-in-process	3,344	2,374
Finished goods	24,297	23,149
Inventory, Finished Goods, Consigned	603	2,490
Total inventories	$45,003	$44,736

Balance_Sheet_Details_Details_

Balance Sheet Details (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	$4,317	$4,317
Accumulated Amortization	-3,999	-3,948
Net Carrying Value	318	369
Patents	'	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	2,476	2,476
Accumulated Amortization	-2,158	-2,107
Net Carrying Value	318	369
Developed core technology	'	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	1,100	1,100
Accumulated Amortization	-1,100	-1,100
Net Carrying Value	0	0
Patent license agreement	'	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	741	741
Accumulated Amortization	-741	-741
Net Carrying Value	$0	$0

Balance_Sheet_Details_Details_1

Balance Sheet Details (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of change in the carrying amount of goodwill	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	$25,978
Foreign currency translation adjustments	223
Balance at March 31, 2014	$26,201

Balance_Sheet_Details_Details_2

Balance Sheet Details (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of accrued warranty	'	'
Beginning balance	$180	$269
Product warranties issued	114	86
Settlement of warranties	-30	-4
Change related to preexisting warranties	260	-80
Ending balance	$512	$267

Balance_Sheet_Details_Details_3

Balance Sheet Details (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$17,123
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	849
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for three months ended March 31, 2014	878
Balance as of March 31, 2014	18,001
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Balance as of December 31, 2013	18,804
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	849
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for three months ended March 31, 2014	849
Balance as of March 31, 2014	19,653
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Balance as of December 31, 2013	-1,681
Other comprehensive loss before reclassification	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for three months ended March 31, 2014	29
Balance as of March 31, 2014	-1,652
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-29
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	($29)

Credit_Facility_Details_Textua

Credit Facility (Details Textual) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

13 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Equipment Term Loan [Member]

Equipment Term Loan [Member]

Equipment Term Loan [Member]

Collateral for Borrowing [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving line of credit

'

'

'

'

$15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Required Pledge of Equity Interests in Subsidiary, Percent

65.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Line of Credit

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowings under credit facility, interest payable description

'at either (i)B the bankbs prime rate or (ii)B LIBOR plus 2.25%

'

'

'

'

'applicable interest rate was LIBOR plus 2.25% (2.5% as of MarchB 31, 2014)

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowings under credit facility, interest related to Libor rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.25%

'

'

'

2.25%

'

Equipment term loan number of payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'36 months

'

'

'

Equipment term loan, interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

'

2.50%

'

Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Issuance of Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

Restricted cash

1,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

Long-term Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,000,000

$1,817,000

'

'

'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Fair value of derivatives	($299,000)

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In2

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	$66	($1,375)
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'
Schedule of gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	5	12
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'	'
Schedule of gains (losses) on foreign currency forward contracts	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	$61	($1,387)

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In3

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of foreign currency gains and losses on underlying assets and liabilities	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts were partially offset on assets and liabilities	($354)	$1,238
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'
Schedule of foreign currency gains and losses on underlying assets and liabilities	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts were partially offset on assets and liabilities	2	-8
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'	'
Schedule of foreign currency gains and losses on underlying assets and liabilities	'	'
Net gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts were partially offset on assets and liabilities	($356)	$1,246

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In4

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments (Details Textual) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]	'
Notional amount of foreign currency forward contracts not designated as hedges	$33.50

Foreign_Currency_Derivative_In5

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments (Datails 2) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Foreign Currency [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	($373)	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	'	472
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset	74	-90
Derivative Liability	-299	'
Derivative Asset	'	$382

Stock_Plans_Details

Stock Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'
Share-based Compensation	$755,000	$957,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	755,000	957,000
Restricted Stock Awards	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'
Share-based Compensation	439,000	666,000
Service-based restricted stock [Member] | Restricted Stock Awards	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'
Share-based Compensation	433,000	648,000
Performance-based restricted stock [Member] | Restricted Stock Awards	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'
Share-based Compensation	6,000	18,000
Cost of revenue	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	251,000	273,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	255,000	497,000
Research and development [Member]	'	'
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$249,000	$187,000

Stock_Plans_Details_1

Stock Plans (Details 1) (Employee Stock Purchase Plan, USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'
Schedule of stock options and employee stock purchase plan weighted-average assumptions	'
Expected dividends	0.00%
Exercise price	$7.77
Expected volatility	82.00%
Average risk-free interest rate	0.04%
Expected life/term (in years)	'3 months
Fair value per share	$5.75

Stock_Plans_Details_Textual

Stock Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	share_based_compensation_plan
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Stock-based compensation plans	2	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$755,000	$957,000
Outstanding options to purchase common stock	'	'
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	-2,000	177,000
Restricted Stock Awards	'	'
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted stock granted	255,600	305,143
Restricted stock, average grant date fair value per share	$14.20	$10.58
Restricted stock unit awards	'	'
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	176,000	114,000
Restricted stock unit, granted	65,891	56,616
Restricted stock, average grant date fair value per share	$9.03	$10.51
Restricted stock unit vesting period (in years)	'	'1 year
Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'	'
Stock Plans (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$142,000	$0
Discount rate from market value on offering date	'	85.00%

Defined_Benefit_Plan_Details

Defined Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of components of net periodic pension income	'	'
Service cost	$217	$207
Interest cost	178	125
Expected return on plan assets	-457	-383
Prior service cost amortization	36	11
Deferred loss amortization	0	45
Net periodic pension income	($26)	$5

Defined_Benefit_Plan_Details_T

Defined Benefit Plan (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'
Employer contributions	$196	$183
Additional employer contributions, expected to be paid during the remainder of fiscal year	$509	'