| Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards (Policy) | 9 Months Ended |
| Sep. 30, 2014 |
| Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies And Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract] | ' |
| Revenue Recognition | ' |
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| Revenue Recognition – For our turn-key distributed generation projects, our utility infrastructure projects, and our energy services (“ESCO”) energy efficiency projects, we recognize revenue and profit as work progresses using the percentage-of-completion method, which relies on various estimates. These turn-key distributed generation, utility infrastructure, and ESCO projects are nearly always fixed-price contracts. |
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| 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 this 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 scope, we adjust the purchase price and related costs for these items when they are identified. |
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| 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, or on very large 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Service revenue includes regulatory consulting and rate design services, power system engineering services, energy conservation services, compliance services, and monitoring and maintenance services. Revenues from these services are recognized when the service is performed and the customer has accepted the work. |
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| 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 of these cases, we recognize revenue as these services are delivered. |
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| 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). |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. In certain instances, from time to time, we may purchase credit insurance on our accounts receivable in order to minimize our exposure to potential credit loss. We maintain a provision for estimated credit losses. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Debt Issuance Costs | ' |
| Debt Issuance Costs – Debt issuance costs are capitalized and included in other current and non-current assets in our condensed 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 condensed consolidated statements of operations. |
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| Warranty Reserve | ' |
| Warranty Reserve – We provide a standard one year warranty for our distributed generation, switchgear, utility infrastructure, and ESCO equipment and a 5 to 10 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 1 to 5 years for defects in material and workmanship, a warranty period that can extend to 10 to 20 years for declines in power performance, and a warranty period which can extend to 15 to 25 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 for extended warranties included in the contract terms are deferred as a component of our warranty reserve. The balance of our warranty reserve was $1.3 million at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and is included in accrued and other liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. |
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| 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. We measure the fair value of performance unit awards based on the underlying number of shares included in the performance units and the last sale price of our common stock on the date of the grant. We measure the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model. |
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| Pre-tax share-based compensation expense for our stock options, restricted stock and performance unit awards recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Pre-tax share-based compensation expense for our stock options, restricted stock and performance unit awards recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively. All share-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations. |
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| 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. We did not record any long-lived asset impairment charges during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Derivative 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. These interest rate swap contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. 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. |
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| Fair Value Measurements | ' |
| Fair Value Measurements – We measure our derivative instruments at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value measurements standard establishes a framework for measuring fair value. The framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements), and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under the standard are described below: |
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| Level 1 –Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. |
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| Level 2 –Inputs to the valuation methodology include: |
| · | | Quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; |
| · | | Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; |
| · | | Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; |
| · | | Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. |
| If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. |
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| Level 3 –Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. |
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| The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. |
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| See Note 7 for more information concerning the fair value of our derivative instruments. |
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| 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. |
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| Recent Accounting Pronouncements | ' |
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
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| Going Concern Disclosures – In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15: Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued and provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going concern uncertainties in the financial statements. Certain disclosures will be required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. |
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| Stock Compensation – In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (“ASU 2014-12”). ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This standard further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015 and can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all awards outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact, if any, this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. |
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| Revenue Recognition – In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). This standard replaces existing accounting literature relating to how and when a company recognizes revenue. Under ASU 2014-09, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods and services. This standard also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and will be effective for us for our fiscal year that begins January 1, 2017, and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. We are in the process of determining the method of adoption and evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. |
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| Reporting Discontinued Operations – In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08: Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity (“ASU 2014-08”). ASU 2014-08 changes the definition of a discontinued operation to include only those disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, and changes the criteria and enhances disclosures for reporting discontinued operations. This standard is to be applied prospectively, and is effective for our fiscal year that begins January 1, 2015. We do not expect that the adoption of this standard will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. |
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| Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit – In July 2013, the FASB issued 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 (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 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 became effective for us commencing January 1, 2014. We applied the standard on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this standard resulted in the reclassification of $1.0 million and $0.9 million of unrecognized tax benefit liabilities against the balance of our current deferred tax asset at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, but had no effect on our net income (loss) or stockholders' equity. |
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