Vicor (VICR) 10-Q 29 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Trading Symbol	'VICR
Entity Registrant Name	'VICOR CORP
Entity Central Index Key	'0000751978
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	26,804,362
Class B Common Stock [Member]	'
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	11,758,218

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$53,186	$56,339
Short-term investments	541	463
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $210 in 2014 and $198 in 2013	27,347	27,683
Inventories, net	28,119	29,696
Deferred tax assets	131	131
Other current assets	4,934	4,212
Total current assets	114,258	118,524
Long-term investments, net	5,134	5,188
Property, plant and equipment, net	37,601	40,092
Other assets	1,726	1,836
Total assets	158,719	165,640
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	9,336	8,677
Accrued compensation and benefits	9,687	8,055
Accrued expenses	4,602	2,841
Accrued severance charges	1,933	49
Income taxes payable	6	15
Deferred revenue	1,732	1,018
Total current liabilities	27,296	20,655
Long-term deferred revenue	703	974
Long-term income taxes payable	801	1,339
Deferred income taxes payable	335	335
Total liabilities	29,135	23,303
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)	'	'
Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common Stock	392	392
Additional paid-in capital	170,790	169,474
Retained earnings	94,758	108,645
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-555	-526
Treasury stock, at cost	-138,927	-138,927
Total Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity	126,576	139,176
Noncontrolling interest	3,008	3,161
Total equity	129,584	142,337
Total liabilities and equity	158,719	165,640
Class B Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Vicor Corporation stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common Stock	$118	$118

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance	$210	$198

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$58,402	$55,091	$164,996	$143,902
Cost of revenues	32,852	32,111	93,992	85,854
Gross margin	25,550	22,980	71,004	58,048
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	17,354	14,478	52,367	43,820
Research and development	10,345	9,857	31,239	29,700
Severance and other charges	1,983	'	1,983	1,361
Total operating expenses	29,682	24,335	85,589	74,881
Loss from operations	-4,132	-1,355	-14,585	-16,833
Other income (expense), net:	'	'	'	'
Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net	60	65	139	103
Portion of gains recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	-41	-64	-100	-181
Net credit gains (losses) recognized in earnings	19	1	39	-78
Other income (expense), net	-83	50	9	90
Total other income (expense), net	-64	51	48	12
Loss before income taxes	-4,196	-1,304	-14,537	-16,821
Benefit for income taxes	-527	-406	-510	-6,337
Consolidated net loss	-3,669	-898	-14,027	-10,484
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	5	34	-140	54
Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation	($3,674)	($932)	($13,887)	($10,538)
Net loss per common share attributable to Vicor Corporation:	'	'	'	'
Basic	($0.10)	($0.02)	($0.36)	($0.27)
Diluted	($0.10)	($0.02)	($0.36)	($0.27)
Shares used to compute net loss per share attributable to Vicor Corporation:	'	'	'	'
Basic	38,552	38,538	38,545	39,414
Diluted	38,552	38,538	38,545	39,414

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Consolidated net loss	($3,669)		($898)		($14,027)		($10,484)
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax provision (benefit)	-285	[1]	22	[1]	-137	[1]	-381	[1]
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	39	[2]	61	[2]	95	[2]	176	[2]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-246		83		-42		-205
Consolidated comprehensive loss	-3,915		-815		-14,069		-10,689
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	-18		36		-153		11
Comprehensive loss attributable to Vicor Corporation	($3,897)		($851)		($13,916)		($10,700)
[1]	Net of tax provision of $0 and $12 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net of tax benefit of $0 and $(205) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[2]	The deferred tax assets associated with the unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities are completely offset by a tax valuation allowance as of September 30, 2014 and 2013. Therefore, there is no net income tax provision (benefit) recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), tax benefit	$0	$12	$0	($205)
Recognized income tax provision (benefit)	$0	$0	$0	$0

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Consolidated net loss	($14,027)	($10,484)
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net loss to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	7,313	7,555
Stock-based compensation expense	1,173	1,893
Provision for doubtful accounts	30	230
Decrease in long-term deferred revenue	-104	-104
Deferred income taxes	'	-5,491
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	'	-53
Gain on disposal of equipment	-6	-3
Credit (gain) loss on available-for-sale securities	-39	78
(Decrease) increase in long-term income taxes payable	-538	33
Change in current assets and liabilities, net	7,649	3,666
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	1,451	-2,680
Investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-4,859	-4,027
Sales and maturities of investments	190	603
Purchases of investments	-80	'
Proceeds from sale of equipment	6	3
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-37	49
Net cash used for investing activities	-4,780	-3,372
Financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of Common Stock	143	58
Purchases of Common Stock	'	-17,100
Excess tax benefit of stock-based compensation	'	53
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	143	-16,989
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	33	-325
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-3,153	-23,366
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	56,339	84,554
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$53,186	$61,188

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1. Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Vicor Corporation (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, these interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
	In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or the year ending December 31, 2014. The balance sheet at December 31, 2013 presented herein has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 0-18277) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Investm

