PowerSecure International 10-Q 6 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'POWERSECURE INTERNATIONAL, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000882154	'
Trading Symbol	'powr	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	21,627,669

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$54,132	$19,122
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $542 and $336, respectively	79,997	57,147
Inventories	25,741	20,327
Income taxes receivable	'	592
Deferred tax asset, net	803	803
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,703	1,285
Total current assets	162,376	99,276
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'
Equipment	53,339	48,447
Furniture and fixtures	530	375
Land, building and improvements	6,021	5,907
Total property, plant and equipment, at cost	59,890	54,729
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	16,436	12,152
Property, plant and equipment, net	43,454	42,577
Other assets:	'	'
Goodwill	28,162	12,884
Restricted annuity contract	2,502	2,447
Intangible rights and capitalized software costs, net of accumulated amortization of $4,617 and $3,588, respectively	6,567	1,328
Deferred tax asset, net	43	'
Other assets	1,195	635
Total other assets	38,469	17,294
Total Assets	244,299	159,147
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	24,095	14,150
Accrued and other liabilities	23,783	23,887
Accrued restructuring and cost reduction liabilities	265	709
Income taxes payable	2,890	'
Current unrecognized tax benefit	247	242
Current portion of long-term debt	3,731	160
Current portion of capital lease obligation	922	886
Total current liabilities	55,933	40,034
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Revolving line of credit	'	'
Long-term debt, net of current portion	22,496	2,080
Capital lease obligation, net of current portion	1,225	1,921
Deferred tax liability, net	'	955
Unrecognized tax benefit	647	640
Other long-term liabilities	2,938	2,518
Total long-term liabilities	27,306	8,114
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 8 and 10)	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 authorized; 21,625,669 and 18,202,548 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	216	182
Additional paid-in-capital	157,057	112,738
Retained earnings (deficit)	3,944	-2,361
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-157	'
Total PowerSecure International, Inc. stockholders' equity	161,060	110,559
Non-controlling interest	'	440
Total stockholders' equity	161,060	110,999
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	244,299	159,147
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$542	$336
Intangible rights and capitalized software costs, accumulated amortization	$4,617	$3,588
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,625,669	18,202,548
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,625,669	18,202,548
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements Of Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$81,510	$44,236	$196,654	$115,288
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	60,060	30,360	141,581	79,653
Gross profit	21,450	13,876	55,073	35,635
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	11,511	9,012	33,854	26,750
Selling, marketing and service	2,073	1,615	5,563	4,039
Depreciation and amortization	1,925	1,211	5,190	3,432
Restructuring and cost reduction charges	'	1,548	'	1,548
Total operating expenses	15,509	13,386	44,607	35,769
Operating income (loss)	5,941	490	10,466	-134
Other income and (expenses):	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate	'	'	'	1,439
Interest income and other income	21	22	61	67
Interest expense	-262	-114	-497	-338
Income before income taxes	5,700	398	10,030	1,034
Income tax expense	2,227	119	3,906	347
Income from continuing operations	3,473	279	6,124	687
Discontinued operations (Note 6):	'	'	'	'
Income from operations, net of tax	'	11	'	78
Gain on disposal, net of tax	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	11	'	78
Net income	3,473	290	6,124	765
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	'	192	181	757
Net income attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc.	3,473	482	6,305	1,522
Amounts attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	3,473	471	6,305	1,444
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	11	'	78
Net income	$3,473	$482	$6,305	$1,522
Basic earnings per share attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.17	$0.03	$0.33	$0.08
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. common stockholders	$0.17	$0.03	$0.33	$0.08
Diluted earnings per share attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. common stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.17	$0.03	$0.32	$0.08
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. common stockholders	$0.17	$0.03	$0.32	$0.08

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$3,473	$290	$6,124	$765
Cash flow hedge:	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain (loss)	-157	'	-157	'
Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income	'	'	'	'
Total comprehensive income, net of tax	3,316	290	5,967	765
Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest	'	192	181	757
Comprehensive income attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc.	$3,316	$482	$6,148	$1,522

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$6,124	$765
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate	'	-1,439
Income from discontinued operations	'	-78
Depreciation and amortization	5,190	3,432
Stock compensation expense	438	755
(Gain) loss on disposal of miscellaneous assets	-21	68
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:	'	'
Trade receivables, net	-16,496	900
Inventories	-4,607	-903
Other current assets and liabilities	3,129	659
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities	-446	-302
Accounts payable	8,022	2,125
Accrued and other liabilities	-9,967	-1,884
Accrued restructuring and cost reduction liabilities	-444	1,318
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations	-9,078	5,416
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	'	334
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-9,078	5,750
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-9,542	-3,523
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-4,744	-4,367
Additions to intangible rights and software development	-469	-267
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	158	15
Proceeds from sale of unconsolidated affiliate	'	1,445
Net cash used in investing activities	-14,597	-6,697
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net proceeds from stock offering	34,447	'
Borrowings (payments) on revolving line of credit	'	'
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	25,000	2,400
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	-1,013	-120
Principal payments on capital lease obligations	-660	-626
Repurchases of common stock	-88	-2,786
Proceeds from stock option exercises	999	23
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	58,685	-1,109
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	35,010	-2,056
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	19,122	24,606
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$54,132	$22,550