Short-Term and Long-Term Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Short-Term and Long-Term Investments	'
	2. Short-Term and Long-Term Investments
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company held auction rate securities that had experienced failed auctions totaling $6,000,000 at par value, all of which had been purchased through and are held by a broker-dealer affiliate of Bank of America, N.A. (the “Failed Auction Securities”). The Failed Auction Securities held by the Company are Aaa/AA+/A3/BBB rated by major credit rating agencies, collateralized by student loans, and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Management is not aware of any reason to believe any of the issuers of the Failed Auction Securities are presently at risk of default. Through September 30, 2014, the Company has continued to receive interest payments on the Failed Auction Securities in accordance with the terms of their respective indentures. Management believes the Company ultimately should be able to liquidate all of the Failed Auction Securities without significant loss primarily due to the overall quality of the issues held and the collateral securing the substantial majority of the underlying obligations. However, current conditions in the auction rate securities market have led management to conclude the recovery period for the Failed Auction Securities exceeds 12 months. As a result, the Company continued to classify the Failed Auction Securities as long-term as of September 30, 2014.
	The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities (in thousands):
	September 30, 2014	Cost			Gross			Gross		Estimated
					Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair
					Gains			Losses		Value
	Failed Auction Securities	$	6,000		$	—		$	1,036	$	4,964
	Brokered certificates of deposit		710			1			—		711
		$	6,710		$	1		$	1,036	$	5,675
	December 31, 2013	Cost			Gross			Gross		Estimated
					Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair
					Gains			Losses		Value
	Failed Auction Securities	$	6,000		$	—		$	1,175	$	4,825
	Brokered certificates of deposit		820			6			—		826
		$	6,820		$	6		$	1,175	$	5,651
	All of the Failed Auction Securities as of September 30, 2014 have been in an unrealized loss position for greater than 12 months.
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities on September 30, 2014, by contractual maturities, are shown below (in thousands):
		Cost			Estimated
					Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	540		$	541
	Due in two to ten years		170			170
	Due in ten to twenty years		—			—
	Due in twenty to forty years		6,000			4,964
		$	6,710		$	5,675
	Based on the fair value measurements described in Note 3, the fair value of the Failed Auction Securities on September 30, 2014, with a par value of $6,000,000, was estimated by the Company to be approximately $4,964,000, an increase in fair value of $139,000 from December 31, 2013. The gross unrealized loss of $1,036,000 on the Failed Auction Securities consists of two types of estimated loss: an aggregate credit loss of $356,000 and an aggregate temporary impairment of $680,000. In determining the amount of credit loss, the Company compared the present value of cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost basis of the securities, considering credit default risk probabilities and changes in credit ratings as significant inputs, among other factors (See Note 3).
	The following table represents a rollforward of the activity related to the credit (gain) loss recognized in earnings on available-for-sale auction rate securities held by the Company for the nine months ended September 30 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	395		$	317
	Changes in the amount related to credit (gain) loss for which other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized		(39	)		85
	Reduction for security sold during the period		—			(7	)
	Balance at the end of the period	$	356		$	395
	At this time, the Company has no intent to sell any of the impaired Failed Auction Securities and does not believe it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell any of these securities. If current market conditions deteriorate further, the Company may be required to record additional unrealized losses. If the credit rating of the security deteriorates, the Company may be required to adjust the carrying value of these investments through impairment charges recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and any such impairment adjustments may be material.
	Based on the Company’s ability to access cash and cash equivalents and its expected operating cash flows, management does not anticipate the current lack of liquidity associated with the Failed Auction Securities held will affect the Company’s ability to execute its current operating plan.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	3. Fair Value Measurements
	The Company accounts for certain financial assets at fair value, defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-level hierarchy is used to show the extent and level of judgment used to estimate fair value measurements.
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Using							Total Fair
									Value as of
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant		September 30, 2014
		in Active		Other			Unobservable
		Markets		Observable			Inputs
		(Level 1)		Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 2)
	Cash Equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	11,861	$	—		$	—	$	11,861
	Short-term investments:
	Brokered certificates of deposit		—		541			—		541
	Long-term investments:
	Failed Auction Securities		—		—			4,964		4,964
	Brokered certificates of deposit		—		170			—		170
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Using
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant		Total Fair
		in Active		Other			Unobservable		Value as of
		Markets		Observable			Inputs		December 31, 2013
		(Level 1)		Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 2)
	Cash Equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	12,407	$	—		$	—	$	12,407
	Short-term investments:
	Brokered certificates of deposit		—		463			—		463
	Long-term investments:
	Failed Auction Securities		—		—			4,825		4,825
	Brokered certificates of deposit		—		363			—		363
	The Company has brokered certificates of deposit classified as Level 2 because the fair value for these investments has been determined utilizing observable inputs from non-active markets. The fair values fluctuate with changes in market interest rates obtained from information available in publicly quoted markets. Management tested the reported fair values by comparing them to net present value calculations utilizing a discount rate based on U.S. Treasury bill and bond yields for similar maturities.
	As of September 30, 2014, there was insufficient observable auction rate security market information available to determine the fair value of the Failed Auction Securities using Level 1 or Level 2 inputs. As such, the Company’s investments in Failed Auction Securities were deemed to require valuation using Level 3 inputs. Management, after consulting with advisors, valued the Failed Auction Securities using analyses and pricing models similar to those used by market participants (i.e., buyers, sellers, and the broker-dealers responsible for execution of the Dutch auction pricing mechanism by which each issue’s interest rate was set). Management utilized a probability weighted discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model to determine the estimated fair value of these securities as of September 30, 2014. The major assumptions used in preparing the DCF model included: estimates for the amount and timing of future interest and principal payments based on default probability assumptions used to measure the credit loss of 5.9%; the rate of return required by investors to own these securities in the current environment, which management estimates to be 5.0% above the risk free rate of return; and an estimated timeframe of three to five years for successful auctions for these securities to occur. In making these assumptions, management considered relevant factors including: the formula applicable to each security defining the interest rate paid to investors in the event of a failed auction (the “Penalty Rate”); forward projections of the interest rate benchmarks specified in such formulas; the likely timing of principal repayments; the probability of full repayment considering the guarantees by the U.S. Department of Education of the underlying student loans, guarantees by other third parties, and additional credit enhancements provided through other means; and publicly available pricing data for recently issued student loan asset-backed securities not subject to auctions. In developing its estimate of the rate of return required by investors to own these securities, management compared the Penalty Rates of the Failed Auction Securities with yields of actively traded long-term bonds with similar characteristics and, reflecting the limited liquidity for auction rate securities and the discounts to par value seen in recent tender offers by issuers and arms’ length market transactions between informed buyers and sellers, estimated the implied yield (i.e., the discount to par value) necessary to complete a sale of the Failed Auction Securities. Management has calculated an increase or decrease in the liquidity risk premium of 5.0% referenced above of 1.0% (i.e., 100 basis points) as used in the model, would decrease or increase, respectively, the fair value of the Failed Auction Securities by approximately $300,000.
	For purposes of the valuation process for the Failed Auction Securities, “management” consists of senior members of the Company’s finance department. The fair value measurements for the Failed Auction Securities are reviewed and updated on a quarterly basis. The calculations are prepared by the Company’s Corporate Controller, in conjunction with information provided by its valuation advisors, and include the development and substantiation of the unobservable inputs. The methodology, assumptions, and calculations are reviewed and approved by the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer.
	The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s Failed Auction Securities are the cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity, the cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity, the cumulative probability of default, the liquidity risk premium, and the recovery rate in default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in changes in fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in the cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity, the cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity, and the recovery rate in default would result in a higher (lower) fair value measurement, while increases (decreases) in the cumulative probability of default and the liquidity risk premium would result in a lower (higher) fair value measurement.
	Generally, the interrelationships are such that a change in the assumption used for the cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity and a directionally opposite change in the assumptions used for the cumulative probability of default and the liquidity risk premium. The recovery rate in default is somewhat independent and based upon the securities’ specific underlying assets and published recovery rate indices.
	Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Fair Value		Valuation		Unobservable	Range
							(Weighted
				Technique		Input	Average)
	Failed Auction Securities	$	4,964	Discounted cash flow		Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity	0.01% - 0.07%
							-0.04%
						Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity	73.05% - 95.15%
							-84.10%
						Cumulative probability of default	4.84% - 26.88%
							-15.86%
						Liquidity risk premium	5.00% - 5.00%
							-5.00%
						Recovery rate in default	40.00% - 40.00%
							-40.00%
	The following table summarizes the change in the estimated fair values calculated for those assets valued on a recurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs (i.e., the Failed Auction Securities) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	4,825
	Credit gain on available-for-sale securities included in Other income (expense), net		39
	Unrealized gain included in Other comprehensive income (loss)		100
	Balance at the end of the period	$	4,964
	There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	4. Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock option awards as of their grant date. Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30 was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Cost of revenues	$	41	$	59	$	141	$	103
	Selling, general and administrative		278		348		842		1,529
	Research and development		83		84		190		261
	Total stock-based compensation	$	402	$	491	$	1,173	$	1,893
	Stock-based compensation was lower during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same periods in 2013, due to the completion of an exchange of outstanding employee stock options in the second quarter of 2013.
	On December 31, 2010, the Company granted 2,984,250 non-qualified stock options under the VI Chip 2007 Stock Option and Incentive Plan with performance-based vesting provisions tied to achievement of certain margin targets by the VI Chip subsidiary. As of December 31, 2010, the Company determined it was probable the margin targets could be achieved and, accordingly, began recording stock-based compensation expense relating to these options beginning January 1, 2011. This determination remains the same as of September 30, 2014 and, accordingly, expense has been recorded through that date. The unrecognized compensation expense for these performance-based options was approximately $649,000 as of September 30, 2014.