Description_Of_Business_And_Ba

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation	'
	1.     Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
	Description of Business
	PowerSecure International, Inc., headquartered in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is a leading provider of products and services to electric utilities, and their large commercial, institutional and industrial customers.
	Our Utility and Energy Technologies segment includes our three product and service offerings:  our Distributed Generation products and services, our Utility Infrastructure products and services, and our Energy Efficiency products and services.  These three groups are commonly focused on serving the needs of utilities and their commercial, institutional and industrial customers to help them generate, deliver, and utilize electricity more reliably and efficiently.  Our strategy is focused on growing these three products and services because they require unique knowledge and skills that utilize our core competencies, and because they address large market opportunities due to their strong customer value propositions.  They share common or complementary utility relationships and customer types, common sales and overhead resources, and facilities.  However, we discuss and distinguish our Utility and Energy Technologies business among these groups due to the unique market needs they are addressing, and the distinct technical disciplines and specific capabilities required for us to deliver them, including personnel, technology, engineering, and intellectual capital.  Our Utility and Energy Technologies segment operates primarily out of our Wake Forest, North Carolina headquarters office, and its operations also include several satellite offices and manufacturing facilities, the largest of which are in the Raleigh, North Carolina, Randleman, North Carolina, McDonough, Georgia, Anderson, South Carolina, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Stamford Connecticut areas.  The locations of our sales organization and field employees for this segment are generally in close proximity to the utilities and commercial, industrial, and institutional customers they serve.  Our Utility and Energy Technologies segment is operated through our largest wholly-owned subsidiary, PowerSecure, Inc.
	We conduct all of our on-going business operations through our Utility and Energy Technologies segment.  In 2011, we divested the non-core business operations of our Oil and Gas Services segment, which has ceased on-going operations.  See Note 14 for more information concerning our reportable segments.
	Basis of Presentation
	Organization – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PowerSecure International, Inc. and its subsidiaries, primarily PowerSecure, Inc. and its majority-owned and wholly-owned subsidiaries, UtilityEngineering, Inc., PowerServices, Inc., EnergyLite, Inc., EfficientLights, LLC (“EfficientLights”), Innovative Electronic Solutions Lighting, LLC (“IES”), Reid’s Trailer, Inc. (“PowerFab”), Innovation Energies, LLC, Southern Energy Management PowerSecure, LLC (“PowerSecure Solar”), Solais Lighting, Inc. (“Solais”) and PowerPackages, LLC, as well as Southern Flow Companies, Inc. (“Southern Flow”), WaterSecure Holdings, Inc. (“WaterSecure”), and Marcum Gas Metering, Inc., which are collectively referred to as the “Company” or “PowerSecure” or  “we” or “us” or “our”.
	These consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	In management’s opinion, all adjustments (all of which are normal and recurring) have been made which are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position of us and our subsidiaries as of September 30, 2013 and the consolidated results of our operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PowerSecure International, Inc. and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.
	Comprehensive Income or Loss—Comprehensive income or loss represents the changes in stockholders’ equity during a period resulting from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources.  At September 30, 2013, the balance of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“Accumulated OCI”) consisted solely of changes in the fair value of our interest rate cash flow hedge contracts, net of taxes.  There was no Accumulated OCI balance at December 31, 2012.  Further, there was no reclassification from Accumulated OCI to earnings during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as the forward-starting interest rate swaps did not commence until September 30, 2013.
	Non-controlling Interest – The non-controlling ownership interests in the income or losses of our majority-owned subsidiaries is included in our consolidated statements of income as a reduction or addition to net income to derive income attributable to PowerSecure International stockholders.  Similarly, the non-controlling ownership interest in the undistributed equity of our majority-owned subsidiaries is shown as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in our consolidated balance sheet.
	Until May 20, 2013, we held a 90% controlling ownership interest in PowerSecure Solar, a distributed solar energy company which we acquired in June 2012.  In addition, until May 22, 2013, we also held a 67% controlling ownership interest in IES, an LED lighting company in which we acquired a controlling interest in 2010.  On May 20, 2013, we acquired the 10% non-controlling ownership interest in PowerSecure Solar in exchange for a cash payment of $153 thousand.  On May 22, 2013, we acquired the 33% non-controlling ownership interest in IES in exchange for 209 thousand shares of our common stock valued at a total of $2.9 million on the date of acquisition, issued pursuant to our acquisition shelf registration statement on Form S-4.  As a result of these non-controlling interest acquisitions, both PowerSecure Solar and IES are now wholly-owned subsidiaries and there will be no non-controlling interest in those entities after the acquisition dates.
	The following is a reconciliation of the amounts attributable to the non-controlling interest in IES and PowerSecure Solar for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
					PowerSecure
			IES		Solar		Total
		Balance, December 31, 2012	$	-6	$	446	$	440
		Capital contribution		-		-		-
		Income (loss)		-143		-38		-181
		Acquisition of non-controlling interest		149		-408		-259
		Balance, September 30, 2013	$	-	$	-	$	-
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
					PowerSecure
			IES		Solar		Total
		Balance, December 31, 2011	$	909	$	-	$	909
		Capital contribution		-		433		433
		Income (loss)		-803		46		-757
		Balance, September 30, 2012	$	106	$	479	$	585
	Use of Estimates – The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that our management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates include, among others, percentage-of-completion estimates for revenue and cost of sales recognition, incentive compensation and commissions, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, inventory valuation reserves, warranty reserves, deferred tax valuation allowance, purchase price allocations on business acquisitions, fair value estimates of interest rate swap contracts and any impairment charges on long-lived assets and goodwill.
	Reclassifications – Certain 2012 amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.  Such reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards	'
	2.     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Standards
	Revenue Recognition – For our turn-key distributed generation projects, our utility infrastructure projects, and our ESCO energy efficiency projects, we recognize revenue and profit as work progresses using the percentage-of-completion method, which relies on various estimates.  Nearly all of our turn-key distributed generation, utility infrastructure, and ESCO projects are fixed-price contracts.
	In applying the percentage-of-completion method to our distributed generation turn-key projects, including our traditional distributed generation projects and our solar projects, we have identified the key output project phases that are standard components of these projects.  We have further identified, based on past experience, an estimate of the value of each of these output phases based on a combination of the costs incurred and the value added to the overall project.  While the order of these phases varies depending on the project, each of these output phases is necessary to complete each project and each phase is an integral part of the turn-key product solution we deliver to our customers.  We use these output phases and percentages to measure our progress toward completion of our construction projects.  For each reporting period, the status of each project, by phase, is determined by employees who are managers of or are otherwise directly involved with the project and is reviewed by our accounting personnel.  Utilizing this information, we recognize project revenues and associated project costs and gross profit based on the percentage associated with output phases that are complete or in process on each of our projects.
	In applying the percentage-of-completion method to our utility infrastructure turn-key projects and our ESCO energy efficiency projects, revenues and gross profit are recognized as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion.
	In all cases where we utilize the percentage-of-completion method, revenues and gross profit are adjusted prospectively for revisions in estimated total contract costs and contract values.  Estimated losses, if any, are recorded when identified.  While a project is in process, amounts billed to customers in excess of revenues recognized to date are classified as current liabilities.  Likewise, amounts recognized as revenue in excess of actual billings to date are recorded as unbilled accounts receivable.  In the event adjustments are made to the contract price, including, for example, adjustments for additional wire or other raw materials, we adjust the purchase price and related costs for these items when they are identified.
	Because the percentage-of-completion method of accounting relies upon estimates described above, recognized revenues and profits are subject to revision as a project progresses to completion.  Revisions in profit estimates are recorded to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.  In the event we are required to adjust any particular project’s estimated revenues or costs, the effect on the current period earnings may or may not be significant.  If, however, conditions arise that require us to adjust our estimated revenues or costs for a series of similar construction projects, the effect on current period earnings would more likely be significant.  In addition, certain contracts contain cancellation provisions permitting the customer to cancel the contract prior to completion of a project.  Such cancellation provisions generally require the customer to pay/reimburse us for costs we incurred on the project, but may result in an adjustment to profit already recognized in a prior period.
	We recognize equipment and product revenue when persuasive evidence of a commercial arrangement exists, delivery has occurred and/or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  Equipment and product sales are generally made directly to end users of the product, who are responsible for payment for the product, although in some instances we can be a subcontractor, which occurs most frequently on larger jobs that involve more scope than our products and services.
	Service revenue includes regulatory consulting and rate design services, power system engineering services, energy conservation services, and monitoring and maintenance services.  Revenues from these services are recognized when the service is performed and the customer has accepted the work.
	Additionally, our utility infrastructure business provides services to utilities involving construction, maintenance, and upgrades to their electrical transmission and distribution systems which is not fixed price turn-key project-based work.  These services are delivered by us under contracts which are generally of two types.  In the first type, we are paid a fee based on the number of units of work we complete, an example of which could be the number of utility transmission poles we replace.  In the second type, we are paid for the time and materials utilized to complete the work, plus a profit margin.  In both cases, we recognize revenue as these services are delivered.
	Revenues for our recurring revenue distributed generation projects are recognized over the term of the contract or when energy savings are realized by the customer at its site.  Under these arrangements, we provide utilities and their customers with access to PowerSecure-owned and operated distributed generation systems, for standby power and to deliver peak shaving benefits.  These contracts can involve multiple parties, with one party paying us for the value of backup power (usually, but not always, a commercial, industrial, or institutional customer), and one party paying us a fee or credit for the value of the electrical capacity provided by the system during peak power demand (either the customer or a utility).
	Sales of certain goods and services sometimes involve the provision of multiple deliverables.  Revenues from contracts with multiple deliverables are recognized as each element is earned based on the selling price for each deliverable.  The selling price for each deliverable is generally based on our selling price for that deliverable on a stand-alone basis, third-party evidence if we do not sell that deliverable on a stand-alone basis, or an estimated selling price if neither specific selling prices nor third-party evidence exists.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase, including money market mutual funds, short-term time deposits, and government agency and corporate obligations, are classified as cash and cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable – Our customers include a wide variety of mid-sized and large businesses, utilities and institutions.  We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and generally do not require collateral.  We monitor collections and payments from our customers and adjust credit limits of customers based upon payment history and a customer’s current credit worthiness, as judged by us.  We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses.
	Concentration of Credit Risk – We are subject to concentrations of credit risk from our cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.  We limit our exposure to credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents by placing them with multiple domestic financial institutions.  Nevertheless, our cash in bank deposit accounts at these financial institutions frequently exceeds federally insured limits.  We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.
	From time to time, we have derived a material portion of our revenues from one or more significant customers.  To date, nearly all our revenues have been derived from sales to customers within the United States.
	Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined primarily on a specific-identification basis) or market. Our raw materials, equipment and supplies inventory consist primarily of equipment with long lead-times purchased for anticipated customer orders.  Our work in progress inventory consists primarily of equipment and parts allocated to specific distributed generation turn-key projects and our utility infrastructure and ESCO project costs accounted for on the percentage-of-completion basis.  Our finished goods inventory consists primarily of LED-based lighting products stocked to meet customer order and delivery requirements.  We provide a valuation reserve primarily for raw materials, equipment and supplies and certain work in process inventory items that may be in excess of our needs, obsolete or damaged and requiring repair or re-work.
	Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are generally depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which depending on asset class ranges from 3 to 30 years.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets – We amortize the cost of specifically identifiable intangible assets that do not have an indefinite life over their estimated useful lives.  We do not amortize goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives.  We perform reviews of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually, as of October 1, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.  We capitalize software development costs integral to our products once technological feasibility of the products and software has been determined.  Purchased software and software development costs are amortized over five years, using the straight-line method.  Patents and license agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of their estimated economic lives or their legal term of existence, currently 3 to 5 years.
	Debt Issuance Costs – Debt issuance costs are capitalized and included in other current and non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets.  These costs are amortized over the term of the corresponding debt instrument using the straight-line method for debt issuance costs related to the revolving portion of our credit facility and the effective interest method for debt issuance costs on our term loan debt. Amortization of debt issuance costs is included in interest expense in our consolidated statements of income.
	Warranty Reserve –We provide a standard one year warranty for our distributed generation, switchgear, utility infrastructure, and ESCO equipment and a five to ten year warranty for our LED lighting-based products. In certain cases, we offer extended warranty terms for those product lines. In addition, we provide longer warranties for our PowerSecure Solar products and services including a warranty period of generally one to five years for defects in material and workmanship, a warranty period of generally ten to twenty years for declines in power performance, and a warranty period which can extend to fifteen to twenty-five years on the functionality of solar panels which is generally backed by the panel manufacturer.  We reserve for the estimated cost of product warranties when revenue is recognized, and we evaluate our reserve periodically by comparing our warranty repair experience by product.  The purchase price for extended warranties or extended warranties included in the contract terms are deferred as a component of our warranty reserve.
	Share-Based Compensation – We measure compensation cost for all stock-based awards at their fair value on date of grant and recognize the compensation expense over the service period for awards expected to vest, net of estimated forfeitures.  We measure the fair value of restricted stock awards based on the number of shares granted and the last sale price of our common stock on the date of the grant, and we measure the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model.
	Pre-tax share-based compensation expense for our stock options and restricted stock awards recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $149 thousand and $179 thousand, respectively.  Pre-tax share-based compensation expense for our stock options and restricted stock awards recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $438 thousand and $755 thousand, respectively.  All share-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets –We evaluate our long-lived assets whenever significant events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may be impaired.  Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted future cash flows from the operations to which the assets relate, based on management’s best estimates using appropriate assumptions and projections at the time, to the carrying amount of the assets.  If the carrying value is determined not to be recoverable from future operating cash flows, the asset is deemed impaired and an impairment loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset or assets.
	Income Taxes – We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  We have net operating loss carryforwards available in certain jurisdictions to reduce future taxable income.  Future tax benefits for net operating loss carryforwards are recognized to the extent that realization of these benefits is considered more likely than not.  To the extent that available evidence raises doubt about the realization of a deferred income tax asset, a valuation allowance is established.
	We recognize a liability and income tax expense, including potential penalties and interest, for uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken.  The liability is adjusted for positions taken when the applicable statute of limitations expires or when the uncertainty of a particular position is resolved.
	Derivative Financial Instruments—Our derivative financial instruments consist solely of two interest rate swap contracts that are used to hedge our interest rate risk on a portion of our variable rate debt.  It is our policy to execute such interest rate swaps with creditworthy banks and we do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
	Subsequent Events—Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued and are classified as either “recognized subsequent events” or “non-recognized subsequent events”.  We recognize and include in our financial statements the effects of subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the balance sheet date.  We disclose non-recognized subsequent events that provide evidence about conditions that arise after the balance sheet date but are not yet reflected in our financial statements when such disclosure is required to prevent the financial statements from being misleading.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit  – In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740):  Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This standard requires an entity to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax assets when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently assessing the potential impact of ASU No. 2013-11 on our financial statements.
	Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment – In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.  This standard, which amends the guidance on testing indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, for impairment, provides companies with the option to first perform a qualitative assessment before performing the two-step quantitative impairment test.  If the company determines, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not to exceed its carrying amount, then the company would not need to perform the two-step quantitative impairment test.  This standard does not revise the requirement to test indefinite-lived intangible assets annually for impairment. This standard became effective for us on a prospective basis commencing January 1, 2013.  The adoption of this standard had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	3.     Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings  per share attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. common stockholders is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and, when dilutive, potential common shares from stock options using the treasury stock method.  Diluted earnings per share excludes the impact of potential common shares related to stock options in periods in which we reported a loss from continuing operations or in which the option exercise price is greater than the average market price of our common stock during the period because the effect would be antidilutive.
	The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc. common stockholders:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
		Income from continuing operations	$	3,473	$	471	$	6,305	$	1,444
		Income from discontinued operations		-		11		-		78
		Net income	$	3,473	$	482	$	6,305	$	1,522
		Basic weighted-average common
		shares outstanding in period		20,325		18,676		19,205		18,807
		Dilutive effect of stock options		329		117		323		118
		Diluted weighted-average common
		shares outstanding in period		20,654		18,793		19,528		18,925
		Basic earnings per common share:
		Income from continuing operations	$	0.17	$	0.03	$	0.33	$	0.08
		Income from discontinued operations		-		-		-		-
		Basic earnings per common share	$	0.17	$	0.03	$	0.33	$	0.08
		Diluted earnings per common share:
		Income from continuing operations	$	0.17	$	0.03	$	0.32	$	0.08
		Income from discontinued operations		-		-		-		-
		Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.17	$	0.03	$	0.32	$	0.08

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	4.     Acquisitions
	Acquisition of Encari – On October 8, 2013,  we acquired substantially all of the assets and business of Encari, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company (“Encari”), which is engaged in the business of providing cyber security consulting and compliance services to the utility industry. Encari helps large investor-owned utilities, municipalities and cooperative utilities assess, improve and maintain their compliance with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards.
	The purchase price for this acquisition was $4.8 million in cash, plus potential additional earn-out consideration which is dependent upon the pre-tax net income of the acquired Encari business exceeding certain thresholds over the 12 month period ending December 31, 2013.  The potential additional consideration is an amount of up to an additional $1.2 million, of which half would be payable in cash and the other half payable in shares of our common stock.  The number of common shares to be issued by us to Encari in such an earn-out would be based on their value-weighted average closing price over the 30 business days preceding the closing date.
	The purchase price allocation and pro forma financial information have not yet been completed.  We expect that the operations of the Encari business acquired will be included within our Utility and Energy Technologies operating segment commencing from the date of acquisition.
	Acquisition of Solais Lighting – On April 12, 2013, we acquired Solais Lighting, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Solais").  Solais is a Connecticut-based LED lighting company with a proprietary portfolio of LED lamps and fixtures for commercial and industrial applications.  Solais' innovative designs, which are covered by a variety of patents and patents pending, provide their products with enhanced light output, thermal management, optics and light quality, and aesthetics.
	The acquisition of Solais strengthens and complements our existing LED business through the addition of new product lines and new skill sets around product design, product commercialization, and manufacturing and sourcing capabilities. In addition, Solais adds to our capabilities in marketing LED lighting through distributor channels.
	The acquisition was accomplished through a merger of Solais into Brite Idela, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary we formed to effectuate the merger and renamed "Solais Lighting, Inc." after the merger ("Solais PowerSecure"). As a result of the merger, the assets, properties, business, debts, liabilities and obligations of Solais prior to the merger became those of Solais PowerSecure.
	The merger was consummated pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 12, 2013 (the "Solais Merger Agreement"), by and among Solais, the stockholders of Solais (the "Solais Stockholders"), us and Solais PowerSecure.  The merger consideration paid by us to the stockholders of Solais was valued under the Solais Merger Agreement at an aggregate of $15 million, less an adjustment deducting the working capital deficit of approximately $0.2 million, and was subject to a post-closing "true up" adjustment of the final closing working capital balance.  As a result, the aggregate merger consideration paid by us consisted of approximately $6.5 million in cash plus 675,160 shares of our common stock. For purposes of the Merger and the merger consideration, the shares of common stock we issued in the acquisition of Solais were valued at $12.22 per share, which was their volume-weighted average closing sale price as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market over the five trading days immediately preceding the date the merger was completed. For purposes of applying the purchase accounting provisions of ASC 805, Business Combinations (ASC 805), the shares of common stock we issued in the acquisition were valued at $12.52 per share, which was the closing sale price of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the date of acquisition.  All outstanding shares of capital stock of Solais were converted into and exchanged for the merger consideration.  The merger became effective on April 12, 2013.
	Total revenues and pre-tax loss from the Solais business since the date of acquisition included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $4.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively.  In addition, acquisition related costs incurred by us in the amount of $0.4 million were recognized as an expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and are included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	The Solais Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties as well as indemnification obligations, and limitations thereon, by us and the Solais Stockholders to each other, including a $1.5 million two year escrow out of the cash portion of the merger consideration to support the indemnification obligations of the Solais Stockholders.  The following table summarizes the consideration paid to the Solais Stockholders and the fair value allocation of the purchase price:
		Consideration paid to Seller:
		Cash	$	6,535
		Shares of Company common stock		8,453
		Total consideration paid	$	14,988
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	165
		Accounts receivable, net		625
		Inventories		249
		Other current assets		62
		Property, plant and equipment, net		286
		Deferred tax asset		898
		Identifiable intangible assets:
		Customer relationships		1,900
		Noncompetition agreement		140
		Developed technology		1,200
		Accounts payable		-665
		Accrued and other liabilities		-1,011
		Total identifiable net assets		3,849
		Goodwill		11,139
			$	14,988
	As part of the purchase price allocation, we determined that the separately identifiable intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships, developed technology and noncompetition agreements.    We used the income approach to value the customer relationships, developed technology and noncompetition agreements.  This approach calculates the fair value by discounting the forecasted after-tax cash flows for each intangible asset back to a present value at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate of return.  The data for these analyses was the cash flow estimates used to price the transaction.  Fair value estimates are based on a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions.
	In estimating the useful lives of the acquired assets, we considered ASC 350-30-35, General Intangibles Other Than Goodwill, and reviewed the following factors: the expected use by the combined company of the assets acquired, the expected useful life of another asset (or group of assets) related to the acquired assets, legal, regulatory or other contractual provisions that may limit the useful life of an acquired asset, the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors, and the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the assets.  We amortize these intangible assets over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis.
	The goodwill of $11.1 million arising from the acquisition consists largely of the assembled workforce of Solais, and the synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of our PowerSecure subsidiary and Solais.  All of the goodwill was assigned to our Utility and Energy Technologies segment.  None of the acquired goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. As part of the purchase price allocation process, the amount of the purchase price allocated to goodwill was increased by $89 thousand from our initial allocation.
	Supplemental pro forma information, as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2012, is as follows:
			PowerSecure International, Inc.
			Acquisition of Solais Lighting, Inc.
			Pro Forma Results of Operations
			Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2013		2012
		Revenues	$	198,364	$	118,396
		Earnings Attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc.:
		Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	6,048	$	-612
		Net income	$	6,229	$	145
		Diluted earnings per common share:
		Income from continuing operations	$	0.32	$	0.01
		Net income	$	0.32	$	0.01
	The supplemental pro forma information above is based on estimates and assumptions that we believe are reasonable.  The pro forma information presented is not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations in future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2012.  The supplemental pro forma results above exclude any benefits that may result from the acquisition due to synergies that are expected to be derived from the elimination of any duplicative costs.  In addition, the pro forma results for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were adjusted to exclude aggregate acquisition-related cost of $1.2 million incurred by PowerSecure and Solais, collectively, in 2013.
	Acquisition of ESCO Energy Efficiency Business – On February 28, 2013, we acquired certain assets, including contracts with customers relating to energy efficiency projects, of the ESCO business of Lime Energy Services Co. (“LESCO”), a Massachusetts corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Lime Energy Co., a Delaware corporation (“Lime”). The acquired ESCO business involves the design, installation and maintenance of energy conservation measures, primarily as a subcontractor to large energy service company providers, for the benefit of commercial, industrial and institutional customers as end users. The acquisition expanded our portfolio of energy efficient facility technologies and expertise, which now includes lighting solutions, HVAC system upgrades, building envelope upgrades, transformer efficiency upgrades and water conservation systems.  The acquired business serves other larger ESCOs by providing energy efficiency solutions across a range of facilities, including high-rise office buildings, distribution facilities, manufacturing plants, retail sites, mixed use complexes, and large government sites.
	The acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2013 (the “LESCO Purchase Agreement”), by and among LESCO, as the seller, Lime, as the seller’s parent, and PowerSecure, as the purchaser.  Pursuant to the LESCO Purchase Agreement, we completed the acquisition of certain assets and working capital liabilities and the assumption of customer contracts of LESCO, for cash. The assigned contracts required the consent of the customers to complete the assignment, so PowerSecure and LESCO entered into a subcontracting arrangement in the interim to facilitate our obtaining the rights and benefits, and taking on the duties and obligations, of LESCO under the assumed contracts after the closing.  In connection with the acquisition, we entered into certain indemnifications to the surety on the bonds for certain projects that were bonded prior to the closing by LESCO, and have continued to do so after the closing with respect to the assumed contracts until the projects are completed or until the consents are obtained and the bonding can be completed in our name directly.
	The acquisition was effective as of the end of the day on February 28, 2013. Total revenues and pre-tax income from the ESCO business since the date of acquisition included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $22.9 million and $2.1 million, respectively.  In addition, acquisition related costs in the amount of $0.1 million were recognized as an expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and are included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	The LESCO Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties as well as indemnification obligations by LESCO and Lime, on the one hand, and by us, on the other hand, to each other. In addition, the LESCO Purchase Agreement contains a five year covenant not to compete by LESCO and Lime against us and our affiliates in the acquired business, subject to certain exceptions related to their retained businesses, and related customary restrictive covenants. Correspondingly, the LESCO Purchase Agreement contains a five year covenant not to compete by us against LESCO and Lime and their affiliates in their retained business relating to small business direct install programs and related customary restrictive covenants, subject to certain exceptions such as for our current business.
	The following table summarizes the consideration paid to LESCO, including amounts paid as part of a post-closing true-up adjustment, for the ESCO business and the components and the fair value allocation of the purchase price.
		Consideration paid to Seller:
		Cash	$	1,971
		Accounts receivable	$	5,728
		Inventories		558
		Property, plant and equipment, net		135
		Identifiable intangible assets:
		Customer relationships		1,400
		Trademarks		160
		Backlog		120
		Noncompetition agreement		90
		Databases		90
		Accounts payable		-1,259
	Accrued and other liabilities		-8,852
	Total identifiable net assets (liabilities)		-1,830
	Goodwill		3,801
		$	1,971
As part of the purchase price allocation, we determined that the separately identifiable intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships, trademarks, backlog, noncompetition agreement and a database and software license to use certain proprietary software tools that LESCO had developed, which are used to assist in the preparation of contract pricing.
We used the income approach to value the customer relationships, noncompetition agreements, trademarks, technology-based assets and order backlog.  This approach calculates the fair value by discounting the forecasted after-tax cash flows for each intangible asset back to a present value at an appropriate risk-adjusted rate of return.  The data for these analyses was the cash flow estimates used to price the transaction.  Fair value estimates are based on a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions.
In estimating the useful lives of the acquired assets, we considered ASC 350-30-35, General Intangibles Other Than Goodwill, and reviewed the following factors: the expected use by the combined company of the assets acquired, the expected useful life of another asset (or group of assets) related to the acquired assets, legal, regulatory or other contractual provisions that may limit the useful life of an acquired asset, the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors, and the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the assets.  We amortize these intangible assets over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis.
The goodwill of $3.8 million arising from the acquisition consists largely of the assembled workforce of the ESCO business, and the synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of our PowerSecure subsidiary and the ESCO business.  All of the goodwill was assigned to our Utility and Energy Technologies segment and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.  As part of the post-closing true-up adjustment, the amount of the purchase price allocated to goodwill was reduced by $18 thousand from our initial allocation.
We have concluded that the acquisition of the ESCO business did not constitute a significant business for purposes of Rule 3-05 of Regulation S-X of the SEC, and thus no acquired business historical financial statements are required to be filed with the SEC.  Pro forma financial disclosures required under ASC 805 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have not been included herein because the relevant quarterly financial information for the ESCO business is not yet available from the seller.  We plan to provide such pro forma financial disclosures in a subsequent report promptly after the relevant financial information becomes available to us from the seller.  Our net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, includes the results of operations of the ESCO business since the date of acquisition.
Acquisition of PowerLine – On May 20, 2013, we acquired the business and certain assets of Powerline EHV & Safety Training, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company (“PowerLine”).  The acquired PowerLine business involves safety training in the electrical utility industry.  The acquisition was consummated pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 20, 2013 (the “PowerLine Purchase Agreement”) between PowerLine, as the seller, and PowerSecure, as the purchaser.  Pursuant to the PowerLine Purchase Agreement, we acquired certain training materials and property, plant and equipment for a cash payment of $0.6 million at closing and annual cash installment payments of $0.1 million over the next five years.
We intend to use the assets and resources of PowerLine to conduct safety training for our Utility Infrastructure personnel.  The PowerLine acquisition provides us with dedicated efficient and effective safety resources for our employees, enhancing our overall safety programs.  We do not intend to provide safety training services to third-parties and others outside of our Energy and Utility Services segment.  Accordingly, there have been no revenues associated with the PowerLine acquisition since the date of acquisition.  In addition, acquisition related costs in the amount of $16 thousand were recognized as an expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and are included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
The following table summarizes the consideration paid to the PowerLine Stockholder and the preliminary fair value allocation of the purchase price.
	Consideration paid to Seller:
	Cash	$	550
	Installment payments payable, discounted value		497
	Total consideration paid	$	1,047
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	10
	Identifiable intangible assets:
	Training materials		200
	Noncompetition agreement		500
	Total identifiable net assets		710
	Goodwill		337
		$	1,047
The goodwill of $0.3 million arising from the acquisition consists largely of the cost efficiencies we expect to derive from a dedicated safety training program.  All of the goodwill was assigned to our Utility and Energy Technologies segment and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The operating costs of the PowerLine resources have been included within our Utility and Energy Technologies operating segment since the date of acquisition.  Pro forma results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 have not be included herein as the effects of the acquisition were not material to our results of operations.

Restructuring_And_Cost_Reducti

Restructuring And Cost Reduction Program	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring And Cost Reduction Program [Abstract]	'
Restructuring And Cost Reduction Program	'
	5.     Restructuring and Cost Reduction Program
	During the third quarter 2012, we initiated a cost reduction program, taking actions to restructure and streamline our organization to reduce our costs, and to set the framework to improve the scalability of our cost structure as we grow revenues.  The associated cost reduction charges were incurred entirely in the second half of 2012 and consisted primarily of severance and related costs from the elimination of employee positions and costs associated with revisions to certain employment arrangements.  The following table summarizes the restructuring and cost reduction plan activities and the balance of our accrued restructuring and cost reduction liabilities at and for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013:
			Employee
			Termination
			Costs
		Accrued restructuring and cost reduction
		liabilities, December 31, 2012	$	709
		Costs incurred and charged to expense		-
		Cash payments		-444
		Accrued restructuring and cost reduction
		liabilities, September 30, 2013	$	265
	The balance of accrued restructuring and cost reduction plan liabilities at September 30, 2013 is included in current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.  We expect the majority of the balance of our accrued restructuring plan liabilities at September 30, 2013 will be paid during the next twelve months.
	Our recent acquisitions have provided additional opportunities to restructure and realign our operations to increase operating margins in our energy efficiency product and service lines in particular, as well as other cost reduction opportunities.  This includes manufacturing and sourcing synergies that our Solais acquisition is expected to bring to our existing LED lighting operations, and other cost reduction opportunities.  In contemplation of these opportunities, we commenced developing plans to integrate and streamline the operations and product offerings within our Energy Efficiency product area primarily, and to a lesser extent other areas of our Company.  Our intention is to eliminate certain duplicative facilities, re-source certain of our Energy Efficiency inventory suppliers, reduce the number of Energy Efficiency product offerings, and reduce personnel levels.  We currently expect that this restructuring will result in a total charge of $4 million to $6 million which will likely be incurred in the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of 2014.  In addition, these actions may result in additional charges related to goodwill or intangible impairment, the amount of which, if any, is not determinable at this time.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	6.     Discontinued Operations
	Our discontinued operations does not include any activity during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, our discontinued operations consists of the revenues and expenses associated with the remaining shutdown activities of our PowerPackages business which was discontinued during 2011.  PowerPackages provided medium speed engine distributed generation products and services within our Utility and Energy Technologies segment.  All shutdown activities were completed during 2012.   The results of PowerPackages discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were as follows:
			Three Months		Nine Months
			Ended		Ended
		PowerPackages Discontinued Operations:	30-Sep-12		30-Sep-12
		Total revenues	$	250	$	586
		Cost of sales and operating expenses		233		460
		Income (loss) before income taxes		17		126
		Income tax expense		-6		-48
		Income from operations		11		78
		Gain on disposal		-		-
		Income tax on disposal		-		-
		Income from discontinued operations	$	11	$	78
	There were no remaining assets or liabilities of the PowerPackages discontinued operations at either September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