Net_Loss_per_Share

Net Loss per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Loss per Share	'
	5. Net Loss per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation		$	(3,674	)	$	(932	)	$	(13,887	)	$	(10,538	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic loss per share-weighted average shares (1)			38,552			38,538			38,545			39,414
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options (2)			—			—			—			—
	Denominator for diluted loss per share – adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions			38,552			38,538			38,545			39,414
	Basic loss per share		$	(0.10	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.27	)
	Diluted loss per share		$	(0.10	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.27	)
	-1	Denominator represents weighted average number of shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding.
	-2	Options to purchase 2,001,175 shares of Common Stock for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were not included in the calculation of net loss per share as the effect would have been antidilutive. Options to purchase 1,142,576 and 1,098,473 shares of Common Stock for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, were not included in the calculation of net loss per share as the effect would have been antidilutive.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	6. Inventories
	Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (determined using the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Fixed production overhead is allocated to the inventory cost per unit based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Abnormal production costs, including fixed cost variances from normal production capacity, if any, are charged to cost of revenues in the period incurred. All shipping and handling costs incurred in connection with the sale of products are included in cost of revenues.
	The Company provides reserves for inventories estimated to be excess, obsolete or unmarketable. The Company’s estimation process for assessing net realizable value is based upon its known backlog, projected future demand and expected market conditions, and historical usage. If the Company’s estimated demand and/or market expectation were to change or if product sales were to decline, the Company’s estimation process may cause larger inventory reserves to be recorded, resulting in larger charges to cost of revenues.
	Inventories were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Raw materials	$	19,921	$	19,744
	Work-in-process		3,224		3,979
	Finished goods		4,974		5,973
	Net balance	$	28,119	$	29,696

Other_Investments

Other Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Other Investments	'
	7. Other Investments
	The Company’s gross investment in non-voting convertible preferred stock of Great Wall Semiconductor Corporation (“GWS”) totaled $5,000,000 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, giving the Company an approximately 27% ownership interest in GWS. GWS and its subsidiary design and sell semiconductors, conduct research and development activities, develop and license patents, and litigate against those who infringe upon its patented technologies. A director of the Company is the founder, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), as well as the majority voting shareholder, of GWS. The Company and GWS are parties to an intellectual property cross-licensing agreement, a license agreement and two supply agreements under which the Company purchases certain components from GWS. Purchases from GWS totaled approximately $1,698,000 and $831,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The Company owed GWS approximately $17,000 and $152,000 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	The Company accounts for its investment in GWS under the equity method of accounting. The Company has determined that, while GWS is a variable interest entity, the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The key factors in the Company’s assessment were that the CEO of GWS has: (i) the power to direct the activities of GWS that most significantly impact its economic performance, and (ii) an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from GWS, respectively, that could potentially be significant to GWS.
	The balance in the Company’s net investment in GWS was zero as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Severance_and_Other_Charges

Severance and Other Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Severance and Other Charges	'
	8. Severance and Other Charges
	In July 2014, the Company’s management authorized an action to consolidate the manufacturing of Westcor division products, of the Brick Business Unit segment, by transferring those operations from Westcor’s Sunnyvale, California facility to the Company’s primary manufacturing facility in Andover, Massachusetts, by the end of 2014. As a result, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $1,983,000 in the third quarter of 2014, primarily for the cost of severance and other employee-related costs involving cash payments based on each employee’s respective length of service. The Company will also incur other costs related to the relocation of the manufacturing operations, primarily freight costs for the transfer of inventories and equipment, and employee travel expenses, of which approximately $50,000 was expensed in the third quarter of 2014. The severance payments will commence in January 2015. These charges were recorded as “Severance and other charges” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The related liability is presented as “Accrued severance charges” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	A summary of the activity related to the third quarter of 2014 severance charges, is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	—
	Charges		1,933
	Payments		—
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	1,933

Product_Warranties

Product Warranties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Product Warranties	'
	9. Product Warranties
	The Company generally offers a two-year warranty for all of its products. The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties at the time product revenue is recognized. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty reserves include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty returns, and the cost per return. The Company assesses the adequacy of the warranty reserves and adjusts the amounts as necessary. Warranty obligations are included in “Accrued expenses” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Product warranty activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	225		$	329		$	283		$	364
	Accruals for warranties for products sold in the period		76			127			159			228
	Fulfillment of warranty obligations		(98	)		(110	)		(230	)		(220	)
	Revisions of estimated obligations		(1	)		1			(10	)		(25	)
	Balance at the end of the period	$	202		$	347		$	202		$	347

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	10. Income Taxes
	The tax provision is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate for the year, which includes estimated federal, state and foreign income taxes (benefit) on the Company’s projected annual pre-tax income (loss) and estimated federal and state income taxes for certain noncontrolling interest subsidiaries that are not part of the Company’s consolidated income tax returns.
	The benefit for income taxes and the effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Benefit for income taxes	$	(527	)	$	(406	)	$	(510	)	$	(6,337	)
	Effective income tax rate		(12.6	%)		(31.1	%)		(3.5	%)		(37.7	%)
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, no tax benefit could be recognized for the majority of the Company’s losses due to a full valuation allowance against all domestic deferred tax assets. The Company did recognize a tax benefit of approximately $552,000 as a discrete item in the third quarter of 2014 for the release of certain income tax reserves, due to the completion of an Internal Revenue Service examination of its 2010 and 2011 federal corporate income tax returns during the quarter (see below). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, a net income tax benefit was recorded primarily due to an increase in net federal deferred tax assets not covered by a valuation allowance at that time. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, additional net tax benefits were recorded for a potential net operating loss carryback for federal income tax purposes and the recognition of a benefit from the federal research tax credit for 2012 of $549,000, as a discrete item in the first quarter of 2013. The federal research tax credit for 2012 and 2013 was extended on January 2, 2013 pursuant to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company has a valuation allowance of approximately $20,179,000 primarily against all domestic net deferred tax assets, for which realization cannot be considered more likely than not at this time. Management assesses the need for the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers all positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and past financial performance. In 2013, the Company recorded an increase to the valuation allowance of approximately $10,241,000 for all remaining domestic net deferred tax assets not previously covered by a valuation allowance due to the following factors: (1) the Company’s forecast of future taxable income, of the appropriate nature, based on its quarterly assessment was not sufficient to support the recoverability of the remaining domestic deferred tax assets; (2) recent cumulative losses and the Company’s projection of continued losses into 2014; (3) while the Company has the ability to carryback federal net operating losses or credits to utilize against federal taxable income, it would generate only $1,600,000 in cash refunds; and (4) the lack of prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. These assessment factors remain unchanged, as does management’s conclusion concerning the need for a full valuation allowance against all domestic net deferred tax assets, as of September 30, 2014. The valuation allowance against these deferred tax assets may require adjustment in the future based on changes in the mix of temporary differences, changes in tax laws, and operating performance. If and when management determines the valuation allowance should be released, the adjustment would result in a tax benefit in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and may include a portion to be accounted for through “Additional paid-in capital”, a component of Stockholders’ Equity. The amount of the tax benefit to be recorded in a particular quarter could be material.
	In August 2013, the Company received notice from the Internal Revenue Service that its federal corporate tax returns for the tax years 2010 and 2011 had been selected for examination. The examination was completed resulting in a net refund due the Company of approximately $17,000, which was received and recorded as a discrete benefit in the third quarter of 2014.
	The Company’s subsidiary in Italy, Vicor Italy S.r.l. (“Vicor Italy”), recently underwent a tax inspection for tax years 2009 – 2013, covering corporation, regional and value added taxes. Vicor Italy received a preliminary tax audit report dated June 30, 2014. The Company filed a response to the preliminary tax audit report in the third quarter of 2014. While management believes it is too early to determine the likelihood or amount of potential liability at this time, it does not believe the ultimate impact of this matter will be material to the Company’s financial statements.
	There are no other income tax examinations or audits currently in process.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	11. Commitments and Contingencies
	At September 30, 2014, the Company had approximately $468,000 of capital expenditure commitments.
	On January 28, 2011, SynQor, Inc. (“SynQor”) filed a complaint for patent infringement against Ericsson, Inc. (“Ericsson”), Cisco Systems, Inc. (“Cisco”) and the Company in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (“the Texas Action”). This immediately followed a complaint filed by the Company on January 26, 2011, in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, in which the Company sought a declaratory judgment that its bus converter products do not infringe any valid claim of certain of SynQor’s U.S. patents, and that the claims of those patents are invalid. SynQor and Ericsson subsequently entered into a definitive settlement agreement in May 2011 in which they, among other terms and conditions, agreed to mutual releases and a dismissal with prejudice of all claims asserted against each other in the litigation. With respect to the Company, SynQor’s complaint alleges the Company’s products, including, but not limited to, unregulated bus converters used in intermediate bus architecture power supply systems, infringe certain SynQor patents. SynQor seeks, among other items, an injunction against further infringement and an award of unspecified compensatory and enhanced damages, interest, costs and attorney fees. On February 8, 2011, SynQor filed a motion for preliminary injunction seeking an order enjoining the Company from manufacturing, using, selling, and offering for sale in the United States and/or importing into the United States certain identified unregulated bus converters, as well as any other bus converters not significantly different from those products. On February 17, 2011, the Company withdrew its Massachusetts action without prejudice to allow the litigation to proceed in Texas. On May 16, 2011, SynQor announced it was withdrawing its motion for preliminary injunction against the Company. On September 16, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an