Debt_And_Interest_Rate_Swap_Co

Debt And Interest Rate Swap Contracts	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt And Interest Rate Swap Contracts	'
	7.     Debt and Interest Rate Swap Contracts
	We have had a long-term credit facility with Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”), as administrative agent and lender, and other lenders since entering into a credit agreement in August 2007.  At December 31, 2012, our credit agreement with Citibank along with Branch Banking and Trust Company (“BB&T”) as additional lender, consisted of a $20.0 million senior, first-priority secured revolving line of credit maturing on November 12, 2014 and a $2.6 million term loan maturing on November 12, 2016.
	On June 19, 2013, we entered into an amendment to the credit agreement to (i) add a $25 million, 7 year amortizing term loan to the credit facility, which amortizes and is payable quarterly over its term in equal principal amounts plus accrued interest (the “$25 million Term Loan”), (ii) extend the maturity date of the revolving portion of the credit facility by two years to November 12, 2016, and (iii) modify certain covenants and other terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.
	The following table summarizes the balances outstanding on our long-term debt, including our revolving line of credit, with Citibank and BB&T at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
			30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
		Revolving line of credit, maturing November 12, 2016	$	-	$	-
		Term loan, principal of $40 thousand plus interest payable
		quarterly at variable rates, maturing November 12, 2016		2,120		2,240
		Term loan, principal of $893 thousand plus interest payable
		quarterly at variable rates, maturing June 30, 2020		24,107		-
		Total debt		26,227		2,240
		Less:  Current portion		-3,731		-160
		Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	22,496	$	2,080
	The credit agreement, as amended, provides for (i) a $20 million senior, first-priority secured revolving line of credit that matures on November 12, 2016; (ii) a previously issued $2.6 million term loan amortizing through November 2016; and (iii) the new $25 million Term Loan that amortizes through June 30, 2020.  The credit facility has been guaranteed by all our active subsidiaries and is secured by the assets of us and those subsidiaries.
	We have used, and intend to continue to use, the proceeds available under the credit facility including the new $25 million Term Loan to support our growth and future investments in Company-owned distributed generation projects, additional utility services equipment, working capital, other capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The maturity date of the revolving portion of the credit facility was extended under the amendment by two years until November 12, 2016.  The maturity date of the existing $2.6 million term loan, of which $2.1 million was outstanding as of September 30, 2013, is unaffected by the amendment.  In connection with the extension of the revolving credit facility and the addition of the $25 million Term Loan,  our previous option, prior to that maturity date, to convert a portion of outstanding principal balance of the revolving portion of the credit facility into a two year term loan at maturity has been eliminated.
	Outstanding balances under the credit facility bear interest, at our discretion, at either the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") for the corresponding deposits of U. S. Dollars plus an applicable margin, which is on a sliding scale ranging from 2.00% to 3.25% based upon our leverage ratio, or at Citibank's alternate base rate plus an applicable margin, on a sliding scale ranging from 0.25% to 1.50% based upon our leverage ratio.  Our leverage ratio is the ratio of our funded indebtedness as of a given date, net of our cash on hand in excess of $5.0 million, to our consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the credit agreement, for the four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on such date. Citibank’s alternate base rate is equal to the higher of the Federal Funds Rate as published by the Federal Reserve of New York plus 0.50%, Citibank’s prime commercial lending rate and 30 day LIBOR plus 1.00%.
	In July 2013, we entered into two forward-starting interest rate swap contracts based on three-month LIBOR that effectively converted 80% of the outstanding balance of our $25 million Term Loan to fixed rate debt.    As discussed further in Note 8, we have designated the interest rate swaps as a cash flow hedge of the interest payments due on our floating rate debt.  Accordingly, at September 30, 2013, $19.3 million of our outstanding debt bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.73% and $6.9 million of our outstanding debt bears interest at floating rates as described above.  The termination dates of the swap contracts and the maturity date of the $25 million Term Loan are both June 30, 2020.
	The credit facility is not subject to any borrowing base computations or limitations, but does contain certain financial covenants.  Under the credit agreement, if cash on hand does not exceed funded indebtedness by at least $5.0 million, then our minimum fixed charge coverage ratio must be in excess of 1.25, where the fixed charge coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of the aggregate of our trailing 12 month consolidated EBITDA plus our lease expense minus our taxes based on income and payable in cash, divided by the sum of our consolidated interest charges plus our lease expenses plus our scheduled principal payments and dividends, computed over the previous period.  In addition, we are required to maintain a minimum consolidated tangible net worth, computed on a quarterly basis, of not less than the sum of $75.0 million, plus an amount equal to 50% of our net income each fiscal year ending December 31, 2013, with no reduction for any net loss in any fiscal year, plus 90% of any equity we raise through the sale of equity interests, less the amount of any non-cash charges or losses. Also, the ratio of our funded indebtedness to our capitalization, computed as funded indebtedness divided by the sum of funded indebtedness plus stockholders equity, cannot exceed 30%.  As of September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.
	The credit facility contains customary terms and conditions for credit facilities of this type, including restrictions or limits on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, enter into transactions with affiliates, pay dividends on our capital stock or consolidate or merge with other entities. In addition, the credit agreement contains customary events of default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults, certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, judgment defaults and certain ERISA-related events, which were not modified by the amendment.
	Our obligations under the credit facility are secured by guarantees ("Guarantees") and security agreements (the “Security Agreements”) by each of our active subsidiaries, including PowerSecure, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  The Guarantees guaranty all of our obligations under the credit facility, and the Security Agreements grant to the Lenders a first priority security interest in virtually all of the assets of each of the parties to the credit agreement.
	There was an aggregate balance of $26.2 million outstanding under the two term loans under our credit facility as of September 30, 2013.  There were no balances outstanding on the revolving portion of the credit facility at, or during the nine months ended, September 30, 2013 or at December 31, 2012 or at November 6, 2013.  We currently have $20.0 million available to borrow under the revolving portion of the credit facility.  The availability of this capital under our credit facility includes restrictions on the use of proceeds, and is dependent upon our ability to satisfy certain financial and operating covenants, as described above.

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	'
	8.  Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	In July 2013, we entered into two forward-starting interest rate swap contracts to manage interest rate risk associated with a portion of our $25 million Term Loan floating rate debt that we entered into on June 19, 2013 (see Note 7).   The interest rate swaps effectively converted 80% of our $25.0 million floating rate term loan to a  fixed rate term loan bearing interest at the rate of 3.73%.  The notional amount of the interest rate swaps at September 30, 2013 was $19.3 million.  The termination dates of the swap contracts and the maturity date of the $25 million Term Loan are both June 30, 2020.
	In accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging,  we have designated both of our interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of the interest payments due on our floating rate debt.  To qualify for designation as a cash flow hedge, specific criteria must be met and the appropriate documentation maintained.  Hedging relationships are established pursuant to our risk management policies and are initially and regularly evaluated to determine whether they are expected to be, and have been, highly effective hedges.  For our interest rate swap contracts designated as a cash flow hedge of interest on our floating rate debt, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the period in which the hedged item affects earnings.  Any amounts excluded from the effectiveness calculation and any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative are recognized currently in earnings.
	We determined that there was no ineffective portion of our cash flow hedges at September 30, 2013, and no portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative has been recognized in earnings through September 30, 2013 because the forward-starting interest rate swaps were not effective until September 30, 2013.  The fair value of the two interest rate swaps was a liability of $257 thousand at September 30, 2013 and is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The change in the fair value of our interest rate cash flow hedge contracts is included in Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes.  We determine the fair value of our interest rate swaps using standard pricing models and market-based assumptions for all significant inputs, such as LIBOR yield curves.  These derivative instruments are classified as Level 2 financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy, which refers to securities that are not traded in an active market, but for which there are significant other observable inputs that are available from which to determine fair value.

Capital_Lease_Obligations

Capital Lease Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Capital Lease Obligations	'
	9.     Capital Lease Obligations
	We have a capital lease with SunTrust Equipment Finance and Leasing, an affiliate of SunTrust Bank, from the sale and leaseback of distributed generation equipment placed in service at customer locations. We received $5.9 million from the sale of the equipment in December 2008 which we are repaying under the terms of the lease with monthly principal and interest payments of $85 thousand over a period of 84 months.  At the expiration of the term of the lease in December 2015, we have the option to purchase the equipment for $1 dollar, assuming no default under the lease by us has occurred and is then continuing.  The lease is guaranteed by us under an equipment lease guaranty.  The lease and the lease guaranty constitute permitted indebtedness under our current credit agreement.
	Proceeds of the lease financing were used to finance capital investments in equipment for our recurring revenue distributed generation projects.  We account for the lease financing as a capital lease in our consolidated financial statements.
	The lease provides us with limited rights, subject to the lessor's approval which will not be unreasonably withheld, to relocate and substitute equipment during its term.  The lease contains representations and warranties and covenants relating to the use and maintenance of the equipment, indemnification and events of default customary for leases of this nature.  The lease also grants to the lessor certain remedies upon a default, including the right to cancel the lease, to accelerate all rent payments for the remainder of the term of the lease, to recover liquidated damages, or to repossess and re-lease, sell or otherwise dispose of the equipment.
	The balance of our capital lease obligations shown in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consists entirely of our obligations under the equipment lease described above.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	10.     Share-Based Compensation
	We recognize compensation expense for all share-based awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values on the date of grant.
	Stock Plans – Historically, we have granted stock options and restricted stock awards to employees and directors under various stock plans.  We currently maintain two stock plans.  Under our 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the “1998 Stock Plan”), we granted incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards and other stock-based awards to our officers, directors, employees, consultants and advisors for shares of our common stock.  Stock options granted under the 1998 Stock Plan contained exercise prices not less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, and had a term of 10 years from the date of grant.  Nonqualified stock option grants to our directors under the 1998 Stock Plan generally vested over periods up to two years.  Qualified stock option grants to our employees under the 1998 Stock Plan generally vested over periods up to five years.  The 1998 Stock Plan expired on June 12, 2008, and no additional awards may be made under the 1998 Stock Plan, although awards granted prior to such date will remain outstanding and subject to the terms and conditions of those awards.
	In March 2008, our board of directors adopted the PowerSecure International, Inc. 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2008 Stock Plan”), which was approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 9, 2008.  The 2008 Stock Plan authorizes our board of directors to grant incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards and other stock-based awards to our officers, directors, employees, consultants and advisors for up to an aggregate of 0.6 million shares of our common stock.  Stock options granted under the 2008 Stock Plan must contain exercise prices not less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, and must contain a term not in excess of 10 years from the date of grant.  On June 19, 2012, at our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, our stockholders adopted and approved an amendment and restatement of the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan, including an amendment to increase the number of shares of our common stock authorized thereunder by 1.4 million shares to a total of 2.0 million shares.  The 2008 Stock Plan replaced our 1998 Stock Plan.
	Stock Options – Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 includes $35 thousand and $32 thousand, respectively, of pre-tax compensation costs related to outstanding stock options.  Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 includes $111 thousand and $91 thousand, respectively, of pre-tax compensation costs related to outstanding stock options.  All of the stock option compensation expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	A summary of option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
								Weighted
								Average
					Weighted			Remaining		Aggregate
					Average			Contractual		Intrinsic
			Shares		Exercise Price			Term (years)		Value
		Balance, December 31, 2012	838		$	7.21
		Granted	70			14.97
		Exercised	-177			5.64
		Expired	-			-
		Forfeited	-10			6.74
		Balance, September 30, 2013	721		$	8.36		4.67		$	7.69
		Exercisable, September 30, 2013	533		$	8.13		3.41		$	7.92
	A summary of option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:
								Weighted
								Average
					Weighted			Remaining		Aggregate
					Average			Contractual		Intrinsic
			Shares		Exercise Price			Term (years)		Value
		Balance, December 31, 2011	911		$	6.98
		Granted	72			4.93
		Exercised	-6			3.56
		Expired	-			-
		Forfeited	-36			7.12
		Balance, September 30, 2012	941		$	6.84		4.66		$	n/m (1)
		Exercisable, September 30, 2012	741		$	7.19		3.74		$	n/m (1)
	-1	The aggregate exercise prices of the options exceed the aggregate fair value of the underlying shares of common stock based on the closing sale price of the common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on September 30, 2012.
	The weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $6.04 and $1.88, respectively.  The fair value of the stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was measured using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:
			Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2013				2012
		Expected stock price volatility		44.5	%			43.2	%
		Risk free interest rate		1.4	%			0.7	%
		Annual dividends	$	-			$	-
		Expected life (years)		5				5
	The fair value of stock option grants is amortized to expense over the respective service periods using the straight-line method and assuming a forfeiture rate of 5%.  As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there was $619 thousand and $357 thousand, respectively, of total unrecognized compensation costs related to stock options.  These costs at September 30, 2013 are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $76 thousand and $5 thousand, respectively.  Cash received from stock option exercises during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $99 thousand and $9 thousand, respectively. The total grant date fair value of stock options vested during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $33 thousand and $13 thousand, respectively.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $1,300 thousand and $17 thousand, respectively.  Cash received from stock option exercises during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $999 thousand and $23 thousand, respectively. The total grant date fair value of stock options vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $90 thousand and $70 thousand, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Awards – Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 includes $114 thousand and $147 thousand, respectively, of pre-tax compensation costs related to the vesting of outstanding restricted stock awards granted to directors, certain officers and our employees.  Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 includes $327 thousand and $664 thousand, respectively, of pre-tax compensation costs related to the vesting of outstanding restricted stock awards granted to directors, certain officers and our employees.  All of the restricted stock award compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
	A summary of restricted stock award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
					Weighted
			Unvested		Average
			Restricted		Grant Date
			Shares		Fair Value
		Balance, December 31, 2012	100		$	5.62
		Granted	68			12.02
		Vested	-51			5.65
		Forfeited	-			-
		Balance, September 30, 2013	117		$	9.32
	A summary of restricted stock award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:
					Weighted
			Unvested		Average
			Restricted		Grant Date
			Shares		Fair Value
		Balance, December 31, 2011	410		$	11.47
		Granted	101			4.97
		Vested	-398			11.04
		Forfeited	-			-
		Balance, September 30, 2012	113		$	7.16
Restricted shares are subject to forfeiture and cannot be sold or otherwise transferred until they vest.  If the holder of the restricted shares leaves us before the restricted shares vest, other than due to termination by us without cause, then any unvested restricted shares will be forfeited and returned to us.  The restricted shares granted to directors vest in equal amounts over a period of one or three years, depending on the nature of the grant.  The restricted shares granted to employees generally vest over three or five years.  All restricted and unvested shares automatically vest upon a change in control.
The fair value of the restricted shares is amortized on a straight-line basis over the respective vesting period.  At September 30, 2013, the balance of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted shares was $1,017 thousand, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.2 years.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	11.     Commitments and Contingencies
	Performance Bonds and Parent Guarantees –  In the ordinary course of business, we are required by certain customers to post surety or performance bonds in connection with services that we provide to them.  These bonds provide a guarantee to the customer that we will perform under the terms of a contract and that we will pay subcontractors and vendors.  If we fail to perform under a contract or to pay subcontractors and vendors, the customer may demand that the surety make payments or provide services under the bond.  We must reimburse the surety for any expenses or outlays it incurs.  As of September 30, 2013, we had approximately $75 million in surety bonds outstanding, including outstanding surety bonds issued in connection with the contracts and projects acquired from Lime in the acquisition of the ESCO business (See Note 4).  Based upon the current status of our contracts and projects, we estimate our remaining exposure on these surety bonds was approximately $35 million at September 30, 2013.  We have not been required to make any reimbursements to our sureties for bond-related costs, and we  do not currently expect that we will have to fund significant claims under our surety arrangements in the foreseeable future.
	Other Matters –  From time to time, we hire employees that are subject to restrictive covenants, such as non-competition agreements with their former employers.  We comply, and require our employees to comply, with the terms of all known restrictive covenants.  However, we have in the past and may in the future receive claims and demands by some former employers alleging actual or potential violations of these restrictive covenants.  These claims are inherently difficult to predict, and therefore we generally cannot provide any assurance of the outcome of claims.  We do not have any specific claims outstanding at this time.
	From time to time, in the ordinary course of business we encounter issues with component parts that affect the performance of our distributed generation systems, switchgear systems, utility infrastructure products, engines, generators, alternators, breakers, fuel systems, LED and other lighting products, electrical circuit boards, power drivers, photovoltaic energy systems, inverters, and other complex electrical products.  While we strive to utilize high quality component parts from reputable suppliers, and to back-up their quality and performance with manufacturers’ warranties, even the best parts and components have performance issues from time to time, and these performance issues create significant financial and operating risks to our business, operations and financial results.  Because we regularly develop new products and technical designs, we often incorporate component parts into these new products in configurations, for uses, and in environments, for which limited experience exists and which exposes us to performance risks that may not be covered by warranties.  As we strive to bring solutions to customers with unique capabilities that provide performance and cost advantages, from time to time we use new suppliers and new products for applications where track record of performance does not exist, or is difficult to ascertain.  Although we believe our suppliers’ warranties cover many of these performance issues, from time to time we face disputes with our suppliers with respect to those performance issues and their warranty obligations.  Additionally, the outcome of any warranty claims is inherently difficult to predict due to the uncertainty of technical solutions, cost, customer requirements, and the uncertainty inherent in litigation and disputes generally, and thus there is no assurance we will not be adversely affected by these, or other performance issues with key parts and components.  Moreover, from time to time performance issues are not covered by manufacturer’s warranties, certain suppliers may not be financially able to fulfill their warranty obligations, and customers may also claim damages as a result of those performance issues.  Also, the mere existence of performance issues, even if finally resolved with our suppliers and customers, can have an adverse effect on our reputation for quality, which could adversely affect our business.
	We estimate that from time to time we have performance issues related to component parts which have a cost basis of approximately 5-10% of our estimated annual revenues, although not necessarily limited to this amount, which are installed in equipment we own and have sold to various customers across our business lines, and additional performance issues could arise in the future.  In addition, the failure or inadequate performance of these components pose potential material and adverse effects on our business, operations, reputation and financial results, including reduced revenues for projects in process or future projects, reduced revenues for recurring revenue contracts which are dependent on the performance of the affected equipment, additional expenses and capital cost to repair or replace the affected equipment, inventory write-offs for defective components held in inventory, asset write-offs for company-owned systems which have been deployed, the cancellation or deferral of contracts by our customers, or claims made by our customers for damages as a result of performance issues.
	We have experienced performance issues with two types of component parts, in particular, which we have made significant progress in correcting or mitigating, but which continue to represent operational and financial risks to our business:  1) a supplier of a substantial distributed generation system component  indicated its warranty does not cover performance issues related to its being used in conjunction with a component from another supplier, and this configuration has been installed in many of the distributed generation systems deployed for our customers, and 2) generators from a certain supplier have had performance issues in a distributed generation system we own, and for which we have a performance-based recurring revenue contract that is dependent on the system’s successful operation.  In both of these matters, we have actively worked to correct and resolve the performance issues and have made progress in mitigating their risk, although the risk is not eliminated.  Given that we continue to have risk related to these performance issues, and the inherent uncertainty in assessing and quantifying the costs and certainty regarding the resolution of these types of technical issues, we are unable to estimate the potential negative impacts from these particular items, if any, in addition to other component part performance issues discussed above.  In addition, we have not recorded any specific adjustment to our warranty reserve for these particular performance issues, other than our regular reserves for minor repairs, as the estimated cost, if any, of fulfilling our warranty obligations for these performance issues within a possible range of outcomes is not determinable as of this date.
	From time to time, we are involved in other disputes, claims, proceedings and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.  We intend to vigorously defend all claims against us. Although the ultimate outcome of these proceedings cannot be accurately predicted due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, in the opinion of management, based upon current information, no other currently pending or overtly threatened proceeding is expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	12.     Income Taxes
	The income tax expense recorded at September 30, 2013 and 2012 represents our income before income taxes multiplied by our best estimate of our expected annual effective tax rate taking into consideration our expectation of future earnings, federal income tax, state income tax for state jurisdictions in which we expect taxable income, potential effects of adverse outcomes on tax positions we have taken, true-up effects of prior tax provision estimates compared to actual tax returns, and our net operating loss carryforwards.
	The balance of Income taxes payable in the amount of $2.9 million in our consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2013 primarily consists of our income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 less amounts paid in quarterly estimated payments to federal and various state tax jurisdictions during the period.
	At December 31, 2012, we had a net noncurrent deferred tax liability of $955 thousand.  The acquisition of Solais in April 2013 (see Note 4) included approximately $5.0 million of net operating loss carryforwards available to be utilized against our future taxable income, subject to significant limitations in the amount that can be utilized in any single year.  In addition, the acquisition of Solais resulted in a noncurrent deferred tax liability associated with estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of intangible assets acquired and their respective tax bases.  As a net result of the above and other immaterial items, the balance of our net noncurrent deferred tax liability was eliminated and we recorded a net noncurrent deferred tax asset in the amount of $43 thousand at September 30, 2013.  The elimination of our net noncurrent deferred tax liability at September 30, 2013 had no effect on our income tax expense for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Capital_Stock_And_Public_Offer

Capital Stock And Public Offering Of Common Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Capital Stock And Public Offering Of Common Stock [Abstract]	'
Capital Stock And Public Offering Of Common Stock	'
	13.Capital Stock and Public Offering of Common Stock
	On August 21, 2013, we completed the public offering of 2.3 million shares of our common stock at a gross sales price of $16.00 per share.  We received net proceeds from the offering of $34.4 million after deducting the underwriting discount and costs directly attributable to the offering.  We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our shares in the offering for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other business opportunities.
	We also granted the underwriters in the public offering a 30-day option to purchase up to 345,000 additional shares of common stock at $16.00 per share to cover any over-allotments, which expired without being exercised.
	On August 28, 2013, shares of our common stock commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “POWR”.  Prior to that date, our common stock traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, also under the symbol “POWR”.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	14.Segment Information
	We conduct our core business operations through our Utility and Energy Technologies segment.  In 2011, we divested the non-core business operations of our Oil and Gas Services segment, which has ceased operations.
	Our reported segments are strategic business units with different products and services and serve different customer bases.  They are separate because each segment requires different technology and marketing strategies.  Our operating segments also represent components for which discrete financial information is available and is (or was, in the case of our Oil and Gas Services segment) reviewed regularly by the chief operating decision-maker, or decision-making group, to evaluate performance and make operating decisions.
	Utility and Energy Technologies – Our Utility and Energy Technologies segment includes our three product and service offerings:  our Distributed Generation products and services, our Utility Infrastructure products and services, and our Energy Efficiency products and services.  These three product and service groupings are commonly focused on serving the needs of utilities and their commercial, institutional and industrial customers to help them generate, deliver, and utilize electricity more efficiently.  They share common or complementary utility relationships and customer types, common sales and overhead resources, and facilities.  However, we discuss and distinguish our Utility and Energy Technologies business among these groups due to the unique market needs they are addressing, and the distinct technical disciplines and specific capabilities required for us to deliver them, including personnel, technology, engineering, and intellectual capital.  Our Utility and Energy Technologies segment is operated through our largest wholly-owned subsidiary, PowerSecure, Inc.
	Oil and Gas Services – In 2011, we divested the non-core business operations of our Oil and Gas Services segment.  The results of the Oil and Gas Services segment for 2012, which are not material, are included in the “Unallocated Corporate and Other” column in the tables below.
	The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  We evaluate the performance of our operating segments based on income (loss) before income taxes.  There are no intersegment sales.  Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following table. Unallocated Corporate and Other amounts include corporate overhead, insignificant results related to our divested Oil and Gas Services Segment, and other income and interest expense amounts which, for purposes of evaluating the operations of our segments, are not allocated to our segment activities.  Total asset amounts exclude intercompany receivable balances eliminated in consolidation.
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Utility and		Unallocated
			Energy		Corporate
			Technologies		and Other		Total
		Revenues	$	81,510	$	-	$	81,510
		Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)		60,060		-		60,060
		Gross Profit		21,450		-		21,450
		Operating expenses:
		General and administrative		10,275		1,236		11,511
		Selling, marketing and service		2,073		-		2,073
		Depreciation and amortization		1,925		-		1,925
		Restructuring and cost reduction charges		-		-		-
		Total operating expenses		14,273		1,236		15,509
		Operating Income (loss)		7,177		-1,236		5,941
		Other income and (expenses):
		Interest income and other income		-		21		21
		Interest expense		-54		-208		-262
		Income (loss) before income taxes	$	7,123	$	-1,423	$	5,700
		Total capital expenditures	$	1,038	$	-	$	1,038
		Total goodwill	$	28,162	$	-	$	28,162
		Total assets	$	192,612	$	51,687	$	244,299
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Utility and		Unallocated
			Energy		Corporate
			Technologies		and Other		Total
		Revenues	$	44,236	$	-	$	44,236
		Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)		30,360		-		30,360
		Gross Profit		13,876		-		13,876
		Operating expenses:
		General and administrative		7,813		1,199		9,012
		Selling, marketing and service		1,615		-		1,615
		Depreciation and amortization		1,211		-		1,211
		Restructuring and cost reduction charges		1,023		525		1,548
		Total operating expenses		11,662		1,724		13,386
		Operating Income (loss)		2,214		-1,724		490
		Other income and (expenses):
		Interest income and other income		-		22		22
		Interest expense		-67		-47		-114
		Income (loss) before income taxes	$	2,147	$	-1,749	$	398
		Total capital expenditures	$	1,089	$	-	$	1,089
		Total goodwill	$	12,884	$	-	$	12,884
		Total assets	$	129,318	$	18,040	$	147,358
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Utility and		Unallocated
			Energy		Corporate
			Technologies		and Other		Total
		Revenues	$	196,654	$	-	$	196,654
		Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)		141,581		-		141,581
		Gross Profit		55,073		-		55,073
		Operating expenses:
		General and administrative		29,756		4,098		33,854
		Selling, marketing and service		5,563		-		5,563
		Depreciation and amortization		5,190		-		5,190
		Restructuring and cost reduction charges		-		-		-
		Total operating expenses		40,509		4,098		44,607
		Operating Income (loss)		14,564		-4,098		10,466
		Other income and (expenses):
	Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate		-		-		-
	Interest income and other income		-		61		61
	Interest expense		-167		-330		-497
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	14,397	$	-4,367	$	10,030
	Total capital expenditures	$	5,213	$	-	$	5,213
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Utility and		Unallocated
		Energy		Corporate
		Technologies		and Other		Total
	Revenues	$	115,288	$	-	$	115,288
	Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)		79,653		-		79,653
	Gross Profit		35,635		-		35,635
	Operating expenses:
	General and administrative		22,957		3,793		26,750
	Selling, marketing and service		4,039		-		4,039
	Depreciation and amortization		3,432		-		3,432
	Restructuring and cost reduction charges		1,023		525		1,548
	Total operating expenses		31,451		4,318		35,769
	Operating Income (loss)		4,184		-4,318		-134
	Other income and (expenses):
	Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate		-		1,439		1,439
	Interest income and other income		-		67		67
	Interest expense		-197		-141		-338
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	3,987	$	-2,953	$	1,034
	Total capital expenditures	$	4,634	$	-	$	4,634