order setting a trial date of July 7, 2014. On September 20, 2011, SynQor filed an amended complaint in the Texas Action. The amended complaint repeated the allegations of patent infringement against the Company contained in SynQor’s original complaint, and included additional patent infringement allegations with respect to U.S. Patent No. 8,023,290 (“290 patent”), which was issued on that day. As with SynQor’s original complaint, the amended complaint alleged that the Company’s products, including but not limited to the Company’s unregulated bus converters used in intermediate bus architecture power supply systems, infringed the asserted patents. On October 4, 2011, the Company filed an answer and counterclaims to SynQor’s amended complaint, in which the Company alleges the 290 patent is unenforceable because it was procured through inequitable conduct before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and seeks damages against SynQor for SynQor’s unfair and deceptive trade practices and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage in connection with SynQor’s allegations of patent infringement against the Company. On January 2, 2014, the court issued its claim construction order following a claim construction hearing held on December 17, 2013. On January 16, 2014, the Company filed a motion seeking reconsideration of certain aspects of the court’s claim construction ruling. On March 31, 2014, the court issued an order severing the case against the Company and Cisco into two separate matters, with separate trials to be held with respect to SynQor’s claims against Cisco and SynQor’s claims against the Company. On June 30, 2014, the Company filed a number of motions seeking summary judgment in this matter, which are currently under consideration by the Court. On October 23, 2014, the Court issued an order continuing trial in this matter indefinitely. The Company continues to believe that none of its products, including its unregulated bus converters, infringe any valid claim of the asserted SynQor patents, either alone or when used in an intermediate bus architecture implementation. The Company believes SynQor’s claims lack merit and, therefore, continues to vigorously defend itself against SynQor’s patent infringement allegations. The Company does not believe a loss is probable for this matter. If a loss were to be incurred, though, the Company cannot estimate the amount of possible loss or range of possible loss at this time.
	In addition, the Company is involved in certain other litigation and claims incidental to the conduct of its business. While the outcome of lawsuits and claims against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not expect any current litigation or claims to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	12. Segment Information
	The Company has organized its business segments according to its key product lines. The Brick Business Unit segment (“BBU”) designs, develops, manufactures and markets the Company’s modular power converters and configurable products, and also includes the operations of the Company’s Westcor division, the six entities comprising Vicor Custom Power, and the BBU operations of Vicor Japan Company, Ltd. (“VJCL”). The VI Chip segment includes VI Chip Corporation, which designs, develops, manufactures and markets the Company’s factorized power architecture (“FPA”) products. The VI Chip segment also includes the VI Chip business conducted through VJCL. The Picor segment includes Picor Corporation, which designs, develops, manufactures and markets integrated circuits and related products for use in a variety of power management and power system applications. Picor develops these products to be sold as part of the Company’s products or to third parties for separate applications.
	The Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates performance and allocates resources based on segment revenues and segment operating income (loss). The operating income (loss) for each segment includes selling, general and administrative and research and development expenses directly attributable to the segment. Certain of the Company’s indirect overhead costs, which include corporate selling, general and administrative expenses, are allocated among the segments based upon an estimate of costs associated with each segment. Assets allocated to each segment are based upon specific identification of such assets, which include accounts receivable, inventories, fixed assets and certain other assets. The Corporate segment consists of those operations and assets shared by all segments. The costs of certain centralized executive and administrative functions are recorded in this segment, as are certain shared assets, most notably cash and cash equivalents, deferred tax assets, long-term investments, the Company’s facilities in Massachusetts, real estate and other assets. The Company’s accounting policies and method of presentation for segments are consistent with that used throughout the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
	The following table provides significant segment financial data for the three months ended September 30, (in thousands):
			BBU		VI Chip			Picor			Corporate			Eliminations (1)			Total
	2014:00:00
	Net revenues		$	45,972	$	10,321		$	4,081		$	—		$	(1,972	)	$	58,402
	Income (loss) from operations			2,369		(6,429	)		156			(228	)		—			(4,132	)
	Total assets			149,125		18,876			4,945			77,397			(91,624	)		158,719
	Depreciation and amortization			1,155		850			103			351			—			2,459
	2013:00:00
	Net revenues		$	42,331	$	12,457		$	2,836		$	—		$	(2,533	)	$	55,091
	Income (loss) from operations			5,162		(5,555	)		(696	)		(266	)		—			(1,355	)
	Total assets			119,739		19,898			4,345			98,614			(61,718	)		180,878
	Depreciation and amortization			1,296		760			96			375			—			2,527
	The following table provides significant segment financial data for the nine months ended September 30, (in thousands):
			BBU		VI Chip			Picor			Corporate			Eliminations (1)			Total
	2014:00:00
	Net revenues		$	137,546	$	24,296		$	9,698		$	—		$	(6,544	)	$	164,996
	Income (loss) from operations			10,030		(22,682	)		(1,371	)		(562	)		—			(14,585	)
	Total assets			149,125		18,876			4,945			77,397			(91,624	)		158,719
	Depreciation and amortization			3,506		2,429			309			1,069			—			7,313
	2013:00:00
	Net revenues		$	120,743	$	22,503		$	7,426		$	—		$	(6,770	)	$	143,902
	Income (loss) from operations			9,752		(23,142	)		(2,711	)		(732	)		—			(16,833	)
	Total assets			119,739		19,898			4,345			98,614			(61,718	)		180,878
	Depreciation and amortization			3,773		2,468			315			999			—			7,555
	-1	The elimination for net revenues is principally related to inter-segment revenues of Picor to BBU and VI Chip and for inter-segment revenues of VI Chip to BBU. The elimination for total assets is principally related to inter-segment accounts receivable due to BBU for the funding of VI Chip and Picor operations.

Risks_and_Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Risks and Uncertainties	'
	13. Risks and Uncertainties
	On July 16, 2014, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed new economic sanctions against Russian entities, targeting major banks and energy companies and a significant portion of the Russian defense industry, along with certain other parties. Although the Company sells its products in Russia through three independent distributors, against which the sanctions are not applicable, certain end-customers to these independent distributors have been identified as sanctioned entities. The Company is currently not accepting orders from the distributors for end-customers identified as sanctioned entities. As a result, there are no accounts receivable or backlog with any sanctioned end-customers as of September 30, 2014. Management will continue to carefully monitor the compliance of its distribution partners in the Russian market with U.S. trade restrictions, including the recent sanctions.