Description_Of_Business_And_Ba1

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Organization	'
	Organization – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PowerSecure International, Inc. and its subsidiaries, primarily PowerSecure, Inc. and its majority-owned and wholly-owned subsidiaries, UtilityEngineering, Inc., PowerServices, Inc., EnergyLite, Inc., EfficientLights, LLC (“EfficientLights”), Innovative Electronic Solutions Lighting, LLC (“IES”), Reid’s Trailer, Inc. (“PowerFab”), Innovation Energies, LLC, Southern Energy Management PowerSecure, LLC (“PowerSecure Solar”), Solais Lighting, Inc. (“Solais”) and PowerPackages, LLC, as well as Southern Flow Companies, Inc. (“Southern Flow”), WaterSecure Holdings, Inc. (“WaterSecure”), and Marcum Gas Metering, Inc., which are collectively referred to as the “Company” or “PowerSecure” or  “we” or “us” or “our”.
	These consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	In management’s opinion, all adjustments (all of which are normal and recurring) have been made which are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position of us and our subsidiaries as of September 30, 2013 and the consolidated results of our operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
Principles Of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PowerSecure International, Inc. and its subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.
Comprehensive Income Or Loss	'
	Comprehensive Income or Loss—Comprehensive income or loss represents the changes in stockholders’ equity during a period resulting from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources.  At September 30, 2013, the balance of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“Accumulated OCI”) consisted solely of changes in the fair value of our interest rate cash flow hedge contracts, net of taxes.  There was no Accumulated OCI balance at December 31, 2012.  Further, there was no reclassification from Accumulated OCI to earnings during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as the forward-starting interest rate swaps did not commence until September 30, 2013.
Noncontrolling Interest	'
	Non-controlling Interest – The non-controlling ownership interests in the income or losses of our majority-owned subsidiaries is included in our consolidated statements of income as a reduction or addition to net income to derive income attributable to PowerSecure International stockholders.  Similarly, the non-controlling ownership interest in the undistributed equity of our majority-owned subsidiaries is shown as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in our consolidated balance sheet.
	Until May 20, 2013, we held a 90% controlling ownership interest in PowerSecure Solar, a distributed solar energy company which we acquired in June 2012.  In addition, until May 22, 2013, we also held a 67% controlling ownership interest in IES, an LED lighting company in which we acquired a controlling interest in 2010.  On May 20, 2013, we acquired the 10% non-controlling ownership interest in PowerSecure Solar in exchange for a cash payment of $153 thousand.  On May 22, 2013, we acquired the 33% non-controlling ownership interest in IES in exchange for 209 thousand shares of our common stock valued at a total of $2.9 million on the date of acquisition, issued pursuant to our acquisition shelf registration statement on Form S-4.  As a result of these non-controlling interest acquisitions, both PowerSecure Solar and IES are now wholly-owned subsidiaries and there will be no non-controlling interest in those entities after the acquisition dates.
	The following is a reconciliation of the amounts attributable to the non-controlling interest in IES and PowerSecure Solar for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
					PowerSecure
			IES		Solar		Total
		Balance, December 31, 2012	$	-6	$	446	$	440
		Capital contribution		-		-		-
		Income (loss)		-143		-38		-181
		Acquisition of non-controlling interest		149		-408		-259
		Balance, September 30, 2013	$	-	$	-	$	-
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
					PowerSecure
			IES		Solar		Total
		Balance, December 31, 2011	$	909	$	-	$	909
		Capital contribution		-		433		433
		Income (loss)		-803		46		-757
		Balance, September 30, 2012	$	106	$	479	$	585
Use Of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates – The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that our management make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates include, among others, percentage-of-completion estimates for revenue and cost of sales recognition, incentive compensation and commissions, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, inventory valuation reserves, warranty reserves, deferred tax valuation allowance, purchase price allocations on business acquisitions, fair value estimates of interest rate swap contracts and any impairment charges on long-lived assets and goodwill.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications – Certain 2012 amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.  Such reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract]	'
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition – For our turn-key distributed generation projects, our utility infrastructure projects, and our ESCO energy efficiency projects, we recognize revenue and profit as work progresses using the percentage-of-completion method, which relies on various estimates.  Nearly all of our turn-key distributed generation, utility infrastructure, and ESCO projects are fixed-price contracts.
	In applying the percentage-of-completion method to our distributed generation turn-key projects, including our traditional distributed generation projects and our solar projects, we have identified the key output project phases that are standard components of these projects.  We have further identified, based on past experience, an estimate of the value of each of these output phases based on a combination of the costs incurred and the value added to the overall project.  While the order of these phases varies depending on the project, each of these output phases is necessary to complete each project and each phase is an integral part of the turn-key product solution we deliver to our customers.  We use these output phases and percentages to measure our progress toward completion of our construction projects.  For each reporting period, the status of each project, by phase, is determined by employees who are managers of or are otherwise directly involved with the project and is reviewed by our accounting personnel.  Utilizing this information, we recognize project revenues and associated project costs and gross profit based on the percentage associated with output phases that are complete or in process on each of our projects.
	In applying the percentage-of-completion method to our utility infrastructure turn-key projects and our ESCO energy efficiency projects, revenues and gross profit are recognized as work is performed based on the relationship between actual costs incurred and total estimated costs at completion.
	In all cases where we utilize the percentage-of-completion method, revenues and gross profit are adjusted prospectively for revisions in estimated total contract costs and contract values.  Estimated losses, if any, are recorded when identified.  While a project is in process, amounts billed to customers in excess of revenues recognized to date are classified as current liabilities.  Likewise, amounts recognized as revenue in excess of actual billings to date are recorded as unbilled accounts receivable.  In the event adjustments are made to the contract price, including, for example, adjustments for additional wire or other raw materials, we adjust the purchase price and related costs for these items when they are identified.
	Because the percentage-of-completion method of accounting relies upon estimates described above, recognized revenues and profits are subject to revision as a project progresses to completion.  Revisions in profit estimates are recorded to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.  In the event we are required to adjust any particular project’s estimated revenues or costs, the effect on the current period earnings may or may not be significant.  If, however, conditions arise that require us to adjust our estimated revenues or costs for a series of similar construction projects, the effect on current period earnings would more likely be significant.  In addition, certain contracts contain cancellation provisions permitting the customer to cancel the contract prior to completion of a project.  Such cancellation provisions generally require the customer to pay/reimburse us for costs we incurred on the project, but may result in an adjustment to profit already recognized in a prior period.
	We recognize equipment and product revenue when persuasive evidence of a commercial arrangement exists, delivery has occurred and/or services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  Equipment and product sales are generally made directly to end users of the product, who are responsible for payment for the product, although in some instances we can be a subcontractor, which occurs most frequently on larger jobs that involve more scope than our products and services.
	Service revenue includes regulatory consulting and rate design services, power system engineering services, energy conservation services, and monitoring and maintenance services.  Revenues from these services are recognized when the service is performed and the customer has accepted the work.
	Additionally, our utility infrastructure business provides services to utilities involving construction, maintenance, and upgrades to their electrical transmission and distribution systems which is not fixed price turn-key project-based work.  These services are delivered by us under contracts which are generally of two types.  In the first type, we are paid a fee based on the number of units of work we complete, an example of which could be the number of utility transmission poles we replace.  In the second type, we are paid for the time and materials utilized to complete the work, plus a profit margin.  In both cases, we recognize revenue as these services are delivered.
	Revenues for our recurring revenue distributed generation projects are recognized over the term of the contract or when energy savings are realized by the customer at its site.  Under these arrangements, we provide utilities and their customers with access to PowerSecure-owned and operated distributed generation systems, for standby power and to deliver peak shaving benefits.  These contracts can involve multiple parties, with one party paying us for the value of backup power (usually, but not always, a commercial, industrial, or institutional customer), and one party paying us a fee or credit for the value of the electrical capacity provided by the system during peak power demand (either the customer or a utility).
	Sales of certain goods and services sometimes involve the provision of multiple deliverables.  Revenues from contracts with multiple deliverables are recognized as each element is earned based on the selling price for each deliverable.  The selling price for each deliverable is generally based on our selling price for that deliverable on a stand-alone basis, third-party evidence if we do not sell that deliverable on a stand-alone basis, or an estimated selling price if neither specific selling prices nor third-party evidence exists.
Cash And Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase, including money market mutual funds, short-term time deposits, and government agency and corporate obligations, are classified as cash and cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable – Our customers include a wide variety of mid-sized and large businesses, utilities and institutions.  We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and generally do not require collateral.  We monitor collections and payments from our customers and adjust credit limits of customers based upon payment history and a customer’s current credit worthiness, as judged by us.  We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses.
Concentration Of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk – We are subject to concentrations of credit risk from our cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.  We limit our exposure to credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents by placing them with multiple domestic financial institutions.  Nevertheless, our cash in bank deposit accounts at these financial institutions frequently exceeds federally insured limits.  We have not experienced any losses in such accounts.
	From time to time, we have derived a material portion of our revenues from one or more significant customers.  To date, nearly all our revenues have been derived from sales to customers within the United States.
Inventories	'
	Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined primarily on a specific-identification basis) or market. Our raw materials, equipment and supplies inventory consist primarily of equipment with long lead-times purchased for anticipated customer orders.  Our work in progress inventory consists primarily of equipment and parts allocated to specific distributed generation turn-key projects and our utility infrastructure and ESCO project costs accounted for on the percentage-of-completion basis.  Our finished goods inventory consists primarily of LED-based lighting products stocked to meet customer order and delivery requirements.  We provide a valuation reserve primarily for raw materials, equipment and supplies and certain work in process inventory items that may be in excess of our needs, obsolete or damaged and requiring repair or re-work.
Property, Plant And Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are generally depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which depending on asset class ranges from 3 to 30 years.
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets – We amortize the cost of specifically identifiable intangible assets that do not have an indefinite life over their estimated useful lives.  We do not amortize goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives.  We perform reviews of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment annually, as of October 1, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.  We capitalize software development costs integral to our products once technological feasibility of the products and software has been determined.  Purchased software and software development costs are amortized over five years, using the straight-line method.  Patents and license agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of their estimated economic lives or their legal term of existence, currently 3 to 5 years.
Debt Issuance Costs	'
	Debt Issuance Costs – Debt issuance costs are capitalized and included in other current and non-current assets in our consolidated balance sheets.  These costs are amortized over the term of the corresponding debt instrument using the straight-line method for debt issuance costs related to the revolving portion of our credit facility and the effective interest method for debt issuance costs on our term loan debt. Amortization of debt issuance costs is included in interest expense in our consolidated statements of income.
Warranty Reserve	'
	Warranty Reserve –We provide a standard one year warranty for our distributed generation, switchgear, utility infrastructure, and ESCO equipment and a five to ten year warranty for our LED lighting-based products. In certain cases, we offer extended warranty terms for those product lines. In addition, we provide longer warranties for our PowerSecure Solar products and services including a warranty period of generally one to five years for defects in material and workmanship, a warranty period of generally ten to twenty years for declines in power performance, and a warranty period which can extend to fifteen to twenty-five years on the functionality of solar panels which is generally backed by the panel manufacturer.  We reserve for the estimated cost of product warranties when revenue is recognized, and we evaluate our reserve periodically by comparing our warranty repair experience by product.  The purchase price for extended warranties or extended warranties included in the contract terms are deferred as a component of our warranty reserve.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation – We measure compensation cost for all stock-based awards at their fair value on date of grant and recognize the compensation expense over the service period for awards expected to vest, net of estimated forfeitures.  We measure the fair value of restricted stock awards based on the number of shares granted and the last sale price of our common stock on the date of the grant, and we measure the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model.
	Pre-tax share-based compensation expense for our stock options and restricted stock awards recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $149 thousand and $179 thousand, respectively.  Pre-tax share-based compensation expense for our stock options and restricted stock awards recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $438 thousand and $755 thousand, respectively.  All share-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Impairment Or Disposal Of Long-Lived Assets	'
	Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets –We evaluate our long-lived assets whenever significant events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may be impaired.  Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted future cash flows from the operations to which the assets relate, based on management’s best estimates using appropriate assumptions and projections at the time, to the carrying amount of the assets.  If the carrying value is determined not to be recoverable from future operating cash flows, the asset is deemed impaired and an impairment loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset or assets.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes – We recognize deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  We have net operating loss carryforwards available in certain jurisdictions to reduce future taxable income.  Future tax benefits for net operating loss carryforwards are recognized to the extent that realization of these benefits is considered more likely than not.  To the extent that available evidence raises doubt about the realization of a deferred income tax asset, a valuation allowance is established.
	We recognize a liability and income tax expense, including potential penalties and interest, for uncertain income tax positions taken or expected to be taken.  The liability is adjusted for positions taken when the applicable statute of limitations expires or when the uncertainty of a particular position is resolved.
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments—Our derivative financial instruments consist solely of two interest rate swap contracts that are used to hedge our interest rate risk on a portion of our variable rate debt.  It is our policy to execute such interest rate swaps with creditworthy banks and we do not enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events—Subsequent events are events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued and are classified as either “recognized subsequent events” or “non-recognized subsequent events”.  We recognize and include in our financial statements the effects of subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the balance sheet date.  We disclose non-recognized subsequent events that provide evidence about conditions that arise after the balance sheet date but are not yet reflected in our financial statements when such disclosure is required to prevent the financial statements from being misleading.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit  – In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740):  Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This standard requires an entity to present unrecognized tax benefits as a reduction to deferred tax assets when a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists, with limited exceptions. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently assessing the potential impact of ASU No. 2013-11 on our financial statements.
	Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment – In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment.  This standard, which amends the guidance on testing indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, for impairment, provides companies with the option to first perform a qualitative assessment before performing the two-step quantitative impairment test.  If the company determines, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is more likely than not to exceed its carrying amount, then the company would not need to perform the two-step quantitative impairment test.  This standard does not revise the requirement to test indefinite-lived intangible assets annually for impairment. This standard became effective for us on a prospective basis commencing January 1, 2013.  The adoption of this standard had no effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Description_Of_Business_And_Ba2

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation Of Amounts Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest	'
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
					PowerSecure
			IES		Solar		Total
		Balance, December 31, 2012	$	-6	$	446	$	440
		Capital contribution		-		-		-
		Income (loss)		-143		-38		-181
		Acquisition of non-controlling interest		149		-408		-259
		Balance, September 30, 2013	$	-	$	-	$	-
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
					PowerSecure
			IES		Solar		Total
		Balance, December 31, 2011	$	909	$	-	$	909
		Capital contribution		-		433		433
		Income (loss)		-803		46		-757
		Balance, September 30, 2012	$	106	$	479	$	585

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
			2013		2012		2013		2012
		Income from continuing operations	$	3,473	$	471	$	6,305	$	1,444
		Income from discontinued operations		-		11		-		78
		Net income	$	3,473	$	482	$	6,305	$	1,522
		Basic weighted-average common
		shares outstanding in period		20,325		18,676		19,205		18,807
		Dilutive effect of stock options		329		117		323		118
		Diluted weighted-average common
		shares outstanding in period		20,654		18,793		19,528		18,925
		Basic earnings per common share:
		Income from continuing operations	$	0.17	$	0.03	$	0.33	$	0.08
		Income from discontinued operations		-		-		-		-
		Basic earnings per common share	$	0.17	$	0.03	$	0.33	$	0.08
		Diluted earnings per common share:
		Income from continuing operations	$	0.17	$	0.03	$	0.32	$	0.08
		Income from discontinued operations		-		-		-		-
		Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.17	$	0.03	$	0.32	$	0.08