Impact_of_Recently_Issued_Acco

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	14. Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance for revenue recognition, which will require an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The new guidance will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles when it becomes effective which, for the Company, will be on January 1, 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is evaluating the effect the new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Company has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted new accounting guidance related to the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The guidance requires an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented as a decrease in a deferred tax asset where a net operating loss, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists and certain criteria are met. The adoption of this new guidance did not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Investm1

Short-Term and Long-Term Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Summary of Available-for-Sale Securities	'
	The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities (in thousands):
	September 30, 2014	Cost			Gross			Gross		Estimated
					Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair
					Gains			Losses		Value
	Failed Auction Securities	$	6,000		$	—		$	1,036	$	4,964
	Brokered certificates of deposit		710			1			—		711
		$	6,710		$	1		$	1,036	$	5,675
	December 31, 2013	Cost			Gross			Gross		Estimated
					Unrealized			Unrealized		Fair
					Gains			Losses		Value
	Failed Auction Securities	$	6,000		$	—		$	1,175	$	4,825
	Brokered certificates of deposit		820			6			—		826
		$	6,820		$	6		$	1,175	$	5,651
Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities by Contractual Maturities	'
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities on September 30, 2014, by contractual maturities, are shown below (in thousands):
		Cost			Estimated
					Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	540		$	541
	Due in two to ten years		170			170
	Due in ten to twenty years		—			—
	Due in twenty to forty years		6,000			4,964
		$	6,710		$	5,675
Rollforward of Credit (Gain) Loss Recognized in Earnings on Available-for-Sale Auction Rate Securities	'
	The following table represents a rollforward of the activity related to the credit (gain) loss recognized in earnings on available-for-sale auction rate securities held by the Company for the nine months ended September 30 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	395		$	317
	Changes in the amount related to credit (gain) loss for which other-than- temporary impairment was not previously recognized		(39	)		85
	Reduction for security sold during the period		—			(7	)
	Balance at the end of the period	$	356		$	395

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Using							Total Fair
									Value as of
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant		September 30, 2014
		in Active		Other			Unobservable
		Markets		Observable			Inputs
		(Level 1)		Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 2)
	Cash Equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	11,861	$	—		$	—	$	11,861
	Short-term investments:
	Brokered certificates of deposit		—		541			—		541
	Long-term investments:
	Failed Auction Securities		—		—			4,964		4,964
	Brokered certificates of deposit		—		170			—		170
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis include the following as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Using
		Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant		Total Fair
		in Active		Other			Unobservable		Value as of
		Markets		Observable			Inputs		December 31, 2013
		(Level 1)		Inputs			(Level 3)
				(Level 2)
	Cash Equivalents:
	Money market funds	$	12,407	$	—		$	—	$	12,407
	Short-term investments:
	Brokered certificates of deposit		—		463			—		463
	Long-term investments:
	Failed Auction Securities		—		—			4,825		4,825
	Brokered certificates of deposit		—		363			—		363
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements	'
	Quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2014 are as follows (dollars in thousands):
		Fair Value		Valuation		Unobservable	Range
							(Weighted
				Technique		Input	Average)
	Failed Auction Securities	$	4,964	Discounted cash flow		Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity	0.01% - 0.07%
							-0.04%
						Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity	73.05% - 95.15%
							-84.10%
						Cumulative probability of default	4.84% - 26.88%
							-15.86%
						Liquidity risk premium	5.00% - 5.00%
							-5.00%
						Recovery rate in default	40.00% - 40.00%
							-40.00%
Change in Estimated Fair Values Calculated for Assets Valued on Recurring Basis Utilizing Level 3 Inputs	'
	The following table summarizes the change in the estimated fair values calculated for those assets valued on a recurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs (i.e., the Failed Auction Securities) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	4,825
	Credit gain on available-for-sale securities included in Other income (expense), net		39
	Unrealized gain included in Other comprehensive income (loss)		100
	Balance at the end of the period	$	4,964

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	'
	Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30 was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Cost of revenues	$	41	$	59	$	141	$	103
	Selling, general and administrative		278		348		842		1,529
	Research and development		83		84		190		261
	Total stock-based compensation	$	402	$	491	$	1,173	$	1,893

Net_Loss_per_Share_Tables

Net Loss per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss per Share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share for the three and nine months ended September 30 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation		$	(3,674	)	$	(932	)	$	(13,887	)	$	(10,538	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic loss per share-weighted average shares (1)			38,552			38,538			38,545			39,414
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options (2)			—			—			—			—
	Denominator for diluted loss per share – adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions			38,552			38,538			38,545			39,414
	Basic loss per share		$	(0.10	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.27	)
	Diluted loss per share		$	(0.10	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.36	)	$	(0.27	)
	-1	Denominator represents weighted average number of shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding.
	-2	Options to purchase 2,001,175 shares of Common Stock for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were not included in the calculation of net loss per share as the effect would have been antidilutive. Options to purchase 1,142,576 and 1,098,473 shares of Common Stock for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, were not included in the calculation of net loss per share as the effect would have been antidilutive.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Inventories	'
	Inventories were as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
	Raw materials	$	19,921	$	19,744
	Work-in-process		3,224		3,979
	Finished goods		4,974		5,973
	Net balance	$	28,119	$	29,696

Severance_and_Other_Charges_Ta

Severance and Other Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary of Activity Related to Severance Charges	'
	A summary of the activity related to the third quarter of 2014 severance charges, is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	—
	Charges		1,933
	Payments		—
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	1,933

Product_Warranties_Tables

Product Warranties (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Product Warranty Activity	'
	Product warranty activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Balance at the beginning of the period	$	225		$	329		$	283		$	364
	Accruals for warranties for products sold in the period		76			127			159			228
	Fulfillment of warranty obligations		(98	)		(110	)		(230	)		(220	)
	Revisions of estimated obligations		(1	)		1			(10	)		(25	)
	Balance at the end of the period	$	202		$	347		$	202		$	347