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Solais [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Summary Of Allocation Of Purchase Price To Acquired Assets And Liabilities	'
		Consideration paid to Seller:
		Cash	$	6,535
		Shares of Company common stock		8,453
		Total consideration paid	$	14,988
		Cash and cash equivalents	$	165
		Accounts receivable, net		625
		Inventories		249
		Other current assets		62
		Property, plant and equipment, net		286
		Deferred tax asset		898
		Identifiable intangible assets:
		Customer relationships		1,900
		Noncompetition agreement		140
		Developed technology		1,200
		Accounts payable		-665
		Accrued and other liabilities		-1,011
		Total identifiable net assets		3,849
		Goodwill		11,139
			$	14,988
Schedule Of Pro Forma Supplemental Information	'
			PowerSecure International, Inc.
			Acquisition of Solais Lighting, Inc.
			Pro Forma Results of Operations
			Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2013		2012
		Revenues	$	198,364	$	118,396
		Earnings Attributable to PowerSecure International, Inc.:
		Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	6,048	$	-612
		Net income	$	6,229	$	145
		Diluted earnings per common share:
		Income from continuing operations	$	0.32	$	0.01
		Net income	$	0.32	$	0.01
ESCO [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Summary Of Allocation Of Purchase Price To Acquired Assets And Liabilities	'
		Consideration paid to Seller:
		Cash	$	1,971
		Accounts receivable	$	5,728
		Inventories		558
		Property, plant and equipment, net		135
		Identifiable intangible assets:
		Customer relationships		1,400
		Trademarks		160
		Backlog		120
		Noncompetition agreement		90
		Databases		90
		Accounts payable		-1,259
		Accrued and other liabilities		-8,852
		Total identifiable net assets (liabilities)		-1,830
		Goodwill		3,801
			$	1,971
PowerLine [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Summary Of Allocation Of Purchase Price To Acquired Assets And Liabilities	'
		Consideration paid to Seller:
		Cash	$	550
		Installment payments payable, discounted value		497
		Total consideration paid	$	1,047
		Property, plant and equipment, net	$	10
		Identifiable intangible assets:
		Training materials		200
		Noncompetition agreement		500
		Total identifiable net assets		710
		Goodwill		337
			$	1,047

Restructuring_And_Cost_Reducti1

Restructuring And Cost Reduction Program (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring And Cost Reduction Program [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Restructuring And Reorganizational Activities	'
			Employee
			Termination
			Costs
		Accrued restructuring and cost reduction
		liabilities, December 31, 2012	$	709
		Costs incurred and charged to expense		-
		Cash payments		-444
		Accrued restructuring and cost reduction
		liabilities, September 30, 2013	$	265

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Discontinued Operations	'
			Three Months		Nine Months
			Ended		Ended
		PowerPackages Discontinued Operations:	30-Sep-12		30-Sep-12
		Total revenues	$	250	$	586
		Cost of sales and operating expenses		233		460
		Income (loss) before income taxes		17		126
		Income tax expense		-6		-48
		Income from operations		11		78
		Gain on disposal		-		-
		Income tax on disposal		-		-
		Income from discontinued operations	$	11	$	78

Debt_And_Interest_Rate_Swap_Co1

Debt And Interest Rate Swap Contracts (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Outstanding	'
			30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
		Revolving line of credit, maturing November 12, 2016	$	-	$	-
		Term loan, principal of $40 thousand plus interest payable
		quarterly at variable rates, maturing November 12, 2016		2,120		2,240
		Term loan, principal of $893 thousand plus interest payable
		quarterly at variable rates, maturing June 30, 2020		24,107		-
		Total debt		26,227		2,240
		Less:  Current portion		-3,731		-160
		Long-term debt, net of current portion	$	22,496	$	2,080

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Stock Option Activity	'
	A summary of option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
								Weighted
								Average
					Weighted			Remaining		Aggregate
					Average			Contractual		Intrinsic
			Shares		Exercise Price			Term (years)		Value
		Balance, December 31, 2012	838		$	7.21
		Granted	70			14.97
		Exercised	-177			5.64
		Expired	-			-
		Forfeited	-10			6.74
		Balance, September 30, 2013	721		$	8.36		4.67		$	7.69
		Exercisable, September 30, 2013	533		$	8.13		3.41		$	7.92
	A summary of option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:
								Weighted
								Average
					Weighted			Remaining		Aggregate
					Average			Contractual		Intrinsic
			Shares		Exercise Price			Term (years)		Value
		Balance, December 31, 2011	911		$	6.98
		Granted	72			4.93
		Exercised	-6			3.56
		Expired	-			-
		Forfeited	-36			7.12
		Balance, September 30, 2012	941		$	6.84		4.66		$	n/m (1)
		Exercisable, September 30, 2012	741		$	7.19		3.74		$	n/m (1)
	The aggregate exercise prices of the options exceed the aggregate fair value of the underlying shares of common stock based on the closing sale price of the common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on September 30, 2012.
Summary Of Stock Options Valuation Assumptions	'
			Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2013				2012
		Expected stock price volatility		44.5	%			43.2	%
		Risk free interest rate		1.4	%			0.7	%
		Annual dividends	$	-			$	-
		Expected life (years)		5				5
Summary Of Restricted Stock Award Activity	'
	A summary of restricted stock award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:
					Weighted
			Unvested		Average
			Restricted		Grant Date
			Shares		Fair Value
		Balance, December 31, 2012	100		$	5.62
		Granted	68			12.02
		Vested	-51			5.65
		Forfeited	-			-
		Balance, September 30, 2013	117		$	9.32
	A summary of restricted stock award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is as follows:
					Weighted
			Unvested		Average
			Restricted		Grant Date
			Shares		Fair Value
		Balance, December 31, 2011	410		$	11.47
		Granted	101			4.97
		Vested	-398			11.04
		Forfeited	-			-
		Balance, September 30, 2012	113		$	7.16

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Financial Information In Reportable Segments	'
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Utility and		Unallocated
			Energy		Corporate
			Technologies		and Other		Total
		Revenues	$	81,510	$	-	$	81,510
		Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)		60,060		-		60,060
		Gross Profit		21,450		-		21,450
		Operating expenses:
		General and administrative		10,275		1,236		11,511
		Selling, marketing and service		2,073		-		2,073
		Depreciation and amortization		1,925		-		1,925
		Restructuring and cost reduction charges		-		-		-
		Total operating expenses		14,273		1,236		15,509
		Operating Income (loss)		7,177		-1,236		5,941
		Other income and (expenses):
		Interest income and other income		-		21		21
		Interest expense		-54		-208		-262
		Income (loss) before income taxes	$	7,123	$	-1,423	$	5,700
		Total capital expenditures	$	1,038	$	-	$	1,038
		Total goodwill	$	28,162	$	-	$	28,162
		Total assets	$	192,612	$	51,687	$	244,299
			Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
			Utility and		Unallocated
			Energy		Corporate
			Technologies		and Other		Total
		Revenues	$	44,236	$	-	$	44,236
		Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)		30,360		-		30,360
		Gross Profit		13,876		-		13,876
		Operating expenses:
		General and administrative		7,813		1,199		9,012
		Selling, marketing and service		1,615		-		1,615
		Depreciation and amortization		1,211		-		1,211
		Restructuring and cost reduction charges		1,023		525		1,548
		Total operating expenses		11,662		1,724		13,386
		Operating Income (loss)		2,214		-1,724		490
		Other income and (expenses):
		Interest income and other income		-		22		22
		Interest expense		-67		-47		-114
		Income (loss) before income taxes	$	2,147	$	-1,749	$	398
		Total capital expenditures	$	1,089	$	-	$	1,089
		Total goodwill	$	12,884	$	-	$	12,884
		Total assets	$	129,318	$	18,040	$	147,358
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
			Utility and		Unallocated
			Energy		Corporate
			Technologies		and Other		Total
		Revenues	$	196,654	$	-	$	196,654
		Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)		141,581		-		141,581
		Gross Profit		55,073		-		55,073
		Operating expenses:
		General and administrative		29,756		4,098		33,854
		Selling, marketing and service		5,563		-		5,563
		Depreciation and amortization		5,190		-		5,190
		Restructuring and cost reduction charges		-		-		-
		Total operating expenses		40,509		4,098		44,607
		Operating Income (loss)		14,564		-4,098		10,466
		Other income and (expenses):
		Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate		-		-		-
		Interest income and other income		-		61		61
		Interest expense		-167		-330		-497
		Income (loss) before income taxes	$	14,397	$	-4,367	$	10,030
		Total capital expenditures	$	5,213	$	-	$	5,213
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Utility and		Unallocated
		Energy		Corporate
		Technologies		and Other		Total
	Revenues	$	115,288	$	-	$	115,288
	Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)		79,653		-		79,653
	Gross Profit		35,635		-		35,635
	Operating expenses:
	General and administrative		22,957		3,793		26,750
	Selling, marketing and service		4,039		-		4,039
	Depreciation and amortization		3,432		-		3,432
	Restructuring and cost reduction charges		1,023		525		1,548
	Total operating expenses		31,451		4,318		35,769
	Operating Income (loss)		4,184		-4,318		-134
	Other income and (expenses):
	Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate		-		1,439		1,439
	Interest income and other income		-		67		67
	Interest expense		-197		-141		-338
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	3,987	$	-2,953	$	1,034
	Total capital expenditures	$	4,634	$	-	$	4,634

Description_Of_Business_And_Ba3

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	20-May-13	Jun. 05, 2012	22-May-13	Apr. 01, 2010	Sep. 30, 2013
				PowerSecure Solar [Member]	PowerSecure Solar [Member]	IES [Member]	IES [Member]	Utility And Energy Technologies Segment [Member]
								item
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of product and service offerings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3
Accumulated other comprehensive income	($157,000)	$0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount reclassified from accumulated comprehensive income	0	'	0	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of controlling ownership	'	'	'	10.00%	90.00%	33.00%	67.00%	'
Cash payment to acquire business interest	9,542,000	3,523,000	'	153,000	'	'	'	'
Number of shares exchanged to acquire business interest	'	'	'	'	'	209,000	'	'
Value of shares exchanged to acquire business interest	'	'	'	'	'	$2,900,000	'	'

Description_Of_Business_And_Ba4

Description Of Business And Basis Of Presentation (Reconciliation Of Amounts Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance	'	'	$440	$909
Capital contribution	'	'	'	433
Income (loss)	'	-192	-181	-757
Acquisition of non-controlling interest	'	'	-259	'
Balance	'	585	'	585
IES [Member]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance	'	'	-6	909
Income (loss)	'	'	-143	-803
Acquisition of non-controlling interest	'	'	149	'
Balance	'	106	'	106
PowerSecure Solar [Member]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance	'	'	446	'
Capital contribution	'	'	'	433
Income (loss)	'	'	-38	46
Acquisition of non-controlling interest	'	'	-408	'
Balance	'	$479	'	$479

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax share-based compensation expense	$149	$179	$438	$755
Purchased Software And Software Development Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'5 years	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'	'	'30 years	'
Maximum [Member] | Patents And Licensing Agreements [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'5 years	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives	'	'	'3 years	'
Minimum [Member] | Patents And Licensing Agreements [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, useful life	'	'	'3 years	'
Distributed Generation, Switchgear And Utility Infrastructure Equipment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Standard warranty period	'	'	'1 year	'
LED Lighting-Based Products [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Standard warranty period	'	'	'10 years	'
LED Lighting-Based Products [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Standard warranty period	'	'	'5 years	'
Defects In Material And Workmanship [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Warranty period	'	'	'5 years	'
Defects In Material And Workmanship [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Warranty period	'	'	'1 year	'
Declines In Power Performance [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Warranty period	'	'	'20 years	'
Declines In Power Performance [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Warranty period	'	'	'10 years	'
Functionality Of Solar Panels [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Warranty period	'	'	'25 years	'
Functionality Of Solar Panels [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Warranty period	'	'	'15 years	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Calculation

Earnings Per Share (Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$3,473	$471	$6,305	$1,444
Income from discontinued operations	'	11	'	78
Net income	$3,473	$482	$6,305	$1,522
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding in period	20,325	18,676	19,205	18,807
Dilutive effects of stock options	329	117	323	118
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding in period	20,654	18,793	19,528	18,925
Income from continuing operations	$0.17	$0.03	$0.33	$0.08
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings per common share	$0.17	$0.03	$0.33	$0.08
Income from continuing operations	$0.17	$0.03	$0.32	$0.08
Income from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.17	$0.03	$0.32	$0.08

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 08, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 12, 2013

Apr. 12, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

20-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Encari [Member]

Encari [Member]

Solais [Member]

Solais [Member]

Solais [Member]

Solais [Member]

ESCO [Member]

ESCO [Member]

PowerLine [Member]

PowerLine [Member]

PowerLine [Member]

PowerSecure [Member]

Solais [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Date of acquisition

'

'

'

'

8-Oct-13

'

'

12-Apr-13

'

'

28-Feb-13

'

20-May-13

'

'

Purchase price

'

'

'

$4,800,000

'

$14,988,000

'

'

'

'

'

$1,047,000

'

'

'

Working capital deficit

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid

'

'

'

'

'

6,535,000

'

'

'

1,971,000

'

550,000

'

'

'

Annual cash installment payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

Payment period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

Common stock issued

'