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Benefit for Income Taxes and Effective Income Tax Rate	'
	The benefit for income taxes and the effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Benefit for income taxes	$	(527	)	$	(406	)	$	(510	)	$	(6,337	)
	Effective income tax rate		(12.6	%)		(31.1	%)		(3.5	%)		(37.7	%)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Significant Segment Financial Data	'
	The following table provides significant segment financial data for the three months ended September 30, (in thousands):
			BBU		VI Chip			Picor			Corporate			Eliminations (1)			Total
	2014:00:00
	Net revenues		$	45,972	$	10,321		$	4,081		$	—		$	(1,972	)	$	58,402
	Income (loss) from operations			2,369		(6,429	)		156			(228	)		—			(4,132	)
	Total assets			149,125		18,876			4,945			77,397			(91,624	)		158,719
	Depreciation and amortization			1,155		850			103			351			—			2,459
	2013:00:00
	Net revenues		$	42,331	$	12,457		$	2,836		$	—		$	(2,533	)	$	55,091
	Income (loss) from operations			5,162		(5,555	)		(696	)		(266	)		—			(1,355	)
	Total assets			119,739		19,898			4,345			98,614			(61,718	)		180,878
	Depreciation and amortization			1,296		760			96			375			—			2,527
	The following table provides significant segment financial data for the nine months ended September 30, (in thousands):
			BBU		VI Chip			Picor			Corporate			Eliminations (1)			Total
	2014:00:00
	Net revenues		$	137,546	$	24,296		$	9,698		$	—		$	(6,544	)	$	164,996
	Income (loss) from operations			10,030		(22,682	)		(1,371	)		(562	)		—			(14,585	)
	Total assets			149,125		18,876			4,945			77,397			(91,624	)		158,719
	Depreciation and amortization			3,506		2,429			309			1,069			—			7,313
	2013:00:00
	Net revenues		$	120,743	$	22,503		$	7,426		$	—		$	(6,770	)	$	143,902
	Income (loss) from operations			9,752		(23,142	)		(2,711	)		(732	)		—			(16,833	)
	Total assets			119,739		19,898			4,345			98,614			(61,718	)		180,878
	Depreciation and amortization			3,773		2,468			315			999			—			7,555
	-1	The elimination for net revenues is principally related to inter-segment revenues of Picor to BBU and VI Chip and for inter-segment revenues of VI Chip to BBU. The elimination for total assets is principally related to inter-segment accounts receivable due to BBU for the funding of VI Chip and Picor operations.

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Investm2

Short-Term and Long-Term Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unrealized Losses On Short Term And Long Term Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost of securities	$6,710,000	$6,820,000	'	'
Minimum period for which failed auction securities been in unrealized loss position	'12 months	'	'	'
Estimated fair value of securities	5,675,000	5,651,000	'	'
Gross unrealized losses	1,036,000	1,175,000	'	'
Aggregate credit loss	356,000	395,000	395,000	317,000
Failed Auction Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses On Short Term And Long Term Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost of securities	6,000,000	6,000,000	'	'
Period for which failed auction securities been in unrealized loss position	'Exceeds 12 months	'	'	'
Estimated fair value of securities	4,964,000	4,825,000	'	'
Increase in fair value	139,000	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses	1,036,000	1,175,000	'	'
Aggregate credit loss	356,000	'	'	'
Aggregate temporary impairment loss	$680,000	'	'	'

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Investm3

Short-Term and Long-Term Investments - Summary of Available-for-Sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	$6,710	$6,820
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	6
Gross unrealized losses	1,036	1,175
Estimated Fair Value	5,675	5,651
Failed Auction Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	6,000	6,000
Gross unrealized losses	1,036	1,175
Estimated Fair Value	4,964	4,825
Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Cost	710	820
Gross Unrealized Gains	1	6
Estimated Fair Value	$711	$826

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Investm4

Short-Term and Long-Term Investments - Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities by Contractual Maturities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]	'	'
Due in one year or less, Cost	$540	'
Due in two to ten years, Cost	170	'
Due in ten to twenty years, Cost	0	'
Due in twenty to forty years, Cost	6,000	'
Cost	6,710	6,820
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	541	'
Due in two to ten years, Estimated Fair Value	170	'
Due in ten to twenty years, Estimated Fair Value	0	'
Due in twenty to forty years, Estimated Fair Value	4,964	'
Estimated Fair Value	$5,675	$5,651

ShortTerm_and_LongTerm_Investm5

Short-Term and Long-Term Investments - Rollforward of Credit (Gain) Loss Recognized in Earnings on Available-for-Sale Auction Rate Securities (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities [Abstract]	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$395	$317
Changes in the amount related to credit (gain) loss for which other-than- temporary impairment was not previously recognized	-39	85
Reduction for security sold during the period	'	-7
Balance at the end of the period	$356	$395

Fair_Value_Measurements_Assets

Fair Value Measurements - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	$5,675	$5,651
Failed Auction Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	4,964	4,825
Recurring [Member] | Short-Term Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	541	463
Recurring [Member] | Failed Auction Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	4,964	4,825
Recurring [Member] | Long-Term Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	170	363
Recurring [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Cash Equivalents	11,861	12,407
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Cash Equivalents	11,861	12,407
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Short-Term Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	541	463
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Long-Term Brokered Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	170	363
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Failed Auction Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	$4,964	$4,825

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Percent of credit loss	5.90%
Rate of return required	5.00%
Estimated timeframe for auctions of securities minimum	'3 years
Estimated timeframe for auctions of securities maximum	'5 years
Percentage of liquidity risk premium	5.00%
Increase or decrease in the liquidity risk premium	1.00%
Increase or decrease, respectively, the fair value of the Failed Auction Securities	$300,000
Fair value transfers between Level 1 and Level 2	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Quanti

Fair Value Measurements - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Failed Auction Securities [Member]

Cumulative Probability of Earning Maximum Rate Until Maturity [Member]

Cumulative Probability of Principal Return Prior to Maturity [Member]

Cumulative Probability of Default [Member]

Liquidity Risk Premium [Member]

Recovery Rate in Default [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]

Cumulative Probability of Earning Maximum Rate Until Maturity [Member]

Cumulative Probability of Principal Return Prior to Maturity [Member]

Cumulative Probability of Default [Member]

Liquidity Risk Premium [Member]

Recovery Rate in Default [Member]

Cumulative Probability of Earning Maximum Rate Until Maturity [Member]