'

'

'

'

675,160

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of days immediately preceding date of merger

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

Five day average value per share issued in Solais acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

$12.22

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Value per share

'

'

'

'

'

$12.52

$12.52

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash held in escrow

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Escrow holding period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Length of non-competition covenants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

Revenue of the acquiree since date of acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,500,000

'

'

22,900,000

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) of the acquiree since date of acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-600,000

'

'

2,100,000

'

'

'

'

Acquisition related costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

100,000

'

16,000

'

'

Goodwill

28,162,000

12,884,000

12,884,000

'

'

11,139,000

11,139,000

'

'

3,801,000

'

337,000

'

'

'

Increase in goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

89,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate acquisition-related costs excluded from Proforma

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

Reduction in purchase price allocated to goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$18,000

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_Summary_Of_Alloca

Acquisitions (Summary Of Allocation Of Purchase Price To Acquired Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Apr. 12, 2013

Apr. 12, 2013

Apr. 12, 2013

Apr. 12, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

20-May-13

20-May-13

20-May-13

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Solais [Member]

Solais [Member]

Solais [Member]

Solais [Member]

ESCO [Member]

ESCO [Member]

ESCO [Member]

ESCO [Member]

ESCO [Member]

ESCO [Member]

PowerLine [Member]

PowerLine [Member]

PowerLine [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Developed Technology [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Trademarks [Member]

Backlog [Member]

Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Databases [Member]

Training Material [Member]

Non-compete Agreements [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid

'

'

'

$6,535

'

'

'

$1,971

'

'

'

'

'

$550

'

'

Installment payments payable, discounted value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

497

'

'

Shares of Company common stock

'

'

'

8,453

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total consideration paid

'

'

'

14,988

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,047

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

'

'

'

165

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts receivable

'

'

'

625

'

'

'

5,728

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inventories

'

'

'

249

'

'

'

558

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other current assets

'

'

'

62

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment, net

'

'

'

286

'

'

'

135

'

'

'

'

'

10

'

'

Deferred tax asset

'

'

'

898

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Identifiable intangible assets

'

'

'

'

1,900

140

1,200

'

1,400

160

120

90

90

'

200

500

Accounts payable

'

'

'

-665

'

'

'

-1,259

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued and other liabilities

'

'

'

-1,011

'

'

'

-8,852

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total identifiable net assets (liabilities)

'

'

'

3,849

'

'

'

-1,830

'

'

'

'

'

710

'

'

Goodwill

28,162

12,884

12,884

11,139

'

'

'

3,801

'

'

'

'

'

337

'

'

Total assets acquired (liabilities assumed)

'

'

'

$14,988

'

'

'

$1,971

'

'

'

'

'

$1,047

'

'

Acquisitions_Schedule_Of_Pro_F

Acquisitions (Schedule Of Pro Forma Supplemental Information) (Details) (Solais [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Solais [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Revenues	$198,364	$118,396
Income (loss) from continuing operations	6,048	-612
Net income	$6,229	$145
Diluted earnings per common share, Income from continuing operations	$0.32	$0.01
Diluted earnings per common share, Net income	$0.32	$0.01

Restructuring_And_Cost_Reducti2

Restructuring And Cost Reduction Program (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				Employee Termination Costs [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]
					Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accrued restructuring and cost reduction liabilities, December 31, 2012	'	'	'	$709,000	'	'
Costs incurred and charged to expense	'	1,548,000	1,548,000	'	'	'
Cash payments	'	'	'	-444,000	'	'
Accrued restructuring and cost reduction liabilities, September 30, 2013	'	'	'	265,000	'	'
Expected restructuring charges	'	'	'	'	$6,000,000	$4,000,000

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
				PowerPackages [Member]	PowerPackages [Member]	PowerPackages [Member]	PowerPackages [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	'	'	'	$250,000	$586,000	'	'
Costs of sales and operating expenses	'	'	'	233,000	460,000	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	'	'	17,000	126,000	'	'
Income tax expense	'	'	'	-6,000	-48,000	'	'
Income from operations	'	11,000	78,000	11,000	78,000	'	'
Gain on disposal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax on disposal	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	11,000	78,000	11,000	78,000	'	'
Remaining assets of discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	0	0
Remaining liabilities of discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	$0	$0

Debt_And_Interest_Rate_Swap_Co2

Debt And Interest Rate Swap Contracts (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 06, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	contract
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of interest rate swap contracts	2	'	'	'
Minimum required consolidated net worth	'	$75,000,000	'	'
Percentage of fiscal year net income to be maintained	'	50.00%	'	'
Percentage of equity raise through sale of equity interests to be maintained	'	90.00%	'	'
Outstanding balance	'	0	0	0
Remaining borrowing capacity	'	20,000,000	'	'
Swap option, termination date	'	30-Jun-20	'	'
Federal Funds Rate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	0.50%	'	'
Citibank Prime Commercial Lending Rate And 30 Day LIBOR [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	1.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum funded indebtness ratio percentage	'	30.00%	'	'
Maximum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	3.25%	'	'
Maximum [Member] | Citibank Alternate Bank Rate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	1.50%	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash on hand	'	5,000,000	'	'
Coverage ratio	'	1.25	'	'
Minimum [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	2.00%	'	'
Minimum [Member] | Citibank Alternate Bank Rate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	0.25%	'	'
$25 Million Term Loan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	25,000,000	25,000,000	'	'
Credit facility, length of term	'	'7 years	'	'
Percentage of debt converted to fixed-rate debt	80.00%	'	'	'
Outstanding balance	'	6,900,000	'	'
Fixed interest rate	3.73%	'	'	'
Term loan, maturity date	'	30-Jun-20	'	'
$25 Million Term Loan With 3.73% Fixed Interest Rate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding balance	'	19,300,000	'	'
Fixed interest rate	'	3.73%	'	'
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Credit facility, length of term extension	'	'2 years	'	'
Citibank I [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	20,000,000	'	'
Citibank II [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	2,600,000	'	'
Outstanding balance	'	2,100,000	'	'
Citibank I And II [Member]	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding balance	'	$26,200,000	'	'

Debt_And_Interest_Rate_Swap_Co3

Debt And Interest Rate Swap Contracts (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	$26,227	$2,240
Less: Current portion	-3,731	-160
Long-term debt, net of current portion	22,496	2,080
Revolving Line Of Credit, Maturing November 12, 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Term loan, maturity date	12-Nov-16	'
Term Loan, Maturing November 12, 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	2,120	2,240
Quarterly principal amount	40	40
Term loan, maturity date	12-Nov-16	'
Term Loan, Maturing June 30, 2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term debt	24,107	'
Quarterly principal amount	$893	'
Term loan, maturity date	30-Jun-20	'

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed1

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	contract
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Number of interest rate swap contracts	2	'
Notional amount of interest rate swap	'	$19,300,000
Swap option, termination date	'	30-Jun-20
Interest rate swap liability, fair value	'	257,000
$25 Million Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of debt converted to fixed-rate debt	80.00%	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	25,000,000	$25,000,000
Fixed interest rate	3.73%	'
Term loan, maturity date	'	30-Jun-20
$25 Million Term Loan With 3.73% Fixed Interest Rate [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Fixed interest rate	'	3.73%

Capital_Lease_Obligations_Narr

Capital Lease Obligations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2008	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Sale leaseback transaction, gross proceeds	$5,900,000	'
Repayment of lease terms with monthly principal and interest payments	'	85,000
Term of lease, months	'	'84 months
Expiration term of the lease	'	1-Dec-15
Option purchase price on equipment	'	$1

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2008

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

item

item

1998 Stock Plan [Member]

1998 Stock Plan [Member]

1998 Stock Plan [Member]

2008 Stock Plan [Member]

2008 Stock Plan [Member]

2008 Stock Plan [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Director [Member]

Employees [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Director [Member]

Employees [Member]

Director [Member]

Employees [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of stock option plans

2

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock option term

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nonqualified stock options, vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Qualified stock options, vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Plan expiration date

'

'

'

'

'June 12, 2008

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares authorized under the plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of additional shares authorized

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pre-tax compensation costs

$149

$179

$438

$755

'

'

'

'

'

'

$35

$32

$111

$91

'

$114

$147

$327

$664

'

'

'

'

Weighted average grant date fair value of the options granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6.04

$1.88

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Forfeiture rate of stock options granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized compensation costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

619

'

619

'

357

1,017

'

1,017

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average period for compensation costs to be recognized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'3 years 2 months 12 days

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

76

5

1,300

17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash received from stock option exercised

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99

9

999

23

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options vested, fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$33

$13

$90

$70

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares, vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'3 years

'3 years

'5 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'
Stock options, Shares, Beginning balance	838	911
Stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning balance	$7.21	$6.98
Granted, Shares	70	72
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$14.97	$4.93
Exercised, Shares	-177	-6
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$5.64	$3.56
Forfeited, Shares	-10	-36
Forfeited, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.74	$7.12
Stock options, Shares, Ending balance	721	941
Stock options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending balance	$8.36	$6.84
Stock options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'4 years 8 months 1 day	'4 years 7 months 28 days
Stock options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$7.69	$0	[1]
Stock options, Exercisable, Shares	533	741
Stock options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.13	$7.19
Stock options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years)	'3 years 4 months 28 days	'3 years 8 months 27 days
Stock options, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$7.92	$0	[1]
[1]	The aggregate exercise prices of the options exceed the aggregate fair value of the underlying shares of common stock based on the closing sale price of the common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on September 30, 2012.

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar1

Share-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Valuation Assumptions) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'
Expected stock price volatility	44.50%	43.20%
Risk free interest rate	1.40%	0.70%
Expected life (years)	'5 years	'5 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar2

Share-Based Compensation (Summary Of Restricted Stock Award Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted stock, Unvested Restricted Shares, Beginning balance	100	410
Restricted stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning balance	$5.62	$11.47
Granted, Unvested Restricted Shares	68	101
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$12.02	$4.97
Vested, Unvested Restricted Shares	-51	-398
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$5.65	$11.04
Restricted stock, Unvested Restricted Shares, Ending balance	117	113
Restricted stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending balance	$9.32	$7.16

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Surety Bond [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Values associated with surety arrangements	$75
Amount exposed to bond	$35
Minimum [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Cost basis of component parts as a percentage of revenues	5.00%
Maximum [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Cost basis of component parts as a percentage of revenues	10.00%

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income taxes payable	$2,890,000	'	'
Net noncurrent deferred tax liability	'	'	955,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	'	$5,000,000	'

Capital_Stock_And_Public_Offer1

Capital Stock And Public Offering Of Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 21, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Capital Stock And Public Offering Of Common Stock [Abstract]	'	'
Number of shares offered in public offering	2,300,000	'
Price per share	$16	'
Proceeds from public offering	$34,400	$34,447
Term of option for underwriters to purchase additional shares	'30 days	'
Number of additional shares available for purchase	345,000	'
Price per share of additional shares available for purchase	$16	'

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (Utility And Energy Technologies Segment [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	item
Utility And Energy Technologies Segment [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of product and service offerings	3

Segment_Information_Summary_Of

Segment Information (Summary Of Financial Information In Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$81,510	$44,236	$196,654	$115,288	'
Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	60,060	30,360	141,581	79,653	'
Gross Profit	21,450	13,876	55,073	35,635	'
General and administrative	11,511	9,012	33,854	26,750	'
Selling, marketing and service	2,073	1,615	5,563	4,039	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,925	1,211	5,190	3,432	'
Restructuring and cost reduction charges	'	1,548	'	1,548	'
Total operating expenses	15,509	13,386	44,607	35,769	'
Operating income (loss)	5,941	490	10,466	-134	'
Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate	'	'	'	1,439	'
Interest income and other income	21	22	61	67	'
Interest expense	-262	-114	-497	-338	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	5,700	398	10,030	1,034	'
Total capital expenditures	1,038	1,089	5,213	4,634	'
Total goodwill	28,162	12,884	28,162	12,884	12,884
Total assets	244,299	147,358	244,299	147,358	159,147
Utility And Energy Technologies [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	81,510	44,236	196,654	115,288	'
Cost of Sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	60,060	30,360	141,581	79,653	'
Gross Profit	21,450	13,876	55,073	35,635	'
General and administrative	10,275	7,813	29,756	22,957	'
Selling, marketing and service	2,073	1,615	5,563	4,039	'
Depreciation and amortization	1,925	1,211	5,190	3,432	'
Restructuring and cost reduction charges	'	1,023	'	1,023	'
Total operating expenses	14,273	11,662	40,509	31,451	'
Operating income (loss)	7,177	2,214	14,564	4,184	'
Interest expense	-54	-67	-167	-197	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	7,123	2,147	14,397	3,987	'
Total capital expenditures	1,038	1,089	5,213	4,634	'
Total goodwill	28,162	12,884	28,162	12,884	'
Total assets	192,612	129,318	192,612	129,318	'
Unallocated Corporate Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
General and administrative	1,236	1,199	4,098	3,793	'
Restructuring and cost reduction charges	'	525	'	525	'
Total operating expenses	1,236	1,724	4,098	4,318	'
Operating income (loss)	-1,236	-1,724	-4,098	-4,318	'
Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate	'	'	'	1,439	'
Interest income and other income	21	22	61	67	'
Interest expense	-208	-47	-330	-141	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	-1,423	-1,749	-4,367	-2,953	'
Total assets	$51,687	$18,040	$51,687	$18,040	'