Cumulative Probability of Principal Return Prior to Maturity [Member]

Cumulative Probability of Default [Member]

Liquidity Risk Premium [Member]

Recovery Rate in Default [Member]

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Fair Value

$5,675

$5,651

$4,964

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Valuation Technique

'

'

'Discounted cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unobservable Input

'

'

'

'Cumulative probability of earning the maximum rate until maturity

'Cumulative probability of principal return prior to maturity

'Cumulative probability of default

'Liquidity risk premium

'Recovery rate in default

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted Average Interest Rate

'

'

'

0.04%

84.10%

15.86%

5.00%

40.00%

0.01%

73.05%

4.84%

5.00%

40.00%

0.07%

95.15%

26.88%

5.00%

40.00%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Change

Fair Value Measurements - Change in Estimated Fair Values Calculated for Assets Valued on Recurring Basis Utilizing Level 3 Inputs (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$4,825
Credit gain on available-for-sale securities included in Other income (expense), net	39
Unrealized gain included in Other comprehensive income (loss)	100
Balance at the end of the period	$4,964

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	$402	$491	$1,173	$1,893
Cost of Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	41	59	141	103
Selling, General and Administrative [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	278	348	842	1,529
Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total stock-based compensation	$83	$84	$190	$261

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (2007 VI Chip Plan [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2010
2007 VI Chip Plan [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Non-qualified stock options	'	2,984,250
Unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based stock options	$649,000	'

Net_Loss_per_Share_Computation

Net Loss per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to Vicor Corporation	($3,674)	($932)	($13,887)	($10,538)
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Denominator for basic loss per share-weighted average shares	38,552	38,538	38,545	39,414
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Employee stock options	0	0	0	0
Denominator for diluted loss per share - adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions	38,552	38,538	38,545	39,414
Basic loss per share	($0.10)	($0.02)	($0.36)	($0.27)
Diluted loss per share	($0.10)	($0.02)	($0.36)	($0.27)

Net_Loss_per_Share_Computation1

Net Loss per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Loss per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Options to purchase shares of Common Stock not included in the computation of diluted income per share	2,001,175	1,142,576	2,001,175	1,098,473

Inventories_Summary_of_Invento

Inventories - Summary of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$19,921	$19,744
Work-in-process	3,224	3,979
Finished goods	4,974	5,973
Net balance	$28,119	$29,696

Other_Investments_Additional_I

Other Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Agreement
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Ownership interest in investment	27.00%	'	27.00%
Number of supply agreements with GWS	2	'	'
Purchase of components under agreement	$1,698,000	$831,000	'
Company owed GWS	17,000	'	152,000
Great Wall Semiconductor Corporation (GWS) [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investment in non-voting convertible preferred stock	0	'	0
Great Wall Semiconductor Corporation (GWS) [Member] | Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investment in non-voting convertible preferred stock	$5,000,000	'	$5,000,000

Severance_and_Other_Charges_Ad

Severance and Other Charges - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$1,983,000	$1,983,000	$1,361,000
Other restructuring charges	$50,000	'	'

Severance_and_Other_Charges_Su

Severance and Other Charges - Summary of Activity Related to Severance Charges (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$0	'
Charges	1,933	'
Payments	0	'
Balance as of September 30, 2014	$1,933	$49

Product_Warranties_Additional_

Product Warranties - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Warranty period	'2 years

Product_Warranties_Product_War

Product Warranties - Product Warranty Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$225	$329	$283	$364
Accruals for warranties for products sold in the period	76	127	159	228
Fulfillment of warranty obligations	-98	-110	-230	-220
Revisions of estimated obligations	-1	1	-10	-25
Balance at the end of the period	$202	$347	$202	$347

Income_Taxes_Benefit_for_Incom

Income Taxes - Benefit for Income Taxes and Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Benefit for income taxes	($527)	($406)	($510)	($6,337)
Effective income tax rate	-12.60%	-31.10%	-3.50%	-37.70%

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax benefit recognized	$0	'	$0	'	'	'
Benefit for income taxes	-527,000	-406,000	-510,000	-6,337,000	'	'
Federal research tax credit	'	'	'	'	'	549,000
Valuation allowance, deferred tax assets	20,179,000	'	20,179,000	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance increase	'	'	'	'	10,241,000	'
Expected cash refunds to be generated	1,600,000	'	1,600,000	'	'	'
Internal Revenue Service [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Benefit for income taxes	-552,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net tax benefit refunded from completion of examination	$17,000	'	$17,000	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Capital expenditure commitments	$468,000

Segment_Information_Additional

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Entity
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of entities comprising operating segment	6

Segment_Information_Significan

Segment Information - Significant Segment Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$58,402	$55,091	$164,996	$143,902	'
Income (loss) from operations	-4,132	-1,355	-14,585	-16,833	'
Total assets	158,719	180,878	158,719	180,878	165,640
Depreciation and amortization	2,459	2,527	7,313	7,555	'
Operating Segments [Member] | BBU [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	45,972	42,331	137,546	120,743	'
Income (loss) from operations	2,369	5,162	10,030	9,752	'
Total assets	149,125	119,739	149,125	119,739	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,155	1,296	3,506	3,773	'
Operating Segments [Member] | VI Chip [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	10,321	12,457	24,296	22,503	'
Income (loss) from operations	-6,429	-5,555	-22,682	-23,142	'
Total assets	18,876	19,898	18,876	19,898	'
Depreciation and amortization	850	760	2,429	2,468	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Picor [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	4,081	2,836	9,698	7,426	'
Income (loss) from operations	156	-696	-1,371	-2,711	'
Total assets	4,945	4,345	4,945	4,345	'
Depreciation and amortization	103	96	309	315	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	-228	-266	-562	-732	'
Total assets	77,397	98,614	77,397	98,614	'
Depreciation and amortization	351	375	1,069	999	'
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	-1,972	-2,533	-6,544	-6,770	'
Total assets	($91,624)	($61,718)	($91,624)	($61,718)	'

Risks_and_Uncertainties_Additi

Risks and Uncertainties - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
	Distributor
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]	'
Number of independent distributors	3
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	'
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]	'
Accounts receivable